Title: The Cost of Inheritance.
Anime: Beyblade.
Rating: G
Genre: Romance
Secondary Genre: Tragedy.
Soundtrack to chapter:
Summary: Rei is the inheritor to the White Tiger Village, but to keep his inheritance, he must choose a mate before the 61st of the Yami Season. Traditionally, the maiden is from the village, but Rei wants someone else.
Fushigi (2/12/04): Konban wa! Daijobu! Yes, according to the dates beside my name, it's been a while since I started this fic, but I've been writing it on notebook paper and I haven't gotten around to actually typing it. Until now. I was bored, and I decided to type this while I felt like it. So, yeah. Updates:
Now, It's been a weird month, with Valentines day and all. First off, I'd like to tell you this: Uss' stepfather got killed in a car accident. I'm not sure how she's doing, cause she is always wearing a mask, and I'd be very thankful if you could keep her in you thoughts/prayers/etc. Second, I just had to tell the guy I like that, basically, I wasn't ready to go out with him. I'm so pathetic. Yeah, you don't want the details. Third, the guy that is obsessed with me just asked me to be his valentine. I told him no. Again, no more details. Then, I got sick, missed Monday, missed tryouts for the trip to Western Carolina, but got to tryout Tuesday (which, if you're wondering, I'm a soprano, and I got chosen for alternative alto. Great.), and then, we're just beginning to go over searging(sp) in clothing design. This is one fucked up week. (yep, all of that happened in a week, much to my displeasure.).
Now, I've gotten the fourth chapter of Life over love typed, but I haven't posted it yet. Heaven found in Hell chapter four is 1160 words long so far, and it sucks. I'm ashamed of it, so I'm going to wait a bit longer to actually post it. I think that's all for now.
Kid: Just hurry it up. I think they're leaving because of that.
Fushigi: Shut up!
Kid: Whatever. Disclaimer: She doesn't own Beyblade, I don't own Beyblade, and Fuyu no Toki doesn't own Beyblade. Any one else want to say anything?
Fuyu: Yes. Kid, why are you always to mean to Fushigi-chan?
Kid: Because I can, now on to the story.
Chapter two.
It seemed like deja vu, performing the ritual again. It was different then. It was much more common. More un-needed. Just like the forming of the symbols at the shrine. They weren't required Rei just thought they were fun. Some thing to clear his mind with as he went through the Henshin Woods. But now, as he -had- to keep his mind clear, he found he couldn't. Things kept slipping in. Like, what if he messed up? Would he be able to try again?
//Rei, calm down. Try to meditate.// Rei does so, concentrating on the vision the tiger gave him the other day. It calmed him. Enough to finish the ritual again perfectly. When he opens his eyes, he stood in front of the shine. ::Hey? Do I have to form the symbols?:: //It is not nessicary. You may enter.//
Going through the barrier, he goes through the cave, following the path that was shown to him. White flames illuminated his way, and when touched, it not only formed a flame in his hand, but it felt cool to his skin. He gives the flame back to it's original place and continues following the flames.
//Rei, follow them, no matter what. They will lead you to me.// ::Wow, :: Rei scratches his head. ::I finally get to see you? Awesome. But wait. Why am I having to do this again?:: //In my presence, you will be judged, if you are worthy. Not only do you have to find a mate, but you also have to be pure of heart.// Rei stops. ::Nani?! I...Pure of heart... Please let me pure of heart!!:: He puts his hands together in mock prayer.
All of the village had gathered here to watch, but none could actually watch the ritual being performed. It was a bit disappointing for them, and they stood there and complained a bit. But that was pushed to the shadows of their minds as Kon Rei walked from the Henshin Woods' entrance, a completely blank look reflecting in his eyes.
