Disclaimer: We, Twin Girls do NOT own Fushigi Yuugi and its storyline; it is created byYuu Watase and other large corporations in which we have no part of. We only own Kayla and other characters that did not belong to the original series.
Gemini: Sorry for keeping all you readers waiting, but we finally had time to update. For all you readers who had been doubting us...... NO, we did not abandon this fic. No way will we abandon this story LOL. We were extremely busy with school, with homework, assignments, quizzes, tests..... (Keep going on and on and on......)
Cancer: (Arch her eyebrow) UH... GEMINI!?!?!
Gemini: What?
Cancer: I really hate to interrupt your fabulous, exciting speech here, but I'm just wondering... would you be quiet anytime soon???
Gemini: Hum.... not really, why?
Cancer: Why? WHY?!?! YOU ASKED WHY?!?! IT'S BECAUSE nobody would want to hear you complaining endlessly about your problems especially when the readers are anxious to read what would happen with Kayla and Tasuki, YOU MORON!!!!
Gemini: (sweatdrops) oops.... hehe sorry....
Cancer: Oh My God and they say you're the OLDER and the more MATURE one.... HAHAHA Guess they were wrong!!!!! BWHAHAHA!!!! Man, they should have REVERSED the order in the horoscope when it comes to the levels of maturity, HAHAHAHAHA!!!
Gemini: (gags Cancer and shoves her into the closet) Humph.... just because I am more mature doesn't mean I can't rant you know (turns back to readers) Anyway.... Enjoy the chapter everyone (hears Cancer breaking through the closet door) Uh oh....
Chapter 8: Adapting To A Different Life
Once again Kayla woke up with the sun glaring at her face. However, this time instead of waking up in the streets like before, she woke up in a bed inside a comfortably spacious room. "Just a few more minutes," she mumbled to nobody in particular as she pulled her covers over her head, wanting to block out the sun. It wasn't long before she fell back into a blissful deep slumber like before. She was never really a morning person to begin with.
"Knock, knock,... who's there,... it's Kouji here to wake Kayla up for breakfast under Genrou's order,.... okay Kouji come in,... OK…" Kouji opened the door to Kayla's room quietly. He peeked in and frowned. There on the bed laid a figure undoubtedly Kayla hidden underneath the blanket. The boy had amazingly slept through his entire knocking speech. He stepped into the room and towards the bed. He lifted the blanket revealing Kayla sleeping soundly underneath. Kayla didn't stir a bit, completely oblivious to his presence.
Kouji stood there and smiled affectionately as he watched the sleeping boy. It was hard to believe that this boy was the same boy who constantly got into an all-out-tongue-lashing argument with Genrou that Kouji often found amusing to watch. However, the Kayla before him now seemed very different from the Kayla he often seen when he was awake. The Kayla before him now seemed peaceful, innocent and.... what's the word? .... Fragile? Now, he was just lying there with his eyes closed and mouth slightly parted. His dark bands were covering his eyes, contrasting with the paleness of his face. No, he didn't seem so bad....
Kouji leaned down and gently shook Kayla on the shoulder to wake him up. "Kayla.... Kayla time to wake up now," he said. However, Kayla didn't respond except mumbling a few incoherent words. Maybe he should let him sleep a bit more.
"Hey Kouji, what's taking you so long to wake him up? I had...." Genrou stopped by the door when Kouji instantly motioned him to be quiet. Genrou looked in to find Kayla still in bed sleeping soundly. He looked at Kouji questioningly. "What the hell? He's still asleep?!?!" He asked Kouji, lowering his voice a little. Kouji nodded in response. "Yeah, seems to be a shame to wake him up when he seems so peaceful," he whispered back.
Genrou's gaze went back to Kayla, still lost in his own dream world. He did seem peaceful, not to mention MUCH MORE quieter and bearable when he wasn't awake and fighting with him. Hell, he doesn't even seem to be the same annoying boy that had been irritating him for the past month. Kouji was right, it would be a shame to wake him up however.... an idea came to Genrou's mind and an evil smirk spread across his face. Kouji looked at him curiously. "I'll be right back" Genrou replied as he sprinted out of the room suddenly. Kouji looked at him suspiciously. What is he up to now? He thought as he waited.
