Hitomi's Revenge
PART IV
Steam flooded the bathroom, and became humid. Kotori scrubbed herself until her skin was red raw, diminishing the smell of pigs. Her hair drenched and soaked, all straw carefully taken out of her hair, never was she going to drink again, well not enough to get drunk, and she continued on the process to become squeaky clean.
Sheathing her sword, a smile graced Hitomi's lips, she jumped from the beam and made her way out of the training grounds, her short session of training over for now. Greeting a few of the knights on her way out, most of them students, Hitomi went in search for her best friend. Knowing Kotori'd skin her alive, she also knew that Kotori would get over it. Taking a few shortcuts, she walked through the cub's play area, her grin widening, when the cubs surrounded her. Pulling on her trouser leg, each wanting to gain her attention, Hitomi chuckled and knelt down to their level. Most of the cubs surrounding her were typically five or six years old, and she felt them cling to her, laughing at their actions she watched as the cubs continued to play and be merry, that was until she spotted one cub sat on his own, in the distance looking all alone and miserable.
Tearing herself away from the rest of the cubs, she took long strides and walked over to the small cub that she recognised as Sammi.
"Hey, kiddo, what's up?" asked Hitomi.
"Nothing" he mumbled, his eyes brimming with tears.
"Then why so sad"
"Nothing" he said again.
Okay so that wasn't going to work.
"Come on, what's so bad you can't tell me?"
He looked at her then and she smiled. Looking down at the floor again he mumbled something barely audible and quiet that Hitomi only just heard him.
"Well, I'm sure your mother will be all right"
"You think so"
"I know so and I also know she wouldn't want you to worry, come on" she said picking him up and walking out the play area.
***
Searching along the corridors for Hitomi, the gummi captain sighed. Where was she? He had searched most of the castle for her and places that she would usually take to when she wanted to be alone, but she was nowhere to be found. Leaning against the wall he tried to figure out where Hitomi would be when a distinct crying caught his attention. Looking up, he knew it was a cub crying, but he could also hear another voice, it was Hitomi's. Standing up straight he followed the sounds going further along the corridor, he turned the corner leading him down another corridor. He was close, he could hear her and it was leading him near the cubs play area not far from the training grounds when he then stopped hearing Hitomi's voice direct below. Peering over the edge, he looked down, and a smile gracing his lips, and he then turned to see his friends coming along the corridor and they too peered over the edge, and smiled at the scene.
Hitomi had a small cub sat curled up in her lap, crying, and clinging onto her. On instinct she had wrapped her arms round the small cub, and tried to soothe him, and rubbed his back, she held him close to her, trying to ease his sobbing, completely unaware to three knights watching above, smiles on their faces.
***
Closing the door behind her, Kotori walked along the corridor, now completely refreshed and clean, her hair slightly damp, but she didn't care. Strolling along, she was about to turn off and go down another corridor when she saw out the corner of her eye, three familiar knights, all of which seemed to be looking down at something with great interest, a smile on each of their faces. Puzzled slightly at their actions, Kotori quietly as not to be heard, tiptoed until she stood behind them and peering below, her eyes went wide and jaw hit the floor. She didn't know Hitomi could be so caring?
She watched as her friend wiped the tears away from the cub's eyes, then whisper something in his ear and he nodded and Hitomi stood up, placing the cub on the stairs. Then walking a few feet, Hitomi spun round, a smile on her lips as she faced the sniffling cub and immediately struck up a song, and she began to dance.
So tell me how you feel?
Tell me what is goin' on?
Cause when all hope is gone…you need a friend
I'll be there for you,
I'll be there to help you through,
Take you to another place…cause you got a friend
When you're feeling low
And you're on your own
Got nowhere to go
You gotta pull yourself together
Hitomi smiled and without warning pulled the cub to his feet causing him to squeal as she danced round with him, oblivious to the knights above smiling at the scene, and they sighed softly, content on listening to Hitomi sing.
Ya gotta understand
Tomorrow is a brighter day, the memories'll fade away,
And the sun will shine…on you
So many friends you've yet to make
So many hearts you've yet to break
So much love you've got to give
Your whole life's still left to live
Spread your wings and fly
Kiss the pain goodbye
Let the tears run dry
Ya gotta get yourself together
At this Hitomi wiped the tears from his eyes again then pulled the cub into her arms and embraced him and he clung to her with all his might.
