Rhys and Ronin Chapter 2

BTW- I don't own Chastity

Korunue wakes, once more, and almost automaticlly climbs out of bed. She is on the outside, luckily, so she can get out without waking him. She knew what was coming: every morning, the same nausea. She made it to the bathroom and puked some more. She breifly wondered what the hell was wrong with her, but it's hard to think while vomiting.Ronin rolls over in bed, now taking up both his and Kor's spot. He seems to be deep in sleep though.

Korunue finishes, and climbs to her feet. She wipes her mouth on a small hand towel, making a note to wash it later, and gives way to silent sobs. What was wrong with her? She wondered how ill she was... she thought of talking to Ronin about it, but... she didn't want him to worry. She crept down to the main room to sit at the bar. Ronin rolls over again, this time on the edge of the bed, very close to the edge. Ronin rolls over again, right over the edge...and extends an arm to catch himself before he goes completely over. He groans and sits up, looking for Korunue.

Korunue muses. She appears to be alone in the common room... she wonders how long until Ronin chases after her. She doesn't want to deal with him... she looks herself over for any other symptoms and grimices. She's gained weight... she has been trying to eat less lately, but she was stull signifigantly chubbier than normal. And she FELT different... and something else seemed to be slipping her mind... oh yes. That.

Ronin stares dumbly around the room, yawning a little.

Chastity shakes her hair, trying to get a burr out, and enters the common room. Her glasses are nowhere in sight, and she looks quite uncomfortable. She had met Korunue once before, long ago.. when KOr first stopped off at the Inn, before she met Ronin, before she found her father...

Korunue looks up, as someone enters the room. They look familier... she squints, then the name comes back to her. "Chastity?" she asks, amazed.

Ronin slowly climbs out of bed and makes his way to the door.

Chastity jumps! "who said that?" she asks; squinting

Korunue smiles a little. "It's me, Korunue. Remember me?" An ear twists to Ronin, as she hears him get up. She winces a little. "It's been ages! So much has happened..." What to tell? What to hide? "I got married, for one!"

"Kuronue! wow, I havent heard your little girly voice in ages..."Chastity squints. "i wish i could say it was good to see you, but I can't actually...um see."

Ronin carefully opens the door and creeps out of it. He makes his way to the balcony and looks down. He sees Korunue talking to some girl that he doesnt know. Chastity reaches out, feeling for a chair. Korunue smiles a little. She lowers her voice to scarecly above a whisper. "Hey, can you do me a favor? Do you know much about illnesses? I hear..." her ear twists to Ronin. She waves. "That's my husband.. I don't want to worry him, but I think I'm sick..." hopefully he can't hear her.

Chastity nods. "I know some things...want to come to my cart? I've a lot of things in there." Ronin doesnt hear. He is still too groggy. He does however take notice of the girl that Kor is talking to.

Korunue nods. "alright." she smiles to Ronin, mouthing "love ya" to him to reassure him before standing to follow Chastity to her cart.

Chastity runs to the road, bare feet slapping. She squints around, looking for her big brown blur. "Down the road, kuronue, come on!" Korunue follows meekly.

Ronin immediately perks up when Korunue stands and goes out the door. He doesnt know who this girl is, but he doesnt trust her. He growls when he realizes he left his swords in the room and ducks back in quickly to retrieve them.

Chastity walks over to a large space between trees and brush, taken up by a huge, boatlike wagon. Korunue chases after her, catching up. She is a little more out of breath than normal after a sprint, and she grimaces. "ugh. I've been gaining a lot of weight lately..." She sighs. "Though, how that's possible when I've been throwing up every morning is beyond me."

Chastity smiles and becons, feeling blindly at the side of her wagon. "where on earth is that wire..?" Ronin returns from his room, swords attatched. He quickly makes his way down the stairs and slinks towards the door. He quietly opens the door and slips out, closing the door behind him. Chastity finds what she was looking for, and the side of the cart opens into a ramp. Inside is several candles and lovely drawings, some of the drawings on the desk showing some mature content.

Korunue frowns hearing the door shut with her youkai hearing. "I think he's coming.." she says in a low voice. "Any idea what sort of illness makes me gain weight and throw up every morning?" she asks. "Do you think it's life-threatening? Also... my... monthlies... are two weeks late."

Ronin slips towards the wagon, leaping up into a tree and jumping from tree to tree the rest of the way, till he is positioned over the wagon. Chastity walks up the ramp, beconing for her freind to follow, she sits on a few papers on the desk, covering a little more skin then the gentlemen in the drawings had clothed. "late are you? mmm. How much weight have you gained?"

Korunue frowns. "several pounds... I havn't measured." she whispers, softly. "And he's listening, I think..."

Ronin climbs down, branch to branch till he gets to one that is touching the wagon. He carefully picks his footholds so that they wont notice that he is right on top of the wagon. Chastity waves kuronue in, clearing some papers for her to sit. she gets a stone from a large low compartment, clear but rough. "Sit down and relax, I have a few magic items that I bought that might help."

Korunue frowns. "But what's WRONG with me?" she asks. She is a little mistrustful of magic... she seems to have picked up on at least one of Ronin's habits. She wants to know what's wrong first. Ronin slowly bends down and places his hands on teh support beams of the wagon. He then gets on down on all fours and pressses an ear to the wagon. He cna hear voices inside easily now.