"Rei?" The High Chief walks to him and puts his hand on the Neko-jin's shoulder. "Are you alright?" Rei nods, and suddenly he begins to shake his head. When he opens his eyes again, he smiles. "The... The White Tiger Spirit, he accepted me. He says I'm pure of heart!!" The High Chief smiles and brings him into a hug. "Rei, I knew you were! I knew it." Then, he turns to the rest of the village. "Villagers! Welcome the new inheritor of our village!" Silence, then everyone begins to rejoice.
Some raise their voices, some dance, and some come to congratulate him and embrace him. He says his "thank you" 's, but his hear wasn't really in this. So, he leaves. He simply walks back into the Henshin Woods, leaving the shouting villagers behind him.
"Rei? Where are you going?" "Come back!" "REI!!!"
The shouts soon die down as Rei walks farther into the forest. He walks, not following the path anymore. Instead, he decides to make another one. He finds a rock, large enough to hold him up and rests against it, thinking over what just happened; about the visions; 'his' village. Everything it seemed.
//Rei-Sama? What is wrong?// Rei sighs, then raises and eyebrow. ::- Sama? What's with that? I inherited the village. Not you.:: //When you inherited the village, you inherited me. It's tradition.// ::Just don't call me Rei-Sama. I'm still Rei.:: //No, Rei-Sama, you are not. You've changed. This journey, it's made you realize a few things you didn't see before. I can sense it in you.// ::Okay, so maybe I did. Yeah, now that you mention it.::
//Rei-Sama. You need to go. If you plan on finding your mate. You'll be able to keep the visions I've given you.// ::You're right.:: Rei gets up, dusting off his robe. He pulls back his hair, stroking it absentmindedly. "Well, I guess this was a wasted." He sighs, walking back toward the hysterical crowd in left in confusion.
"Rei-Sama! Where didyougo?! Huhhuhhuhhuhhuh?!" Ryu Li walks up to him briskly, acting more feminine then usual. "You really shouldn't do that! You had you village in utter chaos." Then, this feminine act is dropped as he embraces his brother. "Hey." Rei whispers, having to bend slightly. "I'm leaving as soon as possible, which is whenever the rest of the villagers leave me alone." Ryu Li nods, understanding. He always knew his brother referred guys over girls, and they both knew the villagers wouldn't like it. "What I need for you, brother, to do is get the villagers away long enough for me to leave. When they ask, tell them the truth. Tell them I left to find my mate." Ryu Li nods again, silent sobs shaking his body only slightly. But only slightly enough for Rei to feel them. The elder Neko-jin bends down again, smiling at the other boy. "Listen to me, Ryu Li. I'll be back. I promise. Just wait for me, kay?" "Okay niisan." The boy wipes his eyes, the tears immediately drying up. Again Rei smiles as he rustles Ryu Li's hair. But just as the younger Kon opens his mouth, Rei's arm is grabbed by Mariah.
"Oh Rei!" A "heh hem" from the High Chief and she corrects herself. "Oh Rei-Sama! I can't wait until you choose your mate! I know you'll make the right, and best, choice, Rei-Sama!" Then, almost as quickly as Mariah became a leech, she was pulled from the source of blood by Ryu Li.
"Come now, Rei-Sama!" The High Chief ruins Rei's get away by pulling him to the village. "We have to let you look over the village maidens and allow you to choose." He chuckles. "And we've been having them prepare themselves for a while now, Rei-Sama. I do believe they are ripe for you picking." Another chuckle as the High Chief eyes the village girls. 'Hentai.' Rei thinks. In the back of his mind, he hears the Spirit of the White Tiger trying to hold back his laughter, but failing miserably. Rei shushes the Tiger, but to no avail. "Now, Rei-Sama. Any ideas of who you're going to choose?" The High Chief beams at the boy, waiting for this answer, then "I'm not." "WHAT?!!?" The High Chief clutches his chest.
"Chief!" The villagers run to his side, pulling him up from his fall.
