Disclaimer: All the wonderful Fushigi Yuugi characters do not belong to me.
They belong to Yuu Watase-san. So please don't sue me. All you're
getting are textbooks for a settlement.
Author's note: The song Ruri is singing is "You Were Meant For Me" by Jewel. It seemed to fit the scene well. ^.^
1.1 Chapter 3
The next morning, Ruri dressed in a long skirt, shirt and sneakers. At the breakfast table she ate like that was the only thing in the world. Kouji and Tasuki stared at her in shock with their chopsticks in midair. Ruri looked at them and stopped eating.
"What's wrong with you guys? Why aren't you eating?" She asked as she took another bite of food.
Tasuki looked at her, "Are you sure ya don't eat as much as Miaka? You're nearly on your third damn bowl!"
"I'm just hungry. And I usually eat about three bowls at most."
With that the two bandits looked relieved and continued eating. While eating, they also discussed the training plan and Ruri listened.
"Wow, that's pretty hard."
Kouji winked at her. "We know. But it's so they'll toughen up and be great bandits. But not as great as us, Kouji! Hell no! We kick ass! That's right!"
Ruri and Tasuki gave him an, "Oi" look. Tasuki then turned to Ruri. "After we finish eating and watch the first couple minutes of training, I'll take ya around the grounds."
Ruri brightened. "Hai!"
Tasuki looked at Kouji and Kouji nodded.
~~~
Later, after breakfast, Tasuki and Ruri stood under a tree as Koji started drilling the men. Ruri watched in interest and Tasuki watched in a professional manner. He then turned to Ruri and gestured to leave. Ruri nodded and they both turned to leave. Kouji watched as the both left and smiled. 'Maybe Genrou will finally realize what a special girl she is.' He turned back to the men in training. "Oi! What the hell's this?! Five more laps!"
~~~
Tasuki glanced at Ruri as he was showing her the grounds. Through the corner of his eye, he saw the sparkle in her eyes. Taking Kouji's advice, Tasuki observed her.
Not knowing that Tasuki her, Ruri looked around with awe. It was so beautiful. As she walked, she looked around her and soaked in the beauty. Trees were surrounding them and the sky was a perfect blue with no white clouds to blemish it. In the background birds were chirping cheerfully at each other and small animals were chatting. Suddenly, she felt a touch on her arm. She stopped, turned, and saw that it was Tasuki.
"Oi, maybe you should watch where you're goin'." Tasuki said.
Blinking, Ruri came back to reality and then she looked in front of her. "Ack!" She involuntarily stepped back because right in front of her was a tree. Tasuki looked at her while she smiled and sweatdropped.
"Do ya often space out like that?" He asked.
Ruri blushed. "Not all the time. Just when I'm daydreaming or thinking," she said defiantly.
He shook his head. "Girls. C'mon. I'll show ya the rest of the grounds."
For the next couple of hours, Tasuki showed Ruri the rest of the grounds. From time to time he would take a glance at Ruri. She looked around with rapture. Her eyes wide and sparkling and her mouth in a serene smile. "Why are ya so happy?" He finally asked.
Ruri turned to Tasuki, "Because the view is like this. I love it."
"Soka." Was all he said.
They rounded a corner and in front of them were tired men catching their breaths and Kouji leaning on a tree. He spotted them approaching and walked towards them.
"So, how was it?" Kouji asked.
"It was great!" Ruri said. "The view is so beautiful. I'm going to look around some more." She was about to leave.
"Matte!" Kouji and Tasuki said at the same time. Ruri stopped and turned. "Are ya fuckin' crazy?! It's dangerous!" They said. Ruri jumped.
"I'll be fine. I won't go far. And besides, I'll scream if something happens to me." Ruri reassured them.
Tasuki shook his head, "Fine, fine."
Ruri smiled and ran off. Kouji and Tasuki watched her leave. Then Kouji turned to Tasuki.
"So did you do what I said?" He asked.
"Yep."
"And?"