"Just hold this stone, and tell me if it gets warmer or colder." Chastity says, handing her the clear stone.

Korunue takes it. She holds it in her hand a moment, then drops it suddanly. "ow! that's hot!" she scowls at it. "you coulda warned me." Ronin fights the urge to growl. If she hurt Kor, he would be in the wagon in an instant though.

Chastity looks surprized. "its just supposed to..." then a mean grin crosses her face.

Korunue looks scared. "What? What?" she asks, urgently. "Is is serious?" Ronin presses his ear closer to the wagon top.

Chastity giggles. "Have you made love in the past two hours? it senses life...that kind of thing sets it off."

Korunue's jaw drops. "what do you mean life...." She thinks she gets it, but... no, surely... please god no... her brain refuses to process the information. Ronin presses his ear even tighter to the wagon top.

Chastity laughs."if your still high oon your hubbie, it wont tell if you are sick.." she nearly collapsed into giggles.

Korunue shakes her head. "It's not funny! No, I'm not. Now WHAT. IS . WRONG. WITH. ME????" she half-growls.

Chastity absentmindedly shut the ramp/door, lighting candles and lanterns in her office. Ronin pulls back a little. Korunue's voice hurting his ears. Chastity tries to keep a straight face. "well something has made you full of life, maybe you threw up the virus? you could be gaining weight from getting better. or...nah. doubtful."

Korunue frowns. "you mean... full of life... no, surely you don't mean..." she blinks.

"Well..." Ronin quickly presses his ear back to the wagon. "you say you are late?" Chastity continues. Korunue nods, silently, shocked. Chastity shrugs, looking a little jelous. "You might have a litter of pups coming...or whatever." Ronin sits bolt upright and promptly falls off the wagon, landing flat on his back. Chastity rubs her neck. "I suppose you might only have two or three, seeing as you don't have six brea-the hell?!"

Korunue stands, suddanly, backing up slowly. "no..." she says, but she can't deny it any longer. She gasps, her breath becoming ragged, and bolts from the wagon, racing into the forest blindly.

Ronin groans for a moment, then notices Korunue race from the wagon. "Oh hell, not again." he says to himself, immediately leaping into the tress and chasing after her.

Chastity looks at her retreating freind, jumping at the sound of the ramp slamming open. "What a horror. Poor thing, being able to have children. she must be /miserable." she swears violently, and looks around for what fell down so hard, now seeing ronins retreating rear. SHe has no time to apreciate the veiw , for ronin is fast.

Korunue runs blindly. Her mind races. She refuses to curse any other beings.. she knows if they come from her, they will be cursed. She has to get rid of them. But Ronin would be crushed... and the best way would be to die herself, thus sparing herself the guilt as well. She veers towards the lake, panic adding speed to her already fast pace.

Ronin leaps as fast as he can, slowly gaining on Korunue and then passing her. He makes one last leap and lands in front of her. Posed to catch her carefully. Chastity blindly shakes her head. 'Fucking blind, stupid ass little girls sad because their biological clock ringing.." she swears some more.

Korunue lowers her head, shoving Ronin out of the way. She reaches the lake and dives in... only to be caught, a moment later. A lady, all in white, with huge white wings, looking somewhat like an angel, rises from the lake, Korunue in her arms. She places a hand to Korunue's head, looking down on her. Ronin is immensely surprised to be shoved aside by Korunue. Since she would never normally be able to budge him. He quickly regains his feet and sprints after her. Korunue stops struggling, as the woman closes her eyes and focuses. She looks sad. Korunue becomes more and more peaceful, as the woman does her thing.

Chastity shuts up her wagon and grips the ropes hard, pulling it violently forward, on her way to circle the trees and head for the nearest thin in that direction; the lake. She motors, pulling the cart as fast as thirty mph. Ronin reaches the lake and skids to a stop, almost tumbling into it himself. He stares at the woman who is holding Kor. Chastity turns, heading down a shoddy dirt road to the lake.

The woman finishes, with a benevolant smile to Korunue. Kor smiles back, looking peaceful. They are both wet, but neither seem to care. The woman wades towards Ronin, setting Korunue on her feet. With a parting thought to her, she turns to a white bird, larger than a dove even, and flies away into the forest. Chastity's feet beat at the ground, she amps up her speed, gasping, and pulls the cart like her life depended on it...nearly there...

Ronin stares at the woman for a second, then turns to Korunue. He opens his mouth as if to speak, but nothing comes out, he just stares, speechless. Korunue looks at Ronin, no trace of the usual hidden pain in her eyes. "Hello. Who might you be?" she asks, quite innocently.

Ronin continues to stare, his mouth drops open even more. Finally he manages to speak. "Huh? What? Who am I? It's me, Ronin. Your husband." He glances towards where the white woman went and turns back to Korunue. "Kor? You ok? Don't joke with me."

Korunue blinks. "Ro-nin..." she tries out the name. She shakes her head. "Sounds familier... like we met once, long ago..." She frowns. "And you can call me Raven. I like it better. Kor... that name hurts." she makes a face, then looks thoughtful. "I wonder why..."

Chastity loses control of the momentum of the wagon, and tumbles, the wagon going straight into the lake. Korunue jumps at the splash. She looks suddanly over, and frowns. "should I be concerned?"

