Author's Notes: Bleh...how's the weather going where all you guys are? Here in the Northeast, New York specifically it's been so miserably hot. I've been getting very few hours of sleep because my room is like a microwave, I swear. And this chapter probably suffers from this heat wave, being as it was written when I'm half awake or just sweating terribly. Hn...this chapter is lacking Touka, Chama, Tetsuya, or Keisuke, but they'll be back in the next one, I promise. ^_^;. Hrm...in response to Otaku, Touka is 14. They never actually say how old Chama Lee is, but I'll assume he's anywhere from 16-18. He looks a bit older than Suboshi, though that might be because he's oriental (I don't know!) XD. So, I'll probably give you a specific age at some point when I make it up for lack of anything better. ^_~. Hehe, Fallon, you don't have to review if you don't want! I think you're reviews are very sweet, but I'm sure there are people out there who're reading this story and not reviewing, so I really don't mind if you don't feel comfortable doing it. (;D So long as you give me a review when it ends...that's all I ask for). Rofl, Arcanine...that part was so great with the garden tools! XD I loved it. Yeah, he probably would impale the others or something...since we all know Suboshi. Anyway, to everyone else...thanks for your reviews! And I hope you like this chapter... (Yay...I think I've officially had Yui interact with everyone after this!) ^^;;.
Kouji was forced awake by a sudden impact with his chest. The air escaped his lungs and his eyes opened wide for a moment. At his left, Tasuki had rolled over, legs sprawled out at odd angles and sure enough, it was the redhead's forearm that connected with him. Kouji furrowed his brows, rolling his eyes upward and plucking the appendage off of himself. His foot connected with the boss's side, though Tasuki still didn't wake up. He simply rolled over, snoring even louder than before. Kouji shook his head slowly, pushing up to his feet.
"Genrou, you're such a baka...you know that?" He just felt the need to inform him once more.
Kouji gave a good stretch to his limbs and then took a peek around the living room. It was a pretty nice place they had going for them. Clean and cozy...everything the stronghold wasn't. It was nice to have been in an environment like that every once in a while. The last time Kouji had, was when he was still living at home. That was before illness took his parents and before he even met Hakurou, their old boss. He was a much better leader than Tasuki. Though, Kouji had to admit, Genrou had his good points. After all, Reirei had loved him...
His eyes averted somewhat at the thought. It was hard playing the part of the tragic lover, being the one who had to give up their love so that the other two could be happy. But, maybe this time around...things would be different. Different with Yui. He had only just met her really, so it wasn't as though he could go so far as to even remotely say he loved her. He just enjoyed the time they spent together. She was easy to get along with, nice, pretty...Kouji was definitely attracted to her and maybe...that attraction would turn into something more.
The twenty-year-old smiled to himself and then looked around the room once more. This time, he noticed that Chichiri was gone, "Hn...he must've gotten up first."
Kouji glanced toward the hallway at that point. He wondered if Yui woke up yet. And so, he decided to go check, making his way in the direction of the guest room. He knew exactly which one it was since the parents motioned to it when showing Yui and Xi Fang the night before. And because he had the knowledge of it's location meant, thankfully, that there would be no accidental run-ins with the twins. The blue-haired bandit stopped in front of the door, knocking a few times lightly.
Then, he spoke in a low tone so as not to disturb Yui, were she not awake, "Excuse me. Hai, who is it? It's just a bored bandit coming by to see if the beautiful miko is awake yet. Oh, why's that? Well, he thought maybe she'd like to do something since they got the whole day ahead of them. Ah, I see. Come on in then. Arigatou..."
