A/N: Well, second chapter is here! This is from Rekki's POV. In case you
wonder, I got the idea for this story when I read a translated interview
with Ms. Watase on the internet, in which she was queried about the OAV's.
When told that many fans were disappointed over Amiboshi's death, she
replied that off-screen, Amiboshi was healed by Mitsukake! Then she said
something along the lines of 'do you think I'd just let Amiboshi die?'
Rejoice Boshi twin fans! Hope lives! Remember to look to the bottom for
translations!
Yume no Fue
Chapter 2-Shijisha
By Chibi Hanyou
Rekki smiled her secret smile to herself as she made her way down the packed dirt road to the fields. She was in a paticuraly good mood today. It wasn't too hot out in Sairou, even though it was summer, and she was going to enjoy it while she could. One didn't get many days like this one. Her braid thumped solidly against her back as she walked, carrying a small basket in front of her. Her mother had insisted she take a lunch to Kai- Ka.
On one hand, Rekki knew that her mother was playing match-maker again. She was already sixteen, certainly old enough to be married off. She shook her head playfully at the very thought. All of the girls around marriageable age in the village positively flocked about Kai-Ka. He was a mystery to be sure. He didn't know anything about his past for one thing, not to mention how handsome he was. That first part confused the rather naïve Rekki. Everyone should know something about their past, however small. She'd been only thirteen at the time, but she still remembered the day Kutou crossed the borders and attacked them, burning down half the village and killing people, before Kai-Ka had saved them all. Surely that had something to do with his past; but she'd never asked.
Some of the elder men had gone so far as to say that it was Kai-Ka's fault they had been attacked. Of course, men like her grandfather seemed to think outrageous things like that. As if Kai-Ka of all people would make Kutou attack them? She grinned, continuing her walk along the path. She remembered. She'd watched the entire thing from her doorstep, frozen in fear as the men from their neighboring country killed the people she'd known her entire life. She remembered that there had been a girl, around the age she was now. She had called Kai-Ka a very strange name. What was it? Oh yes. . . Amiboshi.
But, back to the other hand. Rekki didn't mind the pushes her mother was putting on her. Ever since she'd seen Kai-Ka destroy their attackers with the noise from his flute, the flute she had listened to and heard play such wonderful songs, she had been. . . entranced. She wouldn't mind becoming Kai-Ka's bride. Rekki stopped abruptly, earning a curious glance from one of the other village men working in the fields. She flushed before her face turned red and she made herself keep walking, her legs moving jerkily. Where in the world had that thought come from?
Rekki turned her thought from the subject of marriage. It was inevitable anyway. No girl could avoid marriage. She had been being logical. If she had to get married, she would simply prefer to marry someone she was reasonably attracted to, Kai-Ka for example. Rekki almost huffed aloud in frustration when she felt her face grow warm again. Merely thinking about a young man should certainly not make her blush! She thought furiously.
She was in a foul mood when she arrived at the fields tended by Kai- Ka's family. She paused for a moment, making sure she was presentable. She wiped all traces of her flustered mood away and made sure all signs of her previous redness had disappeared before she realized there was no one in the fields. She blinked, thinking maybe it was hotter out than she had thought, but the sight was still the same.
Rekki trotted to the nearest villager she could find, an older woman who was fond of gossip mongering and poking into other people's business. If anyone knew where Kai-Ka was, she would. Rekki bowed slightly when she reached the woman, knowing very well that she loved flattery and respect.
"Meniko-san? Do you know where Kai-Ka is?" She asked, ducking her head humbly. She could feel the woman staring at her. She regretted her question the minute it flew from her mouth. Word would be out among the village women by sunset that young Hanashi Rekki was pining after Kai-Ka. Oh well. . . she'd have to deal with it later. She was worried for some reason. The rather portly elder woman looked her over and then shrugged.
"How should I know? I did hear that his parents have shut themselves in their home though. My niece went by their earlier and they-" Rekki didn't hear the rest of the prattling nonsense, as she was already pelting off back in the direction of Kai-Ka's house. Her layered skirt billowed behind her and she tried to keep a hold of it, the other hand trying to hold on to her hair that whipped up into her eyes. The basket lunch had been left behind.
