Disclaimers: Twin Girls does not own Fushigi Yuugi, it was really created byYuu Watase and other related companies.
Gemini: (walks in) Where the heck is Cancer? I need her to check out this next chapter that I wrote and to thank all the reviewers for reviewing chapter 10!
Cancer: Psh...
Gemini: (Looks around and sees nothing) What?
Cancer: Psh, psh...
Gemini: (Turns to see Cancer dressed in green army camouflage clothes hiding behind some indoor potted ferns). What the hell are you doing Cancer?
Cancer: Sh... Do you want to give me away? What does it look like? I'm hiding and waiting for that mysterious disclaimer stealer from chapter 10. Once he or she comes I'll jump at him and find out who the heck he is! BWHAHAHAHA
Gemini: (sweatdrop) O...k... Cancer I don't think it's going to work, that isn't even a good disguise and who the hell would hide behind indoor plants!
Cancer: (sweatdrop) Well you can't blame me! I am limited in supplies, but that doesn't matter I will not fail BWHAHAHA and YOU (points to Gemini) are going to join me and wait for this mysterious man too.
Gemini: What! (Shakes her head) there is no way I'm going to wear those ugly clothes and stand behind some stupid plants all day! I have other things to do, and places to go you know!
Cancer: Oh yes, you are going to help me whether you like it or not (jumps at Gemini and dragged her off while Gemini cries bloody murder)
(A few minutes later...)
Gemini: YOU ARE SO DEAD CANCER (mutters curses while hiding behind the ferns wearing an identical army outfit as Cancer)
Cancer: Oh be quiet Gemini... that guy might come soon so we have to be on the lookout. Besides it's not 'that' bad behind here. Popcorn? (Hands Gemini a bag of popcorn seemingly out of nowhere)
Gemini: (Glares at Cancer)
(Will Cancer and Gemini succeed in catching this mysterious disclaimer stealer or will Gemini kill Cancer first... Stay tune for next time)
Enjoy our fic!
Chapter 11: You're WHO!
"Where is he?" Kayla shouted in frustration as she walked down the hallway alone. "Where could Toushi possibly be!" When Kayla went back inside the stronghold, she began to search for Toushi to see how he was doing. Genrou and Kouji had left her earlier claiming that they had to discuss the plans for their next raid in the city. Kayla had been looking for Toushi everywhere in the stronghold and all the other possible places he could be, yet she still had no luck in finding the older man.
What happened to him? He's been missing ever since he confessed to me that he's in love with Nuriko. I wonder if Nuriko knew anything or if he told Toushi his true gender or not? Then it dawned on her. The lake! Toushi was the one who showed her that lake and told her that he always liked to go there whenever he was upset about something. It was very possible that he may be there right now! She smacked herself in the head for not realizing it sooner and hurriedly headed for the forest.
Okay, this is my last hope. Toushi better be out here somewhere before I have to actually tell Kouji to form a search party to look for him, she thought anxiously as she walked down the familiar route towards the lake.
When she finally reached the clearing to the lake, the sun still shone brightly in the early noon. The birds sang sweetly and the cool, calm lake reflected the beautiful scenery around it perfectly. As she stepped out into the opening, she immediately spotted a man standing near the lake, instantly recognizing him to be Toushi. He was unaware of her presence there and she didn't dared to disturb him. She continued to watch Toushi as he stared constantly at the lake as if he was in deep contemplation. His eyes seemed glinted with sadness making it look dull and lifeless.
Toushi must be upset about something, relating to Nuriko most likely. Should I talk to him now or leave him to think things over?... Well from the look of things, he doesn't seem like he wants to talk now... maybe I will talk to him when he's feeling a little better. Kayla turned to leave the scene quietly and was about to head back towards the stronghold when unexpectedly, she heard a 'Splash!' Immediately, she turned back to the lake, a feeling of dread snaking up her spine as she did so.
Toushi was gone. The rippling that had broken the surface of the calm lake indicated the only clue as to where the man had gone.
She gasped. "Toushi!" she shouted panicking. Dear God, please no! She thought fearfully as she ran quickly towards the lake and jumped into it herself without a second to lose. After a few minutes, Kayla emerged back to the surface of the lake and began to swim towards the shore while dragging Toushi by his shirt as she swam. When she finally reached the land, she instantly threw Toushi on the ground. She was both shocked and mightily pissed off at Toushi's attempt to commit suicide that she didn't even bother to be gentle with him.
"What the hell!" Toushi managed to choke out while coughing as he looked at Kayla in dismay.
"Yeah, that's right Toushi! WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU DOING?" Kayla shouted before she dropped beside Toushi to inhaled deeply to fill her oxygen-deprived lungs.
"What! I was just..."
"Yeah, you were just trying to end you own stupid, freakin' life by drowning yourself to death huh!" Kayla interrupted. Toushi's eyes widened as he listened to Kayla's yelling. "Damn! I never knew you could be this stupid, Toushi! I mean, to end your life over another man! Just what were you thinking!"