On his last word, the entrance was pushed forward and his gaze came to rest on the feather-covered floor first. He blinked in confusion, but then his eyes lifted to the sleeping forms on the bed. The two girls lay opposite of each other with Tama-neko nestled between them. How the cat got in there was beyond Kouji, but he didn't much care at the moment. Yui looked so beautiful when she slept...the way those flaxen strands created a halo around her head on the pillow case. The way her rich lashes caught the light and held a shimmer all their own. The way her lips parted slightly as she drew in long breaths. Every delicate feature held sheer pulchritude in it's resting position. Kouji wasn't sure if it was actually possible for someone to acquire more beauty over night, but it certainly seemed as though Yui had. And that amazed him, since she was already so pretty the night before.
I really want to get to know this girl. Maybe we could go out again tonight or just something to see that beautiful smile again. Aw, man. I sound like such a sap. I yell at Genrou for acting like a baka? I feel like the baka here. Getting all worked up over a girl I just met yesterday. Demo, it felt like we really connected. The way she smiled at me with those beautiful blue eyes. Gah! There I go again. Well, I oughta get out of here before she thinks I'm some sort of hentai... Kouji stole one final glimpse of the slumbering priestess, before he closed the door, sealing away the breathtaking scene.
Hopefully this time...things'll be different. Hopefully there isn't anyone to stand in my way of making a move on her...
At that moment, the twins' room opened and Suboshi stumbled out, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. He glanced up afterward, letting his gaze rest on Kouji. For a moment, they shared a glare, but the Seiryuu seishi broke it, shoving his way past the bandit. The older male's shoulder was pushed aside, and he snorted, grumbling the words to himself.
"Hmph! Bastard..."
***
Soi stared over the railing of Kutou palace into the saturated landscape ahead of her. The storm left it's mark, but had died down by morning. Now all that was left were bloated grey clouds that carried rain along with them. The air wasn't all that pleasant either, just muggy and thick. Breezes did little to cool down the atmosphere. Still, the seishi leaned forward a bit more, allowing her thoughts to prevent the weather from getting to her. But, the distinct clicking sound that was approaching her pushed whatever she was thinking about temporarily away.
Ashitare moved up with his breakfast in mouth, a simple ivory bone. His eyes lifted toward her lazily, but then he dropped down to his stomach, using a paw to pin the edge to the floor as he began to gnaw on the opposite end. Sharp canines easily made a dent and he worked from there. Soi paused a moment, before she headed over, dropping to a kneel. The wolf hovered over his meal a bit protectively just to ensure that she wouldn't steal it from him...after all, why else would someone come near him?
"Don't worry, I won't take it from you...though, I'm almost surprised that you aren't near Nakago..."
He snuffed somewhat in response.
"I wonder why you would even still be protective of him after what he did to you. I tried to have it stopped, demo...I didn't try hard enough, I guess. Gomen, Ashitare..." She fell silent, raising her attention toward the opposite wall. "I think we're pretty much in the same position. I don't really know what's been keeping me by Nakago's side the whole time.
Ashitare dropped the bone to his paws, giving her his full attention. No one had ever been kind to him before, not even just a little bit. He was always abused in the past for being a monstrosity and lived nearly his entire life on display for people to laugh at, stare, or poke. He had always been something in between wolf and human, basically a freak to society. But then, Nakago saved him. Not out of the goodness of his heart or anything like that. Only because he was one of the Seiryuu shichiseishi. Yet now, Soi was there, sympathizing with him and talking on a level as though he were her equal. It was certainly something that he never expected.
She offered him a small smile, "Perhaps it's just that we're cursed to love him, ne? You on a different level than me. Your love for him is as a master. Mine is as a man. I always believed there was some goodness in him. Demo, now...I'm no longer sure."
Soi blinked in surprise once she felt the cold nose nuzzle against her palm. Ashitare nudged it up onto his head, and she followed his guidance, bringing a hand over the neglected fur coat. It felt so nice for him to be pet in such a manner, to have some sort of physical contact that wasn't painful. She continued to run her fingers through the soft back and then ended by giving him a light pat to the head.