"Thank you" he whispered as they separated and Hitomi held him at arms length.
"Your welcome" replied Hitomi her smile widening and she watched him run off home with a smile on his face, and tears of joy running down his cheeks.
Chuckling Hitomi rose from the ground, once the cub had disappeared from sight and went about looking for Kotori assuming she'd be finished in the shower by now.
Running off in the direction of Kotori's room, she was still oblivious to the knights watching her go, a smile on their faces and they left the balcony to continue with their duties, leaving Kotori on her own.
Hitomi made it to Kotori's room in record time and barged in finding it empty she walked out knowing Kotori must be with the knights. Walking down the corridor she thought of searching for the knights herself but a loud rumbling of her stomach made her steer her feet towards the kitchen. Swinging the door open she saw the room was empty, good no one would mind her grabbing something to eat and spoiling her lunch. Going into the pantry she emerged a couple of minutes later with a satisfied smile on her face and saw Kotori sat at the table. Taking a seat across from her she saw Kotori glance down at her watch then up at her.
"Hungry?" Kotori asked.
"Just ate" replied Hitomi, but her stomach rumbled again.
Kotori smiled devilishly then said, "Obviously not enough"
Hitomi just grinned sheepishly.
"Come on I'll cook for ya," said Kotori getting up from the table and heading to the pantry.
"OH, NO ya don't not after last time Kotori. I think I'll cook my own" said Hitomi jumping up from the table and running into the pantry after Kotori.
"Suit yourself, but I bet I cook a better meal," declared Kotori.
"You mean poison," added Hitomi.
"Huh, fine if that's the way you want it then that's the way it'll be Hitomi. I challenge you to a cooking competition" said Kotori.
Hitomi leant against the doorframe of the pantry arms crossed over her chest.
"Whatever" she said, but secretly liking the idea she had an idea how she could get revenge on Kotori for the poison she made earlier.
Hours passed with no havoc or trouble and all around the castle it had been quiet, this worried the knights it was only ever like this if the girls were scheming. They searched high and low for them and found nothing and no one seemed to know where they were. Eventually just about ready to give up looking for them they heard insults coming from the kitchen. Creeping forward not to be seen or heard they made it and opened the door soundlessly. There sure enough were Hitomi and Kotori. They had expected to see Kotori cooking but were surprised when they saw Hitomi cooking too. She stood over a hob stirring some contents of what looked to be a curry in a very large pan. Kotori on the other hand was dashing to and fro from the oven to the hobs checking on whatever concoction she had lately invented. Leaning forward they saw both girls turn off the heat and start to let the food simmer. Kotori collapsed at the table seemingly exhausted from her efforts while Hitomi gathered some of the contents of her pan onto a spoon. Kotori got up and did likewise, while she went about doing this they noticed Hitomi turn from Kotori and shake something onto the contents of the spoon. Squinting they just made out the words extra spice labelling the bottle. Turning round she saw Kotori scoop some of her food onto a spoon then also turn round. Exchanging spoons the two looked at each other then ate the contents. Kotori stuck the whole spoon load in her mouth chewed then swallowed. She smiled and watched Hitomi stick half the spoon in her mouth; she obviously approved because a moment later she put the whole spoon in her mouth also then pulled it out. Kotori's eyes meanwhile grew large something was burning the back of her throat and getting hotter, her hands clutching her throat she desperately looked around the kitchen for water. Spotting a large jug in the corner she ran for it, picking it up she saw it was full of water and greedily began to drink. Hitomi however, paid no attention to Kotori and started licking the spoon and complementing her cooking. Turning round slightly she caught sight of three figures in the shadows and winked at them. They in turn just chuckled as Hitomi pretended to just notice Kotori's condition as Kotori just about finished off a 2-litre jug of water.
"Are you okay?" Hitomi asked.
Kotori just grabbed her stomach then collapsed on a bench at the table and glared at Hitomi.
"What?" Hitomi asked innocently.
"DIE!" shouted Kotori lunging at Hitomi.
