Disclaimer: The characters of Fushigi Yuugi do not belong to me. They
belong to Yuu Watase-san. So pleas don't sue me. Unless you want
textbooks as your settlement.
Author's note: The song Ruri sings is 'The Girl I Mean to Be' from The Secret Garden. Don't worry for those who don't really like that whole song thing. It's the last one ^^; Just wanted to put something cute in. BTW, every time I'm around my sister a constant sweatdrop hangs over my head. The weight gets tiresome after a while -.-;; Anywhos, I hope you like this chapter. Hopefully it's not too slow. ^^; Eh hehe.
~~~~~~
Chapter 5
The next morning, the sky was a dark gray and rain was pouring down, Ruri stared outside gloomily and sighed.
"Oi, stop lookin' out the window if it makes you so depressed." She heard Tasuki's voice tell her.
Ruri turned from the window and sighed. She was wearing a pair if jeans, sweater and socks. "Can't help it. I was looking forward to the raid. Why can't we go anyway? I'm sure you can still get something."
Tasuki shrugged. "Doesn't matter. Besides, there'll probably not be many people to raid to begin with. No one's going to be out in this rain."
"But you're bandits! That's what you do!" Ruri protested.
Tasuki and Kouji looked at each other. "I guess we can trust her. Even though she's a woman." Tasuki told Kouji.
A dangerous glint appeared in Ruri's eye. "Ya might as well, so she won't be as confused." Kouji said.
A stress mark appeared on Ruri's forehead. "Excuse me, but I'm right here!"
Tasuki turned to Ruri. "Ok, this is the deal. But you can't tell ANYONE. You understand?" Ruri nodded and Tasuki continued. "Besides being bandits, we're kinda like the Empress' surveillance team because the mountain's a strategic location. Most people traveling on land come through these mountains that need to get to Konan. We make sure things are going smoothly and go warn her if somethin' is happening. So she pays us. That's why we don't go out raidin' everyday anymore. And when we do raid, we take the stuff but return two-thirds of the stuff and keep a third for ourselves."
"So why bother raiding and stealing is you're being paid?" Ruri asked.
"To uphold the reputation of the Mt. Reikaku bandits." Tasuki said simply.
Ruri facefaulted. As she got up, she asked another question. "Is that why you were keeping inventory?"
Kouji nodded. "Yeah, so we can keep track of the stuff."
"I understand now."
Tasuki looked at her straight in the eye, "Ya hafta promise not to tell anyone. Not even the men know. They just think they're scouting and raiding as usual."
Ruri looked back and nodded, "I promise." Tasuki nodded. He could trust her.
~~~
Later that day, Ruri was walking outside. 'Thank goodness I decided to bring my umbrella,' she thought. She walked over to a creek and saw Chichiri fishing. "Aren't you afraid you'll get sick?" She called out.
Chichiri looked at Ruri and smiled. "Hi, Ruri-chan. Iie. Besides, fish bite the best when it rains, no da."
"That's true." She sat next to the monk.
"Did you tell him that you were sorry, no da? Chichiri asked.
"Hai," Ruri smiled. "He took it better than I expected."
Chichiri nodded. Several minutes passed and he looked over at the dark haired girl. "Ano. Could you sing a song, no da?"
Ruri started and smiled wryly. "I guess he told you?" Chichiri nodded and she blushed.
"Please let me hear you sing, no da?" I'm sure you sing beautifully, no da."
"Well, ok, but don't have any high hopes!" Ruri joked. She looked up and took a deep breath. With a clear, innocent, childlike voice, she began.
"I need a place where I can go
Where I can whisper what I know
Where I can whisper who I like
And where I go to see them."
Ruri's voice carried through the rain and Chichiri listened with a soft smile.
"I need a place where I can hide
Where no one sees my life inside
Where I can make my plans and write them down
So I can read them."
Tasuki stepped outside and looked around, stretching. The whole thing with the new gang was giving him a headache and he needed a break from it. It was also lunch and he was wondering where Ruri went. Chichiri, too.
Ruri's eyes were filled with contentment as continued with her song.
"A place where I can bid my heart be still,
And it will mind me
A place where I can go when I am lost
And there I'll find me."
Tasuki heard the clear voice and quickly went to where the sound was coming from. He stopped when he stepped out of the bushes and saw Ruri. Ignoring the rain, he continued watching her. With her umbrella, drops fell around her and her eyes sparkled. Her smile and eyes showed a content happiness.
