Chapter 5 – Wherever You Go
The restless surging waves bring troubles in your way -
The streams are clogged with soil and clay from the mountain,
And the one who tries to function beyond the Great Wall
Has not yet come home to himself at all.
I really need to wash up. Can I take a hot bath? she asked immediately after hearing the news. I'll also need soap, hair wash, and something to clean my teeth with. And where are my clothes and my shoes?
I'll bring you your clothes and start a bath no da, he replied hastily and made a retreat.
Dragging the sturdy wooden tub out of the corner proved to be a bigger chore than he'd expected. All of his bathing had been done down in the river which flowed a short distance behind the house, whose waters were refreshingly cold in the summer heat. But he was sure that the idea of a cold bath would not satisfy this new side of Mari-chan. When the tub was positioned a few steps away from the hearth he stood up and wiped a line of sweat off his brow. From the bottom of the tub he withdrew six flat stones, each a little larger than the size of his hand, and placed them one by one into the fireplace. Using a pair of iron tongs he stoked the blaze into renewed life and wedged the stones between the glowing embers of the snapping logs. When the last one was firmly in place he retrieved a wooden bucket near the door and stepped outside, making for the barrel of rainwater beside the house.
The container revealed itself to be nearly a third empty after he opened the hinged lid. He hoped it would be enough water for the moment, for the thought of making several trips to the river and back just to fill a bathing tub did not strike him as a productive use of his time. Pushing up the sleeves on his arms to his elbows, he dipped the bucket into the water and tried not to slosh too badly on his way back to the house. Before filling the tub he used the first bucket to fill the empty iron kettle that hung suspended over the flames. He returned outside and made six more trips between the tub and the barrel before stopping, the rainwater almost completely depleted and the tub half full. The stones were extremely hot by that point, their surfaces glowing a dull orange where veins of metal ran through the rock. He fetched the same pair of tongs to drop them into the bottom of the tub, watching in satisfaction as the water bubbled around their descending bodies.
Marissa was wiggling on the bed impatiently when he returned to the small bedroom, her original clothes folded in his arms and the shoes resting on top. He passed over the items into her outstretched hands and watched her pick up each piece to inspect it. When two of the smaller items tumbled from the pile a light blush stained her cheeks and she quickly threw them under the covers of the bed and out of sight. Chichiri concealed a smile and wondered if he should mention that he'd had to completely undress her the first night in the house, just to see how embarrassed she might get. Girls from other worlds could be so peculiar when it came to their modesty.
Where's my shirt? she asked, breaking the silence. The other articles were strewn about her on the bed and her shoes had been set down on the floor beside her bare feet.
Chichiri wiped away his amusing thoughts and mustered up a serious look before answering. I burned it many nights ago no da. It was badly torn apart and there was too much blood to wash out. I'm sorry no da.
The color slowly drained from Marissa's cheeks at his words. Chichiri frowned in sympathy at her expression, wondering if he should have been that forthright so soon. It was the reaction he'd been afraid of seeing when it came time to mention her attack in the forest. Out of concern for the trauma she must have endured, he'd made a point to skirt the issue whenever possible. It seemed only fair to let her bring up the subject when she was ready. After a silent minute had passed and she remained unmoving he took a cautious step closer, worried that she might be on the verge of passing out. Instead she suddenly blinked several times, his movement appearing to jar her from her thoughts. The color returned to her cheeks within a few seconds and she moved to lift up one of the pieces of clothing.
I think it's too warm out for me to be wearing these pants. Do you have any scissors?
Scissors no da? he echoed in confusion.
An exasperated look passed over her features. Sorry, maybe a knife then?
Chichiri studied the fabric held in her hands, recalling how thick and coarse the material had felt during the few times he'd handled it, and how heavy it had been after he'd washed out the numerous blood stains. Despite the long gash on the right leg he'd kept the pants, knowing that it would be simple to mend if she wished to keep them. But the dense weave of the fabric had been unlike anything he'd ever touched before. I don't think a knife will cut those no da.
She looked the garment over and seemed to slowly realize the truth of his words. With a sigh she let the pants fall to her lap.
You don't want to mend them no da?
She shook her head and fingered the long tear in the fabric. I can feel how warm it is outside even inside the house. I'd probably roast wearing these pants today. But, then again, I guess I have no choice, she trailed off unhappily.
Chichiri held out his hand for the pants, which she passed over with a frown on her face. With careful concentration he created an image and held it in his mind, letting the sense of the image move from simply being in his imagination, to being in the grip of his jutsu. He gathered a small quantity of his ki into his right hand and let it flow into the material of the pants, guiding the extension of his self to disperse evenly across the interwoven threads. With the fabric entirely infused and under his manipulation, he commanded the image held in his mind to become reality and watched the pants float into the air, held ridged as if they were suspended from a taught clothes line.
He looked back to the bed, where Marissa was watching the display of magic with wide eyes and partly opened lips. Where would you like them cut no da?
