Welcome to Gaia! ::

"Ka... Kaguyo..." Ainsu spoke softly, having been dragged along behind her. "We're going to need money. I mean... food and clothes. I don't wear the same size as Trunks."
"I can fix that!"
Blinking, Ainsu stopped walking and noticed Bulma standing there.
"I figured this would happen so... until you can get work somewhere... here." she handed Kaguyo a credit card. "Charges will be paid by Capsule Corp. Po-ar and Morrigan are getting one, and Ashuri and Trunks well... they don't need it." she smiled. "I made sure to make one for everyone who's arrived. Watari and Yuki might get one... not sure on them... they'd make a wonderful addition to our staff. Itachi already has one, though I doubt she'll use it. I'd give one to Aoki but..."
"No don't. He'll spend it on women and booze. Maybe... maybe give him one with a limit." Ainsu spoke quickly.
Okay, he was Aoki's friend... but he wasn't stupid...
"Arigatou, Bulma-san."
The woman shook her head, "No problem. With all the technology you guys have brought back, including this ship, you've more than earned it... well and there's the whole saving the world a couple times or more thing to consider as well."

"We're already packed... leaving this afternoon actually." Ashuri spoke to Morrigan, watching the pair. "A... ano... can I ask you two something?"
Po-ar nodded, seeming to sense the question.
"Is he really dead?"
For a moment, the young Tarnb-jin didn't say anything. But eventually, Po-ar nodded.
"Hai. Kazu said he watched them fall and they weren't moving."
"They?" Ashuri replied. "I only saw Aled die."
"Aoikage too." Po-ar added in. "Tarnbsei's off limits for a year."
Sighing, Ashuri nodded. "Guess it's fine for me to leave for a while then. Konton's gone so..." she smirked slightly. "I guess he was wrong after all, Po-ar."
"What do you mean?"
"Konton." Ashuri whispered, "He said I was going to kill him. I'm glad it was Ainsu though..."
Trunks smiled softly, "She saw it... a vision and all that... guess there's not too much unfinished business."
"Oh um... watch out for Itachi." Ashuri added quickly, Trunks already heading back into the complex. "An assassin with an FBI agent doesn't look very good so um... I was going to leave her here. She doesn't have anywhere to go now... and no, she doesn't know about Tarnbsei."
"Neither does Watari or Yuki." Po-ar sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I really don't want to tell them."
In truth... Po-ar wanted to just curl up and deal with it himself.
He was still in shock, and hearing Ashuri ask... then seeing how the woman had no reaction whatsoever...
It hurt.
A lot.

Kaguyo continued to drag Ainsu down the hall, but her next actions were confusing.
She paused at the end of the hallway, looking out the window briefly. "You know," she paused, glancing back at him, "I'm pretty furious with
you."
Without another word, she shoved him into the stairwell, taking off through the window in a burst of ki. Despite the toll of their battles, she had
been building up whatever ki she could, knowing that she was now more or less a prisoner on Earth.
On one hand, she wasn't without friends....
But on the other hand, Ainsu and Aoki were here, and not only were they the ones who would be keeping tabs on her most closely, but they
were both friends!
It would've been a difficult pill to swallow if it wasn't for Aled's abandonment, and more importantly, Ainsu's roll in it.
At least she had money, now. Bulma would gladly give Ainsu another card, of that she had no doubt.
Where on this forsaken planet did she want to live?
More appropriately, where on Earth would she be farthest away from her soon-to-be jailors?

Kazuhiko, in the meantime, was nothing but scowls. Nothing Morrigan or anyone did could change his expression; he had never looked
more angry in his life. The rage only served to age the boy considerably; despite only being 6, he was looking at least double his age, but not an inch taller. He was too exhausted to switch into his true older-form, but it lingered beneath the surface, ready to burst out with the slightest provocation.
"Kazuhiko..." Morrigan soothed, glancing up at Po-ar with a knowingly worried look, "Kazuhiko, we're going to go back to him. I promise."
"I'm going to kill him." Kazuhiko stated promptly, crossing his arms, his hands balled into fists. "I'm going to kill him."
"You're not." she warned sharply, "I think you're coming along with us this time, kiddo. Right?"
The fae looked to Po-ar with a warning spark in her eyes; she wasn't going to mother the child by herself.
There was only so much she could do, but in truth, she was far weaker than either her husband or child. She didn't know how to use ki or even fly for that matter...
"Isn't that right Po-ar?"

~ ~ ~

"Absolutely right." Po-ar replied, kneeling in front of Kazuhiko. "We're going to take some time to relax and rest, Kazu-kun." his maroon gaze focused directly on the boy. "During this time, I want you to examine what happened in your mind, think through it and ask yourself truly... had there been another way? In my own heart, I trust the judgements of Ainsu... and as much as I want to believe that there was another way, that Ainsu had acted rashly..." the Tarnb-jin shook his head. "Kazu-kun... he did what he thought was right, he brought you and Kaguyo home, Kazu-kun. Because of his actions, you're here with us now. I hate to imagine what this world would be like... if you had been lost on Tarnbsei."
For once, Po-ar was being completely serious and... well... honest. He was expressing the fear in his own heart... the fear of losing his son.

Cursing, Ainsu was following after Kaguyo, "DAMN IT! DON'T MAKE ME CHASE YOU THROUGHT THIS COMPLEX AGAIN!" he shouted after her, giving chase.
In truth, Ainsu was exhausted. He had defeated a demon... most of his strength drained by the act, and the last of it gone in a final showdown with the Muse himself.
Of course they had gotten time to relax and rest on the flight back to Earth... but Ainsu knew he needed more sleep and down time than what he'd already gotten.
Ainsu skidded to a stop near the now-broken window, watching Kaguyo shrink into the distance.
He had to follow.
If he didn't... she would be near impossible to find again... and the playwright knew it.
"KAGUYO!" Ainsu shouted, his ki pushing him out the window and after the woman.

~ ~ ~

Kazuhiko shook his head. "I cannot die." he protested vehemently, "I am Death itself!"
He trembled angrily for a few seconds, but relentingly broke out into tears, clinging onto his father.
In a sense, he knew he was right.
"I could've stayed there and never aged a bit..!" he sobbed, "I could've saved them! I could've! I know I could've!"
But he didn't speak after that, simply burying his head into his father's shoulder and falling asleep.
Morrigan didn't say anything, but looked deeply troubled. "We need this vacation..." she offered a half-smile to Po-ar, "We really, really need a vacation."

Kaguyo didn't listen to anything Ainsu said; he had made his decision whenever he set off whatever it was he had started in Watari's lab. An entire year---and that was only to them!--why in the world would she listen to him?
In her eyes, he was a murderer now.
But her newfound disgust with him didn't stop the fear she felt sensing him behind her.
Ainsu was quick....
And angry...
.....And no doubt, where Ainsu was, Aoki was close behind.
She dug deeper into her ki, trying to dart out of sight; she still had a considerable lead on the man, but she still felt hunted all the same. She had good reason to, although she wasn't aware of it as fully as she would've liked to be. Her energy was starting to be released in awkward, uneven spurts; pretty soon, flight wouldn't be an option; between Ainsu and Aoki, or even Po-ar, being grounded was a terrifying prospect.
She had to find somewhere to hide, or some way to outrun them.... but much to her annoyance, she didn't have much choice of her battle-ground.
She had just barely made it out of the city-limits before she disappeared into the forests, plummeting through the air like a downed jet.



~ ~ ~

Arms wrapped around the boy as Po-ar gently held Kazuhiko close, glad when the boy drifted off to sleep.
"No argument from me there." the man spoke with a sad smile. "I think this will help all of us... Kazu especially."
He was standing now, the exhausted boy held against him in his arms.
But then he stopped.
Po-ar's maroon eyes widened considerably and he looked to Morrigan in complete and utter shock. "I can't open my portal..."

Relief flooded through Ainsu, and just seconds after he saw Kaguyo fall from the sky... his own ki gave out.
Falling wasn't quite what the man had in mind, so he was forced to tuck and roll, slamming into branches and leaves, limbs and vines on his way down.
The forest floor was littered with debris, luckily, so his final landing wasn't as uncomfortable as falling through the treeline, but it still sent a jarring ache through his body.
Of course, Ainsu knew he had to keep going... if he stopped now, Kaguyo would be out of reach forever. So, the man pushed himself up, taking off through the forest on foot.
When he found Kaguyo, he approached the woman slowly, hands up in a peaceful yet surrendering motion.
"Kaguyo..." Ainsu spoke carefully, not wanting to startle the woman. "I know you're angry with me... but this is hardly the time to strike out on your own. Just... just stay with me, please?" he asked softly. "Don't go through this pain alone..."

~ ~ ~

Kaguyo startled nevertheless, seeming to jump into action the second he approached her.
"Leave me be!" she shouted, her scratched-up, disheveled form rushing like a wildcat through the forests. "I'm not going back! I hate you!"
She was down the path and climbing up a rocky cliff in just a few moments, but it wasn't that long of a drop. She wouldn't take long to ascend, and for that she was grateful.
She just wasn't expecting to see Aoki standing with a satisfied smirk as she started to pull herself over the edge.

Morrigan shook her head. "No doubt, that's because of your home planet." she pointed out. "Our abilities are similar then. We get cut off from where we draw our energy... Our birthplaces... Those worlds that nourish our spirit....and then nothing." she gestured as if releasing dandelion seeds in the wind. "Give it a year."
She calmly started walking down the hall, taking his hand and leading him
behind her. "Let's decide what we're packing."


~ ~ ~

"Hey." Aoki smirked, standing his ground at the top of the precipace. He wasn't about to let her past him... especially since he was practically full of energy and the others... "Do you realize how easily I could just kill you both right now?" the man asked, arms crossed over his chest.
By the time Ainsu had climbed up beside Kaguyo, he had heard the other man's remark. Carefully, the playwright lifted himself over the edge, before reaching down and helping Kaguyo stand on her own feet on the flat rock.
He ignored Aoki...
"You know... climbing really does suck with one arm." the playwright spoke softly. He had obviously had to use his ki to help propel him up the cliff face.
What little ki was left.
"Kaguyo..." Ainsu began again, "Don't do this. Please. You have me at a disadvantage, Kaguyo... I mean, I know you're upset, that's obvious... but I had though you forgave me somewhat..." his voice was soft, the hurt obvious in his eyes. "I am hardly angry with you... I just want to keep you safe, Kaguyo. You don't need to do this alone." he sighed, closing his eyes for a moment. "Last night was about making you feel loved, Kaguyo... about letting you know that you're not alone." he reiterated. "I won't abandon you and I won't lock you away. I only want to be at your side... can you at least grant me that? I ask not for your love... just for you to BE there."

~ ~ ~

Kaguyo looked as if his words hit home; it was clear she was thinking it over.
But, true to her nature, she was stubborn as ever. "No." she answered curtly, shaking her head. "No."
Even as he had helped her up, she had been shying away from them; it was obvious she was hurt from her less than graceful landing. Aoki was right, however....
She was stuck.
"Why won't the two of you just leave me in peace?" she demanded bitterly, eyes ablaze with distrust. "Leave me BE!"
Full of energy or not, Kaguyo headbutted Aoki in the diaphragm, attempting to take off again into the forest.
She wouldn't give up until she had no other option.

~ ~ ~

As Aoki was falling, Ainsu reached out his good arm, grabbing Kaguyo's wrist. "I won't leave you be because I care too much." the playwright spoke, holding Kaguyo in place. "Don't you get it yet?" he asked, blue gaze intent. "I love you. I know you don't trust me and I know you're bitter because of what I did... but I had no choice. Given the chance, I would do it again. We don't know if Aled is dead, I pray he isn't, Kaguyo... I really do... but I won't stand by and let you get lost in this world. I won't let you walk this path alone... because I know what it feels like to be lost, to be alone, just as you do. I know... and I won't let you spiral into madness while you wait for a year to pass."