A few minutes later, Genrou came back still wearing that same evil smirk. The one that promised mischief and chaos to come. In his hand, he held a steel pan, which he found in the kitchen and a wooden spoon in the other hand. "Genrou, what are you...." Kouji stopped when he realized Genrou's intentions. "Umm.... Genrou, do you think that's a good idea? Kayla is going to be pissed off."
"That's exactly what I want," answered Genrou with a smirk as he made his way towards Kayla. Kouji stepped back with a sense of foreboding.
'BANG BANG BANG!!!' went the steel drum as Genrou hit them mercilessly with the wooden spoon. It was so loud that most likely the whole stronghold had heard it.
"Ahhh!!!...." cried Kayla as she bolted up and fell off the bed from the unexpected ambush inflicted upon her. "Ugh...." groaned Kayla, her ears were still ringing with the abusive banging that had woken her up. The banging had stopped and was replaced with the sound of laughing. A laugh that Kayla had grew a little too familiar with and heard often when she had stayed here. Kayla looked up and glared at Genrou who was laughing like a maniac obviously pleased with himself. Kouji was behind him trying not to laugh, but seemingly failing.
"Why you...." Kayla hissed in annoyance and anger. How dare he! She searched around the room and conveniently found a stick that was lying against the wall.
Genrou thought his side was going to burst from laughing so hard. It had been worth it to see that look on Kayla's face.
'SMACK!'
The next thing Genrou knew was that he found himself crashing against the wall. His head was in a constant turmoil as he looked back at the satisfied Kayla who was standing there with a stick in his hand. "#$&##" Went Genrou, once again starting up his impressive vocabulary.
"Yeah, well you started it," retorted Kayla.
"Well you wouldn't fcking wake up!!!"
"You didn't have to scare me to death!!! You BAKA!!!"
"Who are you calling a baka you #$&?!?"
"What did you call me?!?!"
Once again with the argument while Kouji stood there with a hand over his head. "Not again," he mumbled shaking his head.
After Kouji had pulled them apart from their argument, both Tasuki and Kouji had left Kayla to change and to get ready. Kayla picked out some men's clothes from the closet. She had been lucky enough to get some clothes from Kouji and some that belonged to the other bandits. All that she had had been the one set of clothes she stolen from her cousin that were now too torn to wear. Although the clothes had been way too big for her, it was a wonder what a needle, some threads and a pair of scissor could do.
She sighed as she began to change her clothes. She readjusted her underclothes including the cloth that binded her upper body. Then she changed into some cleaner men's clothes. Then out of habit, she checked herself on the mirror in her room to make sure her appearance didn't look out of place.
This routine had grown into a daily ritual that Kayla performed every morning during the month she stayed here at the Leikaku bandit stronghold with Genrou and Kouji. Ever since the incident with Eiken, she had continued to disguise herself as a boy. Fortunately, up till this moment, Genrou, Kouji and the other bandits still didn't suspect anything, which suited Kayla just fine. She didn't want to risk it.
When she was done, she walked out of her room to meet the others for breakfast. She hadn't gotten very far when she heard footsteps behind her. "Ohayo Kayla!" a warm, cheerful voice called out from behind.
Kayla turned and smiled warmly at the brown-haired man who called her. "Ohayo Toushi," she greeted back.
"Where are you going?" Toushi asked as he caught up to walk beside her.
"Breakfast, I'm hungry."
"That's good, I'm going there too, hopefully there's still some food left for us. You know how those guys eat," Toushi chuckled good-naturally.
Kayla laughed as well. Toushi had been among one of the first bandits to welcome her presence during the first few days she had spent here.
She was known by everyone in the hideout mostly because of the incident with Eiken. In the beginning, other than Genrou and Kouji themselves, the other bandits had kept their distance from her. Past awkward incident had caused the other bandits to be still uncomfortable with her. However, Toushi had broken that barrier between Kayla and the bandits and the two of them had become fast friends.
Slowly the other men had begun coming around afterwards and soon she had gotten along with most of the Leikaku bandits. Despite the fact that they're bandits, they were actually good men at heart under the rough exterior, and not that hard to get along with.