Tasuki looked at him, "And what?"
Kouji rolled his eyes, "Did you do what I said? We're best friends Genrou just tell me."
Tasuki looked out at the men. He saw her face, her eyes. He didn't have to have Kouji tell him to notice. Her eyes revealed her every emotion like a beacon. They were so expressive and innocent. He turned to Kouji, "You guys became pretty good friends, haven't ya?"
Kouji sweatdropped. "Stop changin' the subject."
"I'm not," Tasuki started walking inside.
Kouji watched Tasuki leave and shook his head. 'He's gonna have to face the fact sooner or later.' He turned to the men. "Ok guys! That's it for today, ya can go now."
With a tired cheer, the men went back to the stronghold. Kouji went inside and headed for Tasuki's room. When he entered, he saw Tasuki striding back and forth, cursing to himself. "Doushita no, Genrou?"
Tasuki looked up with a glare. "Someone's holdin' out on us."
Kouji blinked, "Nani? You mean they're stealing from our stash? How is that possible? We make sure that everything is there."
"I know, I know!" Tasuki said in exasperation. "I fuckin' check the loot right after we get it and then when we put it into inventory." He went behind the desk and glared at the book. "What pisses me off is that I didn't notice it until just recently."
"When do you think they take the stuff then? They must be good at covering their tracks." Kouji walked over to Tasuki and looked at the book as well.
"They must take some after we take it but before I take note of it. And then maybe some after everything's put away. Dammit!" Tasuki punched the desk. "Just wait 'til I get the bastards."
~~~
Outside the door, a man quietly went past Tasuki's door and left the building. He went deep into the forest where four men were sitting.
One man, wearing a bandana turned to the arriving man. "Well?"
The man that just arrived sat down, "They're catching on. Genrou realized that certain items were missin'. Segetsu, we better stop for a while before they suspect us."
Segetsu glared at the man, "Are you doubting my way of operation, Junta?"
Junta blinked and then shook his head. "N- no. I'm just thinking we should have some more caution since they suspect."
"Junta," a man with an eye patch over his left eye started. "Shaddap."
Junta closed his mouth, but several times he looked around nervously.
Segetsu started speaking, "All right. What did ya guys take?"
Each man pulled out a small bag and emptied them, except for one man with an earring in his right ear. He tossed in several coins. "Sorry."
Segetsu looked at the coins and then at the man. "Hiketsu. Tell me you have a good excuse for bringing in shit."
Hiketsu nodded. "I was training today. Couldn't sneak much while training, ya know. With Kouji down our backs and the other guys."
"Okay, fine then." Segetsu then looked at the other men. "Remember, we gotta do this for a while longer. Then we finally prove to Kencho that we are worthy to join his gang. No more of this bullshit deal."
The four men laughed and cheered.
~~~
Ruri slowly backed away out of the woods. She made sure that she didn't make any noise. She knew one of those men. He pocketed something while Tasuki wasn't looking. Something was up and she had to tell Tasuki and Kouji. When she reached the clearing, she turned and ran to the stronghold. She ran all the way inside, long hair trailing behind her, bringing odd looks from the passing men.
The door burst open and Tasuki and Kouji turned quickly. They blinked when they saw Ruri leaning on the door, breathing heavily.
"Ruri-chan?" Kouji asked, "Doushita no?"
Ruri tried to take a step, still breathing hard. She stumbled forward and would have fell if Tasuki hadn't caught her. "Trouble," she gasped. She took several deep breaths, "Tr- traitors. woods. in. loot?"
"Oi! Catch your breath!" Tasuki said. Ruri started breathing slowly and Kouji poured her some water. He handed it to Ruri and she drank it quickly.
Several minutes later, she was calm and breathing normally. Tasuki helped her to a chair and she sat down.
"Now," Tasuki knelt in front of Ruri, "What was this about traitors and the woods? You found somethin'?"
Ruri nodded. "I'm not a dog you know. You don't have to talk to me like I'm one."
