Disclaimer: I do not own Samurai Champloo or any of the characters. The following story is my own creation.
Author note: Fuu breaks her cycle of silence in the temple and makes her way to work. Jin and Mugen have a not so friendly encounter sending them down a familiar path together.
Chapter 3: One Step Closer
Time felt as if it was standing still, more accurately, I was the one motionless. Nothing I seemed to do would shake me out of my stupor. Perhaps it was my way of numbing the pain I was feeling. I'd always known the monk would leave me, but coming so close, so quickly left my mind clouded with confusion. Even my body seemed to fight against every attempt of movement I even thought to make. I felt as if I were fighting against myself to keep in step with the rest of the living. I only felt at peace on my futon waiting for the day's sunlight to turn into the night's shadows and back again.
In spite of my sluggish behavior, the daily operation of the temple continued. Many parishioners carried on my duties, nodding towards me to acknowledging my drained and withered appearance when I did exit the monk's room or my own. Perhaps they even spoke ill of me. It didn't matter. Nothing anyone could say would bother me. The voices floating in and out of the halls were distorted and distant. Faces were blurred by my non-existent interest. I wouldn't have even noticed the presence of the visitors if it were not for the massive groups that entered the temple in droves incessantly.
A soft hand found its way to my shoulder as I padded from the monk's room to my own. The plump hand pulled me into reality as I whirled around in alarm. A sweet and sincere face looked at me with big worried eyes. Her lips separated into a small smile, tilting her head slightly with concern.
"You didn't hear me call your name?"
I shook my head still trying to understand why I'd been stopped. My day had become quite scheduled. Wake, check on the monk. Eat, check on the monk. Sleep. Then begin the routine again the following day.
"How is he Fuu-chan?"
I was shocked she even knew my name. I'd spoken to the woman, Mizuki-san, only a few times at the temple since my return. I'd noticed the odd side glances towards the monk she'd cast as he passed her. A longing hid in her eyes, one that I never thought to ask of the monk. Now she stood addressing me as if I were a familiar friend. If she was so concerned, why hadn't she been around more often when he was first diagnosed with this sickness? Why had she visited so infrequently? There was more to the situation, I was sure, but I didn't care. No one cared for him as I had. These individuals were here only for nosey curiosity. I wanted to scream at her and the others, but I knew the monk would do no such thing even knowing the visitors' motives for their return to the temple. I quieted the eruption bubbling in my stomach, forcing the bile building in my throat to ease itself out of my body.
"He has been in bed ever since the doctor saw him after his fall. It is better if he does not move around much. Minimize as much pain as possible. Its only a few days, from what the doctor says."
The doctor's phrase brought anger to every limb of my body. Anger caused by the unknown sickness spreading throughout the monk's body. Anger because the doctor could not help. Anger because I could not help. Now I knew I could not stop the inevitable. I was powerless again; unable to change anything I came into contact with. I breathed in deeply attempting to regain the composure I fought desperately to maintain. My fist clenched into tight fist at my sides, hidden slightly by the sleeves of my kimono.
More women shuffled from corners of the temple, crowding around me to hear the conversation clearly. They bowed showing their most solemn of condolences. Again I vaguely recognized their faces but was more than aware of the façade covering their prying intentions.
"It's just odd this came about so quickly. I don't understand how something so horrible could happen to someone so healthy."
Mizuki's voice seemed to shake a bit. Almost as if she were forcing back tears. Her face shifted back to the warm smile it held, noticing me staring into her watery eyes. She looked to the others now blocking any escape from their circle around us.
The women nodded their contorted faces all bobbing to exaggerate their marked sadness. Each began speaking; bombarding me with questions I was unwilling to answer. I hated hearing them talk of the monk as if they were truly concerned. They were no where near the temple when he was healthy. The only reason for a visit was to interfere and have something to gossip about while they were at work. Idiots!
"What is to happen to the temple after he is gone?"
