InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Untamed: Lecherous Hand, Wandering Iris ❯ Bird of Youth, Embers of Dawn ( Chapter 3 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Xagzan 
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this story. That all belongs to Rumiko Takashi, so I make no money from this.
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Hentai / Drama / Adventure | Type: Fanfiction Sequel | Uploaded On: 05.30.2008 | Updated On: 05.30.2008 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.9K | Visits: 283 | Status: Completed
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this story. That all belongs to Rumiko Takashi, so I make no money from this.
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Hentai / Drama / Adventure | Type: Fanfiction Sequel | Uploaded On: 05.30.2008 | Updated On: 05.30.2008 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.9K | Visits: 283 | Status: Completed
Ok, finally got past enough summer distractions to write this chapter. It was hard going at first, since I was a wee bit rusty, but I think I got back into it quickly enough. And while the chapter itself is shorter than most, it serves its purpose fully and completely, and I'm definitely satisfied with it. Hope you are too. Comments welcome, thanks.
Bird of Youth, Embers of Dawn
“We have to get the people out of there!”
But Ryutaro hadn't heard him. He was already running down the path to the burning building. Miroku swore and rushed after him.
I hope we're not too late…
The two men stopped short at the door, trying to determine if it was safe enough to enter. Miroku rapped forcefully on the wood with his staff until it opened. Lucky for them, the flames downstairs seemed to be less than they had appeared from outside. Probably because the flames hadn't been burning for too long. They hurried to the entrance hall and saw a number of guests streaming down the stairs and out the front door, including the Madame, some guests and their female attendants. The youkai girls, naturally, seemed to be having a much easier time fleeing than the humans.
Ryutaro broke away from the monk's side towards the stairs, once the flow of evacuees has slowed. “Ban!” He cried out.
“H-Hey!” Miroku shouted, “What are you doing? It's not safe to go up there. Ryutaro, stop!”
But his new friend had already disappeared to the second floor. Miroku looked around in frustration, deciding to trust Ryutaro to come back safely. Meanwhile, he'd see if anyone else needed his help getting out. He glanced around the room. Nobody was coming. Everyone must have gotten out safely, he thought, besides that friend that Ryutaro had gone up to help.
“Actually, I should probably go check on him” he said to himself. Miroku dashed over to the steps and looked up, covering his nose with his sleeve. He took a deep breath and plunged forward through the smoke, charging up the stairs. Entering the hallway, he started looking for Ryutaro, calling out his name to try to find him. As he rounded a corner, however, he gasped into his sleeve. Beneath a wooden beam that had apparently collapsed from the ceiling, Taka and Emiko lay struggling to get free, coughing violently from the surrounding smoke.
Taka looked up and squinted, recognition spreading on her face. “S-Sir Monk…!” She choked out. “You…you must go, before it's too late…” The girls burst into another fit of coughing.
Miroku rushed forward without hesitation and gripped the beam firmly, forcing himself to ignore the searing heat of the wood. “What are you talking about? Don't move!” He told them. “I've got to get this off you!” Bracing himself, he let out a groan and slowly lifted the beam. He was sweating terribly, both from the fire and now from this exertion. “Quickly, go!” He said once he had managed to remove the wood from their backs. The girls nodded and thanked him and scurried out from their entrapment. “Go outside and get far away from the building,” he said, and they rushed back down the stairs to the entrance. Miroku sighed heavily and let the beam drop on the floor with a thud. He glanced up and noticed that a few of the torches that had hung on the wall had collapsed on the ground in close proximity to one another.
That must have been what caused the fire! Damn it.
He hopped to his feet and went to follow the pair when he remembered that Ryutaro hadn't yet returned from trying to get his friend. Miroku quickly made his way to the section of the hall where Ryutaro had disappeared to before and called out his name. No answer. He shouted again. No answer. Suddenly, he heard a resounding cracking sound just above his head, and a burning chunk of the roof came rushing down towards him. Miroku jumped back at the last second, watching as it crashed in front of him.
“Damn!” He burst out, feeling the fumes starting to get to him. Worried, he cleared his throat and called as loudly as he could. “Ryutaro! RYUTARO!” He cursed when he again received no response, but there was no time left now. He had to get out of the building before it was too late. Miroku turned sharply, squatting down under the smoke, and moved down the hall to the flight of stairs. However, he realized that he had stayed in the building too long. His lungs were too filled with smog, and everything around him was starting to spin. Miroku let out a gasp for air and felt himself tumbling to the ground at the foot of the stairs, and then it was black…
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R 20;……Nnngghh…”
“He's coming to!”