After what seemed like positively ages, Rekki made it to Kai-Ka's home, breathing heavily, clutching her chest. She breathed deeply and composed herself once again, ignoring the stitch in her side. If she could run like that all the time, she could have won a prize at the summer festival coming up. Hesitantly, and then more firmly, Rekki knocked on the wooden door, listening for any noises coming from the stucco and brick house.
"Hello? Is anybody home? It's Rekki!" She said, putting her ear to the door. It was a little eerie, and she certainly hoped nothing was wrong. She couldn't hear any noise coming from the residence. Just as she was about to rap on the door a second time it cracked open before fully opening, revealing Kai-Ka's father.
He looked very haggard as if he hadn't slept at all. He was rough and unkempt, with large bags beneath his eyes. He blinked as he was assaulted by the bright noon sunlight, before looking at her almost cross- eyed, trying to focus on her. She blinked as well, startled by his sudden appearance and obvious disorientation.
"Rekki? Is that you?" He asked, trying to shield his eyes with his right hand. She nodded quickly, her mind racing and trying to process why Jua-san was acting so confused. Had he slept late or something?
"Hai! Um, is Kai-Ka at home? I wanted to talk with him." Rekki stiffened when she heard a soft sob from the house. Kai-Ka's father sighed softly, taking her shoulders and steering her in through the door, closing it shut behind her. The light was dim, and there were no candles lit. Her eyes adjusted to the dim setting quickly, furthering her concern.
Kai-Ka's mother was sitting in a chair facing one of the austere walls, tears trickling down her face. His father bit his bottom lip before motioning for her to have a seat. She did so and arranged her skirts, giving her more time to think. What had happened? Had somebody died? Or gotten hurt? Oh no! Was Kai-Ka injured? Jua at down across from her, next to his wife, patting her shoulders softly. If Rekki wasn't mistaken, she was mouthing Kai-Ka's name over and over again, as if in shock.
"Jua-san? Mika-san? Is Kai-Ka. . . alright?" She asked, afraid that something had happened. She managed to keep her fear from her voice, instead it sounded concerned and helpful. She was glad. She didn't think her being frightened would help matters much at the moment. Her brow furrowed when his mother shook like a leaf. It was finally Jua who spoke up.
"Rekki. . . Kai-Ka is no longer here with us. I don't think he'll ever come home either." He said gravely. Before she knew it, Rekki stood up and slammed her palms down on the table near her.
"What do you mean he's gone! He just LEFT?!" She was surprised at how loud and outraged her voice sounded. Immediately she sat back down, folding her hands in her lap, embarrassed that she had dared to something so disrespectful in another's home. "Gomen. . . I had no right. . ."
"Zenzen. You had every right Rekki. You care for him don't you?" Rekki was too shocked to be embarrassed at that moment. Mika turned around slowly, wiping the tear stains from her cheeks. She smiled weakly, and Rekki couldn't help but return the gesture. Even thought she wasn't thinking about it, she nodded. "Why don't you go after him, Rekki?" Rekki was unprepared for that. She leaned forward.
"But. . . I don't know where he went! I wouldn't know! I don't know his past, or anything!" She protested, tugging fiercely on her braid. It was a bad habit of hers. Jua frowned slightly before he spread his hands in a gesture of almost, defeat.
"You are aware that Kai-Ka is not our son?" He said, sounding like he was about to tell a story. Rekki nodded slowly. "We found him washed up on the banks of the Han River. He didn't remember anything about his past. . . or we didn't think he did. . ."
Rekki listened, fascinated as Jua's story unfolded. When Kai-Ka was fifteen she was two years younger, and she remembered only a few important things about him from that time. Specifically the attack on the village. Now she learned more than she had ever dreamed of knowing.
That young woman from before had been the Suzaku no Miko? And. . . Kai-Ka was actually the Seiryu shichi seishi member Amiboshi?! That meant that he was a member of the group who had to protect Kutou's Seiryu no Miko, the enemy country of Sairou, not to mention Konan and Hokkan. But, he didn't want to be a seishi, and he'd run away, or something along those lines, and then. . . it blew her very mind. But now, he didn't seem to remember anything at all. Something had happened to him during the period of time between when he had left the house under attack, and when he had returned under the tree in the village square. But when he left last night, he had been wearing the clothing he'd worn when he first washed up in the river? That had to mean that he retained his memories again! Not to mention that he had a twin. Rekki was sorely confused, trying to process everything at once.