When they reached the dining hall, half of the men were already gone after they finished their breakfast. After surveying the room, Kayla saw Kouji and Genrou sitting by the table. Without another word, she made her way towards them with Toushi following.
"Hey guys, sorry to be...." Kayla's words trailed off. She stopped a few steps away from the table, her jaws dropped, almost touching the floor and her eyes were as wide as saucers. "I can't believe this! Can someone PLEASE tell me I am not seeing this?!?!"
Genrou smiled smugly as he watched Kayla's expression.
"Since when did you start developing an appetite of a PIG Genrou?!" Kayla scowled.
Genrou just simply stared at her with that ever so superior look on his face. "Hey, it ain't my fault that you came for breakfast so late, ya know," he retaliated.
Kayla just stood too shocked at the fact of how there was practically nothing, not even a piece of bread crumb left on the table. She could tell from the look on Genrou's face, that he was trying to get her back for what she had done to him this morning.
So it's a pay back huh, that's what this is all about.... Kayla eyes narrowed. "Well, you could be at least decent enough to save us some food instead of shovelling it all down into that so-called stomach of yours!" Kayla retorted expecting Genrou to explode from her comment, but out of her expectation, he was as calm as ever.
Genrou had his feet up on the table, and his chair was leaned slightly backward, with his arms behind his head and his eyes were closed (I hope he falls off that chair and breaks his neck Kayla thought darkly). "Hey, first off, since when did I say I have to be decent with someone like you? Secondly, I'm not the ONLY one who ate all the food, and thirdly, I would show more respect to the Leader of the Leikaku bandits if I were you." Genrou calmly stated with that wicked smirk that never left his face.
Kayla could tell that Genrou was DEFINITELY up to something, and if this had anything to do with her in particular, she could tell that she was not going to enjoy it. Kouji smiled at the sight of both of them.
"Here Kayla, I've managed to save two sweet buns for you, and you too, Toushi" Kouji pushed the dish with four buns before Kayla as she sat down followed by Toushi. "Thanks Kouji, you're such a gentleman, unlike someone here" Kayla raised her voice deliberately emphasizing her point.
Genrou arched an eyebrow. "Who told ya that I'm a gentleman?" He replied mockingly " After all, you're talking about a bandit here..." he paused, and then continued. "Nah, it should be the LEADER of the bandits, and since when are the bandits known as gentlemen?"
Kayla rolled her eyes at Genrou's remark. "Man, I just don't know what did the earlier leader saw in that hot-headed excuse of a man and favoured him over everyone else. I mean you could have become the leader, Kouji. In fact, ANYONE on this mountain is a POTENTIAL LEADER besides that PIG over there!"
Kouji and Toushi couldn't help but smiled at Kayla's remark.
Genrou (much to Kayla's irritation) wasn't even fazed by Kayla's taunting. "Well, obviously Kouji ain't as smart and strategic as I am...." Genrou replied as his smirk grew wider if that was possible ".... and plus I just happened to be the best fighter in this stronghold too" That smirk was really beginning to annoy Kayla badly.
Kouji knew that Genrou was trying to get Kayla back and shut him up, so he wasn't really offended by Genrou's remark. In fact, he always found it amusing whenever Genrou complimented himself like this.
Kayla on the other had didn't even bother to respond back to Genrou's comment. She was actually hoping that she could finish her breakfast as fast as she could so that she didn't have to stay in the same room with this arrogant man. She was shovelling the buns down her throat before she could even swallow her first bite.
"Oh, by the way, speaking of fighting, Genrou and I were having this discussion before you guys entered the room. We were thinking that maybe Kayla should join us for training this afternoon." Kouji spoke out.
Kayla's eyes widened in horror and instantly choked on her buns. She coughed violently, spitting out the food… right on Genrou's face.
"What the hell did you do that for?!?! Didn't your mama teach ya to cover up your freakin' mouth when you cough?!?! KUSO!!! You got it all over me now!!!" Genrou complained as he tried to wipe off the crumbs stuck to his cheeks and forehead.
