Disclaimer: We, Twin Girls do not own Fushigi Yuugi or its wonderful characters (sniffle, sniffle…..)
Gemini: Hmmmm….. (Studies the book in her hands) According this….. this is bad…. VERY bad…. Hmmmm……
Cancer: Huh?? (Tries to see what Gemini is reading) What are you reading Gemini?
Gemini: Oh nothing, just something I picked up from a mysterious antique shop (shows Cancer the book titled "How To Read Horoscope For Dummies")
Cancer: (Sweatdrops) You don't actually believe in that kind of stuff do you?! It's not real!!
Gemini: Of course this is REAL!! I'm learning how to tell the future according to our horoscopes constellations (Studies her book again)…. Let's see….... 24 degrees towards north and 5 degrees to the west again…. tonight is a new moon….. (Suddenly looks at Cancer with a very scary look)
Cancer: (begins to grow nervous) uummmmm….. Gemini, why are you looking at me like that?
Gemini: Well I've been reading this and trying to determine your fortune and I found that that it says that you should stay indoors today.
Cancer: (Rolls her eyes) Yeah…..RIGHT….. You can't expect me to BELIEVE that crap do you?
Gemini: You'll never know Cancer…. (Creepy music in the background)
Cancer: (grows frustrated) Oh my god!! I can't believe that you Gemini! YOU'RE are supposed to be the MATURE one here! I will PROVE to you just how fake this horoscope thing is.
(Cancer immediately charges outside)
Gemini: ummmm…. Cancer, I don't think you should_
Cancer: See Gemini! (Starts singing) Look how beautiful the blue sky is! The birds are singing! The weather is perfect! The grass is green! Oh look at that cute little bear!!!
Gemini: BEAR?!?!?
(Gemini turns to see a BIG, MEAN and HUNGRY looking grizzly bear charging towards Cancer)
Gemini: Cancer!! That is NOT a 'CUTE LITTLE BEAR'!!!
(But Gemini was too late and Cancer could be heard screaming her head off)
Don't worry readers!! For those of you readers who are not familiar with fanfiction reality, authors NEVER dies or else there will be no one to finish the story LOL. However…. there aren't any rules that can prevent authors from getting very very VERY hurt though….
Nevertheless, here is the long awaited chapter 16 of "A Hidden Secret"!! HAPPY READING!!
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Chapter 16: Unconditional Forgiveness
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Tasuki slowly sat down on the bed next to the boy while being careful in not waking him up. Why was he here? He knew from the doctor that Kayla was going to be fine. So really, he didn't have to come here. He should have just gone and check on Miaka and then leave things at that. However, despite whatever reasoning he may have, he knew he just had to come here and see the boy himself. Just in case…. whatever may happen…. he could still be here by Kayla's side.
What was he waiting for? He was waiting for Kayla to wake up. But then what happens after that? What if Kayla was still angry at him? He was sure as hell still angry with himself for being so foolish. If he hadn't open his big mouth and hurt the boy's feeling, Kayla wouldn't be in this mess. Damn! He didn't care what Nuriko had said, it was still his fault.
Tasuki watched Kayla's peaceful appearance as he sat. How could anyone who looked so peaceful in their sleep, carry so many scars and injuries underneath that blanket?
Scars….
Didn't he promise himself that he'll protect the boy? Looking at Kayla now had reminded him just how much he had miserably failed. It pained and angered him to see the boy this way.
"You deserve a better life then this" Tasuki quietly whispered. Unable to help himself, he gently brushed away some of the boy's long dark bangs from his face. His fingers tenderly grazed the boy's face stopping by his jaws near the boy's lips. A confusing feeling overwhelmed him as he allowed his fingers to linger upon Kayla's face. He knew the feeling was a strong affection for the boy…. Like a feeling of a close brother or a close friend or…. what was it?
Tasuki began to feel uncharacteristically nervous. Not just because from this confusing feeling, but from the apprehension of facing Kayla when he wakes up. He still wasn't sure how he was going to face him after all that has happened. I'm not even sure if he is still angry or not. He probably doesn't even want to see me he thought quickly, I should just leave right now before he_
Then he heard a groan
wakes up….Damn… He thought belatedly. He quickly took his hand away from Kayla's face before he noticed.
Kayla was seeing stars when she opened her eyes. Although she was dimly aware that she was in a comfortable bed, she felt sore all over her body especially on her right side and the back of her head. Why was she feeling sore? Why did….
Then it all came back to her. She had a fight with Tasuki. Miaka had gotten hurt. She was fighting that assassin whom she later found out was actually Tamahome….. She was about to be killed before Tasuki had came and saved her…. after that…. after that…. What happened after that?
Oh her head was killing her!!!
Forcefully, she tried to sit up. However to her surprise, she found herself being pushed back down gently on her pillow. She hadn't even been aware that she had had company in the first place. She looked up for the first time and could barely hide the surprise on her face. "Tasuki?" she spoke softly.
Tasuki gave her a small grin even though it lacked the humour it would usually have on his handsome features. Something was wrong. "The doctor said that you still need your rest in order to heal. You shouldn't get up yet" he said quietly.
Ok, now something was definitely wrong. Kayla had rarely seen Tasuki acted so SERIOUS. Usually when he acted serious it was because he was disturbed by something. But what could he be thinking about? She thought nervously. She had to admit. She would much rather prefer the overconfident and irritating Tasuki than the solemn and mysterious side of him. That way, she could always be on guard with his predictable annoyance. However when he was being unpredictable, she found herself feeling vulnerable because she couldn't expect whatever that may come from him.
"I don't want to lie down while I talk to you" Kayla said stubbornly. "I want to know what had happen." Again, she made the attempt to sit up despite Tasuki's protest.
Tasuki signed in frustration but made no attempt to stop her this time. Instead, he placed an arm around her shoulders to support her. This sudden contact caused Kayla to blush. I really have to stop blushing so much she thought. It can't be healthy for me.
When she was lying on her pillow propped up against the wall, Tasuki removed his arm around her shoulders. She instantly fought the confusing feeling of a sudden lost of warmth. It made no sense what-so-ever. "Is everyone ok? Is Miaka alright? What about that guy who tried to kill her? What happen to him? Why am I here?" Kayla fired one question after another, wanting to know everything that had happened and mostly that everything was alright.
Tasuki looked lost for a moment but a smirk replaced his confusion. "Calm down, will ya? How do you expect me to answer so many damn questions at the same time?" Tasuki replied with a bit of humour. His seriousness was pushed away for the moment.
Knowing that he had point, Kayla looked down in embarrassment. "I just want to know that everything is alright….I couldn't' believe that I had fainted"
Tasuki frowned at Kayla's remark. It wasn't the boy's fault that he had fainted. He had already done a damn good job in protecting Miaka when the others hadn't been there for her in time. Kayla wasn't even a Suzaku Seishi and yet his loyalty to his friends was fierce. His opinion for Kayla had already risen immensely because of this event. "You shouldn't be so hard on yourself, you did all you damn well could and that was enough" he said seriously, leaving no room for argument.
Startled, Kayla looked back at Tasuki. Had he just given her a compliment? He had never really done that before. For some reason this little fact had left her speechless.
Tasuki grinned a little at the expression Kayla was giving him. "If you have to know, everyone is fine, no injuries. Mitsukake is treating Miaka's wounds as we speak, but she'll be ok. That guy who had tried to kill her and had tried to kill you, was actually Tamahome. Could you believe it? He was actually under some f*cking mind control spell from those damn Seiryuu people. But I don't care; I'm still pissed off in what that guy had done to you and Miaka. The reason that you're here is because you're injured. Another thing is that I don't care if the doctor says that you're healing. You are staying put on this bed until you get enough rest even if I have to f*cking tied you down" he said as he answered each of her questions in chronological order.
