Solace, chapter 6
heh... lets see... hopefully no need for explinations this time. ^^
unless, of course, you havn't read Guardian Angel... then you don't know who Beth is. Read the first chapter then come back. ^^
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Korunue lies on the roof, having awakened some time before and stealing off quietly, not waking Ronin. She knew that he had to have carried her in, and that he would know how light she had gotten. She hadn't been eating properly... she had been too worried as of late. What she didn't know was what his reaction would be. So she came up here to think and daydream. She sighed, thinking, wondering when he would wake and if he would find her up here.
Beth came down the path towards the inn, riding a brown horse. She has short brown hair and wears a red dress and brown riding pants underneath. She seems about Korunue's age, and she seems nervous. She slows her horse to a walk as she takes a deep breath to calm her nerves. She stares ahead boldly, not looking up and hence not spying the object of her search so close.
Korunue rolls onto her side, smelling... could it be? She sniffed again, then peered over the edge of the roof. It was! It was Bethie! She gasped softly, watching Beth head to the stables. Why now, after so long? Why was she here at all? Her face turned pale, spying her former best friend.
Beth walked her horse into the stable, dismounting and leading it into an emptey stall. She removes the tack slowly, brushing the horse with a brush from her saddlebag. She takes her time, not wanting to face what she came here to do. Why was this meeting so hard? All she had to do was head in and look her old friend up... but, after all she had done....
Korunue let one black furry dog ear face someone exiting the Inn, though one ear and her face are on Beth. She bit her lower lip, watching the stable, smoothing her black-trimmed kimono and wishing she had her illusion collar... but no, she gave that disguise up for Ronin. She sat down, fingering her trusty bow, thinking. She could hide up here... like a coward...
Beth finally gathers up her courage and comes out of the stable. Head held high, she marched proudly out, looking about at all the interesting people that went into the Inn. None were Korunue, though... she took a deep breath and walked slowly towards the Inn, wondering if her friend hated her.
Korunue sat on the roof, watching her friend. She wasn't ready for this. She wasn't. She could not deal right now. She bit her lower lip, ears drooping, nourvous and ashamed. She altered her position and listened to the sounds in the inn, just in case...
Ronin slowly stirs himself awake. He sits up and looks around, noticing Korunue missing from his lap, "Now where could she have gotten off to?" he wondered aloud
Beth walked into the Inn, taking a deep breath to look about. She spies a few odd folk, and is overwhelemed at first by all the sights. She looks about in the doorway, looking for someone who could help her... aw, who was she kidding? She knew nobody here save Raven, and she was not here. This would be harder than she thought. She spied the youkai wake, and went to him. "excuse me, sir... have you seen a dog-lady named Korunue?" she asks, as boldly as she can manage.
Ronin blinks, not even hearing the human at first. He quickly turns to her and growls some "Aye human, I've seen her. But might I ask, what business of it is yours?" he doesnt like being approached by humans, and certainly not a strange one.
Beth jumps a little. "sorry... we're old... friends, I guess you could say. But if you havn't seen her... sorry to bother you..." what she's THINKING is more along the lines of "don'tkillmedon'tkillme", though she hides it better than Korunue ever could.
Ronin nods at the human "Old friends you might be, but I don't know where she is, nor would I tell you if I did. Now if you don't mind, I'll be going on my way." He stands and stretches a little, watching the human the whole time. He started sniffing the air to see if Korunue and left a trail. Slowly he worked his way outside, scanning the treeline to see if she is in sight.
Korunue took a deep breath, knowing that it's to much to handle to come down now. She hugs her knees against the cold, hating herself miserably. And she couldn't even seek comfort... Bethie had stolen her comfort for the moment. She sat there in silence, listening, remembering...
Beth follows Ronin, not hiding it that well. She had a feeling that he might be looking for Korunue... and she was starting to get over her fright. She followed him out, thinking she was hidden, not knowing what youkai senses could do.
Korunue spies Ronin, then went to the other side of the roof and lay flat, spying Beth follow him. She took a few deep breaths, hoping he wouldn't lead her former friend to her hiding place. She was not ready to deal.. perhaps he would pick up on her quick breathing and turn back? She darn't hope.
Ronin sniffs the air and slowly works his way around to the stable. He stops in mid stride and whips around, glaring at the human following him. A growl rises in his throat "Begone human." he says with a snarl. "Don't follow me." The human must not understand how much he detests her race, or how much he'd love a reason to kill one of them off.
Beth jumps up in the air. She fixes his appearance in her mind and runs into the inn, getting a room from Moe and heading straight to it. Just for the night, she tells herself. Just for the night.
Korunue sighs, hearing Beth go inside, and smiles, laying back. She dozes off, wondering if Ronin will find her. Sure, she might be avoiding confrontation this way, but... she fell asleep quickly.
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Korunue stirs fitfully in her sleep. She tosses a little, frowning in her sleep, no longer looking peaceful on the roof. she cries out a little, then falls silent, murmering "ronin". Her eyes shut harder, and she turns on her left side, distressed. S
Ronin yawns and nearly falls over, but is jolted awake when Korunue rolls over and says his name. Staying awake all night was never his favorite thing to do.
Korunue frowns, wimpering softly. "no" she says, tossing her head, her hair falling in her face. Her breathing comes quicker, and she tosses her head left and right fervently, obviously very much scared. In her dream... Ronin... he was saying something... she couldn't hear him, but she knew.. then she could hear him... he was confirming her deepest fears... she knew he was telling the truth this time...
Ronin yawns loudly again and places a hand on Korunue's shoulder, trying to calm her down. "Wake up Kor." he says softly, shaking ehr gently. "Wake up, yo're having a bad dream."
Korunue bolts awake, sitting up, frazzled and scared. She takes a deep breath, then another, and smiles at Ronin, though a little unsure of herself. She looks about, calming down, looking at the forest unsuredly. "I'm alright..." she assures Ronin. "Dreams arn't real... I mean, if you really felt that way neither of us would be here, because if you did, you wouldn't be here, and if you wern't, I wouldn't be here, and then..." she frowns. "I'm babbleing again, arn't I?"
Ronin smiles softly at Korunue. "It's alright." he pats her on her head and pauses for a moment, before scratching her behind her hears. "I like listening to you talk anyways."
Korunue smiles, cuddling up to Ronin a little. "Good. I like you likeing to listen to me talk." she says, content, ears alert. She looks up as a dragon flies overhead, a little nervous... but she knows Ronin would protect her, and relaxes a little, resolving not to be weak ever again.
Ronin grins at Korunue and hugs her. "This is a pretty comfortable spot, up here on the roof." He looks up towards the dragons and eyes it for a moment. "Well thats an interesting creature." he says after studying it.
Beth comes out of her room, returning the key to Moe with a bag of coins. This was it. either find her subject or return home, mission failed. She was starting to think like a secret agent... fun. She headed outside, ignoring the other patrons as she scanned the horizon for either youkai. She had short brown hair, and was wearing a nice blue dress and riding pants underneath. She frowns, searching, not thinking to look up.
Korunue smiles, but looks about anxiously as she hears someone leave the inn. She looks to see who it is... and frowns. "Oh god no. Not yet... " she frowns. She doesn't want to involve Ronin... but she is scared of her past. So much for not being weak.
Ronin slowly leans forwards to see who had exited also. Hmm, it was that human who had been following him and asking him about Koru. "She was asking me about you yesterday, and following me. Do you know her?" he says after a moment.
Korunue thinks for a moment about what to tell him... "yes." she adds finally, wondering what to say. She takes a deep breath and lays back down, flat against the roof. She does not add how, or from where, or how well. She just thinks.
Beth was nearby the inn still when Ronin and Korunue spoke, and recognised the sound of her friend's voice. She looks about, finally looking up. she spies the two and takes a deep breath, looking at them. this was difficult. "Ray-nay" she calls, to get her friend's attention, though it hurt her to say it, remembering that last day together... she frowned, taking another deep breath to still her nerves.
Ronin sits still and thinks for a moment, finally he sighs and leans back next to Korunue. "As long as she doesn't come up here, I will be happy." he says after a while. He scoots closer to Kor and puts and arm in under her and gives her a small hug.
Korunue sighs, leaning into the hug. She sits up. "Perhaps... I should... head down... She can't get up here... and we WERE best friends..." she looks at him. "Come with? Just in case?" she asks, trying to remain calm. She tilts her head a little, looking like a little puppy who is confused.
Beth sighs, frowning, seeing Korunue talk to the other youkai... she cannot make out words, but she wonders if she will come talk to her.... she couldn't blame Korunue if she didn't want to ever talk to her again, not after what she did...she had to apologize first, though... she stayed put.
Ronin doesn't say anything for a moment. He looks over at Kor and nods his head. "Aye, I'll come with you. Always best to be ready when dealing with a human."
Korunue nods, then climbs down to a window ledge halfway down, then leaps to the ground. She walks to Beth, uncertain, timid. She takes a deep breath to calm her nerves. She looks Beth in the eye and waits for her former friend to speak.
Beth meets Korunue's gaze, then begins to speak, looking downward. "I... I just came to say that I'm sorry. I was wrong, I shouldn't have said what I did, and... I wanted to apologize for being so evil to you... I feel horrible about the whole thing,and the truth is.... " she looked up, tears in her eyes. "The truth is, I miss my best friend." she had obviously thought a great deal about what to say.
