Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction ❯ Balineses Orchid ❯ Crawford ( Chapter 10 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: saturnssavior 
Anime/Manga: Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 10.11.2004 | Pages: 5 | Words: 5.4K | Visits: 409 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 10.11.2004 | Pages: 5 | Words: 5.4K | Visits: 409 | Status: Completed
Balineses Orchid
by Seven7
saturnssavior@netscape.net
Disclaimer: See Chapter One
Balineses Orchid
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Chapter 10
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Cont. from before...
"There you are you two! I've been looking for you both everywhere you're up next! Go get ready HURRY!" Manx shooed Aya and Yohji into the designated dressing room.
Aya grabbed Yohjis arm and pulled him into the room and handed him his spare sword. "Take this sword I'll use my usual one."
"But how are we going to pull this off? We don't have a routine and I don't want to hurt you on accident." Yohji said taking the sword Aya was handing him.
"You won't." Aya said confidently. "Now you do know kendo right?" He asked seriously.
Yohji nodded.
"Good here's what were going to do. First I'll start off with a Hi Ryu Sen and you'll counter with a Ryu Kan Sen alright?"
Yohji nodded again.
"Good. During Your attack I'll dodge and follow up with a Sou Ryu Sen which you'll counter with a Ryu Tsui Sen got it?"
Yohji nodded some more.
"Very good. Lastly after I dodge your next attack I'll counter yours with a Ryu Shou Sen which you'll counter with a Ryu Sou Sen Garami understood?"
Yohji nodded once more.
"Good. Any questions?"
Yohji nodded.
"What?"
"Could you repeat that. I got lost after Hi Ryu Sen."
Aya opened his mouth to chew Yohji out when Manx yelled at them to hurry up.
"Never mind just follow my lead and try not to take my head okay?"
Yohji nodded.
"Okay let's go."
"Aya wait!"
"What Yohji?"
Yohji hesitated, "I don't want to go out there without a...a costume or something. Many of the house workers will recognize me if I got out there just like this. Not to mention Heero will see me."
Aya regarded his lover and looked around the room. He spotted what he needed laying on a chair three feet away from Yohji.
"Look we'll use that to cover our faces." Aya pointed out to the masks laying on a chair. "You put on the devil mask and I'll put on the demon mask. It's long enough to cover our face and hair and the holes for our eyes is large enough to let us see clearly."
Aya walked over to the chair and picked up both masks. He handed the devil looking mask to Yohji who took it form him. "With this on no one will recognize you so long as you don't speak."
"I guess that will work." Yohji said turning the mask around in his hands to look at it from all angles. He watched Aya slip the mask over his head and tie the back with the ribbons attached so it doesn't fall off.
"How do I look?" Aya dropped his hands and stood straight in front of Yohji.
"Completely edible" Yohji licked his lips as he gazed at his lover.
"What?"
"I said completely unidentifiable."
"hn" Aya glared at him through the mask.
"Oh we better hurry before your mother comes in and drags us out there." Yohji rushed slipping on his mask and tying the ribbons in the back. He grabbed his sword and grabbed Ayas arm heading for the stage.
"Hurry up you two! The crowd is getting restless!" Manx came up behind them and shoved them up on stage. Yohji stood in the middle of the stage and looked out to the crowd. Seeing all the people sitting there eagerly awaiting to see him perform was...exhilerating to say the least. Sure he's been the center of attention at all the party's he's attended but never something like this.
Behind him Aya was getting in position and was trying to get Yohjis attention. "Yohji!" he whispered loudly.
Yohji shook his head and went to stand opposite Aya. He took in Ayas stance and immediately began to recall all the moves he's supposed to use. He shifted his feet in to the proper stance and closed his eyes. Yohji swung the blade of his sword around getting a feel for the weight and looking for the right rhythm of the katana.
Silence spread throughout the room, everyone watching in anticipation as the two performers on stage faced each other.
Yohji opened his eyes as he began getting used to the feel of the sword. Aya had not moved his position, he stood there waiting and studying his opponent. He could see Yohjis hand caress the hilt of the sword. He pictured that hand caressing something similarly long, thick and firm...
Aya blinked back into focus as Yohji was finally getting in to position. They stood there facing each other for a few seconds. Just studying each others posture and breathing, waiting for the right moment to begin.
Someone in the audience shifted slightly in their seat; their movement minute but both Yohji and Aya saw it clearly and took that as the sign to start.
Aya rushed forward towards Yohji, his hand pulling the sword from the sheath at his waist. He swung the blade in a sweeping motion at Yohjis waist level. Yohji jumped back and spun around backwards to end up behind the rushing Aya. His sword swung around to strike Aya behind his neck.
Aya ducked under Yohjis arm and spun backwards using his momentum to swing the scabbard of his sword around and strike Yohji square in the back.
The audience gasped as the tallest of the swordsmen was struck from behind. Their eyes never wavering from the performance.
Yohji winced as the scabbard struck him across his lower back and spine. He moved quickly to avoid the sword swung in the same sweep as its scabbard. Yohji stood away from his lover as he studied him. Ayas breathing was a bit ragged as if he exerted himself too much. Yohjis own breathing was harsh and rapid. Sweat dripped from his hair under his mask and ran down the side of his face. His lower back burning from where he was struck.
Aya watched as Yohji stood there staring at him. He never believed that Yohji was this good with a sword. Just watching the tall lanky blond swing the blade around like it was a limb of his made all the blood in Ayas body rush to his head and his uh-hum....lower head. He's never seen anything so sexy as he did with Yohji holding the katana. Just thinking how firm and steady those hands had to be to handle the blade that well, left him using his imagination and his uh-hum...in place of the katana.
Even under the mask Yohji could see Ayas blush from way over here. You have got to love the mans coloring! It just made it too easy!