"I need a place to spend the day
Where no one says to go or stay
Where I can take my pen and draw the girl
I mean to be."
As she finished the song, she closed her eyes. After a moment of silence, she turned her head to the right and saw Tasuki. Ruri smiled serenely at him.
"That was beautiful, no da."
She turned to Chichiri and blushed, "Arigato." Then she slowly sank back to reality. She quickly turned to Tasuki again and quickly went over to him, stretching her arms up to get him under the umbrella. "You'll get sick, Tasuki, standing out in the rain like that."
"I'm fine," he said hoarsely.
Ruri turned to the building, "Come on. Let's go in." She turned to Chichiri, "You coming?"
"Hai, no da." Chichiri picked up his rod and careful rolled up his line. And all three of then entered the building.
Inside, Ruri took a good look at Tasuki. He was slightly flushed and his eyes were slightly glazed. She felt his forehead and quickly withdrew her hand. "Chichiri! Help him to his bed! He's really getting sick!"
Chichiri nodded and quickly helped the bandit to his room. Ruri quickly went and told Kouji the situation. He went to get a doctor as she got a bowl of cold water and a cloth.
~~~
In Tasuki's room, Chichiri set him in bed and went over to the fireplace to start a fire. The door opened and shut and he turned to see Ruri go over to Tasuki. She dipped the towel in the bowl of water and gently placed in on his head. The fire reflected her eyes to show extreme concern. Exactly how Chichiri was feeling.
The door opened again and Kouji and the doctor entered. Ruri stepped away as the doctor examined Tasuki.
"Well, Doc?" Kouji asked after a while.
The doctor turned to the three. "Hmmm. He's very ill."
They all sweatdropped. "We can see that." Ruri retorted.
"Anyway," The Doctor continued, ignoring Ruri's comment. "If his fever does not go down within about three days. He will probably die."
"Is it that bad, no da?" Chichiri asked. Kouji's face paled.
The doctor nodded. "I've seen colds and at first that's what I thought it was. But it's worse. He only has a very high fever. I'm afraid I don't have medicine strong enough to bring it down."
"Then I'll take care of him." The three men turned to a determined Ruri. "It's only a bad fever. He'll get better. He just needs rest. The stress was getting to him. Could you get some more blankets, please?"
Kouji nodded and left. The doctor stared at her. "What are the blankets for? Even if you did sweat it out, the fever will still stay. It's too high."
"That's how much you know. The faster his fever leaves the sooner he gets better."
"How do you know all this?" The doctor asked suspiciously. It was then, he finally saw the clothes the girl was wearing and gave a startled look.
"I just do okay?"
"Da~ I guess people in your world know about this illness, no da."
Kouji came in with several blankets. Quickly the two spread the blankets over as the doctor excused himself. "You really need to go to a different doctor." Ruri mumbled.
"I'm thinking the same thing." Kouji replied.
About an hour later of looking after Tasuki, Ruri turned to the Seishi and bandit. "Why don't you guys get some sleep? I'll keep looking after Tasuki."
Chichiri looked worried. "Are you sure, no da?"
Ruri nodded, "Daijoubu. If anything big happens, I'll let you know."
"How about you, no da?"
Ruri smiled, "I'll be fine. I'm tougher than I look!"
Kouji stood up. "Yoshi. Ruri-chan, I'm trusting you."
The girl nodded again, "Hai."
Chichiri and Kouji quietly left the room. Ruri looked down at Tasuki with a very worried look. She softly placed her hand on his hot face "Don't worry Tasuki," she whispered. "I promise you'll get better." Then she reapplied the wet cloth to his forehead. She sat next to his bed through the night, keeping a silent vigil, as if she was preventing death from entering.
~~~
The sun was just peeking over the horizon when Ruri got up and picked up the bowl. She wondered if anyone was watching the room. Wouldn't hurt to check. Besides, it would be great to have a short break. She quietly opened the door to see Takeshi slightly snoozing. She closed the door and he woke up, turning to her.
"Ruri!" He said.
She put her finger to her lips. "Shhh~. I'm just going to get some more water, a quick wash and a bite to eat. Did Kouji tell you to look after the room?"
Takeshi nodded, "Yeah. He said to make sure no one would bother you and the Boss. How is he?"
Ruri looked down. "Still the same." Then she sighed.
Takeshi gave her an encouraging smile. "Don't worry. I'm sure he'll get better under your care. Besides, the Boss is tough, he'll get through it."
