Disclaimer:I do not own Fushigi Yuugi or any of its characters.The other
characters in the story,(Senka,Rie,and Soiru)belongs to me.
Mystique Enshrined
Chapter Four~Confused Minds,Warped Emotions
Three days after the truth behind Senka and Rie was revealed,the group hit the roads once again,this time on their way to the capital to inform Emperor Hotohori of the catastrophe and Soiru.Chiriko had insisted that the others leave without him,for his village was still in a bad shape.
They were now heading for Kouan's capital.Rie hadn't made much progress with the others socially.Instead,several clashes and arguements with Tasuki made the two of them almost unbearable of each other.Still,Rie made up for her arrogance by displaying her fine archery skills combined perfectly Taiitsukun's power,against the many Kus they encountered so far.These ferocious looking beasts seemed to be increasing as the group neared Kouan's capital.
"Soiru must be at work again."Chichiri frowned to himself.Turning to Senka,however,he smiled brightly."Let's rest for a while,minna-san,no da."
Senka blushed at Chichiri's warmth.She still have not forgotten the embarrasing moment when Chichiri caught her kissing him.
"I go get some water."She picked up an wooden pail quickly and ran off to the depths of the forest nearby.
"Senka,"Chichiri was intending to follow the girl when Rie stopped him.
"Let her.We have dispatched the Kus in this region already.That girl has not even lifted a finger in the fights.She ought to be doing something at least."
"Hey!!"Tasuki pointed his Tessen threateningly at the tribal dressed girl."Stop your crapping,get it?You know very well that Senka can't control her powers as well as ya do.Ya think she feels happy about it?"
"Well,.."
Chichiri shook his head and gave a sigh as the two loggerheads erupted into a heated arguement once again.
Senka drifted a little further into the dense forest before she spot a small stream.She dipped the wooden pail into the water,filling it.A cold breeze played among the leaves of the huge trees,making a rustling,curious sound.Senka shivered and tried to focus her attention on filling the pail.
"Itai!"She felt a piercing pain on her calf,followed by a burning sensation.Senka spun around.A large Ku stood in front of her,its eyes lusting for blood,ready to pounce any moment..
"By the time i accumulate my ki,I will be attacked by it already.The only option is to escape."Senka remained in her semi sitting position,beads of perspiration rolling down her cheeks.Before she could move a muscle,the Ku gave a crying yelp all of a sudden and fell onto the groud motionless,revealing another figure.It stepped into the light.He was a tall man,with long,flowing black hair tied back with a large clip.The man's plain,ordinary looking clothes were a large contrast to his painted face.Senka looked warily at the unusually painted man.
"Miss,daijoubu?"he put a hand to his face.The hand then moved away to reveal another face.
A mask.Senka thought.Just like Chichiri.She studied the man's face.His features were smooth and well defined,almost perfect.Then she realised his other hand was extended to her to help her get up.
"I am Tomo,heading to the capital to settle some business."he spoke as he helped her up.
"..Watashi wa Senka desu.....itai.."Senka crouched slightly.The wound caused by the Ku awhile ago is tearing up,and some blood has already flowed from her calf to the ground.Tomo hoisted her off the ground,carrying her in his arms.
"You can't walk with a wound like this.Where did you came from?"
"Senka!!What happened?!"Chichiri rushed towards the girl who was already unconcious by the time Tomo reached their resting place.
"She was attacked by a Ku in the woods."Tomo gently laid the injured Senka on the ground.
"Hey!Thanks to ya!Smart alec trying to boss people around!Now ye see what happen?!!" Tasuki knocked Rie's head with the back of his Tessen.
"......"
"Jerk,stop putting the blame on me will you?If you were so clever,why didnt you go after her yourself?Nothing but just talk."
"Stop it!!"Chichiri's outburst caused the whole group to lapse in silence."At this juncture,you are still quarelling?!Grow up,will you!"
"...Calm down Chichiri-san."Mitsukake placed a hand on the agitated monk's shoulder"I will go and tend to Senka's wounds.She will be fine."