A thin woman with pale skin made her way to me, her eyes big with suspension. Mizuki's head snapped towards the older woman. Annoyance streaking the normally calm face. I was unsure if it was because the woman asked the question or because she no longer had the chance to ask herself. The woman did not catch the hint, continuing with her questioning.
"His daughter and son are both gone. Shall it go to you Fuu-chan?"
"Excuse me," I said bowing and walking towards the monk's room, infuriated. I pulled myself away from the conversation, eliminating the possibility of a regretful phrase escaping my lips. I still needed to deal with these women, even after the monk was gone.
I slid the door opened and walked in, preparing to shut out the voices in the other room.
"Poor thing" Mizuki replied after me.
"She looks so warn out. I bet she hasn't slept a bit," another quipped.
I sighed feeling more comfortable alone with the monk than anywhere else in the temple. His brown eyes hid behind extremely pale lids matching his skin tone. His lips were white and dry. Thin hands lay close his neck holding the thick bed sheet over his body.
"Hiding from the women outside, ne? I did too when I was alone with them. A single man, monk or otherwise is still single in their minds."
His eyes opened and glanced at me. He smiled a bit making me laugh at the thought of him being chased by rabid females searching for a husband. I kneeled down beside his bed, smoothing the corners of the sheet which curled during his sleep. A million things surfaced to my mind but I could not bring myself to say anything. Neither words nor even tears could come through the barrier I'd created for the day soon to come. My experience with sorrow was beyond what I felt was a fair share. I'd become use to the loneliness. There was no reason for me to continue crying.
"I suppose this has been a challenge for you Fuu-chan. I am very sorry. I did not want anyone to take on a burden because of me, but it seems to have happened anyway. I have pushed others away because of this, but I could not push you away. I needed you as much as you may think you have needed me."
He inhaled deeply, closing his eyes as if the act itself was excruciating. I remained quiet, praying for the moment to pass. He exhaled slowly reopening his eyes and smiling at me.
"Perhaps you should spend some time away from here. It will help you, even if you do not believe me."
The thought of being away from him terrified me. I neither needed nor desired to be more than a few feet away from his side. What if today was the day he would be taken away from me? I felt the tears finally rise to my eyes, but never escaping my lids. I closed my eyes pushing them away.
"Tonight is not the time I will cease to be with you. I will be home this night. Do not worry; there are enough hens out there to make sure I am well taken care of in your absence. Is Mizuki-san here?"
His eyes seemed to smile as he asked. I nodded, feeling my own curiosity peak a bit.
"Then I am very well taken care of. Perhaps you should go to the restaurant and spend a few hours there. Akito could fire you for spending so much time here."
"No, Akito and Toshimo know of the circumstances," I replied forcing back the angry I was starting to feel.
"I do not have to go in until I am ready."
"Go Fuu-chan. There is no need for you to stay hidden here from the world. It continues to go on whether you want it to or not."
I opened my mouth to protest, but was stopped abruptly.
"Please Fuu-chan. This is a night in which you must be away from me. Trust me. There are things to come which you will never receive if you close yourself off to the world behind these walls. Live your life as well as you can so you regret nothing."
I knew what he spoke of. He regretted never saving Shoryuu and losing his son and daughter.
"If you stay here and waste away, it will be as if the world is losing you and there is much for you to do before it is your time to go."
I nodded and stood. He smiled and closed his eyes again. I stayed a moment, watching his chest move up and down with a breath. In some way it calmed me to see his chest swell with life. I exited the room, leaving him alone once again.
The women crowded around me once again. I smiled and asked Mizuki to watch over him while I was away at work.
"I think it is good for you to get away for a while. We would be more than happy to watch over him for a while, Fuu-chan."
Mizuki smiled again as she stepped towards the temple door.
I walked down the stairs and stared back at the smiling women at the door.
"Take your time dear. We will try to do as well as you have until you return," called one of the women waving.