He watched as his lover shook his head trying to rid himself of all those little naughty thoughts that danced in his head. Yohji once again became focused as did his lover and soon the match continued again. Both rushing towards each other at a dangerous speed.
%%%
Same Night-Somewhere in Japan
Rain. Pouring rain. Thunderous pouring rain. Monstrous thunderous pouring rain. Diabolically monstrous thunderous pouring rain. Unending diabolically monstrous thunderous-
"Curse this heathious rain and everything above it!"
Crawfords mental ramblings were cut short by the fiftieth curse from Lord Eiri. For the past four hours they've been stranded here under the remains of an old Buddhist temple long ago abandoned and long since forgotten. Both soaking wet, cold, tired, hungry and completely miserable, not to mention at each others throats.
"Curse this...this...HORRENDOUS weather!" Lord Eiri screamed out waving his arm around as if to swipe at the falling drops.
Crawford watched as the taller man cursed continuously under his breath. Lord Eiri stood a few feet away from Brad. Only as far as the remains of the temple would provide shelter with. He stood there cursing and mumbling incoherently, every so often waving his hand around. His fingers holding a small cylinder shaped item that burns. Between every two to three curses Eiri would bring the little cylinder thing up to his lips and gently sucked on it later exhaling his smoky breath. Brad shivered as he watched the smoke being exhaled from between those rosy tinted lips, tongue sweeping out to wet those lips every time he exhaled.
Brad shivered again as he realized his train of thought. It has to be the lack of food and warmth that's finally gotten to his head. It has to be.
The flick of the cigarette landing in the mud brought Brad to look up to Eiri as the taller man was readying his horse for mounting.
"Are we leaving now?" Brad asked in surprise as he watched Eiri mount his steed.
"Unless you feel like sleeping here all night doctor I suggest we leave and find shelter elsewhere." Eiri fixed himself astride and prepared to set off.
"Wait! I'm coming!" Brad rushed off to grab the reins to his horse and mounted the animal in record time just as Eiri set off in trot. Brad took off and caught up to him, soon both men were riding off in the pouring rain. Sunset was hidden from the dark clouds of rain and only the size of the shadows could tell what time of day it was. Lightening electrified the sky and veins of blue light illuminated the darkness from the clouds. Roaring thunder echoed from everywhere like a mighty lion announcing it's position as king. With every flash of lightening and every roar of thunder the rain just fell down in sheets that seemed to get thicker every time.
Soon nothing but darkness surrounded them as they continued down the muddy road. The blue veins in the sky as the only source of light. Every breath was seen in the bitter cold, numbness came after all the stiffening pain in their joints from the freezing water. Hunger was no longer aching in the pits of their stomachs and sleep was forbidden for fear of never waking up again.
Brad could no longer shiver, everything was just too cold and too numb. He was sure 'hypothermia' was setting in and if they didn't get warm soon 'shock' would be their mighty downfall. Not to mention getting frost bite and losing a limb if they did manage to survive.
He looked ahead of him and saw his companion slumped in his seat. Looks like Lord Eiri was also suffering from the same ailments, his breath also visible from the frosty temperature. If only Lord Yohji had not run away from home neither of them would have been caught trekking in this horrible weather looking for him!
Brad sighed raggedly, his breath showing in a cloud of white. No it's not fair to blame Lord Yohji for this. He never asked to be sick, he never asked to have a poor unhealthy body give up. And he certainly never asked him, Crawford, to come looking for him. It's his and Lord Eiris fault that they're out here looking for him. Not Yohjis, not entirely.
A rather large and close lightening strike startled Brad from his thoughts, it also startled his horse who seemed willing to throw him off right now.
"Whoa settle down Oracle it's alright. Shhh...it's okay just relax." Brad whispered soothingly to his horse as he petted the large animals mane.
"What's going on?" Eiri asked as he trotted back to Crawford.
"The lightening startled Oracle for a bit, but he's alright now. We really need to find shelter soon, my body's becoming feverish as I'm sure yours is as well. The horses also need the rest and warmth not to mention food if we're to continue searching." Brad stated matter of fact. Hope hiding behind his gray eyes.
"I know, Kumagoru here is faltering in his steps and I could use a hot drink right about now." Eiri said.
Crawford raised a brow. "You named your horse 'Mr.bear'?"
Eiri growled, "I didn't name him Shuichi did!" He would have blushed from embarrassment if he wasn't so cold.
Brad started to chuckle when lightening struck again close by startling both Oracle and Kumagoru.
Both men having to soothe their horses to keep from being thrown off into the mud.
"Lets hurry up and keep moving. There's a village about a quarter of a mile from here. We should be able to find shelter there if we hurry." Eiri said turning his horse around.
Brad agreed and they both took off slowly but with less tension than before. They continued until the gates of the village came into view. With their destination in sight both rider and horse rode with more vigor and desperation. Just as they strode through the gates they could hear yelling and the sounds of crashing wood and the roar of thunder. They rode until they reached where the sounds of all the commotion was coming from.
An inn had been struck by lightening and the force of the rain had brought the place crumbling down. Villagers were gathered around pulling people out of the remains, some women were crying about their husbands being buried under the ruins.
"What's going on?" Eiri demanded, dismounting Kumagoru. He walked over to the villagers studying the mess.
One of the villagers looked at Eiri as he approached them and seemed to understand that this person was of higher nobility. "My lord, lightening had struck this shabby inn. The force was strong enough to send it crashing upon the heads of everyone inside. We managed to get most everyone out of the remains but there are still a few people buried in beneath all the wood. Many of the large pieces of wood are too heavy for us to lift. We don't have any large animals to help us pull the wood off and even if we did the wood would probably collapse worse and crush the few people still buried." The man said as he watched a young boy be pulled out from underneath a wooden beam.
