Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin. But I do own the wonderful tan I got while on vacation! And the burns I also got... hehe
Scars of the Past
Chapter Seven
From last time:
"Meet me back here tomorrow at noon with your answer Tenken. We will be waiting." Like dark shadows the ninjas with Anohorea disappeared into the darkening light, leaving me alone with my puzzled thoughts.
"Where is he?" exclaimed Megumi, pacing nervously on the wooden floorboards, her shoes clacking loudly. "How long does it take to get tofu? It's been three hours!"
"Calm down Megumi-Dono," said the red haired rurouni. "Soujiro is watching Yahiko and he is perfectly safe. Maybe they took a side tour."
"That's no excuse! What if they were captured? Soujiro-San does have an injured arm that still needs several weeks to heal. If he injures it or uses it excessively he could jar the bones and they would never be able to set properly again."
"Calm down Fox," said Sanosuke, "The kid will be fine. He's not a bad swordsman and with the Tenken accompanying him they should both be fine."
"Sanosuke's right Megumi," I said, "They'll be perfectly fine. They probably just took a side trip to Akabeko or something. Yahiko has been wanting to see Tsubame."
"I agree with Megumi. Sou and Yahiko should have been back a long time ago. You don't think something happened to them, do you?" asked the ninja, fingering her braid nervously. "What if one of Sou's enemies found him and he couldn't defend himself?"
"He is a skilled swordsman Misao-Dono, Soujiro will be alright. There is no cause to worry."
"Worry about what?" asked the figure in question, stepping through the dojo gates. In his left hand he carried a bucket of tofu, but no Yahiko was in sight. "I met someone very interesting," he continued with a smile. "He said that he had need for my services, him and the ninja group with him."
"Ninja group," snarled Misao. "What was their name? The Oniwaban will track them down and beat them all!"
"They were the Tozuma Ninjas, being led by a fellow swordsman. I believe Anohorea was his name."
"WHAT!" screeched Misao, jumping up from her spot on the porch. "ANOHOREA IS HERE? IN TOKYO?"
"Y-yes," stammered Soujiro, looking quite taken aback by Misao's outburst.
"Where. Is. Yahiko?" asked Sano, his teeth clenched and fists balled at his sides.
"Ano...." Soujiro was suddenly faced with the sight of us, the Kenshin- Gumi all armed and ready. My bokken was raised behind me, Kenshin's hand rested on the hilt of his sword, Sano's fists were up, kunais were being drawn by the ninja, and Megumi had a syringe.
"Yahiko-San isn't with me," the former Tenken said uneasily, his injured arm's hand resting on his bokken. "You mean he isn't back yet?"
"If he was, why would I be asking you?" hissed Sano, his brown eyes gleaming. "Give me one good reason I shouldn't grind you to a bloody pulp right now Tenken," he spat.
"Because if you did I wouldn't be able to tell you what Anohorea-San said," Soujiro said with a chuckle. "I know Yahiko-San ran off to visit Tsubame-Chan. They're probably both at Akabeko," Soujiro said rubbing the back of his head.
"You'd better be right," growled the former fighter for hire. "Or else you'll be in big trouble."
"What are we waiting for?" I cried, leaping up from the ground. "Let's go get him."
The whole group of us trooped into Tokyo a few minutes later. Streetlamps cast a pale, yellow glow over the dusty and mostly abandoned streets. A chilly wind was blowing in from the west, making the treetops shake and me draw my cloak tighter about my shoulders.
Only several of the many shops were open, their lanterns giving off a welcome, but feeble light. Our feet clomped hollowly on the wooden walkway that rose above the main street, the ghostly echoes ringing creepily.
Akabeko was completely dark, business hours long over. The pitch- black windows gleamed down with a vacant expression and the blankets thrown over the door fluttered out of the building on the wind.
"It looks like Tae-Dono closed up for the night, that it does. I don't think Yahiko is still here, that I do not."
Suddenly, a gleam of light was seen in the top of the restaurant, the part where Tae lived. In a matter of seconds, the whole bottom floor had been lit up and the door was opened. "Tsubame, is that you?"
