Hi guys! Well here it is, the very last installment of the Samurai Champloo tale. I hope this wraps it all up for everyone, giving you all peace of mind. I agree, the original series really did leave us all hanging, but hopefully this will give us all closure. It took me a long time to make it, but it's finally done. After this, I don't know if I'll be writing any more SC stuff, but lets see how things go )
Again, a big huggy wuggy to all you guys out there who have read, and to my fantastic wonderful best in the world reviewers, I give an extra warm hug for your wonderful comments. I have to say, that I really appreciate it all, you all have become somewhat of a family; a fanfiction family if you will )
Just like writing, it's not an easy task to sit and read my stories, considering the fact that you have to pay so much close attention, and keep the story from the series in mind too. Like I said before, a writer is only as good as his (in this case her) readers, so please give yourself a big pat on the back, and take a bow (claps).
And remember ONE thing, and I hope you take this little piece with you; that a destiny does exist, we only need to find it. )
Love you all! ) !
ENOY!
Ps: I want to dedicate this final chapter to my wonderful boyfriend. I love you too! Sorry it took me so long to say it back, but now that I've said it; you can keep it for the rest of your life. )
Psst, I don't own Samurai Champloo….ALERT THE MEDIA! )
Chapter Seventeen: The End: Part Two
Already meant to be Together
It was one of those scorching days, where the sun was merciless. Mugen yawned as they walked. They had been walking for no more than half and hour when they decided to take a break. Exhausted from heat and malnutrition, they were forced to pause. Fuu was the first one to lean back against a tree, giving her a small tint of shade. Mugen and Jin remained standing, both quietly pondering about the other.
"Oy, is that really smart?" Mugen asked smirking at Jin. His back was turned to Mugen, somehow he felt that the silent samurai had in such a short time, started to trust him. How much of that was true, Mugen didn't know, but knew that no samurai would turn his back to an opponent. Unless, there was trust.
Jin turned to him.
"Hmm?" He said knowing what was on Mugen's mind.
"Turning your back to me." Mugen smirked launching into attack. Jin dodged it well enough, considering he was not 100 percent ready. But they stopped, defeated by their own stomachs.
"What are you guys doing?" Fuu asked a little annoyed that they had the energy to fight this early in the morning. They were tired and hungry, and on an impossible journey, yet all they wanted to do was kill each other.
"Morning exercises." Mugen was able to whisper. He was done in by his roaring tummy, and he slowly got to his feet, as did Jin. The tall dark haired samurai was weary, and was clearly just as hungry as Mugen, but he carried himself so much better. His face always seemed so vacant, even Mugen was having troubles picking out his thoughts. One stare at the eyes, and he would be able to figure out what his opponent was thinking, but Jin's eyes always remained small, or closed. It was like he had figured out everything about Mugen, a life time ago.
"Come on, we need to get some food." Fuu whined starting to walk. She no longer wanted to stay and starve in the forest, the next town was only a few more miles away. They would reach it in time for lunch.
"OY bitch, don't give us orders like that!" Mugen growled sheathing his sword. Everything about how she talked to the way she walked made him mad. It was ridiculous to get upset with everything little thing that she did, but he did. He didn't understand why she always stung under his skin, yet she was always there.
"Well if you want to stay here and die of starvation, that's fine." She whined. Mugen stopped in his tracks shacking from the unbelievable anger he was feeling. He wanted to slap the hell out of her.
"I'll show you, little bitch." He grumbled under his breath. Jin walked past Mugen, not paying attention to his maddening aura, he was too hungry to deal with such petty arguments. Fuu followed, turning her head once to mock Mugen. His temper rose, but he would be patient about it and return her the favor soon enough.
They had walked a little ways up to a path way which forked. Fuu looked up ahead to the fork and wondered which way would be best to take to the next village. Mugen and Jin were awfully quiet, possibly conserving their energy. She looked up to that sky.
"Ah how is it that you guys want to fight when it's this hot." She continued to talk, she had not stopped once since they left their break site. Mugen's left eye twitched.
"I haven't taken a bath in so long. My complexion is all wrong." She complained more. Jin didn't seem bothered by her talking, though he was not used to the noise of companionship.
"And how is it that even when we're about to die from starvation, you two want to fight." Fuu pondered out loud. Suddenly Mugen had enough, he stopped and gestured for Jin, who walked to him sensing what the ruffian was going to say.
"You look like a sensible guy, right?" Mugen asked draping an arm around the silent man. He looked back teasingly at Fuu, who seemed rather suspicious and disgusted. Mugen looked back at Jin waiting for his answer. He had had enough of that loud mouth girl, and her constant talking.
"Yeh." Jin replied.
"So you'd be alright on your own, right?" Mugen asked looking back at the young girl.
"Yeh." Jin replied.
"Than…" He grinned hovering a little lower with Jin as Fuu watched on confused by their actions.
"Have a good life." Mugen smirked as he and Jin parted in a flash. They ran too fast, leaving behind a streak of smoke, and Fuu to realize what had happened. They had abandoned her.
Mugen was relieved. When he stopped, he couldn't have been prouder of himself. He would have been happier if he had raped and killed her, but this would do.
"Besides, why'd I want to mess around with a breast-less fatso." Mugen mumbled happily. He had slowed down to an even pace of walking, feeling his hunger coming back. He looked up to the sky, grinning at it.
"Mr. Sun, you fucken bastard, trying to dry me out." He smirked. It wasn't the first time he'd have to be hungry, but knew that the next town wasn't that far. He would soon be there, in time for lunch. Penniless and a criminal drifter, but he would find a way to eat.
He arrived. He watched the people walk around the busy streets. Finally he stopped, annoyed that he couldn't tell where the nearest restaurant was.
