'The Other Side of Eden' Part Five: Kaidou's Heart
Genre: Fantasy, romance, adventure, semi-crossover, AU (Alternate Universe)
Pairings: In this chapter...none really. . Brief hints at a few, but nothing "really."
Warnings: Lots of OOC (out of character)-ness and cheezy-ness because I suck so bad... ...And nekkid Kaidou.
Notes: I hate this chapter. I really do. Any writing skills I may have ever had took a vacation and left me fending for myself, so this came out as some dumb, cheezy, retarded, OOC piece of garbage. .Just try to pretend it doesn't suck so bad and I'll have the next part up hopefully soon.
And stuff in /these thingies/ means non-humanoid speak (i.e. chibis, etc.).
It was good to be out of the desert, and good that eight people (and one chibi) made it relatively safely through an unknown cave. He was happy that everyone was, for the most part, unhurt. In fact, he was happy to be along on this journey. People had always treated him like he was unnatural with his ability to talk to animals and monsters, but his gift was useful now. He was pleased.
But Kaidou Kaoru had already grown up to be a loner. He was respectful to people, as his mother had taught him to be, but he wasn't very comfortable around them. And as much as he would deny it, one could say the beastmaster was shy.
He did want to go into the river. He did want to cool off and clean up. But he didn't want to do it in front of the others, even if they were teammates. So he walked a ways up the riverbank until he found a nice private spot. Surrounded by trees and bushes, it was comfortably secluded.
That's where he stripped down, and waded in.
It was big. It was red. It was beautiful and shining.
And it was all his.
Sengoku must have smiled upon Momo that day, because just when he was about to complain how boring following Kaidou around was, he spotted the tasty treasure. Figuring the beastmaster wouldn't notice if he were gone for a minute, the chibi rushed over to claim his prize.
/Hee hee... Lucky/ Momo chimed to himself as he grabbed hold of the apple. But when he tried to pick it up, the fruit wouldn't budge. And so he tugged harder, but it continued to resist.
It was then that Momo noticed there was a second hand gripping the apple, and he followed up an arm trail until his gaze met with that of a pair of earth-colored eyes.
He blinked in surprise. It had been a long time since he'd seen another chibi. He was excited to see another of his kind.
And yet...
/Let go./
/No./
Momo gave the apple a tug. /I told you to let go./
/No./
/Now listen, I was here first so just let it go!./
/You let it go!./
He growled. Chibi or not, if this brat didn't release his apple, there was going to be hell to pay. A tug-o-war ensued and Momoshiro pulled with all his strength.
This ended up working against him when the other chibi suddenly let go of the fruit, sending both it and Momo sprawling.
/Why you!./
The other laughed very un-apologetically as he ran by, gabbed up the apple, and took off.
/Hey!./ Momo was quick to jump back to his feet and give chase. /Get back here!./
It seemed the stress was carried away with the current as Kaidou slipped through the cool waters. He swam a few laps up and down along the banks, then rested for some time on a large rock that jutted out into the river.
Once adequately rested, he set about to the task of cleaning himself. He could scarcely remember the last time he had a wash that was more than a splashing of precious water on himself on this trip. It was scarce in the desert for an opportunity like this.
He retrieved a spare shirt from his satchel and used it as a washing cloth. But his bath was cut short by a strange rustling in the nearby brush.
"Who's there?" His voice was a low growl. "Momoshiro?"
The only response was more movement in the forest.
"Momo, if that's you-"
His threat caught in his throat when a very not Momo figure appeared. He was tall; very tall. Taller than Kaidou was. Probably even taller than Tezuka. And he had short, spiky black hair, and thick glasses that hid his eyes.
Kaidou was dumbfounded, and it took him a minute to remember that he was sitting there nude. A fierce blush colored his cheeks as he quickly moved to cover himself with the cloth. "Excuse me. I...didn't know anyone else was here."
The man tilted his head to the side, looking at the beastmaster as though he were studying every inch of him. Then he broke into a grin, and chuckled. He approached, and took the makeshift washcloth from Kaidou, who was too shocked to resist. It slipped easily from his fingers.
And then the man entered the water, not even minding his own clothes getting wet as he moved behind Kaidou and began gently washing off his back. "If you move in a vertical pattern, you'll cover more area, and do a more thorough job," he spoke at last, in a deep, velvety voice.
Kaidou sat motionless, until it finally hit him what was going on, then he jumped up, backing away from the stranger. "Who- who are you?"
"I wasn't going to hurt you."