"Tae?" asked Megumi, stepping closer to the young woman. "Is Tsubame missing?"
"Hai, she left several hours ago with Yahiko. I've been searching all day but haven't been able to find them." Megumi put an arm around the waitress in hopes to calm her down.
"Yahiko's missing too. Knowing those two they probably just lost track of time," said Sanosuke, his red bandana flying out behind him on a mad torrent of air. "Although you would think they would realize it was pitch black out; past eight."
"We should go look for them," I said urgently, shivering despite the wind. If Anohorea had found Yahiko I don't even want to think of what could happen. He could torture him again, Tsubame too. Or worse, what if he did something to Tsubame? Yahiko could never bear to live seeing his girlfriend hurt to anger him.
"Okay," said Misao. "I'm a ninja and we're generally good at tracking. Me and Sou will go into the forest, the rest of you split up and check around town. We'll meet back here in an hour." In silence, the group split up into three groups.
Misao and Soujiro, easily the best at tracking, headed off for the looming forest, Megumi and Sanosuke went towards the sweet store Yahiko sometimes visited. Kenshin and Tae headed towards the main center of town and Yutaro and I headed to check out the fountain. They just had to be found, they had to.
Misao POV
Trees... Dark and creepy trees. Shadows were everywhere, making the blackness seem even darker. Soujiro strolled confidently out in front, his uninjured hand on the hilt of the borrowed bokken. Meekly I followed him, looking nervously over my shoulder.
Last time I had been in a forest had not been a pleasant experience. If Sou hadn't shown up, I honestly don't know what would have happened. The loud cawing of a bird made me jump about a foot in the air, latching onto Soujiro's gi.
"It's alright Misao," he assured me, turning his head and giving me a comforting smile. "It was just a raven."
"I know that," I snapped, letting go of his sleeve. Hmph, I wasn't scared, not at all. Soujiro just smiled wider when I latched onto him again when the darn bid squawked again. "Do you think they're alright?" I asked softly after a few minutes.
"No idea," he said cheerfully. "But I'm sure we'll find them. See, look here." He pointed out several broken leaves and a stray thread of dark green cloth, probably from Yahiko's gi. "They went right past here, so they can't be far. Come on."
Nimbly, he jumped over a fallen log and continued on down the pine- covered ground, the needles making no noise as he walked on them. If he hadn't been on Shishio's side I think he would have made a pretty good ninja.
"Hey, Sou? Can I ask you a question?"
"You just did. But go on.."
"Well, I've been wondering something for a while. Why do you always smile?"
He stopped walking and turned to look at me, an almost sad look to his features. "It's a long story Misao, and now is not the time or place to tell it. Maybe someday.." His voice got softer and softer as he spoke, and then he turned and kept walking. "Here's another mark," he said cheerfully, acting as though he had never even been upset.
But I know something is wrong. Or was wrong at least. He's hiding something, something sad. A terrible event must have happened in his lifetime and it has hurt him greatly. Anyone could tell that he was upset, his smile even turned almost watery. I'll find out soon. I'm his friend and I want to help in any way possible.
Soujiro held out his arm to stop me from going any farther forward. "What is it?" I whispered. Peering over his shoulder, I tried to suppress the laughter bubbling to the surface. "They're so cute," I gasped, looking at the two missing children.
Yahiko and Tsubame were asleep side by side, his arm wrapped around her waist and her brown haired head snuggled against him. "Should we let them sleep?" asked Soujiro, moving towards the pair.
"Yeah, we should. At least Tsubame, this was probably Yahiko's idea to come out and fall asleep," I snorted. "I'll get Yahiko, he's not that heavy. You grab Tsubame, I don't want you injuring your arm."
"Alright." In one quick movement, Tsubame was on Sou's back, her arms somehow wrapped around his neck. "I'm ready, just grab Yahiko-San."
Moving forward, I tried the same maneuver as the blue clad man. Placing my arms beneath Yahiko, I prepared to swing him on to my back, but was surprised when a fist came flying from his sleeping form, catching me squarely in the head. And that's the last thing I saw.
