First off, let me say sorry for the length of time it took to get this
chapter up. I needed to finish science fair and it's now over so I've got
hours of free typing! *sighs* I hate science fair. I abhor it! I absolutely
LOATHE it. *ehem* anyways, I know you prob'ly just want to read the next
chapter so here. (Oh and thanks for the reviews ^^)
Chapter 6- Change in Direction
Yoh hummed lightly to himself as he went around doing chores. Every time he would glance in Mosuke's direction, the swordsmith would roll his eyes and resume his work.
"I don't know how you can hum and work at the same time," Mosuke said.
Yoh smiled, "It's easy for me. I used to have to do it all the time, it kept my mind off the actual working part."
"You've done work elsewhere before?"
"Uh... yeah. But just little stuff," he shook it off.
"Where?"
"Oh you know, just some old guy's place."
"No Yoh, I don't know," he sat the sword down.
Yoh blinked and sighed. He could tell by the look on Mosuke's face that he would have to explain it all now. "Well you see, I-"
"Ah, time sure does pass quickly," Amidamaru said, coming into the room. "The sun has already begun to set. It's beautiful, Mosuke. You should see it."
Mosuke shook his head and smiled, "Why couldn't I see it before. You're officially- obsessed."
"You're just a hard-head. I bet you've never even once watched a sun-set."
"Yes I have... I think."
"See? Yoh, don't you agree that Mosuke has to get out more often?"
Yoh smiled, "Yeah."
"By the way, what did you guys do while I was gone?"
Mosuke glanced at Yoh. "We just talked. Nothing much."
"Oh," Amidamaru yawned. "Well, I have to leave as soon as I wake up. I should probably head to bed now. You two shouldn't stay up to much longer either."
"We won't," Yoh said.
"Goodnight then."
"Goodnight," Mosuke said. "I'm heading to bed soon anyways. I just have to run out back real quick and get my stone mallet."
"Alright," he said and with a wave he was gone and in his room.
Once Mosuke was sure Amidamaru was asleep, he once again turned to Yoh. "Well?"
Yoh looked at him quickly, "Well, what?"
Mosuke got to him feet and stopped by the front door. "Yoh, I hope there comes a time when you can tell us whatever it is you're keeping a secret. I won't force you to tell me anything but, just know that I'm willing to listen, and so is Amidamaru. Don't forget that."
"I won't," Yoh said.
"Goodnight Yoh," and with that he left the house, closing the screen door behind him.
Yoh rubbed his neck and got to his feet. After pondering Mosuke's words, he quietly walked into Amidamaru's room and slipped into bed. "Hey Amidamaru, are you awake?" he whispered.
There was a soft yawn and then, "Mmm?, now I am. What is it Yoh?" Amidamaru asked in a tired voice.
"Do you have to go tomorrow? I mean- do you *have* to go tomorrow...?"
"What? Now you're starting to sound like Mosuke. Of course I have to go tomorrow. Why? Are you worried about something?"
"Well, not really." He snuggled into the arm that Amidamaru had rested under Yoh's head. "Well, actually... Amidamaru, there's something I have to tell you... Amidamaru?" He looked over and noticed that the majestic samurai had fallen sleep.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
{I don't think it's clean again. Do it again.}
{But, I've cleaned it three times today. You just keep walking over it!}
{What an absurd accusation. Your master wants this spotless by the time he returns or else, you'll be punished.}
{I'd rather be punished than serve under such a horrible person. He's not my master, he's a murderer!}
Another voice came in from elsewhere, {Oh? Is that so? Me? A murderer? Yoh, I've taken care of you ever since you were but a boy and this is how you repay me? You'd better apologize or your penalty with be ruthless.}
{Never! I'm tired of all of this! I'd rather die than go through with it. I'm leaving! And I'm never coming back again!}, and with that, he rushed out of the room.
{Oh, is that so... Well, you heard the boy. If he'd rather die then I order you to go grant him that wish...}
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Amidamaru covered Yoh up and stood back to look at him for a moment. "To be blessed with so many good things in so short of a time is a miracle. I almost don't want to leave... but-"
"But you have to. I know, Amidamaru," Mosuke said. "Don't worry. When you return it'll be as if you never left. Now get going, the sun will rise before you even know it."
"You're right. Well, farewell Mosuke. When Yoh wakes up tell him I'll be back as soon as I can."
"I will, my friend. Goodbye, return safely."
"Of course I will," he said with a light laugh. "Farewell," and with a nod he was gone.
