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Chapter Seven: Mistakes and Mori

He heard it over and over in his head, something about Fuu. He kept his eyes on Mai, not able to tell the difference between Fuu and her.

'What, what happened to Fuu-chan?' He asked himself. His body trembled as he fought his mind to understand what was being said. Mai looked up at him, staring blankly, somehow, her thoughts had left her; and all she could do was stand there and stare. His eyes sparkled trying to figure out what was controlling him. He tried to speak, tried to move, but nothing happened.

"Hmm…oh darn, wrong girl…oh well, not my concern." Mori whispered from the shadow's of the forest, looking out to Mizu and Mai. Her plan was something else, but unfortunately, Mai walked into his vision instead of Fuu. She could have erased her spell cast, but she ignored it; and walked away deeper into the forest. Mean while, Mai and Mizu were still deeply locked in, eye to eye.

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"Oy, Fuu." Mugen hollered for Fuu as he peeked into the kitchen, only to be brushed away by Aki.

"Now now Mugen, we can't have you're filthy little fingers touching the kitchen. Why don't you clean up and I'll bring you some food." Aki smiled pushing the tall muscular man to the table, where Jin was already seated. Mugen groaned reluctantly letting the old woman push him down to his seat.

"Now you two just wait, I'll have Fuu-chan bring you out some nice tea." Aki smiled ruffling Mugen's hair. Jin smirked teasingly at the ruffian samurai as he proofed helpless to defend his hair. Aki smiled and hopped back into the kitchen.

"Don't say it." Mugen growled to Jin trying to fix his hair. He realized how much Aki treated him like son, a real son. She always greeted him with a warm smile and loving words. But he didn't want to think of such sentimental things. Instead, he gruffly ignored his warm fuzzy thoughts.

"How are we supposed to find this old woman Mori?" Mugen asked resting his cheek on his palm. Jin didn't know how to find the woman, he wondered if she was still in town.

"Hmm…" Was Jin's response.

"Here you go!" Fuu cheerfully smiled placing down the tray of tea. Mugen's mood changed instantly, he felt happier to see her, and of course still guilty. He wanted to make it up to her, but didn't know how, or how to express himself.

"You guys are in luck! Fuu-chan made the grill fish today." Shiro smiled coming behind Fuu with a tray full of lunch. Mugen and Jin looked at each other, large tear drops of doom coming down their heads. They looked down to the food, the horribly presented fish platter with dark burns all over. Fuu started to madly trembling, veins popping all over her fist and forehead as she watched the two samurai's stare sickly at her first attempt to cooking.

"JUST EAT IT!" She screamed slamming her hands on the table, startling the helpless Jin and Mugen. Shiro smiled nervously wiping the sweat on his head, as Mugen and Jin inched closer to the fish meat. Their chopsticks seem to become slow motion, as they grabbed on to a large chunk of fish. It was pin drop silent, as the two men sternly looked at their current enemy, Fuu's cooking. Fuu bit down on her nails madly as she watched them place her grilled fish into their mouths. With their eyes closes, and sweat flooding their bodies, they chewed. Suddenly their eyes opened in a quick flash, Mugen stood up sharply.

"This is….This is…." He yelled holding up the chopstick. Fuu and Shiro waited in horror and suspense as Mugen struggled with his words.

"Actually good." Mugen said in horrible shock. He had braced his body for the worst tasting piece of meat he had ever tasted. Fuu squeaked happily jumping into Mugen's embrace.

"How was it Fuu-chan?" Shino asked walking in with another tray of food. Jin smiled taking another bite.

"Ah." He said satisfied. He too had expected the worst to come out of Fuu cooking, especially for Mugen. Fuu smiled happily as she watched the two samurai's eat.

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It was dark, and misty at the hut. Mai had no idea why Mizu was taking her so far into the forest. She was starting to become scared as she quietly walked behind him. There was no noise, there was nothing but the wind and forest to give some sound. Somehow the tall wicked trees' had blocked out the sun light, and clouded the place with night. She was about to say something when a loud crash of thunder ripped her out of her skin. She jumped into Mizu's arms as rain poured down on them. She looked up blushing, as Mizu stared down at her. She noticed something dissimilar about him, his eyes, they seemed dark and vacant.