Soujiro POV
I glanced warily at Yahiko's sleeping form and then at Misao, knocked out cold on the ground next to him. Extending one foot, I lightly poked the sleeping samurai and then drew back as he slammed his hands at the ground where my foot had been. Very defensive little guy...
Setting Tsubame gently down on the ground, I prepared to wake up Yahiko, a challenge in itself. Moving forward at a run but not the SPEED although still incredibly fast, I flipped the spiky haired boy over and retreated. Continuing this for several times, the boy finally started to stir.
Bright brown eyes opened sleepily and gazed up at me with a dazed happiness that still bordered on sleep. "Morning Soujiro," he said with a yawn. "Is breakfast ready?"
"Not quite Yahiko," I said, "You and Tsubame-Chan never came back and the whole dojo is out searching for you."
"W-what?" he asked startled, looking around where he was. Trees loomed up behind them and the river rested in front, the moonlight shining off the blue surface, a silver shimmer showing. "We must have fallen asleep," the boy said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head.
"It certainly looks like you did. Would you mind carrying Tsubame- Chan? I'll get Misao."
"Misao?" Yahiko gazed around the clearing and was surprised to see the ninja girl lying next to him by a few feet, completely motionless. "What happened to the weasel?"
"You punched her," I said simply, trying to decide how to carry Misao. "She tried to wake you up and you got pretty defensive. How come?"
"I used to live with a gang," he said evasively, picking the brown haired girl up in his arms and settling her head against his shoulder, "And you learn to watch out for yourself."
"I see." By now, I had managed to half hoist Misao onto my back, her arms not wanting to settle around my neck like Tsubame's had. It would have been so much easier if I had control of my other arm, but I didn't so I'll just have to make do.
A few seconds later one of her arms had been wrapped loosely around me, but the other hung down at her side, making sure that I would have to go slow so she wouldn't fall off. "Let's go Yahiko," I said, starting down the trail Misao and I had come.
Glancing over my shoulder, my smile softened as I glanced at the two children. Yahiko was holding the girl pulled against him, his arms wrapped securely around her. One of her arms was looped around his neck and her head was snuggled up against him. If they had been a bit older it would have made a good wedding pose.
We reached town in a matter of minutes and headed straight for Akabeko where I could see some people, probably the rest of the groups waiting impatiently and nervously for news on the missing kids.
"Yahiko!" exclaimed Kaoru-San, spotting our little group first and making for it at a run.
"Tsubame!" yelled Tae-San, racing for us as well. "Goodness, are you two all right?"
"They're fine, just a bit tired," I said, watching as Yahiko gave a yawn that could rival a hippo's. "Misao and I found them on the river bank sound asleep."
"What happened to Misao?" asked Kaoru-San, glancing at the unconscious girl who was riding my back. "Hey, Sano!" Come over here and take Misao, Soujiro's hurting his arm more carrying her. With a grumble, the tori-atama made is way over and picked Misao off of my back and set her in his arms.
"When she was trying to pick Yahiko up, he got a bit defensive and punched her in the face. It must have been a really hard hit; she was completely knocked out."
"Poor Misao," said Megumi-San, coming forward. "I can treat her when we get back to the dojo. As for you Yahiko," she said, turning to the sleepy samurai, "You're going straight to bed. I can't decide on any punishments since you don't live with me, but I'm sure Kaoru can think of some." The kendo instructor nodded at Megumi-San's statement and Yahiko hung his head.
"I understand this was not completely your fault Yahiko," Kaoru-San said, glancing in my direction, "But you were the one who made the decision to actually leave the dojo. You could have come back earlier before dark. I have something very important to tell you, Yahiko," she said kneeling in front of the boy after Himura-San removed Tsubame-Chan from the boy's arms.
"Anohorea is in Tokyo." The samurai's whole face paled, the tan turning a ghastly white. "Come on, let's go back to the dojo," she said gently, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. In a stricken silence, Yahiko allowed himself to be towed away, his eyes wide with a fearful expression on his face.
