Gemini: Wow! We have so many supporters here (stares at the reviews page with starry eyes)
Cancer: I know, I think I must be dreaming! We got 9 more reviews! (Stares at the screen also)
Gemini: ...
Cancer: ...
(A voice that sounds suspiciously like the cliché Hollywood narrator's voice overhead came out of nowhere)
Well as you see, our two authors are now a little 'occupied' with the wonderful reviews that all you great readers sent. Luckily they left a few memos to tell all you readers before they were ummm... stuck in the Lala Land let's just say. Let see...
1. Thank you for all you wonderful readers' supports in this fic, it was extremely motivating and helpful.
2. Please continue to review, we really, really love them and we will never ever get tired of them.
3. For those of you readers who sent in your answers from the last chapters, Congratulations!
You all answered correctly and as promised we prepared the next chapter for all of you who are anxious to know what happens next!
4. Also, must remember to buy the next stash of double chocolate ice cream, the kitchen is all out.
Oops... scratch out that last memo, that one was part of their '1001 things to do' list. Wow! Look at all the things these two girls have on their list... let see...
· Continue to write chapter 11...
· Think of ways to get Kayla and Tasuki together...
· Find ways to reach to a minimum of 40 reviews before fic is done...
· Think of ways to survive through the summer without getting into each other's nerve and killing each other in a horrible, horrible death...
LOL etc...etc... Well that's all for now and one more thing (clears the throat)
Disclaimers: Twin Girls does not own Fushigi Yuugi and it was created byYuu Watase and other related companies. They are extremely poor. As a matter fact I, myself am not even getting paid for doing all this for these two girls. Now that I'm thinking about it, just WHY am I here doing this anyway!
(The mysterious voice is gone and the sound of a door slamming was heard afterwards)
Cancer and Gemini: ...
Previously
She reached down and shook Miaka on the shoulders. "Miaka, Miaka? Are you alright? Com'on, get up!" She said, trying to wake her up. She didn't respond. Now what!
"Get away from Miaka!" a voice belonging to another man yelled furiously. The next thing Kayla knew, she was pushed aside with sword was held dangerously close against her throat.
Chapter 10: Misunderstandings
Kayla was startled and speechless as she found herself once again at the wrong end of a weapon. She looked up at the owner of the sword and was surprised to see that it was a very handsome man- beautiful even- who looked to be around 18 or so. He could have even been mistaken as a woman with his long silvery-brown hair and delicately framed face. However the lean but firmed structure of his body proved otherwise.
Despite his beauty, his face was now marred with a look of anger as his brown eyes shone with fury and protectiveness as he gazed intently at Kayla. Kayla wanted to hide from his intensive gaze but held her ground. What did she do wrong?
"Miaka!" another voice cried alarmingly that sounded more feminine this time. Kayla turned and saw a violet-haired woman ran towards Miaka. The woman was very beautiful with her hair tied in a long braid, her violet bands framing her lovely face and her violet eyes showered with worry as she examined Miaka, who was still out cold.
"How is Miaka, Nuriko?" the long-haired man asked worriedly to the violet-haired woman while he continued to hold the sword steadily against Kayla. "She's out cold and has a mild wound on her head but nothing too serious Hotohori-sama," the woman now known as Nuriko answered with a sigh of relief knowing that that the miko was going to be alright. Using a handkerchief, she wiped the little blood off of Miaka's forehead.
Hotohori? Nuriko? I know those names! They're the Suzaku Seishi that Miaka was talking about before, but why are they treating me like some kind of criminal! Kayla thought in surprise as she watched them both warily.
The man nodded as relief was shown on his face, but hardened again when he turned back to Kayla. "How dare you attack the Suzaku no Miko boy! You'll pay dire consequences for hurting her," he threatened.
Realization dawned upon Kayla as she used her good hand to applied more pressure on her wound to slow the bleeding. With her blood-soaked clothes and Miaka's injury, no wonder they thought that she had been the one who hurt Miaka. Overcoming her fear and shock, Kayla became angry at the accusation inflicted upon her. Who wouldn't be? "I wasn't the one who hurt her you baka? I..." However, she didn't even have a chance to finish.
"Lekka Shinen!" a very familiar voice yelled. Kayla's eyes widen as she recognized the threat behind those words and quickly ducked to the ground instinctively. In a split second, a burst of massive flames was shot towards the shocked man named Hotohori, who managed to dodge the infernal flames in time as well. Smoke filled the area choking Kayla and making her eyes watered. When the smoke cleared, Kayla was surprised yet somewhat relieved to see the familiar fiery-haired man standing defensively in front of her facing Hotohori in a battle stance.
"Genrou?" she exclaimed.
Genrou had been looking for Kayla for hours. With each passing hour, he was growing more frustrated, agitated and yet worried at the same time. Where the hell is he! When I find him, he is in deep trouble. If he gets hurt, I'll... I'll never forgive myself, he thought guiltily. Then he heard a high-pitched scream off in a near distant. Immediately, with a strong sense of forbodding, he headed towards the sound knowing that somehow Kayla was involved.
His instincts were proven right when he reached to a clearing where he found a long-haired man holding a sword against Kayla's throat. His eyes immediately caught the bleeding wound on Kayla's arm. Genrou felt his anger rose. That bastard is hurting Kayla! he thought furiously as he quickly took out his Tessan.