"We should get inside." Mizu said slowly. She noticed that he was acting strangely, he didn't seem like the same gentle young man; he seemed cold and distant. But she followed him quickly inside the broken down hut. Mizu was first to get in, and Mai stepped in. She noticed right away that the hut seemed warm and bright. As she walked in further, she realized that in the middle of the room was the fire, burning gently. She wondered how that fire started. She walked to it trying to warm up her soaking body, when Mizu grabbed her, forcing her to face him. She was startled but not really afraid.

"Mizu-san?" She whispered. When she looked up to him, she noticed that more of him had changed. She swallowed trying to step back. He held her in place firmly pulling her closer to him.

"Mizu-san…what are you-" She was cut off by his sudden kiss. It was hard and lustful, nothing like their previous kisses. Mai was alarmed and quickly pushed away from him.

"Mizu-san, what are you doing!" She shouted in tears. She had not expected such wild steps from him. He said nothing, he stared at her angrily for a moment looking at her from toe to head. She stepped further back against the wall as he took off his shirt. She gasped feeling trapped as he stepped towards her.

"Mizu-san! Please!" She begged in tears. She didn't understand what he was doing. He was always very nice and gentle, polite and well mannered. He was making her feel uneasy and scared.

"Please, stop!" She cried as he pulled her into another kiss. This time he forced her down on to the ground. She shouted for him to stop many times, but he never did. Finally, in a desperate attempt, she started to fight him, but to no avail. Her heart raced as he tried to tear her clothes off of her. Old memories, that she had tucked far behind started to fill her mind. Her first night at the brothel, where she was ruthlessly and mercilessly taken, her sad horrible times as a whore. She cried, still begging.

"MIZU-SAN!" She screamed as he positioned himself over her. He had finally over powered her, and was going to make the final push. She didn't stop fighting back, she pushed and kicked and punched as much as she could, but he didn't even flinch; nor did he hit her back. He was only trying to restrain her. She stared up to his face, inches away from hers as he looked down to her helpless expression.

"Why?" She asked as tears streamed down her face. But her face didn't wake him, and suddenly he pushed. She squirmed and winced as he started to rock on top of her. Mai closed her eyes as tightly as she could, just like she had done many times before. She felt like it was a lie, all a lie. He had betrayed her limitless trust in him. She didn't open her eyes, she accepted her defeat, and lay there as he continued to assault her body. He kissed her all over her neck and cheeks as he sped up.

Suddenly, something strange happened. He had kissed her tears, and like cold water on a morning sleepy body; he woke up. He saw a brilliant flash. He lay down on her quietly, as he tried to focus on his surroundings. He positioned up still trying to focus when he realized that he felt very odd. He felt warmth underneath him, his body tense in excitement and passion. Finally, he saw Mai, in tears, her eyes tightly shut. He gasped realizing what he was doing. He stood up frantically, much to Mai's surprise. She looked up to see Mizu naked and facing away from her. And was confused, he prayed that it was all a dream. He saw her clothes under his feet, and knew that it wasn't. Mai sat up, still crying, she couldn't say anything to him; and he couldn't to her. He felt tears start to form in his eyes, as guilt and horror fell upon him.

"Here…put your clothes on…" Mizu softly said passing her clothes to her. He didn't face her, he couldn't. Mai was surprised as she took her clothes back and put them back on. He listened to her dress, hearing the soft sobs. He felt his heart ache, hurt and anger taking over him.

'Why, why did I do this?' He asked himself. He shook his head as he too dressed. He looked down to his hands, knowing that he had violated her, betrayed her, took advantage of her. He heard her finish, and stand quietly at the door, waiting for Mizu.

"Mai…I…."

"Why, why did you do this Mizu-san? Why?" Mai asked in a soft cry. Her back was turned to him, he knew that she didn't want to look at him; didn't want to see the face of the man who was raping her. Mizu didn't understand anything, his senses were overwhelmed, he didn't know why he did it.

"I don't…I don't know Mai-chan…I don't know." Mizu fell to his knees, taking his head in his hands as he started to cry full of regret. Mai turned to see him, when he looked up at her blushful face. She saw them now, his eyes, they were normal. Her eyes widen when she saw the difference in his expression.