The several people that had gathered around the monk watched his eyelids slowly open, until it appeared he was finally awake.
“What…what happened? Where am I?” Miroku asked. He squinted as the bright sunlight flooded his vision.
“Just outside the Komoko House,” someone replied. “Or what's left of it, anyway.”
Miroku took a breath of fresh, clean air and sat up, seeing some of the guests and hostesses from last night circled around him. He looked around and caught sight of the ruins of the building, still newly charred. He stood up carefully and tried to gather his thoughts. They could see he was confused.
“Taka told us all about it. You saved her and Emiko from the fire and they were able to make it out. But when you didn't come out yourself, they got worried and insisted on going back to save you, despite how little chance there was. Luckily, they found you just inside, collapsed and unconscious at the foot of the stairs. They were able to drag you out in time.”
Miroku looked around him after the person was done explaining, still a bit dizzy. The crowd around his dispersed, giving him room to get his bearings.
“Sir Monk…”
He turned to the voice at his ear. Taka and Emiko were clutching each other, quivering, dirty smudged onto their clothes and faces. They had several small cuts on their arms and legs. Kikuyu and Mai were there too, wearing solemn expressions.
“What is it?” He asked.
“Thank you for saving us,” she said, lowering her gaze to his feet.
“No,” he said, “I should be thanking you.” He gazed at the rubble, then suddenly remembered: Ryutaro had still been inside. Miroku closed his eyes and said a silent prayer for his new, yet late unfortunate friend. After he finished, he turned to Taka again, noticing she was upset.
He lightly rested a hand on her shoulder. “Besides, it's not like I'd ever stand by and let a woman die right in front of me.” She smiled at that. Miroku looked back towards the burned ruins of the late Komoko House. “So…what will you do?” He asked quietly.
“I don't know…” she answered sadly. “This has been our home for such a long time, ever since we began our training. It's all we had. But now…” She broke off, obviously shaken.
Miroku felt for her. “I would take you along with me if I could,” he said, half out of sincerity, half out of feeling it was necessary to say. “But, you'd hardly be better off. I rarely have any money and have to work hard to get by.” And that was the truth, usually. “You wouldn't do well with me.”
“I know,” she nodded. “We will just have to trust in our luck and in the gods.” Then, as the crowd began to part in separate directions, the girls also turned and started walking down a path.
“Good luck,” Miroku called to them. “I'm sure you girls can find somewhere to stay soon enough.”
They turned around. “Thank you,” Taka said. “I wish you luck as well, Sir Monk, wherever your feet may lead you. Farewell.”
Miroku watched them slowly disappear into the distance and felt a tinge of regret. Not only regret for the poor girls, whose fates had now been cast into the uncertain winds of the future, but also for himself. For he knew that as nice as they had been, and how much he had enjoyed spending time with them, those girls, like the others, would soon become part of that nameless, faceless woman he always saw but couldn't quite understand. But for now, he hoped their futures would not be so bleak, and that they could find some happiness.
“Farewell,” he muttered, and they were gone. He gazed at the demolished building, then turned back to start off on one of the paths, one down which several of the guests had already vanished.
“And farewell to you too, Ryutaro.” He sighed and walked down the road, once again leaving a brothel behind him, albeit a destroyed one. He dragged his staff along the ground next to him and used his other arm to shield his eyes from the bright morning sun. “Too bad I didn't have more time to get to know you better, Ryutaro… Rest in peace, you and your friend. Wait, what was his name again…?” He asked himself. “I know he said it. It was…it was…”
“Ban.”
Miroku's eyes arched and he swiveled his head from left to right, thinking he was hearing things. There was nothing there. That voice, that couldn't have been…
“Over here.”
He looked off to the side of the road. He still didn't see anyone, but looking up a little, he saw the man standing steadily on a tree branch, looking plenty relaxed.
“Ryutaro?” He asked curiously.
“Yep, it's me,” he said. Miroku noticed an average sized falcon perched on Ryutaro's shoulder, craning its neck in different directions. Ryutaro braced himself and then deftly jumped down to the ground, landing with barely a sound.
“I thought you were dead,” Miroku told him.
