"Did you expect me to hold my bladder for that long? Besides… It is unladylike." Usagi grinned sheepishly and shrugged her shoulders. "Nee, I thought you'd be proud of me, Rei-chan."
"I'm not Rei-chan, so don't call me that," the raven-haired woman snapped irritably. "What if someone had seen you, baka? All of us would end up in jail! For life!" She pointed an accusing finger at her. "Quit being so immature! I'm sick and tired of your foolish games! Either grow up or stay away from me!"
Usagi's blue eyes expanded as Rei brushed past her, retreating with a hurried pace. She was obviously on the verge of crying, as her eyes had reflected a considerable amount of unleashing emotions. The other girls were staring at her with silent surprise, their mouths slightly agape.
"Gomen…" the astounded blond whispered to herself. "Rei-chan… I wanted things to be like before… When all of us were bound together with an unbreakable friendship… Demo… It's different now." Her fingers clenched firmly over her bokken. "We can't even trust each other anymore!"
"Usa-chan… Onegai… Calm down," Minako murmured, tears glistening in her eyes. She was obviously hurt by the harsh words. "Stop yelling… Don't be angry…"
"Iie!" she barked, suddenly vexed with the situation. "I'm sick of being ordered around! I don't need to be supervised all the time! I don't need her!" Her blue eyes glazed over with an intensifying shade of crimson. "And I don't need you. Never have you depend on me!"
"Shut up!" Minako cried aloud, suddenly lashing out at the wrathful Usagi. Her hand was intended on striking her face directly, but instead, Usagi reacted to the attack, grabbing her wrist with tightness. Minako's palm was barely inches from her cheek as she stared back in horror.
Usagi didn't seem to be responding as anticipated. Her angered features had simply altered into a look of pure sadness, and she released Minako's wrist gently. "I can't believe…" She was in a loss for words. "You were going to…"
"I…" was all Minako could choke out. "You were overreacting, Usa-chan."
"There you go again, trying to make matters worse," Usagi whispered hoarsely, a tinge of hurt in her tone. "I don't know how I was able to consider you my allies… When you can't even refrain from hitting me!"
"Gomen, Usagi…" Minako nearly wept, clinging onto her long sleeve frantically. "I didn't mean to aggravate you at all… I just didn't want anybody hurt…"
"So now I'm dangerous?" Usagi shot back bitterly. She shook her off with a motion of her arm. "If I'm such a burden to you, I suppose you'll be better off without me. Tell Setsuna-sensei I was grateful for her kindness."
Before any of the girls could react, the young woman had already pivoted on her toe and escaped in the other direction, her kimono readily hiked up to her knees.
"Usagi!"
Usagi paused, her head tilted in the direction of a small, comfortable appearing tea house on the edge of the street. With a new look of determination blazing in the depths of her eyes, she strode up to the front and ushered back the small curtain.
What was displayed before her shocked, and at the same time, repulsed the blond. Several older, drunker men could be seen, scattered all over the massive room, either an under-dressed woman by their side or boasting towards each other. She wrinkled her nose in complete disgust and was promptly prepared to exit.
"Where are you going, beppin?"
Usagi froze in her spot, mainly because her only getaway was blocked by a taller, slurring man before her. His brown eyes sent a single chill up her spine as they stared down at her. By reflex, she grabbed for her bokken. "Trying to get out of this place…"
His grin was almost sickening. "You must be shy, beppin. Why don't you sit down and relax… Come and enjoy the wonders of Touka Teahouse with me, ne?"
'That Maxwell thief mentioned this place! I was supposed to meet him here at twilight! Aya… He warned me of the men here…' She gave a fake smile to the drunk man. "I'm meeting somebody special here, Misuta."
"I'm flattered," he replied briskly, patting a massive palm against her back. "Saa, have a drink or two. We have plenty of room here, beppin."
'Quit calling me that,' she wanted to snap back. Her eyes roamed curiously around the room, preferably in search of a certain chestnut braid hanging about. How could he even survive in such conditions? The man grew impatient, so he pushed her to a nearby table. She collapsed backwards, onto her backside, and all eyes were quickly on her. Giving a nervous laugh, the embarrassed Usagi retreated to a far corner table.