Tasuki and Kouji sweatdropped. "Ok, ok. I'm sorry. Now tell us what happened.
"Hai hai. I was walking in the woods when I saw these men gathering. And they were talking about taking some loot from you guys or something."
Tasuki and Kouji looked at each other. Tasuki took Ruri by the shoulders and started shaking her. "Who? Do ya know why they are?! What are their names!?"
Ruri-s eyes started to get swirly and Kouji sweatdropped. "Na, Genrou. She can't tell ya if you keep shakin' her."
Tasuki sweatdropped and then let go of Ruri. Ruri shook her head and looked at Tasuki. "I don't remember all the names but one of them is called Segetsu. There were four more men. I think another name was Hiketsu."
"Is there anything else you want to tell us, Ruri-chan?" Kouji asked.
"Well, one of those guys, I saw him take something the other day before handing the sack to Tasuki."
Tasuki slammed his fist into the desk. "I knew it! Damn them!
"You think they'll still be there?" Kouji asked Ruri.
She shrugged, "I don't know. It didn't seem like they were going to leave anytime soon when I left."
Tasuki opened the door and ran out. Kouji ran after him. Ruri bolted up and went after them, "Oi! I'm, coming with you!"
At the edge of the forest, Ruri paused to take a deep breath. She then heard several screams. Ruri took another deep breath and continued running. When she reached where the screams were coming from, she saw Tasuki pinning Segetsu against a tree. All the other men were lying on the ground, groaning, with Kouji looking over them.
"Ya thought you could get away with it, didn't ya, you bastard?" Tasuki growled.
Segetsu glared at him, "We would have, too. How the hell did you figure it out?"
"We have our sources." Tasuki pinned him harder. "Why the hell are ya tryin' to betray us anyway?"
"Che," Segetsu looked away. "Why the hell should I tell you?"
Tasuki's eyes narrowed and punched Segetsu in the stomach. He doubled over in pain and landed in his knees, clutching his stomach.
"I know why Tasuki." Ruri said, emerging from a tree. Tasuki looked at her in surprise as she went over to him. "They were doing it to join another band of bandits." She whispered.
Tasuki's eyes widened and glared and he kicked Segetsu in the stomach. "Get the fuck off my mountain and take the others with you." He turned and took Ruri by the arm, "Let's go." All three of them walked away.
Segetsu lifted his head slightly off the ground and saw the girl leave with the other two. It was that girl. Everything blurred and he eventually passed out.
~~~
Ruri was sitting by the window wearing a comfortable white sundress, looking at the stars and moon. Tasuki and Kouji were at a meeting with all the men. She decided not to go, knowing that she wasn't really needed. All of a sudden, she stood up. It's a beautiful night! I want to be there, too! With that she grabbed something to throw over her shoulders, quickly left her room and headed outside.
Outside, she was walking slowly around the area, making sure the building was in sight. She threw her shawl around her shoulders to keep from being too chilly because a cool breeze was blowing across the grass. Several clouds dotted the dark sky and the crickets were quietly chirping in the background. Ruri started to hum and then started to sing.
~~~
"That's all. Have a goodnight everyone. Keep an eye out for any weird crap." Tasuki said.
All the men got up and started to leave. They were all talking about the meeting and their plans for that night. Tasuki and Kouji were the last to leave.
"Do ya think those guys will be back?" Kouji asked.
Tasuki nodded, "I'm pretty sure. I've never heard of that other gang that Ruri mentioned. Something's up and we have to be on our guard. Especially since Konan is still recovering."
At a split in the hallway, Kouji kept going straight. "I'm gonna go for some sake. Haven't really had any since Ruri-chan came. You comin'?"
Tasuki shook his head, "I'll pass." With that he headed outside.
Kouji smiled. 'Passing up an offer to drink is unlike him. Well, more sake for us.' With that thought Kouji hurried to the dining room.
