《Fantazia and the Two Graves》Chapter 4
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Everyone was taking a moment to process everything in their minds that had been said in that library. Assa looked on at Sora and couldn't help but connect with the woman's energy. He gave her a grin before hearing his elder brother say that he was worried.
"His old injuries," he thought as he glanced up at his brother and nodded before getting up and walking out. He hated seeing anyone hurt, especially family, sure he could heal people, but his brothers’ wounds seemed to never heal because of the curse.
Gekido had blood dripping down his hands since he had clenched his fists too tight from hearing Saiko's story. He couldn't help but want to tear into the man he once called uncle's throat as he let a low growl escape his lips.
Kirai softly put a hand on Kiyoshi's leg with sympathetic look on his face.
"You’re not the only one," he thought as he turned to walk off. He needed to take in what all was said as his big white wolf tail trailed out from his tailbone and his ears popped out while he was deep in thought.
Zetsu jumped up and sighed
"Well I’m going back to breakfast since I didn't get to finish it," he glanced at Haruki as his eyes shifted purple and back to green. He headed back to the dining hall to get food again, his stomach was growling at him profusely.
Sukai sighed and dusted his pants off as he walked out while cracking his neck.
"If anyone needs me, I’ll be looking for new clothes," His vibrant blue eyes looked darker than normal as he walked out of the inn and to the nearest clothing shop.
Kasai stretched as he yawned.
"I’m going to swim, take it easy," he then went to his room to get another pair of trunks before he jumped into the pool to cool himself off and think.
“So much has happened, and I feel bad for so many of the women," he thought as he floated on his back.
Rex grunted as his eyes hardened. He looked at his hands as a stray tear fell from his face. He brushed it away impatiently and got up hastily.
"I need to train," he grabbed his katana and went outside the window that Chikako was standing at and just trained doing reps with his sword.
Ishi went back to his room thinking of a way to get rid of the control on Yukina.
"She was very beautiful," he thought and blushed as he shook his head. He laid back on his bed contemplating more on the matter.
Rindo was intrigued by Tsuki to say the least. He sensed a presence in the tower he was so fond of going to, said his farewells, and flew off into the direction of the tower. He pondered on who could be in his spot. His eyes were stern, but the presence felt familiar.
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Most of the women dispersed to go do their own thing for a while after the guys left. Soon it was just Kajima and Yami remaining. Kajima scrutinized Yami closely. He was still staring at the floor, and she could sense the intent to kill in his aura. Honestly, after all of this, she didn't think there was one of them that did not want to destroy Raiden once and for all. She could also tell that he was hurting mentally, but also physically. Not knowing how to heal wounds, she tried to clear the awkwardness in the air by speaking to him personally for the first time.
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"I'm sorry about your uncle...none of us bear any ill will towards you for his actions if that is something that bothers you. I'm sorry about my sister earlier. It's the first time I've seen her in so long ... I am curious though...Did you...get that tattoo like I did?" Kajima looked down at her own arm and ran her hand along the crimson ink. She looked back up to see Yami watching her with an unreadable look in his eyes. Something else came to mind before he could answer. "Also, it does not take a week to gather supplies...a day at best...why in no rush to leave with such a strong urge to get rid of your uncle once and for all?"
Amai had wanted to rejoin Zetsumei in the kitchen but after everything that had been said she did not have the courage to face him for fear of what he thought of her now that he knew she was part vampire. Hesitating momentarily in front of the kitchen door, she shook her head and slowly walked on up to her bedroom. She figured she may as well try to get some sleep.
Sora decided to go window shopping and see how the clothes here compared to her own designs. She was curious as to where Assa went but thought it best to leave him be for now. Their earlier talk had left even her feeling less spirited than she normally was.
Saiko was heading up to the roof to get some fresh air after her confession. She was a little afraid of what people would think, but before she could set foot on the final staircase, she was stopped by someone shouting her name and a hand wrapping around her wrist. Surprise lit up her eyes as she spun around to see Gekido panting in his hurry to catch up to her. He looked slightly panicked and it took him a moment to catch his breath before he opened his mouth to speak.