"Then, Rei-Sama..." He wheezes. "Who or what will you choose?" Rei sighs. "I don't know. I'm leaving the village tonight to go find them." The chief regains his composure, clearing his throat. "Rei-Sama, with all due respect, how do you plan on finding this...Mate? You have nothing to-" "The White Tiger." Everyone stops and stares at the raven haired Neko- jin. "The White Tiger gave me..... Visions of my mate. Now, if you'll excuse me." Kon Rei turns on his heel just after winking at Ryu Li.
"Kon Rei!!!" Mariah pushes her way though the crown. Her golden eyes starting to overflow with tears, though death glare and scowl almost made Rei shiver. "How could you do this to me? I thought you loved me!!" "Yes." The Chief muses, stroking his long beard in a thoughtful manner. "Why don't you take young Mariah? She's mature, responsible, and you both seem to like each other. And are you sure you're ready to break the chain of a long tradition?" Rei thinks over the latter comment. Was he really ready to break it? Did he think he could deal with the ones who opposed him and his decision? "Yes, I am. But, no. I won't take Mariah. She may be mature, she may be responsible, but I don't think of her more then a sister. Nothing more." He turns and begins to walk to the outskirts of the village. Behind him, he hears Mariah, but doesn't pay attention to her. He knew Ryu Li would be able to stop her.
"Rei! Stop!" It was his mother. He sighs, but turns around to meet her. She was holding herself up on her knees. A bag, Rei notices, was in her hand. When she stands back up, small tears had invaded her eyes, but she smiled anyway. "Mom?" The said woman hands her son the back. "I knew you'd be leaving, so here. It's what I think you'll need." He nods, smiles, and hugs and kisses his mom goodbye, then is almost knocked down by Ryu Li. "I'll miss you, Niisan!" Rei bends down and kisses him on his head. "I'll be back." Ryu Li nods into his brother stomach, then lets him go. Again, Rei turns, then continues out of the White Tiger Village.
***
Rei begins to dig through the bag his mother had given him, looking for a coat. Finally, he pulls one out and pulls it over him. He'd been gone for around five days, and he hadn't seen any trace of another village. Thoughts of turning back had been playing with his mind all day, but then he'd have to choose from the village, and live with the knowledge that he could have had the patiently waiting boy in his visions. And many times he'd questioned this. How did he know that the boy would take him? How did he know that he wouldn't send him back the way he came, a quiet laugh lingering above his lips. But he quickly pushes those thoughts away. He couldn't give up. He wouldn't.
All of it paid off on the sixth day. Off, on the far away horizon, a small village loomed. No one was out, who would be with all the snow that covered the meadow? The neko-jin smiles, a new vigor running through his veins and mind. But the vigor came at a price. As soon as he stepped into the new village, the pain in this chest becomes too noticeable, and his body collapses, leaving his mind to go into shut down.
***
Sunlight beat one Kon Rei's eyelids, making him squint. "Hello!" He shoots up, knocking into the person above him. He groans, rubbing his head. "Sorry bout that.. I didn't mean to scare you." Rei finally looks up, hoping that this person was his mate, but is sorely disappointed when a blonde haired, blue eyed boy comes into view. He smiles, looking much like a puppy. Rei smiles back. "Where am I?" He asks, looking around. They boy puts his hands on his hips a bit, before letting them fall to his side. "It's the Purple Tortoise Village. Mmm.. Middle of Nowhere?" He says, helping Rei up. "And, I'm Mizuhara Max." He smiles again. "Rei."
"What are you doing out here? When they found you, they said you were barely breathing." Max says, then without waiting for an answer, calls out, "Grandma! He's awake!" An older lady pokes her head out of the doorway and smiles kindly. "Well, he is! Come on now, no need to be shy! Let me get you some cookies." Rei looks at her weirdly, before glancing at Max. "Is she really your Grandmother?" Max laughs. "No. Everyone just calls her Grandma. She's the Chief's mother, so she takes care of all of us. She is related to me, but I forget how." Max thoughtfully scratches his head before running after the woman's voice. "-You shouldn't have been out here with a flimsy coat like that, mister! You need a -real- coat!" She places a plate of.... What looked like cookies growing trees on them. Rei eyes them before poking at it. "Go on! Eat up!"