"How many people were in the structure before it collapsed?" Crawford asked as he appeared behind the man.
"There were fourteen people in the Inn, we managed to pull out nine..no ten people" The man said as he pointed out another villager being pulled out of the remains.
"So there's still four people buried underneath the mess." Eiri said.
The man nodded.
"We need to get them out of there." Brad said taking in the ruins of the inn.
"Get the horses doctor while I try to see how we're to pull this off." Eiri said. Brad hurried grabbing the reins to both horses and Eiri studied the wood beams.
"If we pull this beam the others will fall and crush the people still inside. We need to find a way to get them out without these things falling." Eiri said walking around the trembling structure.
"We can tie the beams to the horses and have them stand apart. If those beams fall at least they won't fall all at once, giving us a chance to escape."
"Kind of what I had in mind" Eiri said. He walked over to Brad and took Kumagorus reins. "Take your horse over to that beam and we'll tie them up." Eiri pointed to a large beam across from him.
Brad walked over pulling Oracle with him.
"Sir do you have any rope we could use?" Eiri asked the villager.
"yes" the man hurried off and returned with several lengths of rope.
First they tied Kumagoru then they tied Oracle to the beams and had them stand far apart. They extended the rope to its length so that if the beams fall they won't fall all at once and not in the same direction.
"Okay the beams are tied up how do we get the people out?" Brad asked Eiri.
"Someone's going to have to crawl in there and pull them out."
"I'll do it" Brad said.
Eiri turned to the doctor in surprise. "You? I never knew you had it in you."
"Neither did I" Brad said staring straight into the mess.
Brad headed to the edge of the remains and looked around for a way in. He crawled around on all fours getting soaked with mud as he carefully looked for an opening. He found a small gap just beneath the unsteady structure. "I found a way in!"
"See if anyone is still alive before you risk your neck!" Eiri yelled as Brad crawled in head first.
"Is anyone still alive in here?" Brad called out.
A few moans were heard but nothing else.
Brad patted his hand out searching for anything resembling human, he felt a hand and gently pulled on it. The owner of the hand grabbed his in return, together the held strong as the victim slowly crawled out with Brads help.
"One down three to go!" Brad yelled as he crawled back in.
Eiri watched as the good doctor pulled out another victim. Seems like the doc's got a few surprises under his belt so to speak. Eiri shook his head as a small smirk lifted the edge of his lips.
"Two more left!"
Eiri kept a careful eye on the beams making sure they didn't fall on the doctor.
"One left!"
Brad crawled in again searching for the last victim. He patted in front but found nothing. He crawled in deeper.
"Hurry up doctor these beams won't hold out forever!" Eiri yelled out to Brad as he crawled in deep enough that only his feet were showing.
Brad searched frantically for the last victim. He held his breath listening intently for any sign of the last victim being alive. A very low moan was all he heard, but it was enough. He reached out to where he heard the moan and felt cloth. He pulled on it and the moan got louder. "Hey there if you can hear me grab my hand if you can." Brad said trying to get a response other than a moan.
The victim stirred slightly, he fumbled around until he found the hand that was pulling on his clothes. "h-help..."
"That's what I'm trying to do" Brad answered softly still pulling gently. "give me a firmer grip and I'll get you out."
"Hurry up doctor these beams are starting to shift!" Eiri yelled out to him.
Brad gripped the victim's hand tight and pulled with all the force he had, praying that he didn't hurt the man worse. The victim moaned out but was pushing for all he was worth.
"I need help I can't pull him out on my own!" Brad yelled.
The surrounding villagers grabbed Crawfords feet and pulled him out. As soon as the victim was visible two men grabbed him from Brad and pulled him the rest of the way out. As soon as they pulled both men out the beams starting creaking and falling forward.
"Now!" Eiri yelled. He quickly cut the rope tied to Kumagoru as the first villager cut the rope to Oracle. The beams fell in a loud crash, everyone stared as the rest of the remains of the inn fell to the ground. Most were shocked that they had all survived.
Brad sat there stunned as he watched the wood fall and crush everything underneath it. He didn't know he was that close to being killed himself. If only those beams had fallen just a second earlier...
"Thank you so much for saving my husband!" A woman cried out as she rushed to Crawford and hugged him with all her might. Crawford huffed as the women knocked most of the air out of his body.
"Minami let the poor man go he's starting to turn blue" one of the villagers said.
Minami let go to Crawford and rushed back to her husband.
"Hey you're a doctor right?" A villager asked.
Brad nodded still trying to regain his breath.
"This man needs help he's hurt pretty bad."
Brad got up and shuffled over to the villager and victim. As he approached them he could see the victim was the last man he pulled out.
"He's not responding doctor." the villager said.
Brad kneeled down and felt the mans neck for a pulse.
"He's fine, he's just shaken up. Laying here in the mud's not going to help him though." Brad frowned as he felt the temperature of the man. It was rather warm, that or his fingers were really cold.
"Is there a place we can get out of the rain?" Eiri asked the first villager.
"Yes please follow me." The man said, "and please call me Howard."
Eiri nodded.
"Hey Aizawa bring that gaijin in will you, and let the good doctor have a look at him."
Brad watched as Aizawa lifted the victim into his arms and carry the man inside. Lightening struck again but further away this time. The rain was starting to thin out a bit and people were huddling inside Howard's Inn.
"Lord Yohji please be alright." He prayed out loud. Hoping to all gods that Yohji not be caught in the rain all alone and suffering. "Please be alright."
"Hey doc are you gonna stand there all night long?" Howard hollered at him.
"I'm coming!" Brad ran inside into the warmth.
%%%
One point each that's what they had.