Ryutaro chuckled and walked over to the monk. “What? Some little fire, do me in so easily? I'm offended,” he joked.
Yep, it was definitely him, thought Miroku. The sunlight clearly distinguished all of Ryutaro's features, exposing his face as clear as the day. But nonetheless, Miroku was perplexed. “But, you were still in that area when the beam collapsed. It's impossible that you got past it.”
“Oh, I didn't. I just had to hop out the window.”
“The window?” Miroku repeated in surprise. “I know it was only the second floor, but that was still pretty high up. How did you…?”
“Meh.” Ryutaro shrugged it off. “I've jumped from high places before. No big deal. Although, I must've hit my head or something, cause I just woke up a little while ago in the bushes.”
“I'm impressed,” Miroku admitted. “Not many people I've known have that sort of physical skill.”
“What can I say? I'm gifted.”
“Hey,” Miroku pointed at his shoulder, “Where did that bird come from?”
“Him?” Ryutaro reached up and patted the falcon's head. “This is Ban.”
“Ban?” Miroku raised his eyebrow. “You risked your life for a bird?”
“Not just any bird,” his friend responded indignantly. He stroked Ban's beak. “He's my dear friend, and a great messenger too. Always goes wherever I go. I had left him in the room, so I had to go back and see if I had to unblock the window for him to fly out. Turns out I wasn't a moment too soon.” Ryutaro grinned, but then his expression suddenly turned surprisingly serious. “So, your girls got away safely?”
“Huh?” Miroku was caught off guard. “Oh, yes, they escaped unharmed.”
“Mine too, thankfully.” Ryutaro sighed. “Such a damn shame. Nice girls like that, thrown out into the wild with nowhere to go.” He turned to Miroku. “Do you have any idea what caused the fire?”
Miroku nodded. “It seems it was just an accident after all.”
“That just makes it all the more tragic for them,” said Ryutaro. Miroku was somewhat taken aback by this new, solemn attitude of Ryutaro's. It was a good thing, to be sure, considering the severity of what had happened, but still unexpected. He nodded in agreement. “Poor creatures…” Ryutaro said again.
Miroku made to walk again, down the same way he had been heading. Ryutaro noticed.
“Hey, wait a minute,” he stopped him.
“What is it?” Miroku asked.
“Where are you going now?”
“I have nowhere to go really. I've just been traveling from village to village, stopping off at the occasional…pleasure establishment in between.”
“Sounds like me,” his friend said facetiously, his jocular mood returning.
“But,” Miroku continued, “I had been planning on going to another village after this trip, so that's where I'll look for my next lodgings. With any luck, I'll spot an ominous cloud hanging over the headman's home and he will give me a place to stay.”
Ryutaro knew the whole “dark cloud” business was probably false, but who was he, of all people, to say anything? “And with more luck,” he raised his finger with an idea, “He'll have a group of beautiful daughters that will tend to us.”
“Excuse me, us?” Miroku asked.
His friend exhaled and threw an arm around the monk's shoulder. Ban flapped his wings excitedly. “Yes, us. What, you think I'm gonna let you go a place with pretty ladies and not tag along? You're sadly mistaken, Miroku. Plus, I want to see you in action, you know, see your style.”
“I wasn't aware I had a style,” Miroku replied stiffly, slipping out from under the man's arm.
“Maybe you don't think so, but you certainly do,” Ryutaro insisted. “Don't forget how I heard about you. And now that I've found you, I think I can learn easily how to find dozens of gorgeous girls like you do. Also…” He trailed off and scratched his head.
“Also…what?”
Ryutaro looked down at his feet. “Well, I heard you have been in many battles against armies of youkai and won. Traveling with a man like that is sure to help me get stronger.”
Miroku thought about it. “I wouldn't call them armies. And I had help fighting those youkai as well.”
“Then let me be your help!” Ryutaro said in such a dramatically enthusiastic way that Miroku realized he must make a splendid actor indeed. “Don't get me wrong,” he continued, “I mainly want to go with you just to find some lovely female company. But, if there happen to be any…small encounters along the way, it can't hurt for you to have a helping hand around.”
The monk scratched his chin, and Ryutaro watched, waiting patiently. “You do have a point there,” Miroku conceded. Hmm, maybe he should let this man join him after all, he thought. It might be nice company for whenever he wasn't with Hachi or a woman.
Although, I bet this guy's more of a ladies' man than he's letting on. He may prove to be some competition for me… But, looks like he's coming along no matter what I say.