Ruri smiled back. "Thanks. Anyways, could you look after Tasuki for about five minutes?"
"Sure."
"Thanks." And Ruri headed off.
A few minutes later, Ruri came back, thanked Takeshi and went back to caring for Tasuki.
~~~
That day Kouji gave orders for scouts to search the area. Then, he and Chichiri tried to persuade Ruri to take a nap, but she refused to budge from her seat. Exasperated, they gave up around dinnertime when they brought her some food and both agreed to try again the next morning.
~~~
That night, after refilling the bowl with cold water, Ruri returned to see Tasuki breathing a little harder. Her eyes widened and she hurried to his side. His fever seemed to be worse, but remembered the saying; "Things get worse before getting better." She hoped that he would get through the "worse" part in order to see the "getting better" part. She quickly applied the wet cloth on his forehead and wiped off the sweat.
For the next several hours, Ruri watched with concern, as he steadily grew worse. He just had to get better. "Please don't leave us, Tasuki. Please don't leave me." She begged. She put her arms around him and buried her face in the blankets. 'Suzaku! Kami-sama!' She begged silently. 'Onegai! Don't take him away from us! Not yet! He still has many years to live. And I know this is selfish bit I need him, too! Please!' She continued praying, putting all her hope on faith.
~~~
Tasuki looked around. It was white all around him. "Am I dead?" He asked out loud.
"Not yet." Replied a familiar voice.
He turned to see a purple haired man walking towards him, as well as three other people. Tasuki's eyes widened. "Nuriko! Chiriko! Mitsukake! Hotohori-sama!"
Nuriko smiled. "In the flesh. or rather spirit."
"So I am dead."
Mitsukake shook his head. "Only unconscious, but near death."
"So why are you guys here?" Escortin' me?" Tasuki gave a fanged grin.
Chiriko shook his head. "No, Tasuki-san."
"It is not your time yet." Hotohori added.
"So what the hell am I doin' here?"
"Well, to kinda give you some closure." Nuriko said.
Tasuki blinked, "Closure? Who cares, I'm here with you guys."
Nuriko shook his head. "No. Stop thinking about the past. It can't be changed."
"You think I don't fuckin' know that?!" The bandit fumed. "I could have been more help or been a better protector or fought harder or-"
"It's done," Mitsukake said quietly. "We're happy. We fulfilled our destiny. You should be happy now."
"How the fuck can I be happy when I let my fellow Seishi, friends, down!"
"Snap out of it," Nuriko said sternly. "It was our decision. We decided to take that route. You probably couldn't have stopped us. Besides, you couldn't have known either."
Chiriko gave a small smile. "Live for us by being happy Tasuki-kun." The others nodded and started to retreat. Tasuki stood where he was watching them leave.
Hotohori gave an amused smile. "Besides, I think there is someone who is very adamant on you getting back."
With a wave they all disappeared and Tasuki listened to a voice he just heard. 'Please, Tasuki, don't die.' He blinked, amber eyes confused. That was Ruri's voice. Did she really want him to be okay? Then reluctantly he admitted that he knew what he had to do and he headed for her voice.
~~~
Ruri lifted her head, face we with tears and stared at Tasuki. He was still. She checked his pulse and heartbeat. She breathed a sigh of relief, he was still alive. It seemed that the danger was past and he was going to be fine. Ruri wiped away her tears. Then, he slowly opened his eyes, stared at her for a second, and went back to sleep.
'Thank you,' she prayed. The sun was peeking over the horizon again, but Ruri remained awake. She wanted to make sure Tasuki was 100% better. She got up and removed all but two blankets and put them in a pile. She sat back down and she smiled victoriously. She had prevented Death from going past her.
~~~
Several hours later, Ruri heard the door open and knew Chichiri and Kouji were in the room. "How is he?" Kouji asked.
"He got worse during the night," she said, her back towards them.
They kept silent. Was she going to give them some bad news? She got up and turned to them. "He beat it and he's going to be fine." She said with a smile.
The two men gave a sigh of relief and smiled. "So he's better?" They asked.
Ruri nodded. "Yup." She went over to the drawer and took out a pair of pants and a shirt. Then went over to the sleeping Tasuki and changed his shirt trying not to drool too much. After she was done, she turned to the slightly confused two. "Could you lift him up for a second so I can change the sheets?"