Yohji faced off Aya once again, he rushed to the left and swept his arm out to attack him on the side using the Sou Ryu Sen.
Aya countered using his scabbard as a shield and made a stab for Yohjis midsection. Yohji dodged barely.
Aya scuffled forward and using his scabbard, swung backwards and struck Yohji on his lower left side. An 'OOF' was all he heard before Yohji fell onto his knee and dropped his sword. The audience went crazy as Aya sheathed his sword and bowed. He'd won the match and the people loved it.
Yohji stood up feebly and bowed slowly. He grabbed his sword and made his way off stage, Aya following behind him. As soon as he cleared the dressing room door he doubled forward clutching his side.
"Yohji!" Aya caught Yohji as he fell forward. Cradling the older man, Aya dragged him to the chair next to him and sat Yohji down.
"Yohji do you need anything? Your pills? A blanket?" Aya asked worriedly.
Yohji rocked back and fourth breathing in gasps. He closed his eyes in pain and tried to concentrate on slowing his breathing.
"p-pills" He sputtered out.
Aya quickly grabbed the bottle of pills and poured out two for Yohji. Grabbing the jug of milk, he placed the pills in Yohjis mouth and placed the lip of the milk jug to Yohjis lips. Yohji barely opened his mouth and let Aya pour the milk down his burning throat. Swallowing slowly, Yohji drank all the milk and the pills.
"Yohji I'm sorry it was me wasn't it? I hit you too hard didn't I?" Aya apologized. Kneeling in front of his lover brushing the bangs out of the mans eyes.
Yohji smiled weakly at him before gasping in pain again. "n-need t-to l-lie d-down" He said brokenly.
Aya stood up, he reached down and grabbed Yohji in his arms. He gently lifted the man and carried him back into their reserved bedroom. He placed Yohji onto the soft futon and pulled the covers over him. He watched as Yohjis breath slowed then evened out as he fell asleep. His face was ashen pale and his brows were still furrowed in pain. Aya laid down behind him and spooned up to him. He rubbed Yohjis shoulder and arms before settling to wrap his arm around Yohjis waist.
"I love you Yohji" He whispered before succumbing to exhausted sleep.
%%%
Omi waited as the guests left the room after the performance. He watched as everyone filed out of the room. He waited for the one person who could help him.
As soon as the room was empty Omi poked his head in and took a look around. Sure enough there was he was talking to his mom and dad. He watched as they talked, laughed and finally bowed before taking their leave. He waited.
As soon as his parents left Omi walked in calmly.
"Lord Duo" Omi called out.
Duo turned to face him. "Oy hey you're the kid who threw darts huh? You're pretty good." Duo smiled at the blushing boy.
"Thank you sir, I...um..could I speak to you alone please?" Omi asked hesitantly.
"Sure, we can talk now. Heero's gone outside to check the weather." Duo said, he sat down on his love couch.
"Thank you sir" Omi began. He inched forward and took a deep breath. "I came here seeking your help."
Duo nodded, "I'm listening" he said.
"Well you see it has something to do with Yohjisan"
%%%
Aya awoke to the trembling underneath his arm. He looked at Yohji, he was trembling with the cold that settled in the room. Lifting the covers, Aya crawled in next to Yohji and covered them both up.
"S-So cold" Yohji mumbled sleepily.
"I'm here love, get some sleep" Aya said kissing Yohjis ear. Yohji snuggled up closer to Aya who wrapped his arms around him for warmth. Yohjis trembling eased a little.
"Get some sleep love, don't worry I'll wake you up tomorrow I promise." Aya whispered. Yohji yawned and settled in. Moments later he was sound asleep.
%%%
Anger. If there was any indication that Lord Duo was angry all you need to do is look at his fisted hands and you'd find your answer.
"So you see I need your help in finding a good doctor for him. Please Lord Duo I'll do anything it takes to save him. If it makes Aya happy I'll do anything." Omi pleaded. Tears gathered in his eyes as he retold all he'd heard earlier that night while spying on Aya and Yohji.
Duo looked at the young boy and his anger dissipated slowly at the sight of the unshed tears in the youths eyes.
"Don't worry Omi." He said, "I have good connections, I'll find the best doctor for Yohji. I promise." Duo said easing the worry from the smaller boy.
Omi released the breath he didn't know he was holding. "I'll pay you back any way I can Lord Duo I'll-"
"Don't worry about it." Duo cut him off with a wave of his hand. He stood up and walked over to the smaller boy. He placed a soothing hand on the kids shoulder. "I think it's noble what you're doing for your family. I have a brother that I love to death and I'd do the same thing too if I was in your position. So don't worry I'll take care of everything." Duo smiled.
Omi smiled back and bowed gratefully.
"Now come on I think you and I have a few letters to write." Duo said leading the boy over to the door.
"Letters sir?"
"Yeah, my brother is in China right now and the doctor I want to come and see Yohji just happens to be in China as well, so I have to send a letter to him informing him of our friends situation."
"You need me for this sir?"
"Yup you see when it comes to writing letters to Wufei I never seem to be able to stay on the topic."
"Oh"
"Now come on kid I've got just a little time before Heero finds me." Duo shivered.
Omi just blinked at him.
%%%%%
tsuzuku...
Please feed hungry kitties!!
The techniques terms I used above are actually terms from the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu from Rurouni Kensin.
Hi Ryu Sen- launching the sword from the scabbard at quick speed.
Ryu Kan Sen- counter attack move, swinging the sword around in a backwards sweep aiming for the opponents neck.
Sou Ryu Sen- a double Hi Ryu Sen, first attack with the sword followed by second attack with the scabbard in the same momentum.
