Okita growled at his friend.
"Geez, don't bite my head off. If I let you go there would be two dead bodies!" Sanosuke said, showing his teeth right back, "I know you think I'm a big moron, but even I could see that there was nothing to be done."
"What would you have done if that were Misao?" Okita snapped bitterly. The two were once again pacing through the forest, although this time it was on official business under Saitoh's orders. "Oh, I forgot, you're more interested in that half-kitsune woman."
Sano flinched and gave a pissed look at the smaller wolf. He shoved his shoulder causing the other to stumble, "Just because you're in a black pit doesn't mean you can go flinging muck around like that! We're supposed to be out here looking for Misao, remember? She could be hurt, or lost, or grieving so hard she wants to die."
"Like me."
The tan wolf gave him a sharp look. He snapped at the air above his head and snarled, "He's dead. There's nothing you can do about it!"
Okita choose not to answer.
"I think we should split up, cover more ground."
"No way. If you think I'm going to let you just go off and soar over the edge of some cliff in your whacked out idea of noble suicide you're wrong. Saitoh specifically said that we are to stay together."
Okita's thoughts were strangely blank and he took a moment to process what Sanosuke had said. Suicide was a coward's way out, wasn't it? Didn't he abhor it, distain it. So why did it suddenly sound so inviting? He hadn't considered self-mutilation or death before Sano had mentioned it. He knew, deep down, that it wasn't his nature. He was a fighter, someone who never gave up no matter the odds. Then again, he looked up to find he didn't recognize himself. Before he had always been polite and cheerful. A smile for everyone in turn and a murmur of greeting even for the lowest of slaves. He supposed that was what had caught Katsu's eye.
He certainly remembered the first time they had met. He had been sent down by Saitoh to deliver a note. He wasn't sure whom it was to, or what it was about, but he hadn't cared. He was doing his alpha a favor, why should he have complained?
He had his suspicions of course. There were rumors of an underground resistance among the slaves. Foolish, but admirable. He assumed Himura was the head of it, but wasn't sure. Of course, there were the ever-present whispers about outside help or even that of some benevolent spirits. Okita dismissed such as simply fabrications.
He hadn't been sure why Saitoh had chosen to help the humans. Perhaps the alpha hated the vampires so much that he would rather associate with slaves if it afforded him the chance to kill his captures. The young wolf was sure Tokio was kept abreast of everything that happened, but he didn't know why they kept everyone else in the dark. Then he realized, the less they knew, and the safer they would be. And the less likely they would break under torture.
He left the note at the specified place and turned on his heel as he had been ordered. Although he would have liked to stay and see who picked it up, he had specific orders to leave immediately. On his way out he bumped into a tall human. He flashed an apologetic smile and offered his hand down to help the human up. Sheepishly he rubbed the back of his head, explaining that he wasn't watching where he was going, and was the man all right? That started a long string of things that started out as accidents, but progressed into something more.
He was abruptly jerked from his thoughts. Sanosuke had him by the scruff of his neck. Angry and surprised he lashed out only to realize his front paws were wet and muddy. Looking down at the swirling, playful waters he blinked. He had almost walked into the river. The surface of the water rippled gently, but he wasn't fooled. He had once seen a young, foolish deer try to ford the water. Within moments it was caught in the wicked current's clutches and was dragged under. If Sano hadn't stopped him he might have met the same fate.
Sano dropped his angrily and hissed, "No more of that, or I'm taking you back. Tokio probably thought it was a good idea for you to get out, to let your wolf side take over for a bit, but I'm not babysitting. Kill yourself on your own time. Misao is missing still."
Okita pinned his ears back, but didn't protest. Shame and guilt mingled in the pit of his stomach. Sano was right. Misao was missing and she needed them. She could be helped; she was still alive, for now that is. The dark voice that lurked in his inner most feelings whispered bitterly that it was more than he could do for Katsu, who was most likely feeding the other slaves by now. Viciously he pushed that thought away. The man wouldn't want him to be pining away like some dense idiot.
His mind played back to the fleeting smile. Okita was positive that it was meant for him. That Katsu was happy and proud that he hadn't dragged his lover into his death, that no guilt could be applied. Not that he was surprised that the man was in the resistance, that was probably what had encouraged their relationship in it's early stages, because he was always around. Okita knew he was also a passionate, dedicated individual. He lived how he wanted according to his personal specifications. Which is how he would have wanted Okita to live his.
