Well, last time we found out that Megumi has a stalker! (shudders) I
feel very spirited right now, and spunky. I'm in the mood for fighting, I
need something to punch, or at least scratch. My nails need filed really
bad, I'm tired of writing stories though for people that don't even bother
to review them, let alone read them. Tyedye/rin is my only faithful
reviewer as of now and I thank you for your loyalty. Still, I love to
write, what should happen though, I mean I honestly have no idea what to do
with this story. What should happen people, what kind of dangers and tests
should befall our heroes? What kind of tricks should the bad guys pull?
My other story is the same way; I've come to a seemingly difficult fork in
the road! But for now just enjoy the story, but I still expect some sort
of suggested direction from all of you in your reviews!
Chapter 4,
No Touchy!
They all slept soundly by the fire, the girls on one side the boys on the other, except for Sora of course who lay awake, drifting in and out of slumber. The horses slept in silence, huddling together under a willow tree at the edge of the clearing. The beady-eyed little man crept through the trees, followed by two others. The knife he clenched his jaw so as to keep the knife steady as he swung about, the other two carefully keeping up with him.
Sora: ** What was that? Something's out there, and I don't like the way it smells. Where's my bow? Oh god, Yahiko left it over by that tree when he was playing with it earlier! And I don't know if I can throw my knife without being seen. I need to get that bow! **
She put on some special gloves that would give her a better grip on her knife if it came down to her needing to throw it. Reaching out she tried to awaken the others without being noticed, but no such luck. Megumi was too far away from the fire, and she was the one Sora was worried about. She would make an easy target because she had chosen to sleep so far off from the others because the fire made her uncomfortable! Plus she wasn't fully well and couldn't run at even half her normal pace with that injured leg. Whatever it was that had been moving through the trees had now descended to the ground. They were coming up behind Sora! Turning her knife so that she could see the reflection of the intruders she saw that there were three. They were close, so close, and Sora had to do something! Realizing that the one had a knife on him she knew that her idea would only have one shot at working, and if she screwed up she could end up with a knife in her gut. Just as the assailants had gotten close enough Sora suddenly whirled on them tossing her blanket over their heads, blinding them for a split second before the leader sliced through the cloth with his weapon. The noise awoke the rest of her friends.
Leader: We've come for that little fox of yours! Now hand her over! We figure if we've got a few more hostages you'll pick up the pace! Sano: You lay one finger on her and I'll rip you apart!
Just as the man raised his weapon for a throw he realized only to late that Sora had stooped and flung hot embers from the fire right at them! The hot coals hit all three men directly in the face and their screeches rang out through the night air.
Sora: How's that for a fiery entrance?
Instinctively the man still threw his blade and missed drastically, but Sora caught it and held it at the ready as her friends gathered around her.
Sora: I don't like sneaky folk, so I'd kindly like for you to explain what your doing here before I have to make those burns on your faces look like chicken scratch!
Leader: Heheh! You think I'd come play with fire without bringing a little insurance?
Sora froze, only too late had she seen the man behind him lift another blade and hurl it straight at the still groggy Yahiko! Throwing caution to the wind she leapt in the way of the blade since she was closest. It slashed her in the side and fell to the ground, had she not made such a drastic move though, it would've replaced Yahiko's left eye! Kneeling on the ground she held her hand over the laceration, her mouth hanging open as she gasped in pain, the blade had been poisoned! Blood soaked through her gi quickly and sweat dropped off of her forehead. Now they had done it, Sora's friends were not happy and so charged the enemy full force. It didn't take long to send them packing. They quickly returned to their wounded friend, not realizing how bad her wound really was. The scent of blood had reached the horses nostrils and they reared and bucked at the scent, not with fear, but almost anger.
Kaoru: Don't worry Sora we can fix that up in a jiffy, it's not that bad of a laceration.
Megumi: Oh god! It's not the wound look!
She pointed to the blade that had injured Sora, the parts of it that weren't coated with Sora's blood were so heavily coated with poison that the blade was almost stained green!
Sora: It's...not...that bad, only a mild poison. I...just need...some stuff out of my bag, over on Kira's back.