Ryu Tsui Sen- a slashing attack from above
Ryu Shou Sen- a counter attack from any attacks from above
Ryu Sou Sen Garami- an attack focused on a vital point at high speed
And there you have your first lesson of Hiten Mitsurugi. Could not do it without the help of our lord of the sword Seijuro Hiko.
by Seven7
saturnssavior@netscape.net
Disclaimer: See Chapter One
Balineses Orchid
%%%
Chapter 10
%%%
Cont. from before...
"There you are you two! I've been looking for you both everywhere you're up next! Go get ready HURRY!" Manx shooed Aya and Yohji into the designated dressing room.
Aya grabbed Yohjis arm and pulled him into the room and handed him his spare sword. "Take this sword I'll use my usual one."
"But how are we going to pull this off? We don't have a routine and I don't want to hurt you on accident." Yohji said taking the sword Aya was handing him.
"You won't." Aya said confidently. "Now you do know kendo right?" He asked seriously.
Yohji nodded.
"Good here's what were going to do. First I'll start off with a Hi Ryu Sen and you'll counter with a Ryu Kan Sen alright?"
Yohji nodded again.
"Good. During Your attack I'll dodge and follow up with a Sou Ryu Sen which you'll counter with a Ryu Tsui Sen got it?"
Yohji nodded some more.
"Very good. Lastly after I dodge your next attack I'll counter yours with a Ryu Shou Sen which you'll counter with a Ryu Sou Sen Garami understood?"
Yohji nodded once more.
"Good. Any questions?"
Yohji nodded.
"What?"
"Could you repeat that. I got lost after Hi Ryu Sen."
Aya opened his mouth to chew Yohji out when Manx yelled at them to hurry up.
"Never mind just follow my lead and try not to take my head okay?"
Yohji nodded.
"Okay let's go."
"Aya wait!"
"What Yohji?"
Yohji hesitated, "I don't want to go out there without a...a costume or something. Many of the house workers will recognize me if I got out there just like this. Not to mention Heero will see me."
Aya regarded his lover and looked around the room. He spotted what he needed laying on a chair three feet away from Yohji.
"Look we'll use that to cover our faces." Aya pointed out to the masks laying on a chair. "You put on the devil mask and I'll put on the demon mask. It's long enough to cover our face and hair and the holes for our eyes is large enough to let us see clearly."
Aya walked over to the chair and picked up both masks. He handed the devil looking mask to Yohji who took it form him. "With this on no one will recognize you so long as you don't speak."
"I guess that will work." Yohji said turning the mask around in his hands to look at it from all angles. He watched Aya slip the mask over his head and tie the back with the ribbons attached so it doesn't fall off.
"How do I look?" Aya dropped his hands and stood straight in front of Yohji.
"Completely edible" Yohji licked his lips as he gazed at his lover.
"What?"
"I said completely unidentifiable."
"hn" Aya glared at him through the mask.
"Oh we better hurry before your mother comes in and drags us out there." Yohji rushed slipping on his mask and tying the ribbons in the back. He grabbed his sword and grabbed Ayas arm heading for the stage.
"Hurry up you two! The crowd is getting restless!" Manx came up behind them and shoved them up on stage. Yohji stood in the middle of the stage and looked out to the crowd. Seeing all the people sitting there eagerly awaiting to see him perform was...exhilerating to say the least. Sure he's been the center of attention at all the party's he's attended but never something like this.
Behind him Aya was getting in position and was trying to get Yohjis attention. "Yohji!" he whispered loudly.
Yohji shook his head and went to stand opposite Aya. He took in Ayas stance and immediately began to recall all the moves he's supposed to use. He shifted his feet in to the proper stance and closed his eyes. Yohji swung the blade of his sword around getting a feel for the weight and looking for the right rhythm of the katana.
Silence spread throughout the room, everyone watching in anticipation as the two performers on stage faced each other.
Yohji opened his eyes as he began getting used to the feel of the sword. Aya had not moved his position, he stood there waiting and studying his opponent. He could see Yohjis hand caress the hilt of the sword. He pictured that hand caressing something similarly long, thick and firm...
Aya blinked back into focus as Yohji was finally getting in to position. They stood there facing each other for a few seconds. Just studying each others posture and breathing, waiting for the right moment to begin.
Someone in the audience shifted slightly in their seat; their movement minute but both Yohji and Aya saw it clearly and took that as the sign to start.
Aya rushed forward towards Yohji, his hand pulling the sword from the sheath at his waist. He swung the blade in a sweeping motion at Yohjis waist level. Yohji jumped back and spun around backwards to end up behind the rushing Aya. His sword swung around to strike Aya behind his neck.
Aya ducked under Yohjis arm and spun backwards using his momentum to swing the scabbard of his sword around and strike Yohji square in the back.
The audience gasped as the tallest of the swordsmen was struck from behind. Their eyes never wavering from the performance.
Yohji winced as the scabbard struck him across his lower back and spine. He moved quickly to avoid the sword swung in the same sweep as its scabbard. Yohji stood away from his lover as he studied him. Ayas breathing was a bit ragged as if he exerted himself too much. Yohjis own breathing was harsh and rapid. Sweat dripped from his hair under his mask and ran down the side of his face. His lower back burning from where he was struck.
Aya watched as Yohji stood there staring at him. He never believed that Yohji was this good with a sword. Just watching the tall lanky blond swing the blade around like it was a limb of his made all the blood in Ayas body rush to his head and his uh-hum....lower head. He's never seen anything so sexy as he did with Yohji holding the katana. Just thinking how firm and steady those hands had to be to handle the blade that well, left him using his imagination and his uh-hum...in place of the katana.
Even under the mask Yohji could see Ayas blush from way over here. You have got to love the mans coloring! It just made it too easy!
He watched as his lover shook his head trying to rid himself of all those little naughty thoughts that danced in his head. Yohji once again became focused as did his lover and soon the match continued again. Both rushing towards each other at a dangerous speed.