-
The day went on, with the sun's rise, and soon even Yoh had awakened. He was a bit upset that he hadn't been able to say goodbye to Amidamaru but he figured that he would be back soon and he'd just tell him "welcome back" instead. Besides, goodbyes were always sadder than hellos.
Yoh hopped out of bed and into the main room where Mosuke sat admiring his sword. "Morning Mosuke."
"Good morning, Yoh," Mosuke said cheerfully. "Great news, the sword is complete. My many days of hard labor and devotion have finally pulled off. All I need is a name. Would you like the honor of helping me?"
Yoh beamed, "Sure!"
--
"Kill Mosuke!?" Amidamaru asked with great shock.
The black-haired shogun sat in front on Amidamaru overlooking Harusame. "Quiet Amidamaru."
"B-But—"he hadn't noticed it but he was lightly shaking.
"This blade's brilliance bewitches the soul. Only those who have survived countless battlefields can create this true beauty of the blade," he said and brushed his fingers over the cold metal. "Have you heard of scarcity value? This sword must never have an equal," he smirked, almost insanely. "Ho Ho Ho. Be grateful I'm doing Mosuke the kindness of allowing a friend to kill him."
"Uhn...!"
"You have my permission to leave now, Amidamaru. I trust you won't let me down."
--
"Wow, this is harder than I thought. I never knew thinking up a name could be so difficult," Yoh said.
Mosuke nodded and sighed, "Yes. The name must be perfect."
"We'll never think of a name at this rate. How about Henshin*?"
(*Henshin- transformation)
Mosuke blinked, "'Henshin?'"
"Yeah, it's kind of like a tribute to how much the sword has changed and transformed while you have worked on it."
"Hm, that's good but,...!... I've got it! Kinen*!"
(*Kinen- commemoration)
"Kinen? I like it, but why?" Yoh asked.
"Because, this sword serves as a remembrance of the time I've spent with two very important people: Amidamaru and you, Yoh."
Yoh blinked then smiled. "Thanks Mosuke. The name is perfect." He paused, "Which reminds me. I... have something to tell you." He sat back and sighed, "You see, in my past, before I came here, I worked for someone."
"Worked? You mean as in a cook or a cleaner?"
"No,... a slave. I was taken from my home. My parents were killed and I was forced to do work for... a shogun."
"A what?!" Mosuke asked, even though he was sure he had heard correctly.
"A sh-shogun. Yes, it's the same one you and Amidamaru were hired by."
"Yoh, why didn't you tell us? We could've- we might've been able to-, I don't know, help you."
"I didn't want you to get upset. Besides, if he'd found out that I was with you two, he'd of killed you both, just like my parents."
"We wouldn't have let him. Amidamaru would've taken care of him."
"No, because it wasn't until after I'd learned that you were working for him that I'd realized who he really was. Now, Amidamaru has a duty to fulfill. He can't go against that."
Mosuke's expression became grave. "He also has a promise to keep."
Yoh looked up at Mosuke slightly confused, "What promise?"
"To protect you... always. Don't forget that Yoh." Mosuke glanced out the window, "Speaking of Amidamaru, he should be getting here soon. I'll go out and meet him half way."
"Please don't tell him what I told you, Mosuke. I don't want him to do anything that might get him hurt."
Mosuke sighed, "I won't. Aren't you coming?"
"I- can't face him like this. I just have to get a little air out back. You go on ahead."
"Ok..." Mosuke walked out into the daylight and the few steps it took to get to the grassy hilltop with the tiny wooden bridge nearby. Amidamaru stood looking dismayed. "Jeez, will everyone lighten up a bit? What is it Amidamaru?"
Amidamaru looked up at his friend and smiled. It was a sad smile though as if he was reminiscing about old times or moments long forgotten. But in an instant the smile was gone, replaced by an expression void of all emotion. In that instant, Mosuke knew something was wrong. "Mosuke,... I have something to tell you."
-
Yoh picked up a pebbled and tossed it, watching with minute fascination as it rolled across the ground. "I suppose things can only go downhill from here..."
-
"Scarcity value!? Where's the sense in it!? After we've come so far! What should I do!?" Mosuke asked, his hands balled up in fists.
Amidamaru stood facing away from him, "Run away right now, Mosuke!"
"But what will happen to you!? I know!! Let's escape together!! The three of us. Then nobody gets hurt!!"
"No. I am a samurai. I cannot desert the Lord to whom I have sword fealty. But... I could never kill you, either. I will accept the crime and the disgrace for letting you escape."