"Oy, old man. Where can I get some food?" He growled pulling a helpless older man by the shirt. The small old man whimpered a little frightened by the tall ruffian. He curled slightly as Mugen lifted him shirt first, until his old little feet weren't on the ground.
"Oy, you can't hear or somethin' old man." Mugen smirked like some devil. He had become somewhat of a professional in scaring elder people, and little children. But he didn't care, that was his trademark.
"Ahh, j-just dow-down the st-st-street." The old man whispered pointing down the road. Mugen looked up to where the man pointed and let him free. The old man gave out a small practically soundless scream and ran away as fast as a turtle. Mugen ignored him and proceeded.
As he walked, he noticed that there were very few young woman around, wondering why that was so. There was, however, plenty of young men working. Right now though, was not the time for thinking. He needed to eat.
He was closing in on the first restaurant. He could sense the useless yakuza a mile away. He smirked, knowing how easy it would be for him, to get another free meal. He stepped in, noting the surrounding yakuza. They were seated on a large table, with enough food to fill an elephant, this was going to be a great meal he thought.
Mugen liked making great entrances, especially to those places where he would cause ruckus. Somehow, it was natural for him to become violent when it came to feeding time. That was a characteristic that he earned from Ryuukyuu, as a born criminal, he had to learn how to defend his things; even food.
"Welcome." The old waiter said as Mugen walked past him.
"Uh, sir?" He said watching him squeeze himself between the yakuza. He panicked. The yakuza men made note of his intentional interruption to their meal, and were not impressed by his gut.
"Sir, there are other tables. These are 'those' kind of people. Do you understand what I mean?" The old waiter whispered noticing that Mugen had sparked the violent attention of the yakuza body guards.
"Huh? Yakuza?" Mugen spat. The waiter squealed and backed away.
"The yakuza can't do anything on their own, so they form a gang. Useless cowards." He smirked taking more and more bites of their food. He had done his best to tick them off, and ticked off they became.
"HEY! What the hell are you saying!"
"Do you know who we are?" Another member growled.
"Yeh, coward yakuza's." Mugen smirked not interrupting his meal.
"I'll show you!" A member sitting beside Mugen shouted as he tried to stop him from taking any more of their meat. Mugen simply smirked and plunged the long thin stick of wood in to his blocking hand. The man screamed in agony and fell back to the ground, as his team mates got ready for a kill.
Mugen did nothing more than sit casually as a knife tried to pierce him. But he was too quick for them, and he knew it.
"Stop." Called out a voice. Mugen and the yakuza gang stopped looking over to the small corner. Out stepped the Leader of them all.
"But boss."
"Don't you get it. He's not somebody you can defeat." The leader said calmly keeping his eyes on the young trouble maker. Mugen smirked at him, confirming that.
"Would you like to eat something better?" The leader smiled, his mind had already made plans, he knew that having somebody as skilled as Mugen around him; would send anyone opposing him, dead.
"If it's crab, I wouldn't mind eating that." Mugen sneered still keeping a strong grip on his yakuza prisoner. The leader smiled at him as he walked closer. Mugen let go of the man, as the rest of the gang cluttered to one side, wondering what their leader was thinking.
"Come with me." The leader gave Mugen a rich smile. Mugen could tell that the man was evil to the bone, his flashy outfit was made out of richer silks; most likely the type of the high ranking government officials wore. And to set it all together, was a pair of rarely tinted glasses.
Mugen followed him out of the restaurant leaving behind an injured solider and a handful of puzzled men.
"I run this town, because I'm smart. The type of business we do here, works for us. " The Leader smiled looking out to his gambling stage. There were lots of men, all putting down money to gain more money. The fools had no idea what was going on, but they mindlessly played.
"So this shit is rigged" Mugen smirked understanding what was going on.
"Those who are weak get weaker when the stronger walk to them." The leader started to lead Mugen to his office. He sat down a table full of food ready for him.
"Get my friend here, crab, lots of it." The man demanded from his servant. The old man quickly dashed as fast as his little brittle legs could. Mugen plopped down to the table and started on his appetizers. It had been a long time since he would eat crab. It was something he enjoyed to eat while on the Island, but since his departure from that place; he had not been able to delight his taste buds. That was the only thing he liked about that Island, that was the only thing he wanted to remember.
"I own this town, but there are those who try to oppose me. I'm not a violent man who just jumps into action without thinking. I like to carefully plan my battles and fight, through legitimate means." He started as he stared out to the playing stage, another man had lost his life savings. He smirked happy with the man's loss.
"So why'd you bring me here." Mugen said in between chomps of food. The old man came back suddenly with steaming hot crab. Mugen licked his lips, his eyes wide open and happy as he stared out to the crab.
"There are those who are trying to take my town from me. With somebody like you beside me, nobody would be foolish enough to test me." The leader smiled watching his yakuza men clear out the losers from his gambling house, the crab dojo.
"What's in it for me?" Mugen smirked taking a large animal bite out of his shelled crab. The leader turned around.
"I don't like to be given orders." Mugen made it clear, he didn't want to be somebody's body guard, or mindless order taking servant like the yakuza. Suddenly for a quick moment, Fuu had come back into his mind. She was always ordering him around since she met her. How did he come to agree to be her bodyguard, why did he stay for as long as he did? It was a thought that should've lasted for no more than five seconds, but the memory of jumping in to save her kept popping back.
"Of course not. You'll have complete freedom in this town. And money and women." The leader smirked knowing that such an offer could not be passed. He had a good way of reading people, perhaps that is how he was able to climb so high.
"Sure." Mugen grinned. Snapping back from his trance. He went back to eating his crab, not bothering to remove the shell off it. He was slightly upset, he was eating something that he actually missed from Ryuukuu, yet all he could think about was Fuu. He wondered for a second what would happen to her now that they had deserted her.
