Chapter 4
Disclaimer: Blade of the Immortal is not mine.
The whole world seemed to tilt and sway beneath her feet as well as inside her stomach. The waves that rocked the ship they were on seemed to mimic the acid in her stomach, and she swallowed back a vile taste in her mouth. Rin lost track of how long they had been traveling, her eyes covered throughout the day, and seeing only the light of the moon by night. It had seemed so surreal to travel in this way, trusting Anotsu Kagehisa so completely, as he led her by hand. She had complained once about his grip being too strong, and since then he had moved his hand to grasp her wrist instead. She couldn't quite place her disappointment in this. They had walked the first day, and ridden on horseback the second- something she remembered with pursed lips and hot cheeks. She had been forced to hold onto her captor, arms wrapped intimately around his muscled torso, for she feared tumbling to her death otherwise. Their proximity had made her heart beat irregularly as her cheek found itself pressed against his hardened back. She had also hated the way his eyes expressed amusement at her stiff-backed posture as she attempted to walk after dismounting. Muscles she didn't even know existed had ached in the most discomforting of areas, and she swore never to ride again.
Now she wondered if that had been the lesser of two evils, as she attempted to empty an already vacant stomach over the side of the rocking ship. Her blindfold had been removed as soon as they were out to sea, and she was clueless from which harbor they had left. The hustle and bustle had sounded much the same as the town she had left Manji in. Only water seemed to surround them for miles now, and she looked down at the swirling waves with a pounding headache. She had often wondered if she had made the right decision, putting herself in the hands of her enemy. The man had killed her parents with no remorse. Who was to say he wouldn't do the same to her? She could be killed, and thrown into those dark depths without a soul ever knowing what had happened to her. How long would Manji look for her before growing tired? Was he even looking for her now? Her heart ached at the memory of him, and she wished he was here to tease her about her seasickness.
"We'll arrive soon," Kagehisa announced from beside her.
His voice was stern and serious as it usually was, but when she forced herself to meet his eyes she saw a hint of mirth in them that she was begrudgingly growing used to. His eyes resembled those of a cat who already had a full belly but had found a mouse to toy with. She was that toy mouse. The thought made her attempt to straighten herself with some composure. She would prove to him that she was steadfast and determined to carry out her mission. She'd follow him to hell and back if it meant seeing him pay for his sins.
"And where exactly will we be arriving at?" she casually demanded.
She had tried to pry this out of him on more than one occasion but he had held his tongue every time. His expression did not change as he replied instinctively with, "You will see."
She grit her teeth. The man was like a stone statue. She peered over her shoulder at the crew who was navigating the small ship they were on. The white sails were catching the wind and swelling with it as the ship skimmed on the waves with remarkable speed and agility. Several barefoot men were scurrying about the wooden deck tying ropes or fulfilling other physical duties required to man a ship. She made eye contact with one of the men who was hoisting a rope over his broad shoulder. He leered at her, and licked his chapped lips hungrily. His skin was dark and she couldn't tell if it was because of a tan, or a lack of bathing. She shuddered, and looked at the water once more. She was almost certain that the crew were all pirates and criminals. The only thing that had kept their hands off of her was Kagehisa's stoic presence. They seemed to have no desire to defy him, or touch what might be his. She disliked the idea that anyone might mistake her as his lover, but it was certainly better than being raped. She wrapped her arms around herself, and swallowed a sob. She had never desired the protection of her bodyguard so dearly, or hated herself more for wanting it.
Maki watched the immortal man wearily from the corner of her eye as he threw another stick into the small flame. The fire that lighted his scarred features and made shadows dance across his pensive scowl made him look handsome. His rough mannerisms, and haughty personality, had often dulled his appearance in her eyes, but she knew that other women could easily forgive those shortcomings. Still, as his dark eyes drank in the dancing flames- his mind clearly lost in thought- she could not help but be reminded of Anotsu. She had often caught him in the same dark, and pensive mood before, and she would have given him her whole world to share his burdens with her. And yet, she was still incapable of breaching the gap that distanced them. Now, more than ever.