"I wonder how long it'll take for us to get our abilities back...I know it was your power to turn into a wolf, demo...you must be stuck in this form because it was how you truly died..." Soi offered him a sad smile. "Just like how Miboshi has taken that Suzakuu seishi's body. I just wonder how long it'll be before things can be the way they should..."
"It shouldn't take long..." Another voice added to the conversation.
Both the seishi snapped their attention toward the shogun who stood there. Being the only one who could respond, Soi stated in surprise, "N-Nakago...!"
"Soi, are you still able to use your Bou Chuu Jutsu?"
The woman rose to her feet slowly, nodding, "Hai, I believe so. It may not be as strong as it was, demo I can still use it."
Nakago nodded in response, "Un. Then, would you join me in my room for some business?"
Soi spared a glance toward Ashitare, but then looked back at the man, "Hai, Nakago."
The two left at that point and the wolf watched them go. He lowered his head, returning to the bone. For the first time ever, Ashitare felt like he belonged there...like there was one single person in the world that cared about him.
This had to have been the worst practice Tomo had ever done in his life. His hops became leaps and his pivots, steps. Normally, when he took to the stage, he was like no other performer, pouring his whole heart into the play. But, today his mind was elsewhere and were it not for his pride, he would have backed out to restart. However, Tomo firmly believed in running a performance straight through no matter what, and even if this was only a dress rehearsal, that rule still applied. It was just about to his solo and Tomo spun on his heel, sliding to the center stage. His eyes lifted toward the hallway, a feather drifting in the way and he swiftly batted it out of his vision. The lifting of frays revealed like a curtain...Soi and Nakago, who paused once to exchange a few words and then headed down the left side.
That's the direction of Nakago's room! He should have known, after all, he was in there several times trying to make a subtle move on the general.
As the flourish of instruments rose up and the gong rang out, what was supposed to be the start of his beautiful song was only met with a half-choked cry of anger. The other actors regarded him strangely and it took Tomo a few moments to realize it, but once he did, he offered a wan smile. Painted digits moved upward to clutch the center of his chest, and Tomo raised his head toward the ceiling, possessing an heir of melodrama that was so typical for him.
"There comes a time...when even the best of actors...mess up a performance. I must take care of something important. The thing that's been distracting me all morning. We can continue this later."
With his words, he left the rest of the troupe shocked. Never in his life had Tomo quit, and for the very first time, they witnessed it happen before them. All looked on in muffled astonishment as the Seiryuu seishi hopped off the edge of the stage and took off to follow Soi and Nakago. Tomo strode briskly, knowing that every second lost was precious. Soi couldn't win this, she couldn't! After all the low things she said to him the other day, he wouldn't let Nakago find happiness with a former brothel girl.
He rounded the corner and then nearly collided with a soldier. The man wore a concerned expression as he leaned in, "Tomo-san, are you okay?"
Tomo blinked, but then realized it was the one he had in his room the day prior. After smirking somewhat, he answered quickly, "Un. I'm fine." At that point, the illusionist attempted to make his way past.
"Well, I-I've never seen you mess up. And I watch you a lot. I'm actually one of your biggest fans, Tomo-san. I admire you so much! I want to be just like you...!"
Normally, he would have drank in the praise that was given to him, however, Tomo had more important things to attend to, "That's nice. Now go. I have something to do." He sidestepped him.
"Hai, hai! I'll uh...see you later tonight, then. Same time, same place! Demo...if you need to talk--"
The Chinese Opera member couldn't make out the rest as he was quite some distance away. The seishi slid against the wall, pausing at Nakago's door. His ear pressed against it and he listened in a similar fashion as Soi had done to him just the day before. They were talking about some plan and how Nakago thought Soi would be good to send. He mentioned her technique a couple of times, and Tomo raised his brows, struggling as best as he could to steal a peek through the crack in the door. Just like he feared, Soi and Nakago were in bed together, talking casually with their nude bodies pressed against one another. For a moment, he found himself wanting to melt at the sight of Nakago's rock-hard abdomen and broad shoulders, though the rage overtook him again and he narrowed his eyes.