He ate for a long time, surprising the leader and his closest bodyguard. Mugen heard the leader talk to the large tanned man, he didn't care to catch his name, nor did he care about what he had to say. But Mugen picked up quickly, that this man didn't like him.
"He's more like my partner." The leader said to his body guard and a handful of other yakuza men. He was outraged that some wild man who just walked into town could take such an important title. He had proven loyalty to his leader, even betrayed his former gang.
"We'll settle this right now." The angry body guard growled as he unsheathed his sword. Mugen grinned, he was waiting for when his first battle with the guy would take place. He had hoped that it wouldn't be long, how lucky for him.
They jumped outside, Mugen had to admit that the man was a lot stronger than he had credited him for. Yet, he was not strong enough.
"That's enough. Go get that old man's daughter." The leader smiled, pleased with his puppets. He knew Mugen being there would create competition, which would lead to more of his yakuza men working harder to grab his notice.
"But she's not yet old enough for this sort of-"
"Do I have to tell you again?" The leader said calmly. There was a hint of annoyance in his voice, which pleased Mugen. He knew his job there would be quite easy, with all the murder and rage he could commit. He stepped back inside, the door was broken open, and some men tended to it.
"So what now?" Mugen smirked gulping down a pot of sake. The hot weather had made him thirsty. The leader smiled looking down to his tea, feeling very confident in his plans. Mugen could tell that the man he was now partnered with, was down right low, someone with no code. Mugen had no code either, he was a wandering murderer. He had even killed an old man just for asking a question. He was a low life. He felt he would fit in, just nicely.
"We sit and relax. There is nothing there to worry for." The leader smiled.
"Lord…" A younger looking yakuza approached, bowing lowly to his lord.
"Ah, please Mugen, feel free to do whatever you please." The leader smiled taking his cup of tea with him. He followed the young yakuza out. Mugen didn't like sitting around and waiting. But he realized he barely had time to ever just sit like this and relax. It was something very new to him. Perhaps it would be nice to just sit there, drink and eat. After all, eating was one of his favorite things to do.
"Oy, old man, get me some more dumplings, and some roasted shrimp." Mugen barked, frightening the fragile old man. He looked too old to even walk, but he managed. As Mugen went to take a bite of some of the food already there, he remembered Fuu. He pictured her sitting there across from him, eating away like some little monster. He imagined that she would say cute things like 'oh this is so good' and wipe the sauce slipping down her chin with her soft little hands.
"What the fuck?" Mugen snapped out of it. He stared down to his plate, horribly shocked with his thoughts.
'Why the hell is that in my head.' He thought. Pushing the trance away, Mugen went back to eating, filing that memory of her and Jin away. But he felt bad. She kept lurking in his head, making him wonder if she was alright, or where she is. If she had eaten. All she ever did was complain about food.
"What, I don't give a shit." He spat out loud standing up with the skewer raised high in the air in triumph.
"Sir..here are your dumplings." The old man's legs were shaking with fear, as he had not expected for Mugen to suddenly stand up and say such a thing. Mugen looked dumb founded, he snorted and sat back down; ignoring it all.
He was bored, and anxious; even in a brothel. He had never just hung around like this doing nothing. What were they waiting for? The leader had said things to him, but he ignored it all. Some how, the more he learned about the guy, the more he started to hate him. Even villains had a code, this guy would step over his own brother o get to gold.
"Time will go faster if you go and get a woman." The leader said as Mugen followed him to a room, a private room in which Mugen could have as many woman as he wanted; to fill his most wildest of fantasies. He was in deed looking forward to that. But in some the corner of his mind, Fuu would come up every now and than. He was even starting to remember Jin. He had forgotten that he vowed to kill him.
Mugen needed to fight, in order to work out his anxiety. Suddenly, hell broke loose right in the brothel. Mugen's ears perked, his heart letting go of some of that panic; this was the fight he wanted.
"Alright." Mugen jumped into action. He pushed through the large collection of forming yakuza in order to get to the intruders. He was surprised to see Jin.
"So it was you; the bodyguard." Mugen smirked. In some sick way, he was actually happy to see the guy.
"What are you doing here?" Jin asked calmly as ever.
"I could ask you the same thing." Mugen smirked trying to take a strike. But it was a bullshit swing, he wasn't trying to aim for a hit, he knew that Jin would block it easily.
"What are you two doing! You promised you wouldn't fight!" Fuu's voice pierced through all the noise. She was caged inside the brothel stage, waiting to be bought; when she heard the commotion. Jin and Mugen were both very surprised to see her.
"So this means that no matter how far apart we go." Mugen started.
"This is our fate!." Mugen was ready to jump into a full attack, when suddenly he became confused, his heart was racing a mile a minute. Something was not right. His stomach filled up with hundreds of bee's, all stinging at the same time. His eyes even started to blur over.
"What the fuck?" He cursed, looking around to the yakuza men and than back to Jin, who seemed worried for his ruffian comrade. And than his gaze shifted to Fuu.
"Mugen? Mugen? Are you alright?" Fuu asked trying to lean over to him. Mugen felt the room spinning, his breathing become uncontrollable. Mugen looked to Jin and than to Fuu staring back at him, worried for him. They cared.
"…We, we were already together.." Mugen whispered.
Suddenly a hot white flash a light swallowed him.
"NO!" Mori screamed being forced back from the intensity of her magic. Mugen was breathing heavy, but he was awake now. His body was sweating, like he had awoke from a nightmare. He got to his feet, still a bit wobbly. Her magic had disoriented him, and caused his body a lot of pain as he slipped further into a deathly slumber. Luckily for him, he remembered.