The brown-eyed man had most likely forgotten her already, as she had predicted. 'Too damn drunk to even remember his beppin,' she mused bitterly. Her arms folded themselves across her chest in an impatient manner. 'I should march out of here right now. Why, I don't even need that sword-' Her thoughts were cut off as a hand clasped her smaller shoulder. She drowsily tilted her head sideways, and recognized a familiar pair of amused cobalt eyes. "It's you!"
"Missed me?" The braided thief grinned and shrugged his shoulders. "I told you about the kind of people around here. You really shouldn't have come in."
Usagi's nose wrinkled. "I never would have guessed," came her snorted response. "I don't know how you can cooperate with these- these monsters."
He waved the statement off and slumped into the seat opposite her. "Nee, you get used to them after a while. I guess it's tougher being female around here…"
A waiter was promptly by Usagi's side. "Can I get anything for you?" He looked from Duo to her, and then back to the grinning thief. "Aren't you a little young to be here…"
"We'll have two cups as quickly as possible, onegai," Duo cut in, holding up two fingers. He gave a hasty, reassuring smirk to Usagi. The waiter simply cocked an eyebrow, bowed, and disappeared into the crowds of customers.
"I don't want any drink! Are you trying to poison me?" Usagi frowned with obvious doubt. "Just what have you got planned for me? Where are your companions? Some sort of trick!"
Duo chuckled lightheartedly. "I should really be asking you the same question…. But I won't, because I'm a nice man. The drinks are on me, and no, they aren't poisoned. Believe me yet?"
"No," Usagi shot back dryly, observing him with the corner of her eye. "But just to show I'm not to be underestimated, I'll just play along."
"Fine with me."
The waiter presented both Usagi and Duo with a rather large beverage. When Duo had paid the man, he was already gone, and the two were left in silence.
Usagi studied the cup before her with serene concentration written on her face. The braided boy simply watched her in mute curiosity, when finally, she lifted it to her lips. "I think it's all right to drink…"
"Like I said," Duo muttered with irritation, gulping down his own drink. "I wasn't trying to poison you, I was attempting to be considerate… A gentleman. Are you always so uptight?"
She finished off the beverage rapidly, and gave out a long exhale of relaxation. "Iie… I've just been concerned lately… What… What were in these drinks?"
He scratched the back of his head before replying. "A bit of everything, actually. It's mostly alcohol, although. Trust me on this one, you need to blend in here. I knew you'd enjoy it, ne?"
Usagi's eyes widened as she stared down blankly at her empty glass. It really had tasted convenient to her, but she knew the consequences of such drinks! Through sudden realization, she slapped a hand to her mouth.
Duo cocked an eyebrow as he observed her actions. "What, are you going to throw up or something? I didn't know you could get affected so easily…"
She glared at him through a sudden haze building up in her mind and body. It scared her inwardly, but she forced herself not to say anything. Instead, she kept her mouth shut.
"I truthfully hope you don't get drunk on me, Usagi," she could hear him say quietly. "Then I'd have to haul you out of here before matters get worse. Do you think you'll be fine?"
"Well, I think…" Usagi found herself declaring, somewhat slurred, "I think… Oh, what were we talking about? It seems I have forgotten the topic! Silly me, ne?"
"Heh?" Duo's eyes had expanded in result of the girl's ramblings. He blinked. Once. Twice. "Kami-sama… I've managed to get you inebriated…" He reclined back into his chair.
Usagi struggled to get a grip on herself, but gradually found it harder and harder to recognize her surroundings. She found herself in an unbearable panic. "Get… Me out of here. Fast."
Duo nodded his head, amused features now altered into a look of concern. Before he could even stand upright, Usagi had already slumped forwards, her forehead banging lightly against the table. She began to laugh at this, a long, outburst of blissful giggles.
"Kami-sama…" Duo muttered under his breath, silently watching the girl. She stayed in the unusual position for quite a while, but finally, lifted her head with a sheepish look.
Her interested cerulean eyes seemed to stare back at him for what seemed an eternity. Slowly, she tilted her head to the side, eyeing him from an angle. "Why do you have long hair? It's braided like a woman!"
Duo narrowed his eyes at her. "I don't know, maybe you shouldn't ask anymore questions. And if you're going to, leave my hair out of it. You'll only endanger yourself."
