Hey guys, sorry 4 the delay!...AGAIN!....ah well, here's the seventh
chapter for you. Hope you enjoy, although I'm sure if u don't you guys'll
put me on the right track ..lol! especially Akuryu Skadi ..eeeek (hides)!
Nah just kidding. Thanks 4 letting me know about those periods Monsoon -
Tiger of the Dr !
Thanx PinkyLemon , I can never get the Japanese names right. And also
Athena & jesse , hope u guys enjoy. LOTS OF PEOPLE SEEM TO WANT MAG & RIN
TO GET TOGETHER....WELL YOU'LL HAVE TO READ TO FIND
OUT!!!....MWAHAHAHAH!.......................................................
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Senior psycho stood over the body laughing loudly, manically! The sound was on the verge of becoming inhuman. To Rin it was there already, something between choking and screaming that in the back of her mind she knew was going to be haunting her dreams for many nights to come...should she live that long of course. Her enemy was dead but the feeling of utter terror and icy dread still remained inside her, as if it flowed through her veins instead of blood and threatened to freeze her heart so she would keel over from the mere sight of the sub-human wreck before her, laughing and poking the lifeless body with his bare foot. Shoes were long broken, ripped and discarded somewhere between the trees.
She watched with increasing horror as the monster continued to yell at the body, becoming livid when no answer came, stamping his foot and cursing like a child..a huge muscular child with after-school murdering hobbies!!!! It seemed to her that he wanted to torture the man, and perhaps had not meant to kill him so quickly.
Rin's legs burned in protest as she gingerly began her ascent from crouch to stand, she wasn't sure if she could still run, maybe she should just hide, and if the gods were merciful maybe the weirdo would leave, or even better Manji would find her.come to think of it, Rin decided that the latter would be the favourable choice. 'When he finds me, then he finds that psycho too' she thought 'and the world would definitely be better off!'.. 'understatement of the century!'
Her strained muscles convulsed at the sudden hideous screeching that not only filled but saturated the night air. Rin covered her ears and within a closed part of her mind she wondered how on earth this chaos hadn't woken and brought every villager for miles running. On second thought if she heard what she had heard, and wished she could forget, wild horses couldn't budge her from her bed or detach the pillow wrapped tightly around her head!
She jumped again at the horrible noise that assaulted the silence then ceased as suddenly as it had begun, and would have fallen back down were she not leaning heavily on a crooked young tree, raw fingers digging into the bark, bracing herself against gravity pulling down on her weak frame, her eyes effortlessly focusing on the man, 'should he be called that?' and immediate danger. Even with all her will power she could not resist glancing down at her former opponent. His wild hair sprawled out every which way, one bleeding hand strongly clasping her sword. She turned away when she saw his sightless eyes gazing eerily up at the sky, expressionless.
Rin knew deep in heart that she should not feel this way, but could not help herself regretting the dishonour he had suffered. Although young she believed that she from her father and grandfather had despite everything an unshakeable sense of the old code, the warrior's unspoken rules. For example she had never come across a fighter respected by his fellows that approved of stabbing an enemy in the back or killing whilst asleep. She had a definite sense that the wacko had ignored them all and this frustrated and outraged her, even though a tiny voice reminded her that had she been strong enough she would not have hesitated to kill the Itto-ryu. But the voice of reason was drowned by a torrent of emotions combined with the pain she felt in both body and mind, her thoughts clouded as her sometimes reckless nature took over.
"HA H HAA HA! TOLD YOU, I'D HAVE REVENGE, YOU'RE DEAD, YOU'RE DEAD"! He prepared to bury both swords in the itto ryu's body. He raised them high above his head, still laughing; they descended at speed, but suddenly stopped!
He froze with an utter look of horror on his already horrible face; he turned, staggering towards Asano's direction. He blinked at her in disbelief, as if he was noticing her for the first time then looked down. Down at the seven daggers in his chest, some peppering the ground around him. He coughed, bringing a little blood up, and then looked back to her. Rin just stared back at him, her eyes told him everything, as he slumped to the ground.
"We both wanted him dead, but mutilating the body is just sick!" she said quietly, turning away from their lifeless forms. The teen sighed heavily in sheer relief. For the first time her whole being relaxed and her conscience felt at a balance, in spite of the violent act, it had been the right thing to do. 'Hmph, Manji would laugh and tell me not to worry about it' she mused.
Her whole body hurt, and not just from her wounds. She was a little unsteady, but she reckoned she could make it back to their inn. She started to pad quietly toward the path, wobbling a tad. Okay so the nearest building would do just fine. 'Who would have thought that I would kill the man that saved my life, to protect a dead body' she thought 'pretty ironic really, but then there wasn't much that had happened tonight that was even vaguely normal'! The woods seemed eerily quiet all of a sudden, without yelling and fighting to fill her hearing. She paused for a moment, to rip a piece of her kimono off the bottom to bandage her stomach. 'The pain was bad, but at least she was alive and kicking, well alive anyway.
Suddenly an oddly shaped handled sword zipped past her, spearing itself into the huge old tree to the side. Rin yelped and fell backwards, as she couldn't do much else to dodge in her condition. Her curtain of death, flight of the golden wasps had leeched the very last of the last ounces of energy left. Her eyes darted about madly to see where the weapon's owner was hiding. She looked all around her finding nothing, then back to the direction from which she'd come from. "Who's there?" she called timidly. Surely the madman couldn't have gotten up again. ' I saw him die' she reassured herself. 'Please no more tonight' she begged the heavens, whilst listening to every creak and whisper of the forest. But no one was there just the mad guy's body and....uh oh! She panicked!
Rin held up the traditional sword that she hadn't had the chance to use, which actually looked pretty funny, as she was on her backside on the ground. A figure swiftly detached itself from the darkness behind the tree. His spiked hair messy, and matted with blood.
Rin gasped and pointed her sword at him, "Hey! You're dead"! She said in shock. He shot her a dirty look, before proceeding to tug at the weapon stuck in the bark.
Rin just stared in confusion, as her enemy just blatantly ignored her. Could he be immortal? Eventually freeing his precious blade, he turned around to face her. The teen felt herself blushing slightly. His face was no longer half hidden; he was actually quite handsome, with dark eyes and his wild black mane whipping about in the breeze. He had a few cuts on his cheek, and he looked ruffled, giving him a boyish appearance. The only thing that brought her back down to earth was the murderous expression on his features.