"You bitch." Mugen spat, under his breath. He took his sword in his hands. His body was still aching, and feeling as though he was being weighed down. But he wasn't going to loose, not to her.
"My evil son...saying such a thing." Mori started to laugh hysterically. She had not planned for Mugen to say passionate things. He never struck her as somebody who would believe in fate. She got to her feet facing her son.
"So, you believe that meeting your friends was fate?" Mori smirked getting ready to place another spell on him. She didn't want to admit, nor make it noticeable, but she was afraid. Nobody had ever been able to break her sleeping spell, she had not counted on his heart and mind to be that strong. She always pictured him with the sword, not with an internal power. Mugen could sense it, the slight stench of fear peeking from her.
"No." Mugen snorted straightening up.
"We were already together. Fate? That's all some shit. I believe in myself and I know that those two were already part of me." Mugen had never admitted such things to himself. To confess that he indeed thought so highly of both Fuu and Jin; to make them part of him, to give them credit for his strength should have surprised even himself. But the words came to his lips naturally, like he had waited his whole life to say it.
Mori stepped back, angered by Mugen and his faith in people who were not blood.
"You wretched son! Did you forget the darkness in your heart! I should have killed you when you were born!" She screamed angrily throwing some magic black powder to him. But Mugen swung his sword, forcing the light powder to lift away from him.
"You should've. But that was your mistake." Mugen growled lowly. The feeling of a thousand bee's in his stomach was fading. His body was responding to his demands properly now.
"Feh! You're father was a low life dog, and that's what you'll always be." Mori barked with a large smirk. She wanted to inspire his hate, to make him realize who he really was. She hated to think that he was in someway, better than her. That he had amounted to the things she wanted in life.
Mugen's eyes stayed hidden, behind his wild hair. He kept his face low so that his emotions could not be read. He was feeling different things, and thinking strangely. He was a dog, born from a criminal way of life in Ryuukuu. He murdered a lot of people, that is who he was.
"What? Did you think that you could belong? That you Mugen, the birth dog of Ryuukuu, could carry an honorable name? Could possibly think of himself as a normal man?" Mori was hitting all the right nerves. And it seemed to be working. Mugen was thinking about those things again. Could he really be, ever, a proper man. Look at what he was doing, always swinging his sword. He felt most comfortable when he was killing.
"You can never be anything more than a wild criminal. You can't give that young girl a husband, or give anyone trust or friendship. You know I'm right." Mori smirked. She was taking pleasure in each saddening crease on his forehead. He was thinking of all the wrong things, doubting his new family.
"That's enough!" Jin hollered busting through the doors. It was something he was hesitant to do, but when Fuu woke up in sweats and a horrible panic; he worried. She screamed and pulled away trying to reach Mugen. She begged the silent Jin to let her go, so that she could wake Mugen up. He had no idea what she was saying, and tried his best to keep her away from the shabby hut. But when the light faded completely, Jin had no choice, he left Fuu in Mizu's care and ran to save his friend.
"What are you doing here?" Mugen asked angrily.
"Mugen, don't believe her." Fuu suddenly shouted running into the hut. She stared at Mori with angry unforgiving eyes. She wanted this woman gone, wanted her punished for what she did. Jin looked back at her, surprised that she was there. Yet, how could he have thought that she would stand by and not help Mugen. Just like him, she was bound to Mugen.
"Oy, you're awake?" Mugen asked astonished. Fuu turned to him and smiled. The same smile she always gave to him.
"Gomen, I was asleep. Arigato, for waking me up." Fuu smiled lightly touching his arm. Mugen looked down to her sparkling eyes. She remembered him and he could tell. They were in the same dream, Mori magic had forced them both back into their past. Luckily for Fuu, she had landed herself in the same past. Had Mugen not said such a thing about fate, she may have never woken up.
Jin kept his eyes dead locked on Mori making sure she didn't try anything, while his friends shared a moment they both desperately needed.
"Oh this is ridiculous! You can't possibly think that you belong here! You have no place in civilized soceit-"
"That's enough. You have no right to come here, and tell him such things." Jin angrily voiced stepping in front of his friends. His sword was unsheathed and ready for blood, but he had no intention to slay the old woman. That was something that would be left to Mugen to decide.
Mugen looked out to Jin, standing there and defending him.
"He has every right to be here. However, you have no business here with him." Jin said sternly.
"Or else?" Mori grinned not taking his words seriously. She had studied Jin while watching him on the journey. She had seen the strength in him, the skill he possessed; and the enemies he made.
"Business with him, means business with me." Jin's voice was with carried a certain madness, like if she pushed him far enough; he would really slaughter her.
Mugen was touched, he never thought that he could be so moved by words delivered by a man. But there was Jin, mouthing off to protect Mugen's rights. No one in his life had ever done such a thing. There were people always there to tell him how he had no right, to belong; to live.
"Aw, such dear friends, and with such a criminal low-life." Mori smirked.
"Say one more thing, and you'll meet the blade of my sword." Jin stepped closer to her, his sword aimed to swing.
"It's alright. Leave it to me." Mugen's eyes closed, he moved from Fuu and in front of Jin. The two worried companions watched Mugen as he stood his ground.
"You'll kill you're mother?" Mori grinned not fearing death. Perhaps she had thought that Mugen would not murder her, or perhaps she didn't care if he did. Mugen's eyes hid under the bangs of his rebellious hair. The words she said about him were true, he was a low life, a untamed dog.
"I always did what I did. Yeh, I'm a criminal, a murderer…" Mugen smiled. He was calm, a manner in him that neither Fuu or Jin had see before. They were nervous for him, not sure what he was thinking. Mori flashed him a dark smirk, her black eyes sparkling with delight. Perhaps her black magic had gone to him.
