Fan Fiction ❯ POWA! ❯ Chapter Two ( Chapter 2 )
[ P - Pre-Teen ]
By: Dream_Watcher 
Duh...the story continues...with a surprise from Hitsua!
Anime/Manga: Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 06.29.2003 | Pages: 6 | Words: 3.7K | Visits: 160 | Status: Work In Progress
Duh...the story continues...with a surprise from Hitsua!
Anime/Manga: Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 06.29.2003 | Pages: 6 | Words: 3.7K | Visits: 160 | Status: Work In Progress
Powa!
***************************************************************** *************************************************************************** ********
"Ahhhh!" I stretched my arms to the ceiling as I (tried) to sit up. My wife's arms were still around me. I grinned and peeled them off. I guess I did good last night.
I decided to bathe in the nearby river (since I was too lazy to draw the water for the bath). Silently, I gathered some clean clothes and snuck out to the stables.
"Hello? Yoki?" I peeked into the first stable where my favorite horse was held. There he was, sleeping soundly, standing up. ( I still have yet to find out how those animals do it.) Gently I reached in and shook his muzzle. The horse opened one tired eye as if to say, "Whadda you want, human?"
"Don't give me that look, Yoki. Let's go to the river!"
At this proposal, I guess Yoki thought he had nothing to lose. Seeing his acceptance, I opened the wide door and let him out.
"Okay, Yoki-kun," I said, barely raising my voice, "we have to be quiet so we won't wake the others."
********************************************************* *************************************************************************** ********************
The water felt warm as it rippled softly between my fingers. I even saw a few chinese cranes taking a dip. I laughed at this, the loudness startling Yoki, who was (by now) used to my whispering voice.
I rubbed the horse's back. "Yo-ki....it's all right. We can make as much noise as we want now."
The horse whinnied happily as the sun shone off his snow-white body. Stripping off my clothes, we raced to the summery warm water like a child and his favorite pet.
Yoki made quite a splash as he entered the water. Soon, I forgot about everything (my worst habit). I forgot about the fight with Hitsua (What fight?), my wife, my children, my status, even last night. I was the water and the water was me. Forever and always moving on.
Yoki neighed as I washed his back and my back too. I guess that must've looked pretty funny to a horse.
I was enjoying this so much that I didn't notice the group of monks on my left preparing to wash in the river. I had forgotten that monks didn't use the conventional household items. They preferred to stay as close to nature as possible. The only thing that got my attention was a loud- -
SPLASH!!!!!!
A great wave of water awashed over Yoki and I. Sputtering angrily, I waded to the other side of my horse to confront the idiots that had splashed me (and Yoki, of course).
A certain bell-like laugh caught my attention. My eyebrows furrowed at the person responsible.
It was Hitsua. With his blasted water talisman. (By the way, Hitsua was still in his robes while in the water. Strange, right?)
"Hitsua..." I growled angrily. "Of course it would be you."
Hitsua smiled beautifully and waded to his companions.
"Hitsua! Come and face me like a man!" I yelled. I grew even angrier and slapped my fist upon the water for added affect. "Coward! Stay over there!"
Then I saw Hitsua wave at me.
At first it was a normal "hello" wave, then he turned his palm over to face him and curled his fingers into a fist, except a certain middle one.
Insulted, I gritted my teeth. I had to try very hard to remember that this my old childhood friend....my old childhood...... friend....old....friend......
"Graaaargh!" I dived into the water and swam after him. The other monks parted for me as I speed swam between them. Hitsua's eyes widened as he saw me coming. Grasping his water talisman, he chanted something and made a wall of water between me and him.
Unfazed and blinded by rage, I burst through the "wall".
"That the BEST you can do, Hitsua?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" I caught sight of the little traitor climbing on shore.
'Oh no you don't,' I thought crazily. With an unknown source of speed I splashed forward and grabbed the hem of Hitsua's orange robe.
I could've sworn I heard my ex-friend squeal in terror. But, I shook it off.
Pulling him into a headlock, I whispered fiercely into his ear, "All right, loser. Let's get this straight. You are a monk, I am a samurai. I can kill you with my bare hands and there's nothing your stupid little talismans can do about it."
Hitsua snorted. "Violent, aren't you? I never knew you to be so bent on destruction, Rin-san."
So. He wanted to be on those terms? "Fine then.....Tagoma-san."
Hitsua lowered his eyes, his long eyelashes shielding the built-up hurt. I released him before I was tempted to snap off his neck.
"How did it come to this, Rin-san?"
"That stupid fake-prediction of yours, that's what!" I poked him in the chest (something that I have never done since I was five). For a moment I saw a flash of anxiety cross Hitsua's face. I grinned.
"What? You don't like this?" Poke. "Eh?" Poke. "Kinda reminds you of when we first met? Eh? Tagoma-SAN?" Poke. However I poked a little lower and accidently poked something soft. "What the?"