Kotori lunged at Hitomi but never made it she was pulled from the air by a pair of strong arms that held her while she struggled to get free. Looking up she saw it was Sir Gumlittle that had grabbed her, pouting momentarily she realised she wasn't going to get away and began to sulk; Hitomi had to pay for this one. At Kotori's sulking Hitomi and the knights began to laugh and eventually when she was let go she hmphed then left to go to dinner ignoring all of them. Dinner passed quickly and Kotori still ignored all of them and ate very little which was mostly due to her mouth still burning. She watched as her friends laughed and joked and noticed how Hitomi kept looking at Sir Plucki and smiling when their eyes met. Laid back in her chair she watched for sometime and thought that unless you stopped to actually look you never realised how often the two looked at each other and flirted. Kotori grinned behind her hand oh she could have some fun with this it was matchmaker time. Dinner over the knights, Hitomi and Kotori left to go to the training grounds and smiled a sly smile as she watched how Sir Plucki and Hitomi held back a little. Slowing down also she disappeared behind a corner and waited for the two to pass. They'd left the hall early so no one would be around and it made Kotori curious as to why the two would hang back, hmm curiosity killed the cat. Waiting a minute the two came into view and Kotori nearly died when she saw them. They walked hand in hand looking at each other as they walked exchanging words that Kotori couldn't hear as they were to quiet. Sinking into the shadows so she wasn't seen she saw them pass seemingly oblivious to her being there. Once gone Kotori emerged from the shadows a shocked and puzzled look on her face. She knew from looking at them in the hall that something was going on but she never expected this and at that level. Smiling she thought it kinda cute, ack did I just think cute eww gross. Shaking her head she jumped up onto the building roof and ran along the rooftops so she'd make it to the training grounds before them. Overtaking the two she sprinted it and made it safely to the training grounds moments before them. Standing by two of her friends Sir Timmi and Sir Ginni in the grounds she watched the two enter the grounds. Sir Plucki entered first followed by Hitomi a minute later. Sir Plucki went to his students while Hitomi took a seat on a bench; Kotori grinned show time. Taking a seat next to Hitomi took her sword off her back and placed it by her side. The two sat and watched for a while watching their friends train their students. A couple of hours later they were dismissed and Hitomi turned to ask Kotori if she wanted to train but she'd disappeared. Looking round she saw her already over with Sir Blastus and Sir Gumlittle and heading for a beam. Strange thought Hitomi, Kotori used to train with her first. With Kotori training with Sir Blastus and Sir Gumlittle that left her alone with Sir Plucki. Turning Hitomi saw him stood by another beam staff in hand and waiting for her.
The two got up on the beam and started training. For a while this is all that happened until Kotori finished training and walked over to the two who were still training. She smirked seeing how intent each on was about beating the other, well this time neither would. Walking over to her friends she got them together in a little group out of Hitomi's sight. Heads bowed she whispered her plan. The two brothers were also known to create a fair amount of trouble and often aided Hitomi and Kotori in their mischief making so they were to stand near the beam Hitomi was training on and look to be scheming. Kotori rubbed her hands together this was gonna be so much fun, she was going to activate the spinning devices, accidentally of course. This time Hitomi and Sir Plucki had left them off wanting to test each others skill and see how much each other had improved and wanted to be able to move around a lot without having to dodge spinning beams. Plan said they separated the two brothers stood close to the beam Hitomi was training on and made sure she could see them then bent down a little looking to be whispering to each other. Hitomi noticed them immediately out of the corner of her eye and became suspicious, what were they up too? She also noted the disappearance of Kotori, this was not good she concluded. Blocking an attack she somersaulted backwards in the process looking for her friend. She located her near the training staffs looking for once not to be causing trouble, hmm perhaps Kotori didn't know anything and Sir Timmi and Sir Ginni were getting a lot braver, after all if they were going to pull a stunt now it would be in front of their captain and all the other knights. Thinking the brothers wouldn't dare she turned her full attention back onto the training session she wanted to make sure this would be a training session neither of them forgot in a hurry.
Kotori smirked Hitomi was playing right into her hands, unintentionally of course. She knew Hitomi had seen her by the staffs then looked away Hitomi obviously didn't think she was up to anything and of course she was going to make out that she wasn't. Placing her staff in the rack she turned just in time to see the younger of the two brothers Sir Ginni run at her. His brother followed but hung back a little. This wouldn't arose suspicion as the two brothers would usually greet Kotori like this as they knew her pretty well and much better than Hitomi. Their soon to be victims didn't notice them and everyone else saw it as normal as most had that had seen them together previously had left the training grounds and the ones that had just entered just accepted they must of just met today. They went to hug her as they approached but Kotori acted like she hadn't seen them then pretended to jump in surprise. Jumping back she made sure she hit the lever that turned the devices on then hand over heart acting like she was recovering from shock she embraced the two brothers playfully smacking them on the back of the head making it look like she was a little mad at them.