Sano found it easily and Megumi helped Sora to make a poultice from the ingredients that would absorb the poison from the wound.
Megumi: Just leave that on and I'll have to stitch up the wound in the morning, by then the poison should be gone. For now we need to all try and get some sleep while we can. We'll need to cover a lot more ground tomorrow if we are to make up for what we lost yesterday, which is my fault.
Everyone went back to their spots a little shaken, but otherwise unharmed. Megumi felt bad about causing so much trouble, but realized that the more rest she got the better off she would be for travel tomorrow. They all slept peacefully from then on, even Sora, who needed to rest after undergoing such a tense ordeal. As she slept Kenshin stood watch for a while, just to make sure that no one else came looking for trouble. Before he went back to sleep though he held his hand above her face for a moment, just to make sure that she was still breathing. She was fine and he went back to his own spot, somewhat reassured that they would make through the rest of the night unharmed. Sora awoke bright and early just before the others and checked her wound, the poison wasn't completely gone, but Sora felt just fine and was happy to have her wound stitched up so that she would be able to move without re- stimulating the blood flow. They set off at a brisk pace and Kenshin hung back a bit just to make sure that no one was following them. Sora slowed up in order to talk with him as they walked.
Sora: Why did you come to check on me last night?
Kenshin: What? I don't know what you're talking about!
Sora: Don't play dumb; I've been poisoned, not shot in the head! I know that you were the last one awake last night, and I felt someone move something above my face last night as I was drifting off to sleep.
Kenshin: Well, I just wanted to make sure you were all right, I wasn't sure if maybe the poison was stronger than you thought.
Sora: (smiling) Well I'm glad to know that you care so much. Not many people will even set one foot in my direction.
Kenshin: Really, why?
Sora: Again, you play the fool. We as manslayers have legacies that others do not trust. We are unpredictable, and no one knows what might just push us off the deep end and back into our old ways of slaughter.
Kenshin: Well, that's why we try to prove to people that those days are over, and try to do as many good deeds as possible, in order to repent for all of the sorrow that we caused back then.
Sora: There will never be an end to "those days." There will always be memories of them, and as long as those memories survive, then so does the manslayer within us. Whether or not we are able to control that manslayer is the test now, and it shall be until the day we die.
Kenshin: You certainly don't sound very optimistic about it, that you don't!
Sora: Killing isn't something to be optimistic about. And with that she left him to contemplate the meaning of her words. They traveled far and fast. They stopped briefly for lunch and as they did Sora went about collecting various plants and other things from the woods around them and then throwing them in the same sack that she kept her medicines and makeup in.
Kaoru: What are you doing? Don't you want anything to eat?
Sora: I'm not hungry; besides, I need to collect a lot of things, especially when so many of them are accessible at one time.
Yahiko: What are you going to do with all of that junk?
Sora: This "junk" is going to be very helpful in the long run, I can use a lot of it for medicine if any of us gets hurt, but a lot of what I'm gathering now is for something special!
Yahiko: What ya gonna do with it?
Sora: You'll see, just wait; soon you'll understand why I'm known as the Angel from Hell! I need these plants to complete my signature appearance.
Sano: For someone who is supposedly so well known, how come I'm the only one here that's ever even heard of you?
Sora: I just wasn't in your area of Japan during the revolution I guess, but just look at how people stare when I walk down the street, I am wider known than you think! After all, most of those that see me as Sora Shietan never see anything else after that, so stories of me don't go around very often.
Megumi: So, how are these plants going to help you complete your "signature appearance"?
Sora: I told you, wait and you'll see! Besides, the desired effect of my appearance can only reach its full potential when I'm in the mood for a good fight, it's amazing how much I can do without reverting to my ways as a manslayer.
Kenshin: Well you let us know when your ready to show us your surprise.
Sora: Don't worry; I'm quite proud of it so I'll make sure to show you all!
Yahiko had strayed over to the bag Sora had left her sacred blade in and she caught him out of the corner of her eye, just as he picked it up. In a flash she was behind him with her hand over his, and her voice was serious, almost angry as she spoke.
Sora: Nooooooo touchy my sword!
Yahiko: Awwww, I just want to see it!