Ronin stands on the roof of the inn and watches Korunue and Beth exchange their first words. He sighs and leaps off of the edge to land in a crouch right behind Korunue. Slowly he stands up and glares at the human.
Korunue swallows hard, thinking about what to say. A long silence passes between them. She takes a deep breath. "Bethie..." she almost loses it there, but composes herself. "Beth... I.. I forgave you, long ago. you didn't have to come all this way. Hell, I never blamed you, it was just me... my stupid dad's fault for making me what I am... but.." she frowns. This was hard. "I missed you too, but... I don't think we can just go back to being friends."
Beth looks hurt, her eyes widening. She looks down, crying silently. "I... I understand..." she murmers. "After what I did... It's my fault, I ruined everything, I'm so sorry..." she mumers. "I suppose I'll go home then..." she sounds so forlorn and pitiful... like she doesn't want to belive it.
Ronin crosses his arms and grunts at the human. He doesn't say anything, Kor needed to fight her own battles sometimes. He turns one ear towards the inn and listens to the conversations going on inside, the other stays focused on Kor and Beth.
Korunue sighs. "no.. no, it's not you, it's me. I've changed... I've been through a lot, and... we're just too different now. I'm... I'm sorry, Bethie." she whispers softly, looking away, ears drooping.
Beth looks down as well, taking a deep breath. "then... this is goodbye... Fare well, ray-nay." she whispres to her, before heading to the stable and saddling her horse, mounting up and riding away slowly along the path back towards the village she had some from.
Ronin reaches out and places his hand firmly on Korunue's shoulder. "She's just a human." he says, his voice showing the disgust that his face doesn't. "Don't worry about her."
Korunue watches Beth ride away. "but... did I do right?" she asks the air around her. She takes a deep breath, then turns to Ronin. "I... I think Aldrea might be getting worried about me..." She looked into his eyes. "catch ya later." She doesn't sound non-chalont, being rather rattled by the experience and knowing Ronin won't be much help. She smiles at him, then heads into the inn and up the stairs to her room.
Ronin watches Korunue head into the inn and sighs. He turns around and stares into the forest, then suddenly he darts off down a path away form the inn.
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Ronin walks up a path in the forest leading to the inn. He stops at the edge of the forest and studies the inn before running up to the door and slipping inside the inn. Korunue pokes her head out of the door to her room. She pokes her head in for a second, then steps out, wearing a white kimono with black trim. She has a yumi, a bamboo bow, in her left hand, and a quiver on her back. She motions for someone to follow, and descends the stairs, slippered feet making little noise as she walks to the bar and sits.
Aldrea follows boldly, her boots clunking on the floor in contrast to Kor's slippers. She is a human girl, no older than 18, with mouse-brown wavy hair. She wears a brown dress, and around her waist is a sword-belt, with pouches and a sword hanging from it. She has a brown backpack on her back. She sits next to Korunue, eyeing Ronin warily.
Ronin glances at Korunue and waves at her to get her attention and points towards the couch. He turns and walks quietly over to it and sits down. Turning around he motions Korunue over again, but glares at the human, as if he doesnt want her near him.
Korunue joins him, smiling at him. "hey." she greets him. "Ally's going back to work today, or so she says. I came to see her off." She ignores the look Ronin gave Aldrea and motions her over, wishing they would get along. Aldrea looks up, catching the look as well as the invite. She moves to a table not too far from the couch, not sitting on the couch itself either, though. She sits back, watching Ronin.
Ronin shoots another glance at Aldrea "Good riddance then." He turns back to Korunue, but focuses one ear on Aldrea; listening for any threatening noises. "You feeling good today Kor?"
Korunue nods. "better then before, certainly. I'm really glad that Aldrea's going back to work; it's dangerous, what she does, but she seems to like it. She hasn't worked since... " she trails off. "well, I don't want to spoil a nice day with depressing talk."
Aldrea watches Ronin. "I'm a Dragonslayer." she clarifies, for his benifit. She studies him intently for a few minutes. "I'm sorry." she whispers, her piercing gaze on Ronin's head.
Ronin shakes his head at both Korunue and Aldrea. "Well why aren't you gone yet human? If you enjoy your work so much that is." And what are you sorry for? Being alive?" his voice seems to be filled with digust.
Aldrea looks at him. "for whatever my race did to you that made you hate me so. Or is it that I am female? No, certainly not that. So whatever humans did to you or your kin, I'm sorry." That said, she sits back, left hand unconciously going to her sword hilt, hovering over it just in case.
Korunue watches the pair, purple eyes showing concern for her boyfriend and her friend. she wonders if they will have a fight... and hopes against hope that they will not.
Ronin sees Aldrea's hand move towards her sword and instictively his hand drops to his shorter sword. "It doesn't do you or me any good for you to be sorry. The best thing would be for you to get away from me."
Aldrea meets his eyes. "I had no intention of bothering you. I was merely on my way. I simply wanted to enjoy the company of my friend for a while. But if you have a problem with me... " she stands to leave. "I'm sorry, Korunue." she murmers. "Take care of her, alright?" She tosses a small pouch of coins with a note tied to it to Moe and heads towards the door.
Korunue looks up. "wait!" she cries, pleading. She is torn between her friend, possibly her best friend, and her boyfriend. Should she let Aldrea go, knowing she could very well be killed while away? Or stop her to say a proper goodbye? She looks to Ronin, confused, as Ally pauses in the doorway.
Ronin growls as Aldrea heads away, his hand flinches as he starts to pull it away from his sword but decides to wait till the human is out the door before relaxing. "I'll take care of her, you can be sure."
Korunue tugs on Ronin's hand. "Stop it! you're being a brat!" she mock-scolds, though still confused as to where her loyalties lie. She stands and heads over to Aldrea. "I wanted to say goodbye properly before you left..." she says, ears on Ronin. "Forgive him, he's a sweetie at heart..." she begins.
Ronin focuses his ears on Korunue and Aldrea. He scoffs when he hears the comment about being a sweetie, but doesn't say anything. He decides to let Korunue have her moment with her friend, even if she is a human.
Aldrea turns to talk to korunue, keeping an eye on Ronin as she does so. "I know... he's perfect for you, really. But... he has a point, you know. Humans ARE stupid, pig-headed, and destructive by nature, and I can't say he's wrong to hate us." She smiles at Korunue. "promise me you'll invite me to the wedding, 'kay?" she asks, a teasing smile on her face. "oh, and if you or him need anything,I told Moe to charge it to my account... lord knows I have enough." More than enough... her father's money... Her god damned father... but he was dead now. She forced the thought of him from her mind.
Korunue tugs on Aldrea's hand, spying a newcomer. With a baby dragon. "come on, come sit with us..." she pleads, hopeful that they can get along alright. Her ear twitches at the Dragon.
Aldrea spies the dragon, smiling at it. Her face grows wistful, her eyes seeing some other time, in which she, too, had a small dragon as a friend. She sighs, then looks to Ronin. "I don't think your boyfriend would like that much..." she says with a frown.
Ronin turns an ear towards the newcomer, he hears the dragon trill and slowly turns to look at it. He doesnt say anything, but just stares at the dragon, having never seen one like it before.
Korunue frowns, and tugs Aldrea back to the couch. "aw, he'll be fine, right Ronin?" she asks, a little bit teasing, her eyes worried and pleading. "I mean, who could hate YOU? Of all people?" she asks, tilting her head.
Aldrea is tugged, but stays as far from Ronin as possible. "tell that to the creatures I work with." she mutters. She shakes her hand free and heads to talk to the woman with the dragon, nodding a polite farewell to Ronin. "hullo." she says to her. "Nice dragon." she says, smiling.
Korunue frowns at Aldrea, then sighs, turning to Ronin. "you should be more polite." she says, a touch mockingly. "you're scaring my friends away! What am I going to do with you?" she teases. She can't be mad at him for long, she has discovered.
Ronin shakes his head, as if trying to bring himself out of a trance. He turns and grins at Korunue. "I'm sorry." he whispers. "But...there's so many humans." he says this and motions towards everyone in the room except himself and Korunue.
Korunue tilts her head. "So? Humans arn't that bad... what, you afraid of catching cooties?" she asks, mockingly. "If you could catch cooties from a human, I'd have gotten it and given it to you, so you needn't worry." she says, smiling at him. She is a bit puzzled, though she jested.
Ronin blinks at Korunue. "Humans are the reason I am what I am today. They did me wrong and there is no reason why I should forgive them. I've never met a good one anyways. They always do something wrong."
Korunue looks in his eyes. "But if you don't learn to forgive... how can you live with yourself? Humans... they are all different, like us. Whoever hurt you was bad. Aldrea is good. Don't blame her... she had enough to deal with on her own, without you meddling and making it worse." She frowns. "And after all... I am mostly human, and I was raised by them... what if..." she trails off. "but that's silly." she says, smiling once more.
Ronin tilts his head now. "What if what?" he asks, reaching out to place a hand on Korunues shoulder. "I still havent met a good human."
Korunue shakes her head. "Well, I have. Can't you trust me on this? Aldrea is good... she cares for me, she helps me through the nightmares..." she sighs. Dangit! She didn't want him to know about the nightmares... why did she always say far too much? "oh, never mind. Be that way, miss out on having human friends." she mumbles, frowning, looking down.