Toushi just stared back at her in utter shocked. Then to Kayla's amazement, Toushi suddenly burst out laughing. Dear God, does he actually find this to be amusing! Or did he swallow too much water and now it has gone to his brain! Kayla narrowed her eyes and glared angrily at Toushi.
As if Toushi noticed her glare, he tried to control himself from laughing. "Kayla," he began speaking. "Don't tell me that you actually thought I was trying to drown myself a moment ago."
Kayla rolled her eyes. "Oh no, you weren't trying to kill yourself back there, you were just having a nice swim. Meanwhile, I just so happened to show up and decided to join you in your little swim!" Kayla spoke, her voice heavy with sarcasm. Before, she could yell at him again for being such an idiot, Toushi decided to interrupt her.
"Are you done yet?" he asked, a smile still visible on his face.
Kayla took a breath to calm herself. "Okay I'm done, what do you have to say for yourself?"
"I wasn't committing suicide as you initially thought, I'm not stupid Kayla. Honestly, I thought you would at least give me more credit than that," Toushi clarified, pretending to look a little hurt.
"So why the hell did you jump into the lake in the first place?" Kayla asked, sounding doubtful to his words. "Don't tell me that you actually want to go for a swim with all your clothes still on, because if you are, I seriously think you nee-"
"I was trying to get this, I accidentally dropped it into the lake and so I went after it," Toushi explained, effectively cutting off of another one of Kayla's scolding. He held out the mysterious object in his hand for her to see.
"You jumped into a lake only to retrieve a bracelet?" Kayla cried incredulously.
Toushi looked offended. "Not just any bracelet, I got it on my first raid, it's practically my most prized possession. I was planning to give it to Nuriko when I confess my love to her... ahem, I mean him, but well... it didn't work out very well let's just say."
Kayla saddened at Toushi's comment, the anger finally dispersed from her mind. "You must have been really in love if you were willing to give something that important to you away," she said.
To her surprised, Toushi shook his head smiling. "Nah... it wasn't really love," he said.
"But didn't you said before that it was love at first sight," Kayla protested.
"It seemed like that, but I later found that it was more of an infatuation, not love,"
"But how do you know?" Kayla asked a little confused. It was no surprise that she never had any experience with the concept of romantic love. She had other things to worry about and she never felt of the need to understand such a complicated subject up until now. The only loving relationship that she witnessed in her life was her mother and father, but that was so long ago and the memories were a blur.
Toushi just chuckled. "Oh you'll know when you're in love, it's unexplainable. You'll just know". Seeing Kayla's confusion, he laughed again. "Maybe you're still a little young to understand, after all, I am older," he said teasingly, while patting Kayla on the head in a condescending manner.
Kayla dodged and punched half-heartily on Toushi's arm. "You're not that much older," she said laughingly at the man who was only about five years her senior. "Let's go back because thanks to you, I'm all wet." She stood up with her wet clothes and hair clinging uncomfortably to her body. In her mind, she was thankful that her chest bindings and dark-colour of her shirt prevented an obvious outlook of her body appearance. Nevertheless, despite the fact that her secret was still safe, she had no doubt that she would catch a cold if she stayed out here in the open breeze any longer.
Agreeing with her suggestion, Toushi nodded and joined her as they both headed back.
Kayla walked out of her room after changing out of her wet clothes. Her long hair was still wet when she re-braided it, but there was nothing she could do about that. I wonder if Genrou and Kouji are still busy planning for their raid? If not, maybe I could ask Kouji to train me a little more she thought as she made her way to the main room where the two men would be. When she reached the room, she found that the door was closed partially with only a crack opened. She peeked in.
She found Kouji and Genrou still talking. Both of them seemed too absorbed in their own conversation to notice her presence. Looks like they're still busy discussing their plans, maybe I'll come back later she decided, not really wanting to disturb them and turned away from the door to go somewhere else.
"You know Genrou, you really shouldn't have lied to them saying that Tasuki's dead," Kouji said from inside the room.
Kayla's head snapped back. What! She instantly turned back to peek through the door. Did I hear what I think I just heard! Tasuki's not... dead?
"No way! You know I have my responsibilities here as the leader, I had to keep it a secret," she heard Genrou retaliated.
Kayla heard enough.
'SLAM!'
She kicked open the door and stormed into room without bothering with the startled looks she was receiving from Genrou and Kouji.
"Kayla! What the hell..."
"You!" she shouted, effectively interrupting Genrou while jabbing a finger forcefully against his chest. "I've heard everything out there! Why the hell did you lie?"
"Kuso! Kayla, you were eavesdropping?" Genrou exclaimed, both surprised and angry at the same time.
Kayla scowled and crossed her arms. "So what if I did? If I hadn't accidentally eavesdropped on you guys, I would have never found out that you were hiding something as big as this! How could you Genrou! Don't you know how hard Miaka, Nuriko and Hotohori were trying to find Tasuki! How can you be so selfish as to hide him from them!" she exclaimed accusingly.
Genrou could feel the edge of his temper rising, overriding his initial shock. "This matter is none of your business!" he growled warningly, his form tensing defensively as he glared angrily at the smaller individual before him. However Kayla didn't flinched, refusing to back down from his warning.