~ ~ ~

"Let me go." Kaguyo demanded, actually sounding scared as she tried to jerk away, "Let me GO!"
Ainsu and Aoki both could see it in her eyes and limbs, could feel it in the air; the woman was terrified. Ainsu had never been one to let go of her easily, and without her ki, she had no means of releasing herself from his grip.
Not only that, but Aoki would be less than pleased with her still being there after that stunt she pulled.
"Let me go!!" Kaguyo insisted again, struggling to push him away, "I'm not going back with the two of you! I refuse! I won't!! I won't! Just let me live by myself!" she insisted, "Let me GO!"
At this time, with all her attempts at escape failing, she did the only thing left as an option. Within seconds, Ainsu's hand was clenched firmly between her teeth, the woman desperate to do anything it took to be liberated again.

~ ~ ~

Wincing, Ainsu kept his grip on her wrist, even though the woman's teeth were digging into his skin.
"She's insane..." Aoki spoke, coughing as he stood up, one hand over his stomach. "b***h has lost it."
But the playwright's blue gaze was serious, locked on the frozen woman. "You can live by yourself, Kaguyo." the man spoke softly, carefully, his voice gentle. "I won't lock you away in a house with me, certainly not with Aoki... but I want to be near you. Can't you understand, Kaguyo-chan?" Ainsu smiled sadly. "Can't you understand that I want to protect you... that I don't want to suddenly lose you? Not again... Let me live near you, if not in the same house than next door. Let me watch over you, if not all day and night than when I can... but don't run away, Kaguyo... Don't run from me... because in a year, Kaguyo... I will take you back there personally, and we will find out what happened."

~ ~ ~
Kaguyo wouldn't have it however; Aoki was right.
She was more akin to a wild animal at this point than anything, panicking that even her last-ditch effort wasn't producing results. She kicked and punched and screamed, although certain movements seemed to cause her to give out a little gasp of pain.
She had hurt her back during the fall; all of her struggling was doing nothing to help her injuries and her shoulder was all bruised up as well.
She was even at the point where she was grasping and throwing rocks, or trying to throw them both off the small cliff; at this point, it didn't matter.
Her grief ran deeper than she had cared to show, and it was only hitting her now that Aled could really be gone.

~ ~ ~

Kaguyo's movements were so franfic, so frenzied, that Ainsu couldn't keep hold of her. She pulled out of his grasp, but not before badly injuring his hurt arm. She succeeded in ripping part of the kimono he was wearing off, exposing the useless limb for all to see.
A grim reminder...
And as her own nails raked through the skin of that arm, as she tore down to the very nerves... Ainsu released her, blood gushing from the wounds.
"Will you at least tell me where you will go?" he asked, trying to hold back the flood of emotions that swelled through him.
With his empathy seemingly gone, he couldn't focus his own feelings back... couldn't get a grasp of her true self beneath the panic.
"Please, Kaguyo..." the pleading in his voice was bound to give her pause.
Wasn't it?
"Please, Kaguyo... just tell me where you will go so I know you're safe... so I know where to find you when the time comes to return home..."
Aoki smirked, having avoided the woman's crazed attacks by simply hovering in the air above the action.

~ ~ ~

Kaguyo seemed to have calmed the second she was freed, although the haunted look in her eyes said mountains about what the man wished to know.
The woman was consumed by what had happened on Tarnbsei; it was like trying to make a goldfish survive in saltwater. She wasn't ever going to be at peace on Earth; if anything, she would spend the year wandering like a phantom given her way.
However, one also had to keep in mind that Kaguyo didn't always get her way.
"I don't know." she answered honestly, "Far, far away from here. Maybe not even the same planet." she whispered, shivering slightly. Upon being released she had fallen to the ground, sitting awkwardly between the two men; she clearly wasn't comfortable.
She was silent for a long time before she started trembling again. "It's too hot here." she whispered, holding her shoulder as she staggered to her feet, "I have to get out of here. It's too hot."
It wasn't even so much that it was too hot; if anyone would have seen it, Aoki would've.
Every time the woman was subjected to stress or fear, the temperature around her plummeted, seeming to cool her
emotions as well.
That clearly hadn't been the case for the past twenty minutes...

~ ~ ~

"Let me help you." Ainsu spoke softly, though he didn't make any sort of move toward her. "Let me help you find someone to live, somewhere cold. Come back to Capsule Corp with me and we can have Bulma-san give us an idea where to go." he smiled gently. "Somewhere with snow... it would suit you beautifully, Kaguyo."
Aoki scoffed at this, "I don't know why I follow either of you... your devotion to her, Ainsu, is rather sickening."
"Shut up." the playwright hissed, glaring dangerously at the kazetsukai. But when his blue eyes fell on the woman once more, that gaze was gentle and pleading, kind and yet hopeful. "Please, Kaguyo? Somewhere in the country? Somewhere quiet... cold... somewhere peaceful..."

~ ~ ~

Kaguyo didn't seem to be paying attention; her cheeks were flushed. She had made her way back down the cliff, albeit gingerly, and was making her way to a cold stream.
Without hesitation she plopped into the waters, sighing softly. "I don't know why you follow us either, bakayaro." she spoke up, starting to regain her composure. She wouldn't leave until she started to shiver. "Don't you have anything better to do?"
She wouldn't face or directly answer either one's questions; in truth, she had no idea what to do. Stubborn b***h.
It would be lying to deny herself that truth, she was bullheaded as ever anymore.
What would she do, now that she couldn't go back to Tarnbsei?
What would she do, now that Aled was dead?
She had a few ideas, but only one seemed to be making sense anymore.
Although she didn't allow Ainsu to see directly, Aoki would've seen that she was slowly starting to get up, eyes set on where the stream disappeared over a 40 ft drop.
Damnit, she couldn't be....
"I'm going home." she declared, before hurling herself towards the edge.
Should she succeed, she would rob Ainsu of his happiness the same as he robbed her...
But more importantly, at least for Aoki, was that she would rob him of the one thing he wanted worst than anything:
Her death, at his hands.
The best part was, that despite being cut off from Tarnbsei, this was something all three of them could realize in mere moments.

~ ~ ~

All powers from Tarnbsei were cut off.
Every last bit...
But there was one thing that wasn't cut off.
One simple gift that no one could take away.
It was as if the world had stopped, as if everything were happening slowly... agonizingly slowly...
As Kaguyo fell, as she and the ice cold water mixed together, a brilliance the likes of which only the sun could provide, streaked through the sky. It fell around the woman, engulfing her in a bright yellow light... and keeping her from descending to her death on the rocks below.
It stayed, shielding her, even when Ainsu collapsed to the ground. His forehead, that single simple rune, glowing radiantly.
Aoki landed next to the man, watching as Kaguyo remained frozen in the air, her 'bubble' closed up around her. "Damn..." the kazetsukai whispered when he realized what the playwright had done.
Ainsu had trapped Kaguyo and kept her safe... though at what price?
"I hope you're damned happy with this." Aoki spoke, turning Ainsu onto his back and checking his vitals.
Weak, but alive and stable.
Sighing, Aoki glared at Kaguyo as she now hovered not far away, stuck inside the light. "You know, he could die doing this. Especially after what he pulled against Konton. b*****d saved you from the Muse, hell saved everyone from hell itself, and here you are just trying to run off? He loves you, b***h. He actually loves you more than anything, and you can't even stand to look at him because, 'oh boo hoo, he was forced to leave behind the very man who you loved, who he ******** loved once upon a time, behind to save your a**.'..." Aoki scoffed at her, "You make me sick, Kaguyo. Running and crying is all you're capable of... so this pathetic," he waved a hand to indicate the unconscious man. "excuse for a man is going to keep running after you, keep hoping and praying that you'll forgive him so he can somehow live with himself. Don't you think he's broken inside too? Can you comprehend that? Or are you a stupid bimbo like I've always thought?"
Oh yes... Kaguyo had actually pissed Aoki off by now.

~ ~ ~
Aoki's words only served to infuriate Kaguyo; he always knew too well what buttons to push.
He was lucky she was trapped, and they both knew it.
"Shut the hell up." she hissed, "What does it matter to you what I do with my life?! I was happy there! I made my choice!"
But she couldn't cry, sitting there shivering in the bubble; she was too exhausted. "I made my choice, Aoki, which is something you used to criticize me for as well. Shut. The ********. Up...."
She shivered again, shaking her head. "I've tried to discourage him... He's not even the same person I knew before." she glared at the man angrily, "Who are you to judge me?"
It struck her that perhaps, in a way, she was lucky to be protected by the bubble, Ainsu being unconscious and all... Aoki was rather intense, and given their competitive, spiteful relationship, she wasn't doing much to dampen the fire.
One of these days, he'd explode, and there would be little she could do to escape his wrath.
One of these days.

~ ~ ~

Smiking, Aoki shook his head, "I can judge you because I've seen everything you have." he reminded the woman. "Don't forget, I served Aled when he was a psychotic mass murder. I served Konton when he was trying to destroy Aled's bloodline. And I even helped Ainsu to save your life. And yet..." the man walked forward to stand just in front of the bubble. "Yet I'm still here, watching... judging... because as of yet, no one's been able to kill me. So, I think that definitely allows me the ability to judge in this situation."
He sighed, hands on his hips, head tilted to the side as the man studdied her. "He's the same man you loved, Kaguyo. Every bit of Ainsu is the same. All that's missing is the insanity... the raw power that used to bubble just beneath the surface. He has new power now, a power that wasn't given by the Muse, but by his own mother's love. Not only that... but it seems you have forgotten that not only did Ainsu lose a man who he had loved, a man you both had loved... but he lost his father. How would you feel, Kaguyo... to suddenly learn who your parents are, only to watch your father die... because that's what's happened. Aled is DEAD." Aoki spoke coldly. "Aoikage is DEAD. You've both lost something, Kaguyo. But while you're running away like a spoiled brat... Ainsu is trying to remain strong so-as to give you an anchor... to give you someone to trust and believe in... to make sure you're not alone." Aoki laughed, looking to the unconscious man. "Even now, even knowing that you won't forgive him... he doesn't want to see you in pain. Wants to help... to protect you... and how do you repay that?" sighing, Aoki shrugged, his attention back on the woman. "You threaten him. You threaten him with the very thing that will destroy him... your death." the kazetsukai laughed darkly, "So congratulations, Kaguyo... you've effectively destroyed the only living being in this universe that actually loves your pathetic soul. I hope you're happy, ice queen."

~ ~ ~

Kaguyo got pissed only when the parents were brought up. "Oh, and the fact that my family was still in the city when he decided to blow it up doesn't count?!" she demanded, fists pounding on the bubble, "He killed my husband, my family, everything I loved in an INSTANT! And you think I should be grateful to be alive, the sole survivor of that wreckage?!"
But he said one thing that struck a nerve,
; his accuracy was impeccable: he truly was the only person left in the universe that loved her.
"Kazuhiko loves me." she countered quietly, "There are other people I could meet in the universe Aoki. You aren't the only ones I'm limited to."
Even so, her confidence was shaken. She didn't mind being called an Ice Queen; in fact, she sort of enjoyed it, at least in private. To be alone, however...
It was part of the reason she had been so distraught to begin with.
"I can leave this planet, go to one of our colonies." she closed her eyes, "I can make my own family, now that he has taken mine from me. I can get the hell away from you, from the both of you... I don't care how I do it anymore, but I want my freedom."