Ronin straightens up and focuses both his ears on Korunue. "What nightmares?" he asks quickly, failing to disguise the concern in his voice. He stands up to get a better look at Korunue.
Korunue sighs, looking down. "you don't miss much, do you." It isn't a question, really. She takes a deep breath. "It's nothing, really. Just recently, I've been having nightmares more often than normal..." she says, trying to sound offhand.
Ronin stares at Korunue, looking deep into her eyes. He starts to say something, but he can't manage.
Korunue looks away. "I didn't want to tell you... you'd think I was weak." she manages, trying not to cry. "I mean, dreams are just dreams. They don't mean anything." someone in the forest nearby scowled at this, resolving to try harder. (a/n- =) )
Ronin sighs at Korunue "I guess they are." He smiles weakly at her. "I'm sorry Kor, but i just don't feel like myself tonight."
Korunue smiles at him, looking up. "that's alright." she says. "I don't mind." She sits back, looking about, thinking. She didn't tell him he was in many of her nightmares... she didn't see how that would help at all. In fact, most of her nightmares revolved around him... about him thinking she was weak, or useless, or worthless, or stupid, or unclean, or repulsive... about him saying that he lied before, that he could never love one as putrid as her, that she was a fool to belive him... she didn't want him to worry about her...
Ronin colapses back onto the couch and reaches up towards Korunue trying to pull her down towards him. "I'm tired, it's been a long couple of nights." He smiles weakly at her again. 'Feel like sitting here with me?"
Korunue smiles. "sure." she says, leaning back and cuddling with him. She sighs, a content sigh, unlike Aldrea's sorrow-laden ones. She was happy, no doubt about it. Even if she had nighmares...
Ronin puts an arm around Korunue and pulls her close to him, trying to get comfortable. "If Aldrea is leaving, then you are the only one in your room?" he asks, thinking that maybe he oculd get a good nights sleep in a normal bed.
Korunue smiles. "For the moment, until she gets back... though, I'm sure if I asked, she'd get me a second room." she says, smiling at him. "I'm sure sleeping in a tree can't be good for you." she adds, teasing a little, cuddling up to him.
Ronin grins at Korunue and shakes his head. "No, trees arent always comfortable, tho there is a good one sometimes. Do you think I could stay in your room till she gets back?" he asks, nodding is head back towards Aldrea.
Korunue nods. Then, somewhat teasing, she turns to Ally. "oi! mind if my boyfriend borrows the room?" she calls, oblivious to Aldrea's mood and conversation at the moment. She grins, teasingly.
Aldrea smiles. "sure. He's welcome to it while I get my affairs in order." she says, her eyes not matching her smile but holding instead a deep sadness and longing. Then she turns back to her conversation with the other lady with the dragon.
Ronin squeezes Korunue. "I really don't feel all that well tonight, I don't know why either."
Korunue looks at Ronin worridly. "Are you alright? I hope you're not getting sick." she says, putting her palm against his forehead worridly.
Ronin sighs "I don't know what it is, I just don't feel right." He reaches into a pouch with his free hand and digs around for a moment till he finds a small leaf. "Maybe this'll help." he mumbles before pushing the leaf into his mouth and chewing it.
Korunue leans back. "I hope so... can't have you getting sick, now, can we? That would really, really suck... you can't cuddle when you're sick, now can you?" she teases. She really is worried about him... but she wants him to be happy.
Ronin shakes his head and chews on the leaf some more before finally swallowing it. "I hope that helps." he says and squeezes Korunue again.
Korunue nods. "me too." she says, snuggling closer to him. She sighs, her eyes still worried a little. What if... ah, but she was getting carried away again. Best to nip THAT thought in the bud.
Ronin places a finger over her lips "Don't even start." he says, trying to chuckle a little. "Don't even."
Korunue smiles a little, kissing his finger. "start what?" she asks innocently, eyes widening cutely, tilting her head just so, in a classic "bambi eyes" pose.
Ronin shakes his head at Korunue and leans back into the couch, pulling her even closer. "I don't feel like it...."
Korunue looks embarrased. "alright." she says meekly, snuggling up next to him quietly, turning slightly so her back was leaning on his side and his arm was around her.
Ronin sighs and reaches for Korunue's hand, maybe it would help comfort him. "I'm sorry." he whispers too her, before almost falling asleep.
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Korunue awakens, yawning a little, streching. She looks at Ronin, smileing a little, wondering if she should wake him and take him upstairs... she decided to let him sleep. She looks out the window, thinking, her right hand on her stomach, a single finger tracing the length of it. Left to right, left to right, she strokes the small scar hidden under her kimono gently. She faces away from Ronin as she thinks. Ronin stirs in his sleep. He seems a little paler than normal, maybe he is getting sick. He coughs loudly but doesnt wake up. Instead he shifts a little and twitches his ears. Korunue jumps, looking at him with pity. She sighs, looking out the window again, hand never ceasing. She sighs again, worry etched onto her face.
Ronin coughs suddenly, a deep-hacking cough. He sits up and beats on his chest for a minute. Before digging around in his pouch for another leaf. He smiles when he finds one and coughs again. He chews on the leaf and glances over towards Korunue. He reaches out a trembling hand and touches her shoulder. Korunue jumps, hand going to her side at the touch. She turns, eyes worried, though her face breaks into a smile. A mask slips into place on her face, as she tries to hide her feelings. "hello, sleey-head. Feeling any better?" she asks, all kindness and perkyness once more, banishing her morbid thoughts for the moment.
Ronin shakes his head slowly and coughs again. "I don't know what I've caught, but I don't like it." he says weakly, his voice is kind of raspy and his hands still tremble slightly.
Korunue frowns. She claps his hands in hers. "that cough sounds bad." she says, trying to keep her voice from shaking and not quite succeding. "Maybe you should see a healer in town about that..." her eyes meet his, holding just the faintest hint of sadness behind the worry and love.
Ronin coughs and shakes his head again. "I don't trust some human to figure what is wrong with me. And then do what I can do for myself." he grins, still trying to show some of his self reliance.
Korunue does not return the smile. It pained her to see her strong man so weak... she lept up, excited. "I know!" she said, racing upstairs into her room. She returned a moment later with a book, in an unfamiler hand to Ronin, entitled simply "Healing I." She covered the name at the bottem with her thumb, and ran to sit with him again, opening it to the first page: a table of contents.
Ronin watches Korunue and coughs again. He might as well let her try what she wanted. At least she is trying and not feeling sorry for herself or someone else. orunue runs a finger down it. The text squirms a little, but she has had experience with books like this before. "behave, book." she murmers in her native tounge, and the words become readable. She finds an entry for coughs, and flips to that page hastily, reading it's contents.
Ronin places a hand on Korunue's shoulder. He was beginning to have second thoughts about the book. He would rather cure himself through herb lore and not magic. "It's alright Kor. You don't have to try and heal me." he says coughing again.
Korunue begins to read aloud. "Oregano, Fleabane... Fleabane? really? hmm... Thyme... " she looks up. "Of course I do! Don't be silly... I hate to see you suffer." she goes back to the book, frowning.
Ronin sits up straight and tries not to cough anymore. "I'll be fine. You don't have to worry about me."
Korunue looks up, concerned. It shows all over her face. "Don't be silly." she says, face grave. "I can't help but worry, silly." She looks back at the book. "I don't understand this part..." she frowns at it.
Ronin pats Korunue on the shoulder. "Really, I'll be alright. My herbs will help me." He tries to stand up quickly but falls back down. He coughs and tries to stand again, slowly this time.
Korunue stads up anxiously. "no, don't... you need rest. Come, lay down." her voice betrays her, a tear forming in her eye. She wipes it away quickly, grabbing his arm. "please, rest..." she pleads.
Ronin shakes his head. "I'm not going to rest, I'll be perfectly fine. Trust me." his voice is still kind of raspy from coughing all night. He gently pulls away from her and stretches.
Korunue becomes more fretful, the book forgotten. It lays on the floor, face-down. She tugs on his shirt, trying to get him to sit, or lie down. "please... you'll make it worse."
Ronin places a hand on Korunue's shoulder. "I told you I'll be fine. I've been sick before and still lived."
Korunue looks down, properly ashamed. Her ears droop, though she is still worried. "i suppose." she mumbles. "but I can't help but worry about you." she murmers, half under her breath. She sits back down, looking at her lap.
Ronin sighs and sits back down on the cough next to Korunue. "You just have to trust me, I'll be alright." he places an arm aorund her and gives her a hug.
Korunue leans against him a little as he hugs her. "i suppose..." she says, looking out the window again, trying not to fall into the same line of thought as last time... her hand strays towards her stomach, but she stills it before it gets halfway and places it in her lap.
Ronin sighs and looks towards the window that Korunue is looking out of. "What are you looking at?" he asks, his voice isnt as raspy now, but it is still pretty bad.
Korunue shakes her head, breaking out of it. "nothing, really." she says. She doesn't elaborate. She wonders if he'd understand....
Ronin scratches Korunue's ears. "I'm sorry, but I would really rather stay away from magic right now." he grins at her weakly.
Korunue smiles a little, turning. "Why?" she asks, tilting her head a little, cutely. "Magic makes things soo much easier... Aldrea cured me when I was sick, after all..." she winces a little, remembering how he hates Aldrea. She frowned. "how come you hate humans so much, anyway?"