"Ah...guys?" Kouji spoke up wanting to calm them both down before they would jump for each other's throat.
"YOU STAY OUT OF THIS!" Kayla and Genrou both yelled and shot him a death glare before turning their attentions back to each other. Kouji instantly stopped talking and stepped back with his hands up in front of him, acting as a shield. On the other hand, he valued his own life and it was probably better to stay out of their way before they would leap for his throat instead. The fierce heat of the verbal spar was already becoming too intense for any third person to handle.
"I'm making it my business," Kayla argued back, her glare never wavered. "And besides, what right do you have to decide whether Tasuki goes with them or not! It should be up to him to decide, not you!" she added angrily.
Genrou suddenly became very calm, although one could still see the fire in his molten amber eyes. The next words that came from his lips were spoken in an equable manner yet strongly held the firm, proud passion underlying his declaration. "I have every damn right to make Tasuki's decision because I AM Tasuki!"
Silence...
"...?"
"Uh... say that again," Kayla managed to utter. In truth, she had caught every word that he had just announced, but still found that she was having a hard time processing the meaning of his words. It didn't help that she was having a hard time believing it either.
"I. Am. Tasuki. A Suzaku Seishi," Genrou repeated, articulating every word as if he was talking to a three year-old.
It seemed like a long time before Kayla found her voice again. "You... you're... you're Tasuki?" she echoed uncertainly.
Genrou nodded as a little smirk began to form on the tip of his mouth. "That's what I've been saying" he replied, slightly amused at Kayla's sudden dazed reaction. Maybe now the little runt will just shut up and leave him with his own decision.
Too bad he hadn't realized that ever since Kayla came into his life, nothing ever really seemed to go smoothly his way anymore.
Tasuki's words finally began to sink in her mind. "Dear Suzaku! YOU'RE Tasuki?" she repeated, this time more louder than the last. "I can't believe this!"
Genrou raised an eyebrow. "See for yourself," he replied back and rolled up the blue sleeve of his right arm. Kayla looked. There, unmistakably marked on his right arm, laid the red character, yoku meaning 'wing'. It glowed with a fierce, yet calm bright red light, instantly confirming that this man standing before her now was very much indeed, the true and genuine Suzaku Seishi, Tasuki. She couldn't doubt him now. "How come you never said anything about this?" she demanded, after recovering from her initial shock.
"You never asked," he answered simply, deliberately giving Kayla a smirk, knowing how much that expression can always manage to vex the boy.
As predicted, Kayla's anger raised to another level. I just asked him how he could hide something so important from everyone and all he could say was 'You never asked' ! Damn him! She was so choked up with frustration that she was having problems voicing her next question.
"Why. Did. You. Lie?" she asked while once again, jabbing her finger at his chest forcefully at each and every word of her sentence. Despite her little display of violence, she had managed keep her voice steady from shouting again, keeping her temper in check. Getting angry would only get her nowhere especially when she wanted to get some straight answers. "I am NOT leaving until I get some answers," she added firmly when she saw that Genrou was about to protest again.
To her surprise, Genrou's expression softened, not even seemingly angered anymore nor affected by her finger jabbing firmly against his chest. "I am the leader of the Leikaku bandits," he answered solemnly. "I have my responsibilities here, I can't afford to leave on some damn journey to protect some strange girl from another world."
Whether it had been a deliberate intent or not, his response had efficiently threw Kayla off-balance. It wasn't really what she had been expecting. She had expected him to give some sarcastic comment and say that it was none of her business. She had been more than ready to have to fight the answer out of the flamed-hair man.
What she hadn't expected was to have him give the answer so easily and so... so honestly. She felt her anger started to diminish as an understanding dawned upon her. She was right when she thought Genrou to be an obnoxious and egotistic man. However, she was also right about the fact of how Genrou was a loyal, dedicated friend and leader to his fellow bandits. Whether she liked it or not, she respected that despite all his other faults.
"I supposed you're going to say that I'm being selfish again. I don't care what the hell you say, you can't force me to go if I don't want to," Genrou spoke adamantly. He was expecting Kayla to burst out into anger again or say something to threaten him to change his mind (not that he would have cared or listened). However, it was his turn to be surprised when Kayla had done neither. To his shock and amazement, the boy just shook his head. His anger was no longer evident, although he still stood firmly before him. Not once did Kayla back away from him, standing tall even though the boy's head reached no higher than his chin. At least he's no longer trying to poke me to death he thought with mild amusement when the Kayla's hand finally settled at his side again instead of jabbing at his chest. Had Kayla honestly thought he could hurt him like that?
"I'm not going to force you to go, Genrou" Kayla spoke as her determined amber gaze met evenly with his own. "Like I said before, it was up to Tasuki to decide for himself whether to protect the Suzako no Miko or not. Believe it or not, I do understand your reason for not wanting to go. I won't push you since I have no right to. In fact, I'll even respect your decision even if I don't agree with it." Kayla turned and began to head towards the door.