Yet here he was being stupid and selfish. Immediately he resolved to behave normally again. Nothing was ever gained by weeping senselessly, or praying to uncaring gods. No, what was done was done.
He put some extra energy into his stride leaving Sanosuke behind him. The wolf shouted something about the slave round up that evening, which only spurred the smaller wolf on. He wasn't going to be part of that. Not now. Instead he would look for Misao until he either found her or the sun painted the evening sky, forcing him to return to his cruel master.
His sensitive nose wiggled uncertainly, testing the scents all around. He loped evenly towards where the human's camp had last been. He didn't fully expect them to be there, after all, it had been a few days since he and Sanosuke had visited. The again, one of their number had been injured. Kikisha had said so, and she wouldn't lie.
With renewed hope he expanded his lope into a gallop taking the forest's natural obstacles with ease. From there he could pick up Misao's scent. Saitoh wouldn't send them out to look for her if he thought she was dead. So she must be alive.
The faint tingle of ashes reached his sensitive nose and he halted in confusion. Not wanting to be sidetracked, but wary, he turned towards the smell. Employing his inborn stealth, he crept up peering alertly through the thick screen of underbrush. In the middle of the same clearing were the remains of what looked to have been a large fire. However, the amount of ash told that this was no accidental fire, not at all. Something had been stacked, and then burned. As he got closer he realized it was a pier, or had been. At first he wondered if the local humans had burned one of their dead, but immediately shoved that notion away. Humans were stubborn, and they insisted on burying their dead in the ground.
He nosed around the area, catching the distinct scent of the big man that had easily cornered Sano and him. The odor was stale and lingering, most likely hours old. It led in a rather straight line, coming and going. The going was in the direction of where he had last known their camp to be. So maybe they hadn't moved after all. That would just make things easier for him. He was about to go when he realized who had been on the pier. The vampire assassin. He had been killed, hadn't he? A brief recollection tickled in the back of Okita's mind. A smiling, watchful face came to mind. The vampire that had watched him but did nothing.
Of course, vampires didn't carry natural body odor scents with them. Especially since their bodies didn't sweat or perform most of the other functions mortals did. However, scents could cling to them. For example, Yumi's perfume was very distinctive and was usually wrapped around her. Now he searched for the elusive scent of burnt wood and ashes. It was hard to distinguish, considering the source sat directly next to him.
Something about it unsettled him. The wood was not too cold, meaning the vampire couldn't possibly had time to get back to the crypt. Which either meant the sunlight fried him or he was holed up somewhere in the vicinity.
Catching a tentacle of what he was seeking with his keen nose he stepped forward gingerly. Even so, he almost felt into the deep hole that was cleverly hidden from view by overgrown vines and tumbled down rocks.
Peering down his pupils expanded. Still not able to see anything he stuck his head in. The scent that had led him there was strong, and slightly musky now that it was trapped. He wiggled his body in and slid down the slight incline. It was pitch-black insides, but warmer than the outside temperature. For a moment Okita wondered if he was intruding on some animal's den, until his paw stepped on cold flesh.
Jerking back with heart hammering he realized the vampire must have been sleeping. Slowly, his luminous eyes adjusted to the minimal light and he could make out the faint outline of the boy vampire. He was curled up on his side with his arms tucked against his chest and his knees drawn up as if protecting his body unconsciously. Even in his sleep a small smile was curled around his face, although it was devoid of any emotion. Okita shook his head that the boy would have to hold onto his mask even alone and in his sleep. Clutching to it for so long must have pressed it into his very essence. Making the façade and the true, hidden persona impossible to separate. Which was truer? The mask that had taken root or the original boy that the vampire had been. Or were they so twisted that they had merged into an entirely new thing?
He suddenly felt a great pity for the shell of a boy before him.
For an instant he simply wanted to curl up against him, to warm him up. Of course, that was just an impulse. Vampires didn't need warm or compassion. Still he recalled how the vampire had watched them, but never told. There might have been an ulterior motive, yet Okita wasn't sure. Whatever it was he wasn't trying to harm them.
Haunting images of Katsu's torture flashed before him and he remembered that the boy vampire had ended it prematurely. Dead was dead of course, but at least by snapping the man's neck, he had released him from Hoji's grasping clutches. Gratitude filled him. He would have liked to stay and watch over the boy, seeing as he was defenseless in such an open area, but his pack loyalty was tugging at him insistently. He had to go find Misao. He had already wasted so much time on this side venture. Bounding back out he mentally vowed that he would somehow convey his gratitude, later.