Ronin frowns at Korunue. He shifts uncomfortably and turns towards her. "Just...some things they did in the past...." He sighs as he thinks back.
Korunue looks at him, tilting her head. "like what?" she asks, genuinely curious. She is a bit nieve, of course...
Ronin hugs Korunue. "Things, that humans do. Stupid things, like they usually do." he sighs and sits back.
Korunue hugs back, sensing his need for comfort, and sits back, looking down and to the side. "i see.." she says, though she obviously doesn't. She is still nieve to the horrible things humans can do to each other, and to her kind. Other than tease and exlude....
Ronin pats her head again, pausing to scratch her ears. "I'm still kind of tired Kor." he smiles at her weakly and yawns.
Korunue nods, worried look returning. "yeah... I TOLD you to rest!" she scolds, mockingly, though the concern in her eyes is real enough.
Sinai walks slowly into the Inn, looking dog tired--no pun intended. Meanwhile, Demona lies on the roof, in the form of a young, winged woman. She listens to the conversation beneath her, both spoken and not. She smiles a little. This could be good...
Ronin yawns and pulls Korunue close. He lays his head back against the couch and tries to go to sleep, even though he said he wouldn't rest.
Demona gets up into a crouch, flipping over the edge of the roof, landing on the ground, features changing as she does so. Ears, wings, feet, clothing, blades, all shift as she ponders the form she will use. She is between two windows on the side of the Inn, hopefully out of sight for the moment. Sinai, weary as she s, walks to the bar and orders a drink from Moe.
Korunue glances up at Sinai, smiling a little. She looks out the window again, deep in thought, noting that Ronin slept. Her hand went to her stomach again, her finger tracing the scar beneath her kimono over and over from left to right.
Sinai smiles weakly at Korunue. "Good eve, m' friend. How are ye?" Her voice is tired as well, and her eyes are barely open.
Korunue starts a little, hearing her friend in her mind. "alright." she says, fake-cheerily, trying to sound alright for once. She sighs, biting her lower lip, worry plain on her face.
Ronin picks his head up and looks at Sinai. "You sound sick too wolfy." he says with a slight grin. He notices Korunue tracing her scar. "Stop that." he reaches for her hand and takes it in his before leaning his head back down.
Sinai frowns and takes the tea Moe gives her, walking over to them in slow, deliberate steps. "I'm no' sick...just really tired..."
Korunue jumps, looking guiltily at Ronin. "I thought you were asleep..." as if that would make a difference. She frowns. "you should get some rest." she asserts, with a nod.
Demona settles on the form of a young inu youkai, complete with fluffy dog-ears and a fluffy dog's tail. She trots around to the front of the inn, leaping the railing to the porch and sauntering in. She pauses to look about, an odd gleam in her eyes. "Sick, are you, hanyou?" she says. "hmph. Probably from hanging around with weak ikkiyou saps like that. And you ARE half-human, after all... you need a REAL girl, not some human-wannabe" she says, making her way to the bar.
Sinai growls softly, not liking the woman's tone of voice concerning her friends. "Leave them b'. They're happy taegether."
Ronin sits bolt upright and stares at the youkai. "And what say do you have in it?" he says, growling as best he can. He struggles to his feet, rasping some. "You have no clue what you're talking about."
Korunue looks a little stunned, tugging on Ronin to sit down again. "it's alright, Ronin, just ignore her... " she says, purposefuly ignoring the hidden insult to her in the stranger's words.
Sinai sips/gulps her tea, hoping it will awaken her more, her anger building very slowly, but it is there, and makes itself known by the deep red glow of her eyes. "Leave. Them. Be. "
Ronin shrugs Korunue off. "No way I'm gonna let her talk anything about either one of us." he says, the growling in his throat becoming stronger.
Demona turns to the wolf. "hmph. What would YOU know, anyhow? Why don't you run along and kill some sheep, wolf. Or humans- they're tastier." she smiles, and turns back to Ronin and Korunue. "ooh, is the big strong Hanyou gonna protect the little quarter-ling? Why bother? Given the chance, she'd betray you to become human, and you know it." She rises to her feet, staring him down.
Korunue gasps, eyes wide. She leaps up, grabbing at Ronin's arm to hold him back. "just leave her be!" she insists, not wanting him to get hurt.
Ronin stands up straight and his hand drifts to the shorter of his swords. "She would not." his voice is becoming clearer now. "Kor, I'm not gonna let her talk about us." he says to her shrugging her off again.
Korunue stiffens, grabbing at his hand. "no! Don't you see, that's what she wants! You're playing into her hands!" she said, face turning pale.
Ronin stops and turns to Korunue. "Why would she want me to cut her to little shreds?" he asks, glancing towards the woman again.
Demona smirks. "just leave her be" she mocks, concentrating, ready for another change in an instant if need be. She checked: yup, she had plenty of energy left. She had been resting for days beforehand to make sure. She smirked again. "so the worthless bitch DOES care about something." she mocks, muscles tensing.
Sinai doesn't allow her anger to flare up all at once, but does allow one of her hands to change into that of her Werewolf form hands--larger than human hands, furry, but with long, sharp claws at the end of each finger.
Korunue stiffens, knowing that Ronin would attack any second now. "This reeks of a trap! Sinai, Ronin, please... don't, not for me..." that last blow HURT, to be sure, but she steels herself, not wanting to seem weak. That hurt.... she knew, deep down, that she WAS worthless, and a bitch, but... she would cry later. Now, she had to protect Ronin.. he WAS sick.
Ronin stiffens and turns towards the woman. He draws the shorter sword and his right hand goes to the hilt of the long sword. "What did you say?" he growls , almost roaring now.
Demona frowns. She wasn't gettting THROUGH to the girl... she concentrated, then smiled. "aw, why don't you just go kill yourself and do us all a favor. It's not like you're helping anything by staying here, you know. Your mother would be dissapointed." She glances at Sinai, then back to Ronin, blades slipping quietly out of her forearms, just in case. She smirks.
Korunue gasps, then holds Ronin's arm to stop him from attacking. She says nothing, breathing hard, tears forming. That one REALLY hurt... it pierced her deeply. It echoed her recent thoughts too closely... was too similar to her brooding fantasies. But she still feared for her boyfriend and her friend, and didn't want them to stand up for her and get injured....
Ronin roars now and draws his other sword, shaking off Kor's grip and slowly advancing on the woman. "Would you mind backing off? I may be sick, but I can still fight." he says, trying to calm himself down and not let rage take him over.
Almost too calmly, not sleepy anymore, Sinai barely whispers "If you want to fight, let's take it outside. If not, I suggest you shut your mouth before I rip it off and hand it to you."
Demona smiles. Mission accomplished. She had angered everyone in the Inn in only a few, well-chosen insults. She looks positivly delighted. "Love to stay, but there are just too many weaklings in here for me." She sprouts large, black, fur-covered wings, and takes to the air, flying backwards towards the door, laughing softly to herself as she backs out.
Sinai growls under her breath at the door, angered beyond words that someone had the nerve to come in the Inn and talk so poorly of the best people she knows, her hands clenching into fists from the rage in her.
Ronin glares at the woman as she sprouts wings and flies off. "Wimp" he mutters under his breath as he puts his swords back in the scabbards. He doubles over as he starts coughing again and slowly walks back towards Korunue. "I'm sorry." he whispers to her.
Demona cackles, landing on the roof. She becomes a small black bird, of a species seen often around here. She flies onto the roof of the stable, peering in the window, liking the aftermath almost as much as the actual taunting. It was all great fun for her.
Korunue's breathing is ragged and shallow, her face rather pale. She smiles weakly at him. "sorry? for what? You didn't do anything... I can't fault you for sticking up for me... I just wish you'd take care of yourself." One ear traces Demona's path, though she would not recognise the bird as her tormenter, not used to shapeshifters.
"Excuse me..." Sinai says, as she follows the shapeshifter out the door--not trying to find her, but simply to take out her anger on something--more than likely an inanimate object like a tree or a rock.
Ronin smiles at Korunue. "I am taking care of myself." he whispers to her before hugging her. "I feel really tired now."
Korunue hugs back, then shifts so she is half-supporting him. "come on, let's get you to bed, then." she says, though her voice is weak and shaken as opposed to before. Demona had hit her deep, though she wouldn't admit it. She starts towards the stairs with him.
Ronin leans on Korunue and lets her take him wherever. "Bed sounds good right about now." he yawns.
Korunue leads him up to her room, laying him down in her bed to rest, sitting on the edge until he falls asleep. She would like comfort, but hides it. After all, he was sick. She comforted him instead.
Her emotions having been so uptight these past few days, Sinai seems to be either tired or angry most of the time--and it shows...As she walks toward the forest, she lets out a howl of rage, and attacks a tree, immediately shifting fully into her Werewolf form, starting to rip a tree apart.
Ronin sighs as he lays down, so comfortable. He reaches out to Korunue and pulls her down. "Lay here for a while with me." he says in a sleepy tone. He yawns again and slowly drifts towards sleep.
Korunue lays next to him, watching him, scratching behind his ears a little like he does to hers. She smiles a little to comfort him, not sleepy in the least.