~ ~ ~

"Did he?" Aoki asked, hands in his pockets as he advanced toward Kaguyo again. "I mean, did HE really kill them because, if you ask my opinion... that was the Muse. And Ainsu destroyed the Muse, somewhat..." sighing, Aoki's gaze fell on the unconscious playwright. "His arm's still beat to hell so that means that the Muse lives even now... but one has to think it will take time before that b*****d's dead. Even if Aled's gone, Kaguyo... that spirit dwells within him, and until it's energy is exhausted... Ainsu holds the scar." he shrugged. "With that in mind, Kaguyo... Ainsu destroyed the being who killed your family... who destroyed the city and most of the countryside... who took Aled away from you. It's all so damn complicated..." Aoki pushed his glasses up on his nose, focused on Kaguyo once more. "Ainsu destroyed the Muse... and in doing so, lost everything dear to him... even you."
"Shut... up..." Ainsu whispered, wearily pushing himself into a sitting position with one arm. "Can't you see... what you're saying is..."
"Is hurting her?" Aoki asked before laughing. "Good! She deserves to look at the truth beyond her own pain."
But Ainsu shook his head, blue gaze focusing on Kaguyo. The symbol on his forehead continued to glow however, keeping her stuck. "If you want to go to a colony, Kaguyo... please... let me take you there. You can have all the freedom you please... just let me follow you... I want nothing more..."

~ ~ ~

Kaguyo refused to say anything, eyes locked squarely with Aoki's. He had humbled her here quite efficiently; even as his enemy, she had to admit it was a thing of beauty.
What could she say to that? In a way, he was right...
She did little more but shake her head, shivering softly. "I... I hate you so much..." she whispered, before closing her eyes and hanging her head.
She wouldn't speak one word after that, sitting quietly in the protective prison, holding her wounded shoulder.

~ ~ ~

For a long time, Ainsu said nothing. He stood, refusing aid from Aoki, and walked forward, placing his hand against the yellow protective light of the bubble.
"I know..." the playwright whispered, swallowing back his own emotions.
Her words tore him apart inside...
"Hate me forever, Kaguyo. Hate me with every fiber of your being if you must. But please... let me follow you." Ainsu asked softly. "Let me follow you, so we can once again return home in a year."
Sighing, Aoki said nothing. He himself didn't mind being hated, after all.

~ ~ ~

"I wasn't saying that to you." Kaguyo barely managed to answer the man, "I said it to Aoki. I can't hate you... you have the stupid ******** to thank for that. I'm furious with you though."
She was starting to strengthen, but her eyes still had that hollow look to them. "I don't want to talk about this now."
She hit the bubble angrily, shaking her head. The waters over that ledge would've swallowed her, swept her far away from either of them...
Far away from this...
She could escape on her own, go and rebuild...
But now, she had these two to contend with, one constantly waiting for her to f#ck up and the other almost overbearingly protective.
She just sighed, closing her eyes. "Goddamnit."

~ ~ ~

It was as if Kaguyo had actually forgiven him because Ainsu sighed in relief, looking as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.
In truth, it had.
"Perhaps we should discuss this back at Capsule Corp." the playwright spoke, using the glow from the rune on his forehead, to guide the bubble, making it follow him and Aoki back the way they had come. "Would you rather a colony, Kaguyo? I'm sure Bulma can point us in the right direction for a wintery place here on Earth. You wouldn't have to be cooped up in a ship again at that rate."

~ ~ ~

"We can stay." Kaguyo sighed reluctantly, "I hate this stupid ******** planet though. ******** foul-smelling and.."
She paused, looking over the hills. "So many ******** trees and bugs and what the hell is with this weather..."
But Ainsu could note with a smirking satisfaction that there was a real possibility she was starting to grow fond of the place. Earth in truth did have some amazing things to see. The way her eyes started getting distant were a dead giveaway: the fact she wouldn't look away from the cliffs and ocean and islands scattered about over the horizon said more than she did.
Parts of Earth were a lot like home.
"I want somewhere like Tarnbsei." she insisted, "But somewhere where it's never too hot. I can't stand it being too hot. Warm, acceptable. Up to 80 degrees, acceptable. Well... tolerable. Above that and I will burn that house to the ground with the two of you in it." she warned.
Her irritability wasn't related to Ainsu so much as Aoki, and not so much to Aoki as to her injuries. She was starting to get tired, slumping back into the bubble; she was starting to get pale.
Maybe she was lucky Ainsu decided to follow her when he did. She wasn't starting to feel very well.
"I'm napping." she tried to act if off, closing her eyes. "Wake me up when we get there."

~ ~ ~

Ainsu nodded, "Rest, Kaguyo... it will take a few hours to walk back, and..."
"Or I can carry you and fly and you can force the bubble to follow." Aoki put in, not really liking the idea of a nature hike.
He scooped Ainsu up into his arms and took off, the bubble following swiftly behind them.
"Well, that's easier..." the playwright replied, glad for the aid. He looked over Aoki's shoulder, watching Kaguyo floating behind them. "Somewhere north should work. Given the time of year, it will be quite snowy. I'm sure Bulma-san has some sort of Capsule Corp extension that we can affiliate ourselves with."
Aoki frowned, "Guess I need to buy a bunch of winter clothes... b***h's gonna freeze me..."

~ ~ ~

"I hope so." Kaguyo remarked bitterly, closing her eyes. "Now that I know there's only one of you you'll be much easier to kill than last time."
If there was one thing that cheered her up, it was that; in fact, it actually made her smile. "Heh... you know... that must be terrifying for you, isn't it? You won't just break and shatter this time.."
She opened one eye, grinning at him before closing it again. "Shame... I was getting awfully fond of listening to you break like glass..."
She winced a bit, trying to adjust herself so that she didn't hurt. "I wonder what I'll do with your body afterwards... maybe burn it..."
At least she had one thing to live for, now...
Well, that, and finding Aled in a year's time... or what was left of him.


~ ~ ~

"Tough talk for bubble girl." Aoki replied with a smirk. "I'll have you know that my ki works just fine, thank you..." he glanced over his shoulder with a devilish smirk. "And I've always been the better ki user."
"Stop it." Ainsu replied softly, good arm wrapped around the kazetsukai's shoulders to keep himself from falling. "Arguing with her isn't going to help matters. She just wants to piss you off and vice versa. Besides," he smirked as well, winking at Kaguyo so that Aoki couldn't see the tease. "Try saying that to her again when she's OUT of the bubble... then we'll see how that argument goes, hmm?"

~ ~ ~
Kaguyo knew that Aoki was right; she could tell from the sinking feeling in her stomach.
She didn't have the abilities that had kept her alive thus far; her ability at hand-to-hand and ki wasn't anything near either Ainsu's OR Aoki's level.
s**t.
"I'll suffocate you in your sleep." Kaguyo promised. "You better stay awake all the time, bakayaro."

~ ~ ~
Aoki smirked, "Wouldn't be the first time you suffocated someone... would it?" he asked deviously.
This WAS technically true... seeing how she'd almost killed Ainsu by suffocation before. That little turn was still fresh in Po-ar's own memory, even though no one realized it but him.
"That wasn't her fault." Ainsu spoke up suddenly. "She was under Aled's control... and Aled wasn't sane at the time. You can hardly..."
"I didn't say it WAS her fault... just that she'd done it." the kazetsukai pointed out.

~ ~ ~

Kaguyo blinked a few times, shaking her head. "You're such a douchebag." she muttered, "Killing you is going to be so rewarding."
Their arguing had lasted long enough for their arrival at Capsule Corps; she hadn't gotten that far, at least as far as flight was concerned. The second she was out of the bubble, however, she remained seated in the ******** trees..." she whispered, applying more pressure to her shoulder, "My head feels funny..."
Sure enough, there was a bump starting to form on the back of her head.
"Let's get a house and get me somewhere to go to bed please." she whispered, sounding more delicate and feminine than usual as she tried to stand up. "I just wanna lay down..."
She leaned against the wall, closing her eyes again. "I could sleep for a week I bet."

Kaguyo rubbed the back of her neck in horror; there was only one reaction she COULD have. Without a second thought she punched Ainsu square in the nose, and upon her release she did the very same to Aoki. <******** you both!" she stormed off, utterly enraged; she wouldn't even acknowledge them.
Oh gods was she pissed.
"Kazuhiko!" she started to whisper the second she entered the dressing room, "Kazu-kun, tasukete...!"
The boy appeared, shaking his head. "Should've warned you." he apologized, trying to stop her from scratching her neck bloody, "Just wait. When the time gets close I'll take care of it. Just pretend you're not bothered and when the time comes I'll set you free. You may even get out early."
Kaguyo took a deep breath, nodding her head slowly. "Ok."
The boy winked, laughing as he turned to leave. "I have my own plans Yo-yo-chan."
It seemed that Kaguyo was deliberately taking hours to leave the women's bath; it was certainly in her nature to do so. She frowned, soaking in the hottest waters she could find. With her luck, the tracker was both heat and ice-proof.

~ ~ ~

The tracker was everything proof really... short of opening up a portal and pulling it out or straight up operation.
Of course an operation would mean you needed to know the exact location of the nano-machine on the body... and it moved, constantly flowing through her being here and there.
Outside, Ainsu was sitting against the wall, eyes closed, completely silent as he waited for Kaguyo to finish.
Aoki however... had disappeared to 'pick up chicks'.

~ ~ ~

Kaguyo opened the door, jumping back upon seeing Ainsu there.
But there was one thing she picked up on instantly.
He was alone.
With barely a blink she was off again, nanobot or not.
Maybe she could shock it and overload it, or fry it with her ki. It was worth a shot.
She took off down the hall, ducking into the first open room she could find and locking it behind her.
There had to be clothes here somewhere... There was someone in the shower, so she had to act fast. Grabbing a man's shirt and pants, she rapidly started changing, pulling the belt tight.
Now, to escape out into the hallway or out the window?

~ ~ ~

"God damnit, Kaguyo!"
Aoki stood in the bathroom doorway, a towel around his waist, glaring at the woman who had just hijacked his shirt and pants.
"You know, I WAS going to wear that stuff tonight." the kazetsukai spoke, using his ki to get between her and the window in the blink of an eye. "Lucky me you picked my room, hmm?"
A split second later, there was a knocking on the door. "Kaguyo!" it was clearly Ainsu's worried voice.

~ ~ ~

Kaguyo's astonished, gaping expression said mountains about his appearance.
Of all the places she could've ended up...
"Shimatta..." she whispered, backing away "How the hell...!?"
She was turning bright red at the sight of him in merely a towel, quickly retreating to the door. "********/>~ ~ ~

"Go ahead and open the door." Aoki replied, smirking darkly as he advanced toward Kaguyo.
Gods how he loved to scare the s**t out of the woman.
"You picked the room to hide in. I was just taking an innocent shower."
Somehow, Ainsu had heard that, "Aoki! Stop antagonizing her!" he shouted from the other side of the locked door.

~ ~ ~
Kaguyo had her back against the door, eyes widening as he was barely a foot away. She couldn't find the handle, and even when she did, she had problems turning it the right way.
"Back off...!" she threatened, although it wasn't very intimidating, "Don't come any ********, how the hell did the door work? Did Ainsu have his hand on the knob?
"Not another step!"

~ ~ ~

"Or what?" Aoki asked, standing in front of Kaguyo now.
He basically had her pinned to the door with his eyes, the woman would have had quite a hard time going around him now.
"You know... if I were you, Kaguyo... I'd stick close to the man who loves you and," he leaned forward whispering in the woman's ear. "Not to the man who wants to kill you... if you catch my meaning..."
Another banging knock on the door made Aoki smirk.
"Kaguyo! Unlock the door!"