"Lekka Shinen!" he yelled and sent the blazing flames towards the man with the sword while carefully avoiding Kayla at the same time. The man was quick and had barely dodged the flames. Genrou came out and took his place in front of Kayla to block the man with the sword from getting to him. Needless to say, Kayla was surprised to see him.
"Genrou?" he exclaimed.
Genrou gave him a smirk before facing the unknown man again. "In the flesh."
"What are you doing here?" Kayla demanded, the shock quickly gone from his voice.
"Isn't it obvious? I'm saving your ass again," stated Genrou, as he continued watching the man in case he tried anything funny.
"I didn't need your help," Kayla retorted stubbornly.
Genrou snorted. "Could've fooled me seeing he's the one with the sword ready to slash your throat out."
"What is the meaning of this? Who are you?" interrupted the long-hared man as he held his sword ready in defence.
Genrou gave him an angry glare. "My name's Genrou, and I'm with him," he spoke, indicating to Kayla behind him. "And whoever messes with him will answer to me." His tone was calm with a deadly undertone gracing beneath it. It was a tone that could freeze any lesser man in their place and cause any warrior to become wary of the bandit leader before them. Then without warning, Genrou charged towards the man with his Tessan in hand, ready to give the man, whom he believed had injured Kayla, one hell of a beating of his life.
Kayla's eyes widen in terror as she watched Genrou engaged in a furious battle with Hotohori. His Tessan versus his sword. His speed and agility versus his strength and skills. She knew Genrou was a good fighter despite his crude attitude, but Hotohori wasn't bad either. She may not know much about sword fighting but it was easy to tell that Hotohori was a very skilled swordsman. So far both were equally matched, neither gaining nor losing.
I have to stop this or someone will get hurt or even die! She started to make her way towards the two battling men, but found that something was holding her back. She looked back and found the woman named Nuriko holding her back, her shoulder held in a tight but painless grip. "What are you doing? Let me go, I have to stop this!" she cried as she struggled from the woman's grip, however Nuriko was surprisingly strong.
"Nuriko shook her head. "No way pretty boy, can't let you go and help hurt Hotohori-sama," she replied with a firm calmness.
Kayla let out a groan in frustration. "For the last time, I didn't hurt Miaka! I saved her from another man who was trying to kill her in the first place!" she yelled as she watched the two men fought.
Nuriko looked startled as she heard her words and looked as if she was having a mental debate about whether or not she should believe her.
"Please," Kayla pleaded speaking more softly "Believe me, you can even ask Miaka when she wakes up, she'll tell you the exact same thing. I am not the enemy."
Something flashed in Nuriko's eyes as she regarded the earnest plea found within the expressive golden eyes of the boy. After a moment more of careful contemplation, she hesitantly let go of Kayla's shoulder. "You better not make me regret this," Nuriko said warningly, although not as harshly as before. Kayla smiled a little before she heard a cry of pain from Genrou and turned to see that the fiery-haired man was thrown back against a tree.
"Genrou!" she cried as she ran towards him to check if he was still conscious. Luckily he was, if not a bit more pissed off than before.
"Baka! What are you doing here! Get out of the way!" Genrou ordered as he pulled himself back up.
"I'm here to stop you two from this pointless fight!" Kayla shouted back.
"Well tell that bastard over there, not me!" Genrou shouted back, wincing a little at his sore back. Kayla was about to retort back when she saw Hotohori was charging at a deadly speed towards them with his sword ready to pierce them both.
"Watch out!" she cried as she pushed Genrou out of the way. Unfortunately, she was rooted in place by a low hanging branch from the tree behind her that had managed to snag a piece of loose fabric of her shirt. Those few precious seconds of getting her shirt loose from those devious clutches had been enough to detain her from escaping. With the sword aimed towards her head at a breakneck speed, she shut her eyes tightly as she knew she wouldn't be able to defend herself in time. I'll be seeing you soon otosan, okasan
"Hotohori-sama!"
"Kayla!"
"Hotohori! Onegai, Stop!"
Thunk!
It was silent, as the air clung to the tension making it very difficult for one to breathe.
"K...Kayla?" stuttered Genrou, choking on his voice unable to contain his fear. Is... is he alright? He thought, fearing for the worst.
Very slowly, Kayla opened her eyes after for what seemed like an eternity of dead silence and nearly cried out in shock and surprise when she saw the sharp sword was barely an inch beside her head. Somehow, the sword had missed her barely and was now embedded into the tree behind her. Her reflection upon the smooth, gleaming surface of the blade at such a close range seemed to mock her at how close it was to slaying her. She let out a breath that she didn't know she was holding. Her legs gave out and she collapsed on the ground, still shaken that she had almost died a horrible, horrible death.
She looked up to see Hotohori looking back at her. The fury now gone from his eyes, replaced with a bit of confusion. His aim would have been perfect and yet he moved at the last second, why? Kayla realized with dread. It was not that she wasn't grateful, but she was still very confused. Then, her question was answered as a familiar voice of a girl cried out. "Hotohori don't hurt Kayla!" Kayla turned to see Miaka, now fully waken and struggling to her feet with Nuriko supporting her. It was her who had woken just in time to stop Hotohori from giving Kayla an early and unpleasant death. Talk about cutting it close Kayla thought wryly as she slowly got back to her feet.
"Kayla?" She looked up to see that Genrou was now beside her. "Are you alright?"
"I'll live." She answered shortly and deliberately looked away, avoiding his gaze.
"Hotohori, you can't hurt Kayla," Miaka said as she made her way towards them with Nuriko's help.
Hotohori looked at Miaka with confusion. "Why not Miaka? After he attacked and injured you?"