Alrighty, this chapter is long. More next chappie. REVIEW.
heh... lets see... hopefully no need for explinations this time. ^^
unless, of course, you havn't read Guardian Angel... then you don't know who Beth is. Read the first chapter then come back. ^^
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Korunue lies on the roof, having awakened some time before and stealing off quietly, not waking Ronin. She knew that he had to have carried her in, and that he would know how light she had gotten. She hadn't been eating properly... she had been too worried as of late. What she didn't know was what his reaction would be. So she came up here to think and daydream. She sighed, thinking, wondering when he would wake and if he would find her up here.
Beth came down the path towards the inn, riding a brown horse. She has short brown hair and wears a red dress and brown riding pants underneath. She seems about Korunue's age, and she seems nervous. She slows her horse to a walk as she takes a deep breath to calm her nerves. She stares ahead boldly, not looking up and hence not spying the object of her search so close.
Korunue rolls onto her side, smelling... could it be? She sniffed again, then peered over the edge of the roof. It was! It was Bethie! She gasped softly, watching Beth head to the stables. Why now, after so long? Why was she here at all? Her face turned pale, spying her former best friend.
Beth walked her horse into the stable, dismounting and leading it into an emptey stall. She removes the tack slowly, brushing the horse with a brush from her saddlebag. She takes her time, not wanting to face what she came here to do. Why was this meeting so hard? All she had to do was head in and look her old friend up... but, after all she had done....
Korunue let one black furry dog ear face someone exiting the Inn, though one ear and her face are on Beth. She bit her lower lip, watching the stable, smoothing her black-trimmed kimono and wishing she had her illusion collar... but no, she gave that disguise up for Ronin. She sat down, fingering her trusty bow, thinking. She could hide up here... like a coward...
Beth finally gathers up her courage and comes out of the stable. Head held high, she marched proudly out, looking about at all the interesting people that went into the Inn. None were Korunue, though... she took a deep breath and walked slowly towards the Inn, wondering if her friend hated her.
Korunue sat on the roof, watching her friend. She wasn't ready for this. She wasn't. She could not deal right now. She bit her lower lip, ears drooping, nourvous and ashamed. She altered her position and listened to the sounds in the inn, just in case...
Ronin slowly stirs himself awake. He sits up and looks around, noticing Korunue missing from his lap, "Now where could she have gotten off to?" he wondered aloud
Beth walked into the Inn, taking a deep breath to look about. She spies a few odd folk, and is overwhelemed at first by all the sights. She looks about in the doorway, looking for someone who could help her... aw, who was she kidding? She knew nobody here save Raven, and she was not here. This would be harder than she thought. She spied the youkai wake, and went to him. "excuse me, sir... have you seen a dog-lady named Korunue?" she asks, as boldly as she can manage.
Ronin blinks, not even hearing the human at first. He quickly turns to her and growls some "Aye human, I've seen her. But might I ask, what business of it is yours?" he doesnt like being approached by humans, and certainly not a strange one.
Beth jumps a little. "sorry... we're old... friends, I guess you could say. But if you havn't seen her... sorry to bother you..." what she's THINKING is more along the lines of "don'tkillmedon'tkillme", though she hides it better than Korunue ever could.
Ronin nods at the human "Old friends you might be, but I don't know where she is, nor would I tell you if I did. Now if you don't mind, I'll be going on my way." He stands and stretches a little, watching the human the whole time. He started sniffing the air to see if Korunue and left a trail. Slowly he worked his way outside, scanning the treeline to see if she is in sight.
Korunue took a deep breath, knowing that it's to much to handle to come down now. She hugs her knees against the cold, hating herself miserably. And she couldn't even seek comfort... Bethie had stolen her comfort for the moment. She sat there in silence, listening, remembering...
Beth follows Ronin, not hiding it that well. She had a feeling that he might be looking for Korunue... and she was starting to get over her fright. She followed him out, thinking she was hidden, not knowing what youkai senses could do.
Korunue spies Ronin, then went to the other side of the roof and lay flat, spying Beth follow him. She took a few deep breaths, hoping he wouldn't lead her former friend to her hiding place. She was not ready to deal.. perhaps he would pick up on her quick breathing and turn back? She darn't hope.
Ronin sniffs the air and slowly works his way around to the stable. He stops in mid stride and whips around, glaring at the human following him. A growl rises in his throat "Begone human." he says with a snarl. "Don't follow me." The human must not understand how much he detests her race, or how much he'd love a reason to kill one of them off.
Beth jumps up in the air. She fixes his appearance in her mind and runs into the inn, getting a room from Moe and heading straight to it. Just for the night, she tells herself. Just for the night.
Korunue sighs, hearing Beth go inside, and smiles, laying back. She dozes off, wondering if Ronin will find her. Sure, she might be avoiding confrontation this way, but... she fell asleep quickly.
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Korunue stirs fitfully in her sleep. She tosses a little, frowning in her sleep, no longer looking peaceful on the roof. she cries out a little, then falls silent, murmering "ronin". Her eyes shut harder, and she turns on her left side, distressed. S
Ronin yawns and nearly falls over, but is jolted awake when Korunue rolls over and says his name. Staying awake all night was never his favorite thing to do.
Korunue frowns, wimpering softly. "no" she says, tossing her head, her hair falling in her face. Her breathing comes quicker, and she tosses her head left and right fervently, obviously very much scared. In her dream... Ronin... he was saying something... she couldn't hear him, but she knew.. then she could hear him... he was confirming her deepest fears... she knew he was telling the truth this time...
Ronin yawns loudly again and places a hand on Korunue's shoulder, trying to calm her down. "Wake up Kor." he says softly, shaking ehr gently. "Wake up, yo're having a bad dream."
Korunue bolts awake, sitting up, frazzled and scared. She takes a deep breath, then another, and smiles at Ronin, though a little unsure of herself. She looks about, calming down, looking at the forest unsuredly. "I'm alright..." she assures Ronin. "Dreams arn't real... I mean, if you really felt that way neither of us would be here, because if you did, you wouldn't be here, and if you wern't, I wouldn't be here, and then..." she frowns. "I'm babbleing again, arn't I?"
Ronin smiles softly at Korunue. "It's alright." he pats her on her head and pauses for a moment, before scratching her behind her hears. "I like listening to you talk anyways."
Korunue smiles, cuddling up to Ronin a little. "Good. I like you likeing to listen to me talk." she says, content, ears alert. She looks up as a dragon flies overhead, a little nervous... but she knows Ronin would protect her, and relaxes a little, resolving not to be weak ever again.
Ronin grins at Korunue and hugs her. "This is a pretty comfortable spot, up here on the roof." He looks up towards the dragons and eyes it for a moment. "Well thats an interesting creature." he says after studying it.
Beth comes out of her room, returning the key to Moe with a bag of coins. This was it. either find her subject or return home, mission failed. She was starting to think like a secret agent... fun. She headed outside, ignoring the other patrons as she scanned the horizon for either youkai. She had short brown hair, and was wearing a nice blue dress and riding pants underneath. She frowns, searching, not thinking to look up.
Korunue smiles, but looks about anxiously as she hears someone leave the inn. She looks to see who it is... and frowns. "Oh god no. Not yet... " she frowns. She doesn't want to involve Ronin... but she is scared of her past. So much for not being weak.
Ronin slowly leans forwards to see who had exited also. Hmm, it was that human who had been following him and asking him about Koru. "She was asking me about you yesterday, and following me. Do you know her?" he says after a moment.
Korunue thinks for a moment about what to tell him... "yes." she adds finally, wondering what to say. She takes a deep breath and lays back down, flat against the roof. She does not add how, or from where, or how well. She just thinks.
Beth was nearby the inn still when Ronin and Korunue spoke, and recognised the sound of her friend's voice. She looks about, finally looking up. she spies the two and takes a deep breath, looking at them. this was difficult. "Ray-nay" she calls, to get her friend's attention, though it hurt her to say it, remembering that last day together... she frowned, taking another deep breath to still her nerves.
Ronin sits still and thinks for a moment, finally he sighs and leans back next to Korunue. "As long as she doesn't come up here, I will be happy." he says after a while. He scoots closer to Kor and puts and arm in under her and gives her a small hug.
Korunue sighs, leaning into the hug. She sits up. "Perhaps... I should... head down... She can't get up here... and we WERE best friends..." she looks at him. "Come with? Just in case?" she asks, trying to remain calm. She tilts her head a little, looking like a little puppy who is confused.
Beth sighs, frowning, seeing Korunue talk to the other youkai... she cannot make out words, but she wonders if she will come talk to her.... she couldn't blame Korunue if she didn't want to ever talk to her again, not after what she did...she had to apologize first, though... she stayed put.
Ronin doesn't say anything for a moment. He looks over at Kor and nods his head. "Aye, I'll come with you. Always best to be ready when dealing with a human."
Korunue nods, then climbs down to a window ledge halfway down, then leaps to the ground. She walks to Beth, uncertain, timid. She takes a deep breath to calm her nerves. She looks Beth in the eye and waits for her former friend to speak.
Beth meets Korunue's gaze, then begins to speak, looking downward. "I... I just came to say that I'm sorry. I was wrong, I shouldn't have said what I did, and... I wanted to apologize for being so evil to you... I feel horrible about the whole thing,and the truth is.... " she looked up, tears in her eyes. "The truth is, I miss my best friend." she had obviously thought a great deal about what to say.