A few minutes later, Kaoru-San, Himura-San, Yahiko, Megumi-San, Sagara-San, Misao, who had woken up with a minor headache, Yutaro, and myself were back in the dojo, cups of tea pressed in all of our hands. Yahiko, against his normal attitude, was wrapped up in a blanket and sitting in Kaoru-San's lap, her arms wrapped around him in a motherly hug.
"Explain Soujiro," said Himura-San gravely, his purple eyes narrowed in my direction. I took a deep breath and started to explain what the Tozuma Ninjas had told me and what Anohorea had said.
"What should I do Himura-San?" I asked when I had finished, glancing around the group with a smile. "Should I agree to help but really just be sort of a spy? Or should I just turn them down?"
"I think the best thing to do is to work for them Soujiro," said the red haired man. "If you do, we may be able to pick up on their ideas and thwart them. But it will be dangerous..."
I laughed and smiled brightly. "I've been in plenty of tricky situations before Himura-San. I'm really not too worried. There is absolutely nothing those ninjas could do to me, or that Anohorea. He looks good, but is he really?"
"He's crafty and will stop at nothing to accomplish his goal. And the fact that he is willing to throw his own life away to kill Yahiko makes him ruthless, unstoppable. Anohorea also has a pretty good sword arm, he's not some pathetic although he can't compare to Sanosuke or me. You too Soujiro. But this ninja clan, what are they like?"
"I think I can answer that," said Misao quietly, staring into her teacup. "You said they were called the Tozuma, right Sou?" I nodded. "I remember Aoshi-Sama telling me about them before. I was really little but I'll tell you all I can.
"The Tozuma were a large clan of powerful and experienced ninjas, especially in poisons and stealth. They could creep up on a skilled soldier and he would be dead before he even realized something was amiss. But over the years they've been dying out. Many groups rebel against each other and many die. The Tozuma Ninjas have also been classified as a barbaric group, killing woman and children in their attacks."
"That's terrible," whispered Kaoru-San, hugging Yahiko even tighter who didn't seem to mind at all. "But if they were that well known Misao, how come we've never heard of them before?"
"Like I said, they've been dying out. I'm not positive about who their leader is, but the group almost seems to rent themselves out to others. They have a main leader who handles the jobs they do but their other leader runs the group. I believe that Anohorea enlisted their help and intends to beat us with them. Even though they're declining, their skills sure aren't."
"So you're saying they're good Misao?" asked Sagara-San, chewing on a fishbone. "That these ninjas might actually be a challenge to us?"
"Yes, especially since they also have one other attribute. They are willing to give their lives for the cause. Death is not horrible; it is a sign of greatness. If you die in battle they say you are an honorable warrior and deserve respect."
"Then we're just going to have to be prepared," said Yutaro-San, rising to his feet. "We can have night watches and be on our guard at every moment. Would that work?"
"It's a good start," said Megumi-San. "Tonight though, we shall be safe. The Tozuma are still wondering on Soujiro's alliance to them and will not plan an attack without the feared Tenken. Speaking of which, Soujiro come over here. I need to look at your arm."
I picked myself up from my spot next to Himura-San and settled myself next to the doctor, removing my arm from the sling. With gentle hands, she rolled up the sleeve and started to examine the arm, while I turned my attention back to the conversation.
"I think it's time we all get some rest," said Kaoru-San, standing up with Yahiko is her arms. "Yutaro, move off to bed, Yahiko you too," she said, setting the black haired samurai on the ground and giving him a small shove in the direction of his room. "Sanosuke, you're welcome to stay here if you wish as well as you Megumi. Good night everyone," she said with a yawn, following the two boys out of the room. Himura-san followed her a minute later to his own room with Sagara-San after him since he would be rooming with Himura-San.
Misao came over and sat down next to me while Megumi-San wrapped up her exam. "You're good to go Soujiro," the black haired doctor said, rising to her feet. "You do have some pretty bad bruising over the healing bone, so try not to bump it much. Good night you two, I'm heading back to the clinic." Picking up her bag, she was gone in a flash, only the new bandages on my arm showing she was ever there.