She swallowed before splitting into a bedazzled grin. Wow! That was awesome! How'd you do that? I didn't even see your hands move. How long will they stay up there? What are you going to do to cut them? I've never seen anyone do real magic before, that was amazing.
Chichiri cleared his throat awkwardly. I used my jutsu no da. It allows me make things to respond to my will. As long as I have the image in my mind, it will stay that way no da.
Inwardly, the seishi was mulling over the surprise he'd felt at her reaction; it was not the one he had been expecting, yet again. He'd learned long ago how people responded to any displays of power, the fear and the eventual hate that could bloom out of being unable to understand what they were being shown. From Taiitsukun he had learned about the gravity of his particular jutsu, one of the most powerful abilities for manipulation of the physical world, as well as the ability to tap into his ki, life force, and shape it according to his will. His early training with various Buddhist monks had prepared his mind for the seemingly infinite cache of knowledge that came with his destiny, understanding of how to bend the world at his command and become sensitive to the moods, intentions, and energies of those around him.
What few people realized about the powers of the seishi was that they were acquired knowledge, not born purely out of instinct. The process of mastering an understanding of his jutsu had been less about creating ways to implement the magic, and more about practicing viable techniques that slowly filtered into his mind over time, as if they were being provided by the jutsu itself. Where that knowledge came from he could not say for certain, but he had an idea that would require Taiitsukun's admission to prove whether or not it was the truth. Many times while using his powers he had felt distant voices in his mind guiding the motion of his hands, or showing him the level of concentration needed to perform a task. Many times in situations of dire need, images would appear in his mind that taught him how to best solve the dilemma and bring himself or anyone with him out unharmed. Being the seishi Chichiri had been more about being a student to these subconscious teachers than actually crafting his powers according to his own wishes. That didn't mean he had never done anything on his own, in fact part of his jutsu seemed to be that the possibilities for its use were limited only by his imagination. If he could manage to will something hard enough, within certain boundaries, his jutsu would do its part to make it become reality.
Marissa's shy voice floated almost timidly into his thoughts.
He blinked, seeing the pants still suspended in midair before his eyes. Hai no da?
Do you need me to show you where to cut them?
Oh, yes, please no da.
Marissa half rose from the bed, giving him a curious look that told him she was wondering where he had been floating off to during the last few minutes. He gave her a placating smile in reply, inwardly chiding himself for getting lost in his own thoughts so easily. She lifted her free hand and drew a line in the air across the upper legs of the pants, not quite bringing her fingers in contact with the magic infused fabric. When she sat back down Chichiri held out his right hand, signaling her to remain sitting while he complied with her request. This time he visualized the air in the room as a tangible thing, feeling how it moved and responded to his force of will. With careful manipulation he sculpted the air in front of him into a short, sharp blade, powerful enough to cut through flesh if he wished it. With a wordless command he sent the edge flying through the air across the space where Marissa had indicated with her fingers. The two severed pieces of fabric floated to land in a pile on the bedroom floor and the knife of air dissipated back to whence it had come.
Wordlessly Marissa accepted the newly made pair of shorts as they floated to within arm's reach, her hands tentatively gripping the fabric. Thank you, she said softly.
Feeling a bit smug that he'd managed to stun her into near silence, Chichiri turned with a smile and left the room to continue preparing her bath. He fished the warm stones out of the tub and placed them back into the fire, listening to the sounds of the water sizzle and evaporate from the heat of the flames. From there he moved to the side of the room opposite from the bedroom, where a smaller door stood closed against the wall. He lifted the simple latch and swung the door open, revealing a closet used for the storage of various barrels and crates. With the ease of familiarity he opened a box near the door and withdrew a bundle of dried soaproot and a coarse swatch of fabric. With a frown he realized many items would need to be replenished sooner than he'd originally planned now that there were two people sharing the house's supplies. He would need to speak to Chunseng about taking a trip into town for the elderly farmer.
He placed the bundle on the table and was contemplating making that walk to the river to refill their rainwater barrel when Marissa's voice came from the bedroom.
He poked his head around the door frame and replied to her call. Yes no da?
Can I come out there now?
She was sitting on the bed with her clothes balled together on her lap and a look of annoyance on her face that was quickly becoming familiar to the seishi. It was getting so easy to read her emotions that he felt a wicked, almost forgotten, urge to tease the scowl off her face. A few carefully chosen words and she'd probably go off like a firework. The temptation was almost too much and he had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from speaking the words out loud. Instead he realized he was probably better off letting her have her way, he didn't feel like being caught in the blast if she did happen to go off the deep end. It was so hard to tell how a person would react to a little good natured teasing. At this point his only saving grace was his ability to play cheerfully dumb and get away with it. Sure no da!
He came into the room the rest of the way and walked to her bedside. She stood up and allowed him to slip an arm around her back just under her shoulder blades. Together they moved slowly towards the open door, Marissa clutching tightly to the edge of his shirt as she hopped steadily forward. When they reached the main room he guided her to the closest bench and helped her to sit down, watching her look about the room with interest.