"But even I'm not as low as you!" Mugen had shouted it, and in a flash his sword slashed. Mori was still smirking, at first not realizing what had happened. But than, the sting of pain was burning her chest. She looked up to see Mugen in front of her, his head hung low. She could see his eyes, glazed over with a hateful passion.
"I do what I have to do, to protect the one's I worry for." Mugen spoke in a whisper, a special tone he had created just for Mori's ears. He wanted her to hear the seriousness in his voice; the anguish she caused him. He may have been everything she said he was, but that didn't take away from the duties he promised to the people who cared for him. To protect them, he would kill his mother; without a thought.
"Mugen…." Fuu's eyes teared up, she could feel the hurt he was feeling. She wasn't sure if he was feeling this way because he was forced to kill the only blood line he would know. Or if he really did hate his mother that much.
Mori stared up at him, holding on to the blade that had entered her chest. Blood was slowly dripping from the large wound, he was holding her in place. Somehow he wanted her to fear it, the realization of death.
"After this moment, I will never think of you. I will continue to live. And when my son is born, I will give him the name of an honorable man." Mugen pushed the sword a little further in, causing her to gasp in pain. Mori knew that he would want to kill her, but she had carefully planned her attack, she wasn't supposed to die; he was.
"You fool. Blood will always remain the same. Dirty blood can't get, clean." Mori laughed. Even when faced with certain death, she held on to her evil heart; her hate for him.
"Mugen.." Jin calmly whispered.
"Mugen…" Fuu called for him a little louder, hoping to reach him. He had not moved from Mori since he plunged his sword into her. And they were both growing more concerned.
"In your case, it can't. You were born filthy." Mugen smirked pulling out the sword. Mori gargled in pain and blood, as she sprayed the filthy blood against the broken down wall of the hut. Mugen looked down to her body, bleeding badly to death.
He turned around, not able to look his friends in their eyes. He wasn't ashamed, just very tired. He had realized something's about him, something' he had forgotten about himself; and other things he wondered if he could erase from him.
'Mugen…." Fuu thought.
……………………………………
When the sun came up, the town was refreshed with the sight and smell of snow. It had come earlier than most years, and even though it was cold; people walked outside. Warm fires and soft smells of roasting food lingered with air as Mizu walked inside his home. It was finally done. His father's home, and the newly built school. All the things he wanted to do, were done. He could finally go to his fathers grave, and tell him that his vow was complete.
"What are your thoughts?" Jin asked standing further behind the young lord. He smiled looking out to his father's restored garden, he had spent many long winter days sitting there with his dad, staring out to the dead plants. It was that first day of winter, when his father had explained life and death to him. He was only eight, and still didn't understand the world. But he understood, death; and it was a frightening thing.
"Life." Mizu smiled coming back from his trance. He looked back to Jin with a healthy bright smile. Finally, in a time where things died, they could live.
……………………………………
"Fuu-chan, you must eat something." Mai smiled to her handing over a bowl of freshly cooked stew. The smell was enticing, but Fuu was still very worried for Mugen. Last night, after the battle, he was acting differently. He seemed to be injured even though there were no hits. He was quiet and looked very exhausted.
"Mugen-san, will be alright. He just needs some rest." Mai flashed Fuu a reassuring smile and lightly patted her leg. She wanted Fuu to eat something, she had not taken a bite of anything since they returned home.
"Arigato." Fuu smiled agreeing to eat. If she didn't stay in good health, she wouldn't be able to take care of Mugen. She stayed up all night watching over him, placing a cold cloth every now and than on his forehead to make sure. Even though he seemed very distraught, he slept very comfortably. Like a little child.
Fuu wondered a lot about him. She had no idea that he had a living mother, nor did she know that Mori was his mother. She wanted to know why he had never told her the truth about it. But right now, she couldn't be worried about that. After all, she had put him through a lot of stress when she remembered nothing about him.
………………………………
The light afternoon sunlight was peaking into the room, forcing awake Mugen. He had never slept that well, like not a single worry was on his mind. But before he could look out to the sun and say hello, his eyes caught a glimpse of a blur; a furry blur.
"GAGH!" He screamed as Momo-san assaulted his face. The little squirrel happily smeared himself on top of Mugen's disgusted nose, lips and eyes. Mugen shot up, trying to peel the small monster from his face.
"Mugen, are you okay?" Fuu asked walking into the room. She thought she heard him scream. When she entered the room, she had thought to find a nerved and panicked Mugen, instead she saw him standing there ready to murder her little squirrel. He was running around the room, trying to rip off the animal, but Momo-san hadn't greeted him in along time, and wasn't about to let him go.
"Baka! Get this little bastard off of me!" Mugen screamed racing around like a mad man with his hair on fire. Fuu was a bit confused at first and repulsed by what she saw. She had expected to see a very emotional Mugen, not a recovered Mugen. Nevertheless, a happy Mugen was better to see. She smiled, giggling a bit.
………………………………………
"So you knew?" Shino asked pouring Jin a cup of warm tea. The restaurant was empty, people were tucked away in their warm houses. They weren't expecting anyone until dinner time, when the fresh smell of cooked food assaulted their senses.
"Huh?" Jin asked.
"Mori was Mugen's mother." Shino smiled. Jin closed his eyes, a small smile on his face. He wanted to defend himself for not telling her sooner, but he felt he didn't have to. He saw that understanding smile, those trusting eyes. She already knew why he didn't say it to her. He wanted to carry it himself, to not bother her with worry.
"It's better that we both carry the burden, together." Shino smiled sitting next to him. Jin was surprised to hear her say something to him about it. He looked down to her. Her belly was larger than the last time he noticed. How many more months were left until he was blessed with another great thing in his life.