~~~
Tasuki stepped outside and looked around. Sometimes he would get away from his fellow bandits and think of the rest of the Seishi and Miko. And this was one of those times. He thought about their adventure. Not just the fighting, but the bonds they all formed with each other as well. With every Seishi he had a special relationship. He could never forget them. And although he wouldn't admit it out loud, he loved them all. Then his thoughts focused on the Suzaku no Miko. Miaka. She was different from the other girls. It was a change. She accepted him as he was, which was the least to say about other women. All of a sudden his thoughts switched to Ruri. She was different, too. Not like Miaka. What was she? She was sweet, in a way, pretty, and independent. Unlike Miaka. She tried but was pretty naïve about certain things. It seemed that Ruri was more mature than Miaka. And those eyes. They weren't a significant color, just a dark brown, but those eyes said everything. Every emotion could be seen clearly in those eyes. 'What does this mean?' He thought. Then he heard it. A clear, soothing, and innocent voice was piercing the night sky.
"'Cause it was happy and I was sad.
It made me miss you, oh so bad cause"
Tasuki followed the voice and saw a figure standing in the middle of the clearing, looking up. He took a few steps closer and saw that it was Ruri in a white dress. He watched quietly as she continued singing.
"Dreams last for so long
Even after you're gone
I know, you love me and soon you will see
You were meant for me and I was meant for you."
Ruri was about to go on to the next verse when she had the feeling she was being watched. She swirled around to see Tasuki. "Ta- Tasuki!"
"Yo," he said. He walked towards her.
Ruri looked down and started blushing, "So you heard me singing?"
Tasuki nodded, "You. you have a really nice voice."
Ruri blushed even more. "Thanks." Then, she looked up and smiled at him. "I'm a little tired. I think I'll go to bed. Oyasumi." Without waiting for a reply, she ran off to her room, leaving Tasuki behind.. confused.
~~~
In her room, Ruri flopped onto her bed. "I can't believe he heard me! I'm so embarrassed. What do I do now? He heard the words to the song. It's so obvious! I'm sure he figured out what that song meant." She sighed. Getting ready for bed, Ruri got ready with a heavy heart.
Author's note: The song Ruri is singing is "You Were Meant For Me" by Jewel. It seemed to fit the scene well. ^.^
1.1 Chapter 3
The next morning, Ruri dressed in a long skirt, shirt and sneakers. At the breakfast table she ate like that was the only thing in the world. Kouji and Tasuki stared at her in shock with their chopsticks in midair. Ruri looked at them and stopped eating.
"What's wrong with you guys? Why aren't you eating?" She asked as she took another bite of food.
Tasuki looked at her, "Are you sure ya don't eat as much as Miaka? You're nearly on your third damn bowl!"
"I'm just hungry. And I usually eat about three bowls at most."
With that the two bandits looked relieved and continued eating. While eating, they also discussed the training plan and Ruri listened.
"Wow, that's pretty hard."
Kouji winked at her. "We know. But it's so they'll toughen up and be great bandits. But not as great as us, Kouji! Hell no! We kick ass! That's right!"
Ruri and Tasuki gave him an, "Oi" look. Tasuki then turned to Ruri. "After we finish eating and watch the first couple minutes of training, I'll take ya around the grounds."
Ruri brightened. "Hai!"
Tasuki looked at Kouji and Kouji nodded.
~~~
Later, after breakfast, Tasuki and Ruri stood under a tree as Koji started drilling the men. Ruri watched in interest and Tasuki watched in a professional manner. He then turned to Ruri and gestured to leave. Ruri nodded and they both turned to leave. Kouji watched as the both left and smiled. 'Maybe Genrou will finally realize what a special girl she is.' He turned back to the men in training. "Oi! What the hell's this?! Five more laps!"
~~~
Tasuki glanced at Ruri as he was showing her the grounds. Through the corner of his eye, he saw the sparkle in her eyes. Taking Kouji's advice, Tasuki observed her.