Kayla ignored Genrou and stared at Kouji, disbelieving of what she had heard. Kouji, as being the most observant around noticed that Kayla was no doubt unenthusiastic about the idea. He quickly continued before letting Kayla could protest. "Well, you see, it would help you improve your defence skills greatly and you will be able to protect yourself even without us around. Besides, Genrou and I will be your trainers during your lesson too, and I promise we'll be easy on you when you first start off," Kouji said with a warm, friendly smile across on his face.
Seeing the sincerity in Kouji's face, Kayla would have wanted to accept his offer. In fact she would have actually look forward to it. However, the fact of how GENROU was going to be the one to train her sent a shiver feeling down her spine. She knew that Genrou would do anything just to torture her during her training. It's not going to be a pretty scene Kayla, she mentally warned herself.
"Oh com'on Kouji, you do know that you're talking to a gutless little runt here don't ya? It's okay. Obviously he's scare of us...." Genrou raised an eyebrow and leaned towards the table and spoke again in a lower tone, ".... or am I the one who's scaring ya ass off?"
Kayla seethed at his mocking tone. This man is really full of himself. "What the hell are you talking about?!?! Are you calling me a coward here?! Did I ever say that I'm not going to the training?!?! Well if not, then would you mind shutting your mouth and stop babbling for once!!!" Kayla shouted, her temper had obviously reached its limit.
"Very well then, I guess I'll be seeing ya this afternoon hm?" Genrou stated as he stood up and began to walk swiftly towards the door as if he had not a care in the world.
Kayla froze. She realized too late that this was Genrou's plan all along. He had used her pride against her and she fell for it.
Damn! What have I gotten myself into?! She thought angrily as she glared at the back of Genrou's retreating form and sighed dejectedly. Let's just hope that I'll be back in one piece after this training.
"Kayla, watch out!" Kayla turned around too late. Before she knew what was happening, her sword was knocked out of her hand. Then a foot swept under her, knocking her to the ground. "Oof..." she grunted as she fell right on her back.
She tried to get back up, but found herself frozen when her own sword was held warningly against her throat, keeping her in place. She glared up at the flamed-hair man who now held her own sword against her. Genrou just smirked as he once again beaten her in their little spar.
In the background, she heard Kouji sighed. Half the day had gone by now and Kouji had been trying to teach her how to use a sword in combat. Genrou had conveniently offered to be her practice opponent, saying that he wanted to help. Wanting to help my ass! He just wanted an excuse to beat the living daylights out of me! She thought bitterly as she swatted the sword away from her neck and scrambled back up, trying to regain back some of her wounded pride.
She winced at her sore back. No doubt it was bruising by now from falling on it so many times. So far the current score was Genrou: 8 and Kayla: 1 where Kayla had been lucky to get close enough land a punch on Genrou's gut when he was distracted. However, the other times he was just too fast making it hard for her to keep up especially with a sword in hand. It wasn't her fault that she was inexperienced with weaponry, since she never had a point in life when she would require any.
"It's okay Kayla, you're just beginning so it's hard to beat Genrou since he has more experience with or without any weaponry," Kouji said trying to be supportive when he saw how discouraged Kayla was becoming while Genrou stood there teasing him mercilessly.
"That's right! You can't beat me no matter how hard you tried. You just got lucky with that one time you elbowed me. I'm way faster and stronger. Face it, you just can't even beat me with that sword of yours and I was fighting you with my bare hands," laughed Genrou, oblivious to the death glares Kayla was sending him.
Kayla bended her head, "You're right Genrou, I can't beat you...."
"That's right IWHAAAT?!?!?! ....." Genrou expected Kayla to retort back, not agreed with him. It had literally thrown him off balance.
"I mean, you're right Genrou that I can't beat you with a sword," Kayla raised her head, and her eyes shone with new determination. She turned to Kouji, "Kouji, I don't think using the sword suits me very well, why don't we work on developing my hand-in-hand combat skills instead since I'm more experienced with it." Kouji nodded in understanding. "If that's what you want Kayla, and Genrou can continue to be your opponent while I watch and coach you."
Genrou who had recovered from his initial shock, began once again to put on a battle stance ready to start. "Fine, whatever Kayla, but don't think that just because you're only a boy and not as strong that I'm going to be easy on ya."
"Let's just start already, I'm ready for you," Kayla retorted as she took defence.