"Amidamaru!" Mosuke said, greatly stunned. "Very well. But just wait one more day. Could you lend me Harusame for tonight?"
"What?"
"We might never see each other again. So I want to give you the finest sword ever. The most powerful Harusame... a sword that will far surpass the one I gave the Lord!" he said, his eyes filling up with tears.
"Mosuke..." Amidamaru said thoughtfully. "You have one day. We'll meet here tomorrow night. I'll be here. You have my oath!"
-
Yoh was sitting inside when Mosuke returned. "Where's Amidamaru?" he asked.
"Amidamaru has... returned to his Lord. I'm sorry you couldn't say goodbye to him," Mosuke admitted sadly.
"Well, that's okay. I'll just see him when he gets back. When's he returning?"
"Tomorrow night."
"Hey, why do you have Harusame? Didn't Amidamaru have it?"
"Yes, but I have many adjustments to make to Kinen. I must start my work now."
Yoh didn't ask any questions, even though he wanted to, but Mosuke didn't look like he wanted to be disturbed.
Mosuke worked all through the rest of the day, taking no breaks and barely slipping in a word to Yoh, who was slightly worried. He just kept working as if his life depended on it.
Night passed. Yoh slept. Mosuke didn't.
Morning came. Yoh woke up. Mosuke hadn't even taken a break.
Yoh decided to wait for Mosuke to talk to him. The sun passed from all the way on one side to all the way on the other before Mosuke finally finished.
"Uh, Mosuke?" Yoh asked.
"Yes Yoh?" Mosuke replied.
"Something bad's gonna happen... isn't it...?"
Mosuke paused for a moment then smiled reassuringly. "Of course not, Yoh," he glanced for a moment toward the window with a look of slight suspicion. Yoh hadn't noticed. "Yoh, I need you to go grab my stone mallet please."
"Uh, okay. I'll be right back."
"Use the back door."
"Alright," he said and got up and rushed out the back screen.
Mosuke stood up and focused his eyes on the front screen. Not more than a second later something smashed through it and rushed into the house. "Well, well, well... if it isn't three of my Lord's finest guards..."
Yoh, who was outside searching for the mallet, paused for a moment when he heard a crash coming from inside the house. His first instinct was to run and go inside, but someone had pushed something against the door. "Mosuke?" he called.
There was a little more bumping around inside before it finally died down. Yoh couldn't stand it any more. He ran around to the front of the house but had to stop. The whole front screen had been smashed in and trampled on and the whole entrance looked as if it had been torn out. Yoh jumped over the mess and froze. "Mosuke!"
He rushed over to the fallen swordsmith who sat leaned up against the wall. "Mosuke, what happened?!"
Mosuke opened his eyes and smiled despite the pain, "Yoh... I'm glad they didn't get you." His face had minor cuts and scrapes but that wasn't what Yoh was worried about. A large amount of blood stained the front of Mosuke's yukata and a small pool was starting to form beside him.
"Mosuke... you're bleeding... bad."
"Aw, it's not that bad," he said as reassuring as possible. "Hey, I need you to do me a favor, okay?"
"Sure, a-anything."
"Take Kinen with you and... go find Amidamaru."
"But- I can't leave you here!"
"I'll be fine. Don't worry about me. Besides, Amidamaru needs you more than I do."
"B-But-"
"Listen Yoh, you must..." he paused, "-find Amidamaru. I'll catch up with him later... somehow. Please Yoh... d-do as I ask." He moved his right arm slowly and brushed the sword about an inch in Yoh's direction. "Take it. Remember what it stands for. You really are a good kid, Yoh. Tell... tell Amidamaru...that I'm coming..." his eyes drifted closed.
"Mosuke? ...Mosuke?!..." Stillness. Yoh paused bringing a hand over his own mouth, "No..." He gripped the hilt of Kinen so tightly it was almost painful. /Besides, Amidamaru needs you more than I do./ What did that mean? Why was this happening? Why, when his life seemed so wonderful did it all have to come crashing down? "Why...?" he whispered under his breath. He slowly got to his feet, Kinen in hand, and left the house in silence.
He knew where he needed to go.
He had to find Amidamaru.
---TBC---
Sorry for the depression! We all know Mosuke died though! OK! Fine! *pays tribute properly* ya happy now?!
Thanks SO MUCH Black Rose for the site! Here's your thank-you gift *hands her a musical box with a dancing Mosuke inside*
Ok, now that –that's- out of my system...