"It- it's not that. I just..." He could feel the heat of a full-bodied blush spread through him. Quickly he grabbed up his clothes and bowed. "Excuse me!"
He didn't mean to, but he ran from the eyes that followed him.
The image of a tall man stuck in his thoughts no matter how long he ran. He ran as far and as fast as his lungs would let him, but he couldn't escape that mysterious face or those hands on his back.
Who was that stranger? Where did he come from? Was he alone? There were many questions, and Kaidou wished he hadn't let his reclusiveness get the best of him. And he thought about going back, looking for the man and getting answers. But every time he turned to return to the riverside, his feet would turn again of their own will and continue to further the distance.
Eventually, after walking aimlessly in thought for an unknown period of time, he found himself back at where the team had set up camp for the night. He wondered if he should tell his companions about the encounter, but when Fuji offered him some food all he could manage to say was "no, thank you," and then head for his tent.
Not that sleep came to him. For hours he lay in bed, eyes wide open, thinking about the mysterious stranger.
He didn't even get a name.
He didn't get a wink of sleep that night, and in the very early hours of the morning he decided to stop trying. Annoyed, he exited the tent. Tezuka was already up, practicing with his blade, and Kaidou told him he was going out to look for Momoshiro.
He knew the chibi could look after himself and would come back when he felt like it, but it worked well as an excuse to take off so early on one's own. And as he walked, his feet seemed to lead him back to that spot of the river. And to his surprise, the man was there.
The man tilted his head in that curious way, and smiled at Kaidou's approach. "I knew you'd come back."
"... How did you know?" The beastmaster was shocked that he'd been able to find his voice.
The reply came with a chuckle. "A simple prediction." He continued to smile and watch as a small blush crept up the other's cheeks, but didn't say anything more. As a lion stalks its prey, carefully, so as not to frighten it off, he waited for the other man to make the next move.
Which, after a minute of silence, eventually came.
"I... My name is Kaidou Kaoru. My companions and I have been traveling for months, looking for a new home, and have set up camp nearby." There. He'd survived introductions.
The stranger's smile deepened. "Inui Sadaharu."
Arms stretched in a yawn, then large violet eyes blinked open. He looked around his strange surroundings until the memory of the previous day came back to him. And then he looked down at his newfound companion who lay beside him.
They were in a nest, wrapped around each other for warmth and comfort, and there was an apple core nearby.
After a moment of listening for any calls, Momoshiro shrugged and lay back down to sleep.
It was the setting of the sun that made Kaidou realize he should get back to his group. But he had just gotten to know this Inui, and was quickly learning that he truly enjoyed his company.
He knew things. All kinds of things, and was able to talk intelligently on any subject. And he had these subtle looks and motions and stances that were almost flirtatious (if Kaidou believed someone would actually flirt with him - which he didn't). And most of all, he enjoyed Kaidou's company as well. He seemed to understand what he was thinking without it having to be put into words.
So it was very easy for the beastmaster to lose track of time, and with shock he realized he'd spent the entire day with the mysterious man.
"I have to go back to my team."
Inui nodded. "I know."
With eyelashes low, Kaidou looked off to the side and stuttered, "I... I want..."
"I know." With a smile, Inui approached his new friend and cupped his face in his hands. "I want to see you again too." And then..he stepped away. "When you come by tomorrow, I'll be here."
"How do you-" Kaidou closed his eyes and shook his head. It was like asking how Fuji knew the things he knew, one probably didn't want to know the answer.
The beastmaster returned to camp and found himself facing a very displeased Tezuka. He kept his head lowered as he received his reprimanding.
"We were supposed to head out hours ago, but because of you we're here for another night."
"I'm sorry."
The apology went ignored, unforgiven. "And you didn't tell anybody where you were. Something could have happened and we would've never known."
Kaidou opened his mouth as if to speak, but then closed it again. Tezuka was one person he knew not to argue with.
"We leave in the morning. Be ready."
"Yes." He kept his head lowered until the swordsman walked away, and then retreated to his tent.
Inui's prediction was wrong. They wouldn't get to see each other again.
A look one way, then the other. Steely eyes searched the area, making sure the coast was absolutely clear before exiting the tent as silently as possible. For a moment he stood stock-still, listening for any signs of life. It was so early, the sun hadn't even come up yet, and it seemed most everyone was still asleep. The only trace of consciousness was rustling in Kamio and Shinji's tent.
With a slight sigh of relief, Kaidou headed toward that riverside place.
