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The trickster
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Post by Hanako Gina on May 25, 2014 13:03:37 GMT -5
"I do…I had a mother, father, and little sister. My sister was very sweet, a lot like yourself, Gina-chan. She was very cheerful and always kind, even though she could not see from birth. My mother was beautiful and gentle and also very kind. My father was strict, and strong in battle, but he was a benevolent leader, and I have tried to live up to his standards…They have been gone for a very long time, but my dreams let me see them and keep my memories fresh.”
She could tap this brought much sadness into his heart but she managed to look up into his eyes with a light smile, “Hayate-kun, it is ok to be sad, I am sad sometimes but my mother always said it was best to let it all out with your friends and family and…since you have been robbed of your own, I’ll be your family.” She smiled at him and took his hand in hers gently, her eyes never leaving his and her smile was as honest as her words were. She felt no need to make any more comments, and though young she was fully aware of what she was promising and one she made a pact with her heart she would stick to it through to the end. No questions asked and she did not find i=the need to explain anyone whenever she made promises, even her family, they never questioned her, after all, her parents had honour and they taught her well. She looked up into his eyes, “You have my word.” Maybe she promised something far too great for someone her age but she did not care, this man had saved her and been so nice she could not do otherwise and she hoped he tok her words for what she meant and would not feel offended. It was not her intent…
”You are already helping me, Gina-chan. I had hoped to make a new friend, and now I have…Just by being here, and saying you'll come back again, you are helping me.”
She looked into his eyes for a moment and her gaze softened, “Then I will come here every day, straight after school.” She could spend a couple of hours with Hayate everyday and her parents would certainly not oppose, she could say it was to practice her dancing and music skills in general which was no lie by all means. Since she did promise to show Hayate her artistic progress and then he could help her train the martial arts he looked like someone who could easily handle an opponent with a blade. He was her hero now and the person she admired the most and looked up to. Was he aware of that? Did he know how much she admired him? She smiled at him, “I will come then every day, at one o’clock and if I cannot come I will send messages with your friends.” She turned to nod at the raven, it could be said she was rather awake and intelligent for a little girl, already making all these plans…
“I will never tire of it, my friend…If it would help to learn your dances, I am sure some of my friends would like to learn them.”
She giggled thinking of all these cut animals learning her dance steps and said, “I could teach them, it would be fun, that is a great idea Hayate-kun ,and I could then learn their names more easily…” She blushed lightly and looked at the folds of her dress, “I am terrible with names, but I do make an effort…” She wondered how she learned Hayate’s name so quickly though since she seriously had a big problem with learning names.
"You do deserve it. Kindness deserves kindness…You are kind, but there have been many though the ages that would not agree...who did not like me, and thought I should...go away…Besides, people fear that which they do not understand, or which is strange to them, and they dislike things with cause them fear…It is a rare and beautiful trait to look past the differences, as you have today Gina-chan.”
She took a step forth and said, “They are wrong…Then I will protect you, all of you, I will be the best samurai in Okinawa and no one will dare to come to you.” Her eyes looked deeply into his with determination and resolve, “You protected me, now I protect you, father always told me to abide by the code of honour” She then added, “I was already planning not to tell any one of you, so no one would come to bother you or your friends. In any case it is far more credible to believe I got lost in the forest than to say I came across a benevolent Lord in a hidden palace.” She smiled at him and embraced the stuffed version of him and grinned.
"Yes, you may meet her…Hiden, where is Michiyo now?”
"I am here, my Lord...I wished to make sure the young lady liked it…I am so happy you are pleased."
Gina blushed lightly when she turned to look at the lovely lemur and heard her words. She embraced her and spun her around gently before settling her back on the ground, “Thank you so much Michiyo-san, I will treasure it and be careful with it and it will become my priceless possession. Thank you for making it for me and so quickly.” She embraced the ‘Dragon-Lord’ as she would call it form now on and closed her eyes feeling so happy she could cry of joy.
"Of course you can, Gina-chan. I would not have it any other way…Do not be sad, little one. I will always be here whenever you need me.”
Gina dried her early tears and nodded and embraced him warmly and whispered, “Ok, but you must promise to take care until I learn to become a samurai and can protect you…” She kissed his cheek and touched his cheek before he placed her down. She smiled, “Mei-san!” She picked the beautiful monkey gently and embraced her warmly before she set her down, “You really are the loveliest monkey I have ever seen.” She saw a tiny yellow flower and she smiled and picked it and gently placed it on Mei’s ear, “Lovely!”
"I have one more small gift for you before you go home for the night…This belonged to my sister a very long time ago, and my mother before that. I want you to have it…It is pretty and deserves to be worn and seen...But I am afraid it does not fit me.”