Sora: No, it's not for you to look upon. That is a dangerous thing that has shortened many lives, and if you play with it, it may shorten yours. You're used to wielding a bokken, not a lead weighted blade coated with layers of steel and then moon rock.
Yahiko: Moon rock?
Sora: Yes, that blades final coat is made of a rock that fell from the sky, and its insides are forged from steel and lead. It's kind of a family heirloom, so I'd appreciate it if you stayed away from it!
Yahiko: Oh fine, but one day can I see it?
Sora: One day, yes one day when you are old enough you may see it.
They quickly moved on and made impressively good time. The horses were impatient and wanted to gallop ahead, their unspent energy finally getting the better of them. Sora kept them in check though and the day went on without any problems. However, as they settled down for the night around sunset, an arrow thudded into a nearby tree with a message attached.
Sora: Oh my god! You've got to be kidding me!
Her voice was almost a sob as she read the note aloud.
My Dear Heroes,
I've decided that there would be no point in you simply coming after me for these little whelps, so I've decided to make this hunt a bit more sporting. You will go through a series of trials that will eventually lead you to your precious brats and me. Enclosed with this note is a new map that you are to follow, or the children will not live to see their next birthdays! We aren't going to tell you when or where these trials shall begin, but I trust you will overcome most of them without loosing too many friends. If any of you should actually survive and make it to my hideout then I shall grant you the honor of facing my remaining guards and me! Only if you defeat us then will you be allowed to walk from my lair with your little friends in tow, if you can walk that is, hahahahaha!
Sinisterly,
Your Executioner!
Sora: So we've got to play games with him now huh? I'm too old for games this is pointless!
Sano: Yeah and look at this map, holey crap have we've got a way to go if we are to reach this guy!
Sora: I want to make one thing clear to all of you right now, this man is responsible for a great deal of my suffering and pain from the past, and when we do meet up with him he's mine! I know who he is, though his name has left me at the moment, but if any of you should get in my way it is only fair that I warn you now that you will be running the risk of being cut down by me. Revenge will have an entirely different meaning by the time I've finished with this little maggot and torture will look like child's play!
Whoa, somebody's got issues! Well, I like messing with people's minds so be prepared for things to get rough, romancey, funny, blond, and deadly! The Angel from Hell is going to turn up the heat and set everyone's world on fire once she gets started in the chapters to come. Read and Review, and don't forget to read my other story, and answer all of my questions from the beginning of the chapter!
Chapter 4,
No Touchy!
They all slept soundly by the fire, the girls on one side the boys on the other, except for Sora of course who lay awake, drifting in and out of slumber. The horses slept in silence, huddling together under a willow tree at the edge of the clearing. The beady-eyed little man crept through the trees, followed by two others. The knife he clenched his jaw so as to keep the knife steady as he swung about, the other two carefully keeping up with him.
Sora: ** What was that? Something's out there, and I don't like the way it smells. Where's my bow? Oh god, Yahiko left it over by that tree when he was playing with it earlier! And I don't know if I can throw my knife without being seen. I need to get that bow! **
She put on some special gloves that would give her a better grip on her knife if it came down to her needing to throw it. Reaching out she tried to awaken the others without being noticed, but no such luck. Megumi was too far away from the fire, and she was the one Sora was worried about. She would make an easy target because she had chosen to sleep so far off from the others because the fire made her uncomfortable! Plus she wasn't fully well and couldn't run at even half her normal pace with that injured leg. Whatever it was that had been moving through the trees had now descended to the ground. They were coming up behind Sora! Turning her knife so that she could see the reflection of the intruders she saw that there were three. They were close, so close, and Sora had to do something! Realizing that the one had a knife on him she knew that her idea would only have one shot at working, and if she screwed up she could end up with a knife in her gut. Just as the assailants had gotten close enough Sora suddenly whirled on them tossing her blanket over their heads, blinding them for a split second before the leader sliced through the cloth with his weapon. The noise awoke the rest of her friends.
Leader: We've come for that little fox of yours! Now hand her over! We figure if we've got a few more hostages you'll pick up the pace! Sano: You lay one finger on her and I'll rip you apart!