"No need. This was the last time." Jin smiled down to her gently rubbing her stomach. He wasn't the type to do things like that in front of people. Yet, he somehow really wanted to touch his child. He wanted to assure his unborn child that no harm would come to it, wanted to whisper that nothing would tear them apart.
"Jin." She smiled leaning up to receive a gentle kiss.
…………………………………………
The town was lit up, with different colours and laughs. There was a celebration, to welcome the early snow. In the past, they viewed early snow as a bad sign, but this year it was taken as a sign of good things to come. A cleansing snow blanket, to wash away all the old stains of blood. Fireworks lit the sky, laughter, cheers and happiness filled the night sky.
"Fuu-chan, are you sure?" Mai asked leaving with Mizu. They were headed towards the restaurant, as always they would eat dinner, and enjoy yet another night of peace. Mizu wasn't sure if leaving Fuu behind, to be alone while waiting for Mugen to wake up again. He knew that this battle, especially, was a tough one for him. He may act like he didn't feel a single pin of angst; but he knew that even a murderer felt the cut of a blade.
Mugen wasn't the type of man who would show emotion like fear or pain so easily.
"Don't worry. You guys go ahead and enjoy yourselves." Fuu smiled waving them goodbye. She noticed how well Mai and Mizu did together, they almost seemed like a couple. She giggled thinking about the first time she felt like that for Mugen. It was all destiny, a fate that she would go through again just to have the people she had now, with her.
"Oy, don't day dream, get me some food." Mugen snorted plopping down against the wall. Fuu was surprised to see that he was awake already. She quickly skipped to the boiling stew pot. She had been waiting for him to wake, so that she could eat with him. It was a romantic thought, but she hoped Mugen felt the same.
"Is it good?" Fuu asked a little nervous. This was the first time she had taken over the cooking alone. She tried her best to match the sensational taste of Aki's hands. She cut all the vegetables by herself, and even prepared the meat. She handed over to him, a small plate with a large helping of meat skewered. She had been slowly roasting them for better taste.
"Yeh it's good." He slopply said, not really paying attention to her anxious eyes. She had been waiting for him to say something more thoughtful. But it was Mugen.
'Figures he wouldn't say anything more than that.' She smirked to herself. But it was alright, his lack of comments on her first time cooking wasn't what she was looking forward to. She just wanted him to be alright.
"Hey." Mugen suddenly said not moving his eyes or mouth from his food.
"Uh?" Fuu quizzically looked up at him as she slurped her own soup.
"Did you make this yourself?" He asked still maintaining no eye contact.
"Is it awful?" She asked slightly nervous to hear what he had to complain.
"I knew it. Definitely tastes like you had a hand in it." Mugen grinned. Fuu let puffs of smoke steam out of her ears as she prepared to shout out to him. She had tasted it, and even she had to admit it was really good.
"Why you ungrateful little-"
"Full of care." He added keeping his eyes to his skewered meat. Fuu stopped mid sentence blushing at the kind words. She smiled gently to him. Her heart fluttered to a lovely beat, seemed some how; music was playing.
"Arigato for making it." Mugen added.
………………………………
Hand in hand, Jin, Shino, Mugen and Fuu and his family stood together watching the fiery colours consume the sky. The night was coming to an end. The cheers and smiles of the townspeople as Mizu delivered his speech. He promised to be a Lord that cared, just like his father. He named Jin and Mugen, as the people who were responsible for the success, and the all of the men who served in his rebellious army.
"No finer night was meant than tonight. Let this celebration be the start of all our lives." Mizu shouted happily on to a crowd of hopeful subjects. Jin had seen a lot of changes in Mizu since they first met. He was not the same kid, wielding a sword. He had grown to a man that he always imagined he would turn to be.
The crowd roared as the lights flashed in the sky. The moon was larger than any other night, giving them all a night to remember.
"Jin." Shino smiled leaning against his shoulder. He looked down to his pregnant wife and smiled.
"We're free." She whispered. Jin leaned down to her, touching her lips with his. It was the sweetest kiss he had ever given. She held on to him. Fuu blushed seeing the husband and wife seem so personal in such a public place. But it was a romantic thought.
"Oy." Mugen smirked to her, but Fuu became nervous and embarrassed and struggled to fight off Mugen from doing more than kissing her…which lead them into another fight. Their family members watched on as the couple shouted and practically tried to strangle each other in the snow.
…………………………………….
It all came to an end. The lights, and people all gone leaving behind only white perfect snow.
"Mizu-san, that was a very nice speech." Mai smiled warmly. The white snow and dark lighted night seemed to give her a beautiful glow. Mizu smiled down at her. She had been looking all over, asking his right hand men, and finally she had traced him back to the restaurant. He needed some tea to warm him up from the winter's wind.
"Mai-chan..Arigato." He smiled offering her a cup of tea. She took a seat next to him, wondering if it wasn't too forward of her. There were so many things she wanted to say to him, but how to begin to explain what she felt for him. They were both very quiet as they sipped their tea.
"Mai-chan. I want to say something to you, but I'm afraid I'm no good with words." Mizu stuttered. He had never had a worse time trying to form sentences. He felt a surge of heat explode in his chest, his ears and cheeks became flushed as he thought of what she would say.
"Let the words just come out." She giggled gently, understanding how he felt. She was struggling to form proper sentences as well. It seemed that whenever she came near him, she could no longer think straight.
Mizu smiled closing his eyes for a moment. He wondered if this really was what he wanted to do. What if she rejected him, would he be able to deal with that. He loved her a lot, he always wanted to see her smile. He exhaled.
