Search for Heart of Sword
Chapter 2
"I'm back." Soujirou greeted the innkeeper as he took the veggies to the kitchen. "Oh, welcome back Seta-san." The elderly man greeted him. "The young lady is up." "Oh, really?" Soujirou was enjoying this easy-going conversation, as he placed the veggies in its appropriate places. "Yes, she's healthy and strong.. Reminds me of my wife when she was young." The innkeeper chuckled at the memory. Soujirou smiled good-naturally, yet all that he could think of was how his heart pained whenever he tried to reflect on good memories. "You should go and visit the young lady, I'll finish up here." The innkeeper said with a twinkle in his eye. "Hai." He did want to check-up on Sai, but did the innkeeper think they were.? Not possible. Stop thinking like that, he told himself, and mentally kicked himself. He rushed out of the kitchen with a quick "Arigatou."
~^-^~ Sai was sitting in the garden. She had always loved gardens. She closed her eyes, and allowed the smell to take her back to her mother's garden. Her mother was weeding, and she sat nearby attempting to help. Her mother smiled at her, and wiped the dirt off her cheeks. Her mother's jade pendent gleamed in the sun, and she had reached out to touch it, giggling with delight at the feel of it. She turned at the sound of footsteps. Her brother and father stood there. They where sweating and covered with grime, but both were grinning like they had done something wonderful. She ran, and was lifted up into her father's arms. She pressed her face against his fuzzy chin. A sting shook Sai from her memory. She glanced down; the needle that she was using to mend her kimono had stuck her finger. Sai held her finger up, and watched the blood swell into a single crimson drop. She blinked. There used to be a time that she winced at the sight of blood. She pressed her finger to her lips. "Sai-san." She nearly jumped at the sound of his voice. With some embarrassment, she put her hand down and smiled up at Soujirou. "Soujirou-san, please, sit." She indicated the empty space beside her. "Thank you." With the gentlest rustle of cloth, he sat. " So, Sai- san, are you feeling better?" "Yes, I feel much better now. Or at least well enough not be stuck in bed." She moved to dangle her legs off of the ledge, and smiled to show the smiling youth that she was fine. Soujirou examined the girl smiling before him. She seemed to be in late teens, but currently looked at lot younger. The sun shined on Sai's face, and for the first time Soujirou noticed the color of her eyes. They were a bright amethyst color, and shined like jewels in the sunlight. Amethyst eyes and fire colored hair.where had he seen that combination before? Sai looked up. Soujirou was looking at her oddly. She quickly folded her legs. She flushed. His voice was soft and gentle.how could she compare. He must think her manner-less and unrespectable. Damn, why was she so nervous? "Thank you for what you did for me. I don't know how I can repay you." She glazed at his surprised expression, and quickly added. "I must repay you!" Soujirou was a little taken back. "Well, you don't-" She shook her head defiantly, and her braids flew behind her. "No, please don't try to be kind and say that you want nothing. I know I don't have much money, or anything at all, but I will pay you back!" She suddenly felt angry. And said flatly, "I don't want your pity." "Demo. I don't want anything from you." He said quietly. "I did this because it was the right thing to do at the time." And it might help me understand and find the truth, he added silently. He turned to her, hoping that she would understand. Oh, she thought, what a noble reason. If all noble acts were good. She got to her feet. " I hope you don't think that I'll give up that easily." She said with a hint of teasing. She looked at him once before turning to go. "I have some business to attend to. If the innkeeper asks, tell him I'll be back shortly." Soujirou nodded to her retreating back. He watched as her twin braids bounced on her back as she walked. There was a feeling of familiarity that he just couldn't shake off, and it made him want to find out more. Like, for instance, where she was going and why. But she would've told him if she wanted to, he argued. Too bad he was never really good at arguing against his curiosity.
~^-^~ Sai strolled down the town streets. If this town was like all the others. then it should be near here. She thought as she walked toward the center of the town. Where is it? She looked around in annoyance. She was in the middle of the town, and she hasn't spotted it yet. She scanned the plaza until she saw it.
