Consortium of Continuation | By : fuusunshine Category: +S to Z > Samurai Champloo Views: 3499 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0 |
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: I do not own Samurai Champloo or the characters within, I make no money from this writing. |
A/N Recentyly I wrote a oneshot called How Did We Get Here. It was a Fuugen lemon and well this plot bunny here just took off from it. You don't have to read the other story to follow along with this but it helps. I am trying very hard to keep everyone in character, Mugen is really making it hard for me. Geez he is such a loveable jerk. As you know Mugen means infinity. So Eien means eternity. ;) Rated T for now, I may or may not have to change it. A huge thank you goes out to my awesome and talented beta Scarlotte O'Hara, if you haven't read any of her stories you should! Onwards and forward. Enjoy. R&R
Revealing Revelations
"Damn it." Fuu cussed as she drew a small bead of blood from the tip of her finger.
She sat on her front step, the sandy beach and the ocean waves gently lapping at the shore a small distance away. She preferred to work here where she could occasionally gaze at the vastness of the water before her. The fishing net that draped over her lap was almost completely mended, but a large basket of neatly folder fabric and netting loomed behind her waiting for attention.
When she had arrived here in this small fishing village she was in no condition to attempt to procure employment at the one and only tea house the village had. Although she had acquired a vast amount of experience in the industry she needed to find another means to earn money. The women of the village were surprisingly understanding and offered assistance and kind words immediately. Fuu had been offered a bed under the roof of a fisherman and his family under the condition she earn her keep, as a result the fisherman's wife quickly had her mending nets and patching up clothing. Fuu had over her journey learned a considerable amount about repairing damaged clothing as well as damaged skin, her skill with a needle and thread rivaled her past traveling companion's skill with a sword. As time passed the villagers came to recognize this skill and she found herself able to earn a decent living. She was the seamstress for this village and sometimes even procuring work from surrounding towns. Thanks in part to the kindness the villagers had shown her she was able to afford her own home, modest as it was but still hers. She had a small garden in the back that supplied her with fresh produce and the winters here were tolerable. All of this should have been enough to make her want to stay, but alone at night with only the moon as her witness she knew she stayed because she loved the ocean. It reminded her of him.
The women had quickly befriended her, Fuu's energetic childlike personality winning them over quickly. Within a year of living among these people she had made several friends and had won the heartfelt adoration of the fisherman, many introducing her to their sons or nephews in hopes of making Fuu's pleasant life all the more enjoyable. She politely chatted with them and enjoyed their company but nothing more. Often she could be found sitting alone in the sand, knees pulled up to her chest lost in memories. Even though the other women believed a woman in her situation needed a husband they did not force the issue. The bittersweet smile she gave them when they approached the subject melted their hearts and had them pulling her into their arms to try and remove if only a small portion of her loneliness, Fuu would happily accept. Just over a year ago her loneliness was considerably lessened.
She was making her way to the tea house on a cold winter's afternoon eager to warm her bones with good company and good tea when she spotted him walking towards her, his head bowed against the wind. He didn't notice her as his gaze was trained on the ground avoiding the lashing the wind was attempting on his face.
"Jin…"
He had looked up then, squinting against the cold as she smiled widely and leapt towards him, arms outstretched to embrace the samurai. She felt him stiffen at the contact momentarily then he returned her gesture. She stepped back and took in the sight of someone dear to her, someone she had missed terribly.
"Fuu." He said softly with the smallest smile on his pale face. He then noticed the bundle at her side and his eyes widened to almost comical proportions.
Grabbing his arm she pulled him with her to the tea house. "Your freezing Jin, some tea will warm you up."