Pleased, and much lighter of heart, he almost romped his way to the human campsite. Recalling how they had been caught off guard last time, he slowed to a stalk and crept up on the camp. This time his senses were fully focused outward, and defensively. It didn't matter how silently the big man snuck around, with his furry ears on the look out he couldn't get too close unnoticed.
Peering down just a few yards from where he had first visited he noticed that the silver hair man was leaning droopily again a log. His watou was propped up beside him and he was holding a cup of what seemed like medicated tea.
An agitated voice from the other side of the clearing made Okita jump, "Just drink it already. The woman actually seems to like you. I think my presence is simply too much for her."
"I think you're full of bullshit." The other man replied, sipping the tea. He made a face, "Isn't there any honey left?"
"Don't be such a baby." The big man interjected. He was standing against a large tree, half hidden in the shadows. Either he hadn't sensed Okita yet or he didn't care that the wolf was spying. "Besides, I can handle whatever comes. So you need to sleep."
There was a raspy scoffing sound and the man tossed down the rest of the tea, making a face at the bitterness. He settled himself in more comfortably; making sure that his feet weren't in the ashes of the fire and pulled a blanket over himself stiffly.
"She's persistent. You should just kill her and be done with it. A creature like that is nothing more than a rabid dog."
The big man didn't reply, but his face was slightly troubled. Abruptly he melted off into the shadows of the forest. Okita backed up, expecting an ambush. When he had retreated to a safe enough distance he sat thinking. He had no doubt that the she they had been speaking of was Misao. The girl was stubborn enough for ten mules. It worried him that she would try to attack such powerful humans on her own and he resolved to find her and drag her home with him. Kicking and screaming if need be.
He turned only to find himself face to face with what seemed to be a very irate Misao. A snarl wrinkled up her normally cheerful features into a twisted, hateful mess of loose skin and fur. Her emerald eyes burned with an unholy light. Her blue-black fur was bristled up and she was crouching in an offensive position. She didn't even seem to recognize him.
He back up saying in what he hope was a calm and soothing voice, "Misao, hey, it's me Okita. Your friend? Your pack mate? Remember. You don't want to hurt me, that wouldn't be very nice."
She paused, but the look didn't leave her eyes and her teeth remained bared. Straining, he realized there was a low, rumbling growl in her throat. She wasn't disarmed in the slightest, despite his attempts. Now she was just calculation. He needed to jar her back into reality before one of them got hurt.
"Misao!" He snapped in the most authority in his manner he could muster. She jerked back as if struck and eyed him even more cautiously, "Misao Makimachi, how dare you bare your teeth at me! Have you no honor left, no shame in what you are doing? Attacking a pack member means death! There are no excuses and no exceptions." He said that last part in a sad whisper. If he couldn't get through and she attacked him, he would be forced to relate the incident to Saitoh.
She cringed and blinked profusely. Looking up through teary eyes, she stared up half pleading and half appalled. Cringing back another yard she hung her head and watched him from the corner of her eye listlessly.
When he took a step forward, happy that she was herself again, she slunk back.
"What's wrong Misao?" He asked in concern and pressed closer. This time she didn't move away.
"Lord Aoshi is slain." She replied in a monotone. He nodded slightly in understanding and edged closer. He wished now that he hadn't ditched Sanosuke. He knew he couldn't provide the comfort she most likely needed right now. He couldn't bear to get close, even superficially. Not after the night before.
"Kikisha announced it to Master Shishio last night." He replied. It seemed that it had been a cursed night for the two of them. "She said he was decapitated."
"Yes."
"And that you were missing, presumed dead."
That seemed to get through and she snarled to herself. Glancing up he could see her eyes were filled with fury, "I wish I were, but I will never rest in peace until Lord Aoshi is avenged and payment is extracted for his death!"
Okita flinched, feeling the bare edges of her wraith. She was in a similar state to what he had been in, but instead of overbearing grief she was filled with boundless anger. All of her thoughts and energy had been converted to one goal: revenge.
Okita tried to pacify her, adding a friendly, cajoling tone, "If you come back home we can do it together. After all, that's what packs are for."
She snorted cynically and retorted, "Like that will happen. You just want to take me back so they can give me to a new master and make me the perfect little puppy slave. Well, I won't go! I'm going to kill that man, crush his windpipe with my jaws!"