~ ~ ~

Kaguyo's breath caught the second Aoki came too close. She wasn't even able to answer Ainsu; she had a hard time thinking of anything.
"I didn't know it was your room or I would've." she shuddered. His whispering made her feel cold, and not in a good way. "At least I know where you'll be when it's time to kill you."
It may have been a bluff, but the simple fact she had any spiritual strength left to mouth off to him was impressive.
Given enough time, however, he could easily break her.
"It isn't locked, the door's jammed!" she called out to Ainsu, eyes never leaving Aoki's, "Try it now!"

~ ~ ~

Oh well that made things simple.
Ainsu pulled on the door, jerking it open, the man reached out just in time to catch Kaguyo before she fell through the door.
"Damnit, Aoki. Leave her alone." the playwright spoke angrily, obviously not happy with the taunting.
But Aoki raised one eyebrow, "Just having a bit of fun. She should learn who is really on her side..."

~ ~ ~
Kaguyo didn't say anything, eyes narrowed. "I'll live with Ainsu." she growled, clearly unhappy with the situation. "Just stay away from me..."

~ ~ ~

"Gladly." Aoki replied, "I didn't want you to see me naked anyway." he smirked before pulling the door closed.
With a sigh, Ainsu let go his hold on Kaguyo. "I take it he didn't actually hurt you." the playwright asked before sighing once more. "Come on... I'll show you to your room. It's a suite with a connecting door that has no lock, just a sliding door. But it will give you your privacy."

~ ~ ~

Kaguyo nodded once. "Lead the way." she gestured. "Let's just get out of here."
She allowed him to lead her down the hall, but it wasn't even another two seconds that she took off full speed in the other direction.
One of them she could evade and handle.
Two of them was a different story all together.
Of course, typical and true to her nature, she hurled herself through the first window she found and took off flying.
Aoki seemed to have predicted her compliance was a ruse; did he really know her better than Ainsu?
It was going to be nearly impossible to tame her. Something had changed; Ainsu wouldn't be able to place it but one look and it was obvious something had changed her.
Maybe even more than one thing, come to think of it. Konton had had a powerful presence after all and she did go from being a queen to being publically executed.
And then, to have lost Tarnbsei and her powers... It was little surprise she wasn't able to relax.
The fact she had waited to recharge meant she would give it her all this time around. He would have to outrun and outfight her just to protect her...
She was always confused as to how he still had any patience with her.
Didn't the b*****d give up?

~ ~ ~

Ainsu rolled his eyes. "Well, I do suppose I expected that." he whispered before pulling a phone from the inner folds of a his kimono.
Flipping the screen open, he watched the tiny dot, keeping track of Kaguyo. He didn't have to give chase right now.
"I'll just let her spend her energy then pick her up." the playwright reasoned.
After all, he currently didn't have the energy reserves to chase her down... he was still recovering from his own battles.
According to Po-ar and Morrigan, the use of that much holy energy could take a while to recharge... and that was the same for the ki he had used as well.

~ ~ ~

Kaguyo flew away quickly, but not without aim or purpose; she had to find shelter, somewhere she could defend herself. She didn't intend to go back easily after all, but she had to be wary. They could track her now. She'd have to be careful about how much energy she wasted from here on out.
Approaching a small cave, she landed and began making a fire inside. Making sure there was no other signs of life within her cavern, the petite woman crawled inside and began to wait.
They would be looking for her soon. If she didn't win this time, the next few months---the next year in fact---would be unbearable.

~ ~ ~

Delicious food!
Po-ar had been looking forward to the room service of the onsen, and he wasn't disappointed to find that their meals were not only elaborate... but oh-so tastey as well!
"Mor-chan, I seriously think that the Capsule Corp chef needs to train here." Po-ar spoke up, since usually the two were too busy to actually cook.
The CC chef made things easier on them... but was certainly lacking in the food department.
Before the Tarnb-jin Ouji could comment again to the woman who was eating as well, there was a knock on the door.
"Come in."
It was Ainsu, the playwright smiling sadly at the two of them. "Well... she has already succeeded in running off." the man spoke, closing the door behind him after eating. "Morrigan-san... Po-ar... any advice the two of you could give would be much appreciated."

~ ~ ~
Morrigan shrugged. "Pay Aoki to get her?" she spoke in between mouthfuls, "From what I hear he scares the crap out of her. We have a phrase on Earth," she paused, chewing a bite of crepes, "Good cop and bad cop. When you want someone to turn to your side, show them that things could always be worse. If you want to stop her from running and getting into trouble, show what could happen to her when she's by herself."
"And add a shocker to that nanobot." Kazuhiko chirped in.

~ ~ ~
Help coming from Kazuhiko had been unlooked for, but most welcome.
At least it meant the boy would speak to Ainsu again...
"And if Aoki goes too far," Po-ar spoke up between mouthfulls of teriyaki basted grilled unagi, "Then just make sure you're around to make him back off. Just don't come in too early."
Ainsu smiled slightly, "I do suppose I can do that... but I don't want to hurt Kaguyo, Kazuhiko-san... I think allowing Aoki to chase her is a brilliant idea however."

~ ~ ~

Kazuhiko stared at the man for a few moments before shaking his head. "Haven't you been chasing her all week?"
It was strange how the kid could make full grown men feel like idiots.
"Go with Da's idea. Aoki WILL go too far because YO-YO-chan will try to kill him. He'd figure it would be a good excuse. Let me keep an eye on them so you know when to jump in."

~ ~ ~

"Really, Kazuhiko-san?" Ainsu asked, looking at the boy in surprise.
He hadn't expected help.
Or was he going to help Kaguyo instead?
Best to keep his own eyes on the woman as well.
"Then I'll get Aoki to give chase. He'll want to bring her back as quick as possible since it seems there's a snowstorm slated for tonight." the playwright replied with a smirk.

~ ~ ~
Kazuhiko nodded. "Or perhaps Aoki should give you a sign of when to come in... Setting something on fire, maybe. Raising his ki above a certain point. Perhaps it's best she doesn't know I'm involved." he suggested, before returning to eat his food, "And it's not that I'm not angry with you anymore---it's simply that I recognize a good idea and the truth, and you happen to have both of those on your side in this case. Don't overstep your boundaries with either of us."

Kaguyo remained huddled in her cave, but at the moment, she was focused on something much different than defenses.
Huddled by the fire, she meditated, trying to will something into being. It wasn't that she was trying to keep warm; to the contrary, she was trying to create cold. She could still remember what it was to feel the chill of winter running through her hands, beneath her skin; try as she did, she couldn't get it back.
She had decided that if she couldn't access her Tarnbjin abilities, she would manifest them through her ki. After all, ice was her spirit, right? And although Kazuhiko was an exception, the boy learned how to unlock things within himself; why couldn't she?
"Damnit..." she whispered, shaking her head, "Still not working..."
She flexed her hands, clouds of breath crystallizing in the air before her. It was the only thing she could still do that even resembled her former power.
The growling of her stomach reminded her very clearly that she had yet to eat breakfast; her rebellion could've been better planned. She didn't even know what was and wasn't good to eat on this god-forsaken planet....
Perhaps Kazuhiko would come around before the others, and bring food.
Speaking of the others, where were they? It had already been an hour; something wasn't right. If there was one feeling she couldn't shake, it was that they were planning something---or someone was. It was hard to tell whether or not Ainsu had simply given up, expecting her to return with time.
Maybe he truly wished to respect her wishes, and allow her freedom.
"Kazu-kun..." she spoke up quietly, "Kazu-kun, what's going on??"
But the boy refused to answer. Everything was silent around her; she retreated back into the cave, nursing the fire with a hardy stick, the end glowing red with embers.
Maybe she really was free. Time would certainly tell, wouldn't it?

~ ~ ~

Ainsu rose one eyebrow, "May I ask what boundry you feel I will overstep with Kaguyo?" he asked, curious.
To the playwright, all he wanted was to make sure the woman stayed safe. He loved her deeply, yes, but he wasn't about to put his own feelings over hers when it came to who the woman truly loved. If she chose Aled... so be it. Ainsu would keep her safe until given the chance to see her reunited with the Tarnb-jin Ou. If she chose Ainsu... then the playwright was willing to try and make her the happinest woman in the entire universe.

~ ~ ~

Kazuhiko glanced up at him. "You know, you COULD always let her go." he remarked, "She is an adult. The tighter you hold on, the farther away you'll push her. You could always let her live on her own, make her own decisions and take care of her own safety."

~ ~ ~

"I could." Ainsu replied with a nod. "But in doing so... Kaguyo will be alone... vulnerable... and I have no doubt in my mind that Aoki would take advantage of that vulnerability and follow her to the ends of the universe." his blue gaze was focused and serious, solid. "As it stands now, Aoki and myself have struck up a friendship between us, and I got rid of Konton who was pretty much about to kill the kazetsukai. Right now, Aoki owes me and he knows it. I'm not about to turn my back on his fued with Kaguyo... but if I don't follow her, then I won't have a say in the matter."
Po-ar sighed, putting his chopsticks down. "In other words, you're protecting her from Aoki more than anything."
"Correct."

~ ~ ~
Kazuhiko thought on this for a few moments before nodding. "Which is why you have my blessings in this instance." he gestured with his chopsticks, "Carry on."

~ ~ ~

"Kazu!" Po-ar spoke suddenly, gaze narrowing as he looked at the boy. "You may be angry with Ainsu, but he's still your elder."
The playwright smiled however, shaking his head. "Kazuhiko-san is well founded in his anger, Po-ar. Don't lecture him on my account." bowing to the Tarnb-jin Ouji, then to Kazuhiko, and finally to Morrigan, Ainsu left the room.
When the door was closed, Po-ar's maroon cat-like gaze was focused on his son. "Kazu... sometimes you have the worst manners."

~ ~ ~

Kazuhiko just shrugged, but slowly froze under the angry gaze of Morrigan.
"If you ever talk to a guest of this household again, you're getting grounded for a week." she warned, rising from the table. "And because of this, you're not getting your grandfather's ring like I planned."
Kazuhiko blinked and shook his head quickly. "Nonono," he winced, cussing, "Ma, c'mon, I won't do it again...!"
But Morrigan was steadfast. "You're done with dinner." she shook her head, "No dessert either. I'm not going to tolerate this sort of embarassment Kazu!"
"I'm sorry!" the boy pleaded, "Please, just give me the ring?? I'll be good, I don't even need to eat."
"You're not allowed to teleport either." the woman stipulated, tapping the center of his forehead, "If you wear this ring, you must
NEVER try to teleport while wearing it. If you take it off, you're forfeiting your right to it. If you keep it on and don't teleport for the entirety of our vacation, save for emergencies, I'll remove the curse and you can keep it."
She handed the boy the ring; Kazuhiko seemed very intrigued by it. "If you try to remove the curse, I'll know. This is a test, Kazu-kun... can you pass it?"
The boy glanced to Po-ar, trying to make sure he had permission. "I can teleport when Da needs me to, right...?"

~ ~ ~

"Only because when I need you to, it will be an emergency." Po-ar replied, his gaze focused on the boy. "Your mother is right, Kazu... Disrespect like that will not be tolerated. It isn't how a prince should act." the Tarnb-jin Ouji stood, rather comfortable in the kimono which the onsen had provided for their guests, "I want you to do some deep soul searching, Kazu. During this trip I want you to really examine what happened... because holding a grudge forever can eat you alive inside."

~ ~ ~

Kazuhiko wrinkled his nose a bit, but sighed, nodding. "Hai, Da..." he mumbled, before slipping the ring on. "Can I at least still have dinner?"
As for this, Morrigan looked to Po-ar. "Depends on your father. I'm inclined to say no until after you've done a good deed... but perhaps your father will be gentle."