"Now, what are you doing out here?" She asks, taking a big bite of a cookie herself. Rei takes off one of the 'trees', sniffs it, then pops it into his mouth. "Uh, well." He thinks it over a bit. "Looking for a mate." He states simply, trying to chew the 'tree'. He opens his mouth, trying to pry it off his teeth, but ends up having it sharply snapped closed. Again he tries, but with the same effect. "A mate?" Max asks, having a less troubling time with the snack. "Don't you usually choose from the village girls?" Rei nods, swallowing, and making a face. He looks at the actual cookie with doubt, then takes a small bite. "Yes, but I don't like any of the girls." Max and his grandmother nod, watching him intensely. "Well?" They ask. Rei looks at them, then the cookie. "What?" "How is it?" "Oh, uh." Rei smiles, then takes another bite, trying to smile again. "Good." Suddenly, they laugh, Max falling out of his chair. "Nani~?" Rei watches, and swallows the bite of cookie.
"That cookie. Are you sure you're not lying, boy?" The woman asks between breaths. "I've never had anyone like them. Even I don't like them! Come on, you don't have to finish eating them." Rei nods, happy he didn't have to finish it, and sits it down. Beside him, Max still rolled on the floor.
"Now, while I bake real cookies, why don't you have Max show you around. He can introduce you to all of his family and friends." Rei coughs a bit, catching the stares of both occupants. "Um, that's okay. I won't be here long, so I'll just go-" Max grabs his new friend's arm and links it with his own. "Na, they'll like you!" Reluctantly, Rei lets himself be pulled into the snow covered village by Max.
Fuyu: Now, I think she should end there. This is long enough. Besides, if I stop it here, her and Kid won't mind. *Looks behind him at Kid and Fushigi, who have thier back turned to him, whispering about something.* *Laughs* I think their planning my death. *gulp* Well, anyway, baibai!!
Anime: Beyblade.
Rating: G
Genre: Romance
Secondary Genre: Tragedy.
Soundtrack to chapter:
Summary: Rei is the inheritor to the White Tiger Village, but to keep his inheritance, he must choose a mate before the 61st of the Yami Season. Traditionally, the maiden is from the village, but Rei wants someone else.
Fushigi (2/12/04): Konban wa! Daijobu! Yes, according to the dates beside my name, it's been a while since I started this fic, but I've been writing it on notebook paper and I haven't gotten around to actually typing it. Until now. I was bored, and I decided to type this while I felt like it. So, yeah. Updates:
Now, It's been a weird month, with Valentines day and all. First off, I'd like to tell you this: Uss' stepfather got killed in a car accident. I'm not sure how she's doing, cause she is always wearing a mask, and I'd be very thankful if you could keep her in you thoughts/prayers/etc. Second, I just had to tell the guy I like that, basically, I wasn't ready to go out with him. I'm so pathetic. Yeah, you don't want the details. Third, the guy that is obsessed with me just asked me to be his valentine. I told him no. Again, no more details. Then, I got sick, missed Monday, missed tryouts for the trip to Western Carolina, but got to tryout Tuesday (which, if you're wondering, I'm a soprano, and I got chosen for alternative alto. Great.), and then, we're just beginning to go over searging(sp) in clothing design. This is one fucked up week. (yep, all of that happened in a week, much to my displeasure.).
Now, I've gotten the fourth chapter of Life over love typed, but I haven't posted it yet. Heaven found in Hell chapter four is 1160 words long so far, and it sucks. I'm ashamed of it, so I'm going to wait a bit longer to actually post it. I think that's all for now.
Kid: Just hurry it up. I think they're leaving because of that.
Fushigi: Shut up!
Kid: Whatever. Disclaimer: She doesn't own Beyblade, I don't own Beyblade, and Fuyu no Toki doesn't own Beyblade. Any one else want to say anything?