Ugh, the nerve of her! She knew I had a performance and she probably made it a point to jump into bed with him! First she ruined my rehearsal and now this! I am not going to stand for it! I'm going to head in there right now and...!
"Tomo...?"
The illusionist froze with his hand on the knob, glancing over his shoulder toward Miboshi. The 'child' was hovering behind him, arching a brow at the actions. Tomo simply brought a finger against his own made-up lips to signal the other to silence.
Regardless, Miboshi spoke up again, "What are you doing?"
"What do you think I'm doing!" Came the hissed response.
"I think you're doing something stupid, but then again it doesn't surprise me when it comes to you, Tomo."
"Hmph! You wouldn't understand what a man's got to do for love..."
Miboshi froze for a moment, recalling the flashbacks from before and the shattered coral on the floor. His eyes narrowed and then a blast of crackling energy emitted from the prayer wheel, knocking the other back. Tomo winced as he connected with the wall, the crown and headdress toppling to the ground. He glared at the one responsible, but the elder stared back with an unreadable expression.
"Your gay love will never be returned, so why don't you just give it up?"
"An actor should never give up until the curtain drops and the show is completely over..." Tomo managed to cackle despite the pain he felt. "Nakago should be with someone high-class and respectable. Not some used-to-be prostitute who just happens to be able to strengthen ki through sex."
"Like you wouldn't use her ability to your advantage if you had it."
"That isn't the point."
"Sadly, I think it is. It's pathetic to go around chasing dreams that can never be. Nakago will never love either of you."
Tomo shook his head, gathering the pieces of the costume that dropped, "You're always so cynical, Miboshi. You should lighten up." He paused a moment to dust some dirt from the lengthy pinions and then grinned devilishly. "Maybe if you got an older body, I'd be able to help you with that. I bet you made one sexy guy, ne? Before you abandoned your body, that is..."
Miboshi visibly cringed, "How do you know I wasn't a girl originally, Tomo...?"
Lips parted and then his nose crinkled in disgust as he plopped the crown atop his head once more, "I certainly hope not."
"Heh...well, I guess I'll just leave that up to the imagination," Miboshi chuckled and then drifted off.
Tomo furrowed his brows, but then headed back to that door to listen in a bit more. In the meantime, the other seishi came across Ashitare, who had nearly finished his breakfast. After a few moment's thought, Miboshi realized that this beast may be a helpful asset to his plans. He couldn't have been that loyal to Nakago after having been killed by him...
"Nee, Ashitare...?"
The wolf glanced up slowly.
"I have a proposition for you..." A smirk curved on Miboshi's lips.
***
Eventually, Xi Fang and Yui got up and after they cleaned the mess of feathers, they made sure to let everyone know their plans for breakfast. So, off into the kitchen they went to start just that. Kouji, Tasuki, Suboshi, and Amiboshi decided to sit at the table and wait, after all, they planned on discussing the next coarse of action over the meal. Suboshi was still in pain and feeling a great deal weak from the energy that burst into his body. But, he refused to be bedridden; he really wanted to make up the time he missed with Yui. Though, at the moment, he wasn't all that pleased. He was seated directly across from Tasuki, a Suzakuu no seishi and the one who told his brother about what he did. Suboshi could only offer glares in the bandit's direction, which were met by a couple of the redhead's own.
Kouji rolled his eyes at the display, leaning forward, "I hope the girls get done before too long. This keeps up, I bet Genrou's gonna get a bit too free with his tessen."
"Only if he's a baka..." Suboshi smirked.
"Well, he is one," The second-in-command responded with a shake of his head.
Tasuki scowled, "I ain't so happy 'bout havin' to work with you guys either!"
"Then go back to that filthy fort in Reikaku that you call a home," Suboshi snapped back.
