By the time of the next morning Tetsuya at last felt fit and well. He had been trained by the legendary Heishiro Mitsurugi and so he had peak endurance, he could withstand many injuries . The medics bandaged Tetsuya's torso and told him to not strain himself.
With that he left the tent to see Edward's operation. People were packing things into many wagons.
"Ah Tetsuya-kun you are fit and well?" Lei said to him.
"As best as I can. What's happening?"
"We're heading out. We need to visit Kyoto, Edward-san is going to try and get help from the feudal lord that resides there." Lei said.
"I see, and how is James-san? And Saya-chan?"
"James-san is fit and ready, Saya-chan is well but she says not a thing to anyone. Understandable given what happened to Osaka, the poor child." Lei turned his head downward at this.
Tetsuya sighed "Do you know where I can find her?"
Lei pointed to a tent that was yet to be pulled down "You can find her in there. Maybe you can convince her Tetsuya-kun. I wish you luck in that." Lei then went to aid in their preparations.
Tetsuya walked slowly to the tent flap and opened it slowly, at a table in the far end was Saya.
Her back was turned and unmoving. Tetsuya entered and coughed to try and get her attention.
Saya slowly turned her back to see him "Oh it's you." She said.
"Were you expecting someone else?" Tetsuya replied.
"Smart ass." Saya muttered.
Tetsuya bit his lower lip, he was not sure on how to go into this situation. His master was always tough but fair on him, sure he'd get beaten on the head but Mitsurugi trained him well and gave him a better home than where he was at the orphan's house.
"What happened wasn't your fault." Tetsuya found himself saying.
"Oh really? Truth be told I know it wasn't. It wasn't yours either, it was him. Von blade." Saya said as she stood up. Her makeup was gone, no doubt washed away with tears. Bandages covered her hands and feet, the circus outfit still present. She shoved past Tetsuya who stood there for a few seconds.
He then turned around and said "He's mine by the way."
"Yours?" Saya asked.
"Yes, he wounded me and I want to return the favor. You can have what's left but I'm getting first strike." Tetsuya said as the two left the tent.
"You….Whatever." Saya said in response.
With that the two removed the tent and got into their wagon, the journey from the forest near Osaka to Kyoto had begun now.
Unknown to all a figure watched them from above, her weapon a ring blade similar to one Saya used.
"Hmm that boy's got it all right, could he be the one for the Master? No he's nothing!" she argued with herself before vanishing without anyone ever seeing her there.
Tetsuya sat beside Saya, Lei was across from him. "So remind me again what brings you to here Lei-san?" the young man asked.
"I embarked on a journey to seek guidance from the spirits." He said back.
Saya then butted in with "But you're a monk, why are you following us? We're going to war and I thought monks were pacifists."
Lei sighed and said "Indeed I am aware of that, however the spirits brought me to Osaka for a reason. I think it was to meet you Tetsuya-kun. Even though the path ahead may be covered with conflict I will join you, if only to ensure it ends quicker."
"What an excuse." Saya muttered while she folded her arms, her cat ears seemed to be moving of their own accord. They seemed to be slightly drooping to display her mood.
James had his cowboy hat tipped down as he snored, however the wagon hit a bump and woke him up.
"Not the wallet!" he cried out, just then he realized where he was. All the group was looking at him like he was crazy or something. The bounty hunter slunk back into his seat and said "Uh it wasn't mine."
Saya rolled her eyes and looked outside, Tetsuya was able to sneak a peak at her face. She looked different, less vibrant and more quiet. True she was beautiful, stunning and appealing to the eye. But what was she now inwardly? Tetsuya pondered.
Meanwhile Edward was leading the horses forward and ever onward to their destination. "Stay safe my Sister, I will bring justice to this evil I swear." He muttered as he eyed the rapier on his hip.
Meanwhile James had struck up a conversation with Lei.
"You know I fought a former monk back in the US." James said.
"I see, go on my friend." Lei said with a smile.
"Well this guy said he was there to teach all about the voices in his head. But he nearly killed 3 women and said he was going to show me the power of his guide. And what happened? He runs forward on the wooden bridge we were on and falls through it!"
"Devine intervention perhaps?" Lei said with a small smirk.
"Heh who knows." James smiled back.
The military convoy continued on it's way. Tetsuya was wondering what would happen down the road, but no one can really answer that question can they? They can once they've found out sure, but until then no sir.