Not knowing that Tasuki her, Ruri looked around with awe. It was so beautiful. As she walked, she looked around her and soaked in the beauty. Trees were surrounding them and the sky was a perfect blue with no white clouds to blemish it. In the background birds were chirping cheerfully at each other and small animals were chatting. Suddenly, she felt a touch on her arm. She stopped, turned, and saw that it was Tasuki.
"Oi, maybe you should watch where you're goin'." Tasuki said.
Blinking, Ruri came back to reality and then she looked in front of her. "Ack!" She involuntarily stepped back because right in front of her was a tree. Tasuki looked at her while she smiled and sweatdropped.
"Do ya often space out like that?" He asked.
Ruri blushed. "Not all the time. Just when I'm daydreaming or thinking," she said defiantly.
He shook his head. "Girls. C'mon. I'll show ya the rest of the grounds."
For the next couple of hours, Tasuki showed Ruri the rest of the grounds. From time to time he would take a glance at Ruri. She looked around with rapture. Her eyes wide and sparkling and her mouth in a serene smile. "Why are ya so happy?" He finally asked.
Ruri turned to Tasuki, "Because the view is like this. I love it."
"Soka." Was all he said.
They rounded a corner and in front of them were tired men catching their breaths and Kouji leaning on a tree. He spotted them approaching and walked towards them.
"So, how was it?" Kouji asked.
"It was great!" Ruri said. "The view is so beautiful. I'm going to look around some more." She was about to leave.
"Matte!" Kouji and Tasuki said at the same time. Ruri stopped and turned. "Are ya fuckin' crazy?! It's dangerous!" They said. Ruri jumped.
"I'll be fine. I won't go far. And besides, I'll scream if something happens to me." Ruri reassured them.
Tasuki shook his head, "Fine, fine."
Ruri smiled and ran off. Kouji and Tasuki watched her leave. Then Kouji turned to Tasuki.
"So did you do what I said?" He asked.
"Yep."
"And?"
Tasuki looked at him, "And what?"
Kouji rolled his eyes, "Did you do what I said? We're best friends Genrou just tell me."
Tasuki looked out at the men. He saw her face, her eyes. He didn't have to have Kouji tell him to notice. Her eyes revealed her every emotion like a beacon. They were so expressive and innocent. He turned to Kouji, "You guys became pretty good friends, haven't ya?"
Kouji sweatdropped. "Stop changin' the subject."
"I'm not," Tasuki started walking inside.
Kouji watched Tasuki leave and shook his head. 'He's gonna have to face the fact sooner or later.' He turned to the men. "Ok guys! That's it for today, ya can go now."
With a tired cheer, the men went back to the stronghold. Kouji went inside and headed for Tasuki's room. When he entered, he saw Tasuki striding back and forth, cursing to himself. "Doushita no, Genrou?"
Tasuki looked up with a glare. "Someone's holdin' out on us."
Kouji blinked, "Nani? You mean they're stealing from our stash? How is that possible? We make sure that everything is there."
"I know, I know!" Tasuki said in exasperation. "I fuckin' check the loot right after we get it and then when we put it into inventory." He went behind the desk and glared at the book. "What pisses me off is that I didn't notice it until just recently."
"When do you think they take the stuff then? They must be good at covering their tracks." Kouji walked over to Tasuki and looked at the book as well.
"They must take some after we take it but before I take note of it. And then maybe some after everything's put away. Dammit!" Tasuki punched the desk. "Just wait 'til I get the bastards."
~~~
Outside the door, a man quietly went past Tasuki's door and left the building. He went deep into the forest where four men were sitting.
One man, wearing a bandana turned to the arriving man. "Well?"
The man that just arrived sat down, "They're catching on. Genrou realized that certain items were missin'. Segetsu, we better stop for a while before they suspect us."
Segetsu glared at the man, "Are you doubting my way of operation, Junta?"
Junta blinked and then shook his head. "N- no. I'm just thinking we should have some more caution since they suspect."
"Junta," a man with an eye patch over his left eye started. "Shaddap."