Genrou bared his fangs and then whipped out the halisen, "REKKA--"
"Tasuki-san! Onegai...don't burn down the house," Amiboshi sweatdropped, but then looked toward his brother with a heavy sigh. "And Shunkaku, don't provoke him. Tasuki-san has a bad temper..."
"Accompanied by him being an idiot therefore leads to bad results the majority of the time..." Kouji added with a snicker.
The leader brought the diamond fan down atop his 'best friend's' head once, before it was placed away.
Kouji winced, reaching upward to rub the mark, "Itte..."
Amiboshi frowned, but then turned to his brother, "Are you really feeling all right?"
"For the last time...yes, aniki. I'm not weak like I used to be."
"I just want to make sure, Suboshi. And just to be safe, I don't want to leave until you're completely better."
"Aniki, I'll be fine."
"Maybe so...demo...I'm sure Yui-sama will feel the same way..." Amiboshi grinned playfully. "She might want to take the time to climb into bed with you again, ne?"
Suboshi's cheeks reddened at the teasing, "Aniki...!"
"N-nani?" Kouji's attention was set fully on the conversation.
The elder twin chuckled somewhat, "Last night, Yui-san wound up in a compromising position with Shunkaku. It was all innocent, though. Demo, it embarrassed them both to no end."
Furrowing his brows, the bandit simply nodded, Hn...if Yui-san was embarrassed by the hentai over there, maybe I should take her out again later to get her mind off of it...
"Ooi, Kouji!" Tasuki suddenly dragged his friend out of thought and pulled a few cards from his pocket. "Look what I got."
He glanced to his side, seeing the illusionary talisman. Though, Kouji wasn't exactly impressed as the other apparently thought he would be, "So...?"
"So?! These things are great! I can use them against that Nakago bastard and call forth all sorts of kick ass illusionary creatures!"
"Genrou, you really need a girl in your life. That way you can stop being so pathetic..."
"Ie! I hate girls!" Genrou snapped at him like he had said the worst thing in the world. "They're all whiny and needy..."
"Or so they act like it..." Suboshi added his side comment, remembering his cousins who used to bully him around when he was little.
"And they only make you do baka things for them!" Tasuki continued on.
"Without ever really repaying it," The younger twin shook his head.
"Un, they're fine when they're alone..."
"...demo, when they're in groups, you see a whole different side."
"They gang up on you 'cause you're the youngest!"
"And weakest!"
"And then they make you do everything for them."
"Even when you got your own chores to do. And they come up with stupid things like Shochikubai, even if they don't have any talent."
"They're loud and annoyin'."
"Feh...as if that wasn't enough, they knock your pail out of your hands or dump water on your head."
"Or throw logs at you."
"So, that's why..."
"My reason that..."
"I hate girls!" Suboshi and Tasuki stated simultaneously. First, they glanced toward each other in surprise, but the stunned look turned into a quick glare. Then, the two seishi snapped their heads away from each other.
Kouji and Amiboshi both sweatdropped, but then looked up as the door to the kitchen opened. Yui and Xi Fang emerged, though not with breakfast. The miko carried a pitcher of freshly squeezed juice and the other had cups. Suboshi's gaze lifted toward the flaxen-haired girl and he opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted before the words could escape.
"Ohayou, Yui-san," Kouji began with a grin. "Did you sleep well?"
"Hai, I slept very well, Kouji..." She smiled, finishing up with pouring the drinks. "How about you?"
"Probably would've been better if Genrou wasn't snorin' so loud."
"I don't snore!"
"Un...keep pretendin' ya don't," He rolled his eyes.
Yui brought one hand up to her lips to muffle a laugh, and Suboshi continued to watch as she did. He admired the way her eyes seemed to sparkle and her nose crinkle up with the giggle. He stared on in awe before his features saddened, I've never made Yui-sama laugh for me. She's never looked so happy or glowing after anything I've said...