Fuyu: Yes. Kid, why are you always to mean to Fushigi-chan?
Kid: Because I can, now on to the story.
Chapter two.
It seemed like deja vu, performing the ritual again. It was different then. It was much more common. More un-needed. Just like the forming of the symbols at the shrine. They weren't required Rei just thought they were fun. Some thing to clear his mind with as he went through the Henshin Woods. But now, as he -had- to keep his mind clear, he found he couldn't. Things kept slipping in. Like, what if he messed up? Would he be able to try again?
//Rei, calm down. Try to meditate.// Rei does so, concentrating on the vision the tiger gave him the other day. It calmed him. Enough to finish the ritual again perfectly. When he opens his eyes, he stood in front of the shine. ::Hey? Do I have to form the symbols?:: //It is not nessicary. You may enter.//
Going through the barrier, he goes through the cave, following the path that was shown to him. White flames illuminated his way, and when touched, it not only formed a flame in his hand, but it felt cool to his skin. He gives the flame back to it's original place and continues following the flames.
//Rei, follow them, no matter what. They will lead you to me.// ::Wow, :: Rei scratches his head. ::I finally get to see you? Awesome. But wait. Why am I having to do this again?:: //In my presence, you will be judged, if you are worthy. Not only do you have to find a mate, but you also have to be pure of heart.// Rei stops. ::Nani?! I...Pure of heart... Please let me pure of heart!!:: He puts his hands together in mock prayer.
All of the village had gathered here to watch, but none could actually watch the ritual being performed. It was a bit disappointing for them, and they stood there and complained a bit. But that was pushed to the shadows of their minds as Kon Rei walked from the Henshin Woods' entrance, a completely blank look reflecting in his eyes.
"Rei?" The High Chief walks to him and puts his hand on the Neko-jin's shoulder. "Are you alright?" Rei nods, and suddenly he begins to shake his head. When he opens his eyes again, he smiles. "The... The White Tiger Spirit, he accepted me. He says I'm pure of heart!!" The High Chief smiles and brings him into a hug. "Rei, I knew you were! I knew it." Then, he turns to the rest of the village. "Villagers! Welcome the new inheritor of our village!" Silence, then everyone begins to rejoice.
Some raise their voices, some dance, and some come to congratulate him and embrace him. He says his "thank you" 's, but his hear wasn't really in this. So, he leaves. He simply walks back into the Henshin Woods, leaving the shouting villagers behind him.
"Rei? Where are you going?" "Come back!" "REI!!!"
The shouts soon die down as Rei walks farther into the forest. He walks, not following the path anymore. Instead, he decides to make another one. He finds a rock, large enough to hold him up and rests against it, thinking over what just happened; about the visions; 'his' village. Everything it seemed.
//Rei-Sama? What is wrong?// Rei sighs, then raises and eyebrow. ::- Sama? What's with that? I inherited the village. Not you.:: //When you inherited the village, you inherited me. It's tradition.// ::Just don't call me Rei-Sama. I'm still Rei.:: //No, Rei-Sama, you are not. You've changed. This journey, it's made you realize a few things you didn't see before. I can sense it in you.// ::Okay, so maybe I did. Yeah, now that you mention it.::
//Rei-Sama. You need to go. If you plan on finding your mate. You'll be able to keep the visions I've given you.// ::You're right.:: Rei gets up, dusting off his robe. He pulls back his hair, stroking it absentmindedly. "Well, I guess this was a wasted." He sighs, walking back toward the hysterical crowd in left in confusion.