"Don't say I didn't warn ya," and before anyone could respond, Genrou charged forward with a burst of speed. Kayla reacted by blocking his attack. However, the force of his attack had been enough to cause her to stumble back. He continued to throw her a series of punches and attacks and Kayla blocked while returning a few attacks of her own. Without anything else to hold her down like a weapon would, she was considerably quicker and more agile.
She had never forgotten all the things her father taught her when he had trained her when she was younger. However no matter how she hated to admit it, Genrou was a good fighter. He was agile, strong and extremely fast to an extent that it seemed inhumanly impossible. She couldn't understand how he could be so quick, as she struggled to block off his attacks.
Genrou was somewhat impressed that the boy could hold out for so long so far. Though he was still holding back his full strength, he was already using more than the usual amount to fight Kayla. He blocked another punch from Kayla that had almost succeeded in reaching his face. A little too close.... fine, time to finish this off. He made his decision and took action.
To Kayla's surprise, just when she delivered a kick, Genrou leapt over her head, avoiding it and landed behind her. Before she could respond, Genrou had his arm around her neck in a locking grip. She tried to get out, but his hold was tight, not enough to choke her, but firm enough to hold her in place.
"Haha, I won again Kayla, guess I had overestimated you. I expected you to put up a much better fight than this," laughed Genrou as he continued to hold Kayla in a lock hold from behind. "Admit it, you just can't beat me, you hit just like a damn girl!"
Kayla's eyes narrowed at his comments especially the last one. Why that egotistic baka!! How dare he?!?! I'll make him eat his words!!! I'll show him just how hard this damn girl can hit! Using her full force, she kicked Genrou on the shin, catching him by surprise and causing him to lose grip. Then she brought out an elbow and connecting it to his stomach easily knocking the wind out of him. His grip loosened even more and she freed herself from his hold. As the final move, she took his arm and flipped him onto the ground with a large THUMP.
For a brief moment, everyone was silent as each of them slowly digested what had actually happened. Kouji was the first one to break out his stupor. "Su... Sugoi! Good work Kayla! You actually knocked Genrou to the ground! Not bad at all!"
Kayla blinked and looked down at the stunned Genrou and then back at her own hands, still a little surprised that she was able to pull it off. Kama-sama! I did it! I did it! I beaten Genrou for the second time! Hahaha.... Look at him! he's practically in shock! Humph.... serves him right for underestimating me, HA! Kayla smiled, barely able to keep all her excitement within. "Oh, it was just a lucky shot.... I'm sure Genrou was just taking it easy on me." She looked back at Genrou and tried to restrain herself from laughing out loud. He was still lying there.
"Well, that was one hell of a lucky hit if you asked me, where did you learn to fight like that?" Kouji asked as he walked up towards them.
"My.... father taught me when I was really young.... he's not here anymore," she answered hesitantly, not feeling too comfortable to talk about her past.
Sensing Kayla's hesitation on the subject with her father, Kouji just nodded and turned back to Genrou. "Hey Genrou, you okay buddy? You're not mad are you?" Kouji asked chuckling a little at his friend's awkward position.
"Yeah Genrou, are you okay? I didn't hurt you TOO muchdid I?" asked Kayla, her voice coated with sugar and pure amusement. Genrou just lay there and gave them a 'don't-push-it-or-you'll-die' look. "Feh, I let you win," he replied rigidly.
"Ok Genrou, whatever you say, com'on Kayla, let's go eat something, I'm starving."
"Good idea Kouji, so what do you think I could improve on?"
"We could work on your attacks more than your defence, so that you'll be a real good fighter."
Kayla and Kouji continued to converse and walked off to get themselves some food. Whether they had been unaware or had just completely forgotten, they had left Genrou behind who was still lying there where Kayla had managed to knock him down. "What the hell just happened?!" He swore as he stared up at the blue sky above. In the distance he could hear the birds chirping merrily as if they, too were mocking him.
The rest of the day had gone by without delay, but Kayla was dead tired and her body felt sore all over from the training earlier. It was very late at night and Kayla made sure that most of the men were asleep before she snuck out and made her way down a familiar route through a nearby forest. She was very tired and her body was all sweaty. That was why she was out here in the first place, she needed a bath badly but could only do so in a nearby lake she discovered from Toushi.