Just as the man raised his weapon for a throw he realized only to late that Sora had stooped and flung hot embers from the fire right at them! The hot coals hit all three men directly in the face and their screeches rang out through the night air.
Sora: How's that for a fiery entrance?
Instinctively the man still threw his blade and missed drastically, but Sora caught it and held it at the ready as her friends gathered around her.
Sora: I don't like sneaky folk, so I'd kindly like for you to explain what your doing here before I have to make those burns on your faces look like chicken scratch!
Leader: Heheh! You think I'd come play with fire without bringing a little insurance?
Sora froze, only too late had she seen the man behind him lift another blade and hurl it straight at the still groggy Yahiko! Throwing caution to the wind she leapt in the way of the blade since she was closest. It slashed her in the side and fell to the ground, had she not made such a drastic move though, it would've replaced Yahiko's left eye! Kneeling on the ground she held her hand over the laceration, her mouth hanging open as she gasped in pain, the blade had been poisoned! Blood soaked through her gi quickly and sweat dropped off of her forehead. Now they had done it, Sora's friends were not happy and so charged the enemy full force. It didn't take long to send them packing. They quickly returned to their wounded friend, not realizing how bad her wound really was. The scent of blood had reached the horses nostrils and they reared and bucked at the scent, not with fear, but almost anger.
Kaoru: Don't worry Sora we can fix that up in a jiffy, it's not that bad of a laceration.
Megumi: Oh god! It's not the wound look!
She pointed to the blade that had injured Sora, the parts of it that weren't coated with Sora's blood were so heavily coated with poison that the blade was almost stained green!
Sora: It's...not...that bad, only a mild poison. I...just need...some stuff out of my bag, over on Kira's back.
Sano found it easily and Megumi helped Sora to make a poultice from the ingredients that would absorb the poison from the wound.
Megumi: Just leave that on and I'll have to stitch up the wound in the morning, by then the poison should be gone. For now we need to all try and get some sleep while we can. We'll need to cover a lot more ground tomorrow if we are to make up for what we lost yesterday, which is my fault.
Everyone went back to their spots a little shaken, but otherwise unharmed. Megumi felt bad about causing so much trouble, but realized that the more rest she got the better off she would be for travel tomorrow. They all slept peacefully from then on, even Sora, who needed to rest after undergoing such a tense ordeal. As she slept Kenshin stood watch for a while, just to make sure that no one else came looking for trouble. Before he went back to sleep though he held his hand above her face for a moment, just to make sure that she was still breathing. She was fine and he went back to his own spot, somewhat reassured that they would make through the rest of the night unharmed. Sora awoke bright and early just before the others and checked her wound, the poison wasn't completely gone, but Sora felt just fine and was happy to have her wound stitched up so that she would be able to move without re- stimulating the blood flow. They set off at a brisk pace and Kenshin hung back a bit just to make sure that no one was following them. Sora slowed up in order to talk with him as they walked.
Sora: Why did you come to check on me last night?
Kenshin: What? I don't know what you're talking about!
Sora: Don't play dumb; I've been poisoned, not shot in the head! I know that you were the last one awake last night, and I felt someone move something above my face last night as I was drifting off to sleep.
Kenshin: Well, I just wanted to make sure you were all right, I wasn't sure if maybe the poison was stronger than you thought.
Sora: (smiling) Well I'm glad to know that you care so much. Not many people will even set one foot in my direction.
Kenshin: Really, why?
Sora: Again, you play the fool. We as manslayers have legacies that others do not trust. We are unpredictable, and no one knows what might just push us off the deep end and back into our old ways of slaughter.
Kenshin: Well, that's why we try to prove to people that those days are over, and try to do as many good deeds as possible, in order to repent for all of the sorrow that we caused back then.
Sora: There will never be an end to "those days." There will always be memories of them, and as long as those memories survive, then so does the manslayer within us. Whether or not we are able to control that manslayer is the test now, and it shall be until the day we die.
Kenshin: You certainly don't sound very optimistic about it, that you don't!
Sora: Killing isn't something to be optimistic about. And with that she left him to contemplate the meaning of her words. They traveled far and fast. They stopped briefly for lunch and as they did Sora went about collecting various plants and other things from the woods around them and then throwing them in the same sack that she kept her medicines and makeup in.
