Heeheehee, I love it when I get ideas! The little wheels are turning!
Yes, and my brain has thought up an uncanny beginning to this escapade of
trials. Just wait and see, things are going to be nuts! Relationships
will heat up, tension will grow, fear will take root, and maybe even a
little backstabbing! It's time for everyone to get a dose of what it's
like to try and beat me at mind games! I feel very in charge right now and
my ego is off the charts, but that's ok because I'm going to fuel all of it
into my righting! I'm an American woman, with an American sense of humor,
and I'm on caffeine! Plus I like description, and designing wardrobes!
I'm like a bottomless pool of happiness right now and I have absolutely no
idea why! Maybe this is why they say ignorance is bliss? Oh well, please
R&R.
Chapter 5,
Hold Your Horses!
Sora was too restless to sleep. She lay watching the stars and decided to make better use of her time. Collecting the bag that she had stuffed her plants and ingredients into she grabbed several large clay bowels that she had made from river mud the day before. After pouring what she needed into each bowel she added water and began to mix and crush the vegetation until it was a pure liquid. The plants bled a vast array of colors into the bowels; Sora was making dye. After making sure that there were no remnants of any pulp in her dyes, she took the bowels over to the sleeping horses and began her task. After darkening her wing birthmarks on her back with blood red dye, she began painting each horse as they slept. Sora had just finished as everyone began to wake up. They all came to look upon her work, but before she would allow any of them to get within range to make out what she had done she whispered into the horses ears and they bolted off. Streaking across the open meadow ahead they galloped, reaching speeds that made it hard to look upon them without your eyesight blurring. As they rounded the edge of the meadow and came back they slowed to a halt and amazed the onlookers with their new coats. The still wet dye had bled through their fur as they ran giving them quite a fearsome appearance!
Sora: Now you may see why I am such a hard sight to forget!
The horses were almost unrecognizable; they were definitely an intimidating sight to look upon! Sanakoo, whose original coat was pure white with a black mane, tail, hooves, and stripe down his back and forehead had a demonic look to him now. All of the black parts of his body had been dyed a bloody, bright red, and it had bled down his sides and body, outlining his ribs, and eyes. Now he had red highlights mixed in with his black tail and mane, and a vibrant red dorsal stripe and sides. He truly looked as though he had run underneath a waterfall of blood! His mate, Kira, was just as striking. Her muzzle had been dyed red, along with all of her spots and throat. As the dye bled, she now looked as though flames danced across her face and around her eyes. Her blond coat looked blood stained and only mottled bits of her black spots could be seen. The crimson horses held their heads high and proud as they showed off their new paint jobs.
Sora: Once the dye is dry it won't come out unless I use my special shampoo to take it out of their fur.
Megumi: (in an awed/afraid whisper) They look like beasts that nightmares couldn't even contain, they bring a whole new perspective to the term, warhorse!
Yahiko: Wow! They're soooo cool!
Sano: Nice job, very original. I see you take advantage of intimidation.
Sora: Every bit helps when it comes to fighting enemies!
Sano: You've got it all; money, horses, attitude, skills, and you're left handed.
Sora: That's purely genetic. Both of my parents were left handed, we were the only ones in our entire family.
Kenshin: ** So if what Sano said is true, then that's why she had to kill her parents! She would've been the only one who could sufficiently counter their attacks. **
Sora: (cheerfully) So, let's get a move on!
Kaoru: (still starring at the steeds) Oh, ok, yeah.
They briskly headed off, yes without breakfast because Sora had assured them that a town was just down the road where they could stop and eat somewhere. And sure enough, within the hour they came over a large hill and looked down to see a small town. The streets were packed, but parted quickly at the sight of the great animals. They found a small restaurant to eat at and talked as they waited for their food.
Sano: You know, I was wondering Sora; you can only ride one horse at a time, so why do you have two? You only need one.