%%%
Same Night-Somewhere in Japan
Rain. Pouring rain. Thunderous pouring rain. Monstrous thunderous pouring rain. Diabolically monstrous thunderous pouring rain. Unending diabolically monstrous thunderous-
"Curse this heathious rain and everything above it!"
Crawfords mental ramblings were cut short by the fiftieth curse from Lord Eiri. For the past four hours they've been stranded here under the remains of an old Buddhist temple long ago abandoned and long since forgotten. Both soaking wet, cold, tired, hungry and completely miserable, not to mention at each others throats.
"Curse this...this...HORRENDOUS weather!" Lord Eiri screamed out waving his arm around as if to swipe at the falling drops.
Crawford watched as the taller man cursed continuously under his breath. Lord Eiri stood a few feet away from Brad. Only as far as the remains of the temple would provide shelter with. He stood there cursing and mumbling incoherently, every so often waving his hand around. His fingers holding a small cylinder shaped item that burns. Between every two to three curses Eiri would bring the little cylinder thing up to his lips and gently sucked on it later exhaling his smoky breath. Brad shivered as he watched the smoke being exhaled from between those rosy tinted lips, tongue sweeping out to wet those lips every time he exhaled.
Brad shivered again as he realized his train of thought. It has to be the lack of food and warmth that's finally gotten to his head. It has to be.
The flick of the cigarette landing in the mud brought Brad to look up to Eiri as the taller man was readying his horse for mounting.
"Are we leaving now?" Brad asked in surprise as he watched Eiri mount his steed.
"Unless you feel like sleeping here all night doctor I suggest we leave and find shelter elsewhere." Eiri fixed himself astride and prepared to set off.
"Wait! I'm coming!" Brad rushed off to grab the reins to his horse and mounted the animal in record time just as Eiri set off in trot. Brad took off and caught up to him, soon both men were riding off in the pouring rain. Sunset was hidden from the dark clouds of rain and only the size of the shadows could tell what time of day it was. Lightening electrified the sky and veins of blue light illuminated the darkness from the clouds. Roaring thunder echoed from everywhere like a mighty lion announcing it's position as king. With every flash of lightening and every roar of thunder the rain just fell down in sheets that seemed to get thicker every time.
Soon nothing but darkness surrounded them as they continued down the muddy road. The blue veins in the sky as the only source of light. Every breath was seen in the bitter cold, numbness came after all the stiffening pain in their joints from the freezing water. Hunger was no longer aching in the pits of their stomachs and sleep was forbidden for fear of never waking up again.
Brad could no longer shiver, everything was just too cold and too numb. He was sure 'hypothermia' was setting in and if they didn't get warm soon 'shock' would be their mighty downfall. Not to mention getting frost bite and losing a limb if they did manage to survive.
He looked ahead of him and saw his companion slumped in his seat. Looks like Lord Eiri was also suffering from the same ailments, his breath also visible from the frosty temperature. If only Lord Yohji had not run away from home neither of them would have been caught trekking in this horrible weather looking for him!
Brad sighed raggedly, his breath showing in a cloud of white. No it's not fair to blame Lord Yohji for this. He never asked to be sick, he never asked to have a poor unhealthy body give up. And he certainly never asked him, Crawford, to come looking for him. It's his and Lord Eiris fault that they're out here looking for him. Not Yohjis, not entirely.
A rather large and close lightening strike startled Brad from his thoughts, it also startled his horse who seemed willing to throw him off right now.
"Whoa settle down Oracle it's alright. Shhh...it's okay just relax." Brad whispered soothingly to his horse as he petted the large animals mane.
"What's going on?" Eiri asked as he trotted back to Crawford.
"The lightening startled Oracle for a bit, but he's alright now. We really need to find shelter soon, my body's becoming feverish as I'm sure yours is as well. The horses also need the rest and warmth not to mention food if we're to continue searching." Brad stated matter of fact. Hope hiding behind his gray eyes.
"I know, Kumagoru here is faltering in his steps and I could use a hot drink right about now." Eiri said.
Crawford raised a brow. "You named your horse 'Mr.bear'?"
Eiri growled, "I didn't name him Shuichi did!" He would have blushed from embarrassment if he wasn't so cold.
Brad started to chuckle when lightening struck again close by startling both Oracle and Kumagoru.
Both men having to soothe their horses to keep from being thrown off into the mud.
"Lets hurry up and keep moving. There's a village about a quarter of a mile from here. We should be able to find shelter there if we hurry." Eiri said turning his horse around.
Brad agreed and they both took off slowly but with less tension than before. They continued until the gates of the village came into view. With their destination in sight both rider and horse rode with more vigor and desperation. Just as they strode through the gates they could hear yelling and the sounds of crashing wood and the roar of thunder. They rode until they reached where the sounds of all the commotion was coming from.
An inn had been struck by lightening and the force of the rain had brought the place crumbling down. Villagers were gathered around pulling people out of the remains, some women were crying about their husbands being buried under the ruins.
"What's going on?" Eiri demanded, dismounting Kumagoru. He walked over to the villagers studying the mess.
One of the villagers looked at Eiri as he approached them and seemed to understand that this person was of higher nobility. "My lord, lightening had struck this shabby inn. The force was strong enough to send it crashing upon the heads of everyone inside. We managed to get most everyone out of the remains but there are still a few people buried in beneath all the wood. Many of the large pieces of wood are too heavy for us to lift. We don't have any large animals to help us pull the wood off and even if we did the wood would probably collapse worse and crush the few people still buried." The man said as he watched a young boy be pulled out from underneath a wooden beam.
"How many people were in the structure before it collapsed?" Crawford asked as he appeared behind the man.