"Come on Sou," said Misao, pulling me up by my other arm. "You look like you're going to fall asleep on your feet, let's get you to bed." I gave a large yawn and then shook my head to clear it, confused of why I was feeling so tired. "Hey, Sou? Did Megumi give you anything?"
"No..." I said with another yawn, stumbling slightly. "But she did poke me..."
"Stupid fox," muttered the girl. "She gave you some sleeping medication Sou, probably since you haven't been getting enough rest. Sou... SOU!"
Misao POV
He fell asleep standing up! Stupid, crafty fox.... Soujiro does need rest, I've heard him tossing and turning since he's been here and I'm sure Megumi can tell he needed a good night of sleep. But giving him sleeping medication with no warning wasn't nice.
I do wonder why he is kept awake. When I asked him he just smiled and said his arm was bothering him. But I know that isn't true. During the day, he doesn't seem at all fazed by it. The smile is also getting on my nerves... If he isn't happy he shouldn't smile but he does. I know because no one can be happy when they have a broken arm and yet he still has upturned lips. Now... How do I get him to his room?
Leaving him standing alone in the hall, I went and knocked softly on Kenshin and Sanosuke's door. When no one answered, I cracked it open to see two sleeping figures, the taller one snoring loudly. Silently, I slid the door back, not having the heart to wake either of the men.
Going back down the hall, I snorted to see that Sou was still standing straight up and sleeping. Slinging an arm around his waist, I started to drag him after me towards his room. He wasn't heavy at all, probably lighter than Himura, but I'm not a muscled person. By the time I'd gotten him halfway to his room, I was exhausted.
"Maybe," I gasped, "You can just sleep right here." But at that moment, thunder rumbled and a raindrop hit my nose. "Or maybe I'd better get you to your room..." About five minutes later, we both arrived in his room, completely soaked. Stupid rain... Stupid fox... How strong was that medication?
Sliding the shoji door shut, I collapsed on the floor next to Soujiro who had fallen out of his soldier stance and slumped to the ground. Grabbing the unconscious young man by his feet, I pulled him over to his futon and managed to get him on it. "We're going to get sick if we stay in these wet clothes," I murmured. A blush rose to my cheeks realizing that he wasn't awake to get himself out of his garments.
Crossing the room, I opened a trunk in the corner and was relieved to find a yukata about my size. Keeping one eye turned towards the sleeping Tenken, I quickly pulled off my ninja garb and changed into the light green yukata. He didn't stir at all.
"Hey Sou," I said softly, kneeling next to him, "Time to wake up..." I shook him gently by his shoulder but it had no effect. "Okay.... Please wake up Sou, please," I begged, shaking him harder. I soon realized that he wasn't going to wake up but there is no way I'm getting him dressed. No way!
But I couldn't let him catch ammonia or a cold, he needed to be in his best health when he confronted the Tozuma Ninjas. "Listen Sou... I'm just going to get rid of your shirt, okay? Okay..." I said more to myself rather than him.
Grabbing a corner of the soaking wet material, I started to yank it upwards over his head, but the gi wanted to remain plastered to his skin. "Oh no you don't," I growled, yanking it up. "You're coming off!"
It then occurred to me that his arm was in a sling and I would have to pull it out separately. Groaning at the task, I carefully grabbed his right arm and twisted it backwards. He gave a small moan and I immediately stopped, biting my lip. How was I supposed to get it out?
"You're just going to have to grin and bear it Sou," I said to his smiling face. With a quick tug, I yanked his arm up and out of the sleeve, wincing internally at the pain I just caused him. I'm actually kind of thankful it was such a strong medication. But then again, if he hadn't taken it in the first place we wouldn't be in this predicament.
The rest of the shirt came off easier now, thanks to his free arm. I blushed and looked away, realizing I was seeing him only half clothed. But I had a good reason to take off his shirt, ne?