It's a bit small, isn't it, she commented as she placed her clothing on the table.
Chichiri shrugged, not quite sure what she was using to compare the room to. In his experience the house was considered spacious for a single person and adequately comfortable for two. A free standing, heavy table in the main room boasted two benches that could easily seat a total of four people, and the fireplace at the back of the room was large enough to fit a deep iron kettle over the flames. There was the small storage closet which kept their dried goods and extra medical supplies, and a series of shelves and built in drawers lined the empty wall between the fireplace and the front door. He'd found the place quite cozy, which was why he'd chosen to stay in residence for so long after the farmer made his offer. That and the local fishing was superb.
He stood up straight and left Marissa to her observations, moving over to the fireplace to check on the heating stones. The flames had been burning quite hotly and steadily over the last half hour and the air was quickly growing warm around the hearth. Using the tongs he withdrew the lightly steaming rocks and dropped them back into the tub. When each of the stones was submerged he dipped his hand into the water and was pleased to feel that the temperature had risen significantly to a comfortable lukewarm.
How hot would you like the water no da?
Very hot, she replied immediately. I feel like I have a week's worth of dirt all over me and I can't wait to get it all off.
Just about no da, he observed as he began fishing the rocks out of the tub once more.
What did you say?
Chichiri placed the stones back into the fireplace and counted off silently on his fingers. It's been five days since I found you in the woods no da.
Oh. How long was I out then?
About two whole days no da. At her surprised look he continued to explain. I had to well, you were not cooperating very well while I was trying to mend your leg no da. I had to use my ki to put you into a deep sleep; I might have over done it a bit no da.
Unexpectedly she started laughing. I'm so sorry, I didn't hurt you did I?
He smiled and shook his head. I do not believe you were fighting me as much as you were fighting against the pain no da. There was nothing I could do to prevent that, it was better to place you in a sleep deep enough so you would not feel what I had to do no da.
He watched her touch the bands on her leg, as if reminding herself of the measures he'd had to take to save her life. I feel like I can't say it enough, but thank you, for all that you did.
You're welcome no da. Though I'm sure I wasn't the only one who thought of coming to your aid, you scream quite loudly when you wish to no da, he teased lightly to offset her serious expression.
Unfortunately his words seemed to have the opposite effect, as her eyes went wide. Why was I screaming?
You don't remember no da?
She shook her head, lips pressed together tightly. I don't remember anything. I've been trying to, but I'm scared to at the same time. I was walking through the woods and the next thing I knew I woke up here and saw you.
Frowning a little in concern, Chichiri turned back to the fireplace to remove the reheated set of stones and drop them into the tub. He gently swirled the warm water with the palm of his hand and wondered how long he could stall telling her of the attack in the clearing. Why were you walking in the woods in the first place no da?
Er, this is going to sound weird, but I fell into a pond.
How is that weird no da? Did you trip or get pushed in no da?
She shook her head. I fell in. See, I had been sitting in my room, and I was going to start reading the books I told you about that tell of your world and the Suzaku no Miko. But there was this bright light, it was like liquid, and it pulled me in. The next thing I knew I was falling through the air and then I hit the pond. It scared me so badly, I thought I was going to drown. I must have just swam really hard and managed to get out. I didn't know where I was either, I thought she paused and laughed a nervous chuckle. I thought I was dreaming. It didn't even occur to me that I might have gotten pulled into the books, I mean, that just doesn't happen in the real world. So I walked and walked and then I think well I'm not sure what happened, I might have heard a noise. But the next thing I remember is waking up here.
Chichiri listened to her narrative quietly, absorbing this new information. Rather than shed light upon her mysterious appearance in their world it seemed to only add more questions upon the ones he already had. Falling out of the sky and luckily managing to land in a pond and not on the hard ground? That spoke of some kind of divine intervention, though whose hand had played a role in her arrival was the important question.
You were very lucky, Mari-chan no da.
She didn't reply and simply shrugged. He was aware of how deeply her resentment ran at being in his world, words were unnecessary at this point when they both knew her opinion on the matter. After their initial discussion on possible reasons why she might be here, he'd realized how futile it would be to try and convince her, for the time being at least, that she might be serving a greater purpose. A carefully shielded part of himself, a piece of the young man he used to be, could relate to her feelings of fear and denial. He had felt much the same for a period of his life, unable to accept that he was might be meant to be part of something greater. It wasn't until Taiitsukun had seen to intervene and tell him of the coming of the Suzaku no Miko that he'd realized exactly what kind of destiny awaited him. Without that assurance of having a purpose for living, regardless of bearing the mark of a seishi, he knew with a kind of detached bitterness that he would not have remained living much longer past his twenty-first birthday. He had been offered a choice, one that Marissa might end up facing soon as well. A person could either learn to accept their destiny and walk the path, or fight it every step and probably end up hurting themselves and those intertwined with their destiny along the way.