Just because I dress like a guy doesn't mean I don't care about my personal hygiene and right now I stink like I just had a roll in the mud or something, thanks to Genrou. She thought disgustedly as she made her way towards the lake.
It wasn't long before she arrived to a clearing where a small yet peaceful lake was found. Despite the numerous of times that she had came here before; the view had never failed to amaze her. This place is just so beautiful. She looked appreciatively at the dark sky and saw the full moon shining proudly, providing a welcoming glow on the peaceful land. The steady, calm lake reflected its light and image. Stars were scattered across the emptied sky providing the only company for the lonely moon.
Looks like this is going to be another relaxing night for me, Kayla thought as she began to remove her waistband. She took off her trousers, and within seconds, she slipped off her oversized shirt and gently laid it on top of her pile of clothes beside her. In one swift move, she quickly and gently removed the piece of cloth used to hide her feminine figure from the outside world. Lastly, she untied her hair band and her hair immediately flowed down to her back.
The moonlight brought out the violet highlights of Kayla's hair as she slowly began stepped into the lake and stopped when the water level reached up to her chest. Despite the fact that it was night she was lucky the temperature of the water was bearable. It was cold at first but when her body had adjusted to the initial shock, the coolness had proved to be soothing for her aching muscles. She gently used her hand to splash some water on herself while with the other hand to rub the dirt from her face and body. She faintly ignored the scars on her body. Over time, her scars had healed into just thin white lines and could barely be seen from a distance. However like all scars, they can be easily seen up close (the more recent ones being even clearer).
Kayla looked at her own reflection in the water. The bright moon provided enough light for her to see herself clearly of whom she had became. A girl who must hide her real gender in order to escape her tortured life. She absently ran her fingers through her wet hair. Her hair used to be so long, practically past her waist. However she had to cut it in order to fit with her disguise. Now it only barely reached halfway down her back. She supposed it was a small price to pay for her freedom. She wondered how much longer she would be able to keep this charade up until someone eventually found out. She could only hope that no one will find out anytime soon
Part of her had often wondered why she was still hiding in the first place. Nevertheless, she would always come to the conclusion that it was simply just too risky to let anyone know. It was not that she did get along with many of the bandits. But with a few exceptions like Kouji, Toushi and even Genrou, most of them had gotten along with her because she was known as the 'boy' who had help defeated Eiken. That had gained her a little respect from them. To them, she was still known as a boy, member of the same gender. Who knew how they would react if they knew that she was really a girl? It seemed silly to worry so, but then again, maybe not.
Another reason would be the risk of her uncle's connections with other people. She knew her uncle was a powerful man and travelled practically everywhere for business. It would be only too easy for her uncle to pull a few strings and have men looking for her everywhere if he hadn't done so already. If she went back to being a normal girl once more, it was very likely someone will eventually find her. She just had to be careful and hopefully with time, her uncle would think she is dead or something and eventually give up looking for her. Until then, she would have to settle with looking and living as a boy for now.
Her third and final reason for having her secret remain a secret was Genrou. She knew the man hated girls for reasons she did not know. Kouji told her so, when she asked him one day why she saw no females in the stronghold. Genrou had never denied that fact either. Almost everyday, she practically heard him criticizing something about girls since she had met him. Who knows what his reaction would be if he ever found out that she was really a girl? She virtually always got on his bad side most of the time when she was a boy to him. No, it was definitely not a wise idea to make it worst and let him know her secret.
As she continued bathing, she found herself contemplating more about the fiery-haired man. He was the most irritating man she ever met. She didn't know why he always had to pick on her when he didn't seem to pick on the other men as much. It was like he enjoyed making her life difficult as if her life wasn't already difficult enough. Luckily she had enough sense to always fight back or just plain ignored him. Sometimes, she would kick herself for thinking that maybe he was actually a nice guy since he helped her get her necklace back in the first place. That had been a mistake.
She wasn't sure what to think of him. He was always switching roles from being her friend (somewhat) to an annoying baka that she found herself constantly on her toes whenever she was with him. At least he didn't treat her like an enemy, which had surprised her considering the excessive fights they always get into. Kayla sighed. Despite his many faults, it was easy to say that he was very loyal to his friends and the other bandits of the stronghold and had proven to be a serious leader who constantly looks out for his men. For that, the men trusted and respected him and she had to give him credit for that.