They complied. "Ano~, Ruri-chan?" Chichiri asked, "What exactly are you doing, no da?"
"I'm changing his clothes and sheets because he sweated so much. It'll smell and I don't want him to wake up smelly." She answered as she switched the sheets. When she was done, she gestured for them to put him down. Then she handed Kouji Tasuki's pants. "Put this on him while I bundle up the laundry." Kouji blinked and Ruri stared back. "You don't expect me to do it, do you?" Kouji and Chichiri sweatdropped.
Ruri started bundling up the blankets and when Chichiri handed her the pants, she added that and tied the sheet. Dragging the bundle, she opened the door and pushed it out. Takeshi looked at her. She pointed to the bundle. "This is laundry. Could you take it to get them washed?"
"Sure," Takeshi picked up the bundle. "Hey, how is he?"
Ruri smiled, "He's fine."
Takeshi smiled. "All right! I'm gonna tell the others!"
Ruri went back in as Takeshi left. She stopped when she saw the two men look at her.
"What do you think, Chichiri?" Kouji asked the monk.
Ruri blinked, "What are you guys talking about?"
Chichiri nodded, "It seems like someone needs a good rest, no da."
Ruri sighed, "I'm fine, really."
Kouji walked up to her and placed a hand on her cheek. "Ruri-chan. You need to rest. You did enough already. Besides, we don't want you to go and get sick, too."
Ruri looked down. "I'm fine." Then she looked up, Why don't you guys go eat breakfast first and then come back. When you do, I'll go rest, okay?"
Kouji looked at Chichiri and the blue haired monk nodded. "Sounds reasonable, no da."
When the two men left, Ruri plopped down onto the chair. She was tired. More tired than they probably knew. But she wasn't going to leave until Tasuki woke up. Ruri leaned on the bed and rested her chin on her hands. She really did love everything about Tasuki. She forced her eyes to stay open several times, but they eventually closed, being overtaken by sleep.
~~~
He opened his eyes slowly. He felt weak, but nothing a little food and walking wouldn't cure. Tasuki tried to get out of the blankets but it was a little difficult. He looked down and his amber eyes saw the reason why he couldn't get out of the covers easily. Ruri was leaning on the covers and sleeping peacefully. He slowly sat up, not wanting to wake her up. From the looks of it, she hadn't slept for days. But what made her stay up for so long? He blinked, 'Was she caring for me the whole time I was sick?' He looked down at her and saw a tendril of hair covering her face. With his hand, he gently swept it back and Ruri didn't even move.
The door opened and Tasuki looked up to see Chichiri and Kouji enter. Kouji's eyes lightened, "Hey! You're up!" Kouji paused when he saw his best friend glare at him. Chichiri pointed to the sleeping figure and Kouji understood. "So she decided to sleep after all."
Chichiri went over to Ruri and picked her up gently. "I'll take her to her room, no da. I'll also get some food for you, no da."
Tasuki nodded and watched him leave. Kouji then plopped himself down and grinned, "So how does it feel to be living again?"
~~~
Chichiri stepped out and saw someone walking down the hall. "Ano, could you get some food for Tasuki-kun, no da?"
The man smiled, "No problem!"
Chichiri nodded and continued to Ruri's room. He gently set her on the bed and pulled the covers over her. He placed a hand on her forehead. "Strong." He quietly left.
~~~
Tasuki was eating ravenously while only half-listening to Kouji. He was thinking about Ruri and wondering if she was okay. When he knew Kouji stopped talking, he asked a question. "How long was she looking after me?"
Kouji thought for a moment., "About two days and two nights," he answered.
"Did you guys take shifts?"
At that Kouji sweatdropped, "Well, not really. She kinda stayed here the whole time."
"What?!" Tasuki pounded his fist on the table. "What if she got sick or somethin'? Why did you let her do that?!"
A knock came from the door. "Come in!" Tasuki barked still glaring at the sweatdropping blue haired bandit. "Well? Why?"
"Because she was stubborn, no da. We tried to get her to rest but she refused, no da." Tasuki opened his mouth to ask how he knew what he asked, but Chichiri cut him off. "I could hear you from the hall, no da."
Tasuki then sighed. "Damn stubborn woman." He looked at the monk again. "How is she?"
"She's fine, no da." He went over and sat at the table. "She's sleeping. I don't think she slept at all since you fell ill, no da. At any rate, I should go now that I know you're all right, no da." The two bandits nodded and Chichiri left the room.