The silence lasted between them over many minutes as Chichiri moved the rocks back into the fireplace and then into the waiting tub one last time. The water had finally moved from pleasantly lukewarm to a tingly hot that felt uncomfortably like sweat against his hands, in fact the entire main room had been steadily heating up from the flames in the fireplace. Chichiri left the rocks to settle in the bottom of the tub as he moved away from the hearth, plucking at the collar of his shirt when a long bead of sweat ran down his neck. He went back to the small storage closet and fished around inside the same crate as before until he located a long stick of bamboo that was finely sliced and frayed at one end. Coming back to the table, he placed it beside the bundle of soaproot and looked to the woman who had been following his movements around the room with curious eyes.
The bath is ready no da. Do you need any help with with anything no da? Chichiri swallowed and scratched at the side of his jaw, trying not to appear uncomfortable. It had been so much easier being clinical about her physical body while she was unconscious. Quit being such a pervert, you'll just scare the poor girl to pieces.
Marissa's cheeks were turning pink, but he told himself that it only because of the heat circulating through the tiny room. No, that's okay, thanks. What are these for? she asked, pointing to the small pile on the table.
He picked up the bamboo stick and waved it in front of his mouth. This is for cleaning your teeth no da. He grinned in reply to her raised eyebrow and doubtful expression. I'm serious no da. And this, he pulled free a few of the brown fibers from the bundle of soaproot. Is what you wash with no da. Soak them in the water until they are soft then scrub them on the cloth until it lathers no da. If you need more just take as many pieces as you need from the bundle. Ok no da?
Marissa picked up the bamboo stick from the table, rolling it between her fingers. Am I supposed to wash my hair with that soap too?
What else would you wash it with no da? I might have some scented oils, I think girls like to make their hair smell nice, but I would have to check and se-
No, that's okay, Marissa interrupted. Do I at least get a towel to dry myself off with?
Uh, no, Chichiri replied, growing perplexed. How could one person make taking a bath seem so complicated? You just washed, rinsed, and let the sun dry you. He couldn't understand why she seemed to find it so necessary to make a big production out of a fairly simple process. Can you get dry in front of the fire no da?
I suppose so, she conceded. Pushing off with her hands she moved to rise from the table. Well I suppose I better get started, you can go now.
Chichiri watched her struggle to gain her balance and moved to stand beside her. Let me help you into the tub and then I'll leave no da.
Help me... into... er, okay.
She let him take hold of her right arm as they slowly walked the few steps towards the wooden tub. When they reached it he released her arm to fish out the stones and place them beside the hearth, the water now hot enough to redden the skin on his hands as he tested the temperature.
I'm going to pick you up now no da. That warning was all he gave before scooping the surprised girl into his arms and lifted her feet over the edge of the tub. He gently set her standing in the hot water, which came midway up her calves. The tub appeared large enough to fit her sitting down with her legs bent, though Chichiri could not say for sure, as he had found little reason to use the vessel during his stay in the house. He was slightly taller than Marissa, the top of her head coming up level with his eyes, yet he doubted he'd ever be comfortable using the tub for bathing. If she desired to use it regularly he had no trouble turning it over to her for her sole use. Besides, it might make her a bit happier, since she seemed so concerned with taking hot baths.
In the meantime, the water inside the large iron kettle had come to a frothing boil and was sending out tendrils of steam up the stone chimney. Chichiri used a heavy rag to lift the kettle off its iron hook and carefully poured the bubbling water into the wooden bucket which had been left beside the tub.
Use this to rise yourself off with when you're done no da, he informed her when the kettle was emptied. Then, crossing his arms over his chest, he surveyed the room and the girl standing uncertainly on one foot in the basin.
Before he even realized what he was doing, he kneeled in front of the tub and lifted his hands to untie the bandages around her thigh. You shouldn't get these wet no da, he informed her as he loosened the knot holding them in place. In the firelight the skin on her legs glowed rosy-orange, smooth from ankle to thigh except for a few superficial blemishes and small patches of dry skin on her knees and shins. One small scar just above her right knee bone caught his eye as he began unwinding the fabric, unaware of the girl who had stiffened into perfect stillness above him. It was when his right hand reached between her knees to grasp the loosened end of the bandage that he stopped, suddenly aware of his position on the floor and every place his hands were touching her bare skin.
In that moment of confused realization Marissa's hand slid into his vision and took hold of the dangling piece of gauze behind her thigh. I can take care of it, she said softly, her breathing shallow.
He couldn't think of any other way to describe it, but it was as though invisible strings were pulling on his chin, forcing him to look up. An overwhelmingly curious part of him wanted to know what expression was held on a woman's face while saying such soft, breathless words. Her eyes were wide and her cheeks were flushed dark red in the fire's light, a surprised plea in her eyes. The frozen stance of her body seemed to be fighting against the minute trembles he could feel moving through her from head to toe under the tips of his fingers. In that moment his body wanted nothing more in the world than to remaining kneeling in front of this glowing and soft female, to worship her from the top of her head to her toes and do everything in his power to make sure those trembles never stopped.