"Oh" was all Kayla could say after she listened to Tasuki's summary. She was feeling a mixture of comfort, relief and surprise. She was relieved and comforted that everything was going to be fine. However she was surprised to see Tasuki so concern for her and for some reason acting, so…overprotective for her. He's determined to make sure I have enough rest? Even if he has to tie me to my bed? She was grateful for his concern (even though if it was a bit extreme), but what was with this sudden change in attitude? "Are you alright Tasuki?" she asked, unable to hide her concern anymore.
It was Tasuki's turn to look surprised. "Of course I am. I'm not the one who's lying in bed right now, am I?" Tasuki replied, as he chuckled unconvincingly. He turned his gaze from her face.
"But….." Kayla didn't know how to continue. Something WAS wrong and it was driving her crazy. She didn't like this Tasuki. He was hiding himself from her as if he was feeling…. ashamed or guilty in seeing her. But if that was true, then why was he…..? Then it came to her belatedly. The argument! The one that she had with Tasuki before she found Miaka…. He was feeling guilty because he thought that it was HIS fault that she was hurt. Was that it? It has to be. She couldn't think of any other explanation.
For some reason, her heart began to ach knowing that he was feeling this guilt. Didn't he know that it WASN'T his fault? Didn't anyone tell him that it hadn't been his fault? Those selfish words he had said to her had wounded her deeply and she had been angry. But that was it…. She HAD been angry. It was in the past. She didn't feel that resentment anymore. He had come and had saved her from getting killed once again. She could still remember vaguely how he had looked at her with such worry and concern before she had fallen unconscious. How could anyone still be angry with him after that?
Besides, if she had been totally honest with herself, she was at some fault too. She had been too reckless in her own way and she had let her pride get the better of her. She had been kind of insensitive and said some things that may have hurt him as well.
She looked back at Tasuki, who was still refusing to face her. There was an awkward silence between them, each waiting for the other to do something. To do anything!
"I…I..." Kayla opened her mouth to say something only to find to her irritation that she was stuttering again! Dear Suzaku Kayla! Control yourself and say it damn it!! She thought in irritation.
"I… I'm sorry" she blurted out.
"I'm sorry" he apologized at the same time she had spoken.
Pause…
Surprised, Kayla looked up at Tasuki who was mirroring her expression. "How did you know..." Tasuki started, but Kayla interrupted him. "I know you're feeling guilty because you feel that I'm injured like this because of what you said to me before" she spoke quietly yet firmly. "But I want you to know that even though I was hurt by what you had said to me, I'm not mad at you anymore. You had saved my life again and for that I'm grateful. It was partly my fault too… it was a stupid argument, I mean…. it was about a 'spider' for Suzaku sake!" Kayla shuddered little at voicing the name of her worst fear but remained adamant in what she had said to him.
Tasuki grew silent for a moment after she had spoken, studying her with those intensive amber eyes of his. "So…. you forgive me?" he asked quietly in slight awe and disbelief. He couldn't believe Kayla was offering to forgive him so unconditionally; it was something he hadn't thought would happen after for being such a jerk.
"Of course I forgive you!" Kayla almost shouted, and then she paused. "As long as you forgive me" she added quietly after.
Tasuki broke into a grin. "Of course I forgive you, you little baka!" he said with agreement as he playfully placed a hand on Kayla's head, messing up her hair a little.
"Tasuki!" Kayla almost whined, as she slapped his offending hand from her head causing him to laugh. One could tell that she wasn't really that angry, just annoyed. However, bringing the old Tasuki she knew back was enough for her to let him get away with something like this… this time. ONLY this time though, next time she'll have to kick his butt.
Then to her surprise, Tasuki enveloped her in a hug. It wasn't an intimate sort of hug between lovers; it was FAR from…..THAT she knew. It was a hug given between close friends… trusting friends. She knew that Tasuki was being careful with her injuries because the hug was gentle, comforting and warm. She found that simple act of consideration to be sweet.
"Don't scare me like that ever again" Tasuki whispered hoarsely close to her ear and Kayla felt a strange tingle in the back of her spine. Speechless, she just nodded in response, knowing that Tasuki could feel it.
Then he let her go.
Kayla could feel the lost of warmth once again. Reluctantly she pushed the feeling away. She couldn't understand why she was feeling all these conflicting emotions for one man. It was confusing her constantly. Unwilling to show her confusion, she let out a smirk. "Just because I forgive you this time, doesn't mean I let you off the hook on that drinking promise you made me" she said teasingly.
Tasuki grin melted into a look of horror and he groaned. "Damn! How long has it been already?"
Kayla pretended to think, tapping a finger on her chin. "Hmmm… let me see. I'll say that about two weeks had passed. So you have about a month and a half to go" she replied with amusement.
Tasuki groaned again in response and muttered something incoherently.
Kayla laughed. It was just like old times.
Despite his misery, Tasuki laughed as well. "Wait till this bet is over, I'm going celebrate by getting myself so f*cking drunk that I won't be able to stand and I'm going to drag you along to join me" he said with an evil smirk.
Kayla just smirked at his challenge. "We'll see about that" she replied, playing along.
They laughed for a few moments longer until Tasuki grew solemn again. Damn, can he change his moods fast! Kayla thought with amazement.
"I've been meaning to return this to you, I never got around to returning it and I thought this would be a good time as any" Tasuki said as he placed something on Kayla's hand.
Kayla looked at Tasuki curiously and gasped when she looked down to see the object in her hand. He had removed his hand from hers to reveal…. her necklace!!! How?! She had thought she had lost it forever!! She could not even begin to describe the happiness she was feeling in seeing it again. She gently touched the red jewel with familiar tenderness. However, something about it was different. She took a closer look. The chain to her necklace was different. It was a totally new simple yet elegant silver chain, different from the old rusted one from before.
"I had to have the chain replaced since the old one was broken" Tasuki explained after sensing her questioning look. When she had said nothing in response, he continued. "It was nothing really. I was just passing by the street stands in this city and I found one of them selling these chains. I thought that I might as well get one to replace the broken one you have and well.... you know the rest" he said quickly as if he thought it was no big deal.
Kayla looked at him in amazement. She remembered why the old chain had broken. In her urgency, she had to tear it from her neck in order to leave her necklace behind as a clue for Tasuki to find when she had been kidnapped by her uncle. Now, not only he had kept it for her for so long, but he had actually gone through the trouble in fixing it for her!
"This is…. this is…" Kayla didn't know what to say. She was so overwhelmed with gratitude that she was beginning to feel the tears starting to fall.
"What is it? Is something wrong?" Tasuki asked panicking, mistaking her tears for sadness. What did he do wrong this time?!
Kayla shook her head profusely. "No of course not! Nothing is wrong!" she said quickly. "Everything is…. right!... I'm happy… more then just happy actually…. this is just… wonderful…"
"Oh…. Kuso! Kayla, don't cry like that! You can't expect someone like me to figure out what your tears mean" Tasuki said awkwardly, inwardly relieved that Kayla wasn't crying because of him. He couldn't understand why a boy like Kayla could be so sentimental at times. It was ONLY a silver chain that hadn't even cost him that much money and yet.….unexpectedly, seeing Kayla so happy was giving him a feeling of satisfaction unlike anything else.