'CRACK!'
The sound startled Kayla out of her thoughts. She turned and found that the sound were footsteps coming from the route she had came from. "Who's there?!?" There was silence. "Show yourself before I come and kick your ass!!!" she threatened trying to hide the trembling panic in her voice.
A dark shadow appeared at the pathway from the forest, and Kayla narrowed her eyes. "Who are you?" She demanded while she was trying to hide herself under the clear water, which did not help very much. Before Kayla could do anything, a man began walked towards the clearing, his features revealed underneath the moonlight. Once Kayla noticed the flaming colour of his hair, and instantly froze from shock. Speak of the devil!!
"Uh-oh!" She suddenly felt as if there was no longer any air around her, or as if her lungs were suddenly filled with water. Either way, she was having a REAL hard time breathing. Yeah Kayla, 'uh-oh' is right. You know too damn well who this idiot is!!! Dammit! What the hell does he think he's doing out here in the middle of the night like this?!?!? Worst of all, he just has to show up in the middle of my bath! KUSO! WHAT THE HELL AM I SUPPOSE TO DO NOW?!?!
Kayla decided to swim towards her clothes and hoped that she could make it out in time before Genrou could see her clearly. But it was too late, before Kayla could reach for her clothes, Genrou was already stumbling his way towards her. Wait a minute.... STUMBLING?!?! Does that mean.... a flicker of hope ignited within her up and she glared at the figure that was approaching towards her.
"Genrou, what the hell are you doing out here in the middle of the damn night?!?!" Kayla demanded as she glided through the water towards her clothes. She quickly grabbed her shirt and flung it over herself to cover her figure as she stepped out of the water before Genrou came too close to see her. Although the shirt only reached down to her thighs when she kneeled down on the grass, her shirt was still large enough to cover herself decently. However, one could still see her true gender once they laid eyes on her during that moment.
"I shall be da one ta ask ya that question ya loud mouth! What are YA doing out here ya little runt?!?" Genrou stumbled forward and dropped down in front of Kayla, allowing her to gaze clearly upon Genrou's face. He was so close to her that Kayla could smell sake emitting strongly from Genrou's body and she winced. Damn, he IS drunk!
She quickly turned away in an attempt to grab her clothes and flee the scene as fast as her legs could carry her. But before she could make another move, a strong hand grabbed her arm and yanked her back down to her original position. "Where do ya tink ya goin?" Genrou smirked showing off his fangy grin. He placed his hand on her shoulder and began pulling her closer to him.
"Ya know, it was quite impressive of how ya knocked me down this afternoon." He patted Kayla on the back repeatedly almost knocking her down, his fangy grin never leaving his face. She swatted Genrou's hand off her shoulder and turned away from him. "Go away Genrou, I'm not in the mood for fighting if that's what you're looking for."
Suddenly his hand gently grabbed Kayla by her chin and slowly turned her head around so that she came face-to-face with Genrou. Kayla could instantly feel her cheeks burning hot as she looked into his amber eyes. His handsome features were outlined clearly under the moonlight and his eyes seemed so soft and gentle at the moment. Kayla blushed harder at the thought. Kama-sama! What am I thinking?!? This ain't the time to think about how good-looking this idiot is.... you should be thinking about..... about how the hell to get OUTTA HERE!
"What's wrong Kaylaaaa???" Their eyes were locked with each other for a long moment until all of a sudden Kayla realized that Genrou's gaze began to move downward. She froze. Oh no! Not good! Kayla didn't dare to make any sudden movements as her cheeks began to flush even more.
Genrou's jaw seemed to drop more and more every moment as his gaze continued to move downward. His amber eyes were bulged out as if they were about to fall out of his eye sockets anytime soon. He blinked repeatedly.
Kayla would have found Genrou's expression quite amusing if it were not for the terribly awkward situation she was in right now, or else, she would have burst out laughing hysterically. "You...." Genrou started with a trembling voice, sounding as if he just seen the scariest and the most terrifying creature in the world.