Wait... What's this? Not even aware of what I had been doing, probably hormones to blame, I had been looking him over, admiring the lean body yet strong muscle. Over his frame were bandages and some uncovered bruises from his earlier battle with Sanosuke. But on his left shoulder and over the back of it was a long scar.
By looking at it, I can tell that it's from a long time ago, not in a recent fight. But the weirdest thing is, is that it doesn't look like a sword wound. With a sword scar the skin in normally the original color with just a healed mark, generally in a wide line, the width of the sword. Unless it was a stab cut, then they were long and narrow and went in deep.
But this cut was extremely long and thin, much thinner than any sword's blade. And the skin around it was a shade darker than that of the normal color, indicating that the area had been infected or irritated with the injury. But what kind of weapon made this kind of mark?
Deciding to ponder this question later, I pulled the blanket down and flipped it onto Soujiro. But then I felt cold and there were no other blankets in the room. And nothing would be able to get me to go outside; it was pouring rain!
Taking a chance, since he was asleep, I crawled beneath the covers with him, resting my head on the pillow. Another cherry red blush spread across my cheeks, realizing what this might look like. But after all, I needed to sleep too and it's not like anyone is going to come in here in the middle of the night.
Without a word of warning, the shoji door suddenly opened and a figure was illuminated as lightning flashed behind him. "Yahiko?" I asked, staring at the sopping wet boy. "What are you doing? Get in here!"
Padding across the floor with water dripping from him, Yahiko stood in front of me, looking down at his feet. "I meant to go see Kaoru, but she was asleep and I didn't want to wake her," he said softly. "I came in to see Soujiro but it looks like he's asleep too.."
"What do you need to see them for?" I questioned, climbing out of the nice warm futon. "Is everything okay?"
He shook his head, water spraying everywhere. "Oh Yahiko...." I crossed the room in three strides and pulled him into a soft hug, not even noticing myself getting wet. "Do you want to stay here?" He nodded his head against my chest, wrapping his arms around me. "Alright.. Let's get you some dry clothes."
Moving over to the chest, one arm wrapped around Yahiko in a half-hug I opened it and removed two more yukatas, one for Yahiko and another dry one for myself. "Put this on," I said, holding out the garment. "You shouldn't be walking around in wet things."
"No looking," he said, slipping out of my embrace and taking the offered clothes.
"I won't if you don't look at me," I answered, already going over to the other side of the room to give him privacy. Turning my back to him, I peeled off my now wet pajamas and slipped on the dry ones. When I twirled around a startled gasp left my throat as I saw Yahiko's back.
Long lines crossed all over his back in varying shades of brown to pinkish-white, forming a star where all the lacerations met. "What happened?" I gasped, not able to tear my eyes away from the horrid sight.
He turned slowly, the shirt now covering the scars, tears shining in his eyes. "You weren't supposed to look," he accused, trying to be his cocky self. But once a tear trickled down his cheek, more were soon to fall.
My arms once again found themselves wrapped around the young samurai in a hug, my chin resting on top of his head and his face buried in my shirt. "It's okay," I soothed, one hand rubbing small circles on his back, "It's alright. Misao's here...." If anything, this seemed to make him cry harder, his shoulders now shaking with suppressed sobs.
"Why don't you tell me about it?" I said gently, sitting down on the futon and pulling him into my lap. "Explaining what's wrong generally makes a person feel better."
"Gasuke gave them to me," he answered softly, rubbing a hand over his eyes in an effort to stop the tears. "He was the leader of my old gang," he said in response to the puzzled expression on my face. "I got whipped for not doing little tasks, or getting in the way. They even did it for their own amusement." Here another sob escaped and I hugged him tighter, desperate to comfort him.
"It's okay, aren't they all in jail now?"
"Yes... But he's still out there, looking for me. And I don't want to die!" Yahiko buried his head against me again, seeking the consolation I could give.
"Why don't you stay here for the night?" I offered, running my hands through his drooping spikes. "It's too wet to go out there and I don't want you getting sick. Come on, crawl in bed." Lifting up the covers, the boy slid under, snuggling up against the drugged Tenken and I followed after, tucking the blanket in. "Get some sleep Yahiko, I'll be right here..."