Ronin continues to stare dumbly. He ignores Chastity. "Korunue. Don't joke with me. I heard what that woman said to you. Why are you so worried about it?"

"My bedroom! it'll be soaked!"Chastity gapes, thinking about all of her ruined art, her beautiful bed...

Korunue looks puzzledly at Chastity, wondering if she knows her or not. She frowns in sympathy, then turns back to Ronin. "What woman? What'd she say? What am I worried about?" She thinks, hard, then her eyes light up. "Oh! you mean Beth?" she frowns. "Forget her. That kind of thing happens a lot."

Ronin frowns at CHastity. "Don't go so fast next time." He turns back to Korunue and points at Chastity "Is she Beth?"

Chastity looks over at the newlyweds..."What's going on? are you two alright? Korunue, your soaked!"

Korunue shakes her head, smiling. "no, silly! Beth was my friend from school..." she frowns once more, then smiles. "But forget her. Where am I? There's no lake near home...."

Ronin frowns at Korunue. "Then who is she? And what do you mean home?"

Chastity turns three shades paler. "Kuronue?" she runs over to her, touching her arm. "did you hurt yourself?"

Korunue looks at both of them, confused. "Home! Duh. With Oka-san? Well, she's not my REAL mom, but close enough." she turns to Chastity. "And who are you? And how do you know my name?"

Ronin reaches out and grabs Korunue's shoulders. "Kor! Listen to me! You don't live with them anymore. You married me! You live with me in the inn. And, according to this woman over here, you're going to have my pups."

"What? I didn't tell you that! Brat, did you blab?!" Chastity seems vexed.

Korunue stands there... and stares.. and turns pale. "I... what?" she swallows. "How old am I?"

Ronin squeezes Korunue's shoulders. "You're 17 Kor. What's wrong with you?"

Korunue blinks. "I'm 16, is what's wrong." She takes a deep breath. "Wonderful. Just perfect." She pulls loose. "What else have I missed?"

Chastity looks on wonderously. "was it the water..?" She shudders, and heads away from the lake, leaving them alone.

Ronin lets his arms fall to his side and sighs. "Well....we got married and you're going to have my pups, like I said earlier."

Korunue stares. "I..." She smiles weakly. "Well, this is awkward." She blinks. "seeing as how I haven't the slightest idea who you are, beyond your name.., Ronin. Ronin." Something moved deep down when she said his name...

Ronin reaches out and places his hand on her shoulder again. "You know more about me than just my name."

Korunue blinks. "um..." She thinks hard. Then she frowns. "Somehow... not really, no. Just... a vague feeling I don't want you to be hurt... I wonder... I suppose I must have lost my memory... Why am I all wet, anyway?"

Ronin squeezes Korunue's shoulder a little. "You were in the lake. That's all I know. But, lets get you back to the inn, you can dry off and change clothes there."

Korunue nods. "I wonder what possesed me to go swimming this early in the year?" she wonders, not expecting an answer. "And what is this "inn" of which you speak? And where is it?"

Ronin smiles a little. "The Red Dragon Inn. It's off in that direction." He says, pointing towards the inn. "But lets hurry, I don't want you getting sick"

Korunue nods. "Alright then... I don't know why, but I think I can trust you... " she smiles. "Am I right?"

Ronin smiles widely. "Yes, you can trust me. You married me, you're carrying my pups. I think you can trust me."

Korunue smiles. "Alright, then. Let's go!" She starts walking towards the direction he was pointing, her ears alert and scanning for signs of danger.

Ronin doublechecks his sword and shadows Korunue every step of the way.

Korunue steps in the door of the Inn, looking about in wonder. She wears a white kimono with black trim, though it looks a bit tight on her. She has night-black hair, and black dog ears sticking up from that. Her purple eyes take in everything as if for the first time as she pauses in the doorway, though this has been her home for some time.

Ronin steps in right behind Korunue. He seems to be shadowing her, guarding her even. One of his hands is on a sword, the other is closing the door behind him. His ears are alert, scanning the inn for any potential dangers.

Korunue turns to Ronin. "This place is cool! What now?" she asks. She should know all of this, as anyone who's seen her here before may take note. Yet her purple eyes hold real confusion.

Ronin politely ignores the bard playing for a large audience, but gives Kamiatra a good looking over before turning to Korunue. "We go to our room. It's right up there." He says pointing towards one of the doors on the second floor. His fox-ears swivel around on top of his head, taking iv every sound that he can distinguish from the bards melody.

Korunue nods, and steps aside meekly. "you lead." she says, timidly, a little embarrased but still smiling. Her cheeks hold a hint of a blush; her smile is reflected in her eyes for once; her black straight hair falls in her face a little.

Ronin nods at Korunue and reaches up to brush her hair back. He then takes her hand and with a slight tug starts to lead her up the stairs and to their room.

Korunue follows, meekly. She is unsure what to do... she is rather confused. How had she lost her memory? Why had she gone swimming? Why did she get the feeling he was hiding something from her? And what had that woman meant, 'find the joy'?

Ronin opens the door to the room and peeks inside, making sure nobody is hiding. He sighs, assuming that too many things had happened and made him paranoid. "Come on in Kor. You've got some clothes in here somewhere."

Korunue follows him in. She looks in the closet, finding an identicle kimono, and ducks into the bathroom, changing quickly. She comes back out and sits on the bed. "So... tell me everything. What happened in this last year? How did we meet? Who arranged the marriage?" so many holes in her memory she doesn't even know what they all are...