Xi Fang placed her hands on her hips, "Well, the real reason we're out here is because we ran out of milk, therefore we were wondering if any of you good-looking boys could go out and get it with one of us?"
No one responded; they just looked at her strangely.
And at that, the girl huffed, "Oh, come on! You know if it were Yui-chan doing the invite, you would have jumped at the chance!"
"I can go with you," Amiboshi offered her a smile.
"H-honto ni...?" A blush colored in her pale cheeks.
"Hai! It's probably best I do some shopping for Kaasan and Tousan anyway. Otouto, you'll be fine here, won't you?"
"Un! I'll be fine. I'm nearly feeling better already."
Amiboshi sighed, "That's not what I meant." He just didn't want to come back and find that there had been some sort of violent dispute...and Suboshi was the cause for it.
"Aniki, don't worry..." Shunkaku smiled in a reassuring manner that really didn't ease Koutoku's discomfort.
However, he nodded once and then headed off with Xi Fang. Yui circled the table, sinking into the empty spot Amiboshi had left. Topaz-hued eyes met with Suboshi's own and a faint smile crossed her lips. The twin sadly took note that it wasn't as bright or cheerful as the one she gave Kouji, but he returned it nonetheless.
I love her. More than anyone in the world. Well, maybe I love my aniki nearly on the same level, demo only because he's the only family member I have. I love Yui-sama on a romantic side, she's the only one I want to be with. She's just...so beautiful...everything about her. To have feelings this strong, like Yui-sama said I must be real. Not just some pointless, lifeless, fictional character. I am real because my love for her makes me real. Demo...I still do have to tell aniki about what we are in Yui-sama's world. How am I supposed to do that...?
"So, Tasuki...?" Yui started, more to get his attention than anything.
"Un?" He quirked a brow. Why would she be talking to him when she could have been talking to Kouji who so obviously liked her? This was why he didn't get girls. They did strange things.
"I don't know much about you...and since you're one of Miaka's seishi, why don't you tell me about yourself?"
"Anou...well...I...why don't ya ask Kouji? He knows all the stuff that anyone needs to know about me."
"Because she'd probably rather not hear how much of a baka you are..." Kouji rolled his eyes, but then glanced toward Yui which caused her to blush slightly.
Suboshi looked between them suspiciously, Why does that guy keep looking at Yui-sama like that? Do I need to tear his eyes out to stop him from ogling her like some sort of dirty hentai? A hand lowered to brush over the cord around his waist and he sighed. I'd do anything to use my Ryuuseisui again...
"Well, I'd just like to know a little bit more about everyone since we're going to be traveling together," Yui admitted, taking a cup off the table top and bringing it up to her lips.
"Un...so do enlighten us, Robin Hood. Tell her all about how you met your Merry Men," The twenty-year-old offered his leader a smirk.
Tasuki shrugged, "I got a family with five older sisters, a Mom with gigantic breasts, and a boring dad. Couldn't take it anymore, so I left an' then got attacked by Mount Kaou bandits. The Reikaku leader, Hakurou, took me in, gave me the name Genrou and that's pretty much it."
"So, how did you meet up with Miaka?" The girl canted her head with interest.
"Heh, the other guys caught her. When I came back, I found her with Eiken. Tryin' to use it as revenge, I kidnapped her. Kouji came by, we explained how I was s'posed to be boss an' then she decided to just help us out..."
"Only to be more of a pain than a help," Kouji added.
"So, in the end, I got my rightful spot. Lied about bein' Tasuki so I could stay leader like Hakurou wanted. However, Kouji convinced me to go off with them..." With a fanged grin, he proceeded to punch his friend's arm playfully.
"Un. Good thing I did, too. Baka woulda just neglected his duties as a Suzakuu seishi."
"All the Suzakuu seishi are idiots," Suboshi grumbled bitterly, thus adding his opinion to the conversation.
"Ooi! We ain't! Just Tama..." Tasuki snickered.