Sora: Well, Kira was a special gift, and Sanakoo's been with me since he was a baby. Four years ago, when I turned 21, Kira was my birthday-present from a special someone. And just a month before that I had found Sanakoo. Sanakoo is a wild stallion from the mountains and poachers slaughtered his herd. He was only a few months old and I found him and raised him. He still thinks I'm his mother because he can't remember his real one, and Kira was from my best friend who died trying to protect me. A woman took me in one day and I lived with her until my enemies caught up with me and she sacrificed herself so I could get away. Kaoru: Why did you have to keep Sanakoo then, I mean wouldn't he be happier with other horses back in the mountains?
Sora: First of all, I could let him go back because I haven't trained him away from his instincts, but after I found him I had a dream, it's really quite silly, I mean a grown woman dreaming such things! But in my dream someone told me that he would grow and become great, and that his unbreakable spirit would allow no other to ride him or call him their own. But one day, when things seemed hopeless beyond all reason, it would be him that showed me the one who could make everything right. He would be the one to lead me to those who would help me, and make everything better. I wouldn't have ever left him when he was young anyway, but I guess someone just wanted to make sure that I would take good care of him!
Megumi: How strange, but I guess part of that dream is real!
Sora: How do you mean?
Megumi: Well, was it not Sanakoo that carried you to the dojo?
Sora: Yes, but,
Megumi: Maybe he really is what your dream said he would be!
Sora: Yes, he and Kira are my wings, and no angel can fly without those!
Yahiko: Man, I really wish I had a horse!
Kaoru: Yes, and the last time you wished for something and got it, the first thing you did was knock me over the head with it!
Yahiko: Man I'm glad I got my bokken!
Sora: It's not that hard to get a horse, it just depends on whether or not you've got the money for one! They can be pretty expensive.
Yahiko: Why can't I just get a wild one like you did?
Sora: Because they can be dangerous and if a wild stallion ever caught a kid like you around his colts he'd trample you flat!
Yahiko: Then how did you get to Sanakoo?
Sora: I told you, his whole family had been killed!
Yahiko: Oh, well, I'll work really hard and save up all of my money until I can get a horse for my very own one day! Sano: (scowling at Sora) Why do you encourage him!?!
Sora: There's nothing wrong with him wanting to work hard for the things he really wants!
Kaoru: There is if he ever really gets what he wants and then we get stuck helping to take care of them!
Sora: You guys are way too high-strung, just live a little; this'll be a healthy experience for everyone.
After they had left the restaurant they walked through the streets and enjoyed the scenery. As they neared the edge of the town, they headed for the path that they were supposed to enter according to their map. Just then a group of kids, anywhere from 14 to 18 came up to them.
Sora: Keep an eye on your stuff they look like pick pockets to me!
Kid 1: Hey, you guys are new around here huh?
Sano: Just passing through.
Kid 2: We can tell, anyone who totes around giant donkeys like those can't be from here!
Both horses neighed angrily and leapt at the boy that had spoken. Trying to chomp down on any part of him they could reach, but sharply stopped when Sora hauled on their manes.
Sora: Heehee, now I see why they say hold your horses! Calm down you two, don't let those punks get to you.
Kid 1: Aw, look! How long did it take you to train them to do that, it must have taken you forever on account of their brains can't be any bigger than peanuts.
This time it was Sora that leapt forward at the kid and almost had her hands around his throat before both Sano and Kenshin grabbed a hold of her and held her back.
Kenshin: (whispering in her ear) They're trying to draw us out of a tight group so that they can rob us one at a time, just don't listen to them!
Kid 3: That's right little girl; listen to your little boyfriend!
Sora: (snarling at him) Bite me you little runt, just wait till I get my hands on you!
Kid 5: Wow this ones pretty feisty!
Sora: Yeah and I'm gonna be merciless once I can get a hold of you! Let me go guys!
Sano: Get a hold of yourself woman! You're a very bad hypocrite you know that?
Kid 8: Oh come on little rooster, let her go, I'd like to see what she'll do. Girls these days just think their sooooo tough!
Sano: (looking at Kenshin) Ok, can we please kick their butts now?
Kenshin: I don't see anyway I can stop you, but be care-
He hadn't even finished speaking and chaos had already broken out. Sora had leapt at the boys since she was no longer being restrained and Sano hadn't even finished speaking with Kenshin. They both looked on as Sora lashed out and knocked the boys over their heads.