Ronin sits down next to Korunue, placing a hand on the back of his head and scratching. "Well, lets see. Where to start." He pauses for a moment. "I don't know what all has happened in the past year. I wasn't there for all of it. As for meeting, I met you here. In the inn, downstairs. You were feeling bad for some reason. And your father arranged the marriage of course. You really don't remember anything?"

Korunue looks at Ronin. "father... you mean my adopted dad, right?" She shakes her head. "I don't... I remember Beth, and my old school, and my adopted parents, but not much else... " she thinks this little bit he has told her over.

Ronin shakes his head. "No, I mean your real father. He lives in town. You just saw him the other day. How in the world did you forget all this anyways? What did that white woman do to you?"

Korunue frowns. "White woman... father..." She suddanly opens her eyes wide. "That white woman! She said.. she said that there was joy in the world, and that I had to find it... she seemed nice... That's the last thing I remember after my 16th birthday..."

Ronin frowns a little bit. "I thought you had found joy." he says, rather dejectedly. He sighs and hangs his head, his ears drooping.

Korunue puts her arm around his waist. "I don't know... I really don't remember... don't feel bad, please... " her own ears droop. "I'm sure whatever it was wasn't your fault... you've been so sweet to me."

Ronin looks up at Korunue "Well, it sort of is my fault, seeing as how you've got my pups." He says, with a half-grin.

Korunue smiles a little. "Is that what I was upset about?" she asks. "I'm sure your pups will turn out handsome... you're cute, after all. Maybe they'll have your good looks and my... my.... um...." she frowns.

Ronin breaks out in a wide grin. "You're ears? You're eyes maybe?" he says, offering possible words for her. He puts an arm around her and gives her a hug. "I'm sure we can find a way to get your memory back."

Korunue smiles. "good. I can't wait to find out what I've been up to this past year!" She seems delighted at the prospect. Of couse, she has no clue what she's been up to... unlike Ronin.

Ronin sighs and stands up. "You want to go downstairs? There was a bard I think. Might be interesting to listen to." He exteds a hand out to help Korunue up.

Korunue takes his hand and stands. "Alright. but you STILL havn't told me much... I want to know _everything_."

Ronin opens the door and helps Korunue down the stairs. Once at the bottom he look around and nods slightly, heading towards the sofa. "Let's sit here" he says to Korunue.

Korunue nods, heading to sit on the couch. She sits with her left leg draping to the ground, her left foot on the ground, and her right foot tucked halfway under her, her back to the arm of the sofa. She waits for him to sit. "So... we met here? Did we... were we in love? Or did Father just arrange a marriage? Are we rich? Or poor?" As she spoke, the bard struck up another tune.

Ronin smirks as he sits down on the sofa. "Yes, we met here, and yes we fell in love. Right over there." he points to the spot right in front of Aldrea's door. "And we have enough to get by."

Korunue nods. "So... how'd it happen? I love a good story... tell me everything! Tell me about the day we fell in love. Or was it night? See, I don't remember a thing! Not one thing!" she frowns a little. "I wish I did..."

Ronin starts to say something, but stops. He starts again. "You were very upset. You had been trying to hide your ears. Afraid they were holding you back. I made you reveal them. You ran upstairs and I chased after you."

Korunue nods. "Then what? And why'd I run? Were you being mean or something? Was I scared of you? Were we alone? Were other people there?" She leans forward, hungry for a good story.

Ronin grins as he remebers that night. "Then I caught you, and turned you around to face me. You ran because I made you reveal your ears. I guess I was kinda mean, but it was the only way. And one other peson was there I think, Sinai."

Korunue nods. "Who's Sinai? And why would making me reveal my ears make me run away? And how'd I hide them in the first place? And what'd I say when you caught me? And what'd I do? And what'd you say? And what'd you do?"

Ronin laughs and reaches out towards Korunue. "Calm down, calm down. Too many questions. They'll all be answered in due time. Anyways, Sinai is a friend, I don't really know how to explain her. You were jsut upset, I don't remember exactly why you ran away. You had a magic item to hide them. And when I caught you....well, you said you loved me, and kissed me, then I said I loved you and kissed you back." He lets out a long sigh at the end of his small speech.

Korunue sits back, smiling. "I bet it was wonderful... " she sighs, in longing. "I wish I could remember... I bet the whole year was wonderful. After all, you don't seem to hate me... I bet I was happy all the time, not having to be with people who hate me..." she muses, staring off into the distence regretfully.

Ronin doesnt say anything just sighs and nods. "I wish you could remember too. I wasn't there for the whole year though, so I don't know if you were always happy."

Korunue leans on the side of the couch. She thinks for a bit. "What was it like, being in love? Was it wonderful? Was it heaven on earth?"

Ronin nods at Korunue. "I enjoyed it, it was great." He stffles a yawn and looks out a window. "It's getting late Kor. What say we go to bed? You need to get your sleep." he says, indicating her stomach with a motion of his hand.

Korunue nods. She smiles a little, shyly, her hair getting in her face once more. "I almost forgot about that... " she says, putting her hand to her stomach. By coincidence, it is on her old scar... she feels it beneath her kimono and looks at him questioningly, then stands. "Bed sounds nice."