'I have to try.' He thought. He turned to face her. Her big beautiful eyes staring back up at him. Her expression seemed to anticipate what he had to say. Her heart was beating fast as she waited for his lips to curl into words. Words that she hoped would include her. Mizu swallowed hard.
"I –I think about you a lot Mai-chan." He started, it was in a soft stuttering gasps. He was trying to think of something more beautiful to say, something that would show her that he really did care. Mai blushed waiting for him to continue.
"Whenever I see you, I become happy, even on the worst days." He looked down to his hand, it was a mere inch away from touching hers. He blushed harder. He wanted to look deep into her eyes and find that love would be returned, but he worried that she would turn away.
"I, I-I think that maybe. If it wasn't too horrible-that-that. Well what I'm saying is that. That-that if you were." He was rambling on, not making any sense, but Mai could tell what he wanted to say. To encourage him to blurt out his feelings, she placed her hand on his.
"Mizu-san. Just say what you feel." Her face lit up with a blushful glow. Her heart fluttered, her stomach in knots as she waited for him. Mizu felt like he would pass out from the heat. He had never felt like this for anyone. His head spun as he looked deep into her eyes. She was beautiful. Somehow he became lost in them.
"I love you." He whispered suddenly as he continued to passionately stare at her. Mai blushed harder, smiling with equal joy.
"Mizu-san." She let a happy tear escape her eyes as she leaned up to give him a kiss. He accepted like reflex. It came natural, and they stayed in place, locked in their kiss. The noises of the outside world faded for them, all they needed was this perfect moment in time.
……………………………………
Jin and Shino relaxed into each others arms as they sat across their new found parents. Aki offered another hot cup of tea to Jin, and he gratefully accepted. It all seemed perfect now. Nothing could ruin a more serene moment.
"GGAAAHHHHHHHHH! Get off of me you little bastard!" Mugen's holler echoed in their ears as they watched the wild man run into the kitchen area. Plastered on his face was Momo-san, squeaking away in happy songs. Fuu came after angry.
"Mugen! Don't scream at him!." She shouted hitting him over the head with her shoe.
"Danmit baka! Don't scream at me! Scream at your little pet!" He hollered back still trying to rip Momo-san off. He thought he was free from the little fur ball; but it didn't take long for things to go back to the way they were.
"Stop that! You're gonna hurt him!" She shouted hitting Mugen more and more on the head with her shoe. Mugen shook violently burning up with anger as he was being assaulted by the two of them.
"AHH baka! He's hurting me! Hit the stupid animal!" He shouted. He had been able to pull Momo-san's fat little body alittle ways off his right eye, and he used it to angry stare of Fuu.
"He's not stupid!" Fuu shouted in little tears still hitting Mugen over the head. Mugen sighed defeated by woman and animal. And he plopped down to the floor, sitting with his legs folded while Fuu continued to hit him; and Momo-san continued to hump his face.
"This is all shit." Mugen muttered quietly. Jin, Shino, Aki and Shiro stared at each other once before looking back to the helpless murdered. He couldn't really look back at them to refrain them from laughing. Sure enough, even Jin started to laugh. His glasses fogged up, and he tilted back in laughter watching his comrade.
"Oy! Stop laughing." Mugen shouted angrily.
………………………………………..
The moon had never looked so beautiful, even the stars seemed to dim in it's magnificence. The town was sound asleep, dreaming of the happiest things. Little snow flakes slowly came down to the ground, erasing the marks of man. Everything was peaceful.
"Jin?" Shino asked turning to her side noticing that Jin was sitting up. Jin was looking down to his hands and smiling.
"What is it?" She asked worried.
"I love you." Jin blurted out calmly. Shino sat up, surprised by him. She placed a loving hand in his and looked deeply into his eyes.
"Jin?" She asked, hoping that he would open up. His eyes closed, his smile widened. Something about the winter's atmosphere made him look more alluring, with his pale complexion and dark black hair. He turned to face her.
"I was alone for so long…I never thought I could trust people…or let them into the most secret place in my chest." He placed a hand on his breast to show he meant his heart. Shino listened carefully.
"But when I met Fuu and Mugen, all that changed." He continued. He held on to both of Shino's hand, as if holding them allowed him to be open.
"It was an irreplaceable chance…But what Mugen said, back there." He started. Shino could tell that he had been thinking about it for a long time. She smiled.
"That we were already together…I think he's right. Fate, destiny, brought us here…but perhaps it only did so because in previous times we failed to come this far… That's why everything seemed so familiar…like we had gone through it all before." Jin closed his eyes and focused back to the hut, when Mugen told Mori those things. He said them out right and without thinking, however, each word he whispered to Mori was true.
"We had already gone through it once together…" Jin explained.
"Because of them, I met you. And I'm grateful to them for bringing me to you." Jin looked down to his pregnant wife. She had that pregnant glow, the look of something that created miracles.
"I hope that even in the next life times, I still get to meet them; and to find you. Their companionship led me to the love I never had." He hugged her. She embraced him back, not sure why he said the things he did. But she was proud, and glad that he opened up to her. They stayed that way for a little while, in their lovely embrace.
"I'm free of burden now." He whispered into her ear. Shino smiled, holding on to him tighter. It was his peace, what he wanted to say for a long time, but never said. He knew now, that nothing could destroy his family, because no matter what; they would all come back together. They all would.
……………………………….
"Mugen, Mugen…." Fuu panted as he tightly embraced her. He didn't engage into something sexual, instead, something in him just wanted to be as close as possible to her. He snuggled her, almost smothering.
"Can't…breathe…" Fuu slowly whispered. Her eyes had come out, comically bulging with little tears as she slipped into faintness. Mugen realized he was cutting off her oxygen and loosened enough to let in some air.