"I…. don't know what to say…. I….." She paused trying to find the right words but failed. She was just so touched by this little gesture. Unable to think of any fancy words of gratitude, she settled with whatever saying was in her heart. "Thank you Tasuki" She said quietly, as her gaze met Tasuki's, her golden eyes shining with appreciation. "You don't know what this means to me"
She held the necklace tightly in her hand. It was such a precious gift. Even though this was only a simple act of consideration, the point is….. the POINT is that no one had ever done something this nice for her! And it was Tasuki who given her this wonderful gift of all people!
How could this man sitting before her be so unbelievably annoying yet so undeniably sweet at the same time? He was such a walking contradiction!
Tasuki gave her a smirk. "Just don't lose it again. I don't want to return that necklace back to you for a third time" he replied teasingly.
Kayla gave a small smile and nodded.
This was how Nuriko had found them when he had entered the room.
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The first thing Nuriko had noticed when he had entered the room was that Kayla was awake. Other then the obvious signs of fatigue on Kayla's face, he…. SHE seemed to be in good condition considering the beatings she had endured.
The next thing he had noticed was his fellow Seishi sitting beside Kayla, both (surprisingly enough) seemingly to be in good spirits. That was good news considering he had been worried about what trouble those two hot-headed individuals would stir up. Nevertheless, he was quite sure those two could start up a storm if left alone in the same room long enough.
They seemed to have made up already Nuriko mused as he studied the pair.
"Am I interrupting you two?" Nuriko asked in an amused tone, surprising the two.
"Nuriko!" Kayla exclaimed, pleasantly surprised by the violet-haired Seishi's visit.
"How are you feeling Kayla-chan?" Nuriko asked as he made his way towards Kayla's bedside while carefully balancing the tray he was holding.
Kayla smiled, "I'm feeling sore all over but other then that, I'm well I guess"
"It's a good thing you woke up, I was beginning think that fang-boy over here was going to go insane with worry" Nuriko replied teasingly giving Tasuki a wink.
Tasuki scowled back at him. "I don't know what the hell you're talking about" he denied gruffly even though he had turned his back towards Kayla so that she couldn't see his nervousness. "I already knew Kayla was tougher boy then what that idiot Tamahome could do to him"
Something in his words caused a flicker in Nuriko's eyes and his face became uncharacteristically impassive for a moment.
"Nuriko, are you alright?" Kayla asked when she noticed the slight change in her friend's expression.
Nuriko snapped out of his reverie. Giving a sad smile, he turned to Tasuki "You know that it wasn't entirely Tamahome's fault. He had been entirely under the influence of some strong mind manipulation that not even Mitsukake could have healed"
However Tasuki folded his arms across his chest in a stubborn fashion. "Even if that's true, he's going to have to earn my respect" he replied curtly.
Nuriko rolled his eyes at his stubbornness but unsurprised by his attitude. Tasuki was someone who carried a fierce loyalty and protectiveness over his friends. Tamahome had definitely crossed the line with this fiery Seishi by hurting Kayla. It was going to take a while for Tasuki to accept Tamahome into their group. After all, whether he admitted or not, Tasuki cares a great deal for Kayla. He wasn't entirely sure as to what extent he cares for Kayla though. As a friend? A brother? Or something else? That remains to be seen. This brought him back to the issue he had yet to deal with, the main purpose that he was in here in the first place.
Giving a quick glance at Tasuki's stubborn pose, he made a quick decision of leaving the Seishi out of this confrontation for the time being.
"Tasuki, you must be tired. Why don't you go rest right now, it's been a long night already" Nuriko suggested.
"I'm not tired. I can handle not sleeping for days if I want to" Tasuki refused.
"Well…." Nuriko searched for another excuse. "Why don't you check on Miaka and the others then? I'm sure you're worried for them as well"
"Yeah Tasuki" Kayla agreed. "Why don't you see how they are doing? I would have gone myself but…. well you see…." she said as she indicated to herself on the bed as an explanation.
Tasuki frowned. "Why do I have a feeling that you two want me out of here for some reason?" he asked suspiciously.
"Why, whatever do you mean?" Nuriko asked innocently while Kayla gave him a blank look since she had no idea why Tasuki would think that.
Tasuki sighed and shook his head. "Never mind. I'm going then" and with that he left.
After he had left, Kayla turned to face Nuriko.
"Ummm… How is 'he'?" Kayla asked timidly while fidgeting slightly with her blanket.
Even though she had not mentioned 'his' name. Nuriko could guess who Kayla was referring to. Noticing her fidgeting, he could guess that she was still a bit uncertain about Tamahome. Not that he blamed her; her first impression of Tamahome had certainly not been a good one. However, if she had cared enough to ask about him, then maybe she would have a more forgiving heart towards Tamahome when the time comes. "He fell unconscious due to exhaustion of overcoming his mind manipulation and reverting back to his old self. But he had just woken up a moment ago and seemed to be in good health, if not a little tired" he replied neutrally.
"Oh" Kayla replied. She supposed that was good news. If what Tasuki said about Tamahome being mind manipulated had been true, then she suppose then he was not the traitor that she had first initially thought. For Miaka's sake, she will give the guy the benefit of the doubt even though she found herself quite wary of this man. She wasn't sure if she could face Tamahome for the moment. Maybe later on… but not now.
"Here drink this" Nuriko said as he sat on the chair that had once been vacated by Tasuki. He handed her a bowl that had been on the tray.
"What is it?" Kayla asked, eyeing the bowl doubtfully. She didn't like the look of the black liquid in the bowl. It looked like black ink or something.
"It's medicine prescribed by the healer. It's supposed to make you heal faster" Nuriko answered with a laugh as Kayla made a face. "Come on, it might not taste as bad as it looks"
Kayla shot him a doubtful but took a deep breath and drank the black liquid in a huge gulp. She choked violently and almost gagged. Nuriko was right, it wasn't as bad as it looks…. it was ten times WORST! It was so bitter!
Nuriko laughed. He secretly took a closer look at Kayla and mentally studied her appearance while she was still distracted. How could he not have noticed all this time? He had been shock to have found out that the boy that he had grown to be friends with had been a girl all this time. Her long black hair tied in a braid with long bangs framing her face. Her large amber eyes (which he found to his amusement) were the same colour as Tasuki's, only her eyes were rounder in shape and framed with long dark lashes. Her face was delicate and petit fitting the rest of her figure. She wasn't beautiful but would be quite pretty if she were to wear female clothing again. Why did she have to hide herself? That was what he had intended to find out.
"You know…. Tasuki really cares for you" he replied conversationally.
Kayla almost dropped the bowl in her hand that she had been holding. She carefully placed the bowl back on the tray on the table by her bed. "Oh well…. You know…." She answered slightly fidgeting with her blanket again. "He's a good friend despite his arrogance….. but I would be worried for him too if he was hurt" she admitted.
"Really? Are you sure that you're just 'good friends' then?" Nuriko continued to push.
Kayla was surprised. "Of course! What else could we be?"
"Oh I don't know…. It's just that you guys seemed really…. You know…. 'close'" Nuriko said amusedly as he held two fingers up against each other emphasizing on the word 'close'.
Kayla eyes widen in shock as she realized what he had meant and quickly shook her head. "Of course we're not close!.... I mean we're CLOSE… BUT we're not like THAT kind of 'CLOSE!" she said trying to express her words more meaningfully, but found herself being tongue-tied instead.