Miaka shook her head firmly. "No, it was all a misunderstanding. Kayla didn't attack me, he saved me from the assassin who tried to kill me when I got separated from both of you," she explained with a smile. "And besides, Kayla would never hurt me, because he's a Suzaku Seishi."
Silence.
"Kayla's a what!" cried Genrou in disbelief as he looked from Kayla to Miaka and back to Kayla again, confusion written all over his face.
Hotohori and Nuriko looked at Miaka questioningly. "Are you sure Miaka?" Nuriko asked, turning to look at Kayla.
Miaka nodded. "He said so himself didn't you, Kayla?"
Kayla suddenly found herself in the center of attention and shifted uncomfortably as everyone waited for her response. She found herself wishing that the ground beneath her would just open up and swallow her whole. "I'm sorry," she mumbled, looking down feeling very guilty.
"N...nani?" Miaka stuttered as she paled slightly.
"I'm sorry," she repeated louder, "I'm not really a Suzaku Seishi, I don't even know what that is."
"B… but you said..."
"I said it, so that I could trick that assassin and maybe scare him away to save you. I'm sorry if I disappointed you. I could tell how much you wanted to find them." Kayla stared at her hands unable to meet anyone's gaze. She didn't know why she felt so guilty for disappointing the poor girl whom she met for only a brief period of time. However, Kayla could feel that Miaka had a good heart and that she saved Kayla not just once, but twice already: once from the assassin and second from Hotohori.
She felt a hand on her shoulder causing Kayla to look up, surprised to see Miaka smiling happily at her. "Don't be sorry," she said warmly. "You only lied in order to save me. Seishi or not, I'm glad you came, or else I would be dead by now."
Kayla smiled a little. "Thank you Miaka, for not being mad." All of a sudden, she began to feel a little dizzy and stumbled a little. She would have collapsed, but felt two hands instantly behind her, supporting her before she could fall flat on her face.
"Kuso! Kayla, look at you! You're a fucking mess! And you're still bleeding!" Genrou scolded as he continued to hold her up. Kayla was tempted to just kick Genrou in the shin and tell him to leave her alone. However she refrained from doing so, knowing that she would surely collapse to the ground if he let her go.
"Kayla, are you alright?" Miaka asked worriedly as she looked at Kayla's deeply wounded arm.
"I'm alright, just a little light-headed, but I can manage." she answered and tried to stand on her own. Unfortunately, her weakness only worsened despite her efforts. She really hated feeling so vulnerable.
"He lost too much blood, that wound needs to be treated immediately or else it may get worse," Hotohori spoke for the first time after listening for so long.
"I can help," offered Nuriko as she took out a handkerchief and proceeded in bandaging Kayla's arm the best that she could while Genrou continued to hold her up. When she was done, Kayla thanked her. "No problem pretty boy," Nuriko replied. "Unfortunately, I don't have any proper medical supplies and your wounds would need some proper disinfectants."
"We could go back to my place, we should have some medical supplies to treat your wounds," Genrou suggested immediately.
Kayla winced. "No, I am not going back," she said firmly while ignoring the confused looks from Miaka, Nuriko and Hotohori.
"Don't be foolish Kayla, didn't you hear what they said? Your wounds need to be treated." Genrou exclaimed with annoyance.
"I already left, and I'm not going back."
"Why do you have to be so fucking stubborn!"
"Why do you have to be so thick-headed that you can't understand the fact that I don't want to go back to where I'm not wanted!"
The two continued to argue, totally oblivious to the audience who were watching with sweatdrops forming on their heads. "Are they always like this?" Miaka whispered to Nuriko. Nuriko just shrugged and whispered back "I don't know, but I think they act like an old married couple despite their gender." Miaka giggled at the comparison.
"Look!" Genrou argued frustratingly. "At least come back to the hideout so that we could treat your wounds. Besides..." he added slyly. "Your girlfriend over there obviously need some treatment for her head wound as well."
Hotohori seemed to flinch a little unnoticeably at the 'girlfriend' implications while Miaka just blushed slightly. Kayla, on the other hand, was fuming furiously. Not just because of the 'girlfriend' comment (which she knew was impossible for it to happen) but at the fact that Genrou was using Miaka as an excuse to get her to go back with him. What was worst was that the sneaky bastard was right! It wouldn't be fair for Miaka to not get any treatment just because that she, herself was too stubborn to go.
"Fine! I'll go back with you, BUT after my wound is treated, I'm leaving!" Kayla shouted exasperatingly, suddenly feeling very weary of everything. Why did he come? Can't he see that I don't want to go back and only to leave again after everything is over? She thought sadly.
Genrou just smirked, satisfy to know that he had at least won this argument and Kayla was coming back somewhat willingly. He could always find another way later to make sure to convince Kayla to stay for sure.
"Uuhh... guys? How is Kayla going to travel? It's obvious that he's still too weak to walk long distance," Miaka asked, looking at everyone for suggestions.
"No problem, I'll just slung him over my shoulder like a bag of rice, it's not like I haven't done it before." answered Genrou slyly, giving Kayla his familiar fanged-grin.
Kayla gave him a death glare. "You do that and we'll see just how thick your head can really be!" she threatened.
"Like to see you try," Genrou countered mockingly.