~^-^~ Soujirou watched from the safety of the shoppers as he "spied" on Sai. He told himself that he was following her to make sure that she doesn't collapse again. She had barely recovered, and shouldn't be walking around town already. Around the inn, yes, but not around town. He chided himself for letting her run off like that. That was, of course, before he flushed upon realizing that he was being somewhat possessive. He was very tempted to follow her into the building she had entered, but he didn't want to intrude, and, not being sure of her temper, didn't want to risk it. His curiosity gnawed at him. What was she doing in the government building? Was she there for the local police office or the registry office? Perhaps her family was harmed and she had come for help? Not possible, he decided-she would've told him right away. No! It has to be something that isn't an immediate problem. He smacked his fist into his palm. And it must be either very personal or secretive! He rested his chin in his hand while some little kids ran past yelling, "Lookit the scholar guy!"
~^-^~ Sai felt disappointed. He wasn't in this town. She looked up and sighed. Where was he? The sky was wide and blue and he could be anywhere under it. or he could be.no! She shook her head. She couldn't fall into a depression every time she got disappointed. That wouldn't do. she still had much more places to look. She chided herself. She'd been disappointed so many times, she smiled, shouldn't she have built up a barrier to it already? Sai felt her determination, or stubbornness, flooding back to her. She would find him. She had to find him. She didn't really need to stay with him, but she need to see him, hear him.. She needed to make sure that he was there. and that she was not alone. She looked at the bustling crowd. A young girl with her parents, happily waving at a friend, another girl with her older brother. Her heart ached. Sai's attention was quickly deferred. Another girl of around age 10 was yelling at some boys. The girl had a few scratches, doubtless from previous fights. Her appearance was ragged. She yelled some more, and shook her fist at the departing boys. Muttering under her breath, she didn't even look at where she was going until she walked right into Sai. Sai looked down at he girl sprawled at her feet. Interesting. " Hey! Why don't you watch where you're going?!" The girl looked angrily up at her. " Well, I was just standing here. You ran into me. " She pointed out.
" What kind of person just stands in the middle of the road?" The girl countered. Glaring up at Sai, daring her to fight. Sai only laughed. " Are you hungry?" The girl glanced untrustingly up at her. " I'll buy you something to eat." Sai smiled down at the girl. Going against her better instinct, but with her stomach, the girl nodded yes. Sai smile, " Well then, follow me." She turned toward the direction of the inn. " Soujirou-san!" She called into the crowd. " I'm heading back!" The girl nearly jumped as Soujirou appeared beside them. " And I understand we are treating her to lunch?" " Hai! " Sai winked. She liked the sound of "we", she hadn't heard that in a while. Sai and Soujirou chatted about he weather, while the girl followed grudgingly behind them.
~^-^~ Soujirou blinked. And blinked again. The girl and Sai were stuffing their faces with some of the inn's delicious cooking. How they managed to eat so fast, he had no idea. The innkeeper had prepared some rather light dishes, so Sai wouldn't get sick again. He gingerly picked up his chopsticks. The food looked great and he wasn't about to let it go to waste. The threesome finished off the food with a vengeance. After several rice bowls, they were all stuffed. Sai sighed, then looked at the girl, "So, what's your name?" The girl glared untrustingly at Sai. "." " It's ok, you can tell us." Soujirou coaxed with a smile. " My name's Aya." The girl smiled at Soujirou. " So Aya, what are you doing running around by yourself?" Soujirou just kept on smiling. The girl hesitated. " Anou. I'm trying to find my father." "Reallly?" Sai arched an eyebrow. " You? Alone?" " If your father's missing then you should tell the police." Soujirou commented. " I can't." Aya retorted boldly. " Why?" Sai prompted. " I just can't." Aya glowered at Sai. "Ma, ma," Soujirou could practically see the sparks forming between the two girls. " So, tell us about it." Aya knew that you never tell important things to strangers, but they seemed ok, and she's already told them the important part. " Well, they came and took him away." " Who took him away?" Sai was interested, maybe she could help with this. " What did he do?" Soujirou took the more rational step of researching. " I think he didn't help the black men do something, and they broke into our house and took him." She waved them closer and whispered. "My father's the mayor." " Soujirou-san we've got to help." Sai begged Soujorou. "Anou." Soujirou smiled nervously. Did she mean fighting the kidnappers? How did she know about his swordsman-ship? " How?" " We could help her contact the proper authorities, so she won't be getting herself killed." Sai nodded. " Hey!" Aya didn't like that idea. " I can do it." " We're not saying that you can't, but it would be much safer that way." Soujirou sighed inwardly, so Sai didn't know. Now for the problem at hand. " What would your mother do if you disappeared too?" Aya looked down. He was right. Her mother was already worried to death about her father, she shouldn't add on to her worries. " But they might kill him." Sai looked at Soujirou before placing her hand on Aya's shoulder. " Don't worry, I'm sure they'll know how to handle it. Your job is to help your mother." "Is there anything else?" Soujirou asked. "Did they say anything or have some sort of accent? Aya slowly shook her head. She thought for a min before looking up. " Yes! They mentioned a warehouse near the south side of town!" "That's great Aya-chan! Now we'll take youto the police and you can tell them everything you told us." Soujirou smiled, Aya beamed, and Sai brooded. " You guys can go." Sai got up. "I'm sorry. I seemed to have over exercised myself." Soujirou mentally kicked himself. He had completely forgotten that Sai was still kind of sick. "Yes, Sai-san. I hope all of this isn't too much." Sai stopped at the door. She turned and smiled. "Don't worry about me. I'm just need some rest. Ja ne, Aya-chan." * blink blink * "She's sick?" Aya asked Soujirou.