Finally, she believed she understood. Why he had left and what he was doing. But she was curious as to one thing. She turned to Jua and Mika, puzzled.
"But, how did you two know all of this?" She asked. Both of them shifted uncomfortably before Jua offered an explanation.
"We eavesdropped when Kai-Ka and the miko spoke together. We were afraid that if Kai-Ka regained his memories, that he would leave us. But it turned out that we couldn't change it. He already had his memories. . . and he had chosen to stay with us despite this." Jua's voice was very steady and firm, but slightly nostalgic, remembering something. Rekki made up her mind. She stood up sharply, smiling confidently.
"Yoroshii! I'll go! Do either of you have any idea where he might have gone?" Jua and Mika looked at each other, and Rekki detected a little awkwardness in their glances. Mika cleared her throat softly and looked at her quite strangely.
"There was one thing we left out before, Rekki. We think Kai-Ka might have been in love with the Suzaku no Miko. Her name was Miaka. It might have something to do with the miko." Rekki smiled.
"Arigato! I'll find him! Yakusoku suru!" She said cheerily, earning another awkward glance from Kai-Ka's adopted parents. She bowed briefly under their thanks and hurried out the door. She thought back to what they had said. "We think Kai-Ka might have been in love with the Suzaku no miko"
As she made her way home to get some supplies, she didn't even noticed the silent tears coursing down her cheeks, and she didn't know that Kai-Ka, Amiboshi, had shed tears along that very same path less than a day before. . .
A/N: Well, look at that. I finished my second chapter! Well, as for the people reviewing my InuYasha fic, A Blast From the Past, saying I don't update enough, I do, just not on one story repeatedly. I have a few ya know! But anyway, Review! But, anyway again, how do you like it? Good, ne? I hope so! Next chapter, Tatakai! Ja Mata!
Shijisha-Follower
Gomen-Sorry
Zenzen-Not at All, Don't worry about it
Suzaku no Miko-priestess of Suzaku
Seiryu no Miko-priestess of Seiryu
Shichi Seishi-Celestial Warrior
Yoroshii-Okay!
Arigato-Thank you
Yakusoku suru-I promise
Yume no Fue
Chapter 2-Shijisha
By Chibi Hanyou
Rekki smiled her secret smile to herself as she made her way down the packed dirt road to the fields. She was in a paticuraly good mood today. It wasn't too hot out in Sairou, even though it was summer, and she was going to enjoy it while she could. One didn't get many days like this one. Her braid thumped solidly against her back as she walked, carrying a small basket in front of her. Her mother had insisted she take a lunch to Kai- Ka.
On one hand, Rekki knew that her mother was playing match-maker again. She was already sixteen, certainly old enough to be married off. She shook her head playfully at the very thought. All of the girls around marriageable age in the village positively flocked about Kai-Ka. He was a mystery to be sure. He didn't know anything about his past for one thing, not to mention how handsome he was. That first part confused the rather naïve Rekki. Everyone should know something about their past, however small. She'd been only thirteen at the time, but she still remembered the day Kutou crossed the borders and attacked them, burning down half the village and killing people, before Kai-Ka had saved them all. Surely that had something to do with his past; but she'd never asked.
Some of the elder men had gone so far as to say that it was Kai-Ka's fault they had been attacked. Of course, men like her grandfather seemed to think outrageous things like that. As if Kai-Ka of all people would make Kutou attack them? She grinned, continuing her walk along the path. She remembered. She'd watched the entire thing from her doorstep, frozen in fear as the men from their neighboring country killed the people she'd known her entire life. She remembered that there had been a girl, around the age she was now. She had called Kai-Ka a very strange name. What was it? Oh yes. . . Amiboshi.
But, back to the other hand. Rekki didn't mind the pushes her mother was putting on her. Ever since she'd seen Kai-Ka destroy their attackers with the noise from his flute, the flute she had listened to and heard play such wonderful songs, she had been. . . entranced. She wouldn't mind becoming Kai-Ka's bride. Rekki stopped abruptly, earning a curious glance from one of the other village men working in the fields. She flushed before her face turned red and she made herself keep walking, her legs moving jerkily. Where in the world had that thought come from?