Again, Usagi seemed dumbfounded by his response. She remained quiet for a small period of time, simply studying him. "I like your hair, though. It's unique! So pretty! Don't ever cut it. If you do, I'll never forgive you!"
Duo sweatdropped in an instant. "You… Really don't know what you're saying… Do you…"
She leaned in to examine him closer, her questioning face inches from his. Her breath smelled somewhat of alcohol, as she breathed softly against him.
The surprised thief surveyed her with rapidly increasing unease. Her cheeks were flushed lightly as she reached out a hand and pushed his bangs back, out of his eyes. "Even if you do give the impression of a woman…" she whispered briskly, "I'll always admire your hair."
Duo honestly didn't know how to react to the situation, so he made a grab for her wrist. "That's very considerate of you, Usagi, but I wouldn't advise you to come any closer without any control over yourself. You're very, very drunk right now. Understand?"
The intoxicated girl pulled her hand free weakly, focused eyes searching his. "I don't understand... But I'm tired. Oyasumi, Braid-Misuta…" She gave a weak smile before collapsing forwards with a heavy sigh, right into Duo himself.
Duo was able to catch her fallen form, relief replacing his caution. He fumbled with her limp body momentarily, and then carefully placed her next to him. "Oyasumi, you drunken odango."
'Was it just a dream?'
Usagi's eyes slowly fluttered open, gradually accustoming to the dimness of her whereabouts. She placed a hand to her forehead, and was surprised by the unusual warmth she was giving. 'It couldn't have been.'
She jerked herself upwards with one elbow, only to give out a low moan as her head began to receive sudden shots of pain. She collapsed backwards, undeniably weaker then she had expected.
"Oi, are you up?"
Her eyes snapped open in sudden realization to the familiar voice. 'It wasn't. It really happened.' She decided not to reply, hoping inwardly he would just leave.
"Your head must hurt a lot. That's the aftermath of being so drunk. It serves you right, drinking that whole glass down without even thinking twice."
Usagi scowled to herself. "Well, you're the one who gave it to me, so you're the one responsible. I remember precisely! I kindly asked you to get me out of that place…"
Duo, dressed in a light hakama, shuffled into the room. "Nee, you don't even know how you acted after that! It was living hell! You eventually fell asleep… Literally… And then I had my chance to get you out. I could have just left you there."
"Speaking of which… Where am I?"
Duo chuckled lightly and shook his head. "It's a back room of the Tea House. Sometimes they rent out their extra space… And this is mine. You are sleeping on my bed, and I had to sleep on the floor."
Usagi remained on her back, staring mutely up at the ceiling. "Was I really that awful? I suppose I should apologize for any trouble I gave you…"
He didn't seem to be responding.
Usagi decided to continue. "I'm grateful you took the time to drag me out of danger last night. I don't know what would have happened if I stayed behind."
"I suggest you don't even think twice about it," Duo replied curtly. "Besides, it's against my will to neglect a defenseless woman in a place like this."
Usagi struggled against her headache to sit up straight. She rubbed her temples soothingly. "Keep the sword. If I have to undergo crap like that again, you can forget it."
"Why don't you just get a new one? I don't see why you'd go to so much trouble for a hunk of metal."
Usagi tilted her head thoughtfully. "There was something about it. Something that drew me to it. It was almost as if it were meant for my hands. But I was too late."
Duo studied her momentarily, and then responded. "I'd be happy to accompany you in retrieving a new one. You need something more than a mere bokken."
Usagi nodded her head drowsily, stretching her arms outwards with a yawn. "I suppose. Demo… Do you have anything that can get rid of this headache?"
Duo shook his head with a small smile. "No can do. You're going to have to fight it off for the rest of the morning. You can rest, if you would like. I've got some business to take care of."
She was suddenly interested. "Oh? Business?"
He simply nodded his reply, straight-faced. "Look, I can assure you I'm not going to go out and steal all day. There are things I have to do. I'm a busy man"
She waved him off with another yawn. "Just checking. If you are planning to thieve again, I'll be there to hunt you down in a matter of seconds." Her eyes grew serious. "I'm not one who can grow accustomed to such nonsense."