~^-^~ Sai entered her room and knelt down near her meager lump of possessions. From it she pulled out a flute. The flute was made of jade green bamboo, and had a string decoration with a piece of jade tied to it. It was quite obviously from China. It was rather long for a flute, and something about it just didn't feel right. Sai held it to her lip and produced one clear and beautiful note. Smiling, she put the flute down. But instead of putting it away, she placed her hand on the end and pulled. A thin silver blade came out of the bamboo scabbard. She held it to her face for inspection. The blade was clear and shining. Sai allowed the blade to reflect her smile before putting it away. " Long, we have work to do."
~ Authors Notes ~ Sorry it took me so long to write this chapter, minna-san. I hope you enjoy it, even though it has no action in it, and I thought it was too lengthy, but the action will be starting in the next chapter, which I will get straight to working on! As usual any suggestions are welcome at anime_bunni@yahoo.com. Arigatou for reading!
*Hai = yes, right *Demo = but *anou = um...er.
Chapter 2
"I'm back." Soujirou greeted the innkeeper as he took the veggies to the kitchen. "Oh, welcome back Seta-san." The elderly man greeted him. "The young lady is up." "Oh, really?" Soujirou was enjoying this easy-going conversation, as he placed the veggies in its appropriate places. "Yes, she's healthy and strong.. Reminds me of my wife when she was young." The innkeeper chuckled at the memory. Soujirou smiled good-naturally, yet all that he could think of was how his heart pained whenever he tried to reflect on good memories. "You should go and visit the young lady, I'll finish up here." The innkeeper said with a twinkle in his eye. "Hai." He did want to check-up on Sai, but did the innkeeper think they were.? Not possible. Stop thinking like that, he told himself, and mentally kicked himself. He rushed out of the kitchen with a quick "Arigatou."
~^-^~ Sai was sitting in the garden. She had always loved gardens. She closed her eyes, and allowed the smell to take her back to her mother's garden. Her mother was weeding, and she sat nearby attempting to help. Her mother smiled at her, and wiped the dirt off her cheeks. Her mother's jade pendent gleamed in the sun, and she had reached out to touch it, giggling with delight at the feel of it. She turned at the sound of footsteps. Her brother and father stood there. They where sweating and covered with grime, but both were grinning like they had done something wonderful. She ran, and was lifted up into her father's arms. She pressed her face against his fuzzy chin. A sting shook Sai from her memory. She glanced down; the needle that she was using to mend her kimono had stuck her finger. Sai held her finger up, and watched the blood swell into a single crimson drop. She blinked. There used to be a time that she winced at the sight of blood. She pressed her finger to her lips. "Sai-san." She nearly jumped at the sound of his voice. With some embarrassment, she put her hand down and smiled up at Soujirou. "Soujirou-san, please, sit." She indicated the empty space beside her. "Thank you." With the gentlest rustle of cloth, he sat. " So, Sai- san, are you feeling better?" "Yes, I feel much better now. Or at least well enough not be stuck in bed." She moved to dangle her legs off of the ledge, and smiled to show the smiling youth that she was fine. Soujirou examined the girl smiling before him. She seemed to be in late teens, but currently looked at lot younger. The sun shined on Sai's face, and for the first time Soujirou noticed the color of her eyes. They were a bright amethyst color, and shined like jewels in the sunlight. Amethyst eyes and fire colored hair.where had he seen that combination before? Sai looked up. Soujirou was looking at her oddly. She quickly folded her legs. She flushed. His voice was soft and gentle.how could she compare. He must think her manner-less and unrespectable. Damn, why was she so nervous? "Thank you for what you did for me. I don't know how I can repay you." She glazed at his surprised expression, and quickly added. "I must repay you!" Soujirou was a little taken back. "Well, you don't-" She shook her head defiantly, and her braids flew behind her. "No, please don't try to be kind and say that you want nothing. I know I don't have much money, or anything at all, but I will pay you back!" She suddenly felt angry. And said flatly, "I don't want your pity." "Demo. I