Sano: Now that's not fair! She was supposed to wait so we could start at the same time! Now it's no fun cause she's already taken out like half of them!
The horses felt no need to get involved. They had calmed down and were quite enjoying watching their friend beat the little children. Sora was pleased with her work. Several boys lay on the ground unconscious, one had been tossed into an overhanging tree, and the others were limping away.
Sora: (smiling triumphantly) I just love kids but sometimes you gotta put them in their places! I probably should feel guilty about beating up a bunch of kids that are younger than me, but the hilarious part about that is that I don't feel one bit sorry!
She began laughing so hard and couldn't stop to the point that tears began to role down her cheeks, but she quickly stopped herself and as she turned to lead the horses back onto the path Sanosuke and Kenshin looked at one another.
Sano: Should we be worried about her?
Kenshin: Believe me, if we did we'd be dead from grief by now.
Sora: I heard that Mr. Himmura!
As they headed off into the woods Sora suddenly became very talkative and the others couldn't get her to shut up. (sounds like me when I'm hyper) She talked about everything and anything that she set eyes on, switching from subject to subject.
Megumi: Why is she like this all of a sudden, she'd driving me nuts!
Sora: Because I haven't talked much in the past few days and this is what happens after I've gone too many days without talking so I'll stop now and try to keep myself under control from now on!
Kaoru: There truly is a god!
Sora: Be nice now!
Kaoru: I was.
Sora: Well, I'd hate to see what mean is!
Kaoru: I thought you weren't going to talk as much from now on?
Sora: Ok!
The sun began setting and the last golden rays fought to pierce the foliage of the forest's canopy as they dwindled away. The group of weary friends had stopped to rest and decided to camp a ways off of the road for a few days until they had taken on some new supplies. Their campsite was situated in a clearing along side of a small river. The others worked to pull together a few shelters for them to sleep under while Sano went off to try and catch a few fish. Unfortunately Yahiko had tagged along with him so he new there wouldn't be much of a chance for him to relax. The young boy was helpful though, for it was he that thought of weaving a mesh net together and setting it in the water downstream of where Sano sat. This way, Sano could get behind a school of fish with one net upstream and chase them down to Yahiko who netted them and plucked them from the water. Their task was completed quickly and they walked back to camp carrying between them their large catch. They all enjoyed a good meal that night and sat about in their carefree mood. The woods were peaceful and Sora felt right at home within them. She walked gracefully between the trees, touching the trees, inhaling the scents of tranquility. This was a happy place, and she loved it, longed for it. Her life had once been just as happy, which was strange on account of the fact that she had been raised by two manslayers. They were good people though, and they did love her unconditionally. She was the apple of the family's eye, the first girl ever born into their graces. Yet she still had the manslayer blood in her and had proved her metal endless times over the years. Everyone in her family had been a manslayer, and her father their leader. She was the cream of the crop, and had learned the best skills from everyone. They were convinced that she had been destined for greatness, but oh if only they had known how wrong they were! She flinched at the memory; she had let them down, even though they didn't see it that way. Her parents hadn't even been upset when their own daughter stepped forth to bring them down, because in their eyes she had done what was best for the family as a whole. Sora had thought that too, but once she was told that they were all gone she then realized what a fool she truly was. Even in the end though her parents were so happy, to know that they were together and that they had succeeded in giving their daughter every advantage they could. Her mother's last words still rang in her ears, but even to this day she didn't understand them.
~Flashback!~
Sora's mother lay on the ground, a fatal slash across her throat combined with several other gory injuries quickly boar her away into death's arms. Her father was already gone and had uttered his final words of love for his wife and daughter.
Father: My dear's I will never love either of you less than the eagle loves the skies! Sora, I couldn't be more proud of you, never loose sight of what's truly important..in life.
But her mother's words, although just as fresh in her mind still didn't make sense, maybe they truly were just the humble ramblings of a dying woman, but something told Sora otherwise.
Mother: For born out of the flames of terror, with many enemies to fell, all shall fear this beautiful Angel come from the Fiery Depths of Hell!