He closed the gap between them and she added in a cold voice that would have made her late master proud, "And you can't make me."
Okita's eyes flew wide. He had no doubt that she meant every words, syllable, and nuance of that short, dangerous sentence. It wasn't a dare it was a promise. He knew that under normal circumstance he could beat her fairly easily, however, he wouldn't place any bets with her currently suicidal mood. When one was like that they didn't care what happened to them. They had a goal and they would go to hell to meet it if need be.
"Fine, I won't try then. What about Sanosuke? He's worried sick for you, you know." Okita said, trying a different tact. She gave him a flat stare, "I'm sure he'll live."
"Do you want him to keep worrying?" He pressed and she gave a sharp, spiteful bark of mocking laughter, "Do you think he'll notice? Give him a week and he'll be chasing some other tail, having forgotten about me totally."
Okita's tentative smile dropped completely and he gave a chiding frown, "Now that's not true and you know it. You're not being fair."
The two stood facing each other in a challenging silence before she gave a low chuckle. It just sounded wrong. So warped and perverted with malice, nothing like the usual cheerful, bubbling one that tended to come giggling out.
"Try and stop me then. Or you could come, keep my out of trouble." She sneered and added, listing all the options he had been desperately running through his head out loud "Or you could run home with your tail between your legs and tell our alphas. I'm sure Saitoh would love to come over here and do what you couldn't. Of course, he would have to kill me first, because I meant every word that I said. You could get Sanosuke, in fact, please do. I'm sure he would have the balls to do what you won't. Big on brawn, but rather short on brains don't you think? Heh, or you could wait until evening and tell Shishio of my behavior."
Okita flattened his ears in agitation. She honestly didn't seem to care if he did any of those things. It made him nervous and unhappy, not knowing or recognizing his friend. She would never make such threats or suggestions despite her temper. And there was no anger in her words, just a contemptuous mocking. She was coldly doing her best to push his buttons, he realized with a start.
"You need to stop this." He pleaded, now confused and unnerved. It was a foreign feeling. He was used to being confident and decisive. "Aoshi wouldn't want you to throw your life away for him. He'd want you to be happy."
"And I suppose his boy lover will take me in, and we'll console each other, and live happily ever after." Misao spat. Okita almost informed her that he had heard a rumor before he left for the morning about Soujirou becoming her new master. Instead, hearing her tone, he snapped his mouth shut with an audible click. It was enough to tip her off, "So he wants me? Well, I hate him, and I've always hated him."
Okita didn't know what to say. This wasn't the Misao he knew. She never hated anyone. Especially for no reason. It seemed she just was going to lash out at anyone.
"Okay, I'll go with you. But then we have to go home."
"I told you, I'm not going home. Not until the human that slew Lord Aoshi is lying in a pool of his own tainted blood."
He looked at her before saying in a low voice, "Do you know what happened to his body?"
She looked shell-shocked and he was pleased that she could at least still feel. It was when there was only the void of darkness and the numb sensation lay heavy that it was at its worse. Then again, he was about to tread on thin ice.
With a deep, soothing breath he continued in the same tone, "You don't. You never bothered to look, you just wanted revenge."
"Dead is dead." She mumbled, turning away her head as shame filled her. The stood in silence for a long while before she asked in a small voice, "What happened to it?"
Okita's dark eyes glittered as he considered what to tell her. She didn't seem so on edge, but that didn't mean she wasn't still angry. And although he could probably safely say what she had spit out in anger about Sano was merely empty words, he couldn't say the same for Soujirou. And he owed the vampire any favor he could provide. Even if that meant protecting him from his pack mate. Until the sun went down the boy was helpless.
"Say it." Misao growled, sitting down abruptly, in what almost looked like a flounce. Expect both of them knew it was just a pathetic shadow of her usual self. Her act was superficial and pointless.
"Soujirou made a funeral pier and spent the night making sure he burned properly." Okita said it simply, without embellishment. He had on a neutral face, not wanting to guilt her or to provoke a reaction. The longer he could keep her here the more of a chance Sanosuke would show up. He always seemed to know what to do with the female half of the population, and Misao would listen to him. Or try to rip his ears off again. Either way it would be back to normal.
She seemed to consider this in silence. "Maybe I was wrong?" She offered finally. "Maybe I was just jealous and unhappy that Lord Aoshi hadn't sought my approval. That boy just seems so… warped."