The young Kenshi raised his chin, exposing his throat with a gruesome deep red line across it. Rin wrinkled her nose, and looked away. "Eww" He shrugged. "Another centimetre and it would have been a killing blow" he explained barely above a whisper.
She gestured to the dirty sword. "Why did you do that? You missed me by miles!" She wasn't completely sure, if she wanted to know the answer.
He just stared, his face betraying his pain. She was hurt, but no where as badly as him. She wasn't a fool though. Rin kept her distance. "Well I had to do something to get your attention" he said in a rough voice.
Asano looked at the ground, uncomfortable with his constant staring. He seemed to sense this, and took a step forward. Rin panicked and aimed her sword nervously. He extended a hand to her. Rin looked up at him like he'd grown another head. After a couple of minutes, he rolled his eyes and dropped his own sword. She frowned at the blood stained palm, but against her better judgement reached out warily. His fingers enclosed around her tiny pale hand and roughly yanked her to her feet. "Ow!" she yelped at the pain.
She was about to complain when without warning he pulled her close, letting her hand go, but gripping her shoulder tightly instead with his uninjured hand. Rin trembled slightly, uncomfortable with him being so near, or his blades so .accessible! She flinched slightly as she felt his ragged breathing against her neck. Despite the tough act however Rin realized that he was in fact leaning on her, trying to be intimidating, whilst holding onto her for support, 'Very sneaky'. As she looked up at him timidly she saw the pain in his eyes, they narrowed at her suspiciously.
"Let's get it straight. This doesn't change anything!" he growled.
That horrible feeling returned to Rin as the words sank in; she was still number one on his dicing list! Damn! Why did she save him? Why couldn't she get him now? After all it would be only too easy, you only had to look to know that he wouldn't be doing much other than sleeping for the next week. Just one little swipe, and bye bye problem! But somehow, she couldn't do it, just seeing him this way, even though she hated him through and through. Didn't seem right. Besides she wasn't sure just how much fight he had left in him!
"I didn't think it would" she whispered sourly. "Mr..Magatsu wasn't it?"
He glanced at her curiously. "Yeah, Taito"
Rin snorted. "Well Magatsu! Quite frankly I don't really want to be on first name terms with you. Hmm how about Itto-ryu scum? It's got a nice ring to it. Don't you think?" 'If she was going to die anyway, might as well at least tell the bastard where he could go."
He stared for what seemed like too long. She wished she knew what he was thinking. Then, surprisingly he grinned at her, his eyes came alive for a moment before it all disappeared. He let go off her shoulder, and drew himself up, with a little difficulty.
"I'll spare you this time Asano, an eye for an eye, but the next time we meet, you're dead understand?" She nodded solemnly. He wiped at the blood dripping in his eyes "And don't think I won't go out of my way to make sure we meet again, I'll give you three days before I come after you" Rin's face betrayed her surprise. 'Had she really thought that he would take pity, or maybe buy her a little more time, three days??"
His emotionless face suddenly became very curious, with a hint of amusement, but who could tell? He took a step back and folded his arms.
"I suppose you were expecting me to forget I saw you right?"
"Well, I" she stuttered. 'Had she?'
"HA!" He scoffed. "Yeah well, unless you can provide me with a nice income from now on, I don't think that's gonna happen."
Rin looked at the ground. "I guess I expected too much from you. Itto-ryu and honour don't really belong in the same sentence do they?" Despite the silence that followed she could tell that her words had struck a nerve. The amusement disappeared from his features replaced by that of a sulky child.
"So why did you do it?" he asked irritably.
She thought for a while, there were many reasons, but they boiled down to one.
"I suppose I have more respect for life than you Itto-ryu ever will"
His eyes became even darker if that was possible. Asano saw him open his mouth to say something then thought better of it. Instead he took another step back towards the woods, holding three fingers up, meaningfully.
"Oh I think she'll have longer than that" a rough voice chimed in. A sword bit gently into Magatsu's chin, he winced at his already damaged neck. "You on the other hand might not be so lucky pal!"
"Manji!" Rin yelled as she staggered up to stand or more accurately hunch beside him. He draped his free arm around her waist, supporting her weight, and holding her up. She flinched in pain.
"Well shit! look at you! Nasty guy huh?" Rin nodded. Magatsu and Manji were glaring hatefully at each other. "Apparently his name is Magatsu Taito. But I don't know who the other two were. What happened to the guy you went after?" she asked with genuine concern. If there were two more as good as this guy still around here then they might be in trouble!
Manji shifted his grip on her slightly as he shrugged. "Hell, I don't know, guy just kept running, must not have wanted to get caught, can you blame him?" he smirked.
Rin didn't respond to the joke however, her mind was concentrating on more worrisome things. She looked up at him, trying to make him understand. Manji was reluctant to take his eyes off the prisoner, but glanced down to meet her gaze questioningly.
"No, Manji I mean, what if the other guys are still hiding somewhere around here, what if they're as good as him. He might not be alone. I mean he could have a whole team with him, y'know, like backup or something!"
"I doubt it Rin, besides if they were going to save him" he gestured at the scowling male. "I think they would have done it by now"
Rin glanced around nervously. "Yeah, I know Manji, but I heard sounds coming from the woods when he and the other one were fighting, and it wasn't you. You came from a completely different direction! And I.MANJI!" Rin exclaimed in annoyance when she saw the immortal return to the two-man staring contest.
"Hell! What?"
"You don't seem too worried about the fact that his allies are still around"
"Ah! You mean these guys," A feminine voice announced cheerfully. Manji and Rin both turned simultaneously, even the Itto-ryu stared in confusion at the beautiful woman in .very short black sleeveless tunic.
Exotic blonde strands of hair felt attractively over her shoulders. Her skin was flawless, along with shining eyes and full ruby red lips. She nudged one of the mangled corpses at her feet with a delicate toe.
"These gentlemen seem to have run out of luck." She flashed them a sly smile. Despite her friendly greeting there was something in her voice and expression that wouldn't let you make up your mind about her being friend or foe. Maybe she was both, or neither. Rin eyed the woman suspiciously, hands on hips in a completely relaxed stance, showing off her feminine curves to the full.