Then Hitsua did something that I NEVER thought he would do. He crossed his arms over his chest, as if hiding something, giving me a shocked look.
Suspicious, I grabbed him. "What? Did I poke a little too hard?"
"Get your hand offa me, Pei!"
My eyebrows shot up. "Hey, your robe is falling off...."
Quicker than a fly, Hitsua grabbed the loose end and pulled it over his shoulder.
I grinned. "What was that under there, Hitsua?"
"None of your business!"
"Oh, I do believe it is my business, Hitsua...." I waded/advanced toward the monk. "That looked like a--"
"Don't say it! I-I'll tell you everything."
I folded my arms. "You had better."
********************************************************* *************************************************************************** **********************
A little later, Hitsua, Yoki and I (partly-clothed) were sitting on the river shore. While Yoki grazed, I turned to Hitsua for a little talk.
"So."
Hitsua shrugged. "So?"
"What was that thing that slipped out? Becuase if it's what I thought it was---"
"And what?" Hitsua stood up angrily, very unmonk-like. "What are you gonna do?! Burn me at a stake?!"
I rolled my eyes. "I just calmly asked you a question. You just have to answer it."
Hitsua sighed sadly and uncovered the top part of his robe.
Or her robe.
"My gods, Hitsua! When were you going to tell me? Or anyone?"
Covering "himself" (or is it herself now?), Hitsua sat down on the ground suddenly tired. He, I mean SHE looked at me, tears sliding down her face.
"I guess that explains alot," I murmured to myself.
"I'm sorry that I didn't tell you before Pei."
"Really?" I gestured to her chest. "Anymore secrets before I go back home, Hitsua?"
Instinctively, she crossed her arms. "My father was the master elder of the Nibiki monastary. He trained me in his footsteps. He was so proud of me, but Nibiki wasn't ready for a female master elder."
Taking a deep breath, she continued. "My mother left my father for a more "traditional man" as she said. My father was devastated and joined the monastary. That's how it began. It ended with my father, believing he was a failure to his wife, his family, and the town of Nibiki, committing suicide."
"I took after my father's business, learning and teaching the talismans to anyone who wanted to know. However, the mayor of Nibiki sent a old wise man to take my place stating that I wasn't "qualified"."
"Which meant that you weren't a man."
"Right. So, I shaved my head and covered myself in orange robes so no one would know. Not even you, Pei."
"And you been living a lie ever since."
This time, Hitsua growled at me. "So what? I had no choice. Oh, and if you want to know, your prophecy still stands."
"That's another lie, Hitsua."
"No it isn't. A lie would be to tell you that your life will be so perfect and trouble-free. When it comes to fortune-telling, I don't lie."
"Hmm...I would probably believe that more than your "gloom and doom"."
I smiled as she grimaced at me. Probably to say, "What does Nori see in you?" To which I would've responded, "What you'll never see in a lifetime."
But she didn't say anything. Instead she pulled her robes closer to her as if drawing some sort of power from them. "Goodbye, Pei."
"Awww, so soon? We didn't get to see the other half of the robe...." I said thumbing to myself and Yoki.
Grinning, she mouthed, "Man whore..." and ran off in case I decided to chase her.
Clapping my hands, I stood up. "Well, that's it, Yoki-kun. I've had enough surprises for today."
Whinnying in agreement, the white horse walked by my side all the way home.
************************************************************ *************************************************************************** *******************
What I didn't expect was Nori's angry face glaring into my blank one.
"Where have you been?" Nori's usually sweet voice had a dangerous edge to it.
"I'm sorry, Nori, I went to bathe Yoki and I in the river..."
"That's fine, dear, but at least tell me where you're going first!"
"You're not my mother," I sneered.
Her mouth opened in an "O" of surprise as I pushed past her. Silly girl. She's only a woman after all. She would never understand the water like I do.
Almost immediately, my mind raced back to Hitsua and her water talisman. 'How many of those does she have, anyways?' I wondered if she would teach me how to control the water like that.
"A-hem." Nori's disgruntled voice broke into my thoughts. "You have a letter."
"Keep your voice sweet, woman," I said seriously, taking the letter from her outstretched hand. "I wonder who this thing is from?"
Completely forgetting (See? Again with the forgetting!) Nori, I opened the letter and nearly dropped it to the floor.
"Oh no...oh no oh no oh no......" I moaned as I gathered the courage to pick it up. My eyes couldn't believe what they were seeing.
It was a letter from the emperor. With an assignment for me.
Breathing heavily, I read the first paragraph:
"Dear Rin Pei,
Hello old friend! I heard you retired from the army! Been up to much? I haven't. My elder advisors, however, believe that maybe I need a wife to complete my life. I guess they are right. (He ALWAYS thinks his elders are right.) But, I've got my sights on this beautiful princess who lives in this crystal tower, and well, Iet's just say that I wasn't very good with combat training. Oh, Pei! You should see the paintings of her! She's absolutely breathtaking! I need YOU to get her for me and bring her to Tokyo! You don't have to go alone, though. You can bring anyone else, as long as they're trustworthy."