"Misao?"
"Yeah?"
"Thanks."
"You're very welcome." One of his arms snaked around and latched onto my own, and I gave his hand a little squeeze. In a few moments, we were both sound asleep.
Soujiro POV
I woke up quite cozy; something warm snuggled up against me. First thought was that a stray dog had curled up with me on my travels as I searched for the truth, but then I remembered that I was staying with Himura-San at the dojo. So what was this heat-giving object?
Rolling over slightly so that I wouldn't injure my broken and healing arm, I came face to face with a tan face that had spiky black hair on his head and a peaceful expression on his sleeping face. "Nani?" I asked softly to myself, starting to sit up. But out of nowhere came Yahiko's arm that grabbed my left and dragged me back down onto the futon. In that brief second of sitting up, I had also been able to see that my futon had one other occupant... Misao. I had also realized I was missing my top when a cool breeze swept through the room and tickled my upper half.
Far off, I could hear the sound of breakfast being cooked and the wonderful smell of cooking eggplant reached my nose. But I was still in question. How had I gotten to my room last night and why did I have bed buddies?
Footsteps echoed down the corridor outside my room and the door slid open, revealing a bright ray of sunlight and the figure of the owner of the dojo. "Soujiro, it's time to get UP!" she screamed at the last part, noticing the other people.
"Good morning Kaoru-San," I said cheerfully, my smile a bright beam of morning happiness. "I was hoping you might be able to explain this," I said, nodding my head towards my companions. "I only remember having Megumi- San look at my arm and then waking up here with these two."
"Strange indeed," said Kaoru-San, looking at the two sleeping forms. "Well, breakfast is ready, maybe you can wake both of them?" With that, she turned and headed back down the hall, leaving me with the boy who punched and the ninja who scratched.
Reaching over, I gently started to shake Yahiko's shoulder, keeping my face ready to move at a moments notice. Gradually, his eyes began to open until my gray eyes were staring into his bright brown. "Good morning Yahiko, Kaoru-San just came in and told us breakfast was ready. You might want to hurry."
The boy lumbered out of bed, dropping my arm and Misao's, headed for the kitchen. Scooting over, I began to shake the girl's shoulder gently; quite curious if she knew why she was here.
After only a few moments, her aqua eyes stared up at me, sleepiness filling them. Her mouth turned into a cute pout as she raised her head of the pillow, some of her hair having come loose from her braid and framing her face. I shook my head, trying to make the sudden blush that had come over my face leave.
"It's time to get up Misao," I said, a smile on my features, quite thankful the blush had disappeared. Although I honestly don't know why the blush came up in the first place. "And by the way, could you explain why both you and Yahiko were rooming with me?"
"Let me sleep," she moaned, putting her face into the pillow. "Don't wanna get up yet," she mumbled.
Taking her shoulders, I flipped her over so that I was looking straight at her face, her eyes widening in surprise at this sudden intrusion of sunlight in her face. "It's morning Misao, and time for you to explain. Now get up."
With a grumble, the ninja sat up, drawing the blankets around her petite frame. "Megumi gave you some sleeping medication and you fell asleep in the hall. I brought you down here but it was storming and I didn't want to go to my room. Yahiko came in because he wanted you to comfort him, but seeing as you weren't in the world of the conscious, I took over."
"Makes sense," I said with a shrug, looking around the room for a clean set of clothes. Oh no.... This can't be... After Misao had left I got dressed and left, preparing myself for the worst. When Misao saw my outfit, she spurted the milk she'd been drinking out her nose and burst into laughter.
"It's not funny," I stated, left hand on my hip. "They were the only things I could find to wear. Come on, cut it out Misao..." I slipped into the seat next to her, ignoring the snickers from Yutaro and Yahiko.
About a minute later, Himura-San entered the kitchen with a bucket of water. Upon seeing my attire a smile graced his face and his violet eyes twinkled merrily. "Fuchsia looks good on you Soujiro, that it does."