Thanks so much for reading AND waiting. I know you guys probably want to kill me. Hope this makes up for it! *throws everyone Mosuke dolls wearing pink tutus* ... what's wrong with me? Please review!
```AmethystRoze```
Chapter 6- Change in Direction
Yoh hummed lightly to himself as he went around doing chores. Every time he would glance in Mosuke's direction, the swordsmith would roll his eyes and resume his work.
"I don't know how you can hum and work at the same time," Mosuke said.
Yoh smiled, "It's easy for me. I used to have to do it all the time, it kept my mind off the actual working part."
"You've done work elsewhere before?"
"Uh... yeah. But just little stuff," he shook it off.
"Where?"
"Oh you know, just some old guy's place."
"No Yoh, I don't know," he sat the sword down.
Yoh blinked and sighed. He could tell by the look on Mosuke's face that he would have to explain it all now. "Well you see, I-"
"Ah, time sure does pass quickly," Amidamaru said, coming into the room. "The sun has already begun to set. It's beautiful, Mosuke. You should see it."
Mosuke shook his head and smiled, "Why couldn't I see it before. You're officially- obsessed."
"You're just a hard-head. I bet you've never even once watched a sun-set."
"Yes I have... I think."
"See? Yoh, don't you agree that Mosuke has to get out more often?"
Yoh smiled, "Yeah."
"By the way, what did you guys do while I was gone?"
Mosuke glanced at Yoh. "We just talked. Nothing much."
"Oh," Amidamaru yawned. "Well, I have to leave as soon as I wake up. I should probably head to bed now. You two shouldn't stay up to much longer either."
"We won't," Yoh said.
"Goodnight then."
"Goodnight," Mosuke said. "I'm heading to bed soon anyways. I just have to run out back real quick and get my stone mallet."
"Alright," he said and with a wave he was gone and in his room.
Once Mosuke was sure Amidamaru was asleep, he once again turned to Yoh. "Well?"
Yoh looked at him quickly, "Well, what?"
Mosuke got to him feet and stopped by the front door. "Yoh, I hope there comes a time when you can tell us whatever it is you're keeping a secret. I won't force you to tell me anything but, just know that I'm willing to listen, and so is Amidamaru. Don't forget that."
"I won't," Yoh said.
"Goodnight Yoh," and with that he left the house, closing the screen door behind him.
Yoh rubbed his neck and got to his feet. After pondering Mosuke's words, he quietly walked into Amidamaru's room and slipped into bed. "Hey Amidamaru, are you awake?" he whispered.
There was a soft yawn and then, "Mmm?, now I am. What is it Yoh?" Amidamaru asked in a tired voice.
"Do you have to go tomorrow? I mean- do you *have* to go tomorrow...?"
"What? Now you're starting to sound like Mosuke. Of course I have to go tomorrow. Why? Are you worried about something?"
"Well, not really." He snuggled into the arm that Amidamaru had rested under Yoh's head. "Well, actually... Amidamaru, there's something I have to tell you... Amidamaru?" He looked over and noticed that the majestic samurai had fallen sleep.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
{I don't think it's clean again. Do it again.}
{But, I've cleaned it three times today. You just keep walking over it!}
{What an absurd accusation. Your master wants this spotless by the time he returns or else, you'll be punished.}
{I'd rather be punished than serve under such a horrible person. He's not my master, he's a murderer!}
Another voice came in from elsewhere, {Oh? Is that so? Me? A murderer? Yoh, I've taken care of you ever since you were but a boy and this is how you repay me? You'd better apologize or your penalty with be ruthless.}
{Never! I'm tired of all of this! I'd rather die than go through with it. I'm leaving! And I'm never coming back again!}, and with that, he rushed out of the room.
{Oh, is that so... Well, you heard the boy. If he'd rather die then I order you to go grant him that wish...}
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Amidamaru covered Yoh up and stood back to look at him for a moment. "To be blessed with so many good things in so short of a time is a miracle. I almost don't want to leave... but-"
"But you have to. I know, Amidamaru," Mosuke said. "Don't worry. When you return it'll be as if you never left. Now get going, the sun will rise before you even know it."
"You're right. Well, farewell Mosuke. When Yoh wakes up tell him I'll be back as soon as I can."
"I will, my friend. Goodbye, return safely."
"Of course I will," he said with a light laugh. "Farewell," and with a nod he was gone.
-
The day went on, with the sun's rise, and soon even Yoh had awakened. He was a bit upset that he hadn't been able to say goodbye to Amidamaru but he figured that he would be back soon and he'd just tell him "welcome back" instead. Besides, goodbyes were always sadder than hellos.