They sat for hours talking in the warm tea house, reliving their journey and sharing new tales they had experienced in their time apart. He had picked up on her unasked question and Fuu looked slightly embarrassed when he said that he had not seen him. Fuu explained how she had wanted to journey again, perhaps find the both of them but she remained here in this small out of the way village because it was what was best. She had asked about him and was not overly surprised to hear that he had returned for the woman in Hamamatsu. That they lived on the outskirts of a neighboring city did shock her somewhat. Jin also informed her of the actions the government was taking in regards to her father and the Shimabara incident. In other words they still wanted her, and in turn her two former companions eliminated. Jin suggested that she remain here in this village as it was so far out of the way and of no concern for any government official. She laughed all be it a little nervously at that but she had no intention of leaving, she was safe here.
He left after enjoying a wonderful afternoon with promises of visiting soon. He was true to his word and came to visit often, bringing her fabrics and threads from the city as well as news on their situation. Fuu would only smile and then immediately offer tea if he brought up his name. She had built a nice life here and was content with the friends she had made and Jin's visits but she, on occasion could still be found sitting in the sand lost in memories.
Fuu shook off the memories of the past few years and delicately put her still bleeding appendage into her mouth to sooth the sting. It was an occupational hazard that she found rather annoying. Looking at her tiny injury she shrugged it off and began her stitches once more, but before she could finish her task she heard steps approaching up the path towards her home. She placed the net neatly over the basket and looked towards her would be company shading her eyes with her hand to keep the sun out. The day was warm and the sun's rays left dark spots on her retinas. Two figures approached the first she easily recognized as Jin but the one following closely behind was not Shino. She stood, her heart leaping up into her throat as they stopped in front of her steps.
"Hey Girly."
"Mugen…"
She took a tentative step closer but hesitated not wanting the illusion to disappear but this was no illusion. She took one more tentative step pausing only for a second then wrapped her arms around his waist not caring if he wanted the gesture or not. She buried her face in his haori and mumbled his name once more. She could feel his hand uncertainly pat her shoulder then wrap around but only slightly. Stepping back she beamed up at him and he actually returned her smile.
"There is some disturbing news about the Shogunate's plans that we must discuss. I was lucky enough to come upon Mugen on my recent trip into the city." Jin interrupted awkwardly.
Fuu looked to Jin and nodded; she looked to Mugen and nodded as well. "I'll make some tea." She offered.
From the back of the house, a small voice could be heard as it approached only growing in volume, as it got closer. "Okaasan!"
"Eien." Fuu stuttered.
A young boy ran up to stand at Fuu's side. He was lanky with sun kissed skin and deep brown eyes. His hair was a riot of uncontrollable locks that somehow seemed to suit him.
"Jin-ji, did you bring anything cool?" The boy enthusiastically blurted out before realizing there was another person present. "Oh." He muttered when he noticed the stranger.
Mugen's eyes grew wide in disbelief mirroring the expression Jin had when first encountering the boy. He stared at the youngster for several moments then looked up to Fuu questionably then to Jin. He took a step back still wide eyed and confused. Shaking his head, he turned on his heel and headed towards the sand, to gain distance between him and those that stood watching. Jin made to follow an angry scowl on his face when he felt his sleeve being tugged. He turned to look at Fuu who simply smiled sadly up at him.
"Let him go."
Mugen moved with swift steps along the sandy beach. His steel lined geta sinking into the soft sand until he knew he was out of sight of the small house before he fell to his knees.
"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh" he roared.
He flung himself down on the warm sand and looked to the clouds as if they could give him answers. His composure was lost and his breathing came in ragged gasps. He thought to himself that this is what fear must feel like.
"Damn Four Eyes, could've at least given me a heads up."
He lay there trying to regain his composure as the salty breeze blew across his skin. He rubbed a calloused hand over his face as he calmed down. This was not exactly how he saw his reunion with the girl. He had pictured her throwing herself into his arms and him reacting with indifference. He did not expect to be shocked to the point of speechlessness.