~ ~ ~

Leaning down, Po-ar picked up a single bowl of rice that had an umeboshi planted squarely on the top. He nodded toward Kazuhiko's chopsticks, handing the boy the bowl. "You can eat some plain rice for dinner." the man replied.
After all, depriving the boy of nutrients wasn't going to really help... depriving him of tastey food however... was.
"But you're going to eat it in your room, which..." he walked over to the balcony, opening the sliding doors.
A lush and beautiful garden, complete with koi pond, was located just outside. A private garden at that, save for the door right next to Po-ar and Morrigan's own room. The Tarnb-jin Ouji opened this new door, indicating Kazuhiko's room.
"I want you to stay in here. Read, soul search, or just watch the garden from the porch... it's your choice, Kazu. But you're not to leave your room or this," he tapped his sandled foot on the wooden porch. "area. Understood?"

~ ~ ~
"I'm not allowed in the garden??" Kazuhiko frowned, "Not even for enlightening walks that would be perfect for soul-searching?"

~ ~ ~

"You are allowed outside on the porch only." Po-ar reiterated. "Walk up and down it for enlightenment." he crossed his arms over his chest. "You should be grateful that you're not confined to your room... WITHOUT dinner."

~ ~ ~
Kazuhiko bit his lip before nodding solemnly. "Hai, Otousan." he bowed slightly, "Gomen nasai Okaasan."
He tended to use Japanese to show his respect; even so, he was truly a hybrid. His brusque manner was definitely inherited from his mother, but there were times when he was as mild-mannered as Po-ar. Taking his bowl of rice, he went and sat on the porch, quietly eating the rest of his dinner.

~ ~ ~

Turning, Po-ar headed back into his and Morrigan's room, closing the door behind him.
"Sometimes... I really don't understand how he thinks." the man replied with a sigh, looking to Morrigan. "Thanks for backing me, Mor-chan. Maybe... JUST MAYBE, if we both get onto him... some sense will filter in."

~ ~ ~
Morrigan smiled. "He's very intelligent... I think sometimes he forgets his age." she reasoned quietly. "We just have to keep firm.... Make sure he knows he's loved, but give him guidelines. I wouldn't worry too much..."
She quickly climbed into bed, stretching out with a smile. "In the meantime, I think I'll nap while you two handle this situation." she yawned, curling up under the covers. "It's none of my business anyhow."

~ ~ ~

"Wait, why me?" Po-ar asked, surprise written in his expression. "How exactly am I supposed to help handle this situation?"
He was standing at the foot of the bed.

Meanwhile... Ainsu had requested a private bath, since he didn't want to frighten any of the other onsen guests with his arm, and was currently relaxing in a steaming sauna of his his own.
The playwright was still worried, that hadn't changed, but he knew his course of action.
Once he finished in the bath, he would go and ask Aoki to find Kaguyo... until then, he was going to try and recover some of his much needed strength.

Sighing, standing behind the woman and watching her, arms crossed over his chest, Aoki simply shook his head. "Running only makes it," he kicked out wickedly, slamming his heel into her injured ankle. "Hurt worse." the man finished, stepping around the woman to look at her face to face.
He had a ball of ki in his hand, pointed at Kaguyo's head from the side, should she try anything.
"Now... why can't you just be a good little girl and die, hmm?" the kazetsukai asked with a smirk. "Too bad I don't have the same tastes as Aled or Ainsu, isn't it? I mean, then you could murder me while I had sex with you... since apparently you like to attack your lovers at their most intimate of moments..."
Oh yes, Aoki was hoping to get her riled up.
"But it simply looks like I'll get to rip you limb from limb slowly... since there's no one to come to your rescue anymore. Aled's dead... Kazuhiko's... well I think he's in trouble. I heard a BIT of a conversation regarding the fact that he's not to teleport anymore, at least during the vacation... and Ainsu's nowhere to be found." Aoki laughed darkly. "Imagine what he would do if he were here right now? Hell, he'd easily kick my a** and we both know it... but no... your alone... no family... no lover... lovers, plural I suppose... just you..." the kazetsukai shot another razor thin beam of ki into Kaguyo's left shoulder this time. "and me..."

~ ~ ~
The left shoulder was a very, VERY bad place to be hit, and Kaguyo knew this, clutching to it tightly. "You're...." she breathed lightly, before oddly laughing, "You're not my type...anyhow..." she retorted, doubled-over, a pool of crimson starting to stain the snow and leaves.
So Kazuhiko had been compromised... Little wonder he didn't answer, and little surprise that Aoki had come after her so late at night. It wasn't likely that anyone else would even be awake...
"Next time," she whispered, taking a deep, shuddering breath, "Next time, I swear I'll kill you..."
She was starting to get dizzy; this would be only mildly alarming if it wasn't for the fact that her wounds didn't hurt anymore, and she was starting to grow cold.
**s**t...** she thought to herself, blinking in disbelief, **I'm dying again at this b*****d's hand... on someone else's planet....**
The fact that she would die alone didn't surprise her so much. She had expected it from a young age after all...
"I promise." she whispered, before fading into unconsciousness.
To say that Aoki had overstepped his bounds was a very tactful way of saying that there would be hell to pay when Ainsu found out.

~ ~ ~
Oh and Ainsu did find out.
Because it was at about that same time... that the man landed, clad only in a dark blue yukata, his bad arm within the robe itself.
"Aoki..."

~ ~ ~

Aoki looked up, offering a sheepish shrug. "I didn't rape her.... was tempted..." he slowly smirked, "But I was lucky enough to learn from both Aled's and your mistakes. She tried to kill me! What do you expect?"

~ ~ ~

"I expected you to bring her back, baka! Not kill her!" The man knelt beside Kaguyo, carefully looking over her injuries. "She's ice cold... no thanks to you..."
Ainsu's usually bright blue eyes were dark as he glared at Aoki.
"For once, you couldn't put your grudge aside? You knew I had to rest before going after her..."
Of course he suddenly realized a problem... carrying the woman. He could easily sling her over his shoulder, but that...
Biting his lip and looking around, seeing nothing to help with this problem, the playwright sighed and closed his eyes. As the symbol reappeared on his forehead, Kaguyo floated a few inches off the ground.
'At least I can get her back to the onsen.' he thought, taking to the sky with Kaguyo close behind.
Enveloped in the holy yellow light... at least she wouldn't be affected by the adverse weather or wind chill.

~ ~ ~
Aoki followed close behind, shrugging yet again. "Look, you weren't here." he admonished the poet, "You didn't see how many bloody times she tried to kill me!"
Ok...so... maybe only twice.... but...
"There wasn't any other way to do it. If there was, I would've done it."
Not ENTIRELY truthful, perhaps... but it wasn't like Ainsu needed to know every detail.
"Maybe next time you're not satisfied with what you ask for, you should do it yourself. That way you won't b***h and moan when things don't go to plan. Things NEVER go according to plans."
Kaguyo groaned softly, bruised, scratched and burnt to all hell; in retrospect, perhaps his story was a bit weak...
After all, he basically came out of this battle unscathed, which was a tremendous boost to his ego, yes.... but probably not the best
when it came to maintaining his new friendship.
"Although..." he sighed deeply, aware of Ainsu's continuing foul mood, "I suppose that if you need any help taking care of the b***h..."
It was the least he could do for Ainsu. After all, he never would've been allowed to have so much fun otherwise.

~ ~ ~

"I'll take care of her." Ainsu replied seriously, glancing over his shoulder at the kazetsukai. "I would have done it myself, but Kazuhiko thought it better that you chase after her now and I follow when I could actually take to the sky."
In truth, he didn't have much energy even now... everything he had was in keeping himself and the woman airborne.
If he had had to actually fight Aoki...
The playwright didn't even want to think about that possibility.
"From how you don't have a scratch, I'm thinking that she wasn't able to keep up with your speed... Kaguyo's always relied on her Tarnb-jin ability more than her ki... without it, she's lost... to be honest, I think the same thing is happening with Po-ar." his blue eyes narrowed, "It's like half of us is gone."

~ ~ ~

Aoki sighed. "Well I can't argue with that.... To be honest, the fight was a bit boring."
At least beforehand he actually had to be aware of what attacks she was throwing out... This time almost felt wrong, or like he'd been robbed.
"To tell the truth I'm disappointed."
Ainsu didn't know it, but Aoki was one of the last people he had to worry about. The simple act of saving him from the ultimate humiliation.... well, that went a long way in Aoki's book.
Unlike the other half to him, who strived to embarass him for as long as he knew her...
"Listen," he sighed, "Let me help. I overstepped my boundaries... it's the least I could do."
He also wanted to savor the look on her face when she woke up and freaked out from him being around. Lately, it was the small things that brought him the most happiness....
As badly as he had wanted that fight, he couldn't help thinking that it wasn't anywhere near as rewarding as he had expected it to be.
"I'll make tea... Change bandages... I mean you can't do that very well with just one arm, can you?"

~ ~ ~

'There's a lot I can't do with one arm, baka.' the playwright thought to himself before sighing.
"Fine... but if Kaguyo doesn't want you there, Aoki... then you're going to have to stick to doing chores in the background. I won't jepordize her sanity to make you happy right now." almost as an afterthought, Ainsu added, "I'm sorry..."
Kaguyo was all he had, and he wouldn't see her hurt if she didn't need to be.

~ ~ ~
Aoki smiled slightly. "Fine, fine..." he rolled his eyes, "We'll keep the dainty thing all nice and protected."
By the time they had returned Kaguyo was barely alive; Kazuhiko had disregarded his parents entirely, knocking over his rice bowl to greet them.
"What the hell did you do!?" he demanded of Aoki angrily, "Screw you both, NONE of you are taking care of her now!"
He popped the holy-orb with the ease of popping a bubble, catching her and carrying her to her room with his ki. Once he made sure her wounds were clean, he went about healing them as best as he could.
"I can't even heal her the entire way..." he growled softly, giving them both the look of death, "I thought you had this better planned??!"
"Stop.." Kaguyo whimpered, before waking with a gasp; the quick clutch to her heart assured her that she was hurt, but not bleeding. It was amazing that she was alive.
"Are you ok?" Kazuhiko asked her, but her pale, terrified, blood-streaked visage could only settle on one person.
Aoki....
She looked as if she was about to take off running again, but with a wince and a sigh she leaned back into her bed. "Trapped..."
Her fear was quickly eclipsed by acceptance and defeat. Between Ainsu and Kazuhiko, she could at least take a little comfort in the fact she would be protected here... but in truth, it was very little comfort indeed.
It was going to be one very long and miserable year.
"What do you want." she sighed, clearly tired of everything; she didn't even ask so much as demand answers anymore, "If you're going to stand around gawking I suggest you get the ******** out..."
She gingerly rose from her bed, testing her ankle; she was still weak on it, and it was evident that this displeased her a great deal. "Why is Aoki here with you when he caused this?" she demanded of both Kazuhiko and Ainsu---but mostly the latter. "You expect me to trust ANY of you?! GET OUT!"
"But Yo-yo-chan..."
"Don't MAKE me say it TWICE!" the woman fumed, "GET OUT!"
For all her anger, she didn't have even an ounce of energy to support it; knocking over anything was out of the question, and wisely someone had made sure there was nothing glass in her room.
They were getting smart....
"Just... leave me be..." she sighed, her exhaustion quickly catching up with her, "Get out."