"Mizu-san?" She asked walking to him. Mizu couldn't look up at her, he was ashamed of himself, hated himself for doing what he had done to her.

"Let me see your eyes." She asked kneeling down infront of him. He slowly looked to her, as she examined his face. She could tell that he was completely broken inside, hurt from his own actions.

"Gomen Mai-chan, Gomen. I don't know why I took you…Gomen!" He begged, a tear rolling down his face. Mai knew that something was not right.

"Mizu-san, it's okay." She smiled in attempts to make him feel better. She didn't know exactly what happened, but she knew for sure, that Mizu was not himself when he took her to the hut.

"Please, lets get out of here. I don't feel very good being here." She begged taking his hand in hers. Mizu was surprised to see her recover so quickly after what he did to her.

"Mai-chan?" He asked looking down at her. She smiled gently to him.

"It's okay Mizu-san…I don't know how to explain this..but I don't believe that was you…after all, you would never do such a thing…" She smiled softly. Her small whisper cheered him up, yet he was still very confused.

"Gomen Mai-chan, I don't know why I …it was a mistake." He tried to explain, but really had no explanation. Mai smiled at him, and told him once more to let it go for now. Right now she only wanted to get out of there.

When they opened the shabby door, they found the forest completely dry. She was startled by it. She knew that it had rained, she felt it on her clothes; which were some how dry. Mizu didn't know what had happened, and couldn't remember the details of how they ended up there. However, he knew that it had something to do with the old woman he saw.

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"Ah, that was good!" Mugen burped happily loosening the waist on his shorts. Fuu smiled happily. Jin wiped his mouth like a true gentlemen and complimented Fuu on her cooking skills. Mugen smirked at that comment and nudged her trying to show that he agreed. Fuu blushed.

"You did a wonderful job Fuu-chan." Shino smiled getting up from her seat. Time had flown by, and they had completely forgotten about Mizu and Mai until they stepped into the restaurant. The two young people were welcomed by Shiro and Aki, but Mizu and Mai seemed uncomfortable and smiled awkwardly. Shino examined Mai carefully, sensing that Mai's smile had saddened. It was the same sad smile Shino gave to the perverts that took her those nights at the brothel. She wondered what had happened, and if Mai was alright. She looked to Mizu, his guilty face hidden behind his awkward glee. He took seat beside Jin as Mai sat beside Shino.

"You two took an awfully long time?" Aki smiled pouring tea for the Mizu and Mai as they sat quietly trying to avoid eye contact and the shame.

"Yeh, I just had something to finish." Mizu said in stutters. He was in a hurry to change the subject and shifted focus to Mugen's large belly.

"OHHHH he's a little piggy." Fuu smiled poking Mugen's fat stomach. He groaned realizing he was in no condition to fight her back. He had actually ate more than he could fit, and yet somehow he couldn't stop eating. Fuu had made it, and he knew Fuu. She must've put a lot of love and effort in making the food. He imagined that she kept him in mind as she prepared the meals, to please him. He wanted to say something smart back to her, but was too fat and mushy to think of anything.

The group was all happily eating and chatting at the table still. The time had gone by fast, but no one really cared to go back to the hectic construction schedule or back to the busy restaurant schedule. No one was more happy to see the whole family together than Aki and Shiro. They felt warmed by their large family, their smiles and laughter; and wished that it would be forever. They had often visited the town temple and prayed that all their lives and wishes would be fulfilled; that nothing take their happiness.

When they had gotten up to go back to that life of construction and cooking, Jin had noticed small specks of dust on Mizu's back and shoulder. His eyes narrowed as his focus zoomed on the dust. Mizu turned to him feeling like someone's eyes had been boring a hole in his back. He smiled uncomfortably.

"Jin? What is it?" He asked slightly shocked to see such a stern expression on the samurai. Mugen was waddling into the kitchen with Fuu when he got Jin's mad gaze at Mizu. He wondered what had happened.

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Mai stayed quiet in the kitchen washing the dishes and taking orders as Fuu and Shino kept to cooking. Fuu had been newly inspired and confident in her grilling skills, and approached the fire grill with mad passion. Fire burned behind her, as she tied a white samurai band around her forehead, holding her cooking tools as swords ready for the orders to be placed.