He had watched her leave down a different road then either him or four eyes. They were at the end of their journey it was over. He walked along his chosen path for perhaps an hour when he felt a tug at his being. He turned around and made his way back to the crossroads. Neither one was there but he turned and followed the road she had chosen, he was sure that he would catch up to her. Yet he never did. He roamed the country as he had done before, stealing or working when necessary but he made a point of entering every teahouse he came upon. He was not looking for her really it was just a curiosity he had; perhaps she would be working in one of the establishments he entered. He took solace in the gambling houses and brothels on his path, but would never admit that such pleasures only left him wanting. He had not searched for the whiny flat as a board brat everywhere he went. No, he hadn't, however when he came across his rival, his nemesis, his friend he could not help the words that escaped his lips.
"Have you seen her?" He felt shame at his weakness but waited for Jin to answer.
"I have."
He hid his excitement well, acting as though it was not of great interest to him. He had been welcomed into Jin's and what's her name's house and filled in on everything that had happened. He suppressed the jealousy that Jin had found her before he did but was relieved that someone had taken the time to see to her protection. Of course, he had not really been searching for her all this time. He had gone where the wind took him.
He agreed with Four Eyes, something had to be done right away, the government dogs were hot on her trail and he did not like the idea of someone bringing harm to her. He had protected her, she had stitched him up, they had become… Here he swallowed hard, close. He went along with Jin's plan and as they walked up to the small house, his anticipation grew. Only a little bit, I mean she was an old acquaintance but nothing more. When she wrapped her arms around him he could have swore that all was right in the world. Then the boy appeared at her side. Did he imagine that he called her okaasan? No, it was not his imagination. Fuu had a child, a child with tanned skin and hair so unruly as to only rival his own.
A strange feeling nipped at his insides. It made his stomach feel like it was dropping out from within him. He could not place what the sensation was. The word guilt lingered in his mind but he shrugged it off as nothing more then annoyance. How long could he continue fooling himself? His thoughts were interrupted by a presence at his side.
He was surprised that someone was stealthy enough to sneak up on him. The perpetrator had to have skill. His fists clenched tight as he turned to the intruder.
"You are a jerk, or you have a death wish." The boy said as he crouched down poised like a frog ready to leap, beside him in the sand.
Mugen was shocked and sat up quickly shuffling back a small distance. The boy cocked his head to the side and studied him for a moment before continuing to speak.
"You know, we don't need you. I can protect okaasan all by myself but I bet she's gonna be some angry at you for taking off like that, your gonna get it." The boy said shaking his head. "I bet she'll get the broom out and smack you with it. Or give you that look." The boy shuddered.
Mugen could only stare at the boy, this small child who so bluntly spoke to him with no fear. He took a moment to focus his thoughts and take in what was in front of him. He was small, but kids were supposed to be right? The boy was thin but not in an unhealthy way, just naturally lean. His skin was tanned and Mugen took a quick glance at his own arm, so similar in color. His hair was clipped somewhat short but stuck out here and there like it could not be controlled and desired freedom. A small pale blue shirt with no sleeves covered his chest and a tiny pair of black shorts fell over his legs. It was the boy's beautiful big, brown eyes that drew him in and captivated him. They were the same eyes that he had once looked upon every day, as he was nagged and insulted. They were her eyes, engrained in his memory never to be suppressed.
The boy stood suddenly the mischievous gleam in his eyes replaced by anger. "You hurt her and I'll kill you, I don't care who you are."
Never in all of Mugen's life had he been threatened in such a manner and did nothing but he simply watched the small boy walk away. He knew he spoke the truth, not that he really thought the kid had a chance of killing him let alone coming close. However he heard the determination and resolve in every word the boy said. For a moment, his chest puffed out with pride but only for a moment before the sinking feeling of guilt swept across him again.
Eien: Hey Fuu...
Fuus: Yes?
Eien: You have the same name as my Mom.
Fuus: I do.
Mugen: Yeah but she has bigger hooters.
Eien: Eww gross.
Fuus: *facepalms*
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