"There were fourteen people in the Inn, we managed to pull out nine..no ten people" The man said as he pointed out another villager being pulled out of the remains.
"So there's still four people buried underneath the mess." Eiri said.
The man nodded.
"We need to get them out of there." Brad said taking in the ruins of the inn.
"Get the horses doctor while I try to see how we're to pull this off." Eiri said. Brad hurried grabbing the reins to both horses and Eiri studied the wood beams.
"If we pull this beam the others will fall and crush the people still inside. We need to find a way to get them out without these things falling." Eiri said walking around the trembling structure.
"We can tie the beams to the horses and have them stand apart. If those beams fall at least they won't fall all at once, giving us a chance to escape."
"Kind of what I had in mind" Eiri said. He walked over to Brad and took Kumagorus reins. "Take your horse over to that beam and we'll tie them up." Eiri pointed to a large beam across from him.
Brad walked over pulling Oracle with him.
"Sir do you have any rope we could use?" Eiri asked the villager.
"yes" the man hurried off and returned with several lengths of rope.
First they tied Kumagoru then they tied Oracle to the beams and had them stand far apart. They extended the rope to its length so that if the beams fall they won't fall all at once and not in the same direction.
"Okay the beams are tied up how do we get the people out?" Brad asked Eiri.
"Someone's going to have to crawl in there and pull them out."
"I'll do it" Brad said.
Eiri turned to the doctor in surprise. "You? I never knew you had it in you."
"Neither did I" Brad said staring straight into the mess.
Brad headed to the edge of the remains and looked around for a way in. He crawled around on all fours getting soaked with mud as he carefully looked for an opening. He found a small gap just beneath the unsteady structure. "I found a way in!"
"See if anyone is still alive before you risk your neck!" Eiri yelled as Brad crawled in head first.
"Is anyone still alive in here?" Brad called out.
A few moans were heard but nothing else.
Brad patted his hand out searching for anything resembling human, he felt a hand and gently pulled on it. The owner of the hand grabbed his in return, together the held strong as the victim slowly crawled out with Brads help.
"One down three to go!" Brad yelled as he crawled back in.
Eiri watched as the good doctor pulled out another victim. Seems like the doc's got a few surprises under his belt so to speak. Eiri shook his head as a small smirk lifted the edge of his lips.
"Two more left!"
Eiri kept a careful eye on the beams making sure they didn't fall on the doctor.
"One left!"
Brad crawled in again searching for the last victim. He patted in front but found nothing. He crawled in deeper.
"Hurry up doctor these beams won't hold out forever!" Eiri yelled out to Brad as he crawled in deep enough that only his feet were showing.
Brad searched frantically for the last victim. He held his breath listening intently for any sign of the last victim being alive. A very low moan was all he heard, but it was enough. He reached out to where he heard the moan and felt cloth. He pulled on it and the moan got louder. "Hey there if you can hear me grab my hand if you can." Brad said trying to get a response other than a moan.
The victim stirred slightly, he fumbled around until he found the hand that was pulling on his clothes. "h-help..."
"That's what I'm trying to do" Brad answered softly still pulling gently. "give me a firmer grip and I'll get you out."
"Hurry up doctor these beams are starting to shift!" Eiri yelled out to him.
Brad gripped the victim's hand tight and pulled with all the force he had, praying that he didn't hurt the man worse. The victim moaned out but was pushing for all he was worth.
"I need help I can't pull him out on my own!" Brad yelled.
The surrounding villagers grabbed Crawfords feet and pulled him out. As soon as the victim was visible two men grabbed him from Brad and pulled him the rest of the way out. As soon as they pulled both men out the beams starting creaking and falling forward.
"Now!" Eiri yelled. He quickly cut the rope tied to Kumagoru as the first villager cut the rope to Oracle. The beams fell in a loud crash, everyone stared as the rest of the remains of the inn fell to the ground. Most were shocked that they had all survived.
Brad sat there stunned as he watched the wood fall and crush everything underneath it. He didn't know he was that close to being killed himself. If only those beams had fallen just a second earlier...
"Thank you so much for saving my husband!" A woman cried out as she rushed to Crawford and hugged him with all her might. Crawford huffed as the women knocked most of the air out of his body.
"Minami let the poor man go he's starting to turn blue" one of the villagers said.
Minami let go to Crawford and rushed back to her husband.
"Hey you're a doctor right?" A villager asked.
Brad nodded still trying to regain his breath.
"This man needs help he's hurt pretty bad."
Brad got up and shuffled over to the villager and victim. As he approached them he could see the victim was the last man he pulled out.
"He's not responding doctor." the villager said.
Brad kneeled down and felt the mans neck for a pulse.
"He's fine, he's just shaken up. Laying here in the mud's not going to help him though." Brad frowned as he felt the temperature of the man. It was rather warm, that or his fingers were really cold.
"Is there a place we can get out of the rain?" Eiri asked the first villager.
"Yes please follow me." The man said, "and please call me Howard."
Eiri nodded.
"Hey Aizawa bring that gaijin in will you, and let the good doctor have a look at him."
Brad watched as Aizawa lifted the victim into his arms and carry the man inside. Lightening struck again but further away this time. The rain was starting to thin out a bit and people were huddling inside Howard's Inn.
"Lord Yohji please be alright." He prayed out loud. Hoping to all gods that Yohji not be caught in the rain all alone and suffering. "Please be alright."
"Hey doc are you gonna stand there all night long?" Howard hollered at him.
"I'm coming!" Brad ran inside into the warmth.
%%%
One point each that's what they had.
Yohji faced off Aya once again, he rushed to the left and swept his arm out to attack him on the side using the Sou Ryu Sen.
Aya countered using his scabbard as a shield and made a stab for Yohjis midsection. Yohji dodged barely.