Rex was the only one to not reveal much about his past. Chikako mused over this as she left the window that he was training in front of and decided to take a walk in the streets. There was something about his gaze earlier that Chikako couldn't stop thinking about. It was almost like he understood what she was going through more than the others...
Shizue wanted to take a swim so badly after all that, but Kasai had already claimed the pool. Again. Too shy to join anyone else in swimming, she settled for sunbathing herself next to the pool and sniffed the chlorine scented air. Change was coming. There was a palpable excitement in the air that she could smell in the water. What it was she did not know... She was so wrapped up in her thoughts that she didn't notice someone splashing water on her until it was too late.
Haruki was too tired from the excitement to do anything except go back to bed for a few hours and Kiyoshi was still blushing from the lingering feeling of Kirai's hand on her knee. It was the first time anyone had touched her in such a gentle way. She had wandered into the back alley behind the inn for some quality time with the local cats. She was popped from her reverie all too soon as her oversensitive nose wrinkled in disgust. Someone had not emptied the trash in over a week...
Someone was coming. She could sense it in her bones. It was familiar...like an old song she'd never heard before, but a tune she had heard her whole life. Tsuki glided to her window, hardly daring to believe that it was who she thought. The flapping of wings could be heard and suddenly he was there hunched on the windowsill and staring at her as if he too could not believe this was real. "Rindo...," she breathed.
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Yami sighed as he touched his arm.
"No, I was born with this mark," he smiled sadly
"My curse is to never be able to heal until my uncle is dead," he looked at the ceiling while touching the cross shaped scar on his left cheek.
"Also, there is a festival starting in a few days and I can’t miss it since I am to be a part of it. It involves the founding of this village by my family," He smiled as a bit of happiness shone in his eyes and he walked over and helped Kajima up. His hands were rough but firm. His figure was built, and dark skinned. Unlike his brothers he had the build of a warrior and calmness like the wind on a warm spring day.
"If you would like to stay and watch it, my vengeance will come," He blushed and looked away at what he just said.
"Plus, I have a few things to do as well in town and it gives me time to get back to how I was," He looked into her ice blue eyes with his yellow and orange ones as another blush bloomed on his face. He had never spoken to anyone as much as he did right now.
Assa sighed as he walked the streets. His ears and tails were showing, and everyone was waving and bowing to him happily. He waved and bowed back respectfully. He was now wearing a kimono and dress pants in honor of the festival coming up. Assa had a giant blue fox tattoo that covered his back that was visible from the back of his neck. His blue eyes were scanning the environment as he went through the town. The sounds and smells alerted his senses as he weaved in and out of people’s way to let them get things ready for the festival.
"Almost that time again," he said to no one as he smiled brightly.
Gekido panted as he looked into Saiko’s eyes and gently held her by her wrist. He pulled her into and embrace as he slowly started to regain his composure. He was a well-built man even with his clothing on. His muscles could be felt easily with how light they were.
"Mind if I come get some air with you?" He said with a smile and a calm soothing composure.
"You look like you shouldn't be alone right now anyway, and I'd love to give you some company," he blushed as he walked to the roof with her. Has he finally found his happiness?
"I hope I have," he thought to himself.
Kasai grinned at a now wet Shizue that he had just splashed water on.
"You afraid of sharing the pool or something,” he asked with his voice full of energy. He swam in place and brushed away some of his hair that was matting his face. His grin never faltered at seeing the shocked look on her face and he had to laugh. He got out to sit in a chair made of water. He had a tattoo of a shark on his left forearm that was in plain sight as he smiled lightly at her.
"I don't bite ya know?" he said with a chipper tone.
Rex panted as he looked down sadly.