Nuriko cleared her throat to get their attention. Kayla and Genrou stopped arguing to look at her. "I can carry Kayla on my back if he doesn't mind, it won't be a problem." Nuriko suggested with a smile. Both looked at her as if she grew another head. Genrou then burst out laughing. "I'm sorry lady, but I don't think a woman like you can carry a man all the way to the stronghold, no matter how light Kayla can be." Genrou said, laughing like there was no tomorrow, while Kayla just looked doubtful.
To their amazement, Nuriko just grinned mischievously, Hotohori just smiled secretly and Miaka giggled. "I don't know about you guys," Miaka said, giggling harder. "But in case you haven't noticed, Nuriko is a man!"
Dead silence (except for a few crickets chirping in the background).
"YOU'RE A MAN?" Kayla and Genrou both shouted out so loud that practically the whole forest could hear them. Nuriko just nodded, though it was easy to see that he was trying hard to contain his own laughter as he watched their reactions.
Genrou was stammering unintelligibly while Kayla just stared mutely unable to comprehend what she had just learned. "Ar... are you sure?" Kayla asked stupidly while looking at Nuriko from head to toe. No matter how hard she tried, she just couldn't picture the beautiful woman standing before her was actually a man.
Nuriko's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Don't you think I would know myself whether I'm a man or not?" he asked playfully. Then unexpectedly, Nuriko took Kayla's good hand... "Just in case there is anymore doubt." Nuriko spoke before he placed Kayla's hand firmly against his chest!
Kayla eyes grew wide and instantly snatched her hand back as if she had been burned. No breasts. Underneath all that layer of fine silk lay only the tone, firm and most definitely flat anatomy of the human chest proving Nuriko was undoubtedly a man. She felt her whole body flushed from embarrassment. Genrou looked like he was about to faint while Kayla just stood there gaping.
"Sorry to disappoint you pretty boy, but now... do you still want me to carry you on my back?" Nuriko asked innocently while giving them both a wink.
The whole group began to walk back to the stronghold with Genrou leading the way. Well... not everyone was walking. More like everyone except Kayla was walking. Despite the earlier embarrassment, Kayla took up on Nuriko's offer and allowed her... ummm... him to carry her on his back. However, Kayla was careful in limiting the intimate contact from her body the feminine-like man since she had to be careful to hide her own feminine features as well. Although the task was difficult provided that she had to somewhat lean on his back while he carried her. Luckily Nuriko didn't seem to notice anything out of the unusual about her. For that, she could only be grateful.
"So you're really from another world?" Kayla asked Miaka with amazement who was walking beside her and Nuriko. Miaka was walking well despite her own minor injury, however regardless of her own protest, Hotohori insisted in walking close-by ready to support her if needed. During their walk, Miaka was telling Kayla about her story as the Suzaku no Miko and her search for her Suzaku Seishi. Her story captured Kayla's undivided interest. It was quite an amazing tale indeed.
Miaka nodded and she continued telling her of her adventures. Apparently she came from a country called Japan, and she lived in the city named Tokyo in which Kayla could only imagine what it was like there. "So basically you're job as a Suzaku no Miko is to gather all seven of your own Suzaku Seishi, summon the phoenix god, Suzaku and make your three wishes?" Kayla summarized.
Miaka nodded again. "We already found four Seishi, Hotohori, Nuriko, Chichiri, whose not here right now at the moment and... Tamahome, he's not here either," she explained as her gaze fell to the ground.
"Miaka are you alright?" Kayla asked worriedly. Was it just her? Or did Miaka's voice seem to sadden when she mentioned Tamahome's name. Tamahome... she did mentioned that name before, didn't she? Kayla found herself remembering Miaka's rambling before when they first met. Didn't she mention that this Suzaku Seishi, Tamahome was now trapped in Kutou for some reason? I wonder how and why? She wondered curiously.
Miaka shook her head and smiled cheerfully. "I'm alright Kayla, no need to worry about me. Like I said, we already found four Seishi, we just need to find three more, Tasuki, Mitsukake and Chiriko. We had a clue that told us that Tasuki would be here in the Mount Leikaku and that's why we're here. We were looking for him or her until you found us. I made a promise to Tamahome that I would find all the Seishi and rescue him and my best friend Yui from Kutou." She explained with determination set in her eyes.
"I see... is that why you're so determined to find all your Seishi?" Kayla asked as the picture became clearer to her.
"I have to keep my promise to Tamahome. I have a duty to summon Suzaku to save Konan from an upcoming war with Kutou and to keep its people safe with my wishes. You don't happen to know anyone with a red character symbols anywhere on their bodies do you?" she asked hopefully.
"Red symbol?" Kayla asked confusedly.
"It's a sign that represents the god, Suzaku. Each Seishi carries a symbol representing their respective god, that's how we know if the person is a Seishi or not. It also represents the power that the Seishi has. Each Seishi has his or her own special ability and power. As you've already seen, Hotohori has the power of superior skills in sword fighting and I possess superior strength. Tamahome has very skilled fighting abilities and Chichiri can do a lot of neat things with magic," explained Nuriko, who decided to join in the conversation.
"I see," Kayla nodded in understanding. "But I'm sorry, I don't think I know anyone who has a red character on their body." Miaka's face fell in disappointment. "However..." Kayla said thoughtfully, "You could asked Genrou, since he is the leader of the stronghold, maybe he would know something." she suggested as she pointed to Genrou, who continued to walk ahead of them. To her surprised, Genrou had been uncharacteristically quiet ever since she started talking with Miaka. Whether he had been listening to them or not, she couldn't be sure. Although he was walking ahead of them so maybe he didn't really hear what they were talking about. Maybe.