Junta closed his mouth, but several times he looked around nervously.
Segetsu started speaking, "All right. What did ya guys take?"
Each man pulled out a small bag and emptied them, except for one man with an earring in his right ear. He tossed in several coins. "Sorry."
Segetsu looked at the coins and then at the man. "Hiketsu. Tell me you have a good excuse for bringing in shit."
Hiketsu nodded. "I was training today. Couldn't sneak much while training, ya know. With Kouji down our backs and the other guys."
"Okay, fine then." Segetsu then looked at the other men. "Remember, we gotta do this for a while longer. Then we finally prove to Kencho that we are worthy to join his gang. No more of this bullshit deal."
The four men laughed and cheered.
~~~
Ruri slowly backed away out of the woods. She made sure that she didn't make any noise. She knew one of those men. He pocketed something while Tasuki wasn't looking. Something was up and she had to tell Tasuki and Kouji. When she reached the clearing, she turned and ran to the stronghold. She ran all the way inside, long hair trailing behind her, bringing odd looks from the passing men.
The door burst open and Tasuki and Kouji turned quickly. They blinked when they saw Ruri leaning on the door, breathing heavily.
"Ruri-chan?" Kouji asked, "Doushita no?"
Ruri tried to take a step, still breathing hard. She stumbled forward and would have fell if Tasuki hadn't caught her. "Trouble," she gasped. She took several deep breaths, "Tr- traitors. woods. in. loot?"
"Oi! Catch your breath!" Tasuki said. Ruri started breathing slowly and Kouji poured her some water. He handed it to Ruri and she drank it quickly.
Several minutes later, she was calm and breathing normally. Tasuki helped her to a chair and she sat down.
"Now," Tasuki knelt in front of Ruri, "What was this about traitors and the woods? You found somethin'?"
Ruri nodded. "I'm not a dog you know. You don't have to talk to me like I'm one."
Tasuki and Kouji sweatdropped. "Ok, ok. I'm sorry. Now tell us what happened.
"Hai hai. I was walking in the woods when I saw these men gathering. And they were talking about taking some loot from you guys or something."
Tasuki and Kouji looked at each other. Tasuki took Ruri by the shoulders and started shaking her. "Who? Do ya know why they are?! What are their names!?"
Ruri-s eyes started to get swirly and Kouji sweatdropped. "Na, Genrou. She can't tell ya if you keep shakin' her."
Tasuki sweatdropped and then let go of Ruri. Ruri shook her head and looked at Tasuki. "I don't remember all the names but one of them is called Segetsu. There were four more men. I think another name was Hiketsu."
"Is there anything else you want to tell us, Ruri-chan?" Kouji asked.
"Well, one of those guys, I saw him take something the other day before handing the sack to Tasuki."
Tasuki slammed his fist into the desk. "I knew it! Damn them!
"You think they'll still be there?" Kouji asked Ruri.
She shrugged, "I don't know. It didn't seem like they were going to leave anytime soon when I left."
Tasuki opened the door and ran out. Kouji ran after him. Ruri bolted up and went after them, "Oi! I'm, coming with you!"
At the edge of the forest, Ruri paused to take a deep breath. She then heard several screams. Ruri took another deep breath and continued running. When she reached where the screams were coming from, she saw Tasuki pinning Segetsu against a tree. All the other men were lying on the ground, groaning, with Kouji looking over them.
"Ya thought you could get away with it, didn't ya, you bastard?" Tasuki growled.
Segetsu glared at him, "We would have, too. How the hell did you figure it out?"
"We have our sources." Tasuki pinned him harder. "Why the hell are ya tryin' to betray us anyway?"
"Che," Segetsu looked away. "Why the hell should I tell you?"
Tasuki's eyes narrowed and punched Segetsu in the stomach. He doubled over in pain and landed in his knees, clutching his stomach.
"I know why Tasuki." Ruri said, emerging from a tree. Tasuki looked at her in surprise as she went over to him. "They were doing it to join another band of bandits." She whispered.