Kaoru: What are you doing? Don't you want anything to eat?
Sora: I'm not hungry; besides, I need to collect a lot of things, especially when so many of them are accessible at one time.
Yahiko: What are you going to do with all of that junk?
Sora: This "junk" is going to be very helpful in the long run, I can use a lot of it for medicine if any of us gets hurt, but a lot of what I'm gathering now is for something special!
Yahiko: What ya gonna do with it?
Sora: You'll see, just wait; soon you'll understand why I'm known as the Angel from Hell! I need these plants to complete my signature appearance.
Sano: For someone who is supposedly so well known, how come I'm the only one here that's ever even heard of you?
Sora: I just wasn't in your area of Japan during the revolution I guess, but just look at how people stare when I walk down the street, I am wider known than you think! After all, most of those that see me as Sora Shietan never see anything else after that, so stories of me don't go around very often.
Megumi: So, how are these plants going to help you complete your "signature appearance"?
Sora: I told you, wait and you'll see! Besides, the desired effect of my appearance can only reach its full potential when I'm in the mood for a good fight, it's amazing how much I can do without reverting to my ways as a manslayer.
Kenshin: Well you let us know when your ready to show us your surprise.
Sora: Don't worry; I'm quite proud of it so I'll make sure to show you all!
Yahiko had strayed over to the bag Sora had left her sacred blade in and she caught him out of the corner of her eye, just as he picked it up. In a flash she was behind him with her hand over his, and her voice was serious, almost angry as she spoke.
Sora: Nooooooo touchy my sword!
Yahiko: Awwww, I just want to see it!
Sora: No, it's not for you to look upon. That is a dangerous thing that has shortened many lives, and if you play with it, it may shorten yours. You're used to wielding a bokken, not a lead weighted blade coated with layers of steel and then moon rock.
Yahiko: Moon rock?
Sora: Yes, that blades final coat is made of a rock that fell from the sky, and its insides are forged from steel and lead. It's kind of a family heirloom, so I'd appreciate it if you stayed away from it!
Yahiko: Oh fine, but one day can I see it?
Sora: One day, yes one day when you are old enough you may see it.
They quickly moved on and made impressively good time. The horses were impatient and wanted to gallop ahead, their unspent energy finally getting the better of them. Sora kept them in check though and the day went on without any problems. However, as they settled down for the night around sunset, an arrow thudded into a nearby tree with a message attached.
Sora: Oh my god! You've got to be kidding me!
Her voice was almost a sob as she read the note aloud.
My Dear Heroes,
I've decided that there would be no point in you simply coming after me for these little whelps, so I've decided to make this hunt a bit more sporting. You will go through a series of trials that will eventually lead you to your precious brats and me. Enclosed with this note is a new map that you are to follow, or the children will not live to see their next birthdays! We aren't going to tell you when or where these trials shall begin, but I trust you will overcome most of them without loosing too many friends. If any of you should actually survive and make it to my hideout then I shall grant you the honor of facing my remaining guards and me! Only if you defeat us then will you be allowed to walk from my lair with your little friends in tow, if you can walk that is, hahahahaha!
Sinisterly,
Your Executioner!
Sora: So we've got to play games with him now huh? I'm too old for games this is pointless!
Sano: Yeah and look at this map, holey crap have we've got a way to go if we are to reach this guy!
Sora: I want to make one thing clear to all of you right now, this man is responsible for a great deal of my suffering and pain from the past, and when we do meet up with him he's mine! I know who he is, though his name has left me at the moment, but if any of you should get in my way it is only fair that I warn you now that you will be running the risk of being cut down by me. Revenge will have an entirely different meaning by the time I've finished with this little maggot and torture will look like child's play!
Whoa, somebody's got issues! Well, I like messing with people's minds so be prepared for things to get rough, romancey, funny, blond, and deadly! The Angel from Hell is going to turn up the heat and set everyone's world on fire once she gets started in the chapters to come. Read and Review, and don't forget to read my other story, and answer all of my questions from the beginning of the chapter!