~ ~ ~
Aoki shrugged, "Suits me fine." he spoke, turning around and leaving the room.
Of course secretly he planned to make good on his promise... with tea first.
Ainsu however, shook his head. "I'm not going to leave you alone like this." he spoke softly, moving over and gingerly taking her sprained ankle in one hand. The man pushed in JUST the right spot... to make Kaguyo realize it hurt still. "You need someone to get things for you, for one thing... at least until the ankle heals."
At least he had a point.
"As for why Aoki is here... well... I couldn't very well kill him when all my energy was focused on bringing you to safety."

~ ~ ~

Kaguyo almost immediately fell to the floor, wincing in pain. "Bakayaro..." she hissed, "What are you doing?!" She clutched at her ankle, trying to rub away the pain; her gaze was furious as she looked up at him. "Would you like to pour salt in my wounds now also, seeing as you have me here against my will like some caged animal?? Or is my ankle enough for you??"
She shifted all her weight to her other foot, grimacing and taking a quick breath. Slowly, but surely, she pulled herself to her feet, shaking her head. "Why don't you show some intelligence and leave like the others?" she added, narrowing her eyes, "What makes you think I'll come running back to someone who befriended my greatest enemy?"
It was hard to tell lately what had pissed Kaguyo off more, the fact he had 'killed' Aled or that she had returned to find him friends with Aoki. Either way, it was clear that she wouldn't allow him through her frosty exterior easily this time...
In a way, it was almost like when they had first met. Just like then, all her barriers were up, and empathy or not she was impossible to read.
"Just leave already..." she shook her head, "I want nothing to do with any of you."

~ ~ ~

"I told you... I'm staying." Ainsu replied, gently taking Kaguyo by the elbow and helping her back to bed. "I don't expect you to come running back, Kaguyo. I befriended Aoki because I knew he would help when it came down to it. He did. Without him, I would never have made it to battle Konton... you would have killed me first."
His voice was completely emotionless, as was his expression.
He wanted to help her... but getting all whiny and weepy over it wasn't going to help matters.
Ainsu had to stay strong, so that Kaguyo had someone she could lean on... someone she could trust.

~ ~ ~
Kaguyo softened slightly, falling silent for a few moments after climbing into bed. "Aoki helped..." she whispered, "He helped you take me away from my home, my family, and everyone and everything I knew. You can keep Konton as your victory..."
She turned away from him, shivering; she could still remember her dreams of him, the demon's eyes like embers in the darkness. While on one hand, she was
more than relieved he was gone, the price they paid....
Aled... Aoikage.... the entire city...
"Aoki helped you plunge me into a world where I am absolutely and utterly alone." she hissed, closing her eyes to hold back tears, "You are no friend or ally of mine!"

~ ~ ~

"Would you have preferred I left you there to die?" Ainsu asked seriously, his blue gaze focused on the woman from where he stood. "I am an ally obviously... I would like to be called at least a friend, but for now, I am simply content to know that you're not dead in the middle of the forest because of some ridiculous want to fight." he held up a hand, "Not your want, Aoki's."
Ainsu moved to sit down in a chair near the bed, though not TOO close.
"Would you have rather remained with the Muse, Kaguyo. Honestly? I truly want to know your feelings on the matter. And we're not talking about Aled... I'm talking about the Muse himself."

~ ~ ~
Kaguyo had to pause on that, refusing to make eye contact. "Aled was going to beat him if I stayed." she whispered, staring at his feet, "The Muse said otherwise... but..."
She had known deep down that Aled would've fought to the end to protect her. She only regretted that she couldn't do more to have helped him.
"He said he was weak... but... I can't believe that. It's the same as Aoki... just as he won't ever give up hunting me, Aled wouldn't give up against the Muse if he had something, someone, to live for..."
She couldn't tell how to feel, speaking with him; part of her wanted to freeze up, while the other was relieved to be able to talk about Aled with anyone.
"I..." she paused, remembering the Muse himself, "I will always fear him..."
Admitting this was no easy feat on her part.
"But..." she sighed, shaking her head, "Suffering at his hands... It was strange." she glanced at Ainsu briefly before looking away. "On one hand, he wants nothing more than to kill me.... and yet... on the other hand..."
On the other hand, she couldn't help but feel as if the Muse was captivated by her. She was his weakness, after all... In a way, she was to him what the Muse himself was to Ainsu
. Where one part of him was inspired---and often, not in any good way---and lusted after her.... the other lusted only for her destruction.
She couldn't, wouldn't, tell Ainsu what had happened however... The last thing she wanted to admit was being taken advantage of again.
"I don't know how to feel about him." she sighed, hiding her face in her pillow, "I'm not entirely afraid... but... I know he is more than capable of killing me and a dozen others."

~ ~ ~
"Yes, he is." Ainsu replied softly, nodding.
He knew what the Muse could do... gods he had known...
"He would have used you to carry on his legacy to the next generation, Kaguyo. I'm glad I took you from the Muse... but not that Aled and Aoikage were abandoned in the process." his voice was soft, understanding. "I believe he would have confused you until you could't tell the difference any more."
To have heard Kaguyo's true thoughts... it gave Ainsu pause.
He didn't regret his decision... but he was sorry for it.

~ ~ ~

"I don't doubt it." Kaguyo sighed, sitting up. At least Ainsu was making sense... "I was already starting to have problems telling the two apart..."
Something he said seemed to make her genuinely uncomfortable however, and although initially it was hard to pick up, it wouldn't be too hard for Ainsu to read Kaguyo. Some things she just couldn't hide; the fact he had known her for years could attest to that. Right now, beneath the exhaustion, there was real worry on her brow.
"The Muse is still alive though." she gestured to his arm, "Right? Which means once a year passes..."
Who was to say what sort of trouble he would cause once he was free again?
"I... I'm sure he's still alive."
It would be too sickening to imagine that the Muse's last act against her would have actually impregnated her.
.. But...
"I..." she frowned, before shaking her head, "I don't want to talk about him anymore."
Between that and the dreams she still got on occassion of Aled, she had a lot to be dreading. Who knew if his soul would even survive the year...?
What if those dreams stopped?
Worse yet, what if Aoki and the Muse found eachother again...?
She couldn't hide the goosebumps that had spread over her arms and shoulders, even so far as her neck. Whatever she was hiding, it was dark...
She could try and be fearless all she wanted, but certain things would never escape Ainsu's eye for details. Try as she did, she was absolutely terrified....
But of who...?
Or of what?

~ ~ ~

Ainsu's gaze focused on the gardens outside of the onsen, his cold blue eyes narrowed in thought. As the silence stretched between them however, that gaze traveled upward to stare into the depths of the starry night sky above.
"He's alive..." the playwright nodded, wanting to tell Kaguyo the truth... to tell her what he felt... what he knew. "Like I said, they're both alive. The Muse would not survive without a host... so he has probably found a way to keep them both from perishing... There were many things in Watari's lab that could have accomplished this, after all... and he's had years to figure out just which ones to take advantage of."
Turning, dark hair falling over one shoulder, Ainsu nodded once again.
"Then we will speak of something else, hmm?" he asked, a tiny smile present. "Something that will not get you riled up... which means Aoki's certainly out of the questions, isn't he?"
Ainsu's smile remained as he tried his hardest to put Kaguyo at ease, while also giving her the space she so desperately desired. The man knew what had happened to her, hell they'd talked about it on their return to Earth, and now... well...
He himself didn't wish to discuss the subject because of the very real fear that it presented to them both.
If Kaguyo's child was Aled's... then the taint of the Muse was there.
But if the child was Ainsu's... then perhaps that child would be able to grow up strong and healthy.
"So, we have a year to kill, well not literally kill but you understand my meaning. Perhaps we could travel, hmm? Learn about this world's culture. Personally, Po-ar told me of... I believe he called them Noh plays, which are similar in many ways to our own, and I would like to experience them. Perhaps I could draw some inspiration from the works of this world to bring back to our own?"

~ ~ ~

Kaguyo shrugged, shaking her head. Although a part of her appreciated his attempts at peace, now really wasn't the time.
"Forgive me for not being excited Ainsu." Kaguyo sighed, "I just don't have the energy. I'm tired..."
She was quiet for a while, locked within her thoughts. "Thank you for saving me." she glanced over at him, "Something about Aoki... he's changed since Konton's death. I can't keep up..."
Her fingertips gingerly traced where her wounds had been, skin and clothes still mottled with blood. "I haven't felt right in a long time..."
Even without her Tarnbjin abilities Kaguyo had never been so pathetic in a fight; it disgusted her. "I swear if I'm going to poison him next chance I get."

~ ~ ~

Ainsu shook his head, "I never expected you to be excited, Kaguyo." the man spoke softly, his smile still in place. "Just that you listen... nothing more. As for Aoki..." the playwright shrugged. "I've noticed it too... I think now he's free to fight as he pleases. There's no Aled who would skin him alive or Konton who would... well... believe me, you don't want to know what he'd do."
Because yes, Ainsu did know...
For some damn reason, the playwright seemed to attract the worst kind of luck when it came to villains... especially ones with a sadistic bedroom streak...
"However, Aoki does have to make sure he doesn't cross a line... a line he damn near crossed when he went after you." Ainsu replied, and it was obvious that the man was angry over how the kazetsukai had injured Kaguyo so badly. "He's always going to want to fight you... of that I'm certain... and right now, I think he's more dangerous than ever because instead of two barriers to hold him back... there's only one."
'And that one was sorely out of energy at the time.' he thought to himself.
But then the playwright smirked. "Don't poison him... it's too crude. What if, once you're healled, Kaguyo... what if I helped you train? I can show you so many ways to increase your ki output. Hell, you might be able to run circles around him before long."

~ ~ ~
Kaguyo bit her lip, running it over in her head. It didn't take her long to agree. "Alright then. We start today, continue for a week or three until before the shield comes down. If I do this however, you allow me to spend at LEAST the last week alone. I'm going to have to prepare myself to see what a thousand years has done to my home."
It wasn't hidden that she still resented him for that.
"You know you're lucky I'm stuck here." she narrowed her eyes, "If not for my weakness you would've never seen me again for that stunt... but..."
She sighed, clearly frustrated. "You made it so that you're all I have."

Ainsu shook his head, clearly realizing that the boy was going to be MORE than a handful for his parents... and soon.
Of course the playwright KNEW that if Morrigan heard the lie from his own mouth... that he would be found out. But if he managed to tell Po-ar FIRST...
Well, that certainly might be a saving grace.
Thus, Ainsu adjusted the kimono he was wearing which, oddly enough, was free of blood, and opened the door that lead to the hall from his room.