'I better take the short cut, no da.' Chichiri then put on his kesa and disappeared under it.
Author's note: The song Ruri sings is 'The Girl I Mean to Be' from The Secret Garden. Don't worry for those who don't really like that whole song thing. It's the last one ^^; Just wanted to put something cute in. BTW, every time I'm around my sister a constant sweatdrop hangs over my head. The weight gets tiresome after a while -.-;; Anywhos, I hope you like this chapter. Hopefully it's not too slow. ^^; Eh hehe.
~~~~~~
Chapter 5
The next morning, the sky was a dark gray and rain was pouring down, Ruri stared outside gloomily and sighed.
"Oi, stop lookin' out the window if it makes you so depressed." She heard Tasuki's voice tell her.
Ruri turned from the window and sighed. She was wearing a pair if jeans, sweater and socks. "Can't help it. I was looking forward to the raid. Why can't we go anyway? I'm sure you can still get something."
Tasuki shrugged. "Doesn't matter. Besides, there'll probably not be many people to raid to begin with. No one's going to be out in this rain."
"But you're bandits! That's what you do!" Ruri protested.
Tasuki and Kouji looked at each other. "I guess we can trust her. Even though she's a woman." Tasuki told Kouji.
A dangerous glint appeared in Ruri's eye. "Ya might as well, so she won't be as confused." Kouji said.
A stress mark appeared on Ruri's forehead. "Excuse me, but I'm right here!"
Tasuki turned to Ruri. "Ok, this is the deal. But you can't tell ANYONE. You understand?" Ruri nodded and Tasuki continued. "Besides being bandits, we're kinda like the Empress' surveillance team because the mountain's a strategic location. Most people traveling on land come through these mountains that need to get to Konan. We make sure things are going smoothly and go warn her if somethin' is happening. So she pays us. That's why we don't go out raidin' everyday anymore. And when we do raid, we take the stuff but return two-thirds of the stuff and keep a third for ourselves."
"So why bother raiding and stealing is you're being paid?" Ruri asked.
"To uphold the reputation of the Mt. Reikaku bandits." Tasuki said simply.
Ruri facefaulted. As she got up, she asked another question. "Is that why you were keeping inventory?"
Kouji nodded. "Yeah, so we can keep track of the stuff."
"I understand now."
Tasuki looked at her straight in the eye, "Ya hafta promise not to tell anyone. Not even the men know. They just think they're scouting and raiding as usual."
Ruri looked back and nodded, "I promise." Tasuki nodded. He could trust her.
~~~
Later that day, Ruri was walking outside. 'Thank goodness I decided to bring my umbrella,' she thought. She walked over to a creek and saw Chichiri fishing. "Aren't you afraid you'll get sick?" She called out.
Chichiri looked at Ruri and smiled. "Hi, Ruri-chan. Iie. Besides, fish bite the best when it rains, no da."
"That's true." She sat next to the monk.
"Did you tell him that you were sorry, no da? Chichiri asked.
"Hai," Ruri smiled. "He took it better than I expected."
Chichiri nodded. Several minutes passed and he looked over at the dark haired girl. "Ano. Could you sing a song, no da?"
Ruri started and smiled wryly. "I guess he told you?" Chichiri nodded and she blushed.
"Please let me hear you sing, no da?" I'm sure you sing beautifully, no da."
"Well, ok, but don't have any high hopes!" Ruri joked. She looked up and took a deep breath. With a clear, innocent, childlike voice, she began.
"I need a place where I can go
Where I can whisper what I know
Where I can whisper who I like
And where I go to see them."
Ruri's voice carried through the rain and Chichiri listened with a soft smile.
"I need a place where I can hide
Where no one sees my life inside
Where I can make my plans and write them down
So I can read them."
Tasuki stepped outside and looked around, stretching. The whole thing with the new gang was giving him a headache and he needed a break from it. It was also lunch and he was wondering where Ruri went. Chichiri, too.
Ruri's eyes were filled with contentment as continued with her song.
"A place where I can bid my heart be still,
And it will mind me
A place where I can go when I am lost
And there I'll find me."
Tasuki heard the clear voice and quickly went to where the sound was coming from. He stopped when he stepped out of the bushes and saw Ruri. Ignoring the rain, he continued watching her. With her umbrella, drops fell around her and her eyes sparkled. Her smile and eyes showed a content happiness.
"I need a place to spend the day
Where no one says to go or stay
Where I can take my pen and draw the girl
I mean to be."