“Alright,” he raised his head to his mouth and cleared his throat. “You can come with me, Ryutaro.”
“Good,” he replied. “I was going to join you either way though.”
Thought so…
“So,” Ryutaro swung his arms behind his head. “Where to?”
“Well,” Miroku began, glancing around in all directions, determining his locations from the nearby woods and mountains, “I just happened to have started going north, so I guess I was going to continue that way.”
“North?” Ryutaro asked incredulously, his eyes widening.
“Yes, north. Is that bad?”
“Haven't you heard? There's trouble up North. A powerful human clan and a pack of wolf youkai are getting increasingly disgruntled at each other over territory. It could get ugly in the near future.”
“That's odd,” Miroku thought aloud. “I hadn't heard any news that there was conflict in store up North.”
“You must not have been at many informed villages,” Ryutaro said, crossing his arms. “But it's true, trust me. And even if it's not, better to be safe than sorry. I certainly don't want to get caught up in any big battle.”
“But, wouldn't the youkai easily slaughter the clan?”
Ryutaro cocked his head. “I dunno. Either way, it'd be a bloodbath, and that's something I want to avoid.”
Miroku nodded. “Yes, you're right. We should avoid going northwards until things have calmed down. In that case, let's just turn south instead. The villages I've stayed at down there are generally very hospitable, and since I haven't been to many, I won't be recognized.” With that said, Miroku looked ahead. Once again, the path before him split in two. One led north, the other south. He started walking down the latter, and Ryutaro walked at an even pace. Miroku also told him, “Make sure you keep watch for tidings of that area, since it seems you have a better ear for rumors than I do.”
“Will do, captain!” Ryutaro said in an extremely formal manner, stiffly saluting Miroku.
The monk sighed.
Oh boy…I wonder if it's such a good idea to take him along after all.
Ryutaro laughed and they began their journey down the road, amidst the cries of a falcon.
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Meanwhile, in a far away castle…
“Lord Ujio.”
The man on the mat slowly opened his eyes at the sound of his name. He took in a deep breath and then let it out, sighing heavily. Now that he was awake, that all too familiar anxiety and stress came rushing back to cover his heavy heart. He blinked several times to clear the haze from his vision, and the young messenger, suited up in light armor, came into view.
“What is it Seizo?” His gruff voice was tinged with weariness.
The young man came closer and bowed. “My lord, our sentries have noticed those ragged wolf vermin roaming closer and closer to our land. They're mocking us, threatening us. We must take action, my lord. If we do not—”
The lord held up a halting palm and closed his eyes again. “Do not worry, Seizo. I am aware of the situation, and our enemies will not be treated lightly. Our people will be kept safe.” He then slowly rose to his feet, softly groaning, and walked over to Seizo. “I will deal with the matter when it is time. But now, Seizo, leave me be. I have something to attend to…”
“Yes my lord,” Seizo said quietly. He bowed again and remained there until Ujio had left the room. He knew where his master was going. Most of the people in the castle knew the other matter their lord often attended to.
Ujio walked down the deserted corridor. Not many people frequented this area of the castle anymore, except for some maids. The light that shone from outside was lost upon the lord, for he was too long stuck in his darkness. He sighed sorrowfully as he reached the doors at the end of the hall. Carefully, he slid them open and walked inside. No one was in the room. At least, no one who emitted any real signs of being alive. The girl sat by the window, just in front of the slanted shaft of light, leaving her in shadow. She sat there, motionless, uttering not a sound, her eyes downcast. Ujio approached her with slow footsteps, the floor creaking under him. His old eyes looked sadly down at her. She hadn't even acknowledged his presence. Neither of them spoke for a time, and when he did, his voice came out a tender whisper.
“My daughter…”
“……”
She said nothing.
He took a small step forward and leaned down, looking at her.
“Koyuki…”
She looked up, only a little, into his eyes. The dark tresses that framed her beautiful pale face only cast her features into a deeper shade. Her eyes…again they showed the remnants of fresh tears dried up against her delicate cheeks. Ujio felt the daggers striking mercilessly at his heart, wounding him.
And once again, his heart darkened and his blood began to boil…
To be continued…
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Next time:
Miroku and Ryutaro have joined forces in search of female company and fun. Where will their feet lead them, and what awaits them at their destination, wherever it may be? Elsewhere, a lord and his daughter grieve. Who is this mysterious woman with an indefinable sadness? Stay tuned.