With Tomo's help,Mitsukake got Senka over to a distant corner to treat her wound.He was about to clean up the dried blood on her leg when Tomo's fingers circled his wrist,wrenching it.Mitsukake looked up at Tomo,horrified.
"Let me do the cleaning up for Miss Senka."Tomo's lips narrowed into a thin smile,and released his grip on Mitsukake's wrist.The latter looked at his wrist which has turned into an ugly bluish black from the wrenching.All the docter could do then was to sit somewhere near and make sure Senka was not hurt.Fortunately,the mysterious man did not try any tricks.Just as he had almost completed bandaging her calf,Senka woke up.
"......Tomo?"she looked at him questionly.
"Miss Senka,it is alright now.I have just finished bandaging your wound."
"Arigatou...Tomo."She smiled gratefully at him.
"Nani?Is what you say true?"Chichiri looked at Mitsukake,worried.Mitsukake had just related the incident with Tomo toChichiri.
"Hai,Chichiri."Mitsukake turned his bruised wrist over.
"I remember..."Tomo" is one of the Seiryuu Seishi...but that Tomo was already dead 2 years ago before the final battle..how can it be him..?"
"Whatever it is,Chichiri san,you must be careful not to let Senka be dangered in anyway."Mitsukake spotted Senka walking over."I will excuse myself."
"Chichiri!We are going to the capital right?Tomo is also going to the capital..can he come with us?"
"Da-me."
"Demo,Doushite?"
"He is suspicious."Chichiri walked over to Senka and placed her hands on her shoulders."Senka,there is something not right with this man.We can't bring him with us."
"What are you saying Chichiri?He saved me!"
"Listen,Senka..he"Before the Seishi could finish speaking,Senka brushed his hands off roughly and ran off.
Chichiri waited till the girl was calmed down before sitting by her.
"Here,this is for you."He held out a bun."Take it,you haven't eaten for a day."
Senka took it hesitantly.
"Let him come with us.You are right.I should not jump to conclusions about people that quickly."He faced the red-streaked sky,and allow the breeze to play along with his hair.
"Gomen,Chichiri.I reminded you of your past again."She gazed at the man beside her.He seems so strong on the outside,yet those almond eyes of him defied such intense pain at times.
"Chichiri...will you ever like another person again...?"She didn't want him to live in the past all his lifeShe wanted to bring Chichiri out of Hikou and Kouran's shadows,and give him faith in relationships again.Their faces were only inches apart,staring into the endless depths of each other's eyes.
Chichiri sudennly broke the stare by rising up. "I cannot..bring myself to feel for a girl...anymore..wakatta?"He said quietly."Go back and get your rest.You will need it soon."With that he strode off,leaving the hurt and humilated girl still remaining in her seat.
(Chichiri...Chichiri..Daijoubu?
-....Kouran..?
-You are confused,ne?
-Don't leave me,Kouran!
-Torn between the past and the future...Chichiri,what happened between the both of us is in the past...move on with your life...have faith in the path you are walking on..
-Kouran...)
**"Hey!Tat's ma,ya idiot!"Tasuki sntached a bottle of sake out of Rie's hands."Bozz!Mur,mur sake!!"Tasuki sluured through his words groggily.Rie giggled and cheered him onBetween them were several empty wine bottles,all scattered on the floor.Rie shot out a hand and struck the drunken bandit.He intended to retalitate,but tripped over a chair and crashed onto the ground.They erupted into laughter again.
Tomo's eyes followed Chichiri until he rose and left Senka in the outside.
"Good timing to take action now."A thin smile narrowed his lips."Little girl...be scarred forever.."
"Senka,mind if I join you?"He slumped onto the dry grass beneath him.
"Ah Tomo-san,it's you."Senka brushed her teary eyes with her sleeve."Dozo."
"You saw everything..?"
The girl laughed a little..one filled with bitterness.
"He thinks I am just like one of the many other girls...materialistic,selfish,and just hop onto bed with any other person.Demo..I really do want to be loved....do you?"
"Hhai..."He mumbled.Is this girl different from whar he thought her to be?Tomo was startled by the young girl's words.