Her mouth parted as if to speak, but no sound came out. By this point a small voice in his head was telling himself quite firmly to get up and move far, far away from her. But his body has other ideas, as the fingers on his right hand slid across the skin on the inside of her knee, bringing the palm of his hand to cup the soft skin there. It was this full contact, and the sudden jolt of electricity and desire that flooded through him, that broke though his daze and allowed him to quickly stand upright. He took a step back from the tub and clenched both hands at his sides, feeling the sting of the flames' heat soaking through the back of his shirt.
Yes, sorry, you're right, you'd best wash while the water is still warm. I'll be outside waiting, let me know when you're done, take as long as you need. You'll have complete privacy no da.
Chichiri turned and headed for the front door, but stopped to close the room's window and latch it from the inside to make good on his promise of privacy for her. When he was finally outside and the door was shut behind him, he found his feet unable to move beyond the front door. The scenery across the road was lost on him as he drew in a heavy breath and let it out in a panicked exhale. His body was thrumming and his thoughts were in turmoil. What had just happened in there? How could he had allowed something so stupid to happen?
You touched her! he screamed at himself inwardly. Never, ever, let that happen again. Do you hear me you selfish idiot? Never. Again.
When his breathing finally came back under his control Chichiri stepped away from the front door. There was nothing else to do but wait outside until she was finished. He found a dry area on the stone walkway leading from the house to the road and sat down slowly into a cross-legged position. The shock he had felt at his body's reaction was fading away fast under the discipline learned during several years of training at the Buddhist temples. With precise control he cleared his mind and let his eyes drift closed, feeling a calm, trancelike state move in to the void where his tumultuous thoughts had been moments before.
Connected this way to his mind and body, time ceased to exist in his awareness. All that mattered was being conscious of his ki and how it blended with the world around him. The stones under his legs were forgotten, the breeze caressing his face ignored, and the sounds of the forest died to a hum that was not heard but rather sensed. With a single thought he sent out his ki in a wide circle around the house, tasting colors that existed only on the ethereal plane where they coincided with this area of the physical world. Finding nothing amiss, as he had expected it to be, he set to work reinforcing the webs of his ki he had placed at the edges of that circle of awareness. The webs were constructed from pieces of his own life energy, invisible filaments that when touched by either a physical or mental force would alert him to their presence. He could know the direction and the size of the force that broke through the web, but it always required further investigation to discover what exactly was approaching the house. So far it had only been passing merchants, curious animals, Chunseng himself or one of his older children that had ventured into the vicinity. But still, after living for many months under the threat of attack from numerous evils, it didn't hurt to be cautious.
With the webs reinforced to his satisfaction Chichiri withdrew his perception until it rested back inside his body, letting the calm void fill the space where his thoughts would have been otherwise. Here he felt no emotion, felt nothing, simply existed as an inner force that hummed with life. He relished in this sensation of nothing until his ki had become subdued and languid, like a pool of water without a single ripple upon the surface. Then slowly, like liquid moving through a sieve, he allowed many of his recent thoughts over the past few days to trickle through for his inspection. They were observed from every angle, catalogued, and tucked away in an empty pocket where they might be retrieved later. Many of his thoughts and observations which felt important enough to warrant this were subjected to the methodical treatment, save for any pertaining to the recent incident with the bathtub; those were shoved aside and, promptly, forgotten.
An unknown amount of time later Chichiri stirred from his deep meditative state and again checked his surroundings using the inner sight of his ki. He was still alone in front of the house and little had changed since his last surveillance. Like reeling in a fishing line, he brought his awareness back to his core and then focused it on the house behind him, touching upon the aura of the girl who was still inside it. He could tell nothing as specific as her thoughts, but emotions were easy to read in her aura as well as her relative position within the house. To his dismay she was moving around and appeared to be coming towards the front door.
Opening his eye he pushed off from the ground and came to his feet. In two steps he was back at the door and knocking upon it loudly. Mari-chan? Are you done no da?
There was the sound of a muted scuffle and Marissa's voice replying. Yes, I'm coming.
With a simple command Chichiri caused the latch to lift on the inside of the door and pushed in with his left hand. Marissa stood at the end of the table, just a few steps away from the door, and blinked against the incoming light. When she finally saw the frown on Chichiri's face she smiled a bit sheepishly.
I'm sorry, I didn't know when you were coming back, so I thought I'd go outside to wait.
Chichiri decided against telling her that he'd only been a few steps in front of the door the entire time. Wait right there no da.
He stepped around her into the house, opening the inner window as he passed by it. Going to the wall holding the shelves and drawers he picked up his fishing rod, a ball of twine, and his kesa. He dropped the kesa around his shoulders as he walked back to the door where he met Marissa on her right side and took a firm grip of her upper arm. Ready no da?