Yoh hopped out of bed and into the main room where Mosuke sat admiring his sword. "Morning Mosuke."
"Good morning, Yoh," Mosuke said cheerfully. "Great news, the sword is complete. My many days of hard labor and devotion have finally pulled off. All I need is a name. Would you like the honor of helping me?"
Yoh beamed, "Sure!"
--
"Kill Mosuke!?" Amidamaru asked with great shock.
The black-haired shogun sat in front on Amidamaru overlooking Harusame. "Quiet Amidamaru."
"B-But—"he hadn't noticed it but he was lightly shaking.
"This blade's brilliance bewitches the soul. Only those who have survived countless battlefields can create this true beauty of the blade," he said and brushed his fingers over the cold metal. "Have you heard of scarcity value? This sword must never have an equal," he smirked, almost insanely. "Ho Ho Ho. Be grateful I'm doing Mosuke the kindness of allowing a friend to kill him."
"Uhn...!"
"You have my permission to leave now, Amidamaru. I trust you won't let me down."
--
"Wow, this is harder than I thought. I never knew thinking up a name could be so difficult," Yoh said.
Mosuke nodded and sighed, "Yes. The name must be perfect."
"We'll never think of a name at this rate. How about Henshin*?"
(*Henshin- transformation)
Mosuke blinked, "'Henshin?'"
"Yeah, it's kind of like a tribute to how much the sword has changed and transformed while you have worked on it."
"Hm, that's good but,...!... I've got it! Kinen*!"
(*Kinen- commemoration)
"Kinen? I like it, but why?" Yoh asked.
"Because, this sword serves as a remembrance of the time I've spent with two very important people: Amidamaru and you, Yoh."
Yoh blinked then smiled. "Thanks Mosuke. The name is perfect." He paused, "Which reminds me. I... have something to tell you." He sat back and sighed, "You see, in my past, before I came here, I worked for someone."
"Worked? You mean as in a cook or a cleaner?"
"No,... a slave. I was taken from my home. My parents were killed and I was forced to do work for... a shogun."
"A what?!" Mosuke asked, even though he was sure he had heard correctly.
"A sh-shogun. Yes, it's the same one you and Amidamaru were hired by."
"Yoh, why didn't you tell us? We could've- we might've been able to-, I don't know, help you."
"I didn't want you to get upset. Besides, if he'd found out that I was with you two, he'd of killed you both, just like my parents."
"We wouldn't have let him. Amidamaru would've taken care of him."
"No, because it wasn't until after I'd learned that you were working for him that I'd realized who he really was. Now, Amidamaru has a duty to fulfill. He can't go against that."
Mosuke's expression became grave. "He also has a promise to keep."
Yoh looked up at Mosuke slightly confused, "What promise?"
"To protect you... always. Don't forget that Yoh." Mosuke glanced out the window, "Speaking of Amidamaru, he should be getting here soon. I'll go out and meet him half way."
"Please don't tell him what I told you, Mosuke. I don't want him to do anything that might get him hurt."
Mosuke sighed, "I won't. Aren't you coming?"
"I- can't face him like this. I just have to get a little air out back. You go on ahead."
"Ok..." Mosuke walked out into the daylight and the few steps it took to get to the grassy hilltop with the tiny wooden bridge nearby. Amidamaru stood looking dismayed. "Jeez, will everyone lighten up a bit? What is it Amidamaru?"
Amidamaru looked up at his friend and smiled. It was a sad smile though as if he was reminiscing about old times or moments long forgotten. But in an instant the smile was gone, replaced by an expression void of all emotion. In that instant, Mosuke knew something was wrong. "Mosuke,... I have something to tell you."
-
Yoh picked up a pebbled and tossed it, watching with minute fascination as it rolled across the ground. "I suppose things can only go downhill from here..."
-
"Scarcity value!? Where's the sense in it!? After we've come so far! What should I do!?" Mosuke asked, his hands balled up in fists.
Amidamaru stood facing away from him, "Run away right now, Mosuke!"
"But what will happen to you!? I know!! Let's escape together!! The three of us. Then nobody gets hurt!!"
"No. I am a samurai. I cannot desert the Lord to whom I have sword fealty. But... I could never kill you, either. I will accept the crime and the disgrace for letting you escape."
"Amidamaru!" Mosuke said, greatly stunned. "Very well. But just wait one more day. Could you lend me Harusame for tonight?"
"What?"