"I'll be back at night. Sleep all day, if you can. I'm warning you now, though, don't go into the Tea House without me. It's just as dangerous in the daytime… In case of some kind of emergency, there are a number of ninjato beneath the futon you are sleeping on."
She sent him a quizzical look.
Duo shrugged in return. "Oi, I was trying to be prepared. A wooden stick isn't going to get you far."
"Otousan!" Usagi tore across the small marketplace, a look of horror written on her youthful features. Her long, golden hair flew behind her as she raced towards her destination, Yori gateway.
The crowds weren't giving way, even as she struggled her way through. Tears stung her already red eyes as she pushed her way past more people.
She finally reached the gateway, out of breath. The only thought on the small blonde's mind was to see her father once again. Her determination was overwhelming as her small fists pounded at the iron gates. "Damnit! I want to see my Otousan right now! I demand I see him!"
A nearby guard signaled her to be quiet, and then slowly opened up the gates. Usagi backed up eagerly, a greeting smile ready to welcome back her father.
A whole swarm of soldiers began to flood into the city with a somewhat tired appearance. At the front of them all, Usagi recognized her father, tall and proud.
She was happy to see him once again, but knew better then to throw herself at him in such a place. He caught her eye as he led his troops inside the city, and smiled warmly.
There was a new face by his side, an icy looking boy only a little older than Usagi herself. His wrists were bond with rope, as a captive. She watched him curiously as he sent glares up at her father.
"I have brought us back a prisoner," he announced formally, giving the boy a small push forwards. "He was found spying on our troops in the mountains… But I have decided he is too young for sacrifice."
The boy spat in disrespect. "You should have slaughtered me when you had the chance. I will have my revenge on you, coward."
Her father shook his head slowly, and then looked to Usagi. "My daughter, you have permission to step forwards." He grinned. "I suppose you're old enough."
Usagi smirked in return. It was the first time he had addressed her before his men, and she took the time to enjoy it. She paced forwards with silent refinement, her features now altered into an impassive manner. The boy watched her through his thick black bangs as she turned to him curtly.
He stared at her, she only stared back. There was silence. "You are the enemy," she said finally, barely in a whisper. "You are never to be forgiven… But, you're lucky I'm not going to slice your throat."
He blinked his dull eyes, and then wrinkled his nose. "A simple little girl can't match up to someone like me. You wouldn't have the guts."
She slapped him across the face forcefully, unleashing all her wrath into the blow. He toppled backwards, his cheek reddened and bruised. "Don't ever talk to me like that!" Usagi had to refrain from spitting on him.
Her father rested a heavy hand on her shoulder, putting her anger to rest. She smiled up at him, arms folded over her chest. "I'm glad you came back."
The boy now stood, scowling venom at the smug Usagi. He looked at her, then to her father, and then back to her again, this time with a smirk. "Are you prepared, little dragon?"
She looked at him, puzzled by his remark. Before she could even react, his leg lashed out at her, as well as her father. Usagi dodged the attack easily, while her unsuspecting father was sent backwards.
The boy pounced forwards instantly, and broke the rope securing his hands with bared teeth. Before there was a chance to restrain the youth, a long, shiny sword was drawn, and plunged deep into the fallen general's chest.
The only thing Usagi could see and smell at that moment was blood. Crimson, non-stop blood.
"Otousan!" Usagi woke up in a cold sweat, raspy breaths rapidly drawing in and out of her parted lips. She held her head with a shaky hand, free tears spilling down her cheeks.
The headache had passed, but the current nightmare now threatened her more than anything. 'It was almost real. Everything was the same…'
Usagi rolled onto her side, eyes clamped shut. She curled up into a tight ball, desperately trying to put any thought of it out of her mind. 'I'll get that boy… I'll get him for all this pain…'
She sat up. It was dark inside her room, as the blond had already figured. She yawned, twice, and then rubbed her eyes. 'I wonder if Duo came back yet…'
Usagi paused suddenly and became completely still. 'I sense another in this room…' She scanned the room with caution, her hand edging towards the pair of ninjato located beneath the futon.
Her muscles stiffened as she caught sight of a pair of icy blue eyes, locked on hers. She stifled a gasp, pressing a hand to her mouth. "W-who are you? Why are you here?"