However, before Kayla reached the door, she paused hesitantly before turning back around to look at him again. "You keep saying that being the leader of the Leikaku bandits is your responsibility. Well, being a Seishi is also your responsibility as well as your destiny whether you like to admit it or not. It's something that you can't ignore forever Tasuki," she said, deliberately using his Seishi name for the first time. The sound of his name sounded so foreign to his ears due to its neglected use.
Kayla's expression seemed to sadden with her next words. "Many people searched all their lives for a purpose or meaning. Something that they could hold on to instead of wandering aimlessly through life. Some people found it while some don't. I guess you're one of the luckier ones." Then without waiting for his response, Kayla finally turned and walked out of the room.
Genrou was a little confused at Kayla's sudden change in attitude. It was nothing near anger nor was it joy or happiness or... or anything! It was more of an understanding and acceptance of things maybe tinge with a bit of sadness. It was definitely a side of Kayla he had never seen nor heard before. It was very... unexpected from the usually short-tempered and reckless boy he was so used to facing everyday. This sudden change left Genrou a little stunned and dazed along with the feeling of… guilt? Why the hell would he feel guilty?
"Ahem…" Kouji cleared his throat loudly finally alerting Genrou of his presence. Genrou snapped out of his thoughts having almost forgotten that his comrade was still there with him.
"You know, Kayla does have a point," Kouji stated, smiling a little.
Genrou just scowled at his friend and turned away, refusing to let his friend see his confusion. However, Kouji just chuckled good-naturedly, not at all surprised at his friend's stubbornness as he too, walked out of the main room shaking his head.
Genrou was left alone with his thoughts playing in his mind. He usually didn't like to think too much. Thinking could only lead to doubts, hesitations and wasted valuable time. Of course, that didn't mean he doesn't think at all despite popular demand. It was just that he much preferred to take action than to sit around and do nothing. There were moments when he would stop and reflect in order to sort out all those damn confusing thoughts in his head because let's face it, having a muddled head can drive any sane person crazy. However, it was a still a side of him that he rarely showed to others. He did have his 'tough guy' reputation to preserve after all.
Whether he liked it or not, now was one of those times when he needed to sort out those damn confusing thoughts again. And to think it was all because of that one boy, a fact that made him uneasy. As much as he tried, he could not extinguished Kayla's voice as his words repeated continuously in his head as he tried to decide what to do.
It wasn't until it had became much later in the day when Genrou had finally reached a decision.
Later on that night
Damn! Should I go in or just leave? After Genrou had made his decision earlier that day, he hesitated of whether he should inform Kayla or not. He initially thought that since Kayla was the one who had played a part in his decision, he felt that Kayla should at least have the right to know what it was he had decided.
Kuso! What's so damn hard to just knock on the stupid door and just walk in! Com'on man, don't tell me that you're afraid of Kayla! Genrou scolded to himself while pacing back and forth in front of Kayla's door for the past couple of minutes.
He growled softly when he realized his train of thought. What the fuck? ME? Afraid of Kayla? Feh... You've gotta be kidding!
Well, let's face it buddy, obviously you're afraid to face Kayla because he's the one who forced you to face reality and made you see the damn truth when you didn't want to, right?
No! he automatically answered. Genrou stopped his pacing on his last thought and let out a sigh. Who the hell was he trying to fool? Himself? He thought wearily. He always tried to make a resignation to NOT lie to himself when the truth was slapping him in the face. He wasn't about to start now.
It was true that Kayla was one of the reasons in why he chose this decision in the end. No matter how much Genrou hated the idea, he could not deny that Kayla was the one who pointed out to him that he had the responsibility to face his own destiny. However, Genrou still disliked the fact in how Kayla could have such an effect on him. The boy had single-handedly somehow managed to make him consider things that Genrou, himself would very much prefer to ignore. He would have succeeded too, in ignoring the whole thing completely if it wasn't for him. It was unbelievable of how Kayla could be so influential on him. If Genrou were to be even more honest with himself; he would believed that not even Kouji, his lifelong best friend, could have the same impact on him. Of course, he would die first before letting anyone know the truth about this little new insight.
Genrou sighed and cursed himself. Com'on man! Just knock on the damn door, walk in and tell him whatever you wanna say, then leave. Get it over and be done with it... As simple as that... No problem!... Genrou took a deep breath, brought his hand up and prepared to knock on the door. But before his knuckles had even made contact with its wooden surface, the door flung open, surprising him at the same time. Damn! He should have opened the door earlier so that I didn't have to go through all that pacing and fucking argument with myself! He thought frustratingly as he found himself gazing into a pair of startled amber eyes.
A few minutes earlier
Kayla sat on her bed, quietly thinking about all that had happened earlier that day right after her little discovery of Genrou's other identity. Although, she had been shocked that Genrou was actually a Suzaku Seishi, she had to admit that it had all made sense after she thought about it. It would certainly explain Genrou's inhuman speed and agility that she witnessed and experienced when he fought. She was pretty sure no normal human could move like that no matter how skilled that person could be.