Ronin stands on the roof of the inn and watches Korunue and Beth exchange their first words. He sighs and leaps off of the edge to land in a crouch right behind Korunue. Slowly he stands up and glares at the human.
Korunue swallows hard, thinking about what to say. A long silence passes between them. She takes a deep breath. "Bethie..." she almost loses it there, but composes herself. "Beth... I.. I forgave you, long ago. you didn't have to come all this way. Hell, I never blamed you, it was just me... my stupid dad's fault for making me what I am... but.." she frowns. This was hard. "I missed you too, but... I don't think we can just go back to being friends."
Beth looks hurt, her eyes widening. She looks down, crying silently. "I... I understand..." she murmers. "After what I did... It's my fault, I ruined everything, I'm so sorry..." she mumers. "I suppose I'll go home then..." she sounds so forlorn and pitiful... like she doesn't want to belive it.
Ronin crosses his arms and grunts at the human. He doesn't say anything, Kor needed to fight her own battles sometimes. He turns one ear towards the inn and listens to the conversations going on inside, the other stays focused on Kor and Beth.
Korunue sighs. "no.. no, it's not you, it's me. I've changed... I've been through a lot, and... we're just too different now. I'm... I'm sorry, Bethie." she whispers softly, looking away, ears drooping.
Beth looks down as well, taking a deep breath. "then... this is goodbye... Fare well, ray-nay." she whispres to her, before heading to the stable and saddling her horse, mounting up and riding away slowly along the path back towards the village she had some from.
Ronin reaches out and places his hand firmly on Korunue's shoulder. "She's just a human." he says, his voice showing the disgust that his face doesn't. "Don't worry about her."
Korunue watches Beth ride away. "but... did I do right?" she asks the air around her. She takes a deep breath, then turns to Ronin. "I... I think Aldrea might be getting worried about me..." She looked into his eyes. "catch ya later." She doesn't sound non-chalont, being rather rattled by the experience and knowing Ronin won't be much help. She smiles at him, then heads into the inn and up the stairs to her room.
Ronin watches Korunue head into the inn and sighs. He turns around and stares into the forest, then suddenly he darts off down a path away form the inn.
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Ronin walks up a path in the forest leading to the inn. He stops at the edge of the forest and studies the inn before running up to the door and slipping inside the inn. Korunue pokes her head out of the door to her room. She pokes her head in for a second, then steps out, wearing a white kimono with black trim. She has a yumi, a bamboo bow, in her left hand, and a quiver on her back. She motions for someone to follow, and descends the stairs, slippered feet making little noise as she walks to the bar and sits.
Aldrea follows boldly, her boots clunking on the floor in contrast to Kor's slippers. She is a human girl, no older than 18, with mouse-brown wavy hair. She wears a brown dress, and around her waist is a sword-belt, with pouches and a sword hanging from it. She has a brown backpack on her back. She sits next to Korunue, eyeing Ronin warily.
Ronin glances at Korunue and waves at her to get her attention and points towards the couch. He turns and walks quietly over to it and sits down. Turning around he motions Korunue over again, but glares at the human, as if he doesnt want her near him.
Korunue joins him, smiling at him. "hey." she greets him. "Ally's going back to work today, or so she says. I came to see her off." She ignores the look Ronin gave Aldrea and motions her over, wishing they would get along. Aldrea looks up, catching the look as well as the invite. She moves to a table not too far from the couch, not sitting on the couch itself either, though. She sits back, watching Ronin.
Ronin shoots another glance at Aldrea "Good riddance then." He turns back to Korunue, but focuses one ear on Aldrea; listening for any threatening noises. "You feeling good today Kor?"
Korunue nods. "better then before, certainly. I'm really glad that Aldrea's going back to work; it's dangerous, what she does, but she seems to like it. She hasn't worked since... " she trails off. "well, I don't want to spoil a nice day with depressing talk."
Aldrea watches Ronin. "I'm a Dragonslayer." she clarifies, for his benifit. She studies him intently for a few minutes. "I'm sorry." she whispers, her piercing gaze on Ronin's head.
Ronin shakes his head at both Korunue and Aldrea. "Well why aren't you gone yet human? If you enjoy your work so much that is." And what are you sorry for? Being alive?" his voice seems to be filled with digust.
Aldrea looks at him. "for whatever my race did to you that made you hate me so. Or is it that I am female? No, certainly not that. So whatever humans did to you or your kin, I'm sorry." That said, she sits back, left hand unconciously going to her sword hilt, hovering over it just in case.
Korunue watches the pair, purple eyes showing concern for her boyfriend and her friend. she wonders if they will have a fight... and hopes against hope that they will not.
Ronin sees Aldrea's hand move towards her sword and instictively his hand drops to his shorter sword. "It doesn't do you or me any good for you to be sorry. The best thing would be for you to get away from me."
Aldrea meets his eyes. "I had no intention of bothering you. I was merely on my way. I simply wanted to enjoy the company of my friend for a while. But if you have a problem with me... " she stands to leave. "I'm sorry, Korunue." she murmers. "Take care of her, alright?" She tosses a small pouch of coins with a note tied to it to Moe and heads towards the door.
Korunue looks up. "wait!" she cries, pleading. She is torn between her friend, possibly her best friend, and her boyfriend. Should she let Aldrea go, knowing she could very well be killed while away? Or stop her to say a proper goodbye? She looks to Ronin, confused, as Ally pauses in the doorway.
Ronin growls as Aldrea heads away, his hand flinches as he starts to pull it away from his sword but decides to wait till the human is out the door before relaxing. "I'll take care of her, you can be sure."
Korunue tugs on Ronin's hand. "Stop it! you're being a brat!" she mock-scolds, though still confused as to where her loyalties lie. She stands and heads over to Aldrea. "I wanted to say goodbye properly before you left..." she says, ears on Ronin. "Forgive him, he's a sweetie at heart..." she begins.
Ronin focuses his ears on Korunue and Aldrea. He scoffs when he hears the comment about being a sweetie, but doesn't say anything. He decides to let Korunue have her moment with her friend, even if she is a human.
Aldrea turns to talk to korunue, keeping an eye on Ronin as she does so. "I know... he's perfect for you, really. But... he has a point, you know. Humans ARE stupid, pig-headed, and destructive by nature, and I can't say he's wrong to hate us." She smiles at Korunue. "promise me you'll invite me to the wedding, 'kay?" she asks, a teasing smile on her face. "oh, and if you or him need anything,I told Moe to charge it to my account... lord knows I have enough." More than enough... her father's money... Her god damned father... but he was dead now. She forced the thought of him from her mind.
Korunue tugs on Aldrea's hand, spying a newcomer. With a baby dragon. "come on, come sit with us..." she pleads, hopeful that they can get along alright. Her ear twitches at the Dragon.
Aldrea spies the dragon, smiling at it. Her face grows wistful, her eyes seeing some other time, in which she, too, had a small dragon as a friend. She sighs, then looks to Ronin. "I don't think your boyfriend would like that much..." she says with a frown.
Ronin turns an ear towards the newcomer, he hears the dragon trill and slowly turns to look at it. He doesnt say anything, but just stares at the dragon, having never seen one like it before.
Korunue frowns, and tugs Aldrea back to the couch. "aw, he'll be fine, right Ronin?" she asks, a little bit teasing, her eyes worried and pleading. "I mean, who could hate YOU? Of all people?" she asks, tilting her head.
Aldrea is tugged, but stays as far from Ronin as possible. "tell that to the creatures I work with." she mutters. She shakes her hand free and heads to talk to the woman with the dragon, nodding a polite farewell to Ronin. "hullo." she says to her. "Nice dragon." she says, smiling.
Korunue frowns at Aldrea, then sighs, turning to Ronin. "you should be more polite." she says, a touch mockingly. "you're scaring my friends away! What am I going to do with you?" she teases. She can't be mad at him for long, she has discovered.
Ronin shakes his head, as if trying to bring himself out of a trance. He turns and grins at Korunue. "I'm sorry." he whispers. "But...there's so many humans." he says this and motions towards everyone in the room except himself and Korunue.
Korunue tilts her head. "So? Humans arn't that bad... what, you afraid of catching cooties?" she asks, mockingly. "If you could catch cooties from a human, I'd have gotten it and given it to you, so you needn't worry." she says, smiling at him. She is a bit puzzled, though she jested.
Ronin blinks at Korunue. "Humans are the reason I am what I am today. They did me wrong and there is no reason why I should forgive them. I've never met a good one anyways. They always do something wrong."
Korunue looks in his eyes. "But if you don't learn to forgive... how can you live with yourself? Humans... they are all different, like us. Whoever hurt you was bad. Aldrea is good. Don't blame her... she had enough to deal with on her own, without you meddling and making it worse." She frowns. "And after all... I am mostly human, and I was raised by them... what if..." she trails off. "but that's silly." she says, smiling once more.
Ronin tilts his head now. "What if what?" he asks, reaching out to place a hand on Korunues shoulder. "I still havent met a good human."
Korunue shakes her head. "Well, I have. Can't you trust me on this? Aldrea is good... she cares for me, she helps me through the nightmares..." she sighs. Dangit! She didn't want him to know about the nightmares... why did she always say far too much? "oh, never mind. Be that way, miss out on having human friends." she mumbles, frowning, looking down.