"Baka" She gasped for air, sitting up. Mugen sat up with her. He was horribly embarrassed, though it didn't matter; because he just couldn't control the way he felt. However helpless he seemed, he didn't care, he needed to hug her.
The moonlight came into the room, giving them a proper hint of light. It was beautiful outside, a beauty that he only saw in Fuu. How much he had changed so suddenly, all because of the lessons he learned. When Fuu lost her memory of him, he realized it than, how much he wanted to say to her; yet never did. All the moments he had to embrace her, yet never did. All her smiles that went unnoticed by him. He would not let that happen again.
"What is it? Fuu asked sweetly. Mugen moved his gaze from the snowy world outside to the warm face of his beloved. Fuu joked, teasingly punching his side.
"You scared me." Mugen smiled. Fuu was shocked to see him smile like that. Usually, he only smiled like that when they were making love, however, it was a dearing look in his eyes; not lustful.
"Huh?" Fuu said puzzled by him. She didn't know what she had done to scare him, it was him; the wild ruffian who was scared by no one and nothing.
"When you forgot me. I got scared… I've never been scared of shit in my life." Mugen admitted looking down to his stretched legs. Fuu sat properly up so that she could look at him better. She remained silent, feeling a bit guilty for falling for such a trap.
"Mugen, gomen that I forgo-"
"No it wasn't your fault." He interrupted. Fuu had never seen Mugen like that, and she was the closest person to him. Even in her presence did he rarely become so affectionate or romantic; or so gloomy.
"It was mine. I had you, and you loved me; and I still didn't think much of it." He knew that it sounded worse than it was. After all he loved her more than his life, he would do anything for her.
"When you forgot me, I was mad at you for letting me go so easily. Than again, it's not like you had much to remember. I never done anything for you." Mugen felt embarrassed, he was showing too much of himself, he was bringing to light a weak man. Fuu listened carefully feeling bad for him.
"So I decided that I would become a better man for you, so that you won't ever forget me."
"Mugen, I won't forget you-"
"No. I mean so that in the next life, I'll be more familiar. So you won't be disgusted to love me back…" He finally looked over to her, able to look her in the eyes. He hoped that what he was saying was clear enough. They would die, be born again and come together again, it would repeat like that forever for them. And that's what he wanted. To always be together, no matter what lifetime.
Fuu smiled, it was the most romantic thing Mugen had ever said. His voice was sweet and soft, a tone that she never thought Mugen had. His eyes sparkled. She could tell he was uncomfortable, and knew that all he wanted to do was slice something so he could feel more like his animal self.
"No. I want you the way you are. Just Mugen is better for me." Fuu smiled resting her head on to his chest. He was shocked for a moment. Here he was ready to give up his sword, burn the tattoo's from his arms and legs; and she said no. He was good enough as he was.
"Baka." He smirked snapping back to her.
"In that case." He grinned lustfully. Fuu squirmed a little blushing as he attacked her.
"Mugen?" Fuu whispered as she gently touched his cheek. Mugen loved that feel, her warm soft touch.
"Hmm?" He replied.
"Is it true? We'll always be together? That we'll find each other in the next lifetime?" Her innocent smile always tugged at his heart, ripping whatever sanity he had to shreds. He would guarantee the world to her if she asked it with that smile.
"In every life time." He smiled as he leaned into a kiss.
The room became silent, the hallways; the house was all peaceful. When suddenly…
"GAAHHHH! BAKA! You little bastard!" Mugen screamed as the incoherent squeaks of Momo-san echoed through the household, waking all. The night slipped away as the home broke out in laughter and shouts. Mugen and Fuu were the loudest as they ran around inside the house fighting. Their lives, complete.
It was one of many happy nights. Why destiny had designed their lives as it did, no one could say. But the trials and pains they went through were things they would go through over and over again; just to become a happy family in the end.
But that's not the end. No. Soon after, the house filled with one more smile, Shino and Jin's first son Mamoru. Who was ultimately the reason why Jin became more talkative. Aki and Shiro's restaurant prospered into Japan's greatest restaurant. They created a new way of eating, and led to the modern day teriyaki chicken.
Mizu moved into his fathers home and took throne as the new magistrate. With much funding, he made his town the centre of education. He proposed to Mai that summer evening after the Shogunate sent word of his approval. She said yes, they were married the next week.
As for Fuu and Mugen. Well their story will echo throughout the ages. Fuu married Mugen on the planned date. That night, Mugen made sure Fuu got pregnant. He called her fatso everyday, and she hit him unconscious everyday he did.
Momo-san greeted Mugen every morning, and Mugen, though he tried hard, was always defeated.
Seemingly unfamiliar and strange people, came together. They created a bond so strong that not even age and time would tear them a part. So where are they now, 50 years later? Probably re-living their fate, as they were, already together.
Hope that wrapped it up. I was going to stick in a lemon scene, but I thought that it would ruin the effect I wanted. I hope you guys all liked it, I worked really really REALLY hard on it. My blood, sweat and sometimes saliva (I fell asleep on my laptop a couple of times) are all in this story.
I think the message in my story should be clear. Remember back to Destined to be, a reviewer pointed out the constant similarities, well that gave me a good idea for writing "Already together". And I had even dropped a few hints about it in the Destined to be chapters (read back, you'll see it).
I thought that it was a good concept, especially because, even in the series; they emphasized on how their meeting was an irreplaceable event.
Well that's it for me. Thanks to my loyal reviewers and readers. You guys are SOOO important to me. I made some pretty good friends who now email me on a regular basis, to them I wanna say a big thanks for your on-going support! )
And I'm not sure if I'll write again after this, well see how 2006 treats me HAHAHAHA!
And remember, bizzy luvs ya! )