Like Aoshi wasn't? Okita always tried not to be too harsh with his judgment, but he had come to the conclusion that vampires were never meant to exist. Unlike werewolves they tended to be… well, dead. No passions, no feelings, no emotions. Of course, that couldn't beat down personality, which vampires like Kamatari had in spades.
"So you won't try to kill him?" Okita ventured, a small smile curling around his muzzle. She gave him a stare with her cool eyes and said, "I never said that. But for Lord Aoshi's sake I will refrain from doing something too stupid. I don't think I want another master so soon. It… it seems wrong."
Okita nodded, but he couldn't help hoping his would get knocked off. Shishio had gotten his way for far too long. Not that he, or any of the other slaves for that matter, were in a position to do a thing about it. But if the big man hadn't killed Misao all the other times she attacked, he must be all right for a human vampire hunter. He wasn't so sure about the one that killed Aoshi however. Something about him didn't smell right.
"How many times did you attack?"
Misao shuffled uncertainly before deciding to answer his question with another question. A sure fire way to know she was avoiding the subject because it didn't suit her. Unfortunately, she only managed to incriminate herself. With her nose turned up she asked, "How'd you find that out?"
"Those people were talking about it. The silver hair man wanted the other one to kill you." Okita offered.
She sniffed, "He would, the bastard. There's nothing to him but death and revenge."
There must be something more to him than that. Why was he hunting Shishio in the first place? True, vampire hunters usually had an excellent reason for their career choice; however, they usually didn't go after the most powerful vampire they could find. Then again, if he could effectively beat and destroy the ninja assassin then he must be skilled with a blade and have the courage and drive to match. That made Okita leery. He had already heard the man's attitude about things. If someone got in the way, kill them.
Now that Okita had her calm, well, mostly so. She was never truly calm and he half expected her to start bouncing around, before he remembered she was jaded now. He hoped it wouldn't smear her life. She had so much ahead of her. He laughed internally at that. Who was he to be thinking such things? He had come to terms only hours before. But it didn't stop him from wishing he could ease her heart and bring back the laughter in her eyes.
Again, an uneasy and tense silence settled between them. It didn't seem the time to be making small talk about the weather. Misao started to pace with short, agitated strides, but she didn't attempt to run off and challenge the humans again. He could see her thinking, but he wished she would stop. Her constant motion, while endearing to some, gave him a killer headache.
"I suppose Sano will show up?" She said suddenly and doubt blanketed her features. "Was he really worried?" Insecurity wasn't something he saw often in the young girl. Her master had taught her to be courageous, uncomplaining, and assured. Her expression turned to horror, "You won't tell him what I said? I didn't mean it. It was mean and cruel… and this damn tongue of mine. Lord Aoshi always said it would get me in trouble as long as I let it rampage unchecked."
He grinned hugely. While her constant energy bothered him, her sharp tongue didn't. Then again, it was rarely directed at him. Something he was grateful for.
"I'm kind of surprised he hasn't shown up already." Okita took a quick glance around, realizing that hours had already passed since he and Sanosuke had left in the early afternoon. With the shorter days that accompanied the coming of winter dusk had already begun to settle across the woods casting shadows.
He jumped and she looked at him sharply.
"I forgot!" He yelped, "We were suppose to round up some new slaves from a village today. When Sano couldn't find us I bet he went back like he was suppose to."
"Sano, doing something that he's suppose to?" Misao snorted, once again in good humor, if one disregarded the shadows behind her eyes. "Why does that sound completely false?"
Okita continued with his canine grin before it unconsciously faded of his wolf muzzle. More food slaves being captured. Could he ever look at them the same way again? Or would he see Katsu in each and every one of them. Could he honestly round them up like a good little doggie and let them be introduced to hell on earth? Doubts plagued him, but he was careful not to let them show on his face. Misao noticed anyway. Maybe she was more sensitive when she was upset.
"Are you okay? You should go back and help or whatever. Besides, once you're human it will be a real pain getting back in time to serve."
"No." He whispered and she pressed closer, peering at him cautiously. He could practically see the thoughts tumbling around in her brain. He turned away to compose himself and plastered on a smile. Now he felt like Soujirou, hiding behind a mask. It wasn't something he had ever tried, nor felt the need to use before. It felt odd and discombobulating.
"C'mon, you helped me and I want to help you!" She said, showing her teeth partially in affection and partially as an implied threat. "Since it doesn't look like you're going to leave me alone anyway, why don't you tell me?"