Manji was clearly torn between sizing up the newcomer, and keeping an eye on Magatsu. He was pretty sure that even in the young man's present state, he could still be a nuisance to them. It wasn't so much himself he was worried about, it would take more strength than he knew the other had to take him down, at least temporarily, but Rin only got one chance, and unlike him, she wouldn't wake up after a blade in the heart. He shuddered involuntarily. He would never forgive himself if anything happened to her, not now after everything they'd been through together. Manji was already angry at himself so being played for a fool so easily by the assassins. Hell! After all his experience he would have thought he of all people would've recognised a trap, leading him away from Rin! Like an idiot! 'Well it won't happen again' he promised his subconscious. 'From now on she doesn't leave my sight!'
He absently glanced down at her, and realised she was whispering to him, discretely.
"Manji, I don't know about her, I've never seen her before, is she Itto- ryu?"
He frowned, looking up at the subject of their conversation who smirked back at him.
"Haven't a clue, kid, stay sharp though, and watch this bastard for me ok?"
Manji still held a sword to the other man's neck but turned his attention on the woman at a safe distance in front of them. Rin stole a glance at Magatsu, but he was also watching the other woman curiously. Somewhere in the midst of everything Rin felt a little pang of jealousy, the newcomer was beautiful and undoubtedly brave. She cursed herself for the thought but couldn't help feeling like just another dumb kid, how could she compete? Rin tapped her head as if to clear it. 'Sheesh I really need to sort out my priorities'!
"So I take it you've finished your little private discussion" she spoke confidently, glancing at Rin, then back at Manji. "You know, it's very rude to keep secrets"
Manji let loose his trademark pre-battle grin, and looked up casually.
"A little late to be out all alone, wouldn't you say so, hun? I mean it's not safe for girls like you to be out this time of night, something might happen y'know?"
She looked a little irritated. "Something DID happen, only not to me." She announced more seriously this time. She gestured once more at the bodies.
Manji snorted, still in that unbearably relaxed mood, the one that drove Rin up the wall when she was trying to be serious.
"You telling me, that a little girl like you took out both these big strong guys? Nice try darlin"!
She scowled and flicked her hair back in annoyance.
"That's it, shut up and listen. we don't have time for this crap." She barked.
Manji's smile faded suddenly. Rin saw Magatsu raise an eyebrow, he'd picked up on it too.
"We?" The Immortal said questioningly.
Suddenly the bushes parted and several men moved into line, behind the woman. A few stayed at her sides. They looked a little worse for the wear but yet still alert and falling naturally into ready-for-fighting stances.
Manji noticed this almost immediately. For a man to melt into a battle stance without even realising he was doing it, meant that these guys had been at it for some time. Probably used to staying on their toes. "Jeez I bet they sleep standing up" he muttered to Rin, who stared angrily at the scruffy band.
"Why can't you all just leave us alone, we just want to be left to ourselves." She yelled at them in frustration.
"Rin Hush!" Manji hissed abruptly.
The Blonde woman tilted her head, in a thoughtful way, studying Rin.
"Listen, I'll get straight down to business, these guys were working for the Itto-Ryu, we've had dealings with them before, and if I'm not mistaken that's quite a high ranking one you've got there". She explained pointing at Magatsu who sent her a death glare. A few of the men made rude gestures at him, and muttered less then polite descriptions.
The Immortal and youngster stared, listening intently.
"Getting to the point, we figure you're not with them, at least we think you're not, but if you're at all connected, I'm afraid we'll have to kill you."
Rin looked nervous whilst Manji looked pissed off.
"However if you are who we think you are, we'll just be killing him, and escorting you two outta town". She paused looking them up and down. "Do I assume I have the pleasure of addressing one Manji, ex-samurai, and Asano Rin, heir of the Asano dojo?"
Their mouths dropped open simultaneously in surprise. Manji had had enough, he took an aggressive step forward, raising his other sword menacingly, but was halted as the still men around her drew their weapons in a defensive warning.
"Now just a minute sweetheart, but who the hell do think you are? The kid and I ain't going nowhere with you, and how the hell do you know who we are?"
A small humourless smile appeared on her features, accompanied by low laughs and snorts of amusement from the rabble behind her.
"Judging by your reactions, I assume we guessed right. It's really quite simple Mr Manji, we've had our eye on you for quite some time now, you're quite a hard one to pin down, am I right?" More low chuckling.
Her fair face suddenly turned serious.
"QUIET!" she hollered. They all shut up abruptly, just as a skinny nervous looking man skittered through the crowd, and sidled up to the mysterious blonde woman. She shot him an irritated expression, as she took her attention away from the cautious strangers. "What?!" she hissed quietly. The man jumped at the venomous question, and began chewing on his thumb anxiously. The newcomer glanced up at Manji but quickly away when the look was returned with a dangerous stare. "Boss" he mumbled. "Is it wise to say all this in front of the Itto-ryu?"
Even in the presence of Manji's untrusting scowl, Rin knew that his brain was working like wildfire to try and figure out if the mob before them was a threat. "Manji, I think she might be the leader" The teen whispered. Although the immortal didn't look at her to reply, he inclined his head towards hers so they were almost touching, they both continued to study the ruffian band. "I know that much kid" he murmured, "But the leader of what? Her and that scrawny git seem to be the only ones with enough sense to power an ant shit"!
The blonde after listening to whatever the skinny man had said to her nodded slowly, but suddenly stamped her foot in what appeared to be rage. She slapped the poor unsuspecting man in the face, before he leaped out of her way muttering hasty apologies. "Damn it all!" she cursed loudly." Why didn't you remind me sooner? You idiot."
Rin mouth fell open at the strange display; Manji just raised an eyebrow, but nudged her in the side when he caught her staring, jerking his head backwards, and meaningfully reminding her to watch the young man behind them Turning back, she caught him in the act of wiping the blood off his forehead, before returning his gaze to the events unfolding.