The letter went on and on about other stupid things like "How's Yoki? A stud forever, eh?" or "You and Nori still "doing the business"?". I rubbed my forehead. Our emperor may be in his mid-thirties, but he's still a child at heart. (Or a horny teenager.)
Either way, the first part of Hitsua's prediction came true. Which made me want to break something. Oh look a vase. Smash. Okay, now I feel all better now.
Reading the last line (" I'll send for you before the week is out.."), I felt the letter slip out of my hands. I sighed deeply. This was NOT happpening.
"I'm too young to die....or something," I moaned.
********************************************************** *************************************************************************** **********************
On the seventh day of the week, I heard a loud knock on my manor gates.
Groggily, I slid out of my mat and went outside. I grimaced as I opened the door. Two of the emperor's honor guards were waiting.
"Wait a minute. Let me get ready first." I watched as they looked to each other, then turned back to me and nodded.
Smiling, I closed the wooden gate. 'This is crazy,' I thought as I slumped into the bathouse. There was still some water left over, but it was pretty cold.
'No matter, I need the wake-up call...'
It took me about thirty minutes to get fully ready for my journey. Nori gave me a bag breakfast and lunch and told me to be careful. Pei Jr. and Mutabiki, clung to my clothes, not wanting me to go. I patted each of them on the heads, saying that it was an important mission from the Emperor of Japan and I'll be back soon. (I was determined [then] not to let the rest of Hitsua's prediction come true.)
I turned to my wife. "Goodbye, Nori," I said as solemnly as I could, without showing my true sadness.
Nori smiled that mysterious smile of hers. She calmly took my hand and kissed it. "Good-bye, Pei. We'll miss you."
************************************************************ *************************************************************************** *******************
Eyes lowered, I took Yoki out of his stable pen.
"Come on, Yoki," I said gently. "Adventure is forever calling."
Yoki whinnied quietly in agreement. I saddled him up, and placed my bags on the back.
"Come now, Rin-san! We haven't all day!" One of the honor guards called as I was just finishing up.
"I am coming...I'm coming," I called. "I'm coming..." My voice turned into a whisper. "I'm coming...."
Yoki licked my face in sympathy. I smiled weakly. "Yoki....you are such a good friend."
********************************************************* *************************************************************************** ***********************
(The Emperor's Castle) (Two days later....)
Emperor Shian was waiting for us at the palace gates as his honors guards and I rode up.
"Good morning, Emperor!" I called, slowing Yoki down to a trot. "Or is it afternoon now?"
Shian laughed good-naturedly. He was pretty short, but still held an air of power. His beard was still black and it went down to his chest. His long hair had been braided and kept together with a black ribbon. Even though he wore the traditional emperor clothes, he was pretty big on colors. Right now he was wearing a red tunic with gold braided in every seam with dark green pants.
I rolled my eyes as the honor guards bowed and left the premises. "You are such a fashion plate."
Shian laughed again. "Yes yes, of course. You wouldn't expect me to be any other, eh, Pei?"
"Now....about this mission...."
"Ah yes! Please, come inside."
The servants opened the gates, allowing us to step inside. When I glanced about me, I smiled inwardly. 'It seems that Shian's sense of style is not just in his clothes.'
At the sides of the castle, there were rows and rows of sakura blossom trees outlining the walkway. They matched the castle (which was green, by the way) with such grace and beauty, one would think it was a scene out of a dream. Brightly-colored birds flew here and there through the trees as the dodans and mangolias bowed their delicate heads to the gentle breeze.
"The trees aren't in fruit yet, Shian-sama?"
"Give them time, Pei, it's only the sixth month."
I grinned. "Well, I can't wait to taste their ripe cherries when I come in the seventh month, Shian-sama!"
"Well, if you do a job well done, anyways."
Playfully, I stuck my tongue out at him. "Why so much trouble for a woman in a crystal tower?"
Shian looked at me as if I asked what was the big deal about being Emperor. "What? You've never heard of the magical Princess Owa?"
"Owa?"
"Yes!" He sat on a nearby stone bench. "She is the most beautfiul woman in Japan! Next to Godan Nori, of course," he added when he saw my look.
"It's all right," I assured him. " I'm sure it won't be THAT hard to "rescue" her."
The emperor cleared his throat.
"What now, Shian-sama?"
"We-ell.....I never said it was safe."
'Oh brother....' "What are the odds that I am going to die on this journey, Shian-sama?"
His eyes shifted away from mine. "1 to 12....b-but that's only--"
I got up. This was crazy.
"W-wait, Pei! Don't go! That's only what Saitao said! He's usually wrong, y'know!"
"Not like the "elders", eh?"
"Leave my elders out of this, Rin Pei..." (Do you readers notice that when people are angry at me, they say my full name? I can't stand it!)