Miaka seemed to brighten again at her suggestion. "You think he would really know?" she asked hopefully.
Kayla shrugged. "It's worth a try. But a word of warning, he's a bit of a loud-mouthed, arrogant baka who claims to hate girls for some reason. So I'll be careful if I were you." Kayla warned Miaka, lowering her voice a little so that Genrou couldn't hear her.
"I heard that Kayla!" Genrou shouted from the front, apparently he heard her last comment.
Kayla just responded back by sticking out her tongue at him childishly.
"Hey guys, this is our place, so just make yourself comfortable for now," Genrou smirked as he saw the expressions on Miaka, Hotohori and Nuriko's face. Kayla couldn't blame Miaka and the others for their awed expression. Even she had been surprised by the vastness of the stronghold when she first explored it. It was amazing that a place this huge could be kept hidden on top of Mount Leikaku.
Kayla just rolled her eyes at Genrou's smug expression. She knew his smirks anywhere from her own history with them. This one was simply one of his self-satisfaction smirks. He never changes, does he? (Sigh)... maybe I should teach him a lesson before I leave... At the thought of leaving, sadness struck her once again.
Why did he come for me? It's not as if he really care or anything. Maybe he's just feeling guilty for what he said or maybe Kouji just forced him to come after me. Damn you Genrou! Why do you have to be such a mean and egotistic jerk! Why do you have to bring me back only to have me face the difficulty of leaving this place again! Damn you! She silently cursed at the fiery-haired man as she fought the urge to cry. There was absolutely no way she was going to cry in front of all these people.
"Are you alright Kayla?" asked a gentle, alto-toned voice. Kayla was startled as she looked at Nuriko who was still carrying her. Apparently he had sensed her sadness.
"Huh? Oh, I'm fine, I guess I'm just exhausted that's all," replied Kayla, giving him a small smile touched by his gentle sincerity.
"Are you sure? You look very pale though," Nuriko asked as he turned his head slightly back, allowing Kayla to see the side of his face. His voice and expression was filled with concern and care.
Miaka turned around immediately after she heard Nuriko's comment to peer closely at Kayla's face. She gasped. "Nuriko you're right! He's as pale as a ghost!" Her expressive eyes widen with worry.
"Of course man, from the amount of blood he lost already, I'm surprised that he hasn't actually turned into a ghost already!" Genrou added, as he too, made his way towards Kayla and Nuriko.
Kayla felt her anger rose at the man's insensitive comment. "Would you mind to just shut up and mind your own damn business!" she shouted, as the three newcomers remained silent. Stupid Baka! He just had to make me look so weak in front of everyone! She silently fumed as she looked at Genrou. Did she saw right? Or did she actually saw Genrou winced when she snapped at him? She didn't have the time to confirm her thoughts when he turned around before she could get a better look. She was surprised that Genrou didn't make a comeback at her like he would usually do.
Nuriko simply arched an eyebrow as he watched the two and smiled secretly.
"Hey boss you're back!" Toushi shouted as he saw Genrou and a group of people walking down the main hall.
"Yeah, hey where's Kouji? Have you seen him anywhere?" Genrou asked him as they stopped at the middle of the hallway.
"Kouji and the search party are out in the forest looking for Kay..." Toushi's words trailed off when he saw Kayla riding on the back of a purple-haired woman. He stood there with his mouth wide opened, suddenly oblivious to the people around him.
Genrou looked at him strangely. "O...k... well tell Kouji to see me when he come back ok Toushi?" and with that Genrou walked ahead leaving the still gaping Toushi standing there.
"Uh huh" mumbled Toushi, although he didn't seem to be paying any attention.
Nuriko just rolled his eyes. Not again he thought before he turned back to Kayla. "So where's your room pretty boy? I could carry you there to settle down."
Kayla snapped out of her thoughts "Oh...ummm... down the hall, second door on the left," she answered.
Nuriko nodded and continued to walk, while Genrou went to get Miaka and Hotohori some medical supplies.
"Why do you keep calling me 'pretty boy' Nuriko?" Kayla asked curiously as she was being carried towards her room.
Nuriko turned and look at her with a hint of mischief twinkling in his eyes. "Why wouldn't I? I think it suits you. You are pretty handsome for a boy if I do say so myself."
Kayla wasn't expecting such a compliment. Even though Nuriko was complimenting her as a boy instead of a girl, she found herself blushing a little just the same. She wasn't sure how to respond to such a comment. "Uhhh... Thank you," I think she added quietly.
Nuriko smiled and continued to carry her to her room.
Kayla looked around her former room. Nothing was out of place- not that she really expected it to be- since she left only this morning. She already thanked Nuriko after he placed her on the bed and left to check on Miaka. However, before Kayla could get comfortable, there was a knock on the door. "Come in" she answered without getting up.
The door opened and Toushi walked in with a silly grin on his face. "Toushi? Are you alright?" Kayla asked curiously.
"Huh? Oh yeah, don't worry about me, I'm just..." He stopped mid-sentence, his grin only growing even wider. "... Well, anyways, how are you feeling Kayla? I'm here to check on you and see if you need any help," he finished.
"I'll be ok, thanks" Kayla replied. Toushi nodded and for a moment, just stood there seemingly to struggle with what he wanted to say next. "Can I help you with anything Toushi?" Kayla asked noticing his hesitation.
Toushi looked around as if checking to see if anyone was eavesdropping before he made his way to sit beside Kayla on the bed. "Well, I just have some questions to ask you," he answered, lowering his voice.