"It's not your fault" he heard a voice echo over and over in his head as he saw an image of a woman lying dead in his arms. He gritted his teeth and hissed in pain as he turned the blade on his forearm. A moment later he let out a growl of anger and sadness at realizing what he had done.
"I'm no use to anyone… it's my fault your gone Rin," he voices to no one sadly. His eyes were full of tears and anger. Tears for murdering the love of his life by accident, and anger for him still living for her wish to be happy.
"I'm a monster," his voice became soft as he sheathed his katana and walked into the public streets. He moved in and out of crowds; his arm was still bleeding, but he didn’t care as he walked without a destination in mind. His head was starting to get dizzy.
Rindo sat perched on the ledge of the tower windowsill. His black and white hair was covering his golden yellow eyes.
"Tsuki..." he breathed out. He couldn't believe she was in this world with him. Rindo looked to the sky and grit his teeth as he got into his own mind for a moment.
"What is your plan for me now father?" he thought to himself as he looked back to Tsuki. His eyes began to glow brightly. He hopped down from the windowsill and slowly walked towards her.
Sukai looked around finding clothes that were like his but of darker color. He decided to buy them along with some bright ones involving black and blue with a hint of white, and a moon on the back. Red and whites blended in with the sun on the opposite side. He sighed as he ran a hand through his hair and decided to stick it up in a ponytail. This revealed his blue orbs more, but it also caused him to get more looks from the girls. He shook his head and bowed, thanking the cashier for the clothes as he walked back to the inn.
"Every time I put my hair up women swoon, I can't stand it" he thought as he moved quickly through town.
Zetsumei was put out. He couldn't even eat. He had gone to his room and growled as his eyes turned purple. He felt the air leave his lungs as his room got cold.
"No not now," he voiced to no one as he locked his door. The sounds of chains could be heard rattling as he bolted himself to the bed again, the room was darker than shadow as he had shut the curtains the night prior.
"No one can know about me like this right now," he whispered, and his voice sounded dark and cold as death.
Meanwhile, Ishi was walking the streets and formulating plans. After a while of this he headed back to his inn room.
“I almost have it figured out," he voiced to himself as he sat there pondering. If he thought any harder his head would explode, but he was never one to give up or quit since he is the Warrior of Light and he will find a solution.
Kirai had been walking the streets after his meditation when he saw a bunch of cats gathered around in one of the back alley’s and went to see what was going on when he saw Kiyoshi.
"Seems you found some friends," he said with a bright smile as he sat a few feet from her and began petting one of the cats. It gave him a purr of acceptance.
"Seems we're alike you and I" he said with a sad smile after a moment which got him a curious gaze from her.
"I was picked on like you and was feared because I’m a shapeshifter, so I came to the wilds of the woods and grew up with wolves, I really didn't want to say too much in the room so I thought I’d open up a bit to you," he said as he gave her a bright smile.
Kajima was intrigued, to say the least. By more than one thing that is. She was starting to find out that there was more than meets the eye to Yami Kaminari.
"A festival...I haven't been to one of those since I was little. I suppose I can stay for a few days to see what your hometown is like." She rose from her chair slowly and looked deeply into Yami's eyes for the first time.
"We will end this curse once and for all. For all of us. That's a promise." She gave him a rare genuine smile and made her way out to the bustling city streets. Signs of people getting ready for the festival were now visible wherever she looked. With a small sigh, she started heading for where she thought the bank would be. Her parents had left her a small fortune that she hardly ever touched. Now seemed as good a time as ever. She did have a kimono to hunt for after all.
Sora had found her kimono already once hearing about the upcoming festival. To say that she was excited was putting it lightly. These sorts of things always made her giddy. She always had a lot of guys clamoring for her to be their date for the events when she was in high school. There was always one lucky guy that she would choose every year but so far, no man had caught her interest enough to go beyond a few simple days of hanging out and enjoying the fun. Sora noticed that even now, in a strange town there were a few men eyeing her as if they wanted to ask her out. Some of them were not half bad looking and she sized up everyone she met. A festival wasn't as fun without some company after all. The question was who was the lucky guy she would pick this time? A flash of a tail caught her attention and suddenly no one else was there. She made a beeline for the fox sprite, her kimono bag swinging in her hand. She had found her culprit.