After they had been attacked by the assassins, she had rushed back to the restaurant where she knew Anotsu had gone for information. He had convinced her that he would draw less attention alone. He had also insisted that perhaps there was information she could overhear at the weapon's shop, and so they had parted ways. At that time, she could hear the immortal's sandals scratching against the dirt as he followed her, uttering curses under his breath, but she had ignored him. If Anotsu was being attacked, it was her duty to protect him. She had sworn her life to the cause. A crowd of people, and a scene of gore awaited them. She had caught her breath at the sight, the smell of blood filling her nostrils. Her heart had seemed to beat against her chest as her eyes searched the bodies littering the ground. Only when she was able to dismiss any of the bodies as belonging to Anotsu did she release her breath.
"Shit," she had heard Manji growl as he pushed past her.
He elbowed a few other bystanders, and nearly cut down a police officer who tried to stop him, before Maki realized what had caused his frenzy. A familiar purse lay on the ground, covered in blood. She had narrowed her eyes, and tried to recall the face of the young girl that normally traveled with the man. Her soft, rounded face had always seemed ill suited to carry out the revenge she so desperately sought. The girl had been so innocent in her resolve, her eyes shinning so brightly with a spirit that Maki had always lacked. It had seemed so easy for the girl to dedicate her life to a single purpose, and walk down the path of revenge. Maki, on the other hand, had never been able to understand her purpose, and often walked down the wrong path. She had envied the girl once, when they had met up in Kaga. The look Anotsu had given the girl as they went their separate ways had sent an uncharacteristic pang of jealousy though her heart. She wondered what sort of experience they must have shared transversing those treacherous mountains together, and how intimate they must have grown as caretaker and patient. But at that moment, she had to push those feelings aside and discover where Anotsu had gone.
Manji had picked up the girl's blood splattered purse and gripped it tight in his fist as the claws of fury dug deep into his conscious. He had raged, and stormed into the inn perhaps hoping to find her there, and Maki had followed him. She was calmer than him by nature, and she was already piecing together in her mind what must have happened. There was no doubt that the girl had crossed paths with Anotsu, and it was very likely that if neither of their bodies had been butchered in front of the restaurant, they were still together. If this was the case, she followed the immortal man with an inkling of hope as well. They were both sorely disappointed to find the room empty.
Maki now watched the man, somewhat questioning her reasons for traveling with him. They were headed somewhere that only she knew how to get to, and was unsure of how Anotsu would react to her bringing Manji along. She had thought about shaking him off, slipping away at night while he slept, and finding Anotsu on her own. But when she caught herself watching him, like now, she saw him so completely defenseless- his train of thoughts clearer to her than Anotsu's had ever been- that she hesitated.
"Why do you care about her so much?" she found her mouth forming the question before she could catch herself.
He looked up at her as if he had momentarily forgotten she was there, and then spat at the ground, "Hell if I know."
They sat in such complete silence that Maki began to wonder if he had not really forgotten she was still there, when he spoke up, "And you? Why do you follow that snake eyed bastard?"
Maki smiled. She didn't say anything, but then again, she didn't need to.
"So where are we headed?"
He threw another stick into the fire and then threw himself back, kicking out his feet and cushioning his head with his arms. He closed his eyes, waiting for her to answer him as she continued to stare into the heat of the flame. The bastard had managed to read her just as easily as she had read him. She wanted to laugh bitterly, but she remained quiet a moment longer. She would have never imagined that she would be sitting here, comparing herself to this man. Anotsu would be furious at her for revealing their hideout to a man who would kill him as soon as he was given the chance. Perhaps she wanted him to be furious at her in the same way Manji had been when he discovered Rin missing. She wanted to see the fire that was burning in front of her reflected in Anotsu's eyes.
"Fuushun, an island to the south."
Author's Note: I'm very happy to have received all your reviews, and I must apologize for such a late update. I struggled a lot with this chapter because I'm not so great at portraying Maki. The next chapter should be longer (and easier for me to write) since it will focus completely on Anotsu & Rin. :)