Kayla became nervous. "Questions? About what?" she asked, slowly hoping it had nothing to do with her secret.
"Who was that pretty lady you were with a few minutes ago?"
"You mean Miaka?" She asked, a little relieved if not surprised at the same time. Why would he ask about her?
"No I meant the other one, the one who carried you to your room. Are you two like involved or something?" he asked a little impatiently.
"Nuriko? No we're not involved, we just met today. Why are you asking?" Kayla was confused. Does he know that I'm a girl? Was that why he thinks that I'm involved with Nuriko! She thought alarmingly.
Toushi seemed to be satisfied with her answer. "Well I was just wondering if you're not interested in her then maybe I can have a chance."
W… What?" Kayla stammered. She was completely thrown off by this.
"Do you think I stand a chance? Nuriko is just beautiful and so strong too from the way she carried you just like that. I think this is just fate. Do you believe love in first sight? I didn't until I saw her, so feminine, yet masculine all at once. What more can a man asked for?" Toushi continued speaking with a distant look on his face.
Kayla just blinked with a sweatdrop forming on her head. Masculine is right... Uh oh... Toushi has a crush on Nuriko! He thinks that he's a woman! Not that I blame him, I practically made the same mistake when I first saw Nuriko. I better tell him before he makes an even bigger mistake. Kayla was about to speak out when her door opened unexpectedly as Genrou walked in without knocking.
"Am I... interrupting anything?" Genrou asked with an eyebrow raised as he saw them sitting on the bed.
Toushi stopped talking and stood up quickly. "No boss, we're just talking, I have something to do now, and I'll talk to you later okay Kayla?" he spoke quickly. Kayla wanted to protest, but Toushi already left before she could utter a single word. For some suspicious reason, he was in a hurry all of a sudden and leaving her alone with the man she didn't feel like seeing for the moment. There was a long silence as Kayla refused to look at Genrou. The morning incident still playing fresh in her mind.
"Ummm... I brought some disinfectant for your wound," Genrou spoke breaking the silence. Kayla didn't answer. Quietly, Genrou brought a chair by her bedside and sat down. Slowly, he took hold of Kayla's wounded arm, which Kayla snatched away abruptly.
"What are you doing!" Kayla demanded hostilely, holding her wounded arm away from him.
"I'm disinfecting it, what do ya think?" Genrou shot back getting a little impatient from Kayla's edgy attitude.
"I can do it myself, I don't need your help," Kayla retorted.
"Don't be stupid, do you think you can do this with one hand only!"
"I said I could do it okay? So just leave now!"
"I'm not leaving until you let me treat your wound!"
"And if I still refused?"
"Then I won't let you leave this stronghold," Tasuki finalized, not that he ever had any intention of letting the boy leave in the first place, but he didn't need to know that.
Kayla's was shocked by his words before her expression marred with a look of anger again. "You can't stop me if I want to leave here on my free will!" she cried indignantly.
"I can if it means I can prevent you from making another stupid mistake. I am still the leader of this stronghold and if I can't stop you myself then I will order a few dozen men to help me. We can do this the easy way or the hard way. It's your choice."
Kayla shot Genrou a glare, yet Genrou wouldn't back down. "Ok fine!" She said as she gave in, knowing that he wasn't going to give up anytime soon. The truth was, she was just too tired from all that has happened so far and it wasn't even a full day yet! With all the blood lost and all the energy she had used up, she no longer has the endurance to continue this battle of the wits and strength.
Genrou slowly took her arm and carefully unraveled Nuriko's handkerchief wrapped around the wound as a bandage. Kayla tried not to grimace when she saw her wound. The cut on her arm had stopped bleeding, but it was still quite a gruesome sight to behold.
Genrou eyes widen when he saw Kayla's arm. Other than the current wound, there were numerous faint scars on Kayla's arm that were caused by some unknown injuries or possibly abuse. It was easy to tell that some scars were more recent than the others. Genrou mentally frowned. If there were scars on one ofKayla's arm, chances are that most likely there would be otherscars on his other arm and quite possibly on his body as well. What or who can cause so many injuries on one boy? He thought as he took a glance at Kayla before taking a wet cloth to clean the wound. "How the hell did you get all these scars?" Genrou asked deciding to voice his thoughts.
Kayla looked startled, but then frowned. "Here and there. It's nothing," she answered evasivelypurposely leaving outthe details.
Genrou looked at Kayla suspiciously. "It doesn't seem like nothing," he pointed out.
"Are you treating my wounds or are you interrogating me again? They're just scars I got from playing when I was a child, so forget about it okay!" Kayla snapped. She didn't want to talk about her past. For one thing, it was too risky. Secondly, it was just too overwhelming to talk about the years of passing pains and tortures including the death of her beloved parents. She was afraid that it would only drive her to tears or to a point of hysteria if she decided to speak up. No, she was not ready to talk yet.
Genrou frowned disapprovingly. He's hiding secrets again, I just know it. No damn person can get this many scars from just 'playing' However, seeing Kayla's hesitation, he decided to let the subject rest for now.
When Genrou finished cleansing the wound, he began applying the disinfectant. Kayla yelped at the sudden pain and pulled her arm away. "That burns!" she complained.
"If it burns, then that means it's working. Will you stop acting like some whiny girl and just let me finish this!" Genrou argued frustratingly before he grabbed Kayla's arm back and began applying the medicine again.
Kayla hissed again at the burning sensation, but refrained herself from snatching her hand away.