"Oh whoa Fuu-chan, careful now." Shiro smiled nervously. Aki came in with the first order, setting off all of Fuu's cooking senses. She screamed in a low samurai growl taking the small dead fish into her chopsticks. They all watched in awe as Fuu put on a show before the fish accidentally fell to the floor. Speechless and with twitching smiles, they encouraged Fuu to take it easy.

"Baka, Fish!" She screamed angrily at the fish, threatening the dead creature with her piercing gaze and pointy chopsticks.

Mai didn't laugh, though it was her nature to do so. No one seemed to notice the lack of smiles coming from Mai but Shino. She stared sadly at Mai, carefully staring into her eyes, her watery sad eyes. She wondered what had happened. She thought about the different situations, and marveled if Mizu had rejected her love. She knew that she loved Mizu, from the moment he saved her, she had fallen for him. She wondered if perhaps she had confessed and he had rejected.

……………………………………….

They were walking silently, with Mugen and Jin following Mizu to the site. Mizu was out of character, and both men noticed it. Jin kept his eyes on the dust, trying to analyze it.

"Hey, Mizu." He said stopping. Mugen looked at Mizu as he slowly turned to face the samurai's. He swallowed wondering if Jin had figured out what had happened. Even he didn't understand what happened. He smiled nervously at Jin and Mugen, hoping to conceal the hateful thing he did to Mai. But his smile only gave him away.

"How did you get that on you?" Jin asked sternly. Mugen stepped closer to the surprised Mizu, examining the dust on his shoulder and back. Mizu didn't realize what it was, when he remembered the old lady, the dust on the path. The flashes of memory came back, and he became even more confused. Mugen held his breath in and took a closer look making Mizu feel very uncomfortable.

"Oy, I've seen that before." Mugen said turning back to Jin. He walked closer to the ruffian and the young magistrate getting a better look at the dust. Mizu was starting get really worried.

"Ah…I have to tell you than…" Mizu said looking down to his feet. His black hair covering the shame in his eyes. Jin and Mugen took a step back and waited for the young boy to explain. They had not expected to hear such a bizarre tale.

"Whoa. Didn't know you had it in you." Mugen smirked after hearing the whole story. They were both shocked to hear about Mori, her dusting the forest path way, and than his assault on Mai.

"I didn't mean to. I, I just don't know what happened." Mizu tried to explain. His face was red, from embarrassment and guilt. He had taken advantage of her trust, and it was painted on both Jin and Mugen's face. He already knew that what he did was disgusting, but seeing it written on Mugen's expression especially made him feel bad. Mugen was the criminal, and even he seemed repulsed. But he never meant to do such a thing.

Jin didn't like what was happening, it would seem that Mori was specifically out to get somebody from their group. He looked to Mugen, wondering if it was somebody from his past, perhaps the mother of a fallen pirate out for revenge.

"There is one thing, that I sort of remember." Mizu trembled with his words. He looked to Mugen, trying to say what could possibly get him killed.

"I don't know why, but somehow I felt like someone was telling me to do something bad to, to Fuu-chan." He slowly explained. Mugen's temper rose to a 100 and he leaned in holding on to his sword ready to slice Mizu. Had it not been for Jin's quick intersection, perhaps Mizu's head would have been cut off.

"Gomen! I don't know why. I just don't know anything." Mizu explained. He was clearly distraught and horribly troubled. Mugen saw it. But he didn't like what had gone through Mizu's head, even if it was for a second. Jin was about to say something when he realized an important fact.

"Oy." He said slicing the tough tension between Mizu and Mugen. Both turned to the silent samurai, wide eyed, like he had discovered something.

"Mai looks like Fuu, alittle doesn't she?" Jin said looking at Mugen. He had realized it, why didn't he see it before. There was a definite similarity.

"You think this has to-"

"Yes, this woman is after you." Jin said coldly.

Well guys, I hoped you liked it. I'll see you in the next crazy chapter. And yeh, I guess it's like a little mystery, but it sort of holds the same feeling as Destined to Be. LOL ) Enjoy!