Although it was truly none of her business, she really felt that Genrou was making the wrong choice in deciding not to help Miaka. Truthfully, she wished that she could really blame him or call him irresponsible, but found it hard to do so since she knew that he was staying here because of his responsibilities here in the stronghold. She guessed she could somewhat understand the challenges and pressure of being a Suzaku Seishi. They would always have to fight their enemies and even risked their own lives in order to protect their Miko. Nevertheless, like she said before, the choice was Genrou's to make. Who was she to say whether he should go or not?
Despite everything, she couldn't help but to feel that Genrou was throwing his destiny away. When she had said earlier about how he was considered to be one of the luckier ones to have a goal in life, while some gone through life aimlessly, she hadn't realized until much later, that she was not really talking about other people in general. She was, in fact, implying to herself.
Sadly, it was true. After her parents' death, she had been wandering around aimlessly. She did have a goal while she stayed with her aunt and uncle and that was to stay alive and to escape to freedom. But what about now? She succeeded in escaping, but what could she do now? How ironic. She found her freedom, but now she still have nowhere to go.
In the back of her mind, she would have liked to stay here, everyone like Kouji and Toushi treated her warmly and she was welcomed, something she had not felt in such a long time. But the more realistic part of her doubted that she could stay here in the stronghold forever. She didn't want to impose anymore and she didn't want to keep hiding her true self from them. Revealing her secret was out of the question. So now, where could she go? She had no other relatives or friends she could go to. She had no goal, no path. Nothing.
To her dismay, Kayla felt tears rolling down her cheeks as she drowned in her self-pity. Before she met Genrou and the others, she had almost forgotten how to cry. She had always tried to remain strong and forced herself NOT to cry during the times when she was with her aunt and uncle. However now, she found it harder and harder to contain her emotions. She couldn't understand why she would be so vulnerable to her feelings now and be so... transparent. Just like the time when she had involuntarily shed tears before Genrou, of all people, when she had that horrible argument with him before. Now, she was crying again, but unlike the last time, she was too exhausted this time to hold her tears back. And since this time no one was there to witness the temporary display of weakness, she didn't bothered to hold it back. For once, she will let herself the luxury of succumbing to her pitiful emotions, if only for awhile.
She let her tears flowed for a few more minutes before she shook her head in disgust. Enough was enough; there was no point to wallow in self-pity. Maybe I should go take a walk, she decided thinking that it would be a good way to clear all those miserable thoughts from her head. She wiped her tears with her sleeves and walked towards the door.
She opened the door swiftly and gave a startled yelp. Right in front of her doorway, stood Genrou, surprised as well with his one arm raised, ready to knock on her door for some reason. "Damn it Genrou! What the hell are you doing here? You almost scared me to death! Don't you ever stand in front of my door like that especially in the middle of the night like this or else I'm gonna..."
"I need to talk to you," Genrou interrupted in middle of Kayla's ranting.
Kayla would have protested, but when she saw the seriousness on Genrou's face, she instantly knew that it was important. She gave a small sigh of resignation. "Alright, do you want to talk somewhere else? I was planning to go for a walk anyway. Care to join me?" she offered.
Tasuki shrugged, "Fine with me."
They stepped out into the porch and into the peaceful night. Kayla breathed deeply taking in the night air, feeling a little better from her earlier sadness. She sat down on the porch steps and looked up into the night sky. It was truly a beautiful sight as many stars twinkled brightly accompanied once again with the proud full moon. She could stay out here and admired the stars all night, but there was another reason why she was out here in the first place.
She looked up at Genrou, who remained standing beside her and looking up at the stars as well. She could tell from his expression that he was distracted with something in his mind. It surprised her a little to see him so serious, so very different from the usually loud-mouthed, annoying, and egotistic man she was so used of facing. "You wanted to talk to me about something?" she asked him, unable to contain her curiosity anymore.
Genrou gave her a startled glance before sitting down on the steps beside Kayla. Unknowingly, he had been pondering about the slight redness in the boy's eyes. It wasn't very noticeable though. Had Genrou not seen it clearly when the boy had surprised him at his bedroom doorway, he would have missed it completely. Although it was really none of his business, he had a slight suspicion that the boy had been crying. But why would Kayla be crying? Was it because of him again? The thought of that possibility bothered him greatly and made him cringed in discomfort.
Kayla narrowed her eyes in confusion. Why was Tasuki staring at her like that without saying anything? Not only was it out of character for the bandit leader, it was greatly unnerving. "What? Is there something on my face?" she said, trying to lighten the awkward atmosphere although she couldn't really hide the nervousness from her tone.
Tasuki blinked, not realizing he had been staring at the boy all this time. His eyes diverted instantly to focus on something else in front of him instead. Just great he thought with self-annoyance. Now I made him nervous. Why the hell should I care if he had been crying or not? That's not why I'm here in the first place. I don't care… he mentally sighed. I shouldn't…
"Well? What is it that you were going to say to me?" Kayla pressed, getting a little impatient but managed to bring focus back on the matter at hand. What in the world is he up to?
It was obvious Kayla didn't want him to touch on such a sensitive topic concerning the reason behind his sadness. Genrou would just have to grant the boy's wish for privacy. Hadn't he promised him that?