Ronin nods twice at Korunue. "Yes it does." He extends his hand again for her, and helps her up the stairs into the room. Korunue follows, meekly. She wants to ask so much more.. but she doesn't want to get him annoyed by her questions.Ronin removes his swords, placing them on a nearby table and climbs into the bed, motioning for Korunue to lay down next to him. Korunue decides, forget pajamas, she'd sleep in her clothes... they were comfortable. She climbed in next to Ronin. After all, they WERE married...

***********************

Rhys entered looking around. His dark red eyes giving a soft but very warm glow as the creature licked his scaled lips and gave a smile. Rhys walked toward the bar his large tail dragging behind him as the robe failed to keep it covered. its many spikes or stingers twisting in various directions. Rhys stopped at the counter giving a look to the two females at the bar. A low growl eminated from Rhys. He seemed annoyed about the fact the one he wanted to see was'nt here. Then the large creature sat down on his rear still taller then most human men he ordered two ales as his dark red eyes came to Elle's scarf getting warmer and warmer as he stared.

Korunue awakens, yawning. She then races to the small attached bathroom, promptly puking up her last night's dinner. When she was done, and had cleaned off her mouth, she padded back to Ronin, sitting on the edge of the bed and studying him thoroughly. Ronin tosses a little in his sleep, mumbling something about swords, and humans. He chuckles a little, still asleep, and rolls over onto his stomach.

Korunue decides not to wake him. Instead, she heads towards the door and to the stairs, in search of someone who could help her. She wears her normal white kimono with black trim, and her eyes are a brilliant shining purple, but they are rather dwarfed by her impressive black dog ears that so match her night-black hair. Her slippers make little to no noise on the stairs as she descends, head held high, looking about. Ronin groans and rolls over again. He seems to be sweating a little, whimpering some. His ears are alert as ever, turning in every direction, even in his sleep. Maybe it has something to do with his dream. He tosses once or twice more and then suddenly sits bolt upright in bed. He looks around the room and shakes his head for a moment before tossing the covers off and easing out. He yawns and stretches, already forgetting his dream.

Korunue sees Rhys, who she should have recognized and.... completely ignored him. As if she didn't see him... no, more like as if she didn't recognise him. She steers clear of him, nervously, and sits at the bar, looking about... not that she knows who she's looking for. Ronin looks around the room, calling out Korunue's name a little. He wanders into the bathroom and, of course, doesn't find her. Scratching his head a little, he walks back over to the table where his swords and daggers lay. With practiced care he slides the scabbards into their respective rings, and tucks away his daggers withing his robes.He checks everythign once to make sure it is correct, then opens the door and steps out onto the balcony.

"Aw c'mon its hard to imagine something like me. its real.. But my type of caring you people really arent fond of." Rhys said slyly to his latest victem as he looked to Korunue licking the insides of his cheek.

Korunue looks up, smiling to Ronin, and then turns her head back to the procedings in front of her. This demon seemed to be eyeing her... she blinked, her ears drooping a little as she shrunk down in her seat. Maybe he would pass her by and eat someone else? Or, maybe go eat a deer or something?

Ronin immediately notes Rhys and checks his swords out of habit. Rhys might not bother him or Kor, but then again, he had a habit of coming by at the worst times. He quickly steps down the stairs and walks over to Korunue, one ear trained on Rhys the whole time. Korunue smiles, nodding to her husband. "good morning. That demon was eyeing me.... but he left. I guess I must look like breakfast, no?" she smiles, to show she is teasing. Rhys had silently exited the room right as Ronin was coming in.

Ronin smirks and nods a little. "Morning" he says, sitting down beside Korunue. "Breakfast you say? Hmm, maybe he was."

Korunue smiles at him. She is out of things to say already. She tries again. "How did you sleep?" she asks, to start the conversation up again without seeming desprate for facts.

Ronin promptly yawns and stretches again. "I slept alright." he says, coming out of the yawn and bringing his hand down from his mouth. "How did you sleep? Still having problems in the morning?"

Korunue nods, blushing. "I slept alright... had a rather nice dream, actually. About a lake. It was really peaceful... I think it was the same lake where I musta lost my memory."

Ronin nods his head a little. "So, you still don't remember anything? Nothing at all for the past year?" He shifts his position a little, leaning forwards, in a sort of hunch.

Korunue shakes her head. "Can you tell me more? I want to know... maybe if you keep telling me what happened, I'll start remembering." She looks hopeful, her purple eyes shining.

Ronin grins a little. He still doesn't want to tell Korunue about the suicide attempts, or about all the problems they had experienced. "Well, what do you want to know? Anything in particular?"

Korunue shrugs. "Start with the lake. If I dreamed about it... it probably meant something." She is immediatly ashamed of her boldness and blushes again. "I mean... if you don't mind..."

Ronin closes his eyes and nods. "Well, I got to the lake, and found you being carried by that woman. Then she set you down and you asked me who I was."

Korunue nods. "What about before that? Have I been there before?" she asks, the wheels almost visibly turning in her head. Maybe it was just that she had lost her memory there.... or maybe it was something more.

Ronin tries to remmber what all happened before Korunue got to the lake. It seems like so long ago. "You were talking to some woman about why you were getting morning sickness...You didn't want me to know, worried I would be angry or something. When you found out, you ran off to the lake, and I chased after you."