Aya scuffled forward and using his scabbard, swung backwards and struck Yohji on his lower left side. An 'OOF' was all he heard before Yohji fell onto his knee and dropped his sword. The audience went crazy as Aya sheathed his sword and bowed. He'd won the match and the people loved it.
Yohji stood up feebly and bowed slowly. He grabbed his sword and made his way off stage, Aya following behind him. As soon as he cleared the dressing room door he doubled forward clutching his side.
"Yohji!" Aya caught Yohji as he fell forward. Cradling the older man, Aya dragged him to the chair next to him and sat Yohji down.
"Yohji do you need anything? Your pills? A blanket?" Aya asked worriedly.
Yohji rocked back and fourth breathing in gasps. He closed his eyes in pain and tried to concentrate on slowing his breathing.
"p-pills" He sputtered out.
Aya quickly grabbed the bottle of pills and poured out two for Yohji. Grabbing the jug of milk, he placed the pills in Yohjis mouth and placed the lip of the milk jug to Yohjis lips. Yohji barely opened his mouth and let Aya pour the milk down his burning throat. Swallowing slowly, Yohji drank all the milk and the pills.
"Yohji I'm sorry it was me wasn't it? I hit you too hard didn't I?" Aya apologized. Kneeling in front of his lover brushing the bangs out of the mans eyes.
Yohji smiled weakly at him before gasping in pain again. "n-need t-to l-lie d-down" He said brokenly.
Aya stood up, he reached down and grabbed Yohji in his arms. He gently lifted the man and carried him back into their reserved bedroom. He placed Yohji onto the soft futon and pulled the covers over him. He watched as Yohjis breath slowed then evened out as he fell asleep. His face was ashen pale and his brows were still furrowed in pain. Aya laid down behind him and spooned up to him. He rubbed Yohjis shoulder and arms before settling to wrap his arm around Yohjis waist.
"I love you Yohji" He whispered before succumbing to exhausted sleep.
%%%
Omi waited as the guests left the room after the performance. He watched as everyone filed out of the room. He waited for the one person who could help him.
As soon as the room was empty Omi poked his head in and took a look around. Sure enough there was he was talking to his mom and dad. He watched as they talked, laughed and finally bowed before taking their leave. He waited.
As soon as his parents left Omi walked in calmly.
"Lord Duo" Omi called out.
Duo turned to face him. "Oy hey you're the kid who threw darts huh? You're pretty good." Duo smiled at the blushing boy.
"Thank you sir, I...um..could I speak to you alone please?" Omi asked hesitantly.
"Sure, we can talk now. Heero's gone outside to check the weather." Duo said, he sat down on his love couch.
"Thank you sir" Omi began. He inched forward and took a deep breath. "I came here seeking your help."
Duo nodded, "I'm listening" he said.
"Well you see it has something to do with Yohjisan"
%%%
Aya awoke to the trembling underneath his arm. He looked at Yohji, he was trembling with the cold that settled in the room. Lifting the covers, Aya crawled in next to Yohji and covered them both up.
"S-So cold" Yohji mumbled sleepily.
"I'm here love, get some sleep" Aya said kissing Yohjis ear. Yohji snuggled up closer to Aya who wrapped his arms around him for warmth. Yohjis trembling eased a little.
"Get some sleep love, don't worry I'll wake you up tomorrow I promise." Aya whispered. Yohji yawned and settled in. Moments later he was sound asleep.
%%%
Anger. If there was any indication that Lord Duo was angry all you need to do is look at his fisted hands and you'd find your answer.
"So you see I need your help in finding a good doctor for him. Please Lord Duo I'll do anything it takes to save him. If it makes Aya happy I'll do anything." Omi pleaded. Tears gathered in his eyes as he retold all he'd heard earlier that night while spying on Aya and Yohji.
Duo looked at the young boy and his anger dissipated slowly at the sight of the unshed tears in the youths eyes.
"Don't worry Omi." He said, "I have good connections, I'll find the best doctor for Yohji. I promise." Duo said easing the worry from the smaller boy.
Omi released the breath he didn't know he was holding. "I'll pay you back any way I can Lord Duo I'll-"
"Don't worry about it." Duo cut him off with a wave of his hand. He stood up and walked over to the smaller boy. He placed a soothing hand on the kids shoulder. "I think it's noble what you're doing for your family. I have a brother that I love to death and I'd do the same thing too if I was in your position. So don't worry I'll take care of everything." Duo smiled.
Omi smiled back and bowed gratefully.
"Now come on I think you and I have a few letters to write." Duo said leading the boy over to the door.
"Letters sir?"
"Yeah, my brother is in China right now and the doctor I want to come and see Yohji just happens to be in China as well, so I have to send a letter to him informing him of our friends situation."
"You need me for this sir?"
"Yup you see when it comes to writing letters to Wufei I never seem to be able to stay on the topic."
"Oh"
"Now come on kid I've got just a little time before Heero finds me." Duo shivered.
Omi just blinked at him.
%%%%%
tsuzuku...
Please feed hungry kitties!!
The techniques terms I used above are actually terms from the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu from Rurouni Kensin.
Hi Ryu Sen- launching the sword from the scabbard at quick speed.
Ryu Kan Sen- counter attack move, swinging the sword around in a backwards sweep aiming for the opponents neck.
Sou Ryu Sen- a double Hi Ryu Sen, first attack with the sword followed by second attack with the scabbard in the same momentum.
Ryu Tsui Sen- a slashing attack from above
Ryu Shou Sen- a counter attack from any attacks from above
Ryu Sou Sen Garami- an attack focused on a vital point at high speed
And there you have your first lesson of Hiten Mitsurugi. Could not do it without the help of our lord of the sword Seijuro Hiko.