However Nuriko remained adamant. "Are you 'sure'?" he asked getting more amused by the minute. It was fun to see Kayla struggling like this.
"Nuriko! I'm a guy!! I can't and I WON'T like him like that!!" Kayla said desperately as she felt her face growing redder by the second. "He and I are JUST FRIENDS!!"
"I don't see why love has to be defined between genders. Love is love despite who it is directed to" Nuriko stated unwavering. "I, for one is a good example of this cause"
Kayla groaned and placed her head in her hands "But…. But Nuriko, it's not like I have anything against your preferences. But the point is Tasuki and I aren't like that… the point is_"
"The point is that you're not a boy. That's why it's different between you and Tasuki" Nuriko interrupted her quietly.
"It's not like….." Kayla stopped her ranting and stared at Nuriko with widen eyes in shock. "W…. What did you say?" she whispered.
"Stop hiding Kayla. I know your secret. The doctor had told me everything when he had been bandaging your wounds" Nuriko said seriously, all amusement gone from his expression.
It was then Kayla noticed belatedly of her own condition. She was still dressed in her old clothing and bandaged around the waist where she had felt incredibly sore. Her head was still hurting a little from a dull ach on the back of her head. If the doctor had to bandage her waist then that involves having to remove her shirt. This will eventually lead to him seeing her bounded chest and…. well…. it doesn't take a genius to put two and two together. Her head really hurts right now.
Nuriko knows! Nuriko knows my secret…. Her mind screamed. She was having a heart attack! She was having trouble breathing. He knows!!
"I think you have a LOT of explaining to do Kayla" Nuriko said calmly, yet there was a warning in his tone of voice. It was kind of scary because Nuriko had NEVER used that tone of voice on her before.
"I… I…." Kayla stuttered, but then hung her head in defeat. "It's a really long story" she mumbled.
"I have plenty of time" Nuriko replied.
And so given without much of a choice, she told him. At first, she was reluctant to give many details. However, as she continued on with her story, she found herself revealing more and more about her past and herself. In the end, she had told him everything. How both her parents had died by the time she was only 11. How she was never happy ever since her uncle and aunt had adopted her. How she had ran away from her relatives. How she had met Tasuki. How she had decided to come with Tasuki on this journey. By the time she had finished, she had this strange feeling of immense relief. Perhaps it was because she had finally taken up the strength to tell someone. It wasn't exactly the way she pictured in how her secret would come out (not that she had planned to have it ever really revealed in the first place).
Nevertheless, she had never realized just how tired she had been in keeping this secret for so long until she had actually revealed it.
But then again…..
She looked up at Nuriko whom she had been avoiding direct eye contact ever since she had started her story. He had yet spoken a single word while his expression remained unreadable. Another fear rose within her. Now that he had known that she had been lying to him and the others all this time, would he reveal her secret to everyone? Would Nuriko hate her because she was being a coward?
Her heart sank at the thought. The last person she wanted to hate her was Nuriko. He had always been such a good friend. Even when she had met him for the first time when he had thought that she had been the one who had attacked Miaka, he had chosen to believe in her in the end despite all his doubt. Would she really lose his friendship? She prayed that she wouldn't.
"Nuriko?" Kayla spoke softly, unable to take the silence any longer. "Are you angry? Because… if you are, I will understand." She hung her head and waited for her fate.
Nuriko snapped out thoughts and looked at her. His eyes shining with emotions that she couldn't read. Then his eyes soften. "Look Kayla" He finally spoke as he lifted her chin so that she would look at him. "Despite what you may think, I'm not mad…. Just surprised. It's not everyday that I found out a good friend of mine turns out to be a cross-dresser" Then as an afterthought he began to chuckle slightly. "Now I know how everyone had felt when they had found out that I was not really a woman"
Kayla smiled a little at the memory when she and Tasuki had found out that Nuriko was a man. Then she frowned again. "So…." She fidgeted. "You're really not angry with me" she asked hopefully.
Nuriko smiled amusedly. "Only a little"
Her face fell.
"Only because you never told me…." Nuriko said quickly at seeing her expression.
"Well…. what was I suppose to say? Hey everyone! Look! I have been lying to you all this time. I'm actually a girl and not really a guy. But don't worry! I'm still the same Kayla that you all 'know' and 'trust'" Kayla said rather sarcastically.
Nuriko sighed and shook his head. "It's not like we won't accept you afterwards just because you're a girl. We would have accepted you either way."
"I know you people are not that shallow, but the point is… I have been deceiving you guys ever since I had first met you guys. Everybody had been so wonderful to me and I still lied to every one of them even Tasuki." Kayla said regretfully and almost bitterly.
Nuriko was about to protest but was interrupted by Kayla again.
"Which brings me to my second point, in case you haven't notice, Tasuki HATES girls. How do you think he will react if he knew the guy he had grown to trust was actually GIRL who had been lying to him all this time from day one? Let me tell you, not a very good one"
"Kayla_"
"AND another thing, I can't reveal myself now. I'm still not sure if my uncle is still looking for me. He might think I'm dead now after falling off that cliff but then again, maybe not. I can't take that chance. I will die first before I let myself be found by him again!" She knew she was being a bit overemotional; perhaps all the stress, tension and guilt were finally getting to her.
"Kayla!_"
"AND ANOTHER THING!" Kayla practically shouted. She could almost feel the tears in the back of her eyes. But she refused to let them fall. Then, as if she realized that she had been shouting for no reason, she quieted down immediately. "I….. I just don't have the courage to say it…. It's too hard and I'm NOT ready. I'm…. I'm just scared okay?" she spoke quietly.
Another silence had settled in the room.
"Are you done venting out some of that stress?" Nuriko asked calmly. She nodded, feeling a bit embarrassed at losing herself so suddenly.
"If you don't want me to say anything, then I won't reveal your secret to anyone"
Kayla eyes widen as she look at Nuriko in amazement. Had he just said what she thought he said?! "You…. you won't tell?" Kayla asked in awe.
Nuriko sighed again but gave a small comforting smile. "I should tell someone, but I guess I'll leave that decision for you to decide"
Kayla grinned. Then her grin grew into a happy smile. Then the smile turned to laughing. Thoroughly relieved, she gave Nuriko a great big hug all the while laughing at the same time. "Then please don't tell anyone yet" she said gratefully as she held on to the violet-haired Seishi.
Nuriko who had been surprised by Kayla's act of affection, quickly recovered and returned the hug whole-heartedly. How could he stay mad at her? She reminded him so much of someone who was once so dear to him. For a moment, his violet eyes shone with pain and loss. How he had missed her. He would always miss her no matter what he does or how he chose to deal with the loss. His pained expression was quickly replaced by a more peaceful one as he looked down at the girl in his arms. Perhaps…. this was a second chance?
"Don't tell anyone yet" Kayla repeated softly as she finally let go of Nuriko. "… not until I'm ready to tell them myself" she finished.
Nuriko glanced at her with a raised eyebrow. "So you DO plan in telling the rest… even Tasuki?"
Kayla looked down at her hands and found herself still holding her mother's necklace. She fingered the jewel gently. Her eyes came to rest on the glittering silver chain attached to it and she dangled it freely between her fingers. This chain was a precious addition to her most cherished treasure. A gift from the fiery bandit, himself. Could she really tell Tasuki? Even risk losing his friendship for the sake of truth? Could she risk ALL of their friendships? She had been lucky with Nuriko, but…. Nuriko was different…. he understood her, because he had been in a similar situation as hers in the past.