"You know...I have never felt the kind of love,that parents showered upon their children.My parents will compensate their lack of time accompanying me,with many,many things,which other girls desire.But...these gifts are often given without a feeling in them..like an empty shell..They didnt know that despite the fact that i had alot of friends,I was lonely...a smiling mask on the outside..yet crying out of loneliness inside.."Her voice cracked with remorse.
"I was an orphan...that emptiness...i felt it before..I was graded as an outcast,and i live with it,until i joined an oprea troupe.It was then when my life began to change."Tomo sighed."But no matter what,I could still vaguely remember my mother's face..."
"From this valley they say you are going, We will miss your bright eyes and sweet smile, For they say you are taking the sunshine That brightens our path for awhile." Senka's light and gentle voice sweep over the words with a warm melody.
Tomo stared at the singing girl.Tears rose to the rim of his eyes subconciously as the man was reminded of the times his mother used to sing the old folk song.So familar,so warm..How long have I been away from this feeling?So long,I can't remember...
"Come and sit by my side if you love me, Do not hasten to bid me adieu, But forget not the mother who love you And her thoughts that were filled of her child." Tomo's voice joined Senka as they sang the next stensor of the folk song,so fondly remembered.
**CRASH!A large urn smased onto the wooden planked floor into a thousand pieces.The crash ws swiftly followed by a number of giggles and endless laughter.The innkeeper stared at the dishevelled state of the tavern,his eyes widening in horror.
"Men!!!!"his high pitched voice rose."Help Tasuki-sama and his companion into their room!!!"
Senka smiled as they came to the last of the song.
"You like this song?I haven't seen a man these days here remembering how to sing a folk song."
"As a child I was constantly afraid of many things.My mother used to sing this to soothe my fears.She and my father died in a civil war when I was still very young,yet this song,her voice are still by me.."A tear rolled off Tomo's cheek.Crying?Why am I crying?
Senka's hands wrapped over the surprised Tomo's neck.
"Let your tears flow..it must be hard for you to have struggled so far...I will be by your side...let all your grief out for now.."
He bit his lip for a moment.Then he let his emotions take over him as he stayed in the comfort of her arms.All the grief,pain,misery,bitterness,loneliness...
**The men dragged the heavily drunk Tasuki and Rie rougly into the former's room.
"Arghh...so hot.."the two grumbled from the effects of the wine they drank.The men threw them onto the large bed and marched out of the room,closing the door behind them.
Tasuki tugged his shirt off himself while Rie loosed the collar of hers.The crimson-haired bandit let out an enernomous snore before snuggling up to the sleeping Rie,and sank into a deep sleep.
After spending a little more time on adjusting himself,Tomo escorted Senka back to her room before retiring in his.As he leaned backwards to watch the star studded night sky,he thought of the things they spoke about in the open a while ago.Her gentle voice took the folk song with such warmth and sincereity.Why did I let my emotions be revealed to her?I should be in line with Soiru's plans to wreck her..but why?I have always been in control of my emotions..yet this girl broke that barrier..Is she..so special...?Nakago- sama...tell me what to do..
"Ouch!!!"Tasuki was abruptly awakened by a smack on his cheek."Who t'e 'ell is that fuc'king 'idiot?!"
He grunted and turned his back to the other side,opening his eyes reluctantly.Rie laid on the other side of the bed,rubbing the head against the soft mattress underneath.I.AM.DEAD.MEAT.
Rie opened her eyes to meet a pair of amber orbs staring back at her. "AAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"a voice of a man and the the shriek of a girl,both filled with horror in them,echoed along the corridor of the inn.
A/N:GOMEN!!!!!!!!!You guys must thought I was dead already right?I don't blame you!Anyway,I will try to update as regularly as possible.Demo,don't worry!I love fushigi yuugi enough to complete this story,whatever the circumstances may be.So...look forward to my next chapter!Btw,I am pretty satisfied with the later half of this long long chapter,I hope you do too!This chapter deals alot of the characters' emotions..so I will be moving on to the actual story next..so...Till then,NO DA!!(^-^")
Mystique Enshrined
Chapter Four~Confused Minds,Warped Emotions
Three days after the truth behind Senka and Rie was revealed,the group hit the roads once again,this time on their way to the capital to inform Emperor Hotohori of the catastrophe and Soiru.Chiriko had insisted that the others leave without him,for his village was still in a bad shape.