The two then headed off to the benches acting like they didn't know they'd turned on the devices and sat down and began to talk. On the training beam however things had taken a turn, Hitomi had just blocked one of Sir Plucki's attacks when the spinning devices activated, they'd both been surprised. Not having enough time to react a device spun round and knocked them both off as they'd both been near the end of the beam and not expecting the devices to be activated. The two had landed on the ground not to far from the beam and had gained the attention of everyone in the training grounds as it wasn't everyday that the two best fighters in the castle got knocked off the beam and landed in such an odd position. Sir Plucki lay on his back with Hitomi lying across his stomach. Looking up she noticed the few knights that had been in the grounds were looking at them in amazement and confusion. Great thought Hitomi this was bound to start rumors, but who had started the spinning devices. Looking over at Kotori and the troublesome brothers or partners in crime as Hitomi liked to call them she'd figured they must have something to do with it. Kotori's face looked surprised, but Hitomi wasn't fooled Kotori was faking it she could she Kotori's eyes sparkle with barely contained mirth. Movement underneath her made her realize she hadn't moved yet so jumping to her feet she then helped him up. Way to go Hitomi she thought just what you want and it'll make the rumors even better, Kotori was so dead for this. Excusing herself quickly she turned round to see Kotori and the brothers gone, so she was right which of course now meant Kotori was in hiding. Damn she thought knowing it was pointless to go after Kotori now. Picking up her fallen sword she faced her friends and the few remaining knights. Looking not at all happy she challenged one of the others feeling the need for a good fight.
Kotori had hightailed it out of the training grounds as soon as everything had been set in motion. Now running down the passageways seldom used by other residents her and her friends made there way to their secret scheming room where Hitomi would never find them. Finally reaching it they ran in and bolted the door then collapsed on the chairs around a small circular table. Kotori was the first to recover her breath and looked at her two friends and finally threw back her head and laughed. There faces and in front of everyone in the grounds too good to miss. She noticed the two knights were laughing also and smiled at them they helped her secretly before but there roles were so minor that no one ever noticed they were involved. Smirking she realized how usual and fun it was too have these two around and thought secretly of many more things her or Hitomi could do with these two. There laughing subsided until all was quiet although all still had smiles plastered on their faces. Looking at each other they silently agreed not to venture out the door for a good few hours until Hitomi had either the chance to cool off or take her anger and frustration out on someone else.
Hitomi climbed off the beam after one hell of a good training session she was so rialled after Kotori's sudden disappearance that she'd wanted to take it out on someone immediately. While training she concluded Kotori must have seen them or she'd found out somehow about her and Sir Plucki but it was no reason to pull a stunt like that. Did Kotori not think how much trouble she could get into if anyone found out?. Sheathing her sword she excused herself and left feeling the need for a shower before the evening meal as she was quite sweaty.
Kotori emerged out of hiding with her friends then they went there separate ways Kotori to avoid Hitomi a little longer until the meal and the knights to get ready. Kotori now wandered around the corridors aimlessly, but on alert incase Hitomi came then she could make a mad dash the other way. The gong sounded and Kotori was both looking forward to and dreading walking through those doors. Feet feeling like lead she slowly made her way there until eventually she was five minutes late. Peeking her head round the door she saw the last few gummi's taking there seats and Hitomi sat in hers talking to the knights quite happily. Phew thought Kotori Hitomi obviously must a cooled down a little. Walking in quickly she made her way to her seat. Taking it she kept her head bowed, Hitomi had turned to look at her and surprisingly wasn't strangling her and the knights weren't lecturing. looking up she saw the knights confused looks as to why she was staring at the floor and being quiet which was most unusual for Kotori. Turning her head she saw Hitomi smiling but Kotori wasn't fooled like usual she saw the look in Hitomi's eyes she wasn't angry but it let it be known that she would pay. Looking back at the knights she saw they obviously didn't know what was going on so smiling she gave a little laugh as did Hitomi making it look like they were just being silly which put the knights at ease and the conversations started again. The meal went quickly after that but throughout Kotori couldn't help but wonder what Hitomi would do to her to make her PAY. Leaving the hall unnoticed she went straight to her room and bolted the door well she knew she was safe for now she thought and went to bed.
TBC...
Plz tell me what u think?