"Rei-Sama! Where didyougo?! Huhhuhhuhhuhhuh?!" Ryu Li walks up to him briskly, acting more feminine then usual. "You really shouldn't do that! You had you village in utter chaos." Then, this feminine act is dropped as he embraces his brother. "Hey." Rei whispers, having to bend slightly. "I'm leaving as soon as possible, which is whenever the rest of the villagers leave me alone." Ryu Li nods, understanding. He always knew his brother referred guys over girls, and they both knew the villagers wouldn't like it. "What I need for you, brother, to do is get the villagers away long enough for me to leave. When they ask, tell them the truth. Tell them I left to find my mate." Ryu Li nods again, silent sobs shaking his body only slightly. But only slightly enough for Rei to feel them. The elder Neko-jin bends down again, smiling at the other boy. "Listen to me, Ryu Li. I'll be back. I promise. Just wait for me, kay?" "Okay niisan." The boy wipes his eyes, the tears immediately drying up. Again Rei smiles as he rustles Ryu Li's hair. But just as the younger Kon opens his mouth, Rei's arm is grabbed by Mariah.
"Oh Rei!" A "heh hem" from the High Chief and she corrects herself. "Oh Rei-Sama! I can't wait until you choose your mate! I know you'll make the right, and best, choice, Rei-Sama!" Then, almost as quickly as Mariah became a leech, she was pulled from the source of blood by Ryu Li.
"Come now, Rei-Sama!" The High Chief ruins Rei's get away by pulling him to the village. "We have to let you look over the village maidens and allow you to choose." He chuckles. "And we've been having them prepare themselves for a while now, Rei-Sama. I do believe they are ripe for you picking." Another chuckle as the High Chief eyes the village girls. 'Hentai.' Rei thinks. In the back of his mind, he hears the Spirit of the White Tiger trying to hold back his laughter, but failing miserably. Rei shushes the Tiger, but to no avail. "Now, Rei-Sama. Any ideas of who you're going to choose?" The High Chief beams at the boy, waiting for this answer, then "I'm not." "WHAT?!!?" The High Chief clutches his chest.
"Chief!" The villagers run to his side, pulling him up from his fall.
"Then, Rei-Sama..." He wheezes. "Who or what will you choose?" Rei sighs. "I don't know. I'm leaving the village tonight to go find them." The chief regains his composure, clearing his throat. "Rei-Sama, with all due respect, how do you plan on finding this...Mate? You have nothing to-" "The White Tiger." Everyone stops and stares at the raven haired Neko- jin. "The White Tiger gave me..... Visions of my mate. Now, if you'll excuse me." Kon Rei turns on his heel just after winking at Ryu Li.
"Kon Rei!!!" Mariah pushes her way though the crown. Her golden eyes starting to overflow with tears, though death glare and scowl almost made Rei shiver. "How could you do this to me? I thought you loved me!!" "Yes." The Chief muses, stroking his long beard in a thoughtful manner. "Why don't you take young Mariah? She's mature, responsible, and you both seem to like each other. And are you sure you're ready to break the chain of a long tradition?" Rei thinks over the latter comment. Was he really ready to break it? Did he think he could deal with the ones who opposed him and his decision? "Yes, I am. But, no. I won't take Mariah. She may be mature, she may be responsible, but I don't think of her more then a sister. Nothing more." He turns and begins to walk to the outskirts of the village. Behind him, he hears Mariah, but doesn't pay attention to her. He knew Ryu Li would be able to stop her.
"Rei! Stop!" It was his mother. He sighs, but turns around to meet her. She was holding herself up on her knees. A bag, Rei notices, was in her hand. When she stands back up, small tears had invaded her eyes, but she smiled anyway. "Mom?" The said woman hands her son the back. "I knew you'd be leaving, so here. It's what I think you'll need." He nods, smiles, and hugs and kisses his mom goodbye, then is almost knocked down by Ryu Li. "I'll miss you, Niisan!" Rei bends down and kisses him on his head. "I'll be back." Ryu Li nods into his brother stomach, then lets him go. Again, Rei turns, then continues out of the White Tiger Village.