"I am sorry, Shian-sama," I said bowing low.
Accepting my apology, Shian smiled warmly. "You are allowed to take as long as you want, Pei. (As long as it wasn't too long.) You can take anyone you need, as long as they are trustworthy. In other words, they won't kill you in your sleep and take Princess Owa for themselves."
"Oh? How do you know the Princess will like you?"
"Believe me, I'm an emperor. Everyone likes emperors."
'Everyone except the Huns,' I thought, silently laughing at this prideful peacock of an emperor. "All right, Shian-sama. I'll do it."
"All right!" He clapped me on the back, only to remove his hand in pain. I shook my head.
"You really should stop doing that."
"You think so?"
************************************************************* *************************************************************************** ******************
It took another two days to return to Nibiki for one last goodbye. It was evening time as the honor guards and I passed the Nibiki monastary. Almost immediately I thought of Hitsua and her prophecy.
'It's all coming true,' I thought. 'She was really right. I wonder if I should ask forgiveness now or write a letter?'
As Yoki and I rode alone on the way home, I caught a figure at my house's gates.
"Not you again."
Hitsua was leaning on one of the massive doors, arms crossed. "You don't wanna go in there."
Snorting, Yoki used his muzzle to push the lady monk out of the way.
"Thank you, Yoki," I said petting the top of his head. I turned to a very surprised Hitsua. "You should be more loyal and truthful, like Yoki here. Maybe I would listen to you more."
Smiling evilly, she followed Yoki and I to the stables. "So...you found out that it was all true?"
"Shut up, fool."
"Don't remind me. But, you do have to get down and ask for forgiveness."
Sticking my tongue out at her (I tend to do that alot.), I led Yoki into the stables and locked the pen.
"You are so childish."
"So what? I'm twenty-five on the outside, but fifteen on the in. So sue me."
Hitsua shook her bald head. (Okay so she wasn't no-hair bald, but it was a close shave.) "Man whore..."
"Ooh!" I acted like she shot me in the heart with an arrow. "You got me...I'm dyin'...I dyin'...." I "fainted" into her arms, causing her to nearly fall over.
Laughing, she set me upright.
"You're pretty strong for such a skinny girl..."
"I have many surprises."
I gave her my best cheesy smile. "Reeeeeally?"
"Fool."
"Yeah, I know." I got down on my knees (Something that I only do once in an orange moon.) and hugged her from the waist. "Waaaah! Don' leave me here alone, Hitsua! You're my BEST friend! You're probably my only friend, except Nori."
At the mention of Nori's name, Hitsua frowned. "I don't think you should greet her tonight..."
"Why not?" I said, pulling myself up. "She's going through those dang moon phases again?"
"No, I just...."
Just then I heard two voices laughing in the garden. I put my fingers to my lips to shush Hitsua.
Hitsua stopped talking as we both snuck quietly to the stable window (which had a full view of the garden).
I was shocked. "Old man Horikoki? What is he doing here?"
Hitsua shushed me and pulled my head down. "Shh. Listen"
I head Nori's super-sweet voice that she reserved for me tell Horikoki-san how great he was. I heard the old man laugh.
"Ahh, Nori, you're not so bad yourself."
"Ooh, Futama! You are so sweet! Unlike Pei...."
I gritted my teeth, but forced my self to listen.
"So, tomorrow night then, Nori-chan?" I could almost see the dirty old man tickling MY wife under her chin. I caught a giggle from Nori.
"Ha ha ha! Pei would never know! He's going on some "journey" tomorrow morning. And then...."
The rest was whispers.
I couldn't resist a peek. Silently, I raised my head, my eyes nearly popping out from the sight.
My Nori was kissing that old freak!
I slumped back down in a daze as Hitsua shook me. "Pei? Pei! Wake up!"
My head was spinning. Everything looked like a swirl of colors to me. A slap brought me back to this world.
"Huh? Wha--?"
"You nearly fainted for real, Pei...." Hitsua said, her hands on her hips.
"N-nonsense. I don't faint..."
"Yeah, that's why it was scary."
I grabbed my friend's hands. "Hitsua! Tell me that what I saw wasn't true!"
"I'm so sorry, Pei..." She lowered her eyes.
"Argh! Hitsua! You always say that!"
"I always mean it."
I held my face in my hands, holding back the obvious tears, streaming down my face. "Why do people always lie to me?"
Hitsua gently massaged my upper back. But the tears only came faster.
"No one loves me truly, Hitsua."
"What?! Are you nuts, Pei? You're my friend a-and Yoki loves you too!" Yoki neighed, bobbing his white head up and down.
"AND your children love you..." I knew she was trying to comfort me, but I always sank into deep depression when betrayed. It usually happened when I was in Boan's army, but I never expected it in my own home.
"Hitsua, I'll get my things. Take me to the monastary with you."
"You want to become a monk?" She looked confused at my request.
"No," I tried to smile. "I just want to stay for a few days. Is that all right?"