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"Hello Mugen-san. You are here a bit early. Most of my customers prefer the cover of darkness before coming to my business. I suppose some people feel a bit ashamed of coming to such risqué establishments."
Yoji stood at the entrance of the brothel, smiling as if he knew I intended to spend the rest of the evening in the brothel before I even appeared. The day prior had been quite lucrative. Jobs seemed to pour in from all of my employers constantly even seeping into today. Hard work was never a problem as long the pay was good. I suppose the notion of "me and money" only lead to one possible outcome.
"I guess that means I am not like most people, doesn't it."
"Of course, Mugen-san. No need to argue. I actually don't care what time anyone stops by here as long as I receive my fee. You have brought me a lot of money for your favorite, correct?" asked Yoji.
"I have what I have which is all you need to know."
"True, just as long as you pay me for her services."
Yoji placed his hand out, palm up. His long fingers wrapped around the payment as he stepped to the side allowing me to pass.
I walked the short distance up the stairs to the familiar room I'd occupied several times before. A young woman sat on the floor, her long brown hair flowing to her shoulders and disappearing down her back. Her kimono had fallen low revealing porcelain white skin. Her brown eyes lifted to me as she heard the door slide shut. She placed her samisen on the floor and smiled, not startled in the least by my early appearance. Sweet Kumiko, the only reason I continued to visit Yoji's more than expensive establishment.
"Good afternoon, Mugen-san. I did not expect to see you until sun down. Does this mean you intend to stay with me for some time tonight?"
Her voice was smooth and soft, almost as if she were singing her words. Her brown eyes shined up to me as she patted the mat next to her. My shoulders begin to relax as I closed the door behind me. I could feel myself reacting to her soft voice and the smell of incense burning within the room.
"Some time indeed."
I moved towards the mat beside her, placing my head in her lap.
"How hungry are you today, Mugen-san?"
A smirked danced across her face as she pointed to a tray of delectable food next to her. The glint in her eye spoke of the real reason I was there. She poured a cup of sake and placed it in my hand.
"I'm very hungry today. I hope you have what I want to eat tonight.
She picked up a dumpling and placed it on my tongue letting her fingers linger on my lips. She licked her fingers.
"Is it good?"
"Very."
I let my hand course the soft edges of her kimono thinking of the splendor beneath the silky fabric.
"You have not been here in a while to see me Mugen-san. I was beginning to think you did not like me much. I am very happy to see you."
"I just had some shit to deal with but everything is taken care of and I am here now."
The thin kimono Kumiko wore slid past her breast and pooled at her hips. One of the most beautiful sights ever given to man by the gods. I moved towards her lips, cupping the supple mound in my hand. Her voice began to hum slightly as my lips passed the bend in her neck. I was beginning to get lost in her enticing my appearance when a voice broke the silence of the street outside the room. A raspy voice burst through the window and shatter my train of thought.
"Jin-san!"
"What in the hell?"
I sat up quickly, my attention now on the window. Jin never made his presence known in the village since I'd been here. I felt I knew everyone in the small area and hadn't come across a 'Jin' before. If there were a Jin outside this building it had to be the one from my past.
"It's nothing, Mugen-san, just someone outside. But you and I are inside. Well not all the way inside yet"
Kumiko pulled me closer to her body, allowing her hands to roam up my shirt. Her warm finger pressed against the skin of my chest pushing out the sounds of the village.
"Right. Now where were we?"
I leaned down, kissing the soft lips eager for my own. Again the voices outside broke into the serene atmosphere and tore me away from the young woman's grasp.
"Jin-san! How dare you walk past me and think I would not recognize you? We settle this now in the name of Sensei Mariya Enshirou."
"Damn. Sorry, got to run."
I stood up pushing Kumiko out of the way. She pulled up her kimono, attempting to rush after me.