"I…. I want to tell everyone" Kayla started slowly. "BUT I don't know when I'll have the courage to do so. It's just so…. I'll be risking everything here. Please understand Nuriko." She finished pleadingly. "I promise that I'll try to find the courage to finally tell everyone the truth that I'm a girl. I just need some time and also to make sure that I come out of hiding without the risk of my uncle finding me."
"I guess that's fair enough" Nuriko said nodding. "Don't worry, I'll keep your secret for the time being"
"Thank you Nuriko" Kayla smiled. She and Nuriko sat there in good companionship, satisfied for the time being. They were happy to be able to come to an understanding and agreement. This moment of peace would have been perfect if Nuriko hadn't ruined it.
"So…." Nuriko replied suggestively. "You still haven't told me the REAL relationship between you and Tasuki" he said with a smirk.
Kayla sighed in exasperation. "Nuriko! Tasuki and I are JUST FRIENDS! Nothing more, nothing less!"
"Uh huh" he was obviously unconvinced.
Kayla groaned and massaged her temples. Her head hurts.
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It was the sound of someone knocking on her door that had interrupted her conversation. Miaka turned to her door curiously. "Who is it?" she called out waiting for a reply.
"Miaka? It's me, Kayla" a familiar voice replied from the other side of her door.
Miaka face brightened at the sound of her friend's voice. She hadn't seen Kayla ever since that…. incident a few nights ago. She had been meaning to visit Kayla but she had been forced to stay in bed even though she felt perfectly fine now. However her Seishi had refused to let her leave the bed. She mentally groaned, if she didn't love this man so much, she would have hurt him.
"Kayla come in, the doors are unlock" she said invitingly.
Kayla pushed open the doors of her friend and stepped into the room, only to pause hesitantly as she saw the other person in the room other then Miaka herself. The man also shifted nervously at the sight of her.
Miaka glanced between Kayla and the man sitting by her bed and mentally hit herself for being a baka again. Of course! This would be the first time they would meet other since that terrible night when they had faced each other as enemies. "Ummmm…. Kayla, I want you to meet Tamahome" she said nervously as she introduced the man beside her. She turned to Tamahome, "Tamahome, this Kayla… you remember him don't you?"
Tamahome nodded and instantly stood awkwardly to greet the boy. His eyes reflected the guilt for the pain he had inflicted upon this boy. He had been meaning to find this boy, Kayla and apologize to him in person and now had seemed to be the best time as any to do it. But now that he was meeting Kayla face to face, he was suddenly aware that he had no idea in how he was going to go about saying it. How do you apologize to someone whom you had just tried to kill only a few days ago?
Kayla remained rooted to her position by the door barely hearing Miaka's introduction of the man beside her. She didn't need an introduction; she remembered perfectly well that the man before her was Tamahome. She watched as the man slowly stood up in greeting. She knew that she would have to meet him sooner or later… it was just that she hadn't expected it to be so soon. She mentally scolded herself that she was being childish. It had already been a few days since she had woken up so there had been plenty of time for her to be ready.
The three of them stood in silence wondering who will be the one to initiate the first move. Unexpectedly, it had been Tamahome who had been the first to move. He nervously yet made his way towards Kayla yet held a strong sense of determination to make things right between himself and the boy. He had been the one who had inflicted this pain upon his love, his friends and this boy. Therefore it made sense that he should be responsible to make emends no matter what he had to do or how long it was going to take him.
"I…. I want to thank you, Kayla-sama." Tamahome spoke; his voice was heavy with the burden of shame. Kayla had seemed startled by his sudden appearance yet said nothing as he listened to what he had said. "I could not even begin to express the gratitude for saving Miaka's life from… myself. I could only hope that you could find it in your heart to forgive me for what I had done" with that said, he waited for the boy's response.
Kayla blinked as she stared at the man before her. She hadn't expected such courtesy from the man nor did she felt any resentment towards him as she had expected she should. However, what she did felt for him was sorrow. Just looking his blue-grey eyes was enough to convince her just how much guilt he was already carrying on his shoulders. Unexpectedly the image of Tasuki's guilty expression fell upon her mind reminding her how much pain he must had felt at that moment. If she had been able to forgive Tasuki for being a jerk, can she forgive Tamahome for something that he had no control over with when he was being manipulated?
She then remembered how she, herself had felt when Nuriko had forgiven her for deceiving him for so long. The guilt she had felt had been painful, yet the relief she had felt afterwards had been enough to set her free. Why can't she offer the same release to the man standing before her?
Despite what had happened, it hadn't been totally his fault… if anyone were to blame, it would be those heartless Seiryuu Seishi who had behind this in the first place she thought, finally understanding truly what Tamahome must have felt. A genuine smile spread across her face as she faced the man, no longer with fear or hesitations. "It's good to finally meet you, Tamahome" she replied welcomingly.
Tamahome's eyes widen in surprise by Kayla's sudden change of attitude. Was he really being forgiven? He looked back at Miaka, who was smiling at them with relief and encouragement.
"But…."
Tamahome turned back worriedly to Kayla who had spoken. But? Does that mean he didn't forgive him after all? "But?..." he asked apprehensively. He was surprised when Kayla gave him a smile in comfort.
"But…" Kayla said again, slightly amused by Tamahome's worried expression. "Just call me Kayla, Kayla-sama makes me uncomfortable, I'm not use to such formalities"
Tamahome grinned. He already liked this boy and already knew without a doubt that they were going to be fast friends. "No problem … Kayla."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kayla strolled peacefully down the many routes in the garden. It had become apparent that this little routine had turned into a little habit of hers. Whenever she had wanted to have some time of peace or to think by herself, she would always found herself strolling in the outdoors. Although it was currently late afternoon and the sun was on the verge of setting, she had no intention of going back to her room yet. Maybe because of the fact that she had been caged for the last five years in life causing her to be wary of being cramped inside for a long period of time.
She found herself to be in a particular good mood. She had just finished visiting Miaka, along with meeting the 'real' Tamahome. She smiled at the memory. The man was obviously crazy for Miaka and had seemed to be a decent guy with a good heart. Miaka's really lucky to have someone who loves her so much… I wonder if I'll ever have someone like… she stopped abruptly. Where had THAT thought come from?!
She mentally scolded herself. This was NOT the place NOR time to think about such matters. Besides… there was no one in particular that she could think of in which she felt THAT way for… was there? No, of course not!
It wasn't like she was planning on falling in love with anyone right now. She doesn't even know what 'love' in that particular fashion was suppose to FEEL like! She smirked at a memory. Toushi had once told her that she'll 'know' when she was in love when the time comes. Somehow, she found that still doubtful if not a bit confusing.
She was momentarily brought out of her thoughts when she heard the distinctly familiar sound of a flute being played. She looked around, and clearly not too far away from her sitting on a rock by a pond was Chiriko playing a peaceful melody on his flute.
Curiously, she made her way towards the Seishi. When she had finally reached him, he was still oblivious to her presence since his back was facing her. Not wanting to disturb his playing, she decided to just listen. The song was peaceful, and soothing for the soul. She closed her eyes and allowed herself to drown into the melody appreciatively. She had always liked to listen to Chiriko played, even though it had been on rare occasions. But… she couldn't understand why she could sense a hint of sadness in his playing.
It was then the playing had stopped. Kayla opened her eyes and found Chiriko looking at her with those gentle blue-green eyes of his. Kayla blushed, she hadn't meant to be caught spying like this… well… not exactly 'spying' but close enough.