Korunue frowns. "hmm.... but the dream is about the lake.... what about before that day? Like, had we gone there before? Or had I gone there by myself? "

Ronin nods a little. "I think we had been there before. I don't remember why though." He honestly doesnt remember why, having fallen into the habit of storing his memories away to help deal with the pain.

Korunue nods a little. "hmm.... well, let's see... in the dream, I was floating.... kind of... I was entirely underwater...for a long time, but it was a dream, of course... and it was really peaceful and calm, and I wanted to stay underwater as long as possible. Ring any bells?"

Ronin simply shakes his head. Every time Korunue ahd tried to drown herself, he had been absent. Drawn away by someone, or somethign else.

Korunue looks down, sighing softly. "Oh well. I guess it must have just been because I was in the lake when you found me... what WAS I doing in the lake, anyway?"

Ronin shakes his head again. "I was still in the woods when you got to the lake. By the time I had arrived, the woman was carrying you."

Rhys came from downstairs.. Ronin could tell from the look in Rhys eye that he was coming toward them. The wicked smile of pleasure upon Rhys face. As his ebony robe dragged agaisnt the stairs. The thumps stopped as Rhys reached the bottom staring at the two plotting

Korunue spies Rhys and shrinks down in her seat. "that's him... that's the demon that was looking at me before!" she whispers, so that Rhys hopefully won't be able to overhear. "I think he wants to eat me."

Ronin glances up towards Rhys and lets out an audible sigh. "Oh no, not him again." He says under his breath. He immediately checks his swords again.

"She dont remember a thing does she.." Rhys said smiling.. as he kneeled down and his long slimy tongue went to get a lick of her cheek.

Korunue tilts her head. "Again? you know him?" she says, quivering in fear as he approaches her. her ears lower to the sides, and she winces.

Ronin leaps up, pulling a dagger from his sleeve. "Any closer Rhys, and you wont have a tongue." He tilts the dagger towards Rhys's tongue in warning.

Korunue thinks, biting her lip. "Maybe he can tell me about my past?" she wonders aloud. She really has no clue who he is. Not a clue.

Rhys smiled shaking his head to Ronin before Rhys tail crept around the chair. His tongue came back and he looked to Korunue. "Past? Present? future? none these things matter for you in the end.. your just cattle.." Rhys said his dark red eyes slanting slightly.. it seems he was beginning another of his lectures.

Ronin shakes his head at Korunue. "You don't want to find out about your past from him. There's no telling what he might say." he says, hiding the dagger back in his sleeve.

Korunue frowns. "As long as it's something true, what does it matter what he says? And you'd tell me if he was lying, right?" she turns to Rhys. "Maybe it doesn't matter, but I DO want to know."

"heh really.. about how you attacked her friend? How i manipulated you too my will? How you both attempted suicide out of stress? Crying about the curses that were put over your life maybe?" Rhys said staring and smiling at Ronin... every word was true unfortunatly as he licked his lips and his head came closer to Korunue's chin.

Korunue 's smile fades, as she grows pale. "suic.... cur... atta...." she mutters, softly, shocked. She looks to Ronin, eyes pleading. "Is this true?" Then her eyes roll back into her head and she faints.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Korunue awakens, in her bed. She must have passed out... she sits up, on the edge of the bed, spying Ronin, her eyes pleading. "That demon..." she murmers, still a little out of it. She emits a weak laugh. "He... he was lying.... right?" Pleading, begging, wishing, hoping, praying, looking to Ronin in hopes he can make it all better.

Ronin looks at Korunue, considering wether or not it would be best to tell her the truth or to comfort her. He sighs, "No..." he says after a moment. His eyes downcast. "It was all true Kor, every word." He leaves his spot and walks over to the bed, sitting down next to Kor. "I'm sorry..."

Korunue stands quickly, turning pale. She regards him warily, in horror, backing away slowly. What... she tries to rationalize this..." no." she whispers softly. "It can't be."

Ronin looks up at Korunue. Sighing again he nods. "It was. It all happened. He tricked me, cast a spell on me. It had several long reaching affects." He silently thanks the gods that Rhys didnt mention the fact that they HAD managed to kill themselves, only to be saved by a spell.....but Kor has enough to manage now without knowing that.

Korunue stares in horror, chest heaving. "you lie..." she whispers, as if a new thought was striking her. "you LIE!" she shouts, louder, angrily. "Why would you lie to me? You're in league with him! Humans, youkai, demons, they're all the same! You must think it's funny to pick on the ikkiyou, huh? Just like the damn kids at school! And that demon! You're all the same!" she is near hysterical, feeling betrayed.

Ronin looks horrified now. "I lie?" he says slowly. "I...I lie?" he says again, carefully rising to his feet. "Kor....It all happened, and theres proof." He says, pointing at her stomach. "That scar. You know what its from. Your father saved you from that one." He curls and uncurls hs fists, trying not to get angry. "The hanyou" he says, referring to himself "takes it very seriously when someone picks on the ikkiyou. I've drawn my sword on people who pick on you before."

Korunue breathes deep and raggady. She refuses to belief it, especially since she has no idea what he's talking about (having forgotten her training). She swallows hard, tears forming, and runs to him, beating on his chest, though not too hard, tears bursting. "you lie... you lie..." she sobs, her hits slowing and becoming weaker and weaker, her face against his chest.