"I'm going," Genrou finally spoke, his eyes still looking ahead.
"What?" Kayla asked not really understanding what he was saying.
"I'm going after the Suzaku no Miko. You're right, it is my destiny as Tasuki to protect her and to help her." A smirk appeared on his face. "And by the looks of it, this Miko needs all the help she can get."
Kayla was surprised to say the least. "You... you're going? That's good news!... but what about your place as the leader here?"
"Kouji can take over while I'm away, he is my second-in-command after all," Genrou answered nonchalantly.
Kayla nodded, silently happy and relieved that Genrou had come through in the end. Then a thought struck her. "Hey Genrou, did you just say what I think you said? That I'm actually right?" Kayla asked, smirking at the proud man.
Genrou turned to give her a fangy grin. "Yeah well, don't get use to it. It won't happen again!"
Kayla laughed. She couldn't help it. It was a very rare event to have Genrou openly admit that anyone other than himself to be right about anything. It must have been a great sacrifice to his large ego. When she calmed down, she looked at Genrou again and had to suppress the urge to laugh again. It was quite comical. He looked as if he was trying to look offended or angry at her laughing, but couldn't hide the hint of a smile playing on the corner of his lips. "So why are you telling me this?" she asked, a little curious as to why he would want her to know.
Genrou looked away and looked off into the distance again. "Thought you might want to know just in case you start wondering why I'm not here tomorrow to annoy the hell out of you like usual," he answered.
"Wait, you're going tomorrow already?" Kayla exclaimed in surprised.
"Of course, gotta start early if I'm gonna catch up to them," Genrou answered, shrugging his shoulders.
Kayla nodded in understanding before they fell into silence again. Each of them left with their own thoughts. Kayla was surprised to feel a hint of sadness to see Genrou go. Not that she wasn't ecstatic to have the annoying man off her back for awhile, but he was still someone she had grown accustomed to just like Kouji, Toushi and the rest of the bandits. To have him suddenly not there, it just felt... well... a little strange.
Startled, she realized that she would actually miss him despite the fact that they were constantly fighting and getting into arguments. Somehow unknowingly at the same time, she was slowly seeing him more and more as a friend… a close friend, and someone she could trust her life with. I wonder if he sees me as a friend as well? She mused as she took a peek at Genrou. He was surprisingly quiet, very different indeed from what she expected. Must be thinking about the Seishi thing. He may be annoying but I'm glad he found his destiny. Her hand went unconsciously to her necklace as a question rose to her mind. I wonder if I'll ever find mine or do I even have one.
If I do have a goal, will I find it if I stay here in the stronghold? Or will I have to eventually leave too? But where can I go without getting into trouble or risk bumping into my unwanted relatives again? Her grip on the red stone tightened as if it would give her answers if she tried hard enough.
It was funny of how she had almost forgotten about the people she was running away from. She guessed it was because of all the excitements during her stay here, distracting her somewhat from her worries. Then an idea suddenly struck her. "Genrou," she spoke out bringing the man's focus on her. "I want to come with you," she declared without warning, her earnest and determined expression providing the only clue that she was serious.
"What? What the hell for?" Genrou exclaimed, shocked to say the least.
"Well... I always wanted to go on an adventure, and this will be a great opportunity to do so," Kayla answered, slightly fidgeting with her sleeves. It was really partly the reason in why she wanted to go, but decided that it was probably better to keep the main reason to herself instead.
"There is no fucking way you're coming with me! You are more trouble then you're worth!" He retorted, pointing an accusing finger at her.
"Oh com'ON Genrou, let me come with you! If you want, I promise I won't cause any trouble for you," Kayla urged, hoping that Genrou would give in.
However Genrou snorted. "I doubt you won't cause any trouble for me. Like I said, you are like a freakin' ACCIDENT waiting to happen. I don't need someone like you around me all the time thank you very much," and with that, he crossed his arms and turned his back to her, indicating he was not going to change his mind no matter what.
Kayla frowned. She didn't expect him to be this disagreeable in letting her to come along. Was she really that annoying to him? Surprisingly that knowledge hurt her more than expected and she had to suppress the unexpected emotion from showing on her face. She was still determined to go through with her decision whether the stubborn man was allowing her or not. Nevertheless, it would be better (not to mention more easier on herself) if she can have the man's support.
Drastic plans calls for drastic measures.
She stepped in front him, facing the bandit head-on before clasping her hands together and gave him what she hoped was a pleading 'puppy-dog' expression. She rarely used such a technique but it usually proved to be effective especially with Kouji. So maybe it would work on Genrou as well. "Please Genrou, I really need to do this, I promise I'll at least try not to cause much trouble for you. Please…" she pleaded in a soft voice, while she silently prayed.
For a moment, Genrou looked at her as if he was having some internal debate with himself before he finally gave a sigh in exasperation. "Damn! Fine, fine, fine! You do whatever you want but DON'T blame me if you get into trouble," he said, finally giving in.
Kayla cheered and without thinking, she jumped up to Genrou and gave him a hug in gratitude.