The leader, still livid, performed a perfect 180 on her heel and glared at the assembled men. "What the hell? Do I have to tell you to do everything??" she flicked a finger toward Manji's hostage. "Why oh why is HE still alive?" she screamed impatiently. The men flinched at the high pitch and a few scrambled forward to carry out the order. But they stopped violently when Manji scowled at them, jangling his concealed blades. They looked confused, glancing at the commander for instruction.
"Now wait a god-damn second. No body touches this guy." He jerked his thumb at the worrisome Rin. "The kid here's got some business with him, personal- like. No one comes over here till it's done with, understand?" he barked, addressing the she-leader."
She looked pissed-off to say the least, but looked away, apparently thinking. When she turned back to them her expression was sweet, yet feral. Like someone who is just enduring something annoying for the reason that they know it will be over all too soon. She looked daring and bold to Rin, but to Manji looked like a person who would sell their own grandmother to further their purpose.
"Mr Manji, I'd really rather not, discuss our business out here in this manner, I suggest since after tonight you will probably be leaving here anyway, that you come with us. No funny stuff, straight up, we just talk, I have an offer for you. That's all I can tell you for now."
"Ha!" Manji scoffed. "And why should I trust you, not that it matters anyway. Double your forces and then some couldn't kill me."
Strangely enough though she didn't laugh or mock this statement, just nodded in understanding. Manji made a mental note to find out about this woman.
"All I can tell you is that we have a common enemy Manji. I think you would be a fool to not at least listen to what I have to say." Her eyes bored into him conveying the importance of her words. Manji against his better judgement would have walked out with them that second if he didn't fear for Rin's safety.
"And the girl?" he asked quietly, but by no means unthreateningly. All the warning those men and their leader would ever need were embedded in his tone of voice.
The blonde looked sincere, understanding his concern, but even her own features were spelling out a warning in return.
"She will be treated as one of us, with the uttermost protection, providing that things are kept friendly, if you catch my drift".
Manji nodded also understanding, a silent agreement being born in the air between their equally determined stares.
The nervous looking man pushed his way through to the female leader, trying to get her attention, glancing over past Manji meaningfully as she followed his gaze and gasped, in horrified surprise.
"Good god" she exclaimed, as Manji whirled to see Rin struggling against the injured Itto-Ryu, one arm was holding her down on the ground and the other trying to bring a knife down into her neck in a complete reverse of fate. Rin gripped his wrist that held the knife in both hands, trying desperately to stop the blade coming down any further. The kenshi forced with the last reserves of strength to cut her, while trying to break her resisting hold on his arm.
Rin suddenly brought her foot up in a vicious kick to his stomach; he lurched backward for a minute, whilst Rin got to her feet to run. But she wasn't quick enough, as the adversary grabbed her around the waist with both arms, bringing them both down in an undignified heap. He scrambled for the weapon that had been dropped while attempting to hold her still. Rin, desperate to escape dragged her fingernails across his shoulder wound, deeply, causing him to holler in pain, but not release his hold on her. She squirmed madly, as the bleeding Kenshi violently struck her across the face .She fought for breath under his iron grip.
Manji roared in anger, flying toward Magatsu drawing his swords in rage. The other men followed suite, and bounded after the immortal hastily, yelling obscenities and battle cries alike.
Magatsu, suddenly looked up at about a dozen men charging in his direction, and loosened his hold on Rin, jumping to his feet immediately. Like the sight alone was enough to stimulate his muscles to do so.
Realising there was no way he could win; took off into the night, yelling as he went. 'You're dead, y'hear me Asano DEAD!' The voice faded as he ran, easily disappearing into the darkness, something that he was all too good at.
A completely shell-shocked Rin stared at the spiky figure melting into the blackness of the woods. She suddenly felt strong arms gripping her shoulders, but none too gently. A furious immortal filled her vision. "What happened?" He demanded with no compassion. Rin looked at the ground, obviously upset, and nursing her existing wounds which had just been given a fresh beating. Her pale fingers closed around lumps of soil beneath her, as she imagined tearing through the escapee's flesh, but it was half-hearted as the hate slowly dissolved as it always did, giving way to the unbearable feeling of failure, and embarrassment. "I,.I" she stuttered tearfully.
Behind them, the men had gathered around them, watching the scene with interest, glancing first at Rin, and then Manji, and then towards their leader as she confidently stepped up to the two with the skinny man at her heels, although not without discretion.
"You were supposed to be watching him Rin!" he reminded angrily. Suddenly she looked up at him with equal annoyance. "Well you were supposed to keep the sword on him nice and tight! besides Manji, I don't know what happened, he must have light-fingered one of my knives." The scarred man looked a little surprised at her outburst, but his features then faded back to indifference. "Ah hell!" he breathed as he helped the youngster up, and draped an arm around her for support. "We'll get him next time, eh kid?" he soothed, ruffling her hair.
"Well that might be sooner than you both think if you take us up on our offer?" The beautiful assassin was the first to speak up. Manji looked thoughtful and turned to Rin. She gave him a weak smile and shrugged.
"Ok blondie, so what happens now?" he asked still wary, although only Rin could tell, to anyone else he just seemed like another over-cocky samurai with his hands on his hips. She smiled as he said it, and her eyes lit up. "Marvellous" she exclaimed as the other men chuckled to themselves. Tossing strands of blonde hair over her shoulder, she clapped her hands together with satisfaction, but then noticed Rin and her smile faded to a look of disgust. "Good god, look at you!" she exclaimed as she approached the younger girl despite Manji's best scowl.
She shot the scruffy man a quick glance before turning back to the object of her interest. "For heaven's sake Manji dear, why did you appoint this child to guard the scum in her condition, you must've noticed she's in a bad way" He muttered something rude under his breath.
"Well I for one say we waste no more time chin-wagging and get her some treatment" Manji's eyebrows shot up, and a new angrier scowl replaced the default model. "Well HELL, that's exactly what I was going t..., HEY, what the hell do you think you're doing"?? He snarled at the woman taking Rin's arm over her shoulder for support and her other around Rin's waist and leading her off.
"Now now, Manji dear" she said sweetly. "You just focus on keeping out of trouble and follow us okay? but not up front you hear?! We're having a chat, y'know, get to know each other and stuff, just us girls!" She shouted over her shoulder at one of the followers. "Shinriji, keep an eye on him"
Shinriji scuttled up to Manji, but kept a safe distance off to the side as the immortal huffed indignantly at him. "O-okay boss"
The men began to follow the leader and her new friend through the forest, with groans and curses from those who had been chosen to drag the corpses.