~ End Flashback!~
Yes, Sora had always hoped that she would one day understand what those words meant, and so in an attempt to make sure that she never forgot them (highly unlikely!) she had those very same words tattooed on the back of her waist!
Kenshin: Hey Sora!
Kenshin's sudden shout brought Sora crashing back to reality, and she stumbled in surprise as she spun around to face him. She hadn't been paying attention to anything around her and as she spun around she stumbled right into Kenshin! Her head leaned against his chest, and his arms encircled her and pulled her towards him, a sense of urgency in his grip. Realizing where she was she pushed away from him, but before she could back away he grabbed her hand and gently pulled her back towards him.
Kenshin: (smiling worriedly) You should watch where you're going you almost fell!
She looked over her shoulder and indeed she had almost walked right off of the edge of a small cliff that led to several jagged rocks jutting up from the river's surface, she had only to take one more step and she would've been impaled upon the stones!
Sora: (breathless with shock) Oh, I'm sorry I wasn't paying attention. Thanks for stopping me!
Kenshin: Don't worry, just watch where you walk from now on, we don't want you to get hurt that we don't!
Sora: (smiling slyly) We, or you don't want me to get hurt?
Kenshin: (rubbing the back of his head nervously) Well, I'm not quite sure what that's supposed to mean, but I'm sure we'd all regret it if anything bad happened to you that we would. Um, ok I'm going to go back now! Sora smiled devilishly as she watched him go.
Sora: (mumbling to herself) I love messing with his head!
It seems though that she wasn't the only one enjoying the company of a friend at the moment. Sano had gone back to a small pile of rocks that he had found as he was fishing earlier that day and sat watching the water dance beneath him. Megumi had snuck up behind him and once she was within range lightly chucked a small pebble at Sano's head.
Sano: (turning and rubbing his head) Ouch! What was that for?
Megumi: Sorry, just trying to get your attention.
Sano: Well you got it!
Megumi: May I join you?
Sano: Sure, but no more rocks!
Megumi: (chuckling) Oh all right you big baby.
She climbed up beside him and looked up at the moon. It was bright and shimmered as its reflection floated about on the ripples bellow.
Sano: How's your leg?
Megumi: It's fine, I think it's healing up nicely. I won't need to wear the splint much longer as long as I don't re-injure it or anything.
Sano: That's great, maybe I should try being a doctor!
Megumi: Let's not get ahead of ourselves now! So why are you out here all alone?
Sano: Just enjoying the view.
Megumi: Sorry, about the other night.
Sano: What do you mean?
Megumi: You remember, when Yahiko snuck up behind that tree.
Sano: That wasn't your fault.
Megumi: Well, I just hope you didn't feel weird or anything, you know?
Sano: Yeah, don't worry, hey it's getting late we should head back. He jumped down from his spot and turned to help Megumi. She slipped slightly and Sano caught her.
Megumi: Thanks.
Sano: Don't mention it!
At this point Kaoru had caught Yahiko in the act of trying to sneak up on Sano and Megumi, but she stopped him and tied him to a tree next to the fire.
Yahiko: You're no fun at all!
Kaoru: Sure I am, just not when I'm around you!
Both Sano and Megumi headed back towards the fire, but before they came around the last bend Megumi took his hand gently and stopped him.
Sano: What is it?
Megumi: Can I take you up on a rain check for that kiss I missed last time?
Sano: Ha, uh, sure.
She kissed him lightly on the lips and rested her head adainst his chest. He held her for a moment resting his chin on her head, his arms safely wrapped about her, then looked down at her and smiled.
Sano: Come on you little fox I want to see what we've missed back at camp.
Megumi: Ok, goodnight. She went off towards the small tent for the girls.
Sano watched her go, sad that the moment couldn't have lasted longer. Then he headed back and sat beside Kenshin next to the fire. Sora currently was tossing one of her knives about and once she became bored with that she went to bed.