She ruffled my wild white hair. "All right, Pei. Let's go."
************************************************************* *************************************************************************** *****************
All right readers! I have to rest now, but join me next time when I'm more aware and awake! Thanks for stopping by!
(Authoress: Read and review plese, minna-san!)
***************************************************************** *************************************************************************** ********
"Ahhhh!" I stretched my arms to the ceiling as I (tried) to sit up. My wife's arms were still around me. I grinned and peeled them off. I guess I did good last night.
I decided to bathe in the nearby river (since I was too lazy to draw the water for the bath). Silently, I gathered some clean clothes and snuck out to the stables.
"Hello? Yoki?" I peeked into the first stable where my favorite horse was held. There he was, sleeping soundly, standing up. ( I still have yet to find out how those animals do it.) Gently I reached in and shook his muzzle. The horse opened one tired eye as if to say, "Whadda you want, human?"
"Don't give me that look, Yoki. Let's go to the river!"
At this proposal, I guess Yoki thought he had nothing to lose. Seeing his acceptance, I opened the wide door and let him out.
"Okay, Yoki-kun," I said, barely raising my voice, "we have to be quiet so we won't wake the others."
********************************************************* *************************************************************************** ********************
The water felt warm as it rippled softly between my fingers. I even saw a few chinese cranes taking a dip. I laughed at this, the loudness startling Yoki, who was (by now) used to my whispering voice.
I rubbed the horse's back. "Yo-ki....it's all right. We can make as much noise as we want now."
The horse whinnied happily as the sun shone off his snow-white body. Stripping off my clothes, we raced to the summery warm water like a child and his favorite pet.
Yoki made quite a splash as he entered the water. Soon, I forgot about everything (my worst habit). I forgot about the fight with Hitsua (What fight?), my wife, my children, my status, even last night. I was the water and the water was me. Forever and always moving on.
Yoki neighed as I washed his back and my back too. I guess that must've looked pretty funny to a horse.
I was enjoying this so much that I didn't notice the group of monks on my left preparing to wash in the river. I had forgotten that monks didn't use the conventional household items. They preferred to stay as close to nature as possible. The only thing that got my attention was a loud- -
SPLASH!!!!!!
A great wave of water awashed over Yoki and I. Sputtering angrily, I waded to the other side of my horse to confront the idiots that had splashed me (and Yoki, of course).
A certain bell-like laugh caught my attention. My eyebrows furrowed at the person responsible.
It was Hitsua. With his blasted water talisman. (By the way, Hitsua was still in his robes while in the water. Strange, right?)
"Hitsua..." I growled angrily. "Of course it would be you."
Hitsua smiled beautifully and waded to his companions.
"Hitsua! Come and face me like a man!" I yelled. I grew even angrier and slapped my fist upon the water for added affect. "Coward! Stay over there!"
Then I saw Hitsua wave at me.
At first it was a normal "hello" wave, then he turned his palm over to face him and curled his fingers into a fist, except a certain middle one.
Insulted, I gritted my teeth. I had to try very hard to remember that this my old childhood friend....my old childhood...... friend....old....friend......
"Graaaargh!" I dived into the water and swam after him. The other monks parted for me as I speed swam between them. Hitsua's eyes widened as he saw me coming. Grasping his water talisman, he chanted something and made a wall of water between me and him.
Unfazed and blinded by rage, I burst through the "wall".
"That the BEST you can do, Hitsua?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" I caught sight of the little traitor climbing on shore.
'Oh no you don't,' I thought crazily. With an unknown source of speed I splashed forward and grabbed the hem of Hitsua's orange robe.
I could've sworn I heard my ex-friend squeal in terror. But, I shook it off.
Pulling him into a headlock, I whispered fiercely into his ear, "All right, loser. Let's get this straight. You are a monk, I am a samurai. I can kill you with my bare hands and there's nothing your stupid little talismans can do about it."
Hitsua snorted. "Violent, aren't you? I never knew you to be so bent on destruction, Rin-san."
So. He wanted to be on those terms? "Fine then.....Tagoma-san."
Hitsua lowered his eyes, his long eyelashes shielding the built-up hurt. I released him before I was tempted to snap off his neck.
"How did it come to this, Rin-san?"
"That stupid fake-prediction of yours, that's what!" I poked him in the chest (something that I have never done since I was five). For a moment I saw a flash of anxiety cross Hitsua's face. I grinned.
"What? You don't like this?" Poke. "Eh?" Poke. "Kinda reminds you of when we first met? Eh? Tagoma-SAN?" Poke. However I poked a little lower and accidently poked something soft. "What the?"
Then Hitsua did something that I NEVER thought he would do. He crossed his arms over his chest, as if hiding something, giving me a shocked look.
Suspicious, I grabbed him. "What? Did I poke a little too hard?"
"Get your hand offa me, Pei!"
My eyebrows shot up. "Hey, your robe is falling off...."