"S- So, um, I hear you killed one hundred men?" The little man attempted a conversation starter, but the immortal was too busy glaring at the blonde's back and ignored him.
Senior psycho stood over the body laughing loudly, manically! The sound was on the verge of becoming inhuman. To Rin it was there already, something between choking and screaming that in the back of her mind she knew was going to be haunting her dreams for many nights to come...should she live that long of course. Her enemy was dead but the feeling of utter terror and icy dread still remained inside her, as if it flowed through her veins instead of blood and threatened to freeze her heart so she would keel over from the mere sight of the sub-human wreck before her, laughing and poking the lifeless body with his bare foot. Shoes were long broken, ripped and discarded somewhere between the trees.
She watched with increasing horror as the monster continued to yell at the body, becoming livid when no answer came, stamping his foot and cursing like a child..a huge muscular child with after-school murdering hobbies!!!! It seemed to her that he wanted to torture the man, and perhaps had not meant to kill him so quickly.
Rin's legs burned in protest as she gingerly began her ascent from crouch to stand, she wasn't sure if she could still run, maybe she should just hide, and if the gods were merciful maybe the weirdo would leave, or even better Manji would find her.come to think of it, Rin decided that the latter would be the favourable choice. 'When he finds me, then he finds that psycho too' she thought 'and the world would definitely be better off!'.. 'understatement of the century!'
Her strained muscles convulsed at the sudden hideous screeching that not only filled but saturated the night air. Rin covered her ears and within a closed part of her mind she wondered how on earth this chaos hadn't woken and brought every villager for miles running. On second thought if she heard what she had heard, and wished she could forget, wild horses couldn't budge her from her bed or detach the pillow wrapped tightly around her head!
She jumped again at the horrible noise that assaulted the silence then ceased as suddenly as it had begun, and would have fallen back down were she not leaning heavily on a crooked young tree, raw fingers digging into the bark, bracing herself against gravity pulling down on her weak frame, her eyes effortlessly focusing on the man, 'should he be called that?' and immediate danger. Even with all her will power she could not resist glancing down at her former opponent. His wild hair sprawled out every which way, one bleeding hand strongly clasping her sword. She turned away when she saw his sightless eyes gazing eerily up at the sky, expressionless.
Rin knew deep in heart that she should not feel this way, but could not help herself regretting the dishonour he had suffered. Although young she believed that she from her father and grandfather had despite everything an unshakeable sense of the old code, the warrior's unspoken rules. For example she had never come across a fighter respected by his fellows that approved of stabbing an enemy in the back or killing whilst asleep. She had a definite sense that the wacko had ignored them all and this frustrated and outraged her, even though a tiny voice reminded her that had she been strong enough she would not have hesitated to kill the Itto-ryu. But the voice of reason was drowned by a torrent of emotions combined with the pain she felt in both body and mind, her thoughts clouded as her sometimes reckless nature took over.
"HA H HAA HA! TOLD YOU, I'D HAVE REVENGE, YOU'RE DEAD, YOU'RE DEAD"! He prepared to bury both swords in the itto ryu's body. He raised them high above his head, still laughing; they descended at speed, but suddenly stopped!
He froze with an utter look of horror on his already horrible face; he turned, staggering towards Asano's direction. He blinked at her in disbelief, as if he was noticing her for the first time then looked down. Down at the seven daggers in his chest, some peppering the ground around him. He coughed, bringing a little blood up, and then looked back to her. Rin just stared back at him, her eyes told him everything, as he slumped to the ground.
"We both wanted him dead, but mutilating the body is just sick!" she said quietly, turning away from their lifeless forms. The teen sighed heavily in sheer relief. For the first time her whole being relaxed and her conscience felt at a balance, in spite of the violent act, it had been the right thing to do. 'Hmph, Manji would laugh and tell me not to worry about it' she mused.
Her whole body hurt, and not just from her wounds. She was a little unsteady, but she reckoned she could make it back to their inn. She started to pad quietly toward the path, wobbling a tad. Okay so the nearest building would do just fine. 'Who would have thought that I would kill the man that saved my life, to protect a dead body' she thought 'pretty ironic really, but then there wasn't much that had happened tonight that was even vaguely normal'! The woods seemed eerily quiet all of a sudden, without yelling and fighting to fill her hearing. She paused for a moment, to rip a piece of her kimono off the bottom to bandage her stomach. 'The pain was bad, but at least she was alive and kicking, well alive anyway.
Suddenly an oddly shaped handled sword zipped past her, spearing itself into the huge old tree to the side. Rin yelped and fell backwards, as she couldn't do much else to dodge in her condition. Her curtain of death, flight of the golden wasps had leeched the very last of the last ounces of energy left. Her eyes darted about madly to see where the weapon's owner was hiding. She looked all around her finding nothing, then back to the direction from which she'd come from. "Who's there?" she called timidly. Surely the madman couldn't have gotten up again. ' I saw him die' she reassured herself. 'Please no more tonight' she begged the heavens, whilst listening to every creak and whisper of the forest. But no one was there just the mad guy's body and....uh oh! She panicked!
Rin held up the traditional sword that she hadn't had the chance to use, which actually looked pretty funny, as she was on her backside on the ground. A figure swiftly detached itself from the darkness behind the tree. His spiked hair messy, and matted with blood.
Rin gasped and pointed her sword at him, "Hey! You're dead"! She said in shock. He shot her a dirty look, before proceeding to tug at the weapon stuck in the bark.
Rin just stared in confusion, as her enemy just blatantly ignored her. Could he be immortal? Eventually freeing his precious blade, he turned around to face her. The teen felt herself blushing slightly. His face was no longer half hidden; he was actually quite handsome, with dark eyes and his wild black mane whipping about in the breeze. He had a few cuts on his cheek, and he looked ruffled, giving him a boyish appearance. The only thing that brought her back down to earth was the murderous expression on his features.
The young Kenshi raised his chin, exposing his throat with a gruesome deep red line across it. Rin wrinkled her nose, and looked away. "Eww" He shrugged. "Another centimetre and it would have been a killing blow" he explained barely above a whisper.