Genrou was too stunned to react. He just stood there rigidly while the boy hugged him. Was it just him? Or was it getting a little hot all of a sudden?
Kayla quickly realized her mistake and instantly jumped back as if she was burned. What were you thinking Kayla! He's probably thinking that you're some kind of freak for hugging him like that! Dear God, this is embarrassing! She mentally scolded herself for being so foolish as a faint blush appeared on her cheeks. Luckily Genrou didn't seemed too offended and seemed to act as if nothing happened, something that she could only be thankful for.
She gave him a small sheepish smile. "Umm... Sorry, I guess I got a little too excited, hehe... But thank you for letting me to come along and don't worry, I'll stay out of your way if that's you want," she said gratefully.
Genrou came out of his stupor and shook his head. "Whatever," he grumbled.
Kayla gave him a look of amusement in his attitude. "Oh com'on Genrou, you'll never know. We might be able to keep each other company. Besides, someone has to make sure you don't break your promise to me about no drinking sake," she replied teasingly, hoping to drown away to awkwardness.
It worked.
Genrou groaned, "I was hoping you will forget about that," he complained.
"Nope, I said two months no drinking sake and I am intending on making sure you keep your promise," she said with a smirk.
"Shit!"
Kayla laughed a little and looked up at the stars. She silently thanked Suzaku for giving her this chance to find her own way in life. Maybe, just maybe... she would find what she was looking for even though she had no idea of what it could be at the moment. She was bursting with excitement, never minded the fact that it was now very late at night. "Well, I better start packing if we're leaving early tomorrow," she said enthusiastically before she started to head back inside. However before she went in, she turned around again to face him curiously.
"Hey Genrou," she called.
"What now?" Genrou answered, turning to her.
"Not much, I was just wondering what I should call you now? Should I continue to call you Genrou or should I call you Tasuki from now on?" she asked, her eyes showing the sincerity that she really did want to know.
Genrou was surprised, he had not really thought of that before. He paused for a moment before answering. "Call me Tasuki, it's my real name. Genrou was just a name that I earned when I joined the Leikaku bandits."
Kayla nodded and smiled. "Well goodnight... Tasuki, I'll see you in the morning then." And that said, she turned to head back inside. Tasuki she thought the name over in her head, I think I could get use to it. It does seem to suit him more for some reason. With that thought in her mind, she went back inside to pack.
Tasuki watched Kayla walked back inside. His little discussion with Kayla had worked out better than he had thought... except for the fact that he had NOT been expecting the boy to come with him as well. He still didn't want him to go. The journey was going to be dangerous and he honestly wouldn't want the boy to get hurt despite the fact that he said he didn't care.
Even now he still couldn't understand why he said 'yes' to the boy's stupid idea to come along. All he knew that when Kayla looked at him with that pleading expression, his heart just got the better of him. He shook his head in annoyance. I am getting soft, and I thought only Kouji falls for those damn, pleading tricks he thought with mild disgust.
Still, tonight he had seen another side of Kayla he rarely saw before. Kayla seemed almost carefree and genuinely happy when he had agreed for him to join him. Maybe there really was more to Kayla than meets the eyes. Who knows? It's like the boy has a split personality. One moment he's nice and passive and then the next moment, he's annoying and will practically beat the crap out of ya if you pissed him off. He is definitely one strange boy he thought amusedly, wondering just what other sides of Kayla he had yet to see.
It was somewhat of a nice change from the reckless and stubborn boy nevertheless. Now that he thought about it, Kayla had always seemed bothered by something, but would never revealed what it could be. He was tempted to press him for answers. However, he did made a promise to Kayla that he would not push him anymore until he was ready and when Tasuki, a Suzaku Seishi made a promise, he would keep it.
Tasuki groaned at the thought of keeping promises. Making promises was easy, but keeping them was tricky, especially when it involved laying off sake. How the hell was he going to survive without sake for two fucking months?
While he continued contemplating about the boy, he headed back inside. He was already packed for the journey. All that traveling he had done in the past had made him experienced in packing all the necessities he needed in a short amount of time. It was going to be a long journey and he intended to get as much sleep as possible because he had a feeling he was going to need it… especially now that a certain annoying yet amusingly strange boy would be accompanying him.
"I can't believe this!" Kayla cried in frustration as she brought her hand up to her forehead with her eyes tightly closed to ward off an oncoming headache.
"WHAT?" Tasuki sneered back, knowing exactly what was about to come next out of the boy.
"I can't believe we're lost! And thanks to you, Tasuki!" She exclaimed, the heavy sarcasm evident in her voice.
"Hey! What the hell is that suppose to mean! It's not like I wanted this to happen too you know!" Tasuki defended as he tried to decide which direction to take as they stood by a route that led to two opposite pathways.
"Well, then you shouldn't have acted as if you actually knew the way Suzaku Seishi!" Kayla continued, agitation growing by the second as she waited for him to decide which direction to take. Although she was almost certain that they were going to make a wrong decision again. She would have led the way instead, but unfortunately she had no idea where that village was. At least she had the decency to know when she didn't know her directions.