"You know this is your own damn fault. You shouldn't have run away. Now look what happened to you, you're practically an accident waiting to happen," Genrou said with a smirk.
Kayla grew angry at his comment. "My fault! It's your fault that I left in the first place!"
"No one told you to fucking leave!"
"What was I suppose to do? Stay here and let you continue to interrogate and insult me! Sorry Genrou, but I have more pride than that!"
"I wasn't insulting you..."
"Oh then, what were you doing then huh! What were you doing when you said that no one would want me around, not even my parents! I don't need you to tell me that! I already know that my parents can't be with me anymore because they're both dead!" Kayla instantly shut her mouth in horror. She said too much. She looked down hiding her face underneath her bands refusing to meet Genrou's shocked expression.
Genrou was thrown off by Kayla's outburst. He didn't know that the boy's parents were both dead. He hadn't realized that his earlier thoughtless remark about his parents could have unintentionally nailed sore spot on Kayla. It must have really wounded the boy or else he wouldn't have tried to run away. Kayla was running away from him. Somehow that thought made something within his heart cringed in guilt and sadness.
For a while, no one said anything.
"Look Kayla... I'm sorry ok?" Genrou said uncomfortably. He was never good with this, but he knew he owed Kayla an apology despite his own pride.
"It hurts, Genrou" Kayla whispered, she wasn't sure why she said that out loud. The only reason she could explain for her actions was that she was still having the difficulty processing what she had accidentally revealed to Genrou about her parents. Her words sounded so broken that it unknowingly caused the guilt within the bandit's heart to deepen even more.
"I know... Kuso! I... Look... I already regret what I said to you before. I didn't mean it." Genrou stumbled miserably. Kayla looked up at him with a little confusion. He continued, while avoiding the boy's gaze. "Despite what I said, I do trust you. Believe it or not, I trusted you ever since you risked your life to save me from getting fried from Eiken. I know that you're keeping secrets, but I only wanted to know about ya or if you're in any trouble," Genrou said as he finished bandaging Kayla's wounds. He waited for Kayla response.
"I... I'm not sure if I want anyone to know about my past," Kayla whispered back uncertainly.
"I know that now, so I won't pry anymore until you're good and ready to tell me or anyone else"
Kayla was surprised. Of all things she expected from him, she was NOT expecting such a... sincere apology from Genrou. Yet the sincerity, she had seen reflected off of Genrou was genuine and left her lost for words. "I..."
"If it makes you feel any better, you can even give me a punishment for hurting you," Genrou added quickly taking her hesitation as a sign of misgiving.
"I don't know..." Kayla said slowly, still stunned from the amount of sincerity the well-known arrogant bandit was displaying.
"Come on Kayla, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, you might as well take it before I take it back," Genrou urged giving her a smirk showing off his protruding fangs.
Kayla couldn't help but smiled at Genrou's effort to make up with her. It was somewhat... sweet, she had to admit. "Any punishment?" She asked as an idea came to her.
"Anything," Genrou confirmed, feeling a bit more relaxed that Kayla was finally loosening up.
"Promise you won't back out?"
"I promise, now tell what the hell I have to do."
"Ok fine... No sake for you for two whole months," Kayla stated clearly for him to hear.
"Ok... no sake for... WHAT!" Genrou shouted, obviously not expecting her to ask for such a thing.
"Kayla smirked at his outburst. "You said 'anything' Genrou, and you can't back out now."
It was the next day and late in the morning when Kayla yawned as she walked down the hall towards the main room. She slept all day of yesterday after Genrou apologized to her. She couldn't help but grinned as she thought back to Genrou's reaction when she punished him by restricting him from sake. I wonder if he'll actually keep his promise? He probably won't be able to last very long considering this is Genrou we're talking about. Sake's practically his life source she thought amusedly. Still, it would be fun to watch how he tries though…
When she walked into the main room, she was surprised to find that a group of people were already there. She looked around to see Miaka, Nuriko and Hotohori sitting by a table while Genrou and Kouji stood nearby leaning against the wall. "Morning everyone!" greeted Kayla as she stepped into the room feeling much cheerful after a peaceful rest from the day before. However, no one responded and just looked at her with a grim expression. "What's wrong? Why is everyone acting like someone just died or something?" Kayla asked a little confused at the sudden solemn environment.
"Someone did died," Nuriko answered sadly.
"What? Who died?" Kayla asked, looking at Genrou questioningly, however, he didn't answer.
"T...Tasuki," Miaka answered her as she looked at Kayla with a mournful expression. "Tasuki died," she repeated as if she was having a hard time accepting the fact.
Kayla understood. Tasuki was a Suzaku Seishi. With his death, Miaka would not be able to summon the god, Suzaku and also wouldn't be able to keep her promise to Tamahome. No wonder the girl looked so upset. "But how did you know? Did you just found him?" she asked.
"We asked Genrou whether he knew anyone with a red character on his body around here since he is the leader. Luckily, he knew one who turned out to be Tasuki. Unfortunately, he told us that Tasuki already died from an illness a few months ago." Nuriko explained as he looked sadly at his Miko.
"Are you sure about this Genrou?" Kayla asked, eyeing Genrou suspiciously.
Genrou let out a snort. "Of course I'm sure. Tasuki was our former leader. I even showed them his crypt as proof earlier this morning."
Kayla nodded, finding no reason to disbelieve him and made her way to Miaka and sat down as well. "I'm sorry that you all came all the way here for nothing Miaka, so what are you guys planning to do now?" she asked.