don't want anything from you." He said quietly. "I did this because it was the right thing to do at the time." And it might help me understand and find the truth, he added silently. He turned to her, hoping that she would understand. Oh, she thought, what a noble reason. If all noble acts were good. She got to her feet. " I hope you don't think that I'll give up that easily." She said with a hint of teasing. She looked at him once before turning to go. "I have some business to attend to. If the innkeeper asks, tell him I'll be back shortly." Soujirou nodded to her retreating back. He watched as her twin braids bounced on her back as she walked. There was a feeling of familiarity that he just couldn't shake off, and it made him want to find out more. Like, for instance, where she was going and why. But she would've told him if she wanted to, he argued. Too bad he was never really good at arguing against his curiosity.
~^-^~ Sai strolled down the town streets. If this town was like all the others. then it should be near here. She thought as she walked toward the center of the town. Where is it? She looked around in annoyance. She was in the middle of the town, and she hasn't spotted it yet. She scanned the plaza until she saw it.
~^-^~ Soujirou watched from the safety of the shoppers as he "spied" on Sai. He told himself that he was following her to make sure that she doesn't collapse again. She had barely recovered, and shouldn't be walking around town already. Around the inn, yes, but not around town. He chided himself for letting her run off like that. That was, of course, before he flushed upon realizing that he was being somewhat possessive. He was very tempted to follow her into the building she had entered, but he didn't want to intrude, and, not being sure of her temper, didn't want to risk it. His curiosity gnawed at him. What was she doing in the government building? Was she there for the local police office or the registry office? Perhaps her family was harmed and she had come for help? Not possible, he decided-she would've told him right away. No! It has to be something that isn't an immediate problem. He smacked his fist into his palm. And it must be either very personal or secretive! He rested his chin in his hand while some little kids ran past yelling, "Lookit the scholar guy!"
~^-^~ Sai felt disappointed. He wasn't in this town. She looked up and sighed. Where was he? The sky was wide and blue and he could be anywhere under it. or he could be.no! She shook her head. She couldn't fall into a depression every time she got disappointed. That wouldn't do. she still had much more places to look. She chided herself. She'd been disappointed so many times, she smiled, shouldn't she have built up a barrier to it already? Sai felt her determination, or stubbornness, flooding back to her. She would find him. She had to find him. She didn't really need to stay with him, but she need to see him, hear him.. She needed to make sure that he was there. and that she was not alone. She looked at the bustling crowd. A young girl with her parents, happily waving at a friend, another girl with her older brother. Her heart ached. Sai's attention was quickly deferred. Another girl of around age 10 was yelling at some boys. The girl had a few scratches, doubtless from previous fights. Her appearance was ragged. She yelled some more, and shook her fist at the departing boys. Muttering under her breath, she didn't even look at where she was going until she walked right into Sai. Sai looked down at he girl sprawled at her feet. Interesting. " Hey! Why don't you watch where you're going?!" The girl looked angrily up at her. " Well, I was just standing here. You ran into me. " She pointed out.
" What kind of person just stands in the middle of the road?" The girl countered. Glaring up at Sai, daring her to fight. Sai only laughed. " Are you hungry?" The girl glanced untrustingly up at her. " I'll buy you something to eat." Sai smiled down at the girl. Going against her better instinct, but with her stomach, the girl nodded yes. Sai smile, " Well then, follow me." She turned toward the direction of the inn. " Soujirou-san!" She called into the crowd. " I'm heading back!" The girl nearly jumped as Soujirou appeared beside them. " And I understand we are treating her to lunch?" " Hai! " Sai winked. She liked the sound of "we", she hadn't heard that in a while. Sai and Soujirou chatted about he weather, while the girl followed grudgingly behind them.