"Assa!" She called not noticing the abbreviation of his name. He turned and waved once he caught sight of her, his eyes lit up happily. She caught up to him and gave him a once over.
"Hey, nice clothes! Way to start fresh with this festival huh. So, I was wondering if you would be my escort for the duration of the event?" Sora was not known to be very shy at all, and she effectively shut down the hopes of several bystanders with that one sentence.
Saiko looked out on the preparations taking place below as she stood next to Gekido with a small smile on her face. He had eased her mind of worry with just a look and a few words and had accompanied her to the roof. Not a whole lot had been said between them except some words of understanding on both parts, and a brief mention of joining the festival together. Saiko thought she couldn't be happier as she stood there with Gekido in comfortable silence. He looked at her in slight alarm as something dawned on her while watching the townspeople and let out a shriek.
"I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR!" she promptly dashed off the roof and Gekido watched her exit the building and run into the streets knocking a few people down in her haste. He couldn't help but laugh.
Sea-blue orbs widened in shock at the sudden shower and could only stare at Kasai as he sat next to her, asking if she was afraid of water and saying he didn't bite. She could almost beg to differ as she warily took in his shark tattoo. Flashbacks of being almost drowned by other kids her age flew through her mind temporarily until she realized that this feeling bubbling up inside of her was different. It was not fear. It was something else...almost...fun. He was playing with her, she realized. A small blush appeared on her cheeks as she finally spoke.
"No, I love the water. I just don't really hang around people much especially after the orphanage...I didn't want to intrude." Kasai gave her a look of understanding before a mischievous look appeared in his eye and that feeling of fun bubbled over as she laughed for the first time. Kasai had picked her up with ease and threw her over his shoulder as he waded back into the pool.
Chikako rummaged through her belongings and pulled out a piece of forest green fabric. She slowly sunk back onto her bed as she ran her fingers over the silky material. Being a model, she had access to all sorts of different clothes. She had woken up earlier to the sound of her cleaning maid knocking on the door. She had been a bit of a talker, even though she barely said anything herself. When the maid had mentioned the upcoming festival and asked her if she would be going Chikako had told her she would think about it. Even though she had no one to go with she figured she could at least make an appearance for one night.
"Pleassseee??? I really want to go! I'll figure out how to work it out during the night!" Amai was currently begging her sister Haruki to go with her to the festivities. Haruki was stubbornly refusing.
"There is too much that could go wrong! Most of the people out there are not aware that some of us have powers or are halflings! It's not safe, especially for you since you would be in your vampire form during the night." Amai continued to pout even though she knew that her sister made some good points. Still, how often did they get to stop and have fun...? An idea started to form in her head.
Kiyoshi couldn't believe her luck. Here she was, sitting in a dark alley with half a dozen cats and the only other person she had met that was also a shapeshifter. Kirai had settled down and was now sitting comfortably with her and feeding scraps to the kittens. What was odd is that she felt relaxed around him even though he practically screamed stranger danger. Hot stranger danger for that matter...Kiyoshi decided then and there that she was done being an outcast and wanted to get to know this man better. Perhaps spending time with him at the upcoming festival was a good place to start...if he wanted to that is.
Tsuki wasted no time wrapping Rindo into an embrace. "It has been too long! How did you find me?" She asked as he returned her hug a little tightly. She had feared the worst as flashbacks of her distant past came flooding back to her. "How are you...alive?"
Footsteps echoed down a long cold and dark hallway. She could hear them coming and rolled her eyes. Great, she had to deal with her again. Her door opened with a bang and the orange and black-haired demon girl that she despised told her cockily that Raiden had a job for her to do.
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