She gestured to the dirty sword. "Why did you do that? You missed me by miles!" She wasn't completely sure, if she wanted to know the answer.
He just stared, his face betraying his pain. She was hurt, but no where as badly as him. She wasn't a fool though. Rin kept her distance. "Well I had to do something to get your attention" he said in a rough voice.
Asano looked at the ground, uncomfortable with his constant staring. He seemed to sense this, and took a step forward. Rin panicked and aimed her sword nervously. He extended a hand to her. Rin looked up at him like he'd grown another head. After a couple of minutes, he rolled his eyes and dropped his own sword. She frowned at the blood stained palm, but against her better judgement reached out warily. His fingers enclosed around her tiny pale hand and roughly yanked her to her feet. "Ow!" she yelped at the pain.
She was about to complain when without warning he pulled her close, letting her hand go, but gripping her shoulder tightly instead with his uninjured hand. Rin trembled slightly, uncomfortable with him being so near, or his blades so .accessible! She flinched slightly as she felt his ragged breathing against her neck. Despite the tough act however Rin realized that he was in fact leaning on her, trying to be intimidating, whilst holding onto her for support, 'Very sneaky'. As she looked up at him timidly she saw the pain in his eyes, they narrowed at her suspiciously.
"Let's get it straight. This doesn't change anything!" he growled.
That horrible feeling returned to Rin as the words sank in; she was still number one on his dicing list! Damn! Why did she save him? Why couldn't she get him now? After all it would be only too easy, you only had to look to know that he wouldn't be doing much other than sleeping for the next week. Just one little swipe, and bye bye problem! But somehow, she couldn't do it, just seeing him this way, even though she hated him through and through. Didn't seem right. Besides she wasn't sure just how much fight he had left in him!
"I didn't think it would" she whispered sourly. "Mr..Magatsu wasn't it?"
He glanced at her curiously. "Yeah, Taito"
Rin snorted. "Well Magatsu! Quite frankly I don't really want to be on first name terms with you. Hmm how about Itto-ryu scum? It's got a nice ring to it. Don't you think?" 'If she was going to die anyway, might as well at least tell the bastard where he could go."
He stared for what seemed like too long. She wished she knew what he was thinking. Then, surprisingly he grinned at her, his eyes came alive for a moment before it all disappeared. He let go off her shoulder, and drew himself up, with a little difficulty.
"I'll spare you this time Asano, an eye for an eye, but the next time we meet, you're dead understand?" She nodded solemnly. He wiped at the blood dripping in his eyes "And don't think I won't go out of my way to make sure we meet again, I'll give you three days before I come after you" Rin's face betrayed her surprise. 'Had she really thought that he would take pity, or maybe buy her a little more time, three days??"
His emotionless face suddenly became very curious, with a hint of amusement, but who could tell? He took a step back and folded his arms.
"I suppose you were expecting me to forget I saw you right?"
"Well, I" she stuttered. 'Had she?'
"HA!" He scoffed. "Yeah well, unless you can provide me with a nice income from now on, I don't think that's gonna happen."
Rin looked at the ground. "I guess I expected too much from you. Itto-ryu and honour don't really belong in the same sentence do they?" Despite the silence that followed she could tell that her words had struck a nerve. The amusement disappeared from his features replaced by that of a sulky child.
"So why did you do it?" he asked irritably.
She thought for a while, there were many reasons, but they boiled down to one.
"I suppose I have more respect for life than you Itto-ryu ever will"
His eyes became even darker if that was possible. Asano saw him open his mouth to say something then thought better of it. Instead he took another step back towards the woods, holding three fingers up, meaningfully.
"Oh I think she'll have longer than that" a rough voice chimed in. A sword bit gently into Magatsu's chin, he winced at his already damaged neck. "You on the other hand might not be so lucky pal!"
"Manji!" Rin yelled as she staggered up to stand or more accurately hunch beside him. He draped his free arm around her waist, supporting her weight, and holding her up. She flinched in pain.
"Well shit! look at you! Nasty guy huh?" Rin nodded. Magatsu and Manji were glaring hatefully at each other. "Apparently his name is Magatsu Taito. But I don't know who the other two were. What happened to the guy you went after?" she asked with genuine concern. If there were two more as good as this guy still around here then they might be in trouble!
Manji shifted his grip on her slightly as he shrugged. "Hell, I don't know, guy just kept running, must not have wanted to get caught, can you blame him?" he smirked.
Rin didn't respond to the joke however, her mind was concentrating on more worrisome things. She looked up at him, trying to make him understand. Manji was reluctant to take his eyes off the prisoner, but glanced down to meet her gaze questioningly.
"No, Manji I mean, what if the other guys are still hiding somewhere around here, what if they're as good as him. He might not be alone. I mean he could have a whole team with him, y'know, like backup or something!"
"I doubt it Rin, besides if they were going to save him" he gestured at the scowling male. "I think they would have done it by now"
Rin glanced around nervously. "Yeah, I know Manji, but I heard sounds coming from the woods when he and the other one were fighting, and it wasn't you. You came from a completely different direction! And I.MANJI!" Rin exclaimed in annoyance when she saw the immortal return to the two-man staring contest.
"Hell! What?"
"You don't seem too worried about the fact that his allies are still around"
"Ah! You mean these guys," A feminine voice announced cheerfully. Manji and Rin both turned simultaneously, even the Itto-ryu stared in confusion at the beautiful woman in .very short black sleeveless tunic.
Exotic blonde strands of hair felt attractively over her shoulders. Her skin was flawless, along with shining eyes and full ruby red lips. She nudged one of the mangled corpses at her feet with a delicate toe.
"These gentlemen seem to have run out of luck." She flashed them a sly smile. Despite her friendly greeting there was something in her voice and expression that wouldn't let you make up your mind about her being friend or foe. Maybe she was both, or neither. Rin eyed the woman suspiciously, hands on hips in a completely relaxed stance, showing off her feminine curves to the full.