Quicker than a fly, Hitsua grabbed the loose end and pulled it over his shoulder.
I grinned. "What was that under there, Hitsua?"
"None of your business!"
"Oh, I do believe it is my business, Hitsua...." I waded/advanced toward the monk. "That looked like a--"
"Don't say it! I-I'll tell you everything."
I folded my arms. "You had better."
********************************************************* *************************************************************************** **********************
A little later, Hitsua, Yoki and I (partly-clothed) were sitting on the river shore. While Yoki grazed, I turned to Hitsua for a little talk.
"So."
Hitsua shrugged. "So?"
"What was that thing that slipped out? Becuase if it's what I thought it was---"
"And what?" Hitsua stood up angrily, very unmonk-like. "What are you gonna do?! Burn me at a stake?!"
I rolled my eyes. "I just calmly asked you a question. You just have to answer it."
Hitsua sighed sadly and uncovered the top part of his robe.
Or her robe.
"My gods, Hitsua! When were you going to tell me? Or anyone?"
Covering "himself" (or is it herself now?), Hitsua sat down on the ground suddenly tired. He, I mean SHE looked at me, tears sliding down her face.
"I guess that explains alot," I murmured to myself.
"I'm sorry that I didn't tell you before Pei."
"Really?" I gestured to her chest. "Anymore secrets before I go back home, Hitsua?"
Instinctively, she crossed her arms. "My father was the master elder of the Nibiki monastary. He trained me in his footsteps. He was so proud of me, but Nibiki wasn't ready for a female master elder."
Taking a deep breath, she continued. "My mother left my father for a more "traditional man" as she said. My father was devastated and joined the monastary. That's how it began. It ended with my father, believing he was a failure to his wife, his family, and the town of Nibiki, committing suicide."
"I took after my father's business, learning and teaching the talismans to anyone who wanted to know. However, the mayor of Nibiki sent a old wise man to take my place stating that I wasn't "qualified"."
"Which meant that you weren't a man."
"Right. So, I shaved my head and covered myself in orange robes so no one would know. Not even you, Pei."
"And you been living a lie ever since."
This time, Hitsua growled at me. "So what? I had no choice. Oh, and if you want to know, your prophecy still stands."
"That's another lie, Hitsua."
"No it isn't. A lie would be to tell you that your life will be so perfect and trouble-free. When it comes to fortune-telling, I don't lie."
"Hmm...I would probably believe that more than your "gloom and doom"."
I smiled as she grimaced at me. Probably to say, "What does Nori see in you?" To which I would've responded, "What you'll never see in a lifetime."
But she didn't say anything. Instead she pulled her robes closer to her as if drawing some sort of power from them. "Goodbye, Pei."
"Awww, so soon? We didn't get to see the other half of the robe...." I said thumbing to myself and Yoki.
Grinning, she mouthed, "Man whore..." and ran off in case I decided to chase her.
Clapping my hands, I stood up. "Well, that's it, Yoki-kun. I've had enough surprises for today."
Whinnying in agreement, the white horse walked by my side all the way home.
************************************************************ *************************************************************************** *******************
What I didn't expect was Nori's angry face glaring into my blank one.
"Where have you been?" Nori's usually sweet voice had a dangerous edge to it.
"I'm sorry, Nori, I went to bathe Yoki and I in the river..."
"That's fine, dear, but at least tell me where you're going first!"
"You're not my mother," I sneered.
Her mouth opened in an "O" of surprise as I pushed past her. Silly girl. She's only a woman after all. She would never understand the water like I do.
Almost immediately, my mind raced back to Hitsua and her water talisman. 'How many of those does she have, anyways?' I wondered if she would teach me how to control the water like that.
"A-hem." Nori's disgruntled voice broke into my thoughts. "You have a letter."
"Keep your voice sweet, woman," I said seriously, taking the letter from her outstretched hand. "I wonder who this thing is from?"
Completely forgetting (See? Again with the forgetting!) Nori, I opened the letter and nearly dropped it to the floor.
"Oh no...oh no oh no oh no......" I moaned as I gathered the courage to pick it up. My eyes couldn't believe what they were seeing.
It was a letter from the emperor. With an assignment for me.
Breathing heavily, I read the first paragraph:
"Dear Rin Pei,
Hello old friend! I heard you retired from the army! Been up to much? I haven't. My elder advisors, however, believe that maybe I need a wife to complete my life. I guess they are right. (He ALWAYS thinks his elders are right.) But, I've got my sights on this beautiful princess who lives in this crystal tower, and well, Iet's just say that I wasn't very good with combat training. Oh, Pei! You should see the paintings of her! She's absolutely breathtaking! I need YOU to get her for me and bring her to Tokyo! You don't have to go alone, though. You can bring anyone else, as long as they're trustworthy."
The letter went on and on about other stupid things like "How's Yoki? A stud forever, eh?" or "You and Nori still "doing the business"?". I rubbed my forehead. Our emperor may be in his mid-thirties, but he's still a child at heart. (Or a horny teenager.)