She nodded and they slowly made their way out of the house. Marissa appeared much more refreshed and awake. Her dark, wet hair was wrapped up in a tight bun at the base of her neck and poked through with one of the dinner chopsticks. Chichiri eyed it in amusement as they stepped into the midmorning sunlight. She was wearing his spare shirt but had left it open at the collar, exposing a wide V of pale skin that boasted two tiny brown beauty marks. The top swell of her breasts had also become much more noticeable, which prompted Chichiri to quickly divert his eyes down and away from the sight. She had tucked the shirt into the waist of her blue shorts, which left a substantial amount of leg visible. He hadn't realized that the shorts would cover only to the top of the bandage around her thigh. Forcing his eyes down even lower, he was relieved to see the relatively safe image of her bare feet in the curious pair of shoes she'd had on her when he found her.
Where are we going? Marissa asked, studying the fishing pole in his other hand.
Just to the river no da, he replied.
Awesome, lets go! she exclaimed and took off hopping on one foot towards the corner of the house.
Chichiri scolded and caught up to the bouncing girl. You're just going to fall down and get hurt doing that no da.
He held out the fishing pole and ball of string for her to take, which she did with an disappointed pout on her face. Hold on tight to me and don't drop them no da, he warned. With one hand on her back he leaned down and put another arm just under her knees, picking Marissa up to cradle her against his chest.
Despite her grumbled protest she took his suggestion seriously and circled her left arm around his shoulder while keeping a tight grip on the fishing pole. The walk over the uneven grassy ground bounced her quite strongly in his arms, enough that he had to readjust his grip on her legs twice to keep them from slipping out of his grip, much to Marissa's discomfort. By the third time he gave in not wishing to make any kind of skin contact and cupped his hand around the space just above her right knee. He found himself focusing intently on the number of steps he had taken and how much farther they had to go before they reached his favorite fishing spot on the riverbank.
Though in reality the walk had only taken under ten minutes, Chichiri found himself slightly out of breath by the time he set Marissa down beside a boulder mostly buried in the grass covered soil of the riverbank. He scowled inwardly at himself, unable to see why in the process of trying to be helpful to this injured girl he was also being subjected to such pointless physical reactions to her presence. He'd been around women before, had even held Miaka in his arms a few times, but none of those times compared to this excited awareness that was quickly becoming more annoying than pleasant. He was sure that given enough time he could learn to suppress the reactions, as there was little about himself that could escape his discipline and mental control. Regardless that it seemed to be a physical matter he hadn't had to deal with since he'd been a boy on the verge of manhood, he saw it as a challenge rather than an obstacle. He would beat this thing and make sure it never happened again.
Marissa must have caught his unhappy expression, as her smile quickly died when she turned to hand him the fishing pole and twine. I'm sorry, she apologized quickly. I wasn't really heavy was I? I can walk back to the house later, it wasn't really that far.
Chichiri shook his head, chasing away his inner thoughts in the process. That's not it no da. I was just a little winded, I'll be fine when we go back no da.
He took the pole and string from her outstretched hand and then directed her to sit on a flat space on the boulder's surface. Walking around to the other side of the natural bench, he sat down a comfortable distance away from her at the head of the boulder. Seated like that his fishing line had a clear drop into the river, which ran just a step downhill from their spot. He drew out several arm lengths of twine and snipped them using the same kind of manipulation to the air he had done to cut Marissa's shorts. The fishing pole he wrapped the line around was really nothing more than a flexible wooden pole polished smooth and harboring several well worn grooves around the grip. The top of it was notched to hold a loop of fishing line and prevent it from slipping off. Chichiri used some of his ki to add a little extra hold to the where the string and pole met, as well as an illusion of a tasty worm on the end of the line, since what was the point of having jutsu if you couldn't use it to help yourself catch a fish?
Feeling much more relaxed already, he dropped the line into the steady flowing water and watched it drift in the current as it was dragged downstream to his left.
You don't use any bait? Marissa asked from over his right shoulder.
Chichiri gave the rod a little swing in the water, dragging the line back and forth. Sorta no da.
He felt movement behind him as Marissa scooted closer to his back. Her legs appeared next to his and swung over the edge of the boulder.
I don't get it.
I make the fish think there's a worm no da. I don't like killing a worm for bait if I don't have to no da.
You cheat? Marissa asked in disbelief.
Chichiri pulled on the edge of his kesa with his free hand, yanking it out from underneath his legs. It's not cheating no da, he protested.
Marissa leaned forward into his peripheral vision. I thought using your powers for menial things was against the rules.
It's not if no one knows about it no da, he muttered, feeling abnormally defensive against the personal use of his powers.
The girl beside him let out a muffled giggle and Chichiri realized he had been provoked without even being aware of it. He was oddly pleased to find out that he wasn't the only one who felt the urge to tease every now and then. He promised himself not to hold back the next time he got the urge to tick her off with a few well thrown words. She may have won this small battle, but the war was just getting started now that she'd placed herself as a willing participant in the game.
