Tears of Blood | By : SultrySundina Category: +. to F > Blade of the Immortal Views: 1863 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0 |
Disclaimer: Please read disclaimer in each chapter. |
Tears of Blood (My Story Arc: Finale to Blade of the Immortal):
Disclaimer and Rights: This story is not-for-profit fan fiction. The characters and universe of Blade of the Immortal/Mugen no Junin are copyright by Hiroaki Samura and do not belong to me. I will in no way receive any kind of funds or monies for this story, nor will any monies or funds come into my hands in consequence of this story. Please do not sell or print for sale. Do not archive without my written permission. Permission is granted to print for personal use, and to distribute this document in electronic form, without charge, without alteration, and with this disclaimer and my name attached.
Chapter 17: And So the Eagle Devours the Rabbit
Manji threw the empty jug and it smashed into pieces as it landed abruptly on the floor. All three jugs were gone now but he was feeling no less pain than when he had started drinking. He was not drunk, but not sober either. Somewhere in between losing his inhibitions and keeping a firm grasp on them, although if you could even call it firm. What the hell was he thinking? Even watching her leave the room had set his skin on fire. Thinking about her was torturing him now. Where was she? What was she doing? Why did she have to have asked him to be her bodyguard? Why him? He had to protect her now though, it was his vow. She would never understand his full reasoning. She was too young to understand, or was she? He closed his eye and took in a deep breath. This was going to be another long, lonely night. He might as well make the best of it while she was no longer in the room, and since the alcohol in his system was not taking full effect he could only think of one other thing he could do. Maybe if he tried to relieve his own frustrations he wouldn't have to worry so much about losing control again. Damn that woman was driving him batshit. Manji sat propped against the wall, eye still closed and realized, no matter how many other women he tried to think about to relieve his tension, only one kept coming to mind; and then he looked up and there in front of him was the object of his desire - the woman he could not stop his mind from torturing him with. Maybe the alcohol had finally taken grasp of him and he was dreaming, but if that were the case, he wasn't sure he wanted to wake up just yet.
******(About thirty minutes before)
Washi's hand left Rin's face and he once again held both her hands in his own. Rin felt warm from her blush. She was still unsure of how to react to Washi's kind and gentle words and gestures. His hand had felt soft and warm and not nearly as calloused as Manji's. Manji; he was still occupying her almost every thought - still torturing her every waking moment, and many of her dreams now as well. Was it all torture? Yes, but not every part of it was painful: Most moments lately, however brief, bordered painful but were more sinful and lustful than anything. She wanted to know so badly why he was shoving her away, but she couldn't bring herself to face him; she was afraid of what his reasons might be.
Washi looked at Rin. She wasn't saying a word, only a look of worry on her face. He gently pulled his hands away from her and looked into her eyes, "Rin-chan, I am sorry if I have offended you in any way.
Rin looked at Washi and replied, "Washi-chan you have not offended me, and I am thankful for your offer, I truly am but..."
"Before you reject my offer please hear me out." He didn't wait for her to protest however and continued, "I know I may not be the strongest, or wisest of men, but I truly wish to help you; to simply be with you. I have spent the past three years thinking of no one but you. I love you Rin-chan, and if you will have me, I wish to marry you. I know I told you before that I would be happy simply helping you rebuild your family's dojo, but after tonight - after almost losing you again, I cannot bear the thought of that. I want to always have you with me."
With that Washi leaned into Rin and put his hands on her face and brought her to him in an embrace. Rin was overwhelmed by his words, by his actions. She felt like she was being held and flown high in his embrace; and she feared him entrapping her entirely. She quickly pushed him away and tears fell from her eyes. She did not know what to do. She was losing herself and she wasn't sure if she entirely disliked how he made her feel. She really was a glutton for punishment. Washi could give her everything she would ever need, but could he give her everything she wanted? Could she put aside her own heart? Could she allow herself to find happiness with him?
"Washi-chan I cannot." Were the only words that she could muster to choke out.
Hurt and broken, Washi looked at Rin, stood up and walked out of the dining room. He could not bear to look at her anymore. He knew deep down what her answer would be, but he did not want to accept it. He had to escape her. He did not look back. He kept walking until he reached the Inn's entrance and stepped outside. What was waiting him was not something he was fully prepared to face. When Washi stepped outside there in the snow stood a man dressed in a black cloak and a sugegasa. His head was low and you could not see his face. Washi knew immediately who he was and without hesitation drew his sword.
****** (Meanwhile)
Rin knew what she had to do now. She had to get answers. She rose from the table and carefully made her way back to the room Manji now occupied. She did not want to hurt Washi but she knew right now she would have no other choice. She was determined one way or another to rid herself of her fear of Manji's reasons for his actions. She needed to know if she should free her heart of him, or if there was some small hope that maybe her heart would not lead her into further pain and sorrow. As she reached the room she heard a loud crash come from within. Rin hesitated for a few moments and then decided to open the shoji and then silently closed it behind her. She walked across the dining area of the room and opened the fusuma. Before her, propped against the wall was Manji; he stared up at her. Rin felt her courage nose dive back into her throat as he just sat there, staring.
******(Present)
Washi wiped his blade clean, but the blood clung to it like a newborn calf still clinging to its mother's teat. The battle was over even before it had started. Washi was quickly getting the hang of using his blade in one swift motion. The man who once stood before him was now lying on the ground, his head severed completely off his shoulders in one quick, clean swipe. The man's blood pooled quickly in the fresh, crisp ivory snow; staining the snow's virgin breath with its tainted flow. Right now he felt nothing, not anger, not fear, not even love. Killing swept it all away. Then he thought to his reasoning for taking this man's life - he could not risk the man's presence. He knew what it meant. Usagi may have been his employer, but he just could not do what he asked of him. So here was, a ronin now by his own hand, just like her beloved yōjimbō and his emotions flooded his being once more. Perhaps she would come to love him now, if he became more and more like the man whom had somehow captured her heart. He looked at the body laying at his feet. No, he would win her heart with his own skill, his own personality; this he was sure of.
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