Well, Suboshi did have to agree with him on the Tamahome part, but he wasn't about to voice his opinion out loud. To ever agree with a Suzakuu seishi seemed almost morally wrong to him.
"I guess that's all I need to know. Though, I really am glad you're helping us, Tasuki. I know what went on in the past, and how I was once your enemy. Demo, at least this time around, things can be different, ne?" Yui closed her eyes happily. "Maybe we could even be friends."
Genrou blinked at her words, and then averted his gaze, "U-un."
She grinned and dismissed herself at that point, stepping out of the room. Kouji, however, turned toward Tasuki with a surprised expression, " 'Un'...? That was it? No side comment about how you 'hate girls' or how you wouldn't think of becoming friends with someone who hurt Miaka-san?"
"Anou...well, she seems different. She ain't so bad, I guess."
"That's right..." Suboshi interrupted, narrowing his eyes in a threatening manner. "And neither of you better hurt Yui-sama unless you'd want me to separate each limb from your body."
"Tch, you'd meet my tessen before you could even do nothin' since I got my powers an' you don't," Genrou taunted.
The two continued to bicker a bit and during their argument, Kouji just shook his head with a sigh, Looks like I'm gonna have a lot more competition than I thought in gaining Yui's affection. Things oughta be interestin' from here on out...
Yui decided to go outside while she waited for Amiboshi and Xi Fang's return. Though, secretly she was a bit happy that those two got to go out together. For one thing, it meant she got to tease Xi Fang a bit when she returned. And since nothing really happened to her with either Suboshi or Kouji, she was in the clear. It really didn't feel like she was in a world where all sorts of danger awaited her. Rather, just in a peaceful setting where a group of nice people surrounded her. Even Tasuki was nice, and he was really the only one she had left to be afraid of. Yes, things were finally going well...and if everyone could cooperate with each other, she was certain they could pull through this whole thing with Nakago.
It was pretty fair weather in the morning there in Makan Village. Not too cold or hot; just pleasantly warm with a gentle breeze. The sun hung low in the deep blue sky, blanketed by fluffy clouds. A few birds chattered along as they flew into the canopy of a tall tree to the side. The rushing river water carried sparkles of light along it's ripples as it roamed over the rocks and flowed into the lake. Upon the bank, overlooking this scenery was a lone fisherman. But, it wasn't hard to tell just who it was by the bright blue ponytail or high bangs in front. Yui smiled to herself. Having a conversation with the monk might be fun.
She wandered up aimlessly, clasping her hands behind her back, "Ohayou, Chichiri!"
He glanced up, smiling even brighter, "Yui-chan. Ohayou, no da!"
"What're you doing?" She plopped down beside him at that point.
"Fishing, no da. Do you want a pole, no da?"
"Anou...sure, I guess."
Chichiri set his down for a moment, reaching over into his hat. From out of it, he removed a fishing pole which was really only a stick tied with thin string and a hook attached to the end. He dug around a bit more in the opening until he got a grub, and that was then slipped onto the sharp edge for bait. Afterward, he dusted off his hands, returning to his own rod and just waiting around in patient silence for the first catch.
Yui looked down at her pole uncertainly, "A-arigatou. Demo, how do I, do this?"
"You've never been fishing before, no da?"
She shook her head.
"Do they...have fishing in your world, no da?"
"Hai! Though, it's a lot easier there than here. You at least have a reel on the rods..."
"Hn...well, it's simple, no da! You just take the line and toss it out as far as you can, no da. Like this," And he demonstrated by withdrawing his, then flicking it off toward the water again.
Yui's attempt to mimic his actions weren't quite as well-done and left her a bit wet from the splash close-by.
Chichiri laughed, removing the blue garment that was wrapped around his white shirt, "You can use that to dry off, no da. I'm sure you'll get the hang of it eventually, no da."
"Either that, or I just won't fish at all ever again..."
"Hai, that could be a possible solution too, no da!"