Rekki turned her thought from the subject of marriage. It was inevitable anyway. No girl could avoid marriage. She had been being logical. If she had to get married, she would simply prefer to marry someone she was reasonably attracted to, Kai-Ka for example. Rekki almost huffed aloud in frustration when she felt her face grow warm again. Merely thinking about a young man should certainly not make her blush! She thought furiously.
She was in a foul mood when she arrived at the fields tended by Kai- Ka's family. She paused for a moment, making sure she was presentable. She wiped all traces of her flustered mood away and made sure all signs of her previous redness had disappeared before she realized there was no one in the fields. She blinked, thinking maybe it was hotter out than she had thought, but the sight was still the same.
Rekki trotted to the nearest villager she could find, an older woman who was fond of gossip mongering and poking into other people's business. If anyone knew where Kai-Ka was, she would. Rekki bowed slightly when she reached the woman, knowing very well that she loved flattery and respect.
"Meniko-san? Do you know where Kai-Ka is?" She asked, ducking her head humbly. She could feel the woman staring at her. She regretted her question the minute it flew from her mouth. Word would be out among the village women by sunset that young Hanashi Rekki was pining after Kai-Ka. Oh well. . . she'd have to deal with it later. She was worried for some reason. The rather portly elder woman looked her over and then shrugged.
"How should I know? I did hear that his parents have shut themselves in their home though. My niece went by their earlier and they-" Rekki didn't hear the rest of the prattling nonsense, as she was already pelting off back in the direction of Kai-Ka's house. Her layered skirt billowed behind her and she tried to keep a hold of it, the other hand trying to hold on to her hair that whipped up into her eyes. The basket lunch had been left behind.
After what seemed like positively ages, Rekki made it to Kai-Ka's home, breathing heavily, clutching her chest. She breathed deeply and composed herself once again, ignoring the stitch in her side. If she could run like that all the time, she could have won a prize at the summer festival coming up. Hesitantly, and then more firmly, Rekki knocked on the wooden door, listening for any noises coming from the stucco and brick house.
"Hello? Is anybody home? It's Rekki!" She said, putting her ear to the door. It was a little eerie, and she certainly hoped nothing was wrong. She couldn't hear any noise coming from the residence. Just as she was about to rap on the door a second time it cracked open before fully opening, revealing Kai-Ka's father.
He looked very haggard as if he hadn't slept at all. He was rough and unkempt, with large bags beneath his eyes. He blinked as he was assaulted by the bright noon sunlight, before looking at her almost cross- eyed, trying to focus on her. She blinked as well, startled by his sudden appearance and obvious disorientation.
"Rekki? Is that you?" He asked, trying to shield his eyes with his right hand. She nodded quickly, her mind racing and trying to process why Jua-san was acting so confused. Had he slept late or something?
"Hai! Um, is Kai-Ka at home? I wanted to talk with him." Rekki stiffened when she heard a soft sob from the house. Kai-Ka's father sighed softly, taking her shoulders and steering her in through the door, closing it shut behind her. The light was dim, and there were no candles lit. Her eyes adjusted to the dim setting quickly, furthering her concern.
Kai-Ka's mother was sitting in a chair facing one of the austere walls, tears trickling down her face. His father bit his bottom lip before motioning for her to have a seat. She did so and arranged her skirts, giving her more time to think. What had happened? Had somebody died? Or gotten hurt? Oh no! Was Kai-Ka injured? Jua at down across from her, next to his wife, patting her shoulders softly. If Rekki wasn't mistaken, she was mouthing Kai-Ka's name over and over again, as if in shock.
"Jua-san? Mika-san? Is Kai-Ka. . . alright?" She asked, afraid that something had happened. She managed to keep her fear from her voice, instead it sounded concerned and helpful. She was glad. She didn't think her being frightened would help matters much at the moment. Her brow furrowed when his mother shook like a leaf. It was finally Jua who spoke up.
"Rekki. . . Kai-Ka is no longer here with us. I don't think he'll ever come home either." He said gravely. Before she knew it, Rekki stood up and slammed her palms down on the table near her.