But it wasn't long before he was stopped. And when the familiar voice questioned him, he mentally kicked himself for not seeing it, which was so bound to happen, coming.
"Where are you off to so early in the morning, Kaidou?" Fuji's voice was eerie in the darkness.
"I...ahem..." He bit his lip. "I need to get Momoshiro before we leave..." Well...it wasn't a total lie.
One could just feel the scholar's eyes open to narrow slits. "Kaidou." A warning tone was in his voice.
"I won't be long." Kaidou walked away without waiting for a response, which was jus as well; Fuji really didn't need to say anything else. Him just showing up like he did was warning enough to the beastmaster.
This time he consciously and deliberately made his way to that place. Their place. Though there was very little chance of Inui being there at this time, he had to go and say goodbye, even if it was only to the river itself.
But he was there.
Sitting on the large rock, watching the water run by. He turned at Kaidou's approach and smiled. "You're leaving."
"Yes." He didn't bother asking 'how'. "My team needs to continue on our journey."
"Ahh." Inui nodded, and then paused for a moment. "It was good getting to know you. I'm glad we met."
Kaidou nodded back slowly. "Likewise.."
Then the other stood and approached him, standing in front of him a second before reaching out and gently grasping his arm. Though his eyes were hidden behind those thick glasses, the beastmaster could feel them tracing each inch of his face, memorizing it. "Have a good journey, Kaidou."
Slowly, Kaidou took a few steps back. His mouth had gone dry and words failed him. He felt like something important was disappearing. And there was nothing he could do about it.
So he bowed. A sign of respect for his newfound friend whom he had to leave all too soon, and whom he would never forget, before he turned and walked away.
It was the loneliest walk he'd ever taken.
He was halfway back to the camp when Kaidou stopped and took a glance in the direction of where he left Inui. Then he tilted his head back and sounded a loud whistle.
Only a few minutes had passed before Momoshiro came running through the trees. /Yo, Viper. It's about time. We moving out/
"Yeah, come on." He turned and continued on, but was stopped not two steps later.
/Hey, Kaidou../
It was strange being called by his name instead of some semi-insulting nickname by the chibi. Not that they disliked each other; quite the opposite. It was just their way. So hearing Momoshiro speak his name, and in such a tone, struck something in Kaidou, and he slowly and wordlessly turned back to see what was the matter.
And he was extremely surprised to see his small partner grin sheepishly, then reach into the nearby brush and pull out another chibi. A young chibi with black hair and wearing a white hat. There were little stubs protruding from his back where wings would be when he was fully grown.
/This is Ryoma./ Momo said. /He's gonna come along with us, okay/
Kaidou just stared a moment, then turned around again with a hiss and continued toward camp.
The new chibi looked questioningly at the other, who just grinned and said /that means it's ok./ Then they proceeded to follow the human.
They walked mostly in silence for a while, and were almost back with their team, when Kaidou suddenly stopped. He couldn't move. He couldn't go forward without that piece that he'd walked away from. For so long he had wished for someone who could understand him. For someone who knew how he was feeling and how to make everything alright. Someone he could be comfortable around. For so long he had wished for his perfect companion.
He couldn't leave without Inui.
Abruptly, Kaidou turned and ran, praying to the Gods that his mysterious new friend would still be there. That he wasn't too late. He ran as fast as his legs would take him, with his lungs bursting and heart pounding.
And when he arrived, Inui was still there, and for the first time, he appeared shocked. "Kaidou?"
The beastmaster ran up to him, taking him by the arms and clinging to him.
"Come with me!"
"Kaidou, I.."
"I can't leave without you!" Still panting from the mad dash, Kaidou stepped forward, resting his head on Inui's chest. "Please.. I don't want to be alone anymore."
The other man brought a hand up, resting it on Kaidou's shoulder. "What about your companions?"
"They'll understand." He gripped the pair of arms he was holding even tighter. "Please..."
Inui was silent for a long moment, and Kaidou wished he could see the other's eyes through the thick glass of his spectacles. He couldn't read people so well like Inui could. Couldn't predict another's thoughts, and not knowing what the answer would be was tearing him up.
"Kaidou," he responded at last. "It seems you've exceeded my expectations of you. How do you know you wouldn't be endangering the safety of your companions by inviting in a stranger? How do you know I'm not dangerous?"
The beastmaster's thin eyebrows came together in confusion. "Well...are you..?"
Inui's own brows rose in surprise, and then he smiled. A smile that turned into a chuckle, and then a laugh.
Kaidou just stood perplexed.
When his laughter died away, Inui gave the other a grin and said "only when cooking."