She smiled somewhat, wiping a few droplets away from her visage. Her gaze followed the line, and drifted toward the lake again, "Nee, Chichiri...?"
"Hai?"
"Do you think we're going to make it through this okay?"
"Well, I can't be sure, no da. Demo, I certainly hope so. Whatever Nakago's plans are, they can't be good, no da. I'll do whatever is in my power to stop it from happening and to protect you. After all, you're Miaka-chan's best friend, no da!"
Yui closed her eyes happily, but reopened them to look up at the sky, "I just hope this goes over well. I really do want to go back to my world...and to make things right again here."
"I have faith in you, Yui-chan. It takes someone with real courage to have gone through all the things you have and not go crazy, no da."
"Crazy, huh? I felt crazy a lot of the time...fighting a best friend like I did."
"Sometimes we're just forced to fight with best friends, no da...it's really hard to avoid when it comes to friendship and love..." Chichiri reached up, slowly removing the perpetual smile from his face. "That's what this scar taught me."
Yui's eyes widened at the sight of the marred area against the otherwise unblemished flesh of his countenance. She studied it for a moment, before that gaze lowered. One hand moved forward to draw up the long sleeve covering her forearm. As she did so, she revealed the faint scar that lined her wrist, "Sometimes best friends leave the worst scars, ne? How did you get yours...?"
"It happened a while ago, and it's not something I'm proud of, but I had a fiancee. A beautiful girl named Kouran and we were very much in love, so I thought. My best friend Hikou stole my fiancee from me. I was so angry that I didn't think about what I was doing. Much like you were, Yui-chan, I was so blinded by jealousy and betrayal that I went to attack Hikou. That day, a horrible flood took the life of both Kouran and Hikou. Demo, it was my fault for what happened to Hikou. If I would have just held onto his hand when he was dangling over the edge, if I wouldn't have let go, then he would be alive right now. No matter what, this scar is my reminder...that I killed my best friend."
"No...!"
He glanced toward her with slight surprise.
Yui just shook her head, "It wasn't your fault. I'm sure there's nothing else you could have done."
Chichiri forced her a sad smile, "I'd like to be able to tell myself that. Demo, the only justice I can find in the situation is that they're up in heaven now...together. And that they're both very happy. Maybe someday I'll be able to rejoin them. Maybe I'll redeem myself enough..."
Her features saddened, "Chichiri..."
"Demo...there's no use in dwelling on the past, no da. After all, we need to focus on what's happening in the present, no da..." The monk placed back on his mask, thus hiding his mood once again.
"Un...I suppose..."
He reached over, lifting his kasa and plopping it down atop her head with his trademark smile, "It might get hot out here, no da."
Yui blinked, glancing up at him. Well, it was good that he got his friendly persona back, and she decided to play along, offering a smile, "Oh, you're putting it on my head after pulling grub out of it? How nice..."
Chichiri laughed, but then motioned toward her line, "I think you caught something, no da!"
Her gaze followed where he pointed, "Well, you're going to help me get it in, ne? I could hardly do it by myself..."
"Hai, hai, no da!" He smiled and then moved in closer to help drawing that line up.
Yui watched him quietly, I won't say another word about his friend, not right now. But, it's still nice to have someone who's gone through a situation similar to mine. I really could get along with Chichiri...so long as we're traveling together. Hikou, Miaka...Tamahome, Kouran...our lives parallel each others in so many ways. Chichiri and I will wear everlasting scars from the past...no matter what may happen to amend it...
**Next Chapter Previews:
Touka and Chama Lee get a bit more involved in their planned revenge against Nakago. Little does Chama Lee know, Touka is secretly scheming to help out. In the meantime, their 'target' decides to send two of the Seiryuu seishi out against Yui-sama and the others as a part of his plan, but will those two be intercepted before they even set out? Next time in 'The Ties that Bind.' Sometimes plans can work out better than desired.