My note: Stomach's growling, making it hard to think of what to say here. It seems this chappie was a bit more sad, yes? Especially the end. Well, I did say this would be a more solemon story, more mature themes (but still plenty of lemons ahead, don't worry!) Keep watch for the next chapter of course. And I hope you enjoyed this one too. Summer does make writing harder… Hmm, well, read and review, thanks (and thanks to my reviewers so far). See you next time.
Bird of Youth, Embers of Dawn
“We have to get the people out of there!”
But Ryutaro hadn't heard him. He was already running down the path to the burning building. Miroku swore and rushed after him.
I hope we're not too late…
The two men stopped short at the door, trying to determine if it was safe enough to enter. Miroku rapped forcefully on the wood with his staff until it opened. Lucky for them, the flames downstairs seemed to be less than they had appeared from outside. Probably because the flames hadn't been burning for too long. They hurried to the entrance hall and saw a number of guests streaming down the stairs and out the front door, including the Madame, some guests and their female attendants. The youkai girls, naturally, seemed to be having a much easier time fleeing than the humans.
Ryutaro broke away from the monk's side towards the stairs, once the flow of evacuees has slowed. “Ban!” He cried out.
“H-Hey!” Miroku shouted, “What are you doing? It's not safe to go up there. Ryutaro, stop!”
But his new friend had already disappeared to the second floor. Miroku looked around in frustration, deciding to trust Ryutaro to come back safely. Meanwhile, he'd see if anyone else needed his help getting out. He glanced around the room. Nobody was coming. Everyone must have gotten out safely, he thought, besides that friend that Ryutaro had gone up to help.
“Actually, I should probably go check on him” he said to himself. Miroku dashed over to the steps and looked up, covering his nose with his sleeve. He took a deep breath and plunged forward through the smoke, charging up the stairs. Entering the hallway, he started looking for Ryutaro, calling out his name to try to find him. As he rounded a corner, however, he gasped into his sleeve. Beneath a wooden beam that had apparently collapsed from the ceiling, Taka and Emiko lay struggling to get free, coughing violently from the surrounding smoke.
Taka looked up and squinted, recognition spreading on her face. “S-Sir Monk…!” She choked out. “You…you must go, before it's too late…” The girls burst into another fit of coughing.
Miroku rushed forward without hesitation and gripped the beam firmly, forcing himself to ignore the searing heat of the wood. “What are you talking about? Don't move!” He told them. “I've got to get this off you!” Bracing himself, he let out a groan and slowly lifted the beam. He was sweating terribly, both from the fire and now from this exertion. “Quickly, go!” He said once he had managed to remove the wood from their backs. The girls nodded and thanked him and scurried out from their entrapment. “Go outside and get far away from the building,” he said, and they rushed back down the stairs to the entrance. Miroku sighed heavily and let the beam drop on the floor with a thud. He glanced up and noticed that a few of the torches that had hung on the wall had collapsed on the ground in close proximity to one another.
That must have been what caused the fire! Damn it.
He hopped to his feet and went to follow the pair when he remembered that Ryutaro hadn't yet returned from trying to get his friend. Miroku quickly made his way to the section of the hall where Ryutaro had disappeared to before and called out his name. No answer. He shouted again. No answer. Suddenly, he heard a resounding cracking sound just above his head, and a burning chunk of the roof came rushing down towards him. Miroku jumped back at the last second, watching as it crashed in front of him.
“Damn!” He burst out, feeling the fumes starting to get to him. Worried, he cleared his throat and called as loudly as he could. “Ryutaro! RYUTARO!” He cursed when he again received no response, but there was no time left now. He had to get out of the building before it was too late. Miroku turned sharply, squatting down under the smoke, and moved down the hall to the flight of stairs. However, he realized that he had stayed in the building too long. His lungs were too filled with smog, and everything around him was starting to spin. Miroku let out a gasp for air and felt himself tumbling to the ground at the foot of the stairs, and then it was black…
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R 20;……Nnngghh…”
“He's coming to!”
The several people that had gathered around the monk watched his eyelids slowly open, until it appeared he was finally awake.
“What…what happened? Where am I?” Miroku asked. He squinted as the bright sunlight flooded his vision.
“Just outside the Komoko House,” someone replied. “Or what's left of it, anyway.”