***
Rei begins to dig through the bag his mother had given him, looking for a coat. Finally, he pulls one out and pulls it over him. He'd been gone for around five days, and he hadn't seen any trace of another village. Thoughts of turning back had been playing with his mind all day, but then he'd have to choose from the village, and live with the knowledge that he could have had the patiently waiting boy in his visions. And many times he'd questioned this. How did he know that the boy would take him? How did he know that he wouldn't send him back the way he came, a quiet laugh lingering above his lips. But he quickly pushes those thoughts away. He couldn't give up. He wouldn't.
All of it paid off on the sixth day. Off, on the far away horizon, a small village loomed. No one was out, who would be with all the snow that covered the meadow? The neko-jin smiles, a new vigor running through his veins and mind. But the vigor came at a price. As soon as he stepped into the new village, the pain in this chest becomes too noticeable, and his body collapses, leaving his mind to go into shut down.
***
Sunlight beat one Kon Rei's eyelids, making him squint. "Hello!" He shoots up, knocking into the person above him. He groans, rubbing his head. "Sorry bout that.. I didn't mean to scare you." Rei finally looks up, hoping that this person was his mate, but is sorely disappointed when a blonde haired, blue eyed boy comes into view. He smiles, looking much like a puppy. Rei smiles back. "Where am I?" He asks, looking around. They boy puts his hands on his hips a bit, before letting them fall to his side. "It's the Purple Tortoise Village. Mmm.. Middle of Nowhere?" He says, helping Rei up. "And, I'm Mizuhara Max." He smiles again. "Rei."
"What are you doing out here? When they found you, they said you were barely breathing." Max says, then without waiting for an answer, calls out, "Grandma! He's awake!" An older lady pokes her head out of the doorway and smiles kindly. "Well, he is! Come on now, no need to be shy! Let me get you some cookies." Rei looks at her weirdly, before glancing at Max. "Is she really your Grandmother?" Max laughs. "No. Everyone just calls her Grandma. She's the Chief's mother, so she takes care of all of us. She is related to me, but I forget how." Max thoughtfully scratches his head before running after the woman's voice. "-You shouldn't have been out here with a flimsy coat like that, mister! You need a -real- coat!" She places a plate of.... What looked like cookies growing trees on them. Rei eyes them before poking at it. "Go on! Eat up!"
"Now, what are you doing out here?" She asks, taking a big bite of a cookie herself. Rei takes off one of the 'trees', sniffs it, then pops it into his mouth. "Uh, well." He thinks it over a bit. "Looking for a mate." He states simply, trying to chew the 'tree'. He opens his mouth, trying to pry it off his teeth, but ends up having it sharply snapped closed. Again he tries, but with the same effect. "A mate?" Max asks, having a less troubling time with the snack. "Don't you usually choose from the village girls?" Rei nods, swallowing, and making a face. He looks at the actual cookie with doubt, then takes a small bite. "Yes, but I don't like any of the girls." Max and his grandmother nod, watching him intensely. "Well?" They ask. Rei looks at them, then the cookie. "What?" "How is it?" "Oh, uh." Rei smiles, then takes another bite, trying to smile again. "Good." Suddenly, they laugh, Max falling out of his chair. "Nani~?" Rei watches, and swallows the bite of cookie.
"That cookie. Are you sure you're not lying, boy?" The woman asks between breaths. "I've never had anyone like them. Even I don't like them! Come on, you don't have to finish eating them." Rei nods, happy he didn't have to finish it, and sits it down. Beside him, Max still rolled on the floor.
"Now, while I bake real cookies, why don't you have Max show you around. He can introduce you to all of his family and friends." Rei coughs a bit, catching the stares of both occupants. "Um, that's okay. I won't be here long, so I'll just go-" Max grabs his new friend's arm and links it with his own. "Na, they'll like you!" Reluctantly, Rei lets himself be pulled into the snow covered village by Max.
Fuyu: Now, I think she should end there. This is long enough. Besides, if I stop it here, her and Kid won't mind. *Looks behind him at Kid and Fushigi, who have thier back turned to him, whispering about something.* *Laughs* I think their planning my death. *gulp* Well, anyway, baibai!!