Chapter III

The Road is a Lonely Place

AN: YO! Thank you for reading up to Chapter 3, This chapter was mainly influenced by Deep Forest music and Road to Jerusalam by Eric Ulgum

"I wish I was bison! Furry and with horns, I wish I was a bison, grazing in the new morn!" sang Chiko with Ken as they headed back from the rice fields, their eyes bright with the warmth of spring. Ken had Chiko on his shoulders as the little boy sang on the top of his lungs jubilant and full of energy. Ken loved to hear his voice, it was so full of life and vigor. Ken smiled and noted to himself that Chiko could easily be a magnificent singer in the future.

"Ok little one, we're home! Mama probably made dinner by now, I bet you're…" Midori stepped out and had a wan smile on her face. "Ken, we need to talk…"

Yama, Midori and Ken were in the study talking alone. The trio were out back playing catch before dinner; Midori's decision was accepted by Ken, but Yama seemed wary about it.

"Looks ta me, that the boy needs his brothers, are ya sure it's wise to take 'im away from 'is family?" the old man asked to his wife. Midori nodded, "Chiko is smart boy, and he will understand it's for his health. He needs to heal and the road is no place for that." Yama nodded and sighed. He'd just prayed that the boy would understand.

Dinner was served after the long discussion. Chiko was given small bowl of rice and chopped cabbage with bamboo shoots. Chiko tried to use his hand to get at the meal but it was frustrating and difficult.

"Do you need a little help Chi-chan, want to let Yomi help?" inquired the elder bender as he watched the maimed bender struggle to eat with his right hand.

"No, N-n-no. I c-c-can do it my-my-myself," Chiko replied with determination. Mao finished his meal and looked at Chiko with curiosity,not wanting to jump in quite yet. He liked the independence that Chiko was growing, it would be useful in situations when he needed to do things on his own. Chiko continued to scoop up the rice with his chopsticks, when the bowl tipped and fell on his pants spilling the hot rice and cabbage. Chiko jumped up with a shout and brushed the food off his thighs.

"Ow! Hot! Hot rr-rice!" he exclaimed shocked. He sat down as Midori picked up the fallen bowl and began to fill it again. Chiko slumped in his chair and made a whining noise of frustration and annoyance.

"It's ok to make a few mistakes Chi, you're still learning." Chiko tried a second time and manage to eat a little more before giving up and refusing to eat. Yomi sighed and took Chiko's hand.

"C'mon little one, I think it's time for bath. Mao, mind helping Auntie cleaning up?" The other monk shrugged as Yomi led his foster child to the bath house.

The bathhouse was heated by a small finance underneath the pool of water. It had bamboo sides and roof and it was quite cozy. Yomi undressed and tried to help Chiko but the boy refused his help.

"No I can do-d-doo it myself!" protested Chiko loudly. The boy pushed Yomi's hand away and struggled to get undressed. He sloppily tried to undo his pants but was having difficulty. Yomi sighed and went to help him, even though Chiko continued to refuse. After getting undressed, they walked into the warm bathwater that Yama had recently stoked. Chiko still had his bandages on and refused to take them off.

"We can redress them Chi-chan, just take them off." Chiko shook his head.

"I can d-dd-d-ooo it mys-s-self!" he said again as he tried to take off the bandages, finally Yomi had enough and went over to take off the bandages, ignoring Chiko's cries of independence. The elder monk sighed as he saw the fresh scars on Chiko body; he shook his head as he waded into the warm water. Chiko, now undressed, followed him into the water and into Yomi's arms. The water was comfortable and soothing; Yomi could feel the tension and stress wash away as the two leaned on the side. Chiko leaned into Yomi's arms closing his eyes briefly as feel his heart rate slow and was more relaxed.

"There, are you feeling better? You need to stop trying to be so independent Chiko, I mean, I'm glad you are trying, but this…disability, is still new to you. You need to take you time. I will help you. Mao won't, I know that. But…" Yomi faltered, and blushed.

"Never mind," Yomi continued, "I'm just glad that you are feeling better, your arm is healing, and that's good." Yomi swam, holding Chiko. He took a dried sea sponge and soaked it in water and began to wash Chiko's back as the boy stood in the center of the tub. Chiko loved the feel of being scrubbed like this. He didn't mind right now that Yomi was bathing him, it felt good. He felt an intangible warmth seep inside him. Maybe it was just feeling of being clean, or maybe it was the tenderness of someone touching him. Yomi gave him the sponge and Chiko washed his front, while Yomi leaned on the side and sat down.

"Hey Chiko, I need to talk to you tonight. It's important…."