Ronin wraps his arms around Korunue and holds her close. "Kor, I'm sorry. I should have told you earlier, but was worried about something like this." He sighs and scratches her behind the ears, just like he did when they first met.

Korunue cannot deal... too many thoughts in her head... she pulls away from his embrace. She looks into his eyes. "why... why would you lie to me... why would you try to hurt me.... I thought you loved me...." Tears fill her eyes, and she stumbles blindly into the hallway, racing through the inn so fast she appears to be no more than a black and white blur, vaguly girl-shaped, before she is on her way into the forest. Ronin immediately dashes out the door and leaps the balcony, landing on his feet and sprinting out the door. Kor did this terribly often and he has become used to it. He catches sight of Kor and runs after her.

Korunue races ahead, blindly, almost tripping a few times. She has no idea where to go or what to do... except away from the lying bastards who want to hurt her. Everyone hated her.... she was better off alone, with only her unborn pups for company. They wouldn't hurt her. Ronin takes to the trees, per usual. He can move faster up there, and as he leaps from branch to branch he slowly gains on Korunue. "Kor!" he calls out occasionally.

Korunue runs through the forest, franticlly,in tears. "Leave me alone! And don't call me that! My NAME is RAVEN!!!!!" she screams, at the top of her lungs, not slowing for a moment. "LEAVE ME ALONE!" She is on the verge of a breakdown.... or is she?

Ronin catches up to Korunue, still in the trees. "You're Korunue!" he calls out. "My wife, my beloved." At beloved he eaps down in front of her, bracing himself to catch her, and to keep from being shoved aside. There is no way she could dodge him this time.

Korunue runs into him, then struggles to pull away. "I don't even know who you are.... much less who I am.." she whispers. "Leave me alone! You don't love me.... how do I know you're not lying about everything?" She is sobbing wildly, as she struggles with all her might to get away.

Ronin locks his arms around her. "But I know who you are. You knew at one time. I dont know what happened. Why you forgot everything that happened in the past year, but that doesnt change the fact. I love you, and you'll have to trust me Kor. Like you have before."

Korunue fights like a wildcat, hysterical. She begins using her claws, which are quite formidable, to scratch at his arms as she kicks, head thrashing, hair everywhere, growling.

Ronin keeps his hold, but loses his balance and falls down. He immediately wraps his legs around Kor to keep her from kicking. Then, shifts his arms to grab her wrists. "KOR! Stop it!" he says forcefully. He ignores any wounds he may suffer. He has to get Korunue calmed down.

Korunue bites at his wrists, using her teeth as a last resort. "let me GO!" she shrieks, beyond reasoning, going by instinct to get free, get away. "demon!" She twists and turns to get away.

Ronin forces Korunue's arms down to her waist and pins them there. "KOR! I said stop it." He simply refuses to say more, intent on keeping her from causing anymore damage.

Korunue turns her head and spits in his face, snarling. "LET. ME. GO!!!" She screams, at the top of her lungs, not ceasing her struggle in the least.

Ronin shakes his head at Korunue. "I'm not letting you go. You're my wife, my beloved. I can't let you get hurt."

Korunue keeps fighting. "I'd be FINE! It's people like YOU who want to torment me! You, and that demon, with your lies... what, you thought I'd just break down? You wanted to make me insane? Or die?" She spits in his face once more, then tries to bite his hands once more.

Ronin sighs but doesn't loosen his grip. "You think everything was bad? You think that it's been nothing but torment?" He shakes his head a little. "You've forgotten the pillowfight we had. You were so happy that night...so happy."

Korunue's chest heaves. "you lier! you're making it up! I never tried to... I'd remember! Why would I want to..." she can't even say it. She snarls. "Leave me alone!" She fights harder, trying to bring her knee to his..... you know.

Ronin struggles breifly, almost losing control, but he manages to maintain his grip. "You've forgotten everything else Kor. I wish you did remember the pillow fight. It was the first night we slept in the same bed. Why do you think I want to hurt you so?"

Korunue snarles. "I won't waste words on a liar!" she says, kneeing him again and spitting in his face once more. She snarles wildly: one would almost think she was possesed, but there was no glow or eye-color change at all.

Ronin groans a little. Kor had almost made it up there, but he managed to squeeze his legs tight enough to stop her. "I'm not a liar. What makes you think I am?"

Korunue snarls wildly. "you lie! You lie about my past! I know myself, I would never in a million years WANT to die! Kill, maybe. Die, no!" She is obviously horrified by the idea. She spits on him again. "Now LET ME GO, demon! Just because I have less of the blood than you..."

Ronin snarls himself now. "Now just wait a minute. I haven't lied about your past. That scar, the one on your belly.You know what that is? It's the remains of seppuku, sucide.thats what you tried. Your father saved you. You want to go ask him?"

Korunue snarls harder, baring her teeth. "For all I know, YOU gave that to me!" She fights harder, thrashing franticlly. Any harder and she'll hurt herself.

"Not any cut like that. Now will you stop it. Do you forget whose pups you're carrying? Who the father is?"

Korunue keeps snarling and fighting. "How can I be sure they're even yours? And if they are, that means nothing! For all I know you tied me down, faked that cut, raped me until I was pregnant, then hit me on the head with a rock until I lost my memory so I can't call the authorities!"