And Kaidou smiled back, and the other man thought it was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen.
"I will go with you," Inui said. "But please keep in mind that there is much still that you don't know about me." And then his voice became lower, "forgive me if I lack faith in your commitment for a while."
He wasn't quite sure he understood, but the other nodded anyway, and then asked if there were belongings to be retrieved. But his heart was pounding, and he was finding it difficult to speak.
"I have no belongings, nor anyone to say goodbye to."
"No...nothing? Nobody?"
Inui shook his head. "It's not necessary for me."
They walked mostly in silence on the return to the camp. Kaidou's heart continued to beat rapidly, though he couldn't tell if it was from the presence of his companion and knowing they would be together from now on, or the apprehension of having to face his teammates and convince them to allow the newcomer.
Probably, it was both.
He did manage, however, to stutter out a "thank you...for...for staying with me." But he wished he could turn the heated blush in his cheeks off.
"Don't be so gracious...just yet." Inui pushed his glasses a little further up the bridge of his nose.
He was such a puzzling man.
When they arrived, the rest of the team was finishing up the last of their packing, and those who were done were checking out the new chibi. Momo was showing off his new friend proudly, though the other wasn't so fond of all the attention and poking.
They all stopped when they saw Ryoma wasn't the only newcomer.
Steeling his nerves, Kaidou took Inui by the arm and walked directly up to their leader. He was aware of every gaze on them, and did his best not to flinch from the glare he confronted.
"Tezuka, this is...this is Inui Sadaharu. He's...my friend, and I've invited him to come with us."
Tezuka gave the stranger a quick once-over, then a short "no" before turning walking away.
Kaidou choked at the quick dismissal, then clenched his teeth and his fists. "Tezuka!" He didn't even back down when the swordsman turned a fierce gaze to him. "If he doesn't go...then neither do I."
For as resolved as he was, he couldn't stop himself from taking a step back when Tezuka walked back up to him.
"You feel that strongly about this?"
"... I do."
"Well I can't-"
"Tezuka." It was Atobe's voice that interrupted the swordsman, and for a moment they just looked at one another. But one could tell there were volumes being communicated between them in the gaze they held. With eyes alone, they spoke to one another, and Tezuka was reminded that Atobe was also an unplanned addition to the group. They knew nothing about one another, but the Angel was allowed to join them, and allowed to become closer with them. "Give him a chance."
Tezuka didn't know if the Angel was referring to Inui...or Kaidou.
But he had grown to trust Atobe's intuition as much as he trusted his own. A great insight, those dark turquoise eyes could read deep into anyone they looked at. So it was with confidence that the team leader turned back to his comrade and gave a curt nod. "Very well, he can join us. But if any trouble comes of it, I'm taking it out on you."
"Y-yes! Thank you!" Kaidou bowed to the swordsman in gratitude. And the unfamiliar feeling of happiness filled him. "Thank you."
Eyes moving up, Tezuka turned his gaze to Inui. "Welcome, then, to the team."
The tall man straightened.
It was now or never.
And bowed to his new friends.
He needed to find out anyway.
/Thank you, for having me./
He didn't understand.
He didn't understand why everyone's eyes grew in shock. Why Tezuka drew his sword and Yuuta's bow appeared in his hand, arrow at the draw. He didn't get why Kamio took a step in front of Shinji and drew his dagger, or why Taichi's own hand hovered over his quill.
And all he could do is gape, with his jaw slack and confusion written in his eyes.
"Kaidou.." Fuji broke the silence. "We can't understand what he's saying."
"But... What?"
"He's not human, Kaidou."
The beastmaster reeled, eyes wide as he backed quickly away from the...the... What was he?
"You...you're..." His head shook, not wanting to believe.
/I'm sorry./
"Why..? Why didn't you tell me?"
/I didn't know I'd be going with you like this, and when you invited me...I simply didn't know how./
Hurt and...something akin to betrayal filled Kaidou's eyes and words. "Didn't know? You know everything!"
/I don't know everything./
"But..."
"The more important thing is..." Despite only understanding half the conversation, Tezuka stepped in. His sword was at the ready, should it become necessary. "What, exactly, are you?"
Inui was still a moment, and then those looking on realized the material of his shirt was changing. Transforming from woven threads into liquid. And then it flowed up his body, leaving his chest bare as the water formed great fay wings.
/I'm a water sprite/ he answered simply. /The river you've been drinking from is my mother. The fish you've been consuming are my brothers./
"Why..."
