They had been at sea for three days now. The crisp, cool air of the morning was beginning to dampen and the bright yellow sun had begun to dip into the ocean.
Four days ago, Miaka had awoken into the prescence of a strange (yet handsome) man named Nekomaru. Apparently, he had rescued her from a band of scummy theives, but for what reasons she couldn't imagine. Nekomaru hadn't spoken a word since that day, yet for some reason, Miaka was drawn to him. She followed him like a pet, over hills and plains, and even over a mountain. He didn't seem to mind. Now they were at sea.
Miaka had been pressing herself to talk to Nekomaru, but she never mustered up the courage. He himself had been like a stone for the entire trip. At times, she wondered if he was dumb. She glanced an eye over her shoulder to peer at her mute rescuer. He was seated in the customary legs crossed fashion, with both palms on his knees, and his eyes closed. What was he thinking? Who was he? What was she doing here?
The boat was being rowed by an old man named Obieru. Obieru was very talkative. He had told them about his wife (who passed away years ago) and about his god children (who were like angels) and those wretched rogue ninja that were such pests in his home village. Miaka liked Obieru. He had a scruffy beard, and was skinny as a pole, but his voice was loud and jolly. It made him seem like the grandpa she never had. Or at least like the one that didn't drink all the time.
"So...where are you guys actually goin'? Do ya know each other? You don't seem to talk much" said Obieru suddenly.
Miaka raised her head and looked over to Nekomaru. She had no idea where they were going., but she didn't really expect HIM to say anything anyway. She turned back to trailing her hand though the icy waters.
"We're going to the Rain Village" came a voice from behind her.
Miaka started. He spoke!
The old man chuckled. "The rain village, eh? Yes, I know a good deal about the rain village. I actually have family there. Cousins as a matter of fact. Three of them. Two girls and a boy. Or maybe it's two boys and girl. I don't remember. They don't talk much. Kinda like you two" he quipped.
Nekomaru opened his eyes for the first time since the journey began. He looked up at the overcast sky, then to Obieru, then at Miaka(She hated herself for blushing). Then he opened his mouth wide. And yawned.
Obieru laughed. "Tired?"
Nekomaru finished yawning and smacked his lips. He stretched broadly, then grinned at the old man. "You bet! I don't know why either. I've been asleep for such a long time..."
Obieru nodded sagely. "They say when your body stays asleep for too long, it becomes unaccustomed on how to wake up!"
Nekomaru rubbed his chin. "That may be it..." then he looked to Obieru and grinned broadly. "So, you know a lot about the Rain village right?"
Obieru nodded. "Hmm..I suppose..."
"Great!" shouted Nekomaru clapping his hands together. "Then you can definitely tell me where Nonokoko lives!"
Obieru raised an eyebrow. "Eh, who?"
"Nonokoko!" he repeated. Nekomaru hunched his shoulders a bit as the old man shook his head. "Nonokoko? He's the best monk in the Rain village, how can you possibly not know him?"
Obieru scratched his stubbly beard. "Monk? There's only one monk in the rain village" Obieru leaned down to Nekomaru's ear and said in a whisper 'And she's not any good by the way...I know from personal experience'
Nekomaru looked around the boat awkwardly, before replying in a whisper, 'Why are you talking so low?...there's no one around to hear us" he cast a glance at Miaka, who's eyes were practically bulging out of her head.
"Er...who is she anyway?" asked Obieru.
Nekomaru shrugged.
The old man scratched his head. "Okay..well..I don't know of any Nonokoko, but I do know of another monk, the one I was telling you about? Her name is Madame Konikawa. She's a fat old lady that lives at the edge of the village, right on a little beach that's all her own. The properties fenced off because she doesn't want anyway back there. I haven't a clue why"
Nekmaru nodded, his lips pursed tight.
The boat was quiet for a while, with nothing but the sounds of Obieru's steady paddling, and Miaka's quickened breathing. She watched him for awhile. Nekomaru that is. He stared out into the ocean for a long time, as if looking for something. Then, seemed to give up, and was about to go back to sleep.
That was it. She was going to get some answers. Miaka held her breath, turned around, and for the first time in five days...spoke.
"Sorry to bother you" Miaka started, her voice steadily getting stronger, "But I need some answers"