As she finished the song, she closed her eyes. After a moment of silence, she turned her head to the right and saw Tasuki. Ruri smiled serenely at him.
"That was beautiful, no da."
She turned to Chichiri and blushed, "Arigato." Then she slowly sank back to reality. She quickly turned to Tasuki again and quickly went over to him, stretching her arms up to get him under the umbrella. "You'll get sick, Tasuki, standing out in the rain like that."
"I'm fine," he said hoarsely.
Ruri turned to the building, "Come on. Let's go in." She turned to Chichiri, "You coming?"
"Hai, no da." Chichiri picked up his rod and careful rolled up his line. And all three of then entered the building.
Inside, Ruri took a good look at Tasuki. He was slightly flushed and his eyes were slightly glazed. She felt his forehead and quickly withdrew her hand. "Chichiri! Help him to his bed! He's really getting sick!"
Chichiri nodded and quickly helped the bandit to his room. Ruri quickly went and told Kouji the situation. He went to get a doctor as she got a bowl of cold water and a cloth.
~~~
In Tasuki's room, Chichiri set him in bed and went over to the fireplace to start a fire. The door opened and shut and he turned to see Ruri go over to Tasuki. She dipped the towel in the bowl of water and gently placed in on his head. The fire reflected her eyes to show extreme concern. Exactly how Chichiri was feeling.
The door opened again and Kouji and the doctor entered. Ruri stepped away as the doctor examined Tasuki.
"Well, Doc?" Kouji asked after a while.
The doctor turned to the three. "Hmmm. He's very ill."
They all sweatdropped. "We can see that." Ruri retorted.
"Anyway," The Doctor continued, ignoring Ruri's comment. "If his fever does not go down within about three days. He will probably die."
"Is it that bad, no da?" Chichiri asked. Kouji's face paled.
The doctor nodded. "I've seen colds and at first that's what I thought it was. But it's worse. He only has a very high fever. I'm afraid I don't have medicine strong enough to bring it down."
"Then I'll take care of him." The three men turned to a determined Ruri. "It's only a bad fever. He'll get better. He just needs rest. The stress was getting to him. Could you get some more blankets, please?"
Kouji nodded and left. The doctor stared at her. "What are the blankets for? Even if you did sweat it out, the fever will still stay. It's too high."
"That's how much you know. The faster his fever leaves the sooner he gets better."
"How do you know all this?" The doctor asked suspiciously. It was then, he finally saw the clothes the girl was wearing and gave a startled look.
"I just do okay?"
"Da~ I guess people in your world know about this illness, no da."
Kouji came in with several blankets. Quickly the two spread the blankets over as the doctor excused himself. "You really need to go to a different doctor." Ruri mumbled.
"I'm thinking the same thing." Kouji replied.
About an hour later of looking after Tasuki, Ruri turned to the Seishi and bandit. "Why don't you guys get some sleep? I'll keep looking after Tasuki."
Chichiri looked worried. "Are you sure, no da?"
Ruri nodded, "Daijoubu. If anything big happens, I'll let you know."
"How about you, no da?"
Ruri smiled, "I'll be fine. I'm tougher than I look!"
Kouji stood up. "Yoshi. Ruri-chan, I'm trusting you."
The girl nodded again, "Hai."
Chichiri and Kouji quietly left the room. Ruri looked down at Tasuki with a very worried look. She softly placed her hand on his hot face "Don't worry Tasuki," she whispered. "I promise you'll get better." Then she reapplied the wet cloth to his forehead. She sat next to his bed through the night, keeping a silent vigil, as if she was preventing death from entering.
~~~
The sun was just peeking over the horizon when Ruri got up and picked up the bowl. She wondered if anyone was watching the room. Wouldn't hurt to check. Besides, it would be great to have a short break. She quietly opened the door to see Takeshi slightly snoozing. She closed the door and he woke up, turning to her.
"Ruri!" He said.
She put her finger to her lips. "Shhh~. I'm just going to get some more water, a quick wash and a bite to eat. Did Kouji tell you to look after the room?"
Takeshi nodded, "Yeah. He said to make sure no one would bother you and the Boss. How is he?"
Ruri looked down. "Still the same." Then she sighed.
Takeshi gave her an encouraging smile. "Don't worry. I'm sure he'll get better under your care. Besides, the Boss is tough, he'll get through it."