Ronin straightens up and focuses both his ears on Korunue. "What nightmares?" he asks quickly, failing to disguise the concern in his voice. He stands up to get a better look at Korunue.
Korunue sighs, looking down. "you don't miss much, do you." It isn't a question, really. She takes a deep breath. "It's nothing, really. Just recently, I've been having nightmares more often than normal..." she says, trying to sound offhand.
Ronin stares at Korunue, looking deep into her eyes. He starts to say something, but he can't manage.
Korunue looks away. "I didn't want to tell you... you'd think I was weak." she manages, trying not to cry. "I mean, dreams are just dreams. They don't mean anything." someone in the forest nearby scowled at this, resolving to try harder. (a/n- =) )
Ronin sighs at Korunue "I guess they are." He smiles weakly at her. "I'm sorry Kor, but i just don't feel like myself tonight."
Korunue smiles at him, looking up. "that's alright." she says. "I don't mind." She sits back, looking about, thinking. She didn't tell him he was in many of her nightmares... she didn't see how that would help at all. In fact, most of her nightmares revolved around him... about him thinking she was weak, or useless, or worthless, or stupid, or unclean, or repulsive... about him saying that he lied before, that he could never love one as putrid as her, that she was a fool to belive him... she didn't want him to worry about her...
Ronin colapses back onto the couch and reaches up towards Korunue trying to pull her down towards him. "I'm tired, it's been a long couple of nights." He smiles weakly at her again. 'Feel like sitting here with me?"
Korunue smiles. "sure." she says, leaning back and cuddling with him. She sighs, a content sigh, unlike Aldrea's sorrow-laden ones. She was happy, no doubt about it. Even if she had nighmares...
Ronin puts an arm around Korunue and pulls her close to him, trying to get comfortable. "If Aldrea is leaving, then you are the only one in your room?" he asks, thinking that maybe he oculd get a good nights sleep in a normal bed.
Korunue smiles. "For the moment, until she gets back... though, I'm sure if I asked, she'd get me a second room." she says, smiling at him. "I'm sure sleeping in a tree can't be good for you." she adds, teasing a little, cuddling up to him.
Ronin grins at Korunue and shakes his head. "No, trees arent always comfortable, tho there is a good one sometimes. Do you think I could stay in your room till she gets back?" he asks, nodding is head back towards Aldrea.
Korunue nods. Then, somewhat teasing, she turns to Ally. "oi! mind if my boyfriend borrows the room?" she calls, oblivious to Aldrea's mood and conversation at the moment. She grins, teasingly.
Aldrea smiles. "sure. He's welcome to it while I get my affairs in order." she says, her eyes not matching her smile but holding instead a deep sadness and longing. Then she turns back to her conversation with the other lady with the dragon.
Ronin squeezes Korunue. "I really don't feel all that well tonight, I don't know why either."
Korunue looks at Ronin worridly. "Are you alright? I hope you're not getting sick." she says, putting her palm against his forehead worridly.
Ronin sighs "I don't know what it is, I just don't feel right." He reaches into a pouch with his free hand and digs around for a moment till he finds a small leaf. "Maybe this'll help." he mumbles before pushing the leaf into his mouth and chewing it.
Korunue leans back. "I hope so... can't have you getting sick, now, can we? That would really, really suck... you can't cuddle when you're sick, now can you?" she teases. She really is worried about him... but she wants him to be happy.
Ronin shakes his head and chews on the leaf some more before finally swallowing it. "I hope that helps." he says and squeezes Korunue again.
Korunue nods. "me too." she says, snuggling closer to him. She sighs, her eyes still worried a little. What if... ah, but she was getting carried away again. Best to nip THAT thought in the bud.
Ronin places a finger over her lips "Don't even start." he says, trying to chuckle a little. "Don't even."
Korunue smiles a little, kissing his finger. "start what?" she asks innocently, eyes widening cutely, tilting her head just so, in a classic "bambi eyes" pose.
Ronin shakes his head at Korunue and leans back into the couch, pulling her even closer. "I don't feel like it...."
Korunue looks embarrased. "alright." she says meekly, snuggling up next to him quietly, turning slightly so her back was leaning on his side and his arm was around her.
Ronin sighs and reaches for Korunue's hand, maybe it would help comfort him. "I'm sorry." he whispers too her, before almost falling asleep.
****************************
Korunue awakens, yawning a little, streching. She looks at Ronin, smileing a little, wondering if she should wake him and take him upstairs... she decided to let him sleep. She looks out the window, thinking, her right hand on her stomach, a single finger tracing the length of it. Left to right, left to right, she strokes the small scar hidden under her kimono gently. She faces away from Ronin as she thinks. Ronin stirs in his sleep. He seems a little paler than normal, maybe he is getting sick. He coughs loudly but doesnt wake up. Instead he shifts a little and twitches his ears. Korunue jumps, looking at him with pity. She sighs, looking out the window again, hand never ceasing. She sighs again, worry etched onto her face.
Ronin coughs suddenly, a deep-hacking cough. He sits up and beats on his chest for a minute. Before digging around in his pouch for another leaf. He smiles when he finds one and coughs again. He chews on the leaf and glances over towards Korunue. He reaches out a trembling hand and touches her shoulder. Korunue jumps, hand going to her side at the touch. She turns, eyes worried, though her face breaks into a smile. A mask slips into place on her face, as she tries to hide her feelings. "hello, sleey-head. Feeling any better?" she asks, all kindness and perkyness once more, banishing her morbid thoughts for the moment.
Ronin shakes his head slowly and coughs again. "I don't know what I've caught, but I don't like it." he says weakly, his voice is kind of raspy and his hands still tremble slightly.
Korunue frowns. She claps his hands in hers. "that cough sounds bad." she says, trying to keep her voice from shaking and not quite succeding. "Maybe you should see a healer in town about that..." her eyes meet his, holding just the faintest hint of sadness behind the worry and love.
Ronin coughs and shakes his head again. "I don't trust some human to figure what is wrong with me. And then do what I can do for myself." he grins, still trying to show some of his self reliance.
Korunue does not return the smile. It pained her to see her strong man so weak... she lept up, excited. "I know!" she said, racing upstairs into her room. She returned a moment later with a book, in an unfamiler hand to Ronin, entitled simply "Healing I." She covered the name at the bottem with her thumb, and ran to sit with him again, opening it to the first page: a table of contents.
Ronin watches Korunue and coughs again. He might as well let her try what she wanted. At least she is trying and not feeling sorry for herself or someone else. orunue runs a finger down it. The text squirms a little, but she has had experience with books like this before. "behave, book." she murmers in her native tounge, and the words become readable. She finds an entry for coughs, and flips to that page hastily, reading it's contents.
Ronin places a hand on Korunue's shoulder. He was beginning to have second thoughts about the book. He would rather cure himself through herb lore and not magic. "It's alright Kor. You don't have to try and heal me." he says coughing again.
Korunue begins to read aloud. "Oregano, Fleabane... Fleabane? really? hmm... Thyme... " she looks up. "Of course I do! Don't be silly... I hate to see you suffer." she goes back to the book, frowning.
Ronin sits up straight and tries not to cough anymore. "I'll be fine. You don't have to worry about me."
Korunue looks up, concerned. It shows all over her face. "Don't be silly." she says, face grave. "I can't help but worry, silly." She looks back at the book. "I don't understand this part..." she frowns at it.
Ronin pats Korunue on the shoulder. "Really, I'll be alright. My herbs will help me." He tries to stand up quickly but falls back down. He coughs and tries to stand again, slowly this time.
Korunue stads up anxiously. "no, don't... you need rest. Come, lay down." her voice betrays her, a tear forming in her eye. She wipes it away quickly, grabbing his arm. "please, rest..." she pleads.
Ronin shakes his head. "I'm not going to rest, I'll be perfectly fine. Trust me." his voice is still kind of raspy from coughing all night. He gently pulls away from her and stretches.
Korunue becomes more fretful, the book forgotten. It lays on the floor, face-down. She tugs on his shirt, trying to get him to sit, or lie down. "please... you'll make it worse."
Ronin places a hand on Korunue's shoulder. "I told you I'll be fine. I've been sick before and still lived."
Korunue looks down, properly ashamed. Her ears droop, though she is still worried. "i suppose." she mumbles. "but I can't help but worry about you." she murmers, half under her breath. She sits back down, looking at her lap.
Ronin sighs and sits back down on the cough next to Korunue. "You just have to trust me, I'll be alright." he places an arm aorund her and gives her a hug.
Korunue leans against him a little as he hugs her. "i suppose..." she says, looking out the window again, trying not to fall into the same line of thought as last time... her hand strays towards her stomach, but she stills it before it gets halfway and places it in her lap.
Ronin sighs and looks towards the window that Korunue is looking out of. "What are you looking at?" he asks, his voice isnt as raspy now, but it is still pretty bad.
Korunue shakes her head, breaking out of it. "nothing, really." she says. She doesn't elaborate. She wonders if he'd understand....
Ronin scratches Korunue's ears. "I'm sorry, but I would really rather stay away from magic right now." he grins at her weakly.
Korunue smiles a little, turning. "Why?" she asks, tilting her head a little, cutely. "Magic makes things soo much easier... Aldrea cured me when I was sick, after all..." she winces a little, remembering how he hates Aldrea. She frowned. "how come you hate humans so much, anyway?"