~ ~ ~
Time seemed to pass agonizingly slow for Kaguyo, although the others didn't seem to mind. Despite being warned, Aoki found the means to annoy Kaguyo in whatever subtle way he could. The woman in the meantime poured all of herself into training, which at least managed to repair the friendship between her and Ainsu.
But Kazuhiko could hold a grudge; even if it was a week before the planet could be approached, he never spoke a word to him except around his parents.
"Still not a hello?" Kaguyo asked breathlessly, trying to recover from their sparring match, "The ginger didn't even work?? Damn... not even with the milk and honey?"
She grabbed a towel, wiping off her face and shoulders. "I never thought I'd say this, but let me talk to him..."
She started to head towards the door when she paused, turning around and offering a little bow. "Thank you Su-kun for your training... your forgiveness... Your respect." she smiled sadly, "I suppose I'll see you in a week then. Take care, onegai... I'll be waiting."
She didn't want him to get worried about her...
She retreated quickly to the apartment complex where the three had moved in.
Kazuhiko was waiting, opening the door before her hand could reach the knob.
"Tell me you packed already." the boy pulled her inside, quickly closing the door, "You have to leave now or my father will catch up..."
"Packed last night." Kaguyo confirmed, "What about the chip?"
Kazuhiko had an answer as always, opening a small portal and picking it out. "I'm putting it in the cat." he smirked, looking around. "Go get your things. It's time to go home."
Once Kaguyo brought her bag, Kazuhiko opened another portal, this one leading to a ship. "We'll have to thank Watari for that..." he shook his head,
"I feel bad stealing his drawings but this one was a good one to create... It's a bit slow though."
"Don't care. Thank you Kazu-kun." she kissed his forehead, stepping inside. "I hope you don't get in trouble."
"I've been with them the entire time, while making my fae abilities stronger... Otherwise you'd have a hell of a time trying to escape home."
Already he was looking tired. "It drains quick though, don't f#ck around please. Oh! One more thing, what about your abilities?"
"Weak... too weak... but the battery on the forcefield generator must be running low. I can feel them coming back."
A small breath expanded like smoke, icy cold. "That's about the extent of it though..."
"Your abilities may be atrophied after this long." he warned. "We all may react differently... just be safe. I don't want you to rely on them too heavily just to have them fail."
Kaguyo bowed deeply. "If I get in trouble, I'll call."
Unable to hold the door open, Kazu allowed her to disappear into space--while he hunted down, and tagged, the cat.
Given how lazy Kaguyo could get, he figured it was the best distraction to give her the head start she needed.
"Now THAT was interesting..." a voice caught the child by surprise, "I wonder what your parents would say?"
Aoki was leaning in the doorway to Kaguyo's kitchen, arms crossed.
Apparently the boy had prevented an attack--the man had a tazer and a butcher knife.
Easily cleaned and discarded as far as the kazetsukai was concerned.
"Where were you hiding?" Kazuhiko glared angrily, "I checked the entire house!"
At this, Aoki smirked. "Sore wa himitsu desu..." he winked, but that wasn't what unnerved the usually steely child...
What unnerved him was when the man glided past him too quickly for him to see.
"Let's just say your parents AND Ainsu already know." he pointed to a newly placed camera, whispering into his ear, "Caught you."
But when the man's image shattered like glass...
"F#ck me!" the boy's eyes widened, "What a f#cking c**k-up..!"
If Aoki's abilities were already that strong--and that was what he considered weak in contrast to the full extent of his power...
His father...
Ainsu...
Aoki was right. Ainsu was too empathetic; he'd notice her absence...
Their cover was blown.

~ ~ ~

Those weeks of training were hard, even by Ainsu's own standards, mentally and physically.
But each day, Kaguyo grew stronger...
Each day, she seemed to come to terms with him a bit more than the last.
Ainsu couldn't help but laugh softly, "No... not even a hello. I've tried just about everything I can think of." the man shrugged, grabbing a towel as well and running the soft cloth over his face.
But when Kaguyo bowed, when she offered her thanks for what he had done... Ainsu smiled softly.
"You don't need to thank me, Kaguyo-chan. Take care. I'll be... near... and I've already had a talk with Aoki about keeping clear of you... if he knows what's good for him." he returned the bow, towel clutched in his remaining hand. "Be safe."
Ainsu had EVERY intention of following Kaguyo at a far distance. If she needed him, he would be there. If she didn't, well... then he spent a week in the wilderness and took some time off from training.
Some much needed time to himself... to try and come to terms with what he'd done.
It still nagged at him... every time he thought about the events of the past and present... he had killed his own father, Kazuhiko's best friend... and he had killed a man that he held deep respect for... a man he had loved and whom he had hated... a man that he had begun to call his friend once more...
He knew Kaguyo's pain, and yet his pain was different at the same time.
Ainsu hated himself. He hated the holy power that his mother had passed on to him. But he didn't hate Konton's demise.
Since their return to Earth, he hadn't spoken with Watari or Yuki at all... and he secretly dreaded facing her after everything that had happened.
The two, according to Po-ar, had been busy lately... so Ainsu was glad that he hadn't run into the woman during the past year.
Even as he began to put away the equipment however, he began to feel something...
Something strange...
Off...
Stopping, the playwright closed his eyes, trying to pinpoint the source.
It was his empathy, a power that had been slowly growing stronger over the last few days as the final week drew near.
But... it had never felt quite like this...
Relief? Fear? But... joy and apprehension mixed together?
At the exact moment that Ainsu realized those feelings belonged to Kaguyo... Po-ar landed in front of him.
It wasn't exactly a normal landing either.
A portal had opened, the ouji falling out of it and onto his a**. "Still having problems... with the dimension..." he winced before turning maroon eyes up to Ainsu. "Kazu's double-crossed you and myself, Ainsu. Kaguyo's already gone."
In the amount of time it took Kazuhiko to realize that he was screwed... both Ainsu and Po-ar arrived at the apartment and blew the front door to pieces.
"KAZUHIKO!"
Po-ar... was far from happy...

~ ~ ~

Kaguyo, in the meantime, was completely oblivious to her secret guest. While Aoki stowed away in utter silence, biding his time, Kaguyo paced nervously, unsure of what to do.
The planet was up ahead. She could already tell that things had changed drastically; for starters, the planet was a great deal greener than she remembered it.
Would there be anyone at all?
"I wonder if my family has survived at all..." she mused, "Some distant, great-great-great-great-great-great grandson...."
She sat down in the pilot's chair, strapping herself in. "Gods protect me..."
In truth, while Kaguyo had trained physically, she should have trained more in landing the damn ship. The spacecraft shuddered as it entered the atmosphere, streaking across the sky like a blazing meteor. A few hundred feet lower, and she could begin to see the ruins of what used to be the Palace, among other things.
The Tree, for instance, was right there....
"F#ck...!" she whispered breathlessly, "F#ck! Don't crash, don't crash..."
But she didn't have much choice. With a spectacular burst of light she tore through the upper branches of the Tree, spinning as parts of the engine and body rained in fragments down below. It was only an instant after that she felt a heavy impact, followed by a long, dragging shift forward.
She had landed....and somehow, she was still alive, although badly shaken.
Aoki of course was fine. Unlike her, he managed to keep in a gaseous state the entire time, avoiding any injuries. He was tempted to reveal himself...but now wasn't the time.
At the very least, he had to wait for Ainsu.
Bleeding from a few minor scratches, Kaguyo crawled out of the craft, stumbling to her feet in a bit of a daze. The planet was radically different; it smelled different, the weather was different...
"It should be winter." she whispered in disbelief, "How could it be this hot???"
She started to wander aimlessly, unknowingly starting to make her way towards the Palace.

~ ~ ~

"We're going to enter the atmosphere soon." Po-ar spoke, fingers flying over the keys.
He had taken the time in the past year, to learn how to properly pilot one of Capsule Corp's ships. Thanks to help from Bulma, Watari, and Yuki, he had pretty much mastered the craft.
Which was a good thing since Ashuri and Trunks were still busy with their lives in America.
Sighing, Ainsu watched the viewport as clouds rushed past the ship.
It had been a week since Kaguyo vanished into space, and his empathy had constantly told him that she was alright.
But that didn't stop the man from worrying.
And if that wasn't enough, Kazuhiko was with them, adding to the unease which the playwright felt. He loved the boy, he really did, but Kazu was beginning to wear on his nerves.
Just as he was, no doubt, beginning to wear on Po-ar's patience.
As the ship leveled out and sped across the sky, the mountains which Konton had once made his home within, came into view.
"The same as ever..." Ainsu whispered, until the clouds parted and he could see the landscape.
A landscape in full spring bloom, bordering on summer, when it should have been the dead of winter.
"Watari's containment field must have reset the seasons somehow... pushing them back or forward, though I'd guess back." Po-ar flipped another few switches. "But the atmosphere's the same... nothing different... no new airborne particles to be worried about or toxic gases."
Ainsu smiled softly, "Then it truly is home, isn't it?"
Looking to his friend, the ouji nodded with a smile of his own. "It is... though, perhaps just not how we remember it."
Landing the ship took just a few moments, and soon, Po-ar was looking directly at Kazuhiko.
"Alright, we're at the base of the mountains. Just... PROMISE me you won't go running off without us, Kazu-kun. Got it? We don't really know what's happened in a thousand years. Alright?" the Tarnb-jin asked, focusing on his son as Ainsu stood from his chair and keyed open the hatch.

MEANWHILE...

"It came down near the temple!"
"Oh my! Did you see it?! Fire from the sky!"
"We've angered the gods! We're going to die!"
"This is terrible!"
"The Tree!!! It's on fire! The sacred Tree!"
Alright, so just the top of the Tree of Tarnbsei was on fire... but that was soon put out by the hot wind which blew through the land.
It didn't, however, quell the panic that Kaguyo's crash caused, as citizens dashed every which way... and as palace guards moved into the vicinity of the impact crater.
"No one gets in or out of the area without going through a checkpoint." one of the captains spoke to his subordinates. "Strict orders from the Emperor himself. Understood?"
"SIR!"
The man nodded, "Good, then move out!"

~ ~ ~

It wasn't hard for the guards to pick out who was the different one. Kaguyo was sitting on the ground, knees together but her feet sticking out to either side, pointing behind her. She was having a bit of trouble staying conscious.
That last landing made her feel pretty nauseous.
"What do we have here?" she heard a male's voice ask calmly from above her, "You certainly don't look very threatening..."
And it was true, Kaguyo didn't look like the slightest bit of trouble. "Did you get hurt lady?"
But Kaguyo just shook her head groggily, not very responsive. "I don't feel well." she whispered, holding her head.
"Did something from that ship hit you---....ohhh..." the guard blinked slightly, glancing to his buddy. "C'mon. Can you walk, little girl??"
Kaguyo grumbled about the nickname but barely made it to her feet, swaying uncertainly. "It's too hot." she choked quietly, "Where's Aled? Or Aoikage? Do you know them?"
As they escorted her back to safety, she found herself drifting in and out of blackness. Something told her she should be more aware and less accepting, but all in all, she wasn't worried.
After all, either she was hallucinating or she was seeing Aoki's face randomly throughout the treetops.
"This is his weather." she muttered, shaking her head, "He'd love it if he was here..."
If she was hallucinating, enemy or not, she didn't care. She needed all the help she could get.
If she wasn't hallucinating... well, either he'd help, or the guards would protect her from him.
It was hard to tell, truthfully.
"We only found one person amongst the wreckage..." the guard announced, bringing her into the new palace, "I think she may need medical attention..."
But Kaguyo was pale with shock, eyes widened and fixed on one person.
"Aled??!" she gasped, "You're alive?!"
If Aled was alive, that meant the Muse was too; she promptly passed out, unable to process what she had seen.
If only she had looked closer, she would've known it wasn't Aled at all....


Kazuhiko on the other hand paced irritably. "I don't see why you're still so angry with me." he argued, "If you would've tried to babysit her she would've fought. You both know that to be the truth... She isn't like me. She isn't a child. Why do I get in trouble for letting her do what she wants?"

Kazuhiko sighed. "I understand you're just doing what you feel is right." he looked up at his father, "But things happen the way they do for a reason. Even though she trained under you Ainsu," he turned slightly to his elder, "I doubt she'd rather go through this with the one who caused it rather than by herself. Besides, you single-handedly slaughtered her family with that decision..." he shook
his head, arms crossed and eyes narrowing, "At least your mother is still alive, even if things got messed up. You made her an orphan. She is alone."
He shook his head again, clearly disgusted. "I don't understand how you don't see this."