There was no response as the pair of eyes stared back, unmoving. Usagi's breath caught in her throat, and shakily, her hand drew forth the pair of ninjato. "Tell me now!"
With a clank of metal, the ninjato were thrown from her grasp. Usagi's eyes widened with surprise as she clumsily began to scramble backwards. "What do you want from me?"
The set of unblinking eyes were now inches from hers, watching her carefully. She could only look back into them, biting back any signs of weakness. "I-I don't want to cause any trouble…"
"Who sent you?"
Usagi shook unsteadily at the coldness of the male voice. She could feel his breath tingling against her face. "I wasn't sent by anyone. It's a long story…"
"I don't believe you," came the husky retort, almost in a growl. She could feel the tip of a blade being pressed against her throat. "Who sent you?"
Usagi became aggravated, and kicked away the blade with her heel. She flipped herself backwards, jumped to her feet, and quickly formed a defensive stance. "Never point a sword at me. I tried to be considerate, and your wish is to simply slaughter me! You disgusting pig!"
The chilling eyes were once again focused on her, but she was already prepared for any other attacks. "You don't scare me. I don't care if you're a bloodthirsty murderer, I can handle you!"
"Heero!" The lights flickered on, revealing a very surprised looking Duo, and another boy, glaring at Usagi.
Duo acknowledged the other boy with a shake of his head, and sent an apologetic look to the panting Usagi. "Heero, this is a ronin. She's not to be killed."
Heero, uninterested, gave a simple grunt, sheathing his sword. "I told you not to bring any whores into this. The situation is not to be given out."
"Heh?" Usagi's face flushed with anger. "I'm not a prostitute, you fucking moron! I don't know if you had any thought that I was one, but it is certainly not so!"
Duo attempted to calm her, raising his hands. "Maa… You can't direct any attention towards us… I ask of your forgiveness, Usagi… Heero hasn't learned his manners."
"Heero," she scoffed, eyeing him with caution. "I don't like you at all… But I choose not to be involved with your work. Even if I keep your location from the police, it doesn't mean I have become allies with you."
"That's very nice, Usagi-san," Duo replied, laughing nervously. "But, honestly, you won't go and tell on us? Then we'd really have to kill you…"
She shot him a glare. "Who says I'd even let you?" Turning away, she tapped a finger against her chin. "I suppose I won't… It's not my nature… But, then again, I could do with the reward…"
Heero's throat let out a dangerous growl as she continued to muse with herself. "Stop stalling. You're wasting our time. Are you going to or not?"
Usagi smiled icily, her eyes gleaming with unhidden mischief. "Let me run this by you, Heero-san. First, this perverted boy steals my lovely dragon sword--"
"It's mine!" Duo protested angrily, rolling up the sleeve of his gi.
She waved him off absently. "And then the same bastard decides to wipe my innocence away by intoxicating me… And then, has the nerve to make me sleep with him!"
Duo frantically raised his hands in defense as Heero scowled at him. "Look, I never even knew you didn't drink… Besides, you needed to relax a bit!" He paused. Heero was still glaring at him. "Oh! Iya… I never intended to sleep with her in the first place… Damnit! I mean… Well, I was being a gentleman!"
"By laying with her?"
His face altered into a beet red shade. "N-no! I slept on the floor!"
Smugly, Usagi continued, arms folded over her chest. "Well, to add onto that, Heero-san, I was attacked by you! And furthermore… Thought I was some whore! Baka!"
"Get to the point," he grunted, his hand rested atop his sheathed sword. "Or I'll kill you right here."
"Ha!" she mocked. She put a hand on her hip. "I'm not the kind of girl who'll simply squeal and run away from a threat. I fight back instead!"
"You don't even have a weapon," Duo pointed out bluntly, scratching his head. "You'd be brave to take on Yuy with your feet and hands."
"Exactly my intentions," she crooned, licking her bottom lip. "You see, I have a little score to settle with you two gentlemen. I'm willing to do hand-to-hand combat if it is your desire."
"Make that three gentlemen."
Her eyes widened as she felt a hand grab her shoulder. She could sense he was about to spin her around, and yet she didn't know how to react…
Should Usagi:
Lash out with her foot, tripping the mysterious man,
OrBite his hand!?
VOTE NOW!