Ruri smiled back. "Thanks. Anyways, could you look after Tasuki for about five minutes?"
"Sure."
"Thanks." And Ruri headed off.
A few minutes later, Ruri came back, thanked Takeshi and went back to caring for Tasuki.
~~~
That day Kouji gave orders for scouts to search the area. Then, he and Chichiri tried to persuade Ruri to take a nap, but she refused to budge from her seat. Exasperated, they gave up around dinnertime when they brought her some food and both agreed to try again the next morning.
~~~
That night, after refilling the bowl with cold water, Ruri returned to see Tasuki breathing a little harder. Her eyes widened and she hurried to his side. His fever seemed to be worse, but remembered the saying; "Things get worse before getting better." She hoped that he would get through the "worse" part in order to see the "getting better" part. She quickly applied the wet cloth on his forehead and wiped off the sweat.
For the next several hours, Ruri watched with concern, as he steadily grew worse. He just had to get better. "Please don't leave us, Tasuki. Please don't leave me." She begged. She put her arms around him and buried her face in the blankets. 'Suzaku! Kami-sama!' She begged silently. 'Onegai! Don't take him away from us! Not yet! He still has many years to live. And I know this is selfish bit I need him, too! Please!' She continued praying, putting all her hope on faith.
~~~
Tasuki looked around. It was white all around him. "Am I dead?" He asked out loud.
"Not yet." Replied a familiar voice.
He turned to see a purple haired man walking towards him, as well as three other people. Tasuki's eyes widened. "Nuriko! Chiriko! Mitsukake! Hotohori-sama!"
Nuriko smiled. "In the flesh. or rather spirit."
"So I am dead."
Mitsukake shook his head. "Only unconscious, but near death."
"So why are you guys here?" Escortin' me?" Tasuki gave a fanged grin.
Chiriko shook his head. "No, Tasuki-san."
"It is not your time yet." Hotohori added.
"So what the hell am I doin' here?"
"Well, to kinda give you some closure." Nuriko said.
Tasuki blinked, "Closure? Who cares, I'm here with you guys."
Nuriko shook his head. "No. Stop thinking about the past. It can't be changed."
"You think I don't fuckin' know that?!" The bandit fumed. "I could have been more help or been a better protector or fought harder or-"
"It's done," Mitsukake said quietly. "We're happy. We fulfilled our destiny. You should be happy now."
"How the fuck can I be happy when I let my fellow Seishi, friends, down!"
"Snap out of it," Nuriko said sternly. "It was our decision. We decided to take that route. You probably couldn't have stopped us. Besides, you couldn't have known either."
Chiriko gave a small smile. "Live for us by being happy Tasuki-kun." The others nodded and started to retreat. Tasuki stood where he was watching them leave.
Hotohori gave an amused smile. "Besides, I think there is someone who is very adamant on you getting back."
With a wave they all disappeared and Tasuki listened to a voice he just heard. 'Please, Tasuki, don't die.' He blinked, amber eyes confused. That was Ruri's voice. Did she really want him to be okay? Then reluctantly he admitted that he knew what he had to do and he headed for her voice.
~~~
Ruri lifted her head, face we with tears and stared at Tasuki. He was still. She checked his pulse and heartbeat. She breathed a sigh of relief, he was still alive. It seemed that the danger was past and he was going to be fine. Ruri wiped away her tears. Then, he slowly opened his eyes, stared at her for a second, and went back to sleep.
'Thank you,' she prayed. The sun was peeking over the horizon again, but Ruri remained awake. She wanted to make sure Tasuki was 100% better. She got up and removed all but two blankets and put them in a pile. She sat back down and she smiled victoriously. She had prevented Death from going past her.
~~~
Several hours later, Ruri heard the door open and knew Chichiri and Kouji were in the room. "How is he?" Kouji asked.
"He got worse during the night," she said, her back towards them.
They kept silent. Was she going to give them some bad news? She got up and turned to them. "He beat it and he's going to be fine." She said with a smile.
The two men gave a sigh of relief and smiled. "So he's better?" They asked.
Ruri nodded. "Yup." She went over to the drawer and took out a pair of pants and a shirt. Then went over to the sleeping Tasuki and changed his shirt trying not to drool too much. After she was done, she turned to the slightly confused two. "Could you lift him up for a second so I can change the sheets?"
They complied. "Ano~, Ruri-chan?" Chichiri asked, "What exactly are you doing, no da?"