"What do you mean he's gone! He just LEFT?!" She was surprised at how loud and outraged her voice sounded. Immediately she sat back down, folding her hands in her lap, embarrassed that she had dared to something so disrespectful in another's home. "Gomen. . . I had no right. . ."
"Zenzen. You had every right Rekki. You care for him don't you?" Rekki was too shocked to be embarrassed at that moment. Mika turned around slowly, wiping the tear stains from her cheeks. She smiled weakly, and Rekki couldn't help but return the gesture. Even thought she wasn't thinking about it, she nodded. "Why don't you go after him, Rekki?" Rekki was unprepared for that. She leaned forward.
"But. . . I don't know where he went! I wouldn't know! I don't know his past, or anything!" She protested, tugging fiercely on her braid. It was a bad habit of hers. Jua frowned slightly before he spread his hands in a gesture of almost, defeat.
"You are aware that Kai-Ka is not our son?" He said, sounding like he was about to tell a story. Rekki nodded slowly. "We found him washed up on the banks of the Han River. He didn't remember anything about his past. . . or we didn't think he did. . ."
Rekki listened, fascinated as Jua's story unfolded. When Kai-Ka was fifteen she was two years younger, and she remembered only a few important things about him from that time. Specifically the attack on the village. Now she learned more than she had ever dreamed of knowing.
That young woman from before had been the Suzaku no Miko? And. . . Kai-Ka was actually the Seiryu shichi seishi member Amiboshi?! That meant that he was a member of the group who had to protect Kutou's Seiryu no Miko, the enemy country of Sairou, not to mention Konan and Hokkan. But, he didn't want to be a seishi, and he'd run away, or something along those lines, and then. . . it blew her very mind. But now, he didn't seem to remember anything at all. Something had happened to him during the period of time between when he had left the house under attack, and when he had returned under the tree in the village square. But when he left last night, he had been wearing the clothing he'd worn when he first washed up in the river? That had to mean that he retained his memories again! Not to mention that he had a twin. Rekki was sorely confused, trying to process everything at once.
Finally, she believed she understood. Why he had left and what he was doing. But she was curious as to one thing. She turned to Jua and Mika, puzzled.
"But, how did you two know all of this?" She asked. Both of them shifted uncomfortably before Jua offered an explanation.
"We eavesdropped when Kai-Ka and the miko spoke together. We were afraid that if Kai-Ka regained his memories, that he would leave us. But it turned out that we couldn't change it. He already had his memories. . . and he had chosen to stay with us despite this." Jua's voice was very steady and firm, but slightly nostalgic, remembering something. Rekki made up her mind. She stood up sharply, smiling confidently.
"Yoroshii! I'll go! Do either of you have any idea where he might have gone?" Jua and Mika looked at each other, and Rekki detected a little awkwardness in their glances. Mika cleared her throat softly and looked at her quite strangely.
"There was one thing we left out before, Rekki. We think Kai-Ka might have been in love with the Suzaku no Miko. Her name was Miaka. It might have something to do with the miko." Rekki smiled.
"Arigato! I'll find him! Yakusoku suru!" She said cheerily, earning another awkward glance from Kai-Ka's adopted parents. She bowed briefly under their thanks and hurried out the door. She thought back to what they had said. "We think Kai-Ka might have been in love with the Suzaku no miko"
As she made her way home to get some supplies, she didn't even noticed the silent tears coursing down her cheeks, and she didn't know that Kai-Ka, Amiboshi, had shed tears along that very same path less than a day before. . .
A/N: Well, look at that. I finished my second chapter! Well, as for the people reviewing my InuYasha fic, A Blast From the Past, saying I don't update enough, I do, just not on one story repeatedly. I have a few ya know! But anyway, Review! But, anyway again, how do you like it? Good, ne? I hope so! Next chapter, Tatakai! Ja Mata!
Shijisha-Follower
Gomen-Sorry
Zenzen-Not at All, Don't worry about it
Suzaku no Miko-priestess of Suzaku
Seiryu no Miko-priestess of Seiryu
Shichi Seishi-Celestial Warrior
Yoroshii-Okay!
Arigato-Thank you
Yakusoku suru-I promise