"Kayla, what are you doing out here? Shouldn't you be resting?" Chiriko asked worriedly.
Kayla shook her head, making a rather comical expression of disgust. "If I stay indoors anymore, I'm going to go insane" she said as she slowly sat beside the sandy-haired Seishi. "I don't care what everyone is saying, they just can't expect me to stay in my bed forever. I had already been resting for two days straight already!"
"But_"
"No buts" Kayla interrupted him. She knew Chiriko meant well but there was no way he was going to persuade her otherwise. She had already been pestered by Nuriko, Tasuki and even Miaka and Tamahome just a few minutes ago. No, she was going to enjoy the outdoors today.
Chiriko smiled at her, accepting momentarily defeat. "All right then, it would be nice to have some company right now" he admitted. Kayla smiled back. He really has a gentle and understanding soul Kayla thought with admiration.
"So…" Kayla started conversationally. "Where did you learned to play so well?"
Chiriko smiled and looked down at the flute in his hands. "You could say I had been playing ever since I had learned to walk. Sometimes you can say that it's the only way I can think of to soothe my soul from my worries"
Kayla raised an eyebrow at his comment. "Is that why you're playing?... Because you're worried about something?" she asked carefully.
Something flashed through his eyes at her words, something she couldn't identify. Could it be guilt? But that wouldn't make sense… then a thought came to her. "Are you worried about the summoning?" she asked slowly. Miaka had informed her that they had been planning on summoning Suzaku on the day after tomorrow.
To her surprised, Chiriko's face paled considerably. She grew a bit nervous. Did she say something wrong? "How... Why would you say that?" Chiriko asked slowly.
"It was only a guess, I heard that Miaka said that you guys are going to summon Suzaku in two days and I'm just wondering if maybe you're worried about that" Kayla answered as she avoided any direct eye contact with the boy sitting next to her. She didn't know why, but something about the way Chiriko was acting all of a sudden seemed… tensed. However whether she had been imagining or not, Chiriko's strange behaviour had diminished leaving the Chiriko she was familiar with once more.
"You could say that I am nervous" Chiriko replied hesitantly in a hushed tone, his face revealing nothing of his thoughts. Kayla smiled at him in encouragement. "Don't worry Chiriko, although I had never been directly involved in this war, I think we'll both be thoroughly relieved once peace is finally restored."
Chiriko looked back at her in contemplatively. "Yes, that is all I really want" Chiriko agreed slowly. He looked back up into the sky, watching the sun slowly set in the horizon. "My parents had died in a war when I had been very young. Therefore I had made a vow to myself that I would do whatever is necessary in order to stop this war. It is the only thing I know to do in order to prevent anymore families from being torn apart" he said sadly.
Kayla's heart ached with sympathy for Chiriko. She had no idea that he had such a tragic past. Despite the boy's friendly nature, he had mostly kept his past to himself. She was touched that he was willing to share such private thoughts with her. She felt obligated that she should return something in return for such honesty. "My parents had died when I was young also. Except my parents had died from sicknesses instead of the war"" she said softly. "It still hurts me that they're no longer here."
Chiriko turned to her in surprise but said nothing. His eyes shone with empathy and he nodded. "Don't you have any other family?" he asked. Kayla tensed but relaxed soon afterwards. Other then Nuriko and Tasuki, no one knew that she was still hiding from her relatives. "I do…" she said hesitantly. "But they had never treated me as if I'm one of them. Therefore it made no difference in whether I had any or not." Her voice never betrayed the pain she felt in admitting this fact. It hurt her that she no longer had any family that loves her. "What about you Chiriko? Don't you have any other family?" she asked directing the question back at him.
Luckily for her Chiriko didn't question her anymore and he smiled. "I have a brother" he answered simply.
Kayla was surprised. "A brother? What is he like? Where is he now?" she asked curiously.
"My brother is the only family that I have left. He and I had always been very close. Unfortunately, he's… living somewhere else at the moment. But once this summoning is done, I will be with him once more" Chiriko answered. Again, that look in his eyes was telling her that he wasn't telling everything there was to tell. Kayla didn't push. Everyone had the rights to their own secrets.
"It must be nice, to have such a close brother like that" she murmured as she turned to the pond, watching the fishes swim in the water. For awhile, they sat there surrendering to the serene silence around them.
"Did you…" Chiriko spoke hesitantly, breaking Kayla out of her thoughts. "Did you ever feel unsure in something you have always felt was the right thing to do?"
Kayla was surprised. Where had that question come from? "I'm not sure…" she admitted slowly. She paused for a moment to think. "All I know is sometimes, things can get so complicated. Everything is never in black or white, never quite as clear as they seem to be. But I will always follow my heart and hope that whatever comes from it will turn out for the best" She answered carefully.
Chiriko listened to her answer ponderingly, but once again said nothing in reply. Instead, he brought his flute to mouth and he began to play. The beautiful, yet haunting melody filled the atmosphere once more. Both soothing and sad.
Kayla listened to him play. She was confused as to why Chiriko was acting so mysterious. Was he really worried about the summoning? Or was it because of something else? She didn't want to push him, knowing that he would be reluctant to tell her. Therefore she just sat there, listening to him play while reminiscing in old memories and questioning about the not-so-distant future.
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"33 bottles of sake on the wall, 33 bottles of sake,
I take one down and drank it up,
32 bottles of sake on the wall,
32 bottles of sake on the wall, 32 bottles of sake…."
Kayla stopped singing and sighed again. She must be really, REALLY bored if she was singing Tasuki's drinking song. She looked up at the front entrance of the Suzaku shrine. Everything was as quiet as before. Miaka and her Seishi had been in there for a long time performing the summoning ritual.
Since she hadn't been allowed to go in, she had waited outside with great anticipation in the beginning. She had been hoping to catch some sort of action like maybe sudden changing of the weather or a great wave of power the moment Suzaku arrives. However after waiting for what seemed like an eternity, she grew bored and just sat in the front steps of the entrance, ignoring the curious looks from passing guards. What was she expecting? Some sort of fancy light show? Fireworks?
Despite her boredom, she was starting to worry. What if something had went wrong in the summoning? They shouldn't be taking this long should they? She shook her head, suppressing the odd feeling of foreboding. No, I'm just worrying over nothing. I'm sure they would come out very soon.
She was cut out of her thoughts when the doors of the entrance opened abruptly. She stood up immediately and was instantly knocked down again by Chiriko, who had been the first one to charge out of the shrine. The next moments in her life had happened in a blur. One second she had been sprawled on the ground with Chiriko on her, the next second Chiriko had her in a tight neck lock with his hand on her throat threateningly.
"Chiriko! What are you_"
"You traitor! Let Kayla go!"
Kayla stared back in shock as her gaze travelled to the rest of the Seishi who had come charging out of the shrine. She stood rooted in her position in shock. "What's going on?!" she uttered only to have Chiriko tightened the hold on her neck preventing her from speaking any further.
"Amiboshi let him go right now! You can't get away" Tamahome demanded. He and Tasuki were the first to come out of the shrine and they stood angrily a few feet away from them.
Amiboshi?!?!
"Don't come any closer! Or I'll kill him!" Chiriko yelled back as he stepped back, dragging Kayla with him.
Tasuki looked back at Tamahome. They silently agreed that this wasn't the time to act rash. He clutched his Tessan angrily. Just what the hell was Kayla doing here?! Now he was going to get hurt because he just couldn't stay out of trouble. Kayla you baka!! After I save you, I'm going to f*cking tie you to the bed so you can't get into anymore trouble!! He thought with frustration.