They were now heading for Kouan's capital.Rie hadn't made much progress with the others socially.Instead,several clashes and arguements with Tasuki made the two of them almost unbearable of each other.Still,Rie made up for her arrogance by displaying her fine archery skills combined perfectly Taiitsukun's power,against the many Kus they encountered so far.These ferocious looking beasts seemed to be increasing as the group neared Kouan's capital.
"Soiru must be at work again."Chichiri frowned to himself.Turning to Senka,however,he smiled brightly."Let's rest for a while,minna-san,no da."
Senka blushed at Chichiri's warmth.She still have not forgotten the embarrasing moment when Chichiri caught her kissing him.
"I go get some water."She picked up an wooden pail quickly and ran off to the depths of the forest nearby.
"Senka,"Chichiri was intending to follow the girl when Rie stopped him.
"Let her.We have dispatched the Kus in this region already.That girl has not even lifted a finger in the fights.She ought to be doing something at least."
"Hey!!"Tasuki pointed his Tessen threateningly at the tribal dressed girl."Stop your crapping,get it?You know very well that Senka can't control her powers as well as ya do.Ya think she feels happy about it?"
"Well,.."
Chichiri shook his head and gave a sigh as the two loggerheads erupted into a heated arguement once again.
Senka drifted a little further into the dense forest before she spot a small stream.She dipped the wooden pail into the water,filling it.A cold breeze played among the leaves of the huge trees,making a rustling,curious sound.Senka shivered and tried to focus her attention on filling the pail.
"Itai!"She felt a piercing pain on her calf,followed by a burning sensation.Senka spun around.A large Ku stood in front of her,its eyes lusting for blood,ready to pounce any moment..
"By the time i accumulate my ki,I will be attacked by it already.The only option is to escape."Senka remained in her semi sitting position,beads of perspiration rolling down her cheeks.Before she could move a muscle,the Ku gave a crying yelp all of a sudden and fell onto the groud motionless,revealing another figure.It stepped into the light.He was a tall man,with long,flowing black hair tied back with a large clip.The man's plain,ordinary looking clothes were a large contrast to his painted face.Senka looked warily at the unusually painted man.
"Miss,daijoubu?"he put a hand to his face.The hand then moved away to reveal another face.
A mask.Senka thought.Just like Chichiri.She studied the man's face.His features were smooth and well defined,almost perfect.Then she realised his other hand was extended to her to help her get up.
"I am Tomo,heading to the capital to settle some business."he spoke as he helped her up.
"..Watashi wa Senka desu.....itai.."Senka crouched slightly.The wound caused by the Ku awhile ago is tearing up,and some blood has already flowed from her calf to the ground.Tomo hoisted her off the ground,carrying her in his arms.
"You can't walk with a wound like this.Where did you came from?"
"Senka!!What happened?!"Chichiri rushed towards the girl who was already unconcious by the time Tomo reached their resting place.
"She was attacked by a Ku in the woods."Tomo gently laid the injured Senka on the ground.
"Hey!Thanks to ya!Smart alec trying to boss people around!Now ye see what happen?!!" Tasuki knocked Rie's head with the back of his Tessen.
"......"
"Jerk,stop putting the blame on me will you?If you were so clever,why didnt you go after her yourself?Nothing but just talk."
"Stop it!!"Chichiri's outburst caused the whole group to lapse in silence."At this juncture,you are still quarelling?!Grow up,will you!"
"...Calm down Chichiri-san."Mitsukake placed a hand on the agitated monk's shoulder"I will go and tend to Senka's wounds.She will be fine."