Damn, if he keeps on staring at me like this, I swear I'm going to claw his eyes out! Kayla thought angrily yet fearfully as she waited for his reaction.
"You..." he continued. "How come your have BREASTS?!?!" Genrou finished with a look of pure shock hanging over his face.
Kayla's eyes widen in fear, yet at the same time she became even angrier. Arrrg.... THAT'S IT!!! He's going to get it this time!!! I'm stopping this before it gets any further then this!!!! Kayla quickly looked around to find something useful and handy and spotted a long but rather thick stick beside her. She quickly grabbed the stick and turned back to Genrou.
Oh.... this is going to hurt HIM more than it's going to ME!!! "Hey Kouji," she said loudly and pointed out behind Genrou, "What are you doing here buddy?" Genrou turned around immediately to the direction Kayla was pointing at.
'SMACK!!!'
Kayla brought the stick down over the back of Genrou's head hard. Genrou groaned in pain before he fell down out cold. Kayla sighed as she eyed his prone form on the grass floor. Damn you Genrou! You just have to do this to me don't you? Is it too much to ask for a peaceful night without any interruptions?!
She quickly put the rest of her clothes back on and began to drag Genrou by his feet back towards the stronghold. He was too heavy for her to carry and felt a morbid sense of satisfaction as his body dragged through the dirt and some rather rough rocks.
He's going to be sore in the morning.
From a distance not too far away from the bottom of Mount Leikaku, three figures headed up the mountainous region. They had been traveling for a long time and had decided to rest for the night. Each of them carrying the same purpose and hopes of finding the three other individuals whom would help them to continue on with their journey and to meet their destinies.
Authors' Note:
Gemini: (Sighs and drops dead on the floor) This is a KILLER! I never expected it would take me that long to write this chapter man!!!
Cancer: (Closes her eyes and meditating) Yeah well, but we are talking about your PACE here, so what do you expect Gemini?!?!
Gemini: HEY! What does THAT suppose to mean?!?!?
Cancer: Well, obviously I meant that you are a SLOW POKE, as slow as GENBU, you know, the TURTLE god. But you can forget about the GOD part, and just remember the TURTLE part Gemini. (Smirking, and is as calm as ever)
Gemini: Grrrr!!! What is it Cancer?!?! What do you want from me huh?!?!? A FIGHT?!?!? IS THAT WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR THERE?!?!?! ALRIGHT, STAND UP AND FIGHT ME YOU DONKEY!!!!
Cancer: (Thinking).....
Gemini: (Puts on her boxer gloves and starts jumping up and down in front of Cancer, ready to fight) What's wrong you COWARD?!?! AFRAID TO FIGHT WITH ME HERE OR WHAT?!?! HAHA, YEA THAT'S RIGHT, I'M GONNA BEAT THE CRAP OUT OF YA IF YOU FIGHT ME YOU BAKA!!! SO COM'ON CHICKEN, LET'S FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT!!!!
Cancer:.... So, what do you guys think of the story so far, like it, love it, or... well, I'm sure no one will hate it, right pals (wink, wink). Hum... by the way, have you guys ever try to meditate, it's soooo KOOL, you guys should try it sometimes, it helps you to relax your brain and it clears your mind too....
Gemini: (Sweatdrops and fainted)....
Cancer: (Turns to Gemini)... Wow, she must be suffering from iron deficiency, man, no wonder she always fainted so easily, better give her some medicine, or maybe..........A NEEDLE MIGHT HELP!!!
(Cancer takes out a needle instantly and insert into Gemini's upper arm)
Gemini: AARRGGH!!!! What the HECK WAS THAT?!?!
Cancer: A needle of course.... hum.... hold on.... where did I got this needle from?!?!
Gemini: (Swallows hard)....
Cancer: Did anyone see me disinfecting the needle before I insert it into Gemini's arm?!?!
Gemini: OMG! (Turns blue and fainted again)
Hey guys, sorry for posting up this chapter so late, the authors were having a tough week from school, but anyways, here is chapter 8 and 9, hope you guys will enjoy it.... And yeah, regarding to the three mysterious guys at the end.... it's pretty obvious of who they are, and the authors promised that they will make their appearance as soon as possible, so just sit back and enjoy the story. See you guys later! -