"Alright Amiboshi" Tamahome replied, seeing that there was no other way. "We're not going to come any closer, just don't hurt Kayla, he's the most innocent one out of all of us here."
"Don't you dare follow me or else I would be force to kill him" threatened Chiriko/Amiboshi. With that he leapt onto the roof carrying Kayla with him.
"What the hell are you doing?!?!" Tasuki demanded furiously as he clutched Tamahome by the collar. "How could you just stand here and let him get away with Kayla like that?!"
Tamahome pushed Tasuki away, his eyes reflecting the anger and pain in the decision he had just made. "I had no choice! Would you rather risk Kayla's life when obviously, Amiboshi is using him against us?!"
Tasuki gritted his teeth in anger but kept his mouth shut this time. Damn! Damn! DAMN!!
"Where's Amiboshi?!"
Both Tamahome and Tasuki turned to see Miaka and the rest of the Seishi ran out of the shrine, each carrying a grave and apprehensive expression on their faces.
"What's going on? Why aren't you two answering?! Where's Amiboshi?!" Miaka asked again, her voice quivering, yet for once she refused to let her tears fall. I'll cry later but right now I had something more important to do
Tamahome and Tasuki gave each other a glance before turning their attentions back to the others. "You're going to explain. I don't have the f*cking patience to stand here and wait. I'm going after them!!" Tasuki said tensely as he gave Tamahome one last glare before he leapt to the roof, determined to catch up to Amiboshi and Kayla.
"Tamahome what's going on?"
Tamahome turned back to Miaka with a grave expression. "I'm sorry. Amiboshi had gotten away and…. he has Kayla as a hostage"
Everyone stood in shock. This grave situation had just gotten more critical.
"Oh no…"
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Kayla was confused, stunned, angry and scared. Just what the hell was going on? She couldn't think straight, nothing was making sense!! She was being hauled on Chiriko's shoulder like a sack of rice as he continued to leap from roof top to roof top. She was a little surprised at his strength. Was she really THAT light?
"Chiriko put me down this instant!!" she demanded as she came out of her own little shock.
However Chiriko ignored her as he continued to run, determined to put as much distant from himself and his pursuers as much as possible. He was running out of time. He needed to get away before it was too late.
He kept running until he reached Konan's harbour. He placed Kayla on the ground. "I need a boat right now!" he called out to the man who was in charge of the boats.
"Sorry can't do that!" the man called back. "With the recent downpour a few nights ago, the river is too high and many people had been swept away by the strong current and drowned"
"Damn!" Chiriko cursed, as he searched for other escape roots.
Kayla who had just about enough, grabbed Chiriko by the arm. "What the hell is going on Chiriko? Why are you running?!" she demanded, forcing Chiriko to face her with his sad blue-green eyes.
"Don't call me Chiriko…" Chiriko said sadly.
"What are you talking about?! Of course you are_"
"I'm Amiboshi, a Seiyruu Seishi" Chiriko interrupted her protest.
Kayla stood dumbfounded. How could this be? No it can't be true! It just can't!! She won't believe it!! "Stop joking Chiriko…" she said trying to laugh "That's not funny…" But the look Chiriko/Amiboshi was giving her was telling her that everything was very real. Amiboshi. The name struck a cord, bringing back an almost forgotten memory within her and everything fell downhill.
"The assassin…it was really you who had been planning to attack Miaka that night in the forest weren't you? The one who had… almost killed me back at that inn when we had first met?" she whispered hesitantly. The image of the mysterious cloaked assassin back from that fated night in the inn haunted her mind.
Amiboshi gazed at her with sadness, yet made no attempt to deny what she had said. "Now you know the truth" he said grimly.
"But the Suzaku sign_"
"A fake marking"
Kayla let go of his arm and took a few steps back. Her eyes were hard filled with hurt and anger. "How could you do this? How can you be like this?! You mean that everything that you had done for us had been a lie?!" she demanded.
Amiboshi turned away from Kayla, refusing to let the boy see his guilt. Kayla wouldn't understand. No one would know the difficulty he had to endure in making this decision. "I'm sorry… I never meant to involve you in this. This was strictly between me and the Suzaku Seishi and their Miko. Tamahome was right, you are the most innocent one out of all of us" he said softly.
Kayla's eyes narrowed. "Don't you dare say that 'Amiboshi'" Kayla said crossly. "You lied to me and you try to hurt my friends!! I'm just as 'involve' in this as any one of you Seishi are right now even if I'm NOT a Suzaku Seishi myself!"
"You don't want to be involved in this. You will get hurt or worst…. get yourself killed" Amiboshi said quietly. "I don't want that to happen, I don't want anybody to die"
"Then why did you do it?" Kayla asked, her voice softening filled with hurt. "If you didn't want anyone to die then why did you have to hurt my friends?"
Amiboshi tensed, and turned to face her again. "All you need to know now is that we're enemies. As long as you stay on the side of the Suzaku Seishi and their Miko, you are my enemy. I was not nor will I ever be Chiriko"
However Kayla didn't back away as he had suspected. Instead Kayla stood firmly before him. "I KNOW you're not like this Amiboshi, you can't be…."
Amiboshi was surprised but turned away again. "You don't know what you're talking about" he denied.
"Don't lie to me Amiboshi, you've done enough of that already!" Kayla spoke determinedly. "You can't be really evil or else… or else you could have killed me the first time we had met at that inn. But you DIDN'T!! You had hesitated in killing me even though back then you had barely even known me!!"
When Amiboshi remained silent, she continued. "Please Amiboshi, don't run from this. Come back with me… you don't have to fight anymore. I know deep down you do have a good heart. Don't you remember that peaceful evening we had spent in the garden together? We could still have more days like that? Please, I don't care if you're Amiboshi or Chiriko. I just don't want to loose a good friend like you" Kayla had meant every word she had said to him. She had honestly thought of him as a dear friend. How can someone who care so much for life possibly be all this cruel and heartless? She waited for him to make his decision.
"I…." Amiboshi paused clutching his flute as he fought the inner turmoil within him. He wanted so much to believe in Kayla's words but….
"Let him go now Amiboshi!!" a familiar voice interrupted them.
Before any of them could react, Tasuki charged at them in a breaking speed. There had been nothing that anyone could have done in order to prevent what had happened next.
Amiboshi, who had tried to dodge Tasuki's ambush, had accidentally tripped and began to fall towards the raging river below.
"Amiboshi!!" Kayla cried and without thinking, she grabbed hold of Amiboshi's hand. However, in doing so, she also lost her balance and began falling towards the river as well. Just when she had thought that she was going to fall into the raging currents, someone else grabbed hold of her other hand. She looked up in relief to see Tasuki, who had grabbed hold of her hand. She looked back down at Amiboshi, who was shocked that she had tried to save him.
"Damnit hold on!!" Tasuki cried as he struggled to pull both Kayla and Amiboshi back up to solid ground. However despite how strong he may be, he wasn't strong enough to pull the both of them up. Kuso! Where was Nuriko when you need him!! he thought with frustration. He didn't understand why Kayla was helping that traitorous Amiboshi. But he was sure as hell wasn't going to let the both of them fall into the river like this.
"Hang on Amiboshi, we're going to get out of this!" Kayla spoke determinedly. Her arms were killing her as she held onto Tasuki's with one hand and Amiboshi's flute with the other. Amiboshi was holding onto his flute, the only thing preventing him from falling into the strong current below. She held on for dear life. She wasn't going to let go now.