After the bath Chiko was dressed in a yukata and soft sandals. He followed Yomi from the bath back into the house. A few biscuits were laid out for Chiko and Yomi, and the younger monk took one and munched on it quietly as he walked to his bedroom with Yomi following him. Mao was sleeping with the jian laying nearby as well as a staff. It was Yomi's; the monk with Midori's permission bought it at a bazaar that was selling unusual items. Yomi smirked when he took it home; not quite knowing what he bought with Midori's money and revealed the glider part of the staff. Yomi's smirk widen into a full smile. He never thought that he would find a token of his people in place like this.

Chiko lay down and closed his eyes briefly before he opened them again with a sigh. He felt Yomi next to him, and Yomi moved into a sitting position and pulled Chiko into his lap. Chiko had often sat in Yomi's lap, holding a toy to play with or listening to a story that his caregiver was reading. But this time, Yomi cradled Chiko in his arms, holding him and nuzzling the boy's neck with tenderness. Chiko face flushed briefly at first since Yomi had not done this to him in long time.

"I was told never to get attached to you. Because no one knew if you were going to live or die, but I had faith that you would live, even when others doubted," Yomi whispered slowly to Chiko as he held the boy. Chiko was confused, but he didn't care at the moment. He was just glad that he was getting this kind of rare intimacy from Yomi, who would hug him or pat him on the back, but rarely held him. Chiko leaned back into Yomi chest and listened to his brother's voice and heartbeat.

"Chiko, I will be leaving with Mao tomorrow, you will be staying here with Midori and Yama. It's for your benefit. You are not strong enough to follow us, you need more time for your wounds to heal, but I won't abandon you. When the days get long and hot I will come back for you. I promise." Chiko didn't know what to say. He was going to be left behind, it just wasn't right. He wanted to stay with Yomi. His brother, his kin, it wasn't fair. Chiko gripped Yomi's arm and murmured.

"D-d-don't go…p-p-please. D-d-d-on't g-g-o." Yomi swallowed it was hard to do this but, he had no other options. The road was no place for an injured child.

"Chiko, don't make this harder than it already is. I told you I'm doing this because I…" the words got caught in his throat. He never really said the words to Chiko, Nami once, when he was courting her. But Chiko…it was odd, he never spoke them. Maybe because he never had to, Chiko already knew. But now he felt that he should, because Chiko was starting to doubt.

"I'm doing this because I love you dearly. I don't want to see you suffer anymore. I want you to be strong," Yomi choked out. Chiko didn't reply, but Yomi could feel Chiko's tears staining his right arm.

The two slept, curled up in each other's arms. Yomi could smell the clean scent of his foster child as he slept, and the strong comfort of them just being together, maybe for the last time. As sunlight filtered in when morning came, Yomi arose and looked down at Chiko, peacefully sleeping. It was good that he wasn't suffering any nightmares. Though things wouldn't be getting easier from here on for Mao and Yomi.

"C'mon lets get going. Chiko will wake soon and it will just make things more difficult," Mao urged in whisper as he got into a loose yellow tunic and green trousers. Yomi got into his clothes of a dark barley color and slipped on his sandals, Mao got his bags and jian, and Yomi grabbed his new staff and packs as well. Yet he didn't leave quite yet. Instead he leaned down and brushed a kiss against Chiko's cheek. "I'll see you soon, Chi, I love…" Yomi sighed not wanting to get emotional so he just turned and left. Midori was already outside. She ran up to embrace the boys and to tell them that she will pray to the earth spirits for their protection.

Chiko awoke to emptiness. His cool grey eyes searched for his brothers, but their possessions and they were gone. Chiko eyes began to tear.

"Br-br-br-brothers?" Chiko called out, but obviously nothing replied. The young boy got up from his futon and ran around the small house confused. "B-b-brooothers? Yooooomi? Maaaaaooo?" he called out for them around the house but there was only Midori who looked forlorn. She noticed Chiko scuttling out of the house, eyes wide and frightened. He ran into the road only clothed in a loose yukata and loincloth.

"Auntie? Wh-wh-wh-where a-a-a-re my b-b-brothers?" Chiko asked, his voice choked with sobs. Midori rushed to hold him; she gently embraced Chiko and held him in her arms.