"I'm changing his clothes and sheets because he sweated so much. It'll smell and I don't want him to wake up smelly." She answered as she switched the sheets. When she was done, she gestured for them to put him down. Then she handed Kouji Tasuki's pants. "Put this on him while I bundle up the laundry." Kouji blinked and Ruri stared back. "You don't expect me to do it, do you?" Kouji and Chichiri sweatdropped.
Ruri started bundling up the blankets and when Chichiri handed her the pants, she added that and tied the sheet. Dragging the bundle, she opened the door and pushed it out. Takeshi looked at her. She pointed to the bundle. "This is laundry. Could you take it to get them washed?"
"Sure," Takeshi picked up the bundle. "Hey, how is he?"
Ruri smiled, "He's fine."
Takeshi smiled. "All right! I'm gonna tell the others!"
Ruri went back in as Takeshi left. She stopped when she saw the two men look at her.
"What do you think, Chichiri?" Kouji asked the monk.
Ruri blinked, "What are you guys talking about?"
Chichiri nodded, "It seems like someone needs a good rest, no da."
Ruri sighed, "I'm fine, really."
Kouji walked up to her and placed a hand on her cheek. "Ruri-chan. You need to rest. You did enough already. Besides, we don't want you to go and get sick, too."
Ruri looked down. "I'm fine." Then she looked up, Why don't you guys go eat breakfast first and then come back. When you do, I'll go rest, okay?"
Kouji looked at Chichiri and the blue haired monk nodded. "Sounds reasonable, no da."
When the two men left, Ruri plopped down onto the chair. She was tired. More tired than they probably knew. But she wasn't going to leave until Tasuki woke up. Ruri leaned on the bed and rested her chin on her hands. She really did love everything about Tasuki. She forced her eyes to stay open several times, but they eventually closed, being overtaken by sleep.
~~~
He opened his eyes slowly. He felt weak, but nothing a little food and walking wouldn't cure. Tasuki tried to get out of the blankets but it was a little difficult. He looked down and his amber eyes saw the reason why he couldn't get out of the covers easily. Ruri was leaning on the covers and sleeping peacefully. He slowly sat up, not wanting to wake her up. From the looks of it, she hadn't slept for days. But what made her stay up for so long? He blinked, 'Was she caring for me the whole time I was sick?' He looked down at her and saw a tendril of hair covering her face. With his hand, he gently swept it back and Ruri didn't even move.
The door opened and Tasuki looked up to see Chichiri and Kouji enter. Kouji's eyes lightened, "Hey! You're up!" Kouji paused when he saw his best friend glare at him. Chichiri pointed to the sleeping figure and Kouji understood. "So she decided to sleep after all."
Chichiri went over to Ruri and picked her up gently. "I'll take her to her room, no da. I'll also get some food for you, no da."
Tasuki nodded and watched him leave. Kouji then plopped himself down and grinned, "So how does it feel to be living again?"
~~~
Chichiri stepped out and saw someone walking down the hall. "Ano, could you get some food for Tasuki-kun, no da?"
The man smiled, "No problem!"
Chichiri nodded and continued to Ruri's room. He gently set her on the bed and pulled the covers over her. He placed a hand on her forehead. "Strong." He quietly left.
~~~
Tasuki was eating ravenously while only half-listening to Kouji. He was thinking about Ruri and wondering if she was okay. When he knew Kouji stopped talking, he asked a question. "How long was she looking after me?"
Kouji thought for a moment., "About two days and two nights," he answered.
"Did you guys take shifts?"
At that Kouji sweatdropped, "Well, not really. She kinda stayed here the whole time."
"What?!" Tasuki pounded his fist on the table. "What if she got sick or somethin'? Why did you let her do that?!"
A knock came from the door. "Come in!" Tasuki barked still glaring at the sweatdropping blue haired bandit. "Well? Why?"
"Because she was stubborn, no da. We tried to get her to rest but she refused, no da." Tasuki opened his mouth to ask how he knew what he asked, but Chichiri cut him off. "I could hear you from the hall, no da."
Tasuki then sighed. "Damn stubborn woman." He looked at the monk again. "How is she?"
"She's fine, no da." He went over and sat at the table. "She's sleeping. I don't think she slept at all since you fell ill, no da. At any rate, I should go now that I know you're all right, no da." The two bandits nodded and Chichiri left the room.
'I better take the short cut, no da.' Chichiri then put on his kesa and disappeared under it.