Sora: (as she lay down and fell asleep) ** Why did Kenshin come after me? I mean Yahiko could just have easily shouted at me or something. Oh well, it's not like I should be worried about it or anything. I hope Ayame and Suzume are all right. I'll never forgive myself if something happens to them! **
Well the heat is flaring up and it seems as though certain people care more for each other than we first thought! I can't wait until I get the next chapter up! See all of you soon! Things are really going to get dramatic, and suspenseful!!!!!!!!!! I'm so psyched!
Chapter 5,
Hold Your Horses!
Sora was too restless to sleep. She lay watching the stars and decided to make better use of her time. Collecting the bag that she had stuffed her plants and ingredients into she grabbed several large clay bowels that she had made from river mud the day before. After pouring what she needed into each bowel she added water and began to mix and crush the vegetation until it was a pure liquid. The plants bled a vast array of colors into the bowels; Sora was making dye. After making sure that there were no remnants of any pulp in her dyes, she took the bowels over to the sleeping horses and began her task. After darkening her wing birthmarks on her back with blood red dye, she began painting each horse as they slept. Sora had just finished as everyone began to wake up. They all came to look upon her work, but before she would allow any of them to get within range to make out what she had done she whispered into the horses ears and they bolted off. Streaking across the open meadow ahead they galloped, reaching speeds that made it hard to look upon them without your eyesight blurring. As they rounded the edge of the meadow and came back they slowed to a halt and amazed the onlookers with their new coats. The still wet dye had bled through their fur as they ran giving them quite a fearsome appearance!
Sora: Now you may see why I am such a hard sight to forget!
The horses were almost unrecognizable; they were definitely an intimidating sight to look upon! Sanakoo, whose original coat was pure white with a black mane, tail, hooves, and stripe down his back and forehead had a demonic look to him now. All of the black parts of his body had been dyed a bloody, bright red, and it had bled down his sides and body, outlining his ribs, and eyes. Now he had red highlights mixed in with his black tail and mane, and a vibrant red dorsal stripe and sides. He truly looked as though he had run underneath a waterfall of blood! His mate, Kira, was just as striking. Her muzzle had been dyed red, along with all of her spots and throat. As the dye bled, she now looked as though flames danced across her face and around her eyes. Her blond coat looked blood stained and only mottled bits of her black spots could be seen. The crimson horses held their heads high and proud as they showed off their new paint jobs.
Sora: Once the dye is dry it won't come out unless I use my special shampoo to take it out of their fur.
Megumi: (in an awed/afraid whisper) They look like beasts that nightmares couldn't even contain, they bring a whole new perspective to the term, warhorse!
Yahiko: Wow! They're soooo cool!
Sano: Nice job, very original. I see you take advantage of intimidation.
Sora: Every bit helps when it comes to fighting enemies!
Sano: You've got it all; money, horses, attitude, skills, and you're left handed.
Sora: That's purely genetic. Both of my parents were left handed, we were the only ones in our entire family.
Kenshin: ** So if what Sano said is true, then that's why she had to kill her parents! She would've been the only one who could sufficiently counter their attacks. **
Sora: (cheerfully) So, let's get a move on!
Kaoru: (still starring at the steeds) Oh, ok, yeah.
They briskly headed off, yes without breakfast because Sora had assured them that a town was just down the road where they could stop and eat somewhere. And sure enough, within the hour they came over a large hill and looked down to see a small town. The streets were packed, but parted quickly at the sight of the great animals. They found a small restaurant to eat at and talked as they waited for their food.
Sano: You know, I was wondering Sora; you can only ride one horse at a time, so why do you have two? You only need one.
Sora: Well, Kira was a special gift, and Sanakoo's been with me since he was a baby. Four years ago, when I turned 21, Kira was my birthday-present from a special someone. And just a month before that I had found Sanakoo. Sanakoo is a wild stallion from the mountains and poachers slaughtered his herd. He was only a few months old and I found him and raised him. He still thinks I'm his mother because he can't remember his real one, and Kira was from my best friend who died trying to protect me. A woman took me in one day and I lived with her until my enemies caught up with me and she sacrificed herself so I could get away. Kaoru: Why did you have to keep Sanakoo then, I mean wouldn't he be happier with other horses back in the mountains?