Miroku took a breath of fresh, clean air and sat up, seeing some of the guests and hostesses from last night circled around him. He looked around and caught sight of the ruins of the building, still newly charred. He stood up carefully and tried to gather his thoughts. They could see he was confused.
“Taka told us all about it. You saved her and Emiko from the fire and they were able to make it out. But when you didn't come out yourself, they got worried and insisted on going back to save you, despite how little chance there was. Luckily, they found you just inside, collapsed and unconscious at the foot of the stairs. They were able to drag you out in time.”
Miroku looked around him after the person was done explaining, still a bit dizzy. The crowd around his dispersed, giving him room to get his bearings.
“Sir Monk…”
He turned to the voice at his ear. Taka and Emiko were clutching each other, quivering, dirty smudged onto their clothes and faces. They had several small cuts on their arms and legs. Kikuyu and Mai were there too, wearing solemn expressions.
“What is it?” He asked.
“Thank you for saving us,” she said, lowering her gaze to his feet.
“No,” he said, “I should be thanking you.” He gazed at the rubble, then suddenly remembered: Ryutaro had still been inside. Miroku closed his eyes and said a silent prayer for his new, yet late unfortunate friend. After he finished, he turned to Taka again, noticing she was upset.
He lightly rested a hand on her shoulder. “Besides, it's not like I'd ever stand by and let a woman die right in front of me.” She smiled at that. Miroku looked back towards the burned ruins of the late Komoko House. “So…what will you do?” He asked quietly.
“I don't know…” she answered sadly. “This has been our home for such a long time, ever since we began our training. It's all we had. But now…” She broke off, obviously shaken.
Miroku felt for her. “I would take you along with me if I could,” he said, half out of sincerity, half out of feeling it was necessary to say. “But, you'd hardly be better off. I rarely have any money and have to work hard to get by.” And that was the truth, usually. “You wouldn't do well with me.”
“I know,” she nodded. “We will just have to trust in our luck and in the gods.” Then, as the crowd began to part in separate directions, the girls also turned and started walking down a path.
“Good luck,” Miroku called to them. “I'm sure you girls can find somewhere to stay soon enough.”
They turned around. “Thank you,” Taka said. “I wish you luck as well, Sir Monk, wherever your feet may lead you. Farewell.”
Miroku watched them slowly disappear into the distance and felt a tinge of regret. Not only regret for the poor girls, whose fates had now been cast into the uncertain winds of the future, but also for himself. For he knew that as nice as they had been, and how much he had enjoyed spending time with them, those girls, like the others, would soon become part of that nameless, faceless woman he always saw but couldn't quite understand. But for now, he hoped their futures would not be so bleak, and that they could find some happiness.
“Farewell,” he muttered, and they were gone. He gazed at the demolished building, then turned back to start off on one of the paths, one down which several of the guests had already vanished.
“And farewell to you too, Ryutaro.” He sighed and walked down the road, once again leaving a brothel behind him, albeit a destroyed one. He dragged his staff along the ground next to him and used his other arm to shield his eyes from the bright morning sun. “Too bad I didn't have more time to get to know you better, Ryutaro… Rest in peace, you and your friend. Wait, what was his name again…?” He asked himself. “I know he said it. It was…it was…”
“Ban.”
Miroku's eyes arched and he swiveled his head from left to right, thinking he was hearing things. There was nothing there. That voice, that couldn't have been…
“Over here.”
He looked off to the side of the road. He still didn't see anyone, but looking up a little, he saw the man standing steadily on a tree branch, looking plenty relaxed.
“Ryutaro?” He asked curiously.
“Yep, it's me,” he said. Miroku noticed an average sized falcon perched on Ryutaro's shoulder, craning its neck in different directions. Ryutaro braced himself and then deftly jumped down to the ground, landing with barely a sound.
“I thought you were dead,” Miroku told him.
Ryutaro chuckled and walked over to the monk. “What? Some little fire, do me in so easily? I'm offended,” he joked.
Yep, it was definitely him, thought Miroku. The sunlight clearly distinguished all of Ryutaro's features, exposing his face as clear as the day. But nonetheless, Miroku was perplexed. “But, you were still in that area when the beam collapsed. It's impossible that you got past it.”
“Oh, I didn't. I just had to hop out the window.”
“The window?” Miroku repeated in surprise. “I know it was only the second floor, but that was still pretty high up. How did you…?”