He peered at her doubtfully and sighed. She wasn't his first choice to spill his guts out to, but considering the others were far away, and he should deal with this now…
So he told her everything, trying to seem as normal as possible. Like his lover was tortured by some vicious, psychotic monster then killed by an equally off-kilter one everyday. Needless to say he failed miserably. He was glad Misao let him tell it without interrupting. It was a rare thing for her, but she seemed to be fighting back tears. He smiled wanly at the fact she could cry over him, but when it came to herself she was frozen.
"Oh Okita, I'm so sorry!"
"Don't be. It happened, it's done. There's nothing more to it." Okita said shortly. He was surprised when she walked over and rested her head on his shoulder. The physical contact had the effect that she had been aiming for. He felt his muscles relax.
She muttered, "You shouldn't hold things in. You're liable to explode."
"Like you?" He teased, then sobered, "I won't. Promise me you won't throw your life away needlessly? It's not good that he saved you if you only throw yourself in danger's path. Fate is a cruel master and you have a lot to live for. Death is a coward's way out. Living takes courage and resolve."
"Okay." She agreed. He wasn't sure what he had said had gotten through to her, but he didn't push the issue.
They waited in silence, by some unspoken agreement, and watched the sun sink below the tree line.
A/N: Despite my best intentions, I think Misao's growing on me. And since I only have the vaguest of outlines, her role could expand and/or shrink depending. I hope you guys like the spunky little brat...
Reivewers:
kamorgana: No such thing ;) You showed up and reviewed, I'm happy. *peers into the darkness for lurkers* I always wonder how many invisible readers I have. Unfortunately, violence is crude and most of the characters are ruthless. I'm doing my best to play it as it would be. Hehe (is guilty of such a caricature, ^^;; then again, I caricatured everyone for humor purposed). But I figured there's got to be a lot more to the poor, confused boy. He's polite, but he doesn't strike me as particularly nice or kind X_X *gets jumped by Sou fans, screams bloody murder*. It's like he got stuck as a child, or that's how he hits me. I have different views from the masses @.@. I have plenty more relationships to twist, but that seemed like a good one to exploit because so many people use it in their fics (*raises hand* again, guilty). Of course, I always use characters to my best advantage and I tend to switch sides. Tokio is one of those cameleon characters who I can protray differently everytime! So I borrowed wolf-like tendencies where the alphas are of equal rank. Aoshi's death will not be in vain, but he needed to go.
Fyyrrose: Uh-huh. You're sitting back waiting for me to trip up on the plot I'm weaving. I'm sure you're cackling at my new addition to the power plays. Everyone has their own agenda. Kenshin helps people, it's his atonement. And he's accepted, or at least to some extent, among the slaves. Which says nothing for normal humans or supernatural creatures. Life sucks for him. You fail in you pursuasive writing. Give me a better reason. You say that like you're not human... I know, you're an alien! Uh-huh. Random. Sou's one messed up puppy. But he's learning. A decade isn't near enough I guess. Hoji will get his. I didn't see that irony, and *if* he can take them back. But I see what you're driving at.
Mary-Ann: See above ^^ There will be many difficultes, but as they say, misery loves company ^.~ Saitoh's not, not at all. He won't sit back and stand for it. What's that one line? Something like: You can tame a dog with food and a man with money, but nothing can tame a Wolf of Mibu. Tokio's running some behind the scenes, so I'm not saying what she does and doesn't do.
FarStrider: I'm working on Yahiko, I tend to ignore the poor guy (or is that lucky guy?). Weaving is a pain, but I hope the resulting product will be stunning. If I don't get tangled in my own webs @.@ I couldn't really find what sort of torture they did in Japan, so I had to borrow from the Middle Ages. So it's called a strappado huh. Well, it seemed like the... least degrading torture? Still very, very painful. The Wheel was interesting, but I don't think I could have written that O__O I'm a sensitive soul.
MissBehavin: Depends on your definition of stupid... I shouldn't tease. You'll just have to see. No comment on Hoji, as of last night he enter the Eevee Protection Program. One that keeps me from bashing... Usui on the other hand... >:) Who better? Well, I had to drag the guy in somehow, and I can see him as a reluctant leader. As for Saitoh being a pet... I'm working on that too. He needs to be careful, that oni.
Wistful-Eyes: I just saw Cold Mountain, excellente! And I found someone who wants to go see The Last Samurai with me *does dance* I just didn't want to go by myself.