"Now, now don't you make a fuss; your big brothers have left to another town to find food and work, they're going to make some money for you so you can live with them. I know you want to go with them, but you are much to sick to follow, they and I think that you should stay here with Ken and Uncle Yama. Don't you worry now my little one, we'll take very good care you." Midori said to console Chiko, though it only brought on sorrow and grief. Last night wasn't a dream; Yomi did tell him that he was going to leave him. The sting of betrayal made Chiko's heart hurt. He slumped in Midori's arms and sobbed quietly. They left him, they left him behind. Simply because he was a hindrance, a burden, something that would only drag his older brothers down. Chiko straightened and walked back in to get dressed. Even though Chiko was hurt, he still had hope. Yomi will come back for him. He would wait for them.

It has been a few weeks since Mao and Yomi left,and the two were now in the neighboring town of Hua Bai. Yomi and Mao had been doing odd jobs around town, mainly as couriers and laborers. Still, money was money and after three weeks of work it was starting to add up. Mao was doing the more laborious jobs, while Yomi delivered items and messages to houses outside of the town. Mao urged Yomi that they must move on, they can't stay in one place too long. Yomi however disagreed, as he didn't want to move from a place that was making a good profit. But Mao knew the real reason: they were close to Chiko. Yomi already felt like he abandoned him, and moving farther away would only confirm it. Yet Mao didn't pursue the issue, he just left the matter alone. Still, he urged that they move on to make more money.

Meanwhile, at Midori's house, Chiko's spirit was waning. He rarely spoke or ate, and his sleep was restless. Midori noticed this and felt a little guilty. All that she could do was make him eat a little and send him outside to play in the fresh spring air. Which was where Chiko was at the moment, sitting on the porch looking at the road and hoping that his family would return. Just then, a ball made from tanned animal skin rolled at his feet.

"Hey kid! Can you give that to us?" asked a boy near Chiko's age. He was rather lanky, with bright green eyes and short stringy brown hair. Chiko nudged the ball with his feet, and looked the ground. The lanky boy picked up the ball and looked at Chiko's left side.

"Whoa, what happened to your arm? How did you lose it?" Chiko frowned and didn't say anything. He just wiggled his feet uncomfortably in his sandals and ignored the boy. The boy sensed the awkwardness and tried to be friendly.

"My name is Wei Lin, do you have a name?" Wei Lin asked Chiko, bowing over a bit to see his face. Chiko sighed and answered in a low voice, "My n-n-n-ame is Ch-ch-chiko." Wei Lin perked up a smile, "Oh! Your name is Chiko, that's cool, Hey Chiko, do you want to play with me Bo and Dong Bai? We're playing hogmonkey-in-the-middle," Wei Lin asked Chiko, hopefully. Chiko sighed and looked at his left side; without another arm he would be pretty useless. Chiko shook his head and stood up to go inside. He didn't feeling like talking to the boy anymore. As Chiko stood to leave and Wei Lin realized that he made a careless mistake. "Oh! I'm sorry Chi, I forgot about your arm, err lack thereof. But I'm sure you can still play?" Chiko's frown deepened and he strode inside and shut the door loudly. Wei Lin heard Bo calling him and sighed and went back to playing his game. Wishing that the new kid could suck it up and play with him, I'm sure that missing arm isn't a big deal; I bet he can still play with us. Midori watched Chiko stomp in angry and upset. She had watched the scene earlier from the window and sighed when Chiko walked in. Still she didn't interject anything. Chiko needed to work out his own problems.

When dinner was ready, Chiko did not join auntie and uncle. Chiko instead sulked and hid in his bedroom. Yama had enough; he got up from his bowl of rice and roasted pork, and walked over to Chiko's room and dragged him out.

"Ya better stop yer sulkin' and come eat with us," Yama dragged Chiko a place beside the table where Chiko could eat. Midori sighed and made a bowl of food for the little Airbender. Yet Chiko refused to eat. Midori did not coax him and neither did Yama, who merely frowned at Chiko's self-pity. Ken sighed and finished his meal and was to take Chiko's when the Airbender picked up his chopsticks and tried to eat. Ken at that point steadied Chiko's bowl and let Chiko scoop up the rice and pork. Well, the rice at least. Ken noted that he didn't eat the pork. Chiko ate his fill and then left to his room. Ken couldn't help but smirk. Maybe the reason he didn't eat wasn't because he was moody, maybe he just had trouble eating with one hand and was too proud to ask for help.

Night came with fireflies and starlight. Chiko sat on the porch again keeping vigil, waiting for his brothers. Ken walked out with his pipe and some betalwood. He lit his pipe and looked out toward the woods and road and smiled at the sight of fireflies dancing in the moonlight.

"It sure is pretty at nighttime huh Chi? I used to catch fireflies with Ichigo and Jiang. They're my big brothers."

Chiko turned his head and looked at Ken. "What h-h-h-ha-a-appened t-t-o them?"