“Meh.” Ryutaro shrugged it off. “I've jumped from high places before. No big deal. Although, I must've hit my head or something, cause I just woke up a little while ago in the bushes.”
“I'm impressed,” Miroku admitted. “Not many people I've known have that sort of physical skill.”
“What can I say? I'm gifted.”
“Hey,” Miroku pointed at his shoulder, “Where did that bird come from?”
“Him?” Ryutaro reached up and patted the falcon's head. “This is Ban.”
“Ban?” Miroku raised his eyebrow. “You risked your life for a bird?”
“Not just any bird,” his friend responded indignantly. He stroked Ban's beak. “He's my dear friend, and a great messenger too. Always goes wherever I go. I had left him in the room, so I had to go back and see if I had to unblock the window for him to fly out. Turns out I wasn't a moment too soon.” Ryutaro grinned, but then his expression suddenly turned surprisingly serious. “So, your girls got away safely?”
“Huh?” Miroku was caught off guard. “Oh, yes, they escaped unharmed.”
“Mine too, thankfully.” Ryutaro sighed. “Such a damn shame. Nice girls like that, thrown out into the wild with nowhere to go.” He turned to Miroku. “Do you have any idea what caused the fire?”
Miroku nodded. “It seems it was just an accident after all.”
“That just makes it all the more tragic for them,” said Ryutaro. Miroku was somewhat taken aback by this new, solemn attitude of Ryutaro's. It was a good thing, to be sure, considering the severity of what had happened, but still unexpected. He nodded in agreement. “Poor creatures…” Ryutaro said again.
Miroku made to walk again, down the same way he had been heading. Ryutaro noticed.
“Hey, wait a minute,” he stopped him.
“What is it?” Miroku asked.
“Where are you going now?”
“I have nowhere to go really. I've just been traveling from village to village, stopping off at the occasional…pleasure establishment in between.”
“Sounds like me,” his friend said facetiously, his jocular mood returning.
“But,” Miroku continued, “I had been planning on going to another village after this trip, so that's where I'll look for my next lodgings. With any luck, I'll spot an ominous cloud hanging over the headman's home and he will give me a place to stay.”
Ryutaro knew the whole “dark cloud” business was probably false, but who was he, of all people, to say anything? “And with more luck,” he raised his finger with an idea, “He'll have a group of beautiful daughters that will tend to us.”
“Excuse me, us?” Miroku asked.
His friend exhaled and threw an arm around the monk's shoulder. Ban flapped his wings excitedly. “Yes, us. What, you think I'm gonna let you go a place with pretty ladies and not tag along? You're sadly mistaken, Miroku. Plus, I want to see you in action, you know, see your style.”
“I wasn't aware I had a style,” Miroku replied stiffly, slipping out from under the man's arm.
“Maybe you don't think so, but you certainly do,” Ryutaro insisted. “Don't forget how I heard about you. And now that I've found you, I think I can learn easily how to find dozens of gorgeous girls like you do. Also…” He trailed off and scratched his head.
“Also…what?”
Ryutaro looked down at his feet. “Well, I heard you have been in many battles against armies of youkai and won. Traveling with a man like that is sure to help me get stronger.”
Miroku thought about it. “I wouldn't call them armies. And I had help fighting those youkai as well.”
“Then let me be your help!” Ryutaro said in such a dramatically enthusiastic way that Miroku realized he must make a splendid actor indeed. “Don't get me wrong,” he continued, “I mainly want to go with you just to find some lovely female company. But, if there happen to be any…small encounters along the way, it can't hurt for you to have a helping hand around.”
The monk scratched his chin, and Ryutaro watched, waiting patiently. “You do have a point there,” Miroku conceded. Hmm, maybe he should let this man join him after all, he thought. It might be nice company for whenever he wasn't with Hachi or a woman.
Although, I bet this guy's more of a ladies' man than he's letting on. He may prove to be some competition for me… But, looks like he's coming along no matter what I say.
“Alright,” he raised his head to his mouth and cleared his throat. “You can come with me, Ryutaro.”
“Good,” he replied. “I was going to join you either way though.”
Thought so…
“So,” Ryutaro swung his arms behind his head. “Where to?”
“Well,” Miroku began, glancing around in all directions, determining his locations from the nearby woods and mountains, “I just happened to have started going north, so I guess I was going to continue that way.”
“North?” Ryutaro asked incredulously, his eyes widening.