Tasuki's eyes widened and glared and he kicked Segetsu in the stomach. "Get the fuck off my mountain and take the others with you." He turned and took Ruri by the arm, "Let's go." All three of them walked away.
Segetsu lifted his head slightly off the ground and saw the girl leave with the other two. It was that girl. Everything blurred and he eventually passed out.
~~~
Ruri was sitting by the window wearing a comfortable white sundress, looking at the stars and moon. Tasuki and Kouji were at a meeting with all the men. She decided not to go, knowing that she wasn't really needed. All of a sudden, she stood up. It's a beautiful night! I want to be there, too! With that she grabbed something to throw over her shoulders, quickly left her room and headed outside.
Outside, she was walking slowly around the area, making sure the building was in sight. She threw her shawl around her shoulders to keep from being too chilly because a cool breeze was blowing across the grass. Several clouds dotted the dark sky and the crickets were quietly chirping in the background. Ruri started to hum and then started to sing.
~~~
"That's all. Have a goodnight everyone. Keep an eye out for any weird crap." Tasuki said.
All the men got up and started to leave. They were all talking about the meeting and their plans for that night. Tasuki and Kouji were the last to leave.
"Do ya think those guys will be back?" Kouji asked.
Tasuki nodded, "I'm pretty sure. I've never heard of that other gang that Ruri mentioned. Something's up and we have to be on our guard. Especially since Konan is still recovering."
At a split in the hallway, Kouji kept going straight. "I'm gonna go for some sake. Haven't really had any since Ruri-chan came. You comin'?"
Tasuki shook his head, "I'll pass." With that he headed outside.
Kouji smiled. 'Passing up an offer to drink is unlike him. Well, more sake for us.' With that thought Kouji hurried to the dining room.
~~~
Tasuki stepped outside and looked around. Sometimes he would get away from his fellow bandits and think of the rest of the Seishi and Miko. And this was one of those times. He thought about their adventure. Not just the fighting, but the bonds they all formed with each other as well. With every Seishi he had a special relationship. He could never forget them. And although he wouldn't admit it out loud, he loved them all. Then his thoughts focused on the Suzaku no Miko. Miaka. She was different from the other girls. It was a change. She accepted him as he was, which was the least to say about other women. All of a sudden his thoughts switched to Ruri. She was different, too. Not like Miaka. What was she? She was sweet, in a way, pretty, and independent. Unlike Miaka. She tried but was pretty naïve about certain things. It seemed that Ruri was more mature than Miaka. And those eyes. They weren't a significant color, just a dark brown, but those eyes said everything. Every emotion could be seen clearly in those eyes. 'What does this mean?' He thought. Then he heard it. A clear, soothing, and innocent voice was piercing the night sky.
"'Cause it was happy and I was sad.
It made me miss you, oh so bad cause"
Tasuki followed the voice and saw a figure standing in the middle of the clearing, looking up. He took a few steps closer and saw that it was Ruri in a white dress. He watched quietly as she continued singing.
"Dreams last for so long
Even after you're gone
I know, you love me and soon you will see
You were meant for me and I was meant for you."
Ruri was about to go on to the next verse when she had the feeling she was being watched. She swirled around to see Tasuki. "Ta- Tasuki!"
"Yo," he said. He walked towards her.
Ruri looked down and started blushing, "So you heard me singing?"
Tasuki nodded, "You. you have a really nice voice."
Ruri blushed even more. "Thanks." Then, she looked up and smiled at him. "I'm a little tired. I think I'll go to bed. Oyasumi." Without waiting for a reply, she ran off to her room, leaving Tasuki behind.. confused.
~~~
In her room, Ruri flopped onto her bed. "I can't believe he heard me! I'm so embarrassed. What do I do now? He heard the words to the song. It's so obvious! I'm sure he figured out what that song meant." She sighed. Getting ready for bed, Ruri got ready with a heavy heart.