JustaFanGrell here again!
So- Which of you got the reference I included in the last chapter?
You know… I think I might just hide little nuggets of my favorite shows here and there as I write!
(HINT- They will venture outside the world of Anime and Manga! So see if you can find them!)
This chapter kinda took on a life of its own…
I wasn't planning on ending it where I did, but when it tells you it's done…
You have to listen!
Enjoy!
And as always- Feel free to FEED ME with reviews!
DEATH!*
One Dark and Stormy Night
Ch. 4
Lightning streaked across the sky and the thunder roared its response as torrents of rain continued to drench the darkened forest. The winds ripped at the leaves and grasses, as if punishing them for some unnamed transgression. Small bits of foliage danced through the sky, driven upward by the fury of the storm. Even the undersides of the rocks were soaked it was raining so hard. Water driven by the forceful gale found its way into every nook and cranny on the samurai as he made his way through the forest.
"Damn it…" he cursed, "Can't see a thing in this mess." He had hated to leave the others behind, but someone had to find shelter from this storm, and the sooner the better. He hoped that they would be alright and had stayed where he left them. "That lousy excuse for a wizard had better stay put…" he grumbled. At least the terrain was fairly flat so far, and the trees were well spaced in the forest. That aided him in his search, as if anything helped in this torrential downpour. Aw Hell… it's like trying to see through a giant bowl of just-stirred miso soup… only a lot less tasty. Kurogane's stomach growled loudly in protest at his thought, angry at its emptiness and feeling thoroughly ignored.
Cautiously raising its head above the water just enough to see, it surveyed the shoreline before climbing from the storm-thrashed waters of the lake. Having gained the shore, it threw itself into a fit of violent shakes, trying to rid itself of the lake water that clung to its fur. Not even sure WHY I should bother… and just then the rain began to increase. Figures. It sighed heavily and headed for its favorite spot under the old willow tree to digest and contemplate the day's events.
With a moderate squish it settled itself at the base of the thick trunk, the lower limbs tickling its back with each gust of the storm's winds. Greetings, Mother Willow. it projected. I hope YOU are enjoying this rain. I, on the other paw, am not particularly fond of it today. I was hoping to have another nice, sunny day to laze around on my rock again.
It liked to let its surroundings fill the void left behind by its mate's death. Otherwise its existence would be tedious and entirely too tiresome to bear. The old tree, its favorite basking rock, even the fish in the lake were its family now. They all helped keep it from sinking into irreversible despair.
It spat out the last of its catch between its paws, trying to decide if it was full or not. Dear little fishie, dost thou wish to become my final course this ducky day? Not really expecting a response, it just felt like a little casual conversation. Alas, little fishie… I did not know you well.
It lifted a paw slightly and proceeded to firmly press on the side of the fish, causing the fish to emit a small *burp* of air. Ahhh, Still good! it declared to no one in particular. Will not disappear… GULP… It disappeared! It chuckled lightly to itself, a jovial sound much like the muted tinkling of temple bells. It sighed again. I crack myself up sometimes…
The monotony of its daily life had already begun to dull its mind, and quite possibly addle its brilliant intellect. Proof of that lay in the near discovery of its position earlier and its 'conversation' with its dessert. It still could not believe exactly how lax it had become in its attention to details. It sorely missed the long conversations it had enjoyed with its mate while lounging under this very tree, digesting meals of tasty fishies, and discussing all manner of topics. Ahh… those were good times.
It crossed its front paws and laid its head on top of them, whuffing out a sigh of resignation and chastising itself for reflecting on feelings long lost. No… Focusing on the past is just a waste of time and energy and only causes heartache. It had more than enough things to occupy its thoughts and to consider today, what with their arrival. No use adding useless things to my worries.
The rain continued its assault on Kurogane, as he began to make his way back in the direction of his friends. The way had not been difficult, and he hoped that very soon they could all be safe and dry. If I EVER see rain like this again… he swore to himself. At least he had some good news for them upon his return.