Sora: First of all, I could let him go back because I haven't trained him away from his instincts, but after I found him I had a dream, it's really quite silly, I mean a grown woman dreaming such things! But in my dream someone told me that he would grow and become great, and that his unbreakable spirit would allow no other to ride him or call him their own. But one day, when things seemed hopeless beyond all reason, it would be him that showed me the one who could make everything right. He would be the one to lead me to those who would help me, and make everything better. I wouldn't have ever left him when he was young anyway, but I guess someone just wanted to make sure that I would take good care of him!
Megumi: How strange, but I guess part of that dream is real!
Sora: How do you mean?
Megumi: Well, was it not Sanakoo that carried you to the dojo?
Sora: Yes, but,
Megumi: Maybe he really is what your dream said he would be!
Sora: Yes, he and Kira are my wings, and no angel can fly without those!
Yahiko: Man, I really wish I had a horse!
Kaoru: Yes, and the last time you wished for something and got it, the first thing you did was knock me over the head with it!
Yahiko: Man I'm glad I got my bokken!
Sora: It's not that hard to get a horse, it just depends on whether or not you've got the money for one! They can be pretty expensive.
Yahiko: Why can't I just get a wild one like you did?
Sora: Because they can be dangerous and if a wild stallion ever caught a kid like you around his colts he'd trample you flat!
Yahiko: Then how did you get to Sanakoo?
Sora: I told you, his whole family had been killed!
Yahiko: Oh, well, I'll work really hard and save up all of my money until I can get a horse for my very own one day! Sano: (scowling at Sora) Why do you encourage him!?!
Sora: There's nothing wrong with him wanting to work hard for the things he really wants!
Kaoru: There is if he ever really gets what he wants and then we get stuck helping to take care of them!
Sora: You guys are way too high-strung, just live a little; this'll be a healthy experience for everyone.
After they had left the restaurant they walked through the streets and enjoyed the scenery. As they neared the edge of the town, they headed for the path that they were supposed to enter according to their map. Just then a group of kids, anywhere from 14 to 18 came up to them.
Sora: Keep an eye on your stuff they look like pick pockets to me!
Kid 1: Hey, you guys are new around here huh?
Sano: Just passing through.
Kid 2: We can tell, anyone who totes around giant donkeys like those can't be from here!
Both horses neighed angrily and leapt at the boy that had spoken. Trying to chomp down on any part of him they could reach, but sharply stopped when Sora hauled on their manes.
Sora: Heehee, now I see why they say hold your horses! Calm down you two, don't let those punks get to you.
Kid 1: Aw, look! How long did it take you to train them to do that, it must have taken you forever on account of their brains can't be any bigger than peanuts.
This time it was Sora that leapt forward at the kid and almost had her hands around his throat before both Sano and Kenshin grabbed a hold of her and held her back.
Kenshin: (whispering in her ear) They're trying to draw us out of a tight group so that they can rob us one at a time, just don't listen to them!
Kid 3: That's right little girl; listen to your little boyfriend!
Sora: (snarling at him) Bite me you little runt, just wait till I get my hands on you!
Kid 5: Wow this ones pretty feisty!
Sora: Yeah and I'm gonna be merciless once I can get a hold of you! Let me go guys!
Sano: Get a hold of yourself woman! You're a very bad hypocrite you know that?
Kid 8: Oh come on little rooster, let her go, I'd like to see what she'll do. Girls these days just think their sooooo tough!
Sano: (looking at Kenshin) Ok, can we please kick their butts now?
Kenshin: I don't see anyway I can stop you, but be care-
He hadn't even finished speaking and chaos had already broken out. Sora had leapt at the boys since she was no longer being restrained and Sano hadn't even finished speaking with Kenshin. They both looked on as Sora lashed out and knocked the boys over their heads.
Sano: Now that's not fair! She was supposed to wait so we could start at the same time! Now it's no fun cause she's already taken out like half of them!
The horses felt no need to get involved. They had calmed down and were quite enjoying watching their friend beat the little children. Sora was pleased with her work. Several boys lay on the ground unconscious, one had been tossed into an overhanging tree, and the others were limping away.