With Tomo's help,Mitsukake got Senka over to a distant corner to treat her wound.He was about to clean up the dried blood on her leg when Tomo's fingers circled his wrist,wrenching it.Mitsukake looked up at Tomo,horrified.
"Let me do the cleaning up for Miss Senka."Tomo's lips narrowed into a thin smile,and released his grip on Mitsukake's wrist.The latter looked at his wrist which has turned into an ugly bluish black from the wrenching.All the docter could do then was to sit somewhere near and make sure Senka was not hurt.Fortunately,the mysterious man did not try any tricks.Just as he had almost completed bandaging her calf,Senka woke up.
"......Tomo?"she looked at him questionly.
"Miss Senka,it is alright now.I have just finished bandaging your wound."
"Arigatou...Tomo."She smiled gratefully at him.
"Nani?Is what you say true?"Chichiri looked at Mitsukake,worried.Mitsukake had just related the incident with Tomo toChichiri.
"Hai,Chichiri."Mitsukake turned his bruised wrist over.
"I remember..."Tomo" is one of the Seiryuu Seishi...but that Tomo was already dead 2 years ago before the final battle..how can it be him..?"
"Whatever it is,Chichiri san,you must be careful not to let Senka be dangered in anyway."Mitsukake spotted Senka walking over."I will excuse myself."
"Chichiri!We are going to the capital right?Tomo is also going to the capital..can he come with us?"
"Da-me."
"Demo,Doushite?"
"He is suspicious."Chichiri walked over to Senka and placed her hands on her shoulders."Senka,there is something not right with this man.We can't bring him with us."
"What are you saying Chichiri?He saved me!"
"Listen,Senka..he"Before the Seishi could finish speaking,Senka brushed his hands off roughly and ran off.
Chichiri waited till the girl was calmed down before sitting by her.
"Here,this is for you."He held out a bun."Take it,you haven't eaten for a day."
Senka took it hesitantly.
"Let him come with us.You are right.I should not jump to conclusions about people that quickly."He faced the red-streaked sky,and allow the breeze to play along with his hair.
"Gomen,Chichiri.I reminded you of your past again."She gazed at the man beside her.He seems so strong on the outside,yet those almond eyes of him defied such intense pain at times.
"Chichiri...will you ever like another person again...?"She didn't want him to live in the past all his lifeShe wanted to bring Chichiri out of Hikou and Kouran's shadows,and give him faith in relationships again.Their faces were only inches apart,staring into the endless depths of each other's eyes.
Chichiri sudennly broke the stare by rising up. "I cannot..bring myself to feel for a girl...anymore..wakatta?"He said quietly."Go back and get your rest.You will need it soon."With that he strode off,leaving the hurt and humilated girl still remaining in her seat.
(Chichiri...Chichiri..Daijoubu?
-....Kouran..?
-You are confused,ne?
-Don't leave me,Kouran!
-Torn between the past and the future...Chichiri,what happened between the both of us is in the past...move on with your life...have faith in the path you are walking on..
-Kouran...)
**"Hey!Tat's ma,ya idiot!"Tasuki sntached a bottle of sake out of Rie's hands."Bozz!Mur,mur sake!!"Tasuki sluured through his words groggily.Rie giggled and cheered him onBetween them were several empty wine bottles,all scattered on the floor.Rie shot out a hand and struck the drunken bandit.He intended to retalitate,but tripped over a chair and crashed onto the ground.They erupted into laughter again.
Tomo's eyes followed Chichiri until he rose and left Senka in the outside.
"Good timing to take action now."A thin smile narrowed his lips."Little girl...be scarred forever.."
"Senka,mind if I join you?"He slumped onto the dry grass beneath him.
"Ah Tomo-san,it's you."Senka brushed her teary eyes with her sleeve."Dozo."
"You saw everything..?"
The girl laughed a little..one filled with bitterness.
"He thinks I am just like one of the many other girls...materialistic,selfish,and just hop onto bed with any other person.Demo..I really do want to be loved....do you?"
"Hhai..."He mumbled.Is this girl different from whar he thought her to be?Tomo was startled by the young girl's words.