~ ~ ~

Kaguyo woke up with a quiet start, breath catching; she was being carried by two men, although she could feel others prodding her injuries, trying to register where the most damage had been done.
She didn't really mind, at first, drifting in and out; it wasn't until she found herself wrapped in a warm blanket and little else that alarm bells started to go off.
Before they could even get her to the bed she kicked her way free, her eyes wide with terror.
"Where are my clothes?!" the woman boomed, starting to thrash and panic, "What are you doing?! Who are you?! Where AM I?!"
Despite the lingering warmth the summer offered the castle, it was starting to grow increasingly cold in the room. Kaguyo found herself in the position of a cornered animal in an unfamiliar environment; it was historically a dangerous position to put her in.
She scrambled for the covers, wrapping herself up and keeping her distance, trembling.
But after she had landed on the bed, it appeared everyone kept their distance; frost and ice covered the ground where her feet had touched, and even crept over the sheet she so desperately clutched to herself.
If she could do this, what else could she do?
"Stay away." she pleaded, "Just give me my clothes so I can find him, please.... I don't want to hurt anyone, but..."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I didn't murder her family." Ainsu spoke, his voice suddenly devoid of emotion. "To HER I did... but they lived out the remainder of their lives. What? Did you think everyone was wiped out on the planet?" the man shook his head. "No... the only person I actually killed... was Aoikage."
Po-ar wanted to wince at that statement... because that was one of the chief reasons why Kazuhiko had hated the playwright so much this past year.
"Aled's alive somehow, we know this because the MUSE is alive." Ainsu's gaze remained fixed on the scenery outside the ship. "Kaguyo's family died naturally, no doubt. Yes, that still doesn't ease the burden of her being alone... but she didn't HAVE to be alone. She chose it that way. I've only tried to keep her safe this past year."

~ ~ ~

Walking into a room half frozen was quite an interesting change in scenery.
"And who, my Lady, is it that you're looking for?" Hikaru asked calmly, the white-haired man watching Kaguyo as he stood just within the doorway.
The servants and the physician bowed, before leaving the room fully.
As with the guards... no one really LIKED to be in Hikaru's presence.
No one... but the Emperor.
"You came from the sky looking for someone... someone named Aled?" the man asked softly, before moving out of the way of the door.
Behind him, a second man, dressed far more formally than the first, entered. His blond hair streamed around him, and his blue eyes radiated warmth and kindness.
"Forgive me, my Lady. I would have greeted you sooner, but you fainted in the entry hall. I am Ishida Akatsuki, Emperor of Minamoto, and I assure you, they were only trying to heal your injuries." the man spoke warmly before closing the door. "Is Hikaru correct? Did you really come from the sky?"

Kaguyo looked at the clothes briefly, pondering them for a minute. "A pilot is someone who drives the ship... um... the craft I came in..." she tried to explain, "And Aled used to be the king here. A thousand years ago he was my husband." she added quietly.
Quickly dressing beneath the sheet, she cautiously rose to her feet, still keeping as much distance between the two men and herself as she could. "I can't believe all the technology we used to have is gone... At least all the pollution is too..." she murmured to herself, "But what is going on with the seasons? Does it ever get cold here?"
To her, it felt as if the planet had been in need of a cold spell for centuries... Everything just felt off.
"It should be winter... Even with Watari's device, the seasons shouldn't have been affected too badly, at least if people are still alive..."
She was having a hard time trying to digest all of this, the possibilities of what had happened flying through her head. "Where is the old castle? The old cities in general?"
At least over a thousand years one place stayed the same: the Tree, and thus most likely the cavern in the mountain north of it.
She couldn't help but wonder who might be there, or if there were traces of anyone at all.
"Two men.... my husband, and a friend of mine... they were trapped here, many, many years ago." she sighed deeply, deciding she had no choice but to share the story, "Centuries ago... Is there anyone on this planet like that? Very, very old? They were both very, very strong... Aoikage, he had wings... red hair... Aled looked almost exactly like you..." she glanced to Hikaru, eyes saddening as they traced his features, "Except his eyes were the bluest I have ever seen... And his hair was so brilliantly silver, it might as well have been white."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Ship, I can understand... though ours cross oceans, not skies." Akatsuki replied with a slight smile, turning his back to Kaguyo as she changed.
Hikaru didn't turn his back exactly, but he did avert his gaze. After all, if she moved to attack the Emperor... he wanted to be ready.
When she was dressed, both men gave her their attention.
Everything she said... was so strange to them.
Technology... Pollution... these concepts were foreign to the two and to everyone on the planet.
At least MOST everyone.
But to these two, the concepts were rather odd.
"There is nothing wrong with the seasons." Hikaru stated in confusion. "It is summer... so of course it isn't cold. In about five months or so, the temperature will drop dramatically for winter."
And then... well... Kaguyo began to talk about things which made no sense at all.
Both men thought her to have gone mad with talk about 'centuries ago'... until she mentioned one peculiar thing.
"You're speaking of the angel." Akatsuki softly said, his gaze narrowing in thought. "He does not reside in the ruins however. Ah, forgive me, I should explain. There are ruins outside the kingdom, said to be one of few sacred sites. We call it the Kage-jinja, the Shrine of Shadows. No one has set foot on that sacred ground for generations. As for the angel... he resides in the mountains in the Chikara-jinja, the Shrine of Power."
Hikaru nodded, "We know of this... Aoikage. But there are no others who look like me by the name Aled. I'm sorry..."
Akatsuki brightened, "But... there were the writings of Aoikage." the Emperor spoke, pacing the room for a moment as he tried to gather his thoughts. "be wary of the words of the Muse, or Aled..."
"...Fear those born with white hair as if they were demon born." Hikaru finished for him. "It is the reason my clan has been exiled for so long and why the people fear us."
The Emperor turned, looking directly to Kaguyo. "It was you!" he exclaimed. "Aoikage said to 'look to the coming from the stars' and you, my Lady... you came from the stars... Aoikage foretold you would come here!"
"Then does this mean Kazuhiko will free the angel?" Hikaru asked quizzically, mentally recalling the penned words of Aoikage. "Does this mean the last of the Daemons will finally wake?"

All I have recorded here, I use my magic of fire to protect from time and from the ages. He who was brave enough to collect these words, to reach their hand into the fire and draw out this journal... need look to the coming from the stars. None can wake my eternal sleep save one of white hair. He will walk with death as his shadow. Kazuhiko is the only being in this universe that can free me. Until that time, be wary of the words of the Muse, or Aled... fear those born with white hair as if they were demon born. Forgive me. If I had seen hope sooner... perhaps none of this would have ever happened. I am Aoikage, last of the Daemons and yet I am Genesis of the Muse.

Kaguyo held one hand tentatively in front of the middle of her chest, feeling the rise and fall of her chest to calm her down. She slowly raised her head up to look at Hikaru, taking a few steps away.
They were all a great deal taller than she was, although the Emperor himself didn't intimidate her in the slightest.
Hikaru, on the otherhand.... Well, he just didn't smile like the Emperor. His eyes were different, like those of a tiger quietly stalking its prey, hidden.
Perhaps she was paranoid, and it was all in her head....
"Kaguyo." she found herself answering softly, "My name is Kaguyo..."

~ ~ ~

Once they had landed, Kazuhiko was the first to get out. "Aoki should be around here somewhere...." he began, glancing back to both his father and Ainsu. "He'll have tabs on Kaguyo-chan, no doubt. While you trouble yourself with that, I'm going to go find Aoikage."
Despite Ainsu's best efforts, he wasn't dead. His death-sense hadn't gone off in the past year; the sinking in the pit of his stomach subsided. Aoikage was here somewhere....
"I think I have an idea where to look." he started walking away. "You can follow if you want."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"And we will follow you." Po-ar replied, stepping from the ship after his son. "Because I'm not going to have you getting lost."
In other words, Po-ar was worried.
This wasn't really their home anymore... it was shaky ground to tread.
Ainsu however, shook his head. "I'm heading toward the city. Kaguyo will be there, looking for answers..." he replied before his ki literally exploded and he shot off like a rocket.
"Come on, Kazu-kun..." Po-ar spoke, his own ki lifting him into the sky a bit more calmly. "Let's find what happened to Aoikage..."

~ ~ ~

Hikaru bowed, "It is a pleasure to meet you, Kaguyo-san. Please, I ask you not to take my appearance to mean anything ill."
"In other words, Hikaru doesn't like people being afraid of him." Akatsuki spoke with a teasing smile.
The white-haired man laughed softly, "Well yes, there's that... I really don't mean you any harm. My life is dedicated to the service of Akatsuki-dono... and as long as you are no threat to him, then I am no threat to you."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kaguyo paused, before offering a slight bow and a faint smile. "My apologies." she allowed her eyes to level on the look-alike, "I didn't mean to offend you... It's simply strange to see how my home has changed."
She paused, looking a bit awkward and sheepish. "I... I was curious... do... what do your women wear these days?" she scuffed her toe shyly, "The reason I was in mannish clothes when I got here was because I was in a hurry... if... if I was to pay my respects to Aled-kun, or to find him... I... I would like to look nice."
It was odd saying a phrase that only a a few years ago she would have gained looks of disbelief for it. "Also, I wouldn't mind blending into the local populace.... I don't want to be known as the space-woman wherever I go. Whatever secrecy that can be afforded would be deeply appreciated." she glanced between the two men. "I... There may be others following me, some that I have no desire to encounter at this time."
A little bit of the formality that she had to use as a councilwoman was starting to come back. Diplomacy was going to be a must now.
"I just don't want my exploration cut short." she closed her eyes. "Is your man going to be able to protect me?"

~ ~ ~

Kazuhiko nodded, holding onto his father and allowing him to do the work.
He knew it calmed the man down to be the adult in the situation. Kazuhiko couldn't go playing role-reversal all the time; sometimes it was simply nice to let Dad do his thing.
"Remember where we found Aoikage originally?" he asked Po-ar, looking over the landscape, "We found him in Konton's lair... I would check the caves before I'd check anywhere civilized... I doubt Aoikage got more social over the past thousand years.... And he'd need shelter, the old ruins couldn't offer that for too long...."
He frowned. "He has to be there, doesn't he?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Even as Kaguyo was speaking, Akatsuki was back at the closet, rifling through the wardrobe.
"I didn't know what you'd prefer so I made sure this room was stocked with anything imaginable. This..." he pulled out a flowing gown that had an old-world chinese feel to it.
It was quite similar in fashion to Akatsuki and Hikaru's clothing, only the cuts were definitely meant for a female wearer.
A flowing red skirt with an obi design around the middle of peach and peach blossoms. The top was similar to a kimono, but retained the same peach tones with red boarders along the hems. Beneath this, was a light pink robe with flowing voluminous sleeves, and beneath that as well was a white garment, fashioned in the same manner as the pink robe.
Three showing layers was considered fashionable, after all.
"With the coloring, you shouldn't stand out. People won't think you a peasant, but you won't be thought of as an acquaintance with royalty either." the Emperor replied with a smile. "As for your escort..."
"I'll be wearing a hooded cloak, Akatsuki-dono. Unless you would have me use my magic?" Hikaru asked with one thin eyebrow raised in question. "You haven't offended me, Kaguyo-san. And yes... I am perfectly capable of protecting you. I wear a sword for a reason and... I have other tricks."
The blond nodded, "We all have our own unique gifts, Kaguyo-san. But then again, if you are from this world... you already know that."
What neither man knew however... was the concept of 'ki'...
THAT had been lost to the centuries long ago...
"You have no fear of these others. Though..." Akatsuki seemed worried for a moment. "If they are from the stars as well, I would have them brought to the palace when they arrived."

~ ~ ~

Po-ar smiled softly, minding not at all that he was carrying Kazuhiko as he flew.
It seemed... right somehow.
"Aoikage doesn't like change." the Tarnb-jin Ouji spoke, the mountain caverns drawing ever nearer. "He would remain where he knows he is safe. With Konton destroyed, those caverns, that lair, is his home now. Surely he would return there."