Sora: (smiling triumphantly) I just love kids but sometimes you gotta put them in their places! I probably should feel guilty about beating up a bunch of kids that are younger than me, but the hilarious part about that is that I don't feel one bit sorry!
She began laughing so hard and couldn't stop to the point that tears began to role down her cheeks, but she quickly stopped herself and as she turned to lead the horses back onto the path Sanosuke and Kenshin looked at one another.
Sano: Should we be worried about her?
Kenshin: Believe me, if we did we'd be dead from grief by now.
Sora: I heard that Mr. Himmura!
As they headed off into the woods Sora suddenly became very talkative and the others couldn't get her to shut up. (sounds like me when I'm hyper) She talked about everything and anything that she set eyes on, switching from subject to subject.
Megumi: Why is she like this all of a sudden, she'd driving me nuts!
Sora: Because I haven't talked much in the past few days and this is what happens after I've gone too many days without talking so I'll stop now and try to keep myself under control from now on!
Kaoru: There truly is a god!
Sora: Be nice now!
Kaoru: I was.
Sora: Well, I'd hate to see what mean is!
Kaoru: I thought you weren't going to talk as much from now on?
Sora: Ok!
The sun began setting and the last golden rays fought to pierce the foliage of the forest's canopy as they dwindled away. The group of weary friends had stopped to rest and decided to camp a ways off of the road for a few days until they had taken on some new supplies. Their campsite was situated in a clearing along side of a small river. The others worked to pull together a few shelters for them to sleep under while Sano went off to try and catch a few fish. Unfortunately Yahiko had tagged along with him so he new there wouldn't be much of a chance for him to relax. The young boy was helpful though, for it was he that thought of weaving a mesh net together and setting it in the water downstream of where Sano sat. This way, Sano could get behind a school of fish with one net upstream and chase them down to Yahiko who netted them and plucked them from the water. Their task was completed quickly and they walked back to camp carrying between them their large catch. They all enjoyed a good meal that night and sat about in their carefree mood. The woods were peaceful and Sora felt right at home within them. She walked gracefully between the trees, touching the trees, inhaling the scents of tranquility. This was a happy place, and she loved it, longed for it. Her life had once been just as happy, which was strange on account of the fact that she had been raised by two manslayers. They were good people though, and they did love her unconditionally. She was the apple of the family's eye, the first girl ever born into their graces. Yet she still had the manslayer blood in her and had proved her metal endless times over the years. Everyone in her family had been a manslayer, and her father their leader. She was the cream of the crop, and had learned the best skills from everyone. They were convinced that she had been destined for greatness, but oh if only they had known how wrong they were! She flinched at the memory; she had let them down, even though they didn't see it that way. Her parents hadn't even been upset when their own daughter stepped forth to bring them down, because in their eyes she had done what was best for the family as a whole. Sora had thought that too, but once she was told that they were all gone she then realized what a fool she truly was. Even in the end though her parents were so happy, to know that they were together and that they had succeeded in giving their daughter every advantage they could. Her mother's last words still rang in her ears, but even to this day she didn't understand them.
~Flashback!~
Sora's mother lay on the ground, a fatal slash across her throat combined with several other gory injuries quickly boar her away into death's arms. Her father was already gone and had uttered his final words of love for his wife and daughter.
Father: My dear's I will never love either of you less than the eagle loves the skies! Sora, I couldn't be more proud of you, never loose sight of what's truly important..in life.
But her mother's words, although just as fresh in her mind still didn't make sense, maybe they truly were just the humble ramblings of a dying woman, but something told Sora otherwise.
Mother: For born out of the flames of terror, with many enemies to fell, all shall fear this beautiful Angel come from the Fiery Depths of Hell!
~ End Flashback!~
Yes, Sora had always hoped that she would one day understand what those words meant, and so in an attempt to make sure that she never forgot them (highly unlikely!) she had those very same words tattooed on the back of her waist!
Kenshin: Hey Sora!