Manji was clearly torn between sizing up the newcomer, and keeping an eye on Magatsu. He was pretty sure that even in the young man's present state, he could still be a nuisance to them. It wasn't so much himself he was worried about, it would take more strength than he knew the other had to take him down, at least temporarily, but Rin only got one chance, and unlike him, she wouldn't wake up after a blade in the heart. He shuddered involuntarily. He would never forgive himself if anything happened to her, not now after everything they'd been through together. Manji was already angry at himself so being played for a fool so easily by the assassins. Hell! After all his experience he would have thought he of all people would've recognised a trap, leading him away from Rin! Like an idiot! 'Well it won't happen again' he promised his subconscious. 'From now on she doesn't leave my sight!'
He absently glanced down at her, and realised she was whispering to him, discretely.
"Manji, I don't know about her, I've never seen her before, is she Itto- ryu?"
He frowned, looking up at the subject of their conversation who smirked back at him.
"Haven't a clue, kid, stay sharp though, and watch this bastard for me ok?"
Manji still held a sword to the other man's neck but turned his attention on the woman at a safe distance in front of them. Rin stole a glance at Magatsu, but he was also watching the other woman curiously. Somewhere in the midst of everything Rin felt a little pang of jealousy, the newcomer was beautiful and undoubtedly brave. She cursed herself for the thought but couldn't help feeling like just another dumb kid, how could she compete? Rin tapped her head as if to clear it. 'Sheesh I really need to sort out my priorities'!
"So I take it you've finished your little private discussion" she spoke confidently, glancing at Rin, then back at Manji. "You know, it's very rude to keep secrets"
Manji let loose his trademark pre-battle grin, and looked up casually.
"A little late to be out all alone, wouldn't you say so, hun? I mean it's not safe for girls like you to be out this time of night, something might happen y'know?"
She looked a little irritated. "Something DID happen, only not to me." She announced more seriously this time. She gestured once more at the bodies.
Manji snorted, still in that unbearably relaxed mood, the one that drove Rin up the wall when she was trying to be serious.
"You telling me, that a little girl like you took out both these big strong guys? Nice try darlin"!
She scowled and flicked her hair back in annoyance.
"That's it, shut up and listen. we don't have time for this crap." She barked.
Manji's smile faded suddenly. Rin saw Magatsu raise an eyebrow, he'd picked up on it too.
"We?" The Immortal said questioningly.
Suddenly the bushes parted and several men moved into line, behind the woman. A few stayed at her sides. They looked a little worse for the wear but yet still alert and falling naturally into ready-for-fighting stances.
Manji noticed this almost immediately. For a man to melt into a battle stance without even realising he was doing it, meant that these guys had been at it for some time. Probably used to staying on their toes. "Jeez I bet they sleep standing up" he muttered to Rin, who stared angrily at the scruffy band.
"Why can't you all just leave us alone, we just want to be left to ourselves." She yelled at them in frustration.
"Rin Hush!" Manji hissed abruptly.
The Blonde woman tilted her head, in a thoughtful way, studying Rin.
"Listen, I'll get straight down to business, these guys were working for the Itto-Ryu, we've had dealings with them before, and if I'm not mistaken that's quite a high ranking one you've got there". She explained pointing at Magatsu who sent her a death glare. A few of the men made rude gestures at him, and muttered less then polite descriptions.
The Immortal and youngster stared, listening intently.
"Getting to the point, we figure you're not with them, at least we think you're not, but if you're at all connected, I'm afraid we'll have to kill you."
Rin looked nervous whilst Manji looked pissed off.
"However if you are who we think you are, we'll just be killing him, and escorting you two outta town". She paused looking them up and down. "Do I assume I have the pleasure of addressing one Manji, ex-samurai, and Asano Rin, heir of the Asano dojo?"
Their mouths dropped open simultaneously in surprise. Manji had had enough, he took an aggressive step forward, raising his other sword menacingly, but was halted as the still men around her drew their weapons in a defensive warning.
"Now just a minute sweetheart, but who the hell do think you are? The kid and I ain't going nowhere with you, and how the hell do you know who we are?"
A small humourless smile appeared on her features, accompanied by low laughs and snorts of amusement from the rabble behind her.
"Judging by your reactions, I assume we guessed right. It's really quite simple Mr Manji, we've had our eye on you for quite some time now, you're quite a hard one to pin down, am I right?" More low chuckling.
Her fair face suddenly turned serious.
"QUIET!" she hollered. They all shut up abruptly, just as a skinny nervous looking man skittered through the crowd, and sidled up to the mysterious blonde woman. She shot him an irritated expression, as she took her attention away from the cautious strangers. "What?!" she hissed quietly. The man jumped at the venomous question, and began chewing on his thumb anxiously. The newcomer glanced up at Manji but quickly away when the look was returned with a dangerous stare. "Boss" he mumbled. "Is it wise to say all this in front of the Itto-ryu?"
Even in the presence of Manji's untrusting scowl, Rin knew that his brain was working like wildfire to try and figure out if the mob before them was a threat. "Manji, I think she might be the leader" The teen whispered. Although the immortal didn't look at her to reply, he inclined his head towards hers so they were almost touching, they both continued to study the ruffian band. "I know that much kid" he murmured, "But the leader of what? Her and that scrawny git seem to be the only ones with enough sense to power an ant shit"!
The blonde after listening to whatever the skinny man had said to her nodded slowly, but suddenly stamped her foot in what appeared to be rage. She slapped the poor unsuspecting man in the face, before he leaped out of her way muttering hasty apologies. "Damn it all!" she cursed loudly." Why didn't you remind me sooner? You idiot."
Rin mouth fell open at the strange display; Manji just raised an eyebrow, but nudged her in the side when he caught her staring, jerking his head backwards, and meaningfully reminding her to watch the young man behind them Turning back, she caught him in the act of wiping the blood off his forehead, before returning his gaze to the events unfolding.
The leader, still livid, performed a perfect 180 on her heel and glared at the assembled men. "What the hell? Do I have to tell you to do everything??" she flicked a finger toward Manji's hostage. "Why oh why is HE still alive?" she screamed impatiently. The men flinched at the high pitch and a few scrambled forward to carry out the order. But they stopped violently when Manji scowled at them, jangling his concealed blades. They looked confused, glancing at the commander for instruction.