Their companionable silence lasted for another half hour without interruption while Chichiri fished and Marissa sun dried herself on the boulder. At one point she released her hair from the hashi, the smell of soaproot, water, and something sweet drifting past Chichiri's nose as the wind lifted the burgundy strands around her shoulders. He was finding it more peaceful than he had expected it to be with them both sitting there on the boulder. His prior experiences when it came to attempting to fish while someone else was in the vicinity usually led to interruptions that eventually dragged him away from the task. It chagrined him to recall how often he'd been questioned as to whether he'd caught anything yet, or why he enjoyed the hobby so much. He firmly believed people were entitled to their unusual pastimes if it brought them joy and comfort.
He wondered what Marissa's reasons were for staying silent, if there were any to be given. But then again, he supposed it was biased of him to assume that everyone acted like certain members of the Suzaku seishi, or even like an annoying Nyan Nyan. Neither of those people could stand being quiet for very long. For awhile there he had been starting to think that he was destined to be around people who couldn't appreciate the value of silence and the inner peace it brought with it. Could she know about his preference for quiet and was simply not speaking because of that? If that was true, how many other things was she doing and saying only because she knew enough to judge his reactions? The thought was unsettling. Now his curiosity was starting to take hold the more he thought about her words. I've read the story of everything that's happened so far... that's not all I know.'
So what exactly did she know about concerning the past and future? And how intimate was that knowledge? Knowing the story about the Miko and her seishi was one thing, any commoner you asked would tell you that story with lots of embellishment and how they had once seen the Miko as she passed through their village. But knowing the true story of the Miko was another matter. Common people didn't know about the fact that the two Mikos had been best friends, nor about the love triangles which existed between so many of the seishi, or about the final battle which had taken place in Miaka's world. He wondered how much he could find out about her knowledge through their agreement to exchange information. Though he had promised to teach her how to live in ancient China, something about her reasons still unsettled him deeply. And that brought him back to her reaction towards his promise to take her to see Taiitsukun. What did she know? Was it something he was going to find out when he got there? Should he ask her and find out now? He hated this feeling that he might be walking into some kind of unknown danger and the only person who knew anything that might help him was determined to leave his side as soon as possible.
He fought with himself inwardly for several minutes before finally working up the courage to break the silence and ask the questions that were nagging him.
she answered lazily from beside him.
Twisting his head to the side he saw that she was reclining on the boulder, legs still over the edge and palms flat behind her as she leaned back. Both her eyes were closed, as if she were soaking up the afternoon warmth of the sun.
You seemed upset when I mentioned going to see Taiitsukun no da. Why was that no da? He watched her stir and open both eyes, giving him a calm but curious look.
I'm not sure, she admitted, glancing away from his stare to look upriver from them. I think I'm just scared is all.
Why no da?
She turned her head to look back at him and gave him a little half smile. Well think about it from my perspective. She's the overlord of this world. What if she gets really pissed off that I'm here? I don't want a deity mad at me, she reasoned meekly.
She's not going to be mad you no da, he argued, letting the fishing pole on his lap go slack. He had a feeling he wasn't going to catch anything anytime soon.
Marissa only narrowed her eyes at him, but the look wasn't malicious, simply saying that she highly doubted his reasoning. You don't know that for sure.
Have you done anything to make her mad no da?
Well, besides being here, no.
Chichiri took on a nonchalant tone. What's so bad about being in our world no da?
Nothing, it's just that I mean, if you were the guardian of something as big as the whole world, and some girl came along who was never meant to be there in the first place, and on top of that she knew things about very important future events that might change just from her being around, wouldn't you be unhappy?
I might no da, Chichiri admitted. But what if I had brought the girl here to change the future no da?
Marissa snorted, clearly not buying that theory. I'm not special or unique, I was just another fan of the story. I don't see why that would single me out.
Now where had he heard those words before? Oh yes, he'd said them, plenty of times during his wanderings and studies with the Buddhist monks. A little part of himself that still remembered the pain of those years sympathized with her feelings of isolation. But until they talked to Taiitsukun he could make no promises to lighten her mood.
It's not all that bad is it no da? he asked, striving to remain sounding not as curious as he felt.
She was silent for so long that Chichiri almost wanted to reach over and shake her. The suspense she was creating was going to drive him nuts if he couldn't find out what she knew.
It's bad, she answered finally, her voice uncharacteristically heavy.
Her serious answer to his question formed a hard pit in the bottom of his stomach. Surely the future couldn't be that bad, could it? But something in her attitude and his recollection of the way she'd been so sure that she wouldn't be there in a year made the hairs on the back of his neck prickle. What happens no da?
She immediately shook her head vehemently. I'm not going to tell you anything, she stated firmly.
Inwardly a part of him was admiring her resolution to not upset the timeline, while another part was growling in annoyance at her stubbornness. With a little sigh that sounded more like a wistful, he turned back to his fishing. He had no right to be upset with her and found he couldn't hold onto his irritation for very long the more he thought about her precarious situation. Knowledge of the future was a very valuable and dangerous thing. He hoped her safety wouldn't be called into question because of the information she possessed. The sooner he took her to see Taiitsukun, the better.