"But Mugen-san…"
I was out of the door before she could finish her thought. There weren't many reasons for me to leave a woman in the heat of the moment but the name the man called was more than just a coincidence. What in the hell was that idiot doing here?
I rounded the corner to the side of the building. A group of men surrounded a dark haired man. His hair was still pulled back in the tight pony tail and wore the dark blue yukata I'd seen him in countless times before. It was Jin alright. He'd probably just entered the village and was already in trouble.
"Perhaps you should think before you make such claims."
Jin's eyes were downcast as he spoke, as if the threat of the opposing samurai was nothing at all. Instead of fear, an irritation towards the gentleman screaming had overcome Jin as his hand moved to the hilt of his sword.
"No! I have thought of this for years since you left the temple. No one has had the skill to defeat you. There's almost a legend of your disgrace. Some have even decided to let the gods deal with you. But not I. I will shed your blood so honor of Mariya Enshirou is upheld. You were no student but a cold-blooded murderer and I Oda Yomata will avenge his death."
'Idiot, he must be looking for his own death.' I thought watching the exchange of words. 'This shouldn't take more than a minute.'
It was only a matter of time before Jin snapped and let his anger out on the man in front of him.
A crowd grew around the feuding couple as Oda continued to speak loudly of his skill. Jin looked as if he could no longer take to the boasting. Even with his impatience his amount of tolerance extended way beyond mine. My own anger grew as Oda ranted about his honor.
Oda ran at full tilt towards Jin, screaming at the top of his lungs. Jin sidestepped the attack allowing his own weight to carry him tumbling to the ground. He hoped up quickly charging Jin once again. Jin pulled out his sword and in one swipe slashed the man at the waist. He fell to the ground again, but did not get back up. A collective gasp escaped the crowd as a small pool of blood began to form around the limp body lifeless upon the dirt road.
Gentlemen in the area began running towards Jin, screaming as if Jin should not have defended himself. Without even the slightest worry, Jin flicked the blood off of his sword and sheathed it at his side.
"You jerk! You can't just do that to Oda and think you can get away with it."
Four men pushed through the bystanders providing my cue to aid the nonchalant samurai. I ran up to Jin, who finally lifted his eyes from the ground to stare at me. Happiness almost appeared in his face as he recognized me.
"Hello Mugen-san,"
His superior manner in addressing others was the same. At least he hadn't changed since I last saw him.
"Yeah, yeah. Enough with the 'hello.' The pleasantries can wait until we've dealt with these guys."
"Hmm."
Jin turned viewing his assailants as mere flies needing to be swatted from his presence.
Needless to say, most of the men in Kansai are not swordsmen so the fight did not last long. I took two and Jin the others. Just as quick as the fight started, it was over. Nothing even worth my time.
"Anyone else? No. Then we'll be on our way."
I flicked the blood from my sword pissed from the tame scuffle. I turned to Jin now peering are the five men on the ground.
"You know I just missed out on a lot of sake because of you. What in the hell are you doing here anyway?"
"I did not ask you for your help. I have something I need to do and my path lead me this way."
I stared at him, figuring I knew what he was talking about.
"Well I don't have any more money for a girl anymore, but I still have money for some sake. You might as well come too."
We walked to one of the teahouses near the brothels in the center of the city. It was odd being in another teahouse with Jin and not having Fuu with us screaming about something I never paid attention to or shoving more found than a girl her size could possibly contain.
"So you were in a brothel this early in the day."
"It doesn't matter what time of day it is for me. If there's nothing else to do and I have the money, why not spend it on what makes me happy now? I don't need to wait until tonight to I know I'm going to end up here anyway."
"Your logic is undeniable."
"You know where you're going?"
"Somewhat but I suppose you think you know where I'm headed, right?"
I took the last swig of the sake and placed it on the table.
"Yeah and if we leave now we can probably get there before its dark."
Jin scrunched his eyebrows together like he was confused by what I was saying, but stood up as I did.