~^-^~ Soujirou blinked. And blinked again. The girl and Sai were stuffing their faces with some of the inn's delicious cooking. How they managed to eat so fast, he had no idea. The innkeeper had prepared some rather light dishes, so Sai wouldn't get sick again. He gingerly picked up his chopsticks. The food looked great and he wasn't about to let it go to waste. The threesome finished off the food with a vengeance. After several rice bowls, they were all stuffed. Sai sighed, then looked at the girl, "So, what's your name?" The girl glared untrustingly at Sai. "." " It's ok, you can tell us." Soujirou coaxed with a smile. " My name's Aya." The girl smiled at Soujirou. " So Aya, what are you doing running around by yourself?" Soujirou just kept on smiling. The girl hesitated. " Anou. I'm trying to find my father." "Reallly?" Sai arched an eyebrow. " You? Alone?" " If your father's missing then you should tell the police." Soujirou commented. " I can't." Aya retorted boldly. " Why?" Sai prompted. " I just can't." Aya glowered at Sai. "Ma, ma," Soujirou could practically see the sparks forming between the two girls. " So, tell us about it." Aya knew that you never tell important things to strangers, but they seemed ok, and she's already told them the important part. " Well, they came and took him away." " Who took him away?" Sai was interested, maybe she could help with this. " What did he do?" Soujirou took the more rational step of researching. " I think he didn't help the black men do something, and they broke into our house and took him." She waved them closer and whispered. "My father's the mayor." " Soujirou-san we've got to help." Sai begged Soujorou. "Anou." Soujirou smiled nervously. Did she mean fighting the kidnappers? How did she know about his swordsman-ship? " How?" " We could help her contact the proper authorities, so she won't be getting herself killed." Sai nodded. " Hey!" Aya didn't like that idea. " I can do it." " We're not saying that you can't, but it would be much safer that way." Soujirou sighed inwardly, so Sai didn't know. Now for the problem at hand. " What would your mother do if you disappeared too?" Aya looked down. He was right. Her mother was already worried to death about her father, she shouldn't add on to her worries. " But they might kill him." Sai looked at Soujirou before placing her hand on Aya's shoulder. " Don't worry, I'm sure they'll know how to handle it. Your job is to help your mother." "Is there anything else?" Soujirou asked. "Did they say anything or have some sort of accent? Aya slowly shook her head. She thought for a min before looking up. " Yes! They mentioned a warehouse near the south side of town!" "That's great Aya-chan! Now we'll take youto the police and you can tell them everything you told us." Soujirou smiled, Aya beamed, and Sai brooded. " You guys can go." Sai got up. "I'm sorry. I seemed to have over exercised myself." Soujirou mentally kicked himself. He had completely forgotten that Sai was still kind of sick. "Yes, Sai-san. I hope all of this isn't too much." Sai stopped at the door. She turned and smiled. "Don't worry about me. I'm just need some rest. Ja ne, Aya-chan." * blink blink * "She's sick?" Aya asked Soujirou.
~^-^~ Sai entered her room and knelt down near her meager lump of possessions. From it she pulled out a flute. The flute was made of jade green bamboo, and had a string decoration with a piece of jade tied to it. It was quite obviously from China. It was rather long for a flute, and something about it just didn't feel right. Sai held it to her lip and produced one clear and beautiful note. Smiling, she put the flute down. But instead of putting it away, she placed her hand on the end and pulled. A thin silver blade came out of the bamboo scabbard. She held it to her face for inspection. The blade was clear and shining. Sai allowed the blade to reflect her smile before putting it away. " Long, we have work to do."
~ Authors Notes ~ Sorry it took me so long to write this chapter, minna-san. I hope you enjoy it, even though it has no action in it, and I thought it was too lengthy, but the action will be starting in the next chapter, which I will get straight to working on! As usual any suggestions are welcome at anime_bunni@yahoo.com. Arigatou for reading!
*Hai = yes, right *Demo = but *anou = um...er.