Are you still worried about seeing Taiitsukun no da?
she admitted. She could think I'm a liability and demand to know what I know about the future.
Chichiri swallowed, feeling properly chastised by her words. I didn't mean to press no da, he apologized.
A light pressure poked momentarily against his bicep where Marissa's finger pressed against his shirt. Don't apologize, she said quietly. I'd be asking the same thing if our positions were reversed. Just don't ask me again I might not be able to say no next time.
Chichiri nodded in understanding and resisted the urge to rub away the spot on his arm where her finger had touched. I don't think she'll ask that of you no da, he said, trying to sound reassuring.
She only grunted in disagreement, which caused a small throbbing vein to pop up on Chichiri's forehead. She was being so morbidly stubborn that it was acerbating his urge to smack her over the top of her head with his fishing pole. It had always worked for Tasuki to make him shut up and forget about being depressed.
Well have you ever met Taiitsukun no da?
Of course not.
Then how do you know what she is going to say no da?
I just... I've seen what she's like enough times to have a good idea. Taiitsukun has a right to be suspicious of me. I just hope she doesn't stick me in a mirror or anything.
Chichiri bit the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing out loud at the genuine worry he heard in her voice over being stuck in a mirror. Taiitsukun reminded him more of a toothless old cat than any kind of powerful deity. She could hiss and spittle and sometimes scratch, but she had absolutely no bite behind her threats. However at this point he was ready to give up trying to think of a way to help Marissa see that being in their world wasn't a crime, which was why he hoped Taiitsukun had a better explanation. The old woman enjoyed being vague and thinking she was tugging on big cosmic strings, but in reality it was people themselves who ultimately decided what they would do and believe in. But even he knew that some things were just beyond human awareness, if simply because they hadn't come to pass yet. That was the only true power Taiitsukun really had, the ability to supply knowledge at her discretion about the past, present, and possible future. He felt it was a genuine shame that more people didn't see that as the truth.
I think you worry too much no da, he teased lightly and was happy to see a small smile flitter across her face when he glanced to the side.
I know. You're right, but that doesn't mean I'm not going to be expecting the worst, she retorted, but the half smile was still there.
I'd take the mirror over being trapped in the middle of the desert again any day no da, he said with a wistful sigh.
Marissa chuckled softly. God I hated Tomo, she muttered. Sitting up straight she began dusting off each of her palms, which were flecked with bits of grass and dirt. By the way, why are you staying at this house?
It took Chichiri a moment to register her question, as he had been silently applauding himself for getting her to reveal that she knew about the brief time the seishi had spent trapped inside one of Tomo's illusions. He wondered if she'd be more willing to reveal information about the past despite her great reluctance to speak of things in the future. Um... it has good fishing nearby no da.
Marissa raised a dubious eyebrow. You're kidding.
Not kidding no da, he reaffirmed. The river on Chunseng's land is very plentiful of fish no da. Chunseng does not know how to fish well because he is always tending to his land, so I fish for him while I am here and get a house to live in no da.
That doesn't make sense. Why aren't you living at the palace if you need somewhere to stay? I wouldn't be surprised if you could buy or build a home anywhere you wanted, you're a famous seishi.
Chichiri smiled enigmatically and shook his head. I am a wandering monk no da.
You're not wandering right now, Marissa pointed out.
Chichiri felt himself quickly growing amused by this line of conversation. He could have sworn he'd had a similar one with Tasuki not long before they parted ways a few months ago. His smile went from enigmatic to cheeky. What do you do in life, Mari-chan no da?
Do? I well, I'm a student. She looked clearly puzzled by his change in topic.
And what do you do to be a student no da?
Marissa fixed him with a perturbed expression. I go to school, she answered, pressing her lips together. And I study a lot. I write essays, reports, take tests, I take all the classes I need to get the degree I'm working towards. That's what a student does.
Though he hadn't understood half of what she'd said, the point he wanted to make could be expressed regardless. I am a wandering monk no da. I move from town to town, helping those in need, giving them news about the war with Kotou, and telling them about the Suzaku no Miko and her seven seishi. That is what a wandering monk does no da.
And you're going to do that forever?
Yes no da.
Marissa's eyes fell and she looked away. That's a shame.
Why no da?
It just seems, in my opinion, that there's a lot more to do in life. I think you're short-changing yourself.
It was strange how in the span of a few moments what had progressed into an amusing discussion had gone back to something much more serious. Though he was hesitant to admit it, in the deepest corner of his heart those words reflected something that tried to break free every now and then before he could squash the thought. It seemed sacrilegious to even contemplate thinking something so simple that might have the power to make him question everything he had decided to live for. He had made his promises over enough graves to know what sort of path he was planning on walking down for the rest of his life. Retribution... penance... obligation. I made too many promises I can't break.
I don't think so no da, he said after a moment. But deep down he knew he was trying to convince himself more than he was trying to convince her.
A/N: This chapter is dedicated to Niki, my fanartist, my friend, and the person who has never run out of questions when it comes to trying to understand this mysterious masked monk a bit better.