Amiboshi stared up in wonder at the boy, Kayla above him. Why did he choose to risk his life to save him? Was he really worth saving after all he has done? He looked up at his hand holding the flute and could see Kayla struggling to keep a strong grip on it. However because of the flutes smooth texture, it was slowly slipping from within Kayla's grasp. If he didn't do anything soon, he and Kayla were both going fall into the river. He couldn't allow this to happen. He couldn't let Kayla died because of him. Better if one of us goes then the both of us dying…. The only thing he will regret was that he would never have a chance to say goodbye to his dear brother.
Kayla eyes widen when Amiboshi's gaze met her own. A dreadful feeling spread throughout her entire being and she tightened the grip on the flute. Wh… what is he planning? She thought panicking. Then to her shock, Amiboshi whispered only one word to her. One word that she will forever remember.
"Goodbye"
and he instantly let go of the flute and plunged into the raging river below.
Kayla head was spinning. no….No…NO!!! This can't be happening!! "No!! Amiboshi!!" she cried in anguish. She instantly began to struggle against her hold on Tasuki's hand. Why did he let go?! Why did he?! I was holding onto him and he let go!! She no longer care if she fell or not. She couldn't think straight.
Tasuki was stunned when Amiboshi had fallen into the river. How?.... Why? he thought, too shock to speak. However he was brought out of his daze when he felt Kayla struggling against hold. Baka! Just what does he think he's doing?! Without the weight of Amiboshi within his hold any longer, he lifted Kayla almost effortlessly back to safety of the harbour ground.
Kayla had barely noticed that she was being lifted back up to solid ground. She didn't notice that Tasuki was yelling at her for her stupidity. She didn't hear anything. All she could hear was the repetition of the same words over and over again in her head. Amiboshi's dead, he's dead and I couldn't help him.
Tasuki stopped his scolding as he noticed Kayla began to tremble. His large dark golden eyes were dazed and full of sorrow. "I couldn't save him Tasuki. He let go and I couldn't save him" Kayla whispered, his voice was filled with anguish.
Tasuki stood still for a moment, unable to respond. "It wasn't your fault Kayla. You shouldn't blame yourself" he said finally, trying to be as gentle as he could. From what he could tell, Kayla was in shock. He didn't want to say anything that could trigger him into doing more stupid things.
"You… you should have seen his eyes… he was so…" Kayla couldn't go on. She fell to her knees, suddenly feeling very weak. How could have this had happened? Everything was supposed to go well today! Everything was supposed to be perfect! How could everything fall apart just like this? She closed her eyes tightly, trying to suppress the tears that were threatening to fall.
Tasuki leaned down slowly beside Kayla, feeling lost as to what to do. Finally doing the only thing he knew that can comfort Kayla, he gently placed an arm around the boy's shoulder and pulled him close to him in a comforting manner. Kayla didn't push him away nor did he acknowledge the fact if he was even aware of him or not.
"Tasuki? Kayla? What happened?"
Tasuki turned to see Miaka appeared along with Tamahome and Chichiri by her side. Kayla didn't moved from his position, but at least he had stopped trembling. "Amiboshi had fallen into the river by accident, it's most likely he had drowned" he answered grimly. In truth, he didn't feel sorry for Amiboshi, because he had deserved his fate for his deception and his attempts to kill them all. However, seeing Kayla in this condition he was wise enough to keep his mouth shut. Besides, whether he had been your enemy or not, there was nothing joyful about the fact of someone dying.
"Amiboshi died? But why?" Miaka whispered in shock, her eyes began to flood with tears. "Why did he die? He was an enemy but he wasn't evil!" she cried into Tamahome's chest as the Seishi embraced her in a soothing manner.
"I agree" Chichiri said mournfully and he gave a silent prayer. "An evil person can never play such beautiful music"
Kayla could no longer hold the tears back as she heard Chichiri's words. He was right. No one evil can play such sweet melodies. Sounds and images played in her mind, bringing her back to the moments of that one peaceful evening she had spent with Amiboshi.
*********
"My parents had died in a war when I had been very young. Therefore I had made a vow to myself that I would do whatever is necessary in order to stop this war. It is the only thing I know to do in order to prevent anymore families from being torn apart" Amiboshi said sadly.
"Did you…" Amiboshi spoke hesitantly "Did you ever feel unsure in something you have always felt was the right thing to do?"
*********
I wished I had knew what you had meant back then Amiboshi… then maybe… maybe I could have prevented all this from happening…. Kayla thought regretfully as she let her tears fall. But now it's too late….
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Author's Notes:
Gemini: Wow Cancer! Who would have thought that you would get attacked by a bear!! I mean the odds of someone getting attacked by a bear is the probability of 0.01 out of a 500!! You're LUCKY that you only have a broken leg, a splintered left arm, a broken nose….
Cancer: .........
Gemini: (keeps listing out Cancer's injuries) ….. several battered ribs, one damaged eye, lots of cuts and bruises, two broken toes, and…. what else?
Cancer: ……….
Gemini: Oh yeah!! And one broken jaw, hence why you are not speaking to me right now.
Cancer: (Sweatdrops)
Gemini: SEE Cancer! I TOLD you that you should listen to my horoscope readings and NOT go outside today and did you listen to me? Noooooooooo…..
Cancer: …….. (Glares at Gemini thinking "Must….. kill….. Gemini!!!..... but can't ….move….Damn!!....")
Gemini: (Oblivious to Cancer's glare) But don't worry Cancer!! I'll take good care of you while you are in critical condition!! (Creepy music in the background returns)
Cancer: ………. (Starts to panic "Nooooooooooooo")
Don't worry readers! According to fanfiction reality, authors tend to heal from serious injuries at a very short amount of time. However….. there is nothing in fanfiction rules that can prevent authors from suffering extreme pain though….. (sweatdrops)
Thanks for all your support!! Don't you just love Nuriko!! He's such a cool character. It's quite obvious that Nuriko was going to keep Kayla's secret because that's just the way he is!! Anyway we hope that Tasuki didn't seem too out character. We just want to show his sweet caring side as a friend LOL and NO, he is NOT in love with Kayla because he IS STRAIGHT despite his dislike for girls. He's just really protective of Kayla because Kayla is like a close 'brother' he never had. HEHE…. Can you imagine what big brother Tasuki would be like? AWWWWW CUTE!!
Amiboshi's death had really affected Kayla because you could say that they had been good friends. It's really sad but those of you who are already familiar with the anime then you should know that Amiboshi didn't really die YEAH!!! {^.^} However everyone thinks that he's dead so the results are still quite just as sad AWWWWWW SAD!! {-_-}
Trust is a very delicate matter and probably the most crucial point in Kayla's life. So far her own life is based on the matter of trust. She's afraid of betraying her friends trust (hence why she's keeping her secret) and yet she learns to trust her friends and forgive them so unconditionally (like with Tamahome and Amiboshi) that's why we really like Kayla's character. In some way she's like Miaka (without all her clumsiness LOL)
Sorry for such a long Author's Note, we just like to keep our readers updated on the happenings and thoughts for our stories. If you have any questions concerning anything for this story feel free to ask us in your reviews.
Remember to review and tell us what you think of this chapter!! Hope you enjoyed reading it as much as we writing it!!!
Many Love,
*~Twin Girls~*
P.S. --- If you like our story, check out our Author's Profile for the two new stories that we had recently posted up!! (both written by Cancer and co-written by Gemini)