"You know...I have never felt the kind of love,that parents showered upon their children.My parents will compensate their lack of time accompanying me,with many,many things,which other girls desire.But...these gifts are often given without a feeling in them..like an empty shell..They didnt know that despite the fact that i had alot of friends,I was lonely...a smiling mask on the outside..yet crying out of loneliness inside.."Her voice cracked with remorse.
"I was an orphan...that emptiness...i felt it before..I was graded as an outcast,and i live with it,until i joined an oprea troupe.It was then when my life began to change."Tomo sighed."But no matter what,I could still vaguely remember my mother's face..."
"From this valley they say you are going, We will miss your bright eyes and sweet smile, For they say you are taking the sunshine That brightens our path for awhile." Senka's light and gentle voice sweep over the words with a warm melody.
Tomo stared at the singing girl.Tears rose to the rim of his eyes subconciously as the man was reminded of the times his mother used to sing the old folk song.So familar,so warm..How long have I been away from this feeling?So long,I can't remember...
"Come and sit by my side if you love me, Do not hasten to bid me adieu, But forget not the mother who love you And her thoughts that were filled of her child." Tomo's voice joined Senka as they sang the next stensor of the folk song,so fondly remembered.
**CRASH!A large urn smased onto the wooden planked floor into a thousand pieces.The crash ws swiftly followed by a number of giggles and endless laughter.The innkeeper stared at the dishevelled state of the tavern,his eyes widening in horror.
"Men!!!!"his high pitched voice rose."Help Tasuki-sama and his companion into their room!!!"
Senka smiled as they came to the last of the song.
"You like this song?I haven't seen a man these days here remembering how to sing a folk song."
"As a child I was constantly afraid of many things.My mother used to sing this to soothe my fears.She and my father died in a civil war when I was still very young,yet this song,her voice are still by me.."A tear rolled off Tomo's cheek.Crying?Why am I crying?
Senka's hands wrapped over the surprised Tomo's neck.
"Let your tears flow..it must be hard for you to have struggled so far...I will be by your side...let all your grief out for now.."
He bit his lip for a moment.Then he let his emotions take over him as he stayed in the comfort of her arms.All the grief,pain,misery,bitterness,loneliness...
**The men dragged the heavily drunk Tasuki and Rie rougly into the former's room.
"Arghh...so hot.."the two grumbled from the effects of the wine they drank.The men threw them onto the large bed and marched out of the room,closing the door behind them.
Tasuki tugged his shirt off himself while Rie loosed the collar of hers.The crimson-haired bandit let out an enernomous snore before snuggling up to the sleeping Rie,and sank into a deep sleep.
After spending a little more time on adjusting himself,Tomo escorted Senka back to her room before retiring in his.As he leaned backwards to watch the star studded night sky,he thought of the things they spoke about in the open a while ago.Her gentle voice took the folk song with such warmth and sincereity.Why did I let my emotions be revealed to her?I should be in line with Soiru's plans to wreck her..but why?I have always been in control of my emotions..yet this girl broke that barrier..Is she..so special...?Nakago- sama...tell me what to do..
"Ouch!!!"Tasuki was abruptly awakened by a smack on his cheek."Who t'e 'ell is that fuc'king 'idiot?!"
He grunted and turned his back to the other side,opening his eyes reluctantly.Rie laid on the other side of the bed,rubbing the head against the soft mattress underneath.I.AM.DEAD.MEAT.
Rie opened her eyes to meet a pair of amber orbs staring back at her. "AAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"a voice of a man and the the shriek of a girl,both filled with horror in them,echoed along the corridor of the inn.
A/N:GOMEN!!!!!!!!!You guys must thought I was dead already right?I don't blame you!Anyway,I will try to update as regularly as possible.Demo,don't worry!I love fushigi yuugi enough to complete this story,whatever the circumstances may be.So...look forward to my next chapter!Btw,I am pretty satisfied with the later half of this long long chapter,I hope you do too!This chapter deals alot of the characters' emotions..so I will be moving on to the actual story next..so...Till then,NO DA!!(^-^")