Either way, the first part of Hitsua's prediction came true. Which made me want to break something. Oh look a vase. Smash. Okay, now I feel all better now.
Reading the last line (" I'll send for you before the week is out.."), I felt the letter slip out of my hands. I sighed deeply. This was NOT happpening.
"I'm too young to die....or something," I moaned.
********************************************************** *************************************************************************** **********************
On the seventh day of the week, I heard a loud knock on my manor gates.
Groggily, I slid out of my mat and went outside. I grimaced as I opened the door. Two of the emperor's honor guards were waiting.
"Wait a minute. Let me get ready first." I watched as they looked to each other, then turned back to me and nodded.
Smiling, I closed the wooden gate. 'This is crazy,' I thought as I slumped into the bathouse. There was still some water left over, but it was pretty cold.
'No matter, I need the wake-up call...'
It took me about thirty minutes to get fully ready for my journey. Nori gave me a bag breakfast and lunch and told me to be careful. Pei Jr. and Mutabiki, clung to my clothes, not wanting me to go. I patted each of them on the heads, saying that it was an important mission from the Emperor of Japan and I'll be back soon. (I was determined [then] not to let the rest of Hitsua's prediction come true.)
I turned to my wife. "Goodbye, Nori," I said as solemnly as I could, without showing my true sadness.
Nori smiled that mysterious smile of hers. She calmly took my hand and kissed it. "Good-bye, Pei. We'll miss you."
************************************************************ *************************************************************************** *******************
Eyes lowered, I took Yoki out of his stable pen.
"Come on, Yoki," I said gently. "Adventure is forever calling."
Yoki whinnied quietly in agreement. I saddled him up, and placed my bags on the back.
"Come now, Rin-san! We haven't all day!" One of the honor guards called as I was just finishing up.
"I am coming...I'm coming," I called. "I'm coming..." My voice turned into a whisper. "I'm coming...."
Yoki licked my face in sympathy. I smiled weakly. "Yoki....you are such a good friend."
********************************************************* *************************************************************************** ***********************
(The Emperor's Castle) (Two days later....)
Emperor Shian was waiting for us at the palace gates as his honors guards and I rode up.
"Good morning, Emperor!" I called, slowing Yoki down to a trot. "Or is it afternoon now?"
Shian laughed good-naturedly. He was pretty short, but still held an air of power. His beard was still black and it went down to his chest. His long hair had been braided and kept together with a black ribbon. Even though he wore the traditional emperor clothes, he was pretty big on colors. Right now he was wearing a red tunic with gold braided in every seam with dark green pants.
I rolled my eyes as the honor guards bowed and left the premises. "You are such a fashion plate."
Shian laughed again. "Yes yes, of course. You wouldn't expect me to be any other, eh, Pei?"
"Now....about this mission...."
"Ah yes! Please, come inside."
The servants opened the gates, allowing us to step inside. When I glanced about me, I smiled inwardly. 'It seems that Shian's sense of style is not just in his clothes.'
At the sides of the castle, there were rows and rows of sakura blossom trees outlining the walkway. They matched the castle (which was green, by the way) with such grace and beauty, one would think it was a scene out of a dream. Brightly-colored birds flew here and there through the trees as the dodans and mangolias bowed their delicate heads to the gentle breeze.
"The trees aren't in fruit yet, Shian-sama?"
"Give them time, Pei, it's only the sixth month."
I grinned. "Well, I can't wait to taste their ripe cherries when I come in the seventh month, Shian-sama!"
"Well, if you do a job well done, anyways."
Playfully, I stuck my tongue out at him. "Why so much trouble for a woman in a crystal tower?"
Shian looked at me as if I asked what was the big deal about being Emperor. "What? You've never heard of the magical Princess Owa?"
"Owa?"
"Yes!" He sat on a nearby stone bench. "She is the most beautfiul woman in Japan! Next to Godan Nori, of course," he added when he saw my look.
"It's all right," I assured him. " I'm sure it won't be THAT hard to "rescue" her."
The emperor cleared his throat.
"What now, Shian-sama?"
"We-ell.....I never said it was safe."
'Oh brother....' "What are the odds that I am going to die on this journey, Shian-sama?"
His eyes shifted away from mine. "1 to 12....b-but that's only--"
I got up. This was crazy.
"W-wait, Pei! Don't go! That's only what Saitao said! He's usually wrong, y'know!"
"Not like the "elders", eh?"
"Leave my elders out of this, Rin Pei..." (Do you readers notice that when people are angry at me, they say my full name? I can't stand it!)
"I am sorry, Shian-sama," I said bowing low.
Accepting my apology, Shian smiled warmly. "You are allowed to take as long as you want, Pei. (As long as it wasn't too long.) You can take anyone you need, as long as they are trustworthy. In other words, they won't kill you in your sleep and take Princess Owa for themselves."