"Now wait a god-damn second. No body touches this guy." He jerked his thumb at the worrisome Rin. "The kid here's got some business with him, personal- like. No one comes over here till it's done with, understand?" he barked, addressing the she-leader."
She looked pissed-off to say the least, but looked away, apparently thinking. When she turned back to them her expression was sweet, yet feral. Like someone who is just enduring something annoying for the reason that they know it will be over all too soon. She looked daring and bold to Rin, but to Manji looked like a person who would sell their own grandmother to further their purpose.
"Mr Manji, I'd really rather not, discuss our business out here in this manner, I suggest since after tonight you will probably be leaving here anyway, that you come with us. No funny stuff, straight up, we just talk, I have an offer for you. That's all I can tell you for now."
"Ha!" Manji scoffed. "And why should I trust you, not that it matters anyway. Double your forces and then some couldn't kill me."
Strangely enough though she didn't laugh or mock this statement, just nodded in understanding. Manji made a mental note to find out about this woman.
"All I can tell you is that we have a common enemy Manji. I think you would be a fool to not at least listen to what I have to say." Her eyes bored into him conveying the importance of her words. Manji against his better judgement would have walked out with them that second if he didn't fear for Rin's safety.
"And the girl?" he asked quietly, but by no means unthreateningly. All the warning those men and their leader would ever need were embedded in his tone of voice.
The blonde looked sincere, understanding his concern, but even her own features were spelling out a warning in return.
"She will be treated as one of us, with the uttermost protection, providing that things are kept friendly, if you catch my drift".
Manji nodded also understanding, a silent agreement being born in the air between their equally determined stares.
The nervous looking man pushed his way through to the female leader, trying to get her attention, glancing over past Manji meaningfully as she followed his gaze and gasped, in horrified surprise.
"Good god" she exclaimed, as Manji whirled to see Rin struggling against the injured Itto-Ryu, one arm was holding her down on the ground and the other trying to bring a knife down into her neck in a complete reverse of fate. Rin gripped his wrist that held the knife in both hands, trying desperately to stop the blade coming down any further. The kenshi forced with the last reserves of strength to cut her, while trying to break her resisting hold on his arm.
Rin suddenly brought her foot up in a vicious kick to his stomach; he lurched backward for a minute, whilst Rin got to her feet to run. But she wasn't quick enough, as the adversary grabbed her around the waist with both arms, bringing them both down in an undignified heap. He scrambled for the weapon that had been dropped while attempting to hold her still. Rin, desperate to escape dragged her fingernails across his shoulder wound, deeply, causing him to holler in pain, but not release his hold on her. She squirmed madly, as the bleeding Kenshi violently struck her across the face .She fought for breath under his iron grip.
Manji roared in anger, flying toward Magatsu drawing his swords in rage. The other men followed suite, and bounded after the immortal hastily, yelling obscenities and battle cries alike.
Magatsu, suddenly looked up at about a dozen men charging in his direction, and loosened his hold on Rin, jumping to his feet immediately. Like the sight alone was enough to stimulate his muscles to do so.
Realising there was no way he could win; took off into the night, yelling as he went. 'You're dead, y'hear me Asano DEAD!' The voice faded as he ran, easily disappearing into the darkness, something that he was all too good at.
A completely shell-shocked Rin stared at the spiky figure melting into the blackness of the woods. She suddenly felt strong arms gripping her shoulders, but none too gently. A furious immortal filled her vision. "What happened?" He demanded with no compassion. Rin looked at the ground, obviously upset, and nursing her existing wounds which had just been given a fresh beating. Her pale fingers closed around lumps of soil beneath her, as she imagined tearing through the escapee's flesh, but it was half-hearted as the hate slowly dissolved as it always did, giving way to the unbearable feeling of failure, and embarrassment. "I,.I" she stuttered tearfully.
Behind them, the men had gathered around them, watching the scene with interest, glancing first at Rin, and then Manji, and then towards their leader as she confidently stepped up to the two with the skinny man at her heels, although not without discretion.
"You were supposed to be watching him Rin!" he reminded angrily. Suddenly she looked up at him with equal annoyance. "Well you were supposed to keep the sword on him nice and tight! besides Manji, I don't know what happened, he must have light-fingered one of my knives." The scarred man looked a little surprised at her outburst, but his features then faded back to indifference. "Ah hell!" he breathed as he helped the youngster up, and draped an arm around her for support. "We'll get him next time, eh kid?" he soothed, ruffling her hair.
"Well that might be sooner than you both think if you take us up on our offer?" The beautiful assassin was the first to speak up. Manji looked thoughtful and turned to Rin. She gave him a weak smile and shrugged.
"Ok blondie, so what happens now?" he asked still wary, although only Rin could tell, to anyone else he just seemed like another over-cocky samurai with his hands on his hips. She smiled as he said it, and her eyes lit up. "Marvellous" she exclaimed as the other men chuckled to themselves. Tossing strands of blonde hair over her shoulder, she clapped her hands together with satisfaction, but then noticed Rin and her smile faded to a look of disgust. "Good god, look at you!" she exclaimed as she approached the younger girl despite Manji's best scowl.
She shot the scruffy man a quick glance before turning back to the object of her interest. "For heaven's sake Manji dear, why did you appoint this child to guard the scum in her condition, you must've noticed she's in a bad way" He muttered something rude under his breath.
"Well I for one say we waste no more time chin-wagging and get her some treatment" Manji's eyebrows shot up, and a new angrier scowl replaced the default model. "Well HELL, that's exactly what I was going t..., HEY, what the hell do you think you're doing"?? He snarled at the woman taking Rin's arm over her shoulder for support and her other around Rin's waist and leading her off.
"Now now, Manji dear" she said sweetly. "You just focus on keeping out of trouble and follow us okay? but not up front you hear?! We're having a chat, y'know, get to know each other and stuff, just us girls!" She shouted over her shoulder at one of the followers. "Shinriji, keep an eye on him"
Shinriji scuttled up to Manji, but kept a safe distance off to the side as the immortal huffed indignantly at him. "O-okay boss"
The men began to follow the leader and her new friend through the forest, with groans and curses from those who had been chosen to drag the corpses.
"S- So, um, I hear you killed one hundred men?" The little man attempted a conversation starter, but the immortal was too busy glaring at the blonde's back and ignored him.