“Yes, north. Is that bad?”
“Haven't you heard? There's trouble up North. A powerful human clan and a pack of wolf youkai are getting increasingly disgruntled at each other over territory. It could get ugly in the near future.”
“That's odd,” Miroku thought aloud. “I hadn't heard any news that there was conflict in store up North.”
“You must not have been at many informed villages,” Ryutaro said, crossing his arms. “But it's true, trust me. And even if it's not, better to be safe than sorry. I certainly don't want to get caught up in any big battle.”
“But, wouldn't the youkai easily slaughter the clan?”
Ryutaro cocked his head. “I dunno. Either way, it'd be a bloodbath, and that's something I want to avoid.”
Miroku nodded. “Yes, you're right. We should avoid going northwards until things have calmed down. In that case, let's just turn south instead. The villages I've stayed at down there are generally very hospitable, and since I haven't been to many, I won't be recognized.” With that said, Miroku looked ahead. Once again, the path before him split in two. One led north, the other south. He started walking down the latter, and Ryutaro walked at an even pace. Miroku also told him, “Make sure you keep watch for tidings of that area, since it seems you have a better ear for rumors than I do.”
“Will do, captain!” Ryutaro said in an extremely formal manner, stiffly saluting Miroku.
The monk sighed.
Oh boy…I wonder if it's such a good idea to take him along after all.
Ryutaro laughed and they began their journey down the road, amidst the cries of a falcon.
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Meanwhile, in a far away castle…
“Lord Ujio.”
The man on the mat slowly opened his eyes at the sound of his name. He took in a deep breath and then let it out, sighing heavily. Now that he was awake, that all too familiar anxiety and stress came rushing back to cover his heavy heart. He blinked several times to clear the haze from his vision, and the young messenger, suited up in light armor, came into view.
“What is it Seizo?” His gruff voice was tinged with weariness.
The young man came closer and bowed. “My lord, our sentries have noticed those ragged wolf vermin roaming closer and closer to our land. They're mocking us, threatening us. We must take action, my lord. If we do not—”
The lord held up a halting palm and closed his eyes again. “Do not worry, Seizo. I am aware of the situation, and our enemies will not be treated lightly. Our people will be kept safe.” He then slowly rose to his feet, softly groaning, and walked over to Seizo. “I will deal with the matter when it is time. But now, Seizo, leave me be. I have something to attend to…”
“Yes my lord,” Seizo said quietly. He bowed again and remained there until Ujio had left the room. He knew where his master was going. Most of the people in the castle knew the other matter their lord often attended to.
Ujio walked down the deserted corridor. Not many people frequented this area of the castle anymore, except for some maids. The light that shone from outside was lost upon the lord, for he was too long stuck in his darkness. He sighed sorrowfully as he reached the doors at the end of the hall. Carefully, he slid them open and walked inside. No one was in the room. At least, no one who emitted any real signs of being alive. The girl sat by the window, just in front of the slanted shaft of light, leaving her in shadow. She sat there, motionless, uttering not a sound, her eyes downcast. Ujio approached her with slow footsteps, the floor creaking under him. His old eyes looked sadly down at her. She hadn't even acknowledged his presence. Neither of them spoke for a time, and when he did, his voice came out a tender whisper.
“My daughter…”
“……”
She said nothing.
He took a small step forward and leaned down, looking at her.
“Koyuki…”
She looked up, only a little, into his eyes. The dark tresses that framed her beautiful pale face only cast her features into a deeper shade. Her eyes…again they showed the remnants of fresh tears dried up against her delicate cheeks. Ujio felt the daggers striking mercilessly at his heart, wounding him.
And once again, his heart darkened and his blood began to boil…
To be continued…
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Next time:
Miroku and Ryutaro have joined forces in search of female company and fun. Where will their feet lead them, and what awaits them at their destination, wherever it may be? Elsewhere, a lord and his daughter grieve. Who is this mysterious woman with an indefinable sadness? Stay tuned.
My note: Stomach's growling, making it hard to think of what to say here. It seems this chappie was a bit more sad, yes? Especially the end. Well, I did say this would be a more solemon story, more mature themes (but still plenty of lemons ahead, don't worry!) Keep watch for the next chapter of course. And I hope you enjoyed this one too. Summer does make writing harder… Hmm, well, read and review, thanks (and thanks to my reviewers so far). See you next time.