Ronin frowns at Korunue. He shifts uncomfortably and turns towards her. "Just...some things they did in the past...." He sighs as he thinks back.
Korunue looks at him, tilting her head. "like what?" she asks, genuinely curious. She is a bit nieve, of course...
Ronin hugs Korunue. "Things, that humans do. Stupid things, like they usually do." he sighs and sits back.
Korunue hugs back, sensing his need for comfort, and sits back, looking down and to the side. "i see.." she says, though she obviously doesn't. She is still nieve to the horrible things humans can do to each other, and to her kind. Other than tease and exlude....
Ronin pats her head again, pausing to scratch her ears. "I'm still kind of tired Kor." he smiles at her weakly and yawns.
Korunue nods, worried look returning. "yeah... I TOLD you to rest!" she scolds, mockingly, though the concern in her eyes is real enough.
Sinai walks slowly into the Inn, looking dog tired--no pun intended. Meanwhile, Demona lies on the roof, in the form of a young, winged woman. She listens to the conversation beneath her, both spoken and not. She smiles a little. This could be good...
Ronin yawns and pulls Korunue close. He lays his head back against the couch and tries to go to sleep, even though he said he wouldn't rest.
Demona gets up into a crouch, flipping over the edge of the roof, landing on the ground, features changing as she does so. Ears, wings, feet, clothing, blades, all shift as she ponders the form she will use. She is between two windows on the side of the Inn, hopefully out of sight for the moment. Sinai, weary as she s, walks to the bar and orders a drink from Moe.
Korunue glances up at Sinai, smiling a little. She looks out the window again, deep in thought, noting that Ronin slept. Her hand went to her stomach again, her finger tracing the scar beneath her kimono over and over from left to right.
Sinai smiles weakly at Korunue. "Good eve, m' friend. How are ye?" Her voice is tired as well, and her eyes are barely open.
Korunue starts a little, hearing her friend in her mind. "alright." she says, fake-cheerily, trying to sound alright for once. She sighs, biting her lower lip, worry plain on her face.
Ronin picks his head up and looks at Sinai. "You sound sick too wolfy." he says with a slight grin. He notices Korunue tracing her scar. "Stop that." he reaches for her hand and takes it in his before leaning his head back down.
Sinai frowns and takes the tea Moe gives her, walking over to them in slow, deliberate steps. "I'm no' sick...just really tired..."
Korunue jumps, looking guiltily at Ronin. "I thought you were asleep..." as if that would make a difference. She frowns. "you should get some rest." she asserts, with a nod.
Demona settles on the form of a young inu youkai, complete with fluffy dog-ears and a fluffy dog's tail. She trots around to the front of the inn, leaping the railing to the porch and sauntering in. She pauses to look about, an odd gleam in her eyes. "Sick, are you, hanyou?" she says. "hmph. Probably from hanging around with weak ikkiyou saps like that. And you ARE half-human, after all... you need a REAL girl, not some human-wannabe" she says, making her way to the bar.
Sinai growls softly, not liking the woman's tone of voice concerning her friends. "Leave them b'. They're happy taegether."
Ronin sits bolt upright and stares at the youkai. "And what say do you have in it?" he says, growling as best he can. He struggles to his feet, rasping some. "You have no clue what you're talking about."
Korunue looks a little stunned, tugging on Ronin to sit down again. "it's alright, Ronin, just ignore her... " she says, purposefuly ignoring the hidden insult to her in the stranger's words.
Sinai sips/gulps her tea, hoping it will awaken her more, her anger building very slowly, but it is there, and makes itself known by the deep red glow of her eyes. "Leave. Them. Be. "
Ronin shrugs Korunue off. "No way I'm gonna let her talk anything about either one of us." he says, the growling in his throat becoming stronger.
Demona turns to the wolf. "hmph. What would YOU know, anyhow? Why don't you run along and kill some sheep, wolf. Or humans- they're tastier." she smiles, and turns back to Ronin and Korunue. "ooh, is the big strong Hanyou gonna protect the little quarter-ling? Why bother? Given the chance, she'd betray you to become human, and you know it." She rises to her feet, staring him down.
Korunue gasps, eyes wide. She leaps up, grabbing at Ronin's arm to hold him back. "just leave her be!" she insists, not wanting him to get hurt.
Ronin stands up straight and his hand drifts to the shorter of his swords. "She would not." his voice is becoming clearer now. "Kor, I'm not gonna let her talk about us." he says to her shrugging her off again.
Korunue stiffens, grabbing at his hand. "no! Don't you see, that's what she wants! You're playing into her hands!" she said, face turning pale.
Ronin stops and turns to Korunue. "Why would she want me to cut her to little shreds?" he asks, glancing towards the woman again.
Demona smirks. "just leave her be" she mocks, concentrating, ready for another change in an instant if need be. She checked: yup, she had plenty of energy left. She had been resting for days beforehand to make sure. She smirked again. "so the worthless bitch DOES care about something." she mocks, muscles tensing.
Sinai doesn't allow her anger to flare up all at once, but does allow one of her hands to change into that of her Werewolf form hands--larger than human hands, furry, but with long, sharp claws at the end of each finger.
Korunue stiffens, knowing that Ronin would attack any second now. "This reeks of a trap! Sinai, Ronin, please... don't, not for me..." that last blow HURT, to be sure, but she steels herself, not wanting to seem weak. That hurt.... she knew, deep down, that she WAS worthless, and a bitch, but... she would cry later. Now, she had to protect Ronin.. he WAS sick.
Ronin stiffens and turns towards the woman. He draws the shorter sword and his right hand goes to the hilt of the long sword. "What did you say?" he growls , almost roaring now.
Demona frowns. She wasn't gettting THROUGH to the girl... she concentrated, then smiled. "aw, why don't you just go kill yourself and do us all a favor. It's not like you're helping anything by staying here, you know. Your mother would be dissapointed." She glances at Sinai, then back to Ronin, blades slipping quietly out of her forearms, just in case. She smirks.
Korunue gasps, then holds Ronin's arm to stop him from attacking. She says nothing, breathing hard, tears forming. That one REALLY hurt... it pierced her deeply. It echoed her recent thoughts too closely... was too similar to her brooding fantasies. But she still feared for her boyfriend and her friend, and didn't want them to stand up for her and get injured....
Ronin roars now and draws his other sword, shaking off Kor's grip and slowly advancing on the woman. "Would you mind backing off? I may be sick, but I can still fight." he says, trying to calm himself down and not let rage take him over.
Almost too calmly, not sleepy anymore, Sinai barely whispers "If you want to fight, let's take it outside. If not, I suggest you shut your mouth before I rip it off and hand it to you."
Demona smiles. Mission accomplished. She had angered everyone in the Inn in only a few, well-chosen insults. She looks positivly delighted. "Love to stay, but there are just too many weaklings in here for me." She sprouts large, black, fur-covered wings, and takes to the air, flying backwards towards the door, laughing softly to herself as she backs out.
Sinai growls under her breath at the door, angered beyond words that someone had the nerve to come in the Inn and talk so poorly of the best people she knows, her hands clenching into fists from the rage in her.
Ronin glares at the woman as she sprouts wings and flies off. "Wimp" he mutters under his breath as he puts his swords back in the scabbards. He doubles over as he starts coughing again and slowly walks back towards Korunue. "I'm sorry." he whispers to her.
Demona cackles, landing on the roof. She becomes a small black bird, of a species seen often around here. She flies onto the roof of the stable, peering in the window, liking the aftermath almost as much as the actual taunting. It was all great fun for her.
Korunue's breathing is ragged and shallow, her face rather pale. She smiles weakly at him. "sorry? for what? You didn't do anything... I can't fault you for sticking up for me... I just wish you'd take care of yourself." One ear traces Demona's path, though she would not recognise the bird as her tormenter, not used to shapeshifters.
"Excuse me..." Sinai says, as she follows the shapeshifter out the door--not trying to find her, but simply to take out her anger on something--more than likely an inanimate object like a tree or a rock.
Ronin smiles at Korunue. "I am taking care of myself." he whispers to her before hugging her. "I feel really tired now."
Korunue hugs back, then shifts so she is half-supporting him. "come on, let's get you to bed, then." she says, though her voice is weak and shaken as opposed to before. Demona had hit her deep, though she wouldn't admit it. She starts towards the stairs with him.
Ronin leans on Korunue and lets her take him wherever. "Bed sounds good right about now." he yawns.
Korunue leads him up to her room, laying him down in her bed to rest, sitting on the edge until he falls asleep. She would like comfort, but hides it. After all, he was sick. She comforted him instead.
Her emotions having been so uptight these past few days, Sinai seems to be either tired or angry most of the time--and it shows...As she walks toward the forest, she lets out a howl of rage, and attacks a tree, immediately shifting fully into her Werewolf form, starting to rip a tree apart.
Ronin sighs as he lays down, so comfortable. He reaches out to Korunue and pulls her down. "Lay here for a while with me." he says in a sleepy tone. He yawns again and slowly drifts towards sleep.
Korunue lays next to him, watching him, scratching behind his ears a little like he does to hers. She smiles a little to comfort him, not sleepy in the least.
Alrighty, this chapter is long. More next chappie. REVIEW.