"I think we should continue on and look for the other Suzaku Seishi, Mitsukake and Chiriko. Even though Tasuki's dead, it does not mean we should give up our hopes," Hotohori suggested.
"That does seem like a good idea Hotohori-sama," Nuriko agreed.
"Maybe you guys could check out that village located a little east from here, there is rumour that there is a person there with the ability to revive the dead back to life. It may or may not be true but you all can take a look," Kouji spoke up for the first time since Kayla came.
"Really?" Miaka looked at him with a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "We should go there and maybe find this person to revive Tasuki and maybe we can even find Mitsukake and Chiriko at the same time. It's a small possibility, but I'll take it even if there is only a small chance of success." she declared excitedly.
Kayla smiled as she watched the girl's enthusiasm returning.
Then unexpectedly, a growl was heard in the room and everyone looked at Miaka. She blushed and looked down at her stomach. "I'm sorry guys, but can we eat first? I'm hungry." She said sheepishly with a hand behind her head. Everyone else in the room face-faulted.
"You're always hungry Miaka" Nuriko said knocking Miaka over the head affectionately.
"Goodbye everyone! Come visit sometime!" Kayla waved goodbye to Miaka, Nuriko and Hotohori as they rode off into the distance. She was sad to see them leave so soon, especially Miaka and Nuriko whom she just began to get along with almost immediately after she first met them. Hotohori was actually quite nice as well despite their rough beginning. After breakfast (which Kayla had a chance to witness with extreme amazement and awe at Miaka's wondrously vast appetite) the group decided to leave shortly after so that they could get a head start before nightfall.
She turned to look at Genrou and Kouji who came with her to say goodbye as well. "Do you think they'll succeed in summoning Suzaku?" she asked wondering.
"Che... How would I know? I'm not them," Genrou answered nonchalantly.
"Don't worry Kayla they'll probably be fine, you don't have to worry about them or..." Kouji grinned and gave Kayla a suggestive nudge on the side "or are you more worried about Miaka? She is a pretty little girl ain't she?"
Genrou snorted. "Girls are nothing but troubled," he said looking away in another direction.
Kayla nearly choked at Kouji's implications. Kami-sama! He thinks I have a crush on Miaka! I'm a girl for God sake! But... he doesn't know that, she thought nervously with a sweatdrop. "Don't get any wrong ideas Kouji, Miaka is pretty enough, but hehe, we're just friends ok? Nothing more, nothing less," she said laughingly, giving Kouji a good-naturally punch in the arm and hope that he would get the message to lay-off the topic.
To her relief, he got the message and kept quiet, although she could still see the doubting smirk on Kouji's. Kayla suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. Why is it that when you see a 'guy' nice to a girl, they automatically think that he has a thing for the girl? Can't they just accept the fact that they could be just friends? She thought exasperatingly. However, she guessed she couldn't blame Kouji much for his assumptions. It was just a price she would have to pay for disguising as a guy and that included the fact of having others assuming that she liked girls. That was basically how things worked around here right? Boys like girls and girls like boys, right? (Well except for the few exceptions where people would have other preferences but that was being a little too detailed). She decided to change the topic to something less awkward. "Where's Toushi? Why isn't he here?"
Kouji just shrugged. "Beats me, I haven't seen him all morning."
Kayla frowned. Strange that Toushi would disappear like that after his little love confession for Nuriko to her yesterday. She still did not have the chance to tell him that Nuriko's a man. I wonder if he found out yet?
"Come on, let's go inside, you're coming Kayla?" Kouji asked, bringing Kayla out of her thoughts.
"Yeah okay, I'll come in later," she answered.
Kouji nodded and he went inside followed closely by Genrou. Was it just her? Or did she actually saw Genrou hesitated a little for some reason before he went in? She shrugged the thought off, as it would not have made any sense if he did or not. She took one last look in the distance where her new friends had disappeared off. Good luck my friends she thought before she went back inside.
Author's Notes:
Cancer: (Snaps out her trance and looked up from the screen) #! How long have we been out of it! (Hits Gemini on the head to wake her up also)
Gemini: Who?...What?...Where?... When?... HUH?... !
Cancer: I can't believe we just got zoned out like that! And throughout the whole chapter too!
Gemini: (Sweatdrop) You can't really blame us, I mean with all those wonderful reviews (sighs dreamily and starts to get starry eyes again)
Cancer: (Pours a bucket of cold water over Gemini) Snap out of it already!
Gemini: HEY I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU DID THAT! (About to hit Cancer with her mallet when she pauses and reread the disclaimer part) WHAT THE HELL!
Cancer: What? (Reads the disclaimer as well) WHAT THE HELL? Who the heck was that narrator voice guy who did all the stuff that we were suppose to do! AND he even read our memos we were going to say to the readers before we were hypnotized!
Gemini: AND he even read from our '1001 things to do' list! That's private! How dare he... ummm... or she! Just who does this narrator think he/she is!
Cancer: And he/she called us poor! #! We don't need this jerk to say that! We already know that!
Gemini: (sweatdrop)...
(To be continued... Just who was that mysterious narrator that appeared and disappeared? 'Dramatic theme song')
Thank you for reading! We hope that you enjoyed it. Stay tuned for next chapter! We hope that Tasuki hadn't been too out of character when he apologized to Kayla but we were trying to make him to seem like he's struggling yet trying to be somewhat sincere at the same time . Well send in a review and tell us what you think!