The only clothes in my room I had been able to find was a white hakama and a pink gi, but if Himura-San wanted to call it fuchsia, then fuchsia it would be. Honestly, I don't think this color looks good on me... It doesn't look bad but blues and greens have always gone best with my hair. But what really embarrasses me is that I have to see the Tozuma Ninjas looking like this...
When Sagara-San came into the kitchen, he dropped to the floor in hysterics, choking on the apple he'd been eating. Kaoru-San quickly rushed to his aid, thumping him on the back with no change. He just kept laughing and coughing at the same time, tears of mirth spilling down his cheeks.
'Just ignore him.' I told myself. 'Don't show any emotion... Keep calm...' It wasn't that I was angry, more of the fact that I was embarrassed and he was making it worse. I don't like it when I'm made fun of and I would normally just kill them for this kind of behavior, but I don't like killing and I am trying to change.
By later that morning, I had thankfully managed to change into my mostly dried clothes to visit Anohorea and the ninjas. With a wave I left the dojo, going down the path at a calm and comfortable pace.
At twelve on the dot I arrived in the spot of pine trees that I had been told I would meet them to give the group my answer. I strained my senses, trying to feel the ki of the ninjas but was met with nothing. Were they late or could I just not sense them?
But after a minute a gradual feeling of power tingled my senses and I realized that I could feel their ki, meaning they couldn't hide it like me. "You're late," I said in the direction that I felt Anohorea's ki. May as well make them think I'm still cold and ruthless.. "I don't like to be kept waiting."
"Very sorry Tenken," said the large man, stepping out of the bushes on the side. "Now what did you decide?" Behind Anohorea lined up several ninjas, all ready to attack on a moment's notice.
"I was going to say yes," I said as coldly as possible but still keeping the emotionless smile on my face, "But with your late arrival I might reconsider my decision." The tension in the air was so thick it could be cut with a knife. I knew that they knew they needed my assistance. I was the fastest one and easily one of the most skilled. "Fine," I said after a minute, "But I intend to get something out of this."
"Oh you will Tenken, you will. Riches beyond your wildest dreams, a position in my army and so much more. You won't regret your decision. Now run along, we'll meet with you in two days from now, same place, same time. If you do meet us and hear that the Myojin brat has already been disposed of you will still get some reward for agreeing to aid us."
"Sounds good," I said with a large smile, my eyes dancing with false excitement. "See you all later then." And with a burst of speed I was gone, the ninjas fading back into the undergrowth with Anohorea, once again leaving the clearing deserted.
Author's Notes:
Hehe, I typed part of this on the plane ride home! Shows how much I love this fic if I'm working on vacation. Kami, this chapter was quite long! But working with Sou and Misao as a pair always makes me add. At least I'm still on the storyline! I also changaed formatting a little bit... no more lines and no more end --- POV!
Better go now... My hand is killing me! And my percentage of access is down to 33%! Ja na!
PLEASE REVIEW!
Reviewer's Comments:
LishaChan Yum, tofu! Actually, never had it... Such a nice person Soujiro is... although he did sort of get Yahiko in trouble. At least he got to see Tsubame!
coffeentoffee Dialogue is edible??? Hey look, I learned something new! hehehe I just noticed that my normal smiles won't work. WAAHHH!
Live on Wolf It was so funny. On my vacation I forgot the name of the ninja group! O.o And I didn't have internet access at the time so the chapter got put on hold. Me silly..
warhero35 Mmmmmmm more tofu! I kinda feel bad for him too. But he is the bad guy so I'll push all pity aside and make him as evil as possible!
ShadowBlue But I love cliffies! As long as I'm writing them though! Darn it, I keep trying to add my smile and it doesn't come up! Gah! :D there we go.... Thanks for your review!
water makes up an ocean Arizona and California! I got a pretty nice tan for my extremely pale complexion although my shoulders burned a little. Guess I should've put more sunlotion on while at Disney..
tocole Thank you! My computer has been having internet problems too. Now, only the upstairs ones work, my downstairs computer in the office won't. Makes it kinda hard uploading piccys since that's where my scanner is. Going to go check out your fic now.