"We might never see each other again. So I want to give you the finest sword ever. The most powerful Harusame... a sword that will far surpass the one I gave the Lord!" he said, his eyes filling up with tears.
"Mosuke..." Amidamaru said thoughtfully. "You have one day. We'll meet here tomorrow night. I'll be here. You have my oath!"
-
Yoh was sitting inside when Mosuke returned. "Where's Amidamaru?" he asked.
"Amidamaru has... returned to his Lord. I'm sorry you couldn't say goodbye to him," Mosuke admitted sadly.
"Well, that's okay. I'll just see him when he gets back. When's he returning?"
"Tomorrow night."
"Hey, why do you have Harusame? Didn't Amidamaru have it?"
"Yes, but I have many adjustments to make to Kinen. I must start my work now."
Yoh didn't ask any questions, even though he wanted to, but Mosuke didn't look like he wanted to be disturbed.
Mosuke worked all through the rest of the day, taking no breaks and barely slipping in a word to Yoh, who was slightly worried. He just kept working as if his life depended on it.
Night passed. Yoh slept. Mosuke didn't.
Morning came. Yoh woke up. Mosuke hadn't even taken a break.
Yoh decided to wait for Mosuke to talk to him. The sun passed from all the way on one side to all the way on the other before Mosuke finally finished.
"Uh, Mosuke?" Yoh asked.
"Yes Yoh?" Mosuke replied.
"Something bad's gonna happen... isn't it...?"
Mosuke paused for a moment then smiled reassuringly. "Of course not, Yoh," he glanced for a moment toward the window with a look of slight suspicion. Yoh hadn't noticed. "Yoh, I need you to go grab my stone mallet please."
"Uh, okay. I'll be right back."
"Use the back door."
"Alright," he said and got up and rushed out the back screen.
Mosuke stood up and focused his eyes on the front screen. Not more than a second later something smashed through it and rushed into the house. "Well, well, well... if it isn't three of my Lord's finest guards..."
Yoh, who was outside searching for the mallet, paused for a moment when he heard a crash coming from inside the house. His first instinct was to run and go inside, but someone had pushed something against the door. "Mosuke?" he called.
There was a little more bumping around inside before it finally died down. Yoh couldn't stand it any more. He ran around to the front of the house but had to stop. The whole front screen had been smashed in and trampled on and the whole entrance looked as if it had been torn out. Yoh jumped over the mess and froze. "Mosuke!"
He rushed over to the fallen swordsmith who sat leaned up against the wall. "Mosuke, what happened?!"
Mosuke opened his eyes and smiled despite the pain, "Yoh... I'm glad they didn't get you." His face had minor cuts and scrapes but that wasn't what Yoh was worried about. A large amount of blood stained the front of Mosuke's yukata and a small pool was starting to form beside him.
"Mosuke... you're bleeding... bad."
"Aw, it's not that bad," he said as reassuring as possible. "Hey, I need you to do me a favor, okay?"
"Sure, a-anything."
"Take Kinen with you and... go find Amidamaru."
"But- I can't leave you here!"
"I'll be fine. Don't worry about me. Besides, Amidamaru needs you more than I do."
"B-But-"
"Listen Yoh, you must..." he paused, "-find Amidamaru. I'll catch up with him later... somehow. Please Yoh... d-do as I ask." He moved his right arm slowly and brushed the sword about an inch in Yoh's direction. "Take it. Remember what it stands for. You really are a good kid, Yoh. Tell... tell Amidamaru...that I'm coming..." his eyes drifted closed.
"Mosuke? ...Mosuke?!..." Stillness. Yoh paused bringing a hand over his own mouth, "No..." He gripped the hilt of Kinen so tightly it was almost painful. /Besides, Amidamaru needs you more than I do./ What did that mean? Why was this happening? Why, when his life seemed so wonderful did it all have to come crashing down? "Why...?" he whispered under his breath. He slowly got to his feet, Kinen in hand, and left the house in silence.
He knew where he needed to go.
He had to find Amidamaru.
---TBC---
Sorry for the depression! We all know Mosuke died though! OK! Fine! *pays tribute properly* ya happy now?!
Thanks SO MUCH Black Rose for the site! Here's your thank-you gift *hands her a musical box with a dancing Mosuke inside*
Ok, now that –that's- out of my system...
Thanks so much for reading AND waiting. I know you guys probably want to kill me. Hope this makes up for it! *throws everyone Mosuke dolls wearing pink tutus* ... what's wrong with me? Please review!
```AmethystRoze```