Quickly, Inui stepped forward, taking the beastmaster by the arms and ignoring the way everyone else tensed and gripped their weapons tighter. /Kaidou/ He had to make him understand. /You asked me to come with you and I agreed. I agreed to leave my home and everything I've ever known. Don't you get it/ He gripped the arms tighter when the smaller man started shaking his head. /It's because I want to be with you. I want to continue talking with you and learning from you./
A passion had enveloped the sprite. The beat of his heart had quickened, and he truly felt the words he said. He really did want to stay by Kaidou's side. For as long as he was permitted to.
So why couldn't he understand?
But then the chibis jumped up and landed on him, one upon each hand. And as Inui looked from Ryoma to Momo and back, he felt the heat dissipate.
/I'm sorry./ He released his grip on Kaidou's arms. /If you don't want me, I'll go./ And he did. Back to the woods, he began to walk.
"N..no..." Kaidou's voice was barely a whisper. He was so unsure of what to do. Everything told him it was for the best to let his new friend walk out of his life. That he'd betrayed his trust and led him to believe he was something that he wasn't.
But...
But despite not being human, Inui was everything Kaidou had ever wanted in a friend. And more. And before he realized it, he'd called out.
"Inui!" So much hope returned when the spiky-haired sprite stopped and turned back toward him. "Don't leave." He ran, closing the gap between them. And for a moment they just looked at one another, then nodded in some form of unspoken acknowledgement.
Then Kaidou turned back to his team, facing them bravely once again. "What I said before still stands." He swallowed hard. "Human or not, if he doesn't go, neither do I."
All eyes glanced discreetly at Tezuka, waiting for the answer. Whatever he decided, they would follow.
Several tense moments passed before the swordsman re-sheathed his weapon. "Fine," he said, then turned and began to walk away. "We've got enough weirdoes on this journey anyway."
A second later Atobe stormed after him, calling out "what's that supposed to mean?"
Taichi was the first to start laughing, but it quickly caught on.
"Tezuka's changing." He spoke out of the blue, but somehow Kaidou felt comfortable saying anything to Inui. Especially when they were alone together like this.
/Oh/
"Un... If all this had occurred at the beginning, he would never have let you stay with us. He would have killed you...and probably me too."
Inui chuckled, and Kaidou realized he wanted to hear that sound forever.
/Why do you suppose he did now? What brought about this change/
The beastmaster thought for a moment, considering everything they'd experienced as a team the past few months. How closed off their leader had started off, and now...
"The Angel. Atobe."
A nod and a knowing smile.
The sat in silence for a minute, watching Momo and Ryoma play a game that involved hitting small stones back and forth with leaves in the distance.
And then Inui said /people have that effect on each other. You think you have it all figured out, then all of a sudden someone comes crashing in and changes everything./
A soft, genuine smile crossed Kaidou's lips.
He knew what he meant.
to be continued...
notes:
Sengoku be the chibi God of luck. )
Now, you may have noticed the inconsistancy in using /these things/ for non-humanoid language. And by now you probably realize that it was on purpose, and why. I really could not think up a way of getting around it without giving everything away. But now that it's settled, it shouldn't happen again.
OMAKE!
#1
"I have no belongings, nor anyone to say goodbye to."
"No...nothing? Nobody?"
Inui shook his head. "The author doesn't feel like writing that part."
"I see." A nod. "It's an excuse. A cop-out."
"Aah."
"... Fushhh"
#2
"Inui!" So much hope returned when the spiky-haired sprite stopped and turned back toward him. And for a moment they just looked at one another, then nodded in some form of unspoken acknowledgement.
"Kaidou... The author...is really getting sick of being stuck on this chapter."
"We have to end it in a very cheesy and anticlimatic way, don't we?"
"Aah."
"... Fushhh"
#3
The quiet time the cast got to spend behind-the-scenes was interruped by loud yelling. Somebody was upset, in a very big way. From the moment it started, they knew they would get no rest until the next chapter.
"What the Hell was that!"
"Atobe, please."
"This story is supposed to be about ME!" the Diva ranted. "And I get a whole, what, TWO lines in this chapter! Unacceptable!"
"Atobe."
"Someone is going to pay for this!"
"Atobe."
"Have they forgotten who I am! Ore-sama is NOT pleased with-!" His rant cut off, but only because his co-star covered his lips with his own, holding him in a long, blissfully silent kiss. All of Atobe's irritation melted away with the sentiment, and when they finally pulled apart, he was adequitely subdued. "Tezuka.."
"Atobe...shut up."