Kenshin's sudden shout brought Sora crashing back to reality, and she stumbled in surprise as she spun around to face him. She hadn't been paying attention to anything around her and as she spun around she stumbled right into Kenshin! Her head leaned against his chest, and his arms encircled her and pulled her towards him, a sense of urgency in his grip. Realizing where she was she pushed away from him, but before she could back away he grabbed her hand and gently pulled her back towards him.
Kenshin: (smiling worriedly) You should watch where you're going you almost fell!
She looked over her shoulder and indeed she had almost walked right off of the edge of a small cliff that led to several jagged rocks jutting up from the river's surface, she had only to take one more step and she would've been impaled upon the stones!
Sora: (breathless with shock) Oh, I'm sorry I wasn't paying attention. Thanks for stopping me!
Kenshin: Don't worry, just watch where you walk from now on, we don't want you to get hurt that we don't!
Sora: (smiling slyly) We, or you don't want me to get hurt?
Kenshin: (rubbing the back of his head nervously) Well, I'm not quite sure what that's supposed to mean, but I'm sure we'd all regret it if anything bad happened to you that we would. Um, ok I'm going to go back now! Sora smiled devilishly as she watched him go.
Sora: (mumbling to herself) I love messing with his head!
It seems though that she wasn't the only one enjoying the company of a friend at the moment. Sano had gone back to a small pile of rocks that he had found as he was fishing earlier that day and sat watching the water dance beneath him. Megumi had snuck up behind him and once she was within range lightly chucked a small pebble at Sano's head.
Sano: (turning and rubbing his head) Ouch! What was that for?
Megumi: Sorry, just trying to get your attention.
Sano: Well you got it!
Megumi: May I join you?
Sano: Sure, but no more rocks!
Megumi: (chuckling) Oh all right you big baby.
She climbed up beside him and looked up at the moon. It was bright and shimmered as its reflection floated about on the ripples bellow.
Sano: How's your leg?
Megumi: It's fine, I think it's healing up nicely. I won't need to wear the splint much longer as long as I don't re-injure it or anything.
Sano: That's great, maybe I should try being a doctor!
Megumi: Let's not get ahead of ourselves now! So why are you out here all alone?
Sano: Just enjoying the view.
Megumi: Sorry, about the other night.
Sano: What do you mean?
Megumi: You remember, when Yahiko snuck up behind that tree.
Sano: That wasn't your fault.
Megumi: Well, I just hope you didn't feel weird or anything, you know?
Sano: Yeah, don't worry, hey it's getting late we should head back. He jumped down from his spot and turned to help Megumi. She slipped slightly and Sano caught her.
Megumi: Thanks.
Sano: Don't mention it!
At this point Kaoru had caught Yahiko in the act of trying to sneak up on Sano and Megumi, but she stopped him and tied him to a tree next to the fire.
Yahiko: You're no fun at all!
Kaoru: Sure I am, just not when I'm around you!
Both Sano and Megumi headed back towards the fire, but before they came around the last bend Megumi took his hand gently and stopped him.
Sano: What is it?
Megumi: Can I take you up on a rain check for that kiss I missed last time?
Sano: Ha, uh, sure.
She kissed him lightly on the lips and rested her head adainst his chest. He held her for a moment resting his chin on her head, his arms safely wrapped about her, then looked down at her and smiled.
Sano: Come on you little fox I want to see what we've missed back at camp.
Megumi: Ok, goodnight. She went off towards the small tent for the girls.
Sano watched her go, sad that the moment couldn't have lasted longer. Then he headed back and sat beside Kenshin next to the fire. Sora currently was tossing one of her knives about and once she became bored with that she went to bed.
Sora: (as she lay down and fell asleep) ** Why did Kenshin come after me? I mean Yahiko could just have easily shouted at me or something. Oh well, it's not like I should be worried about it or anything. I hope Ayame and Suzume are all right. I'll never forgive myself if something happens to them! **
Well the heat is flaring up and it seems as though certain people care more for each other than we first thought! I can't wait until I get the next chapter up! See all of you soon! Things are really going to get dramatic, and suspenseful!!!!!!!!!! I'm so psyched!