Ken breathed out puff of smoke and sighed, "they're fighting, they're at war Chiko. I don't know what happened to them. They could be alive or dead, I wouldn't know. They left several months ago, before you arrived." Chiko looked away and continued to stare into the dark distance. He heard Ken speak again,

"You think that you're too weak huh? That's the reason Mao and Yomi left you? Well? Why don't you prove them wrong?" Chiko turned all the way around and looked at Ken confused.

"I don't think your brothers ran too far. If anything they might stay at Hua Bai, which is just down the road. It's a bigger town and it will just take you a few hours by walking," Ken continued. Chiko heart began to race; he couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"You th-th-think I s-s-hould f-f-follow them?" Chiko asked, his voice hopeful. Ken didn't say anything for a while but when he stood up he said: "I would have followed my brothers to the ends of the earth, but I was too much of a coward to do so. It's up to you Chiko. I'm sick of watching you mope around and so is Mama." With that said Chiko made up his mind. I'm not a coward; I'm strong enough to follow my brothers.

The sound of meadowlarks and wrens echoed in the early morning air. Chiko woke up just as the sun was peeking over the horizon. He gathered his possessions. This consisted of his sandals, tunic and trousers, and a deep green traveling cloak, which he found by his bed when he woke up along with a pouch filled with fruit and waybread. Chiko walked slowly through the hall down to the door and was on his way out when he heard a voice.

"Stay on the road. Don't stray from it. The next town is Hua Bai, I think your brothers might be still there, but I don't know." It was Midori who said this. She sounded sad and disappointed, but with a laugh she added, "I guess I was a fool to keep a wild bird in a cage." She got her broom and walked outside to sweep as Chiko opened the door and headed for the road.

Mao and Yomi made camp outside of Hua Bai by an old elm. The two sat for a while looking at the gold that they recently earned. It wasn't much, but it was enough to buy a larger pot and clay bowls as well as a blanket for warmth. The two knew that they had lingered far too long and it was time to move on. Mao suggested if they headed down the road to Mu Ten and then made a right they could cut through a field that would lead them to a road that headed east.

"We might as well have a destination. I heard rumors about the Eastern Airtemple, and with any luck we might find Sister Iio and Nami," commented Mao as he picked up his jian. Yomi's heart burgeoned with hope at the thought of his lover. The two picked up camp and cleared all remains as they headed back to where they came.

The sound of bamboo sandals was the only sound that Chiko could hear except for the occasional whistle of a sparrow or gurgle of his own stomach. Chiko tried to mimic he bird songs and calls. Whistling the notes of fleeting song birds made him realize how lonely he was. He steeled himself and continued to walk into the morning. After a while he sat on a rock and munched on an apple and a piece of bread. Chiko paused a moment and sighed. He looked up above and noticed the trailing clouds, and a smile crossed his lips as he thought about the days when was among those clouds. He thought of the bison flying, the monks singing, and sounds of travel in the skies. Chiko looked at the road ahead and noted quietly: the road was a lonely place.

Yomi and Mao traveled down the beaten road for several hours. It was late morning and almost noon. Mao yawned and stretched as he looked ahead at a figure on a boulder. Mao stopped Yomi and gripped the hilt of the sword with a feeling of uncertainty. But Yomi instantly knew the figure and without hesitation ran ahead.

Chiko got off the boulder and was about to move on when he heard his name.

"CHIIIIIKOOOO!" Chiko broke into a wide smile when he saw Yomi. With a wild dash he ran into the arms of his foster father and caregiver.

"Yomi! Yomi!" Chiko could only exclaim and he was gripped in a bear hug. Yomi broke apart and looked at Chiko with surprise and confusion.

"Chiko? Why aren't you at Auntie's?" Chiko smiled proudly when he replied that Auntie and Ken let him go.

"They let you go? Oh, I see now. I'm sorry that I left you. It was a mistake I regretted as soon as I made it. You do belong with us; you are family just as Mao and I are." Chiko just smiled and simply held on Yomi and Mao as if they were images that would disappear.

"I m-m-missed yy-y-you tt-t-oo Yomi."

An: Wheeeeeeeeeeeee I finished chapter three. Well thank you for reading if you still are. Nephandi is my beta and I want to thank him for taking the time to edit and comment my brain-child. Anyway, Chapter four is next. What happened at the East. Stay tune for Yomi-angst :3. I also made some edits. I got rid of Mao's Katanas and replaced them with a jian and second. Chiko going to be characterized differently, so stay tune

Thank you, reviews make this author happy