"Just because I'm a Suzaku Seishi, that doesn't mean I have a fucking sixth sense of direction!" Tasuki retorted back and began to walk again, deciding to take the left route.
Kayla sighed, but followed him nevertheless. They have been walking for almost two days already and still they had no luck in finding Miaka. The village that they knew their friends were heading for was harder to find than expected.
Kayla knew, in truth that she shouldn't put all the blame on Tasuki, especially since she didn't even know the directions herself. Yet, the sky was getting darker and she was getting hungrier, not to mention, exhausted from their traveling. She just felt like venting out her frustration on someone and unfortunately the only other person around was Tasuki.
She wasn't in the mood in spending another night sleeping in the forest. She practically spent the whole night falling asleep, only to wake up to every strange noise she heard in the forest (which was too often). All in all, she did NOT have a good sleep. She slept in the streets before, but she still wasn't used to sleeping in the forest at night. Tasuki on the other hand, slept like a rock (which only annoyed her a bit more). Therefore, he was restful and energetic in the morning while she was restless and exhausted. Can people honestly blame her if she was a bit moody? She was quite certain she looked like the walking dead right now.
She sighed again louder, allowing Tasuki to hear her even though he was a couple of steps ahead of her. "Kayla, would you like to lead?" Tasuki offered, obviously mocking her with a sarcastic tone.
"No, why?" Kayla responded wryly.
"Well, then would you mind to stop sighing so much! It's getting fucking annoying! And besides no one told ya to come along! You could go back if you don't like it you know!"
That sent Kayla off to the edge. "I didn't expect that you would get us lost! If I know that this would happen, I would have stayed at the stronghold you BAKA!" Kayla yelled back angrily.
"Feh... Well now you know, and what are you going to do about it huh?" Tasuki taunted, obviously enjoying himself as he watched Kayla's fuming expression.
"Why don't you come over here and find out yourself!" Kayla challenged.
"Che... forget it man, it's not like you can actually hurt me or something..." Tasuki paused and smirked evilly. "Especially when you fight like a girl too!" he baited as he turned his back towards Kayla in a haughty fashion.
Once he turned his back, Kayla hit him at the back of his head as payback especially for his last comment. "You BAKA!"
"Ouch! Who the fuck are you calling a 'baka,' you FREAK!"
"You, BAKA! And stop calling me a freak!"
"You're the one who started this damn name calling first you little RUNT!"
"BAKA!"
"RUNT!"
Authors' Notes:
Cancer: (Drops dead on the floor and falls unconscious)
Gemini: OMG Cancer! Are you alright, can you breathe! Hold on, I'll rescue you! (Prepares to do a CPR for Cancer).
Cancer: (As Gemini's mouth comes closer to Cancer's, she suddenly opens her eyes and punches Gemini in her nose!)
Gemini: OUCH! (Covers her nose with her hand). WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO THAT FOR!
Cancer: HELLLLLO! I SHOULD BE THE ONE TO ASK YOU THAT YOU HENTAI! WHAT WERE YOU TRYING TO DO TO ME HUH?
Gemini: WHAT THE ! I WAS JUST TRYING TO SAVE YA U FREAKING LOSER!
Cancer: Save me? SAVE ME? WERE YOU TRYING TO SAVE ME OR WERE YOU TRYING TO KISS ME YOU HENTAI?
Gemini: (Steams are coming out of her head). Just in case you haven't notice, but you've fainted a second ago and I was about to give you a CPR!
Cancer: (Arches an eyebrow) I DID?
Gemini: (Narrows her eyes and gives Cancer a death glare) And just in case you don't have a clue of what a CPR is, it stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, and it consists of mouth-to-mouth respiration and chest compression. CPR allows oxygenated blood to circulate to vital organs such as the brain and heart. CPR can keep a person alive until more advanced procedures such as defibrillation - an electric shock to the chest, and can treat the cardiac arrest. CPR started by a bystander doubles the likelihood of survival for victims of cardiac arrest!
Cancer: (Sweatdrops) Uh... Oops! I'm sorry, I guess I was too exhausted from proofreading our story and I happened to black out, and I thought you were about to kis... Ahem, um... is your nose okay Gemini!
Gemini: (Puts down her hand)
Cancer: (Blinks repeatedly and swallows hard)
Gemini: WHAT?
Cancer: Nothing, nothing! You're fine, you're cool and you're sweet... (Steps further away from Gemini as she speaks)... but YOU'RE BLEEDING! (Quickly runs to her room and locks the door up and blocks it with her bookshelf).
Gemini: (Touches her nose and finds herself bleeding heavily) OMG, I'M BLEEDING! HELP! CALL THE AMBULANCE FOR ME! I'M GONNA DIE! SOMEONE HELP!
So, what do you guys think about this chapter! That's right, Kayla just joined Genrou... Ahem, sorry, I mean 'Tasuki' in his journey, and what kind of dangers will they encounter as they searched for Miaka? Will they manage to get along during their adventure or will their relationship only gets worse? In order to find out what will happen to the two of them, please stay tune for the next chapter, and see ya for now! Oh, one more thing, don't forget to REVIEW!