"Oh? How do you know the Princess will like you?"
"Believe me, I'm an emperor. Everyone likes emperors."
'Everyone except the Huns,' I thought, silently laughing at this prideful peacock of an emperor. "All right, Shian-sama. I'll do it."
"All right!" He clapped me on the back, only to remove his hand in pain. I shook my head.
"You really should stop doing that."
"You think so?"
************************************************************* *************************************************************************** ******************
It took another two days to return to Nibiki for one last goodbye. It was evening time as the honor guards and I passed the Nibiki monastary. Almost immediately I thought of Hitsua and her prophecy.
'It's all coming true,' I thought. 'She was really right. I wonder if I should ask forgiveness now or write a letter?'
As Yoki and I rode alone on the way home, I caught a figure at my house's gates.
"Not you again."
Hitsua was leaning on one of the massive doors, arms crossed. "You don't wanna go in there."
Snorting, Yoki used his muzzle to push the lady monk out of the way.
"Thank you, Yoki," I said petting the top of his head. I turned to a very surprised Hitsua. "You should be more loyal and truthful, like Yoki here. Maybe I would listen to you more."
Smiling evilly, she followed Yoki and I to the stables. "So...you found out that it was all true?"
"Shut up, fool."
"Don't remind me. But, you do have to get down and ask for forgiveness."
Sticking my tongue out at her (I tend to do that alot.), I led Yoki into the stables and locked the pen.
"You are so childish."
"So what? I'm twenty-five on the outside, but fifteen on the in. So sue me."
Hitsua shook her bald head. (Okay so she wasn't no-hair bald, but it was a close shave.) "Man whore..."
"Ooh!" I acted like she shot me in the heart with an arrow. "You got me...I'm dyin'...I dyin'...." I "fainted" into her arms, causing her to nearly fall over.
Laughing, she set me upright.
"You're pretty strong for such a skinny girl..."
"I have many surprises."
I gave her my best cheesy smile. "Reeeeeally?"
"Fool."
"Yeah, I know." I got down on my knees (Something that I only do once in an orange moon.) and hugged her from the waist. "Waaaah! Don' leave me here alone, Hitsua! You're my BEST friend! You're probably my only friend, except Nori."
At the mention of Nori's name, Hitsua frowned. "I don't think you should greet her tonight..."
"Why not?" I said, pulling myself up. "She's going through those dang moon phases again?"
"No, I just...."
Just then I heard two voices laughing in the garden. I put my fingers to my lips to shush Hitsua.
Hitsua stopped talking as we both snuck quietly to the stable window (which had a full view of the garden).
I was shocked. "Old man Horikoki? What is he doing here?"
Hitsua shushed me and pulled my head down. "Shh. Listen"
I head Nori's super-sweet voice that she reserved for me tell Horikoki-san how great he was. I heard the old man laugh.
"Ahh, Nori, you're not so bad yourself."
"Ooh, Futama! You are so sweet! Unlike Pei...."
I gritted my teeth, but forced my self to listen.
"So, tomorrow night then, Nori-chan?" I could almost see the dirty old man tickling MY wife under her chin. I caught a giggle from Nori.
"Ha ha ha! Pei would never know! He's going on some "journey" tomorrow morning. And then...."
The rest was whispers.
I couldn't resist a peek. Silently, I raised my head, my eyes nearly popping out from the sight.
My Nori was kissing that old freak!
I slumped back down in a daze as Hitsua shook me. "Pei? Pei! Wake up!"
My head was spinning. Everything looked like a swirl of colors to me. A slap brought me back to this world.
"Huh? Wha--?"
"You nearly fainted for real, Pei...." Hitsua said, her hands on her hips.
"N-nonsense. I don't faint..."
"Yeah, that's why it was scary."
I grabbed my friend's hands. "Hitsua! Tell me that what I saw wasn't true!"
"I'm so sorry, Pei..." She lowered her eyes.
"Argh! Hitsua! You always say that!"
"I always mean it."
I held my face in my hands, holding back the obvious tears, streaming down my face. "Why do people always lie to me?"
Hitsua gently massaged my upper back. But the tears only came faster.
"No one loves me truly, Hitsua."
"What?! Are you nuts, Pei? You're my friend a-and Yoki loves you too!" Yoki neighed, bobbing his white head up and down.
"AND your children love you..." I knew she was trying to comfort me, but I always sank into deep depression when betrayed. It usually happened when I was in Boan's army, but I never expected it in my own home.
"Hitsua, I'll get my things. Take me to the monastary with you."
"You want to become a monk?" She looked confused at my request.
"No," I tried to smile. "I just want to stay for a few days. Is that all right?"
She ruffled my wild white hair. "All right, Pei. Let's go."
************************************************************* *************************************************************************** *****************
All right readers! I have to rest now, but join me next time when I'm more aware and awake! Thanks for stopping by!
(Authoress: Read and review plese, minna-san!)