Ronin shakes his head. "If I did that, the cut would be fresher. You would be bruised. You would have a large lump on your head. You would have abrasions from teh rope. See, none of what youre saying is making sense. Now stop it, please." He stares into her eyes, his eyes begging, pleading.

Korunue stares right back, her eyes full of hatred, yes, and anger, yes, but mostly fear. She looks like a trapped animal, ready to gnaw her own leg off if it means escaping this cruel trap. "let me go."

Ronin shakes his head. "Nope, not gonna do it. You might hurt yourself."

Korunue snarls. She tugs harder. "I won't! I told you! I would never do anything like that!" she snarles. "Except in your twisted reality!" She sure has spunk... when she's not depressed. She twists and tugs, lurching to the side in hopes she can unbalance him somewhat.

Ronin cant be off balance, since he already fell back at hte beginning. "I can hold on all day Kor we've proven this before."

Korunue's breath comes hard. She is wearing herself out. She pants, glaring at him. She is desprate. She jerks hard with her right arm upwards, hoping to free it.

Ronin isn't holding tight enough and he loses his grip, he does tighten his grip on her other arm and immediately tries to catch her arm.

Korunue jerks her arm away, using her claws to scratch at him wherever possible. She gets herself a few times, but scarecly notices, so desprate is she.

Ronin finally manages to catch her wrist again. "Kor...stop it."

Korunue bites at his wrist, the one holding her wrist, hoping to at least make him bleed... though if he's REALLY unlucky she'll sever a certain vein, one she tried to cut once or twice... though she doesn't know it.

Ronin jerks his arm, and her wrist back down to her waist. "Kor, I asked you...please stop."

Korunue snarls. "never!" she spits on him again, then tries to twist around to bite his wrist again. She can't reach, not being as nimble as before, so she snarls and heads for his shoulder instead.

Ronin places his head next to hers, softly, so as not to hurt her. "Kor" he says, looking into her eyes. "Do you really believe I've been lying to you. Look at me, at my eyes, and tell me. Think about it."

Korunue looks into his eyes. She sees no trace of lying, and yet.... she HAS to belive he's lying, or it's all over. some part of her knows this, and forces her to belive. She pants, her breath raggady, with exhaustion and the urge to burst into tears. She controls the urge, but says nothing.

"Tell me Kor...You knwo better. You know I'm not lying."

Korunue stares at him. she almost belives it.... her eyes flicker, the hatred replaced by sadness, sadness and fear mingling.. then she snarles again. "Nice trick, demon." Her heart pleads for him to understand. She CAN'T belive him! Or she might..... her heart knows things her mind cannot accept quite yet.

"Trick? What trick?...Fine, you don't believe me. What more can I do. I told you the truth. I guess....I guess...."he doesn't want to say what crosses his mind right now.

Korunue somehow.... somehow feels..... sad, and wrong.... like things are falling apart... she has an urge to.. comfort him? that's madness. Her eyes flicker, her inner torment showing.

Ronin sighs, if he did what he was thinking....no, then he would be breaking vows...leaving the pups and Kor to fend for themselves. That couldnt ahppen.

Korunue stops snarling and fighting. She can't... she has to... a memory floods back: him, in a fetal position, on the forest floor, sobbing. She shuts her eyes, willing more to come through.. but none do.

Ronin sighs again and loosens his grip. "I let you loose, you promise not to run off?"

Korunue keeps her eyes shut. "I make no such promise. I will promise not to hurt myself or the pups." She says this absently, trying to force the memories to come, something, anything so she can be sure... but they stay firmly locked away.

Ronin shakes his head. "That's not good enough. I want you nearby, so I can make sure you aren't hurt. You may not beleive me, but you're still my wife."

Korunue says nothing... at least to him. "damn memories... come back! you can't just give me ONE!" she snarles, at nobody in particular.,

"Memory? What, what was it?" he says excitedly.

Korunue looks him in the eye, openeing her own. "I'll tell you if you let me go."

Ronin thinks about it for a moment. "alright, but don't run off...please." he says, more pleading than anything. He softly lets go of her wrists, and removes his legs from hers.

Korunue leaps back, and leans against a tree. She studies him for a second. "you, in the woods, curled up, sobbing like a little baby." She then flips into the tree and takes off again."

Ronin sighs, maybe he could just take the dagger after all. He cant keep chasing her around. He lets a dagger slide out of his sleeve and studies it for a moment. Curling up in a fetal position agian, and not realizing it.

Korunue is halfway across the forest, and so does not see him. She needs shelter, she realizes. she finds an old, half-rotted log, not far from the lake shore, and climbs inside.

Ronin slides the dagger away and slowly crawls to his feet. He can track her, she can't have gone far, not being pregnant and all. SO he sets out, sniffing her trail.

Korunue curles up in the log, falling asleep quickly. Her stomach growls, but she pays it no mind.

Ronin folows the trail to an old log, He gets down on his hands and knees, peering inside. He sees Korunue and slowly, carefully crawls inside, being sure not to wake her. He scoots up close to her and sighs.

Korunue does awaken, because of the nearness of warmpth. She instinctivly kicks out, assuming him to be a wild animal.

Ronin grunts as he is kicked, but doesnt budge. "You werent supposed to run aay." he says softly.

Korunue gasps. "you wern't supposed to follow.. can't you just leave me alone?"

Ronin shakes his head. "I cant do that, what kind of husband...or father would that make me?"

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