She blushed lightly and took the bracelet and looked at it deeply, the green suited her eyes quite well. She gasped and looked into his eyes, “You want me to have something of your beloved sister?” She looked at it for a long time and felt her eyes teary once more, she placed it on her wrist and realised it was a bit bigger than her hand even, she blushed and embraced him deeply, “Thank you Hayate-kun! One day I will be able to wear it like a lady should.” She was fully aware of the meaning of such gift, he was parting with something that belonged to his sister. She looked into his eyes for a moment before she removed a black bandana that she was wearing for her samurai lessons, it meant the world to her since it had belonged to her grandfather and her great grandfather before that. “There has been samurais in my family for countless generations, this bandana has been passing from generation to generation and a sky dad puts it, it represents the heart of the person who wears it, I want you to have it Hayate-kun, I want you to have my heart because you have given me yours.”
She moved forth and placed it on his forehead and tied it gently smiling at him, “It suits you well.” She ensured she placed it properly and then moved his long dark hair away and smiled at her handiwork. It did suit him. She smiled and then put all her things in the bag and placed it around her shoulder.
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Goddess
1,912 POSTS & 244 LIKES
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Post by Hotori on May 27, 2014 14:09:22 GMT -5
“Hayate-kun, it is ok to be sad, I am sad sometimes but my mother always said it was best to let it all out with your friends and family and…since you have been robbed of your own, I’ll be your family.”Hayate smiled at the little girl. "Thank you, Gina-chan. I will be glad to consider you my family from now on." He still could not believe the gentleness this child showed him, when so many others were terrified just by the sight of him. "If I am ever sad and need to talk about it, I will tell you." He assured her. “I will come then every day, at one o’clock and if I cannot come I will send messages with your friends.”Teru the raven inclined his head to show he understood, and Hayate nodded as well. "I will meet you at the front gate." He decided. A thought occurred to him suddenly. Would her parents allow her to visit him daily? Would they be okay with her being there at that moment even? He could not be killed, but he did not want an angry protective father coming here to cause trouble. "Will your parents not object to you visiting here?" He asked her gently. "As you are my friend, I do not wish for you to get into trouble..." “I could teach them, it would be fun, that is a great idea Hayate-kun ,and I could then learn their names more easily… I am terrible with names, but I do make an effort…”He gently lifted her chin so he could look at her. "It is okay, so long as you try your best no one here will fault you for it." He pulled his hand back. "Not just with names, but with everything you do." “They are wrong…Then I will protect you, all of you, I will be the best samurai in Okinawa and no one will dare to come to you. You protected me, now I protect you, father always told me to abide by the code of honour I was already planning not to tell any one of you, so no one would come to bother you or your friends. In any case it is far more credible to believe I got lost in the forest than to say I came across a benevolent Lord in a hidden palace.”Hayate almost wanted to laugh...not to mock her, and not because he doubted her, but simply because it was amazing to think that this child wished to protect the Dragon Lord. Still, he hated that she would have to lie to do so. He valued the honesty that most children represented, but he also understood why she could not tell people the truth. Instead of voicing all of this, however, he simply nodded. "When my father was the Lord of the house, he told me it was common for Lords to have Samurai to protect them...I am honored that you wish to be that Samurai for my household. Thank you, Gina-chan." He gave a courtly bow before straightening once more. “You want me to have something of your beloved sister? Thank you Hayate-kun! One day I will be able to wear it like a lady should. There has been samurais in my family for countless generations, this bandana has been passing from generation to generation and a sky dad puts it, it represents the heart of the person who wears it, I want you to have it Hayate-kun, I want you to have my heart because you have given me yours.”He stayed perfectly still as she put the bandana on him and arranged it to her liking. He then reached up with a single clawed finger and lightly touched it. "Thank you, Gina-chan. I will take care of it." He reached out with his arm and pulled her into an embrace, holding her close for a long moment before he carefully placed a kiss on her forehead. He then gently placed her on the ground once more. "You should go home soon, little one...I do not want your parents to worry. Can you make it on your own?" He had a large cloak he could wear to walk her home, but he wasn't sure if that would attract attention or not. He didn't know much about the customs of the current time. He could also ask Hiden or Shinta to walk her home... In the shrine, Tataru the Sorceress had been using her magic to watch events unfold since the children arrived. This girl ran the risk of ruining her plans, and so near the end of the curse's allotted time too. As it stood currently, another visit or two and this child would break the curse without even realizing it. It was hard to change a curse once it was created, but she and the curse were practically one and the same now. Applying some of the last of her magic, she amended the conditions of the curse and intended not to tell Hayate she had done so...not right away, at least. Originally, any form of love felt for Hayate, if strong enough, would break the curse. Now, as she amended it, it must be romantic love of the strongest degree, and it must be reciprocated. She felt the change take affect, and a few petals fell from the tree and shattered into a fine pink glowing dust on the floor. Even if this child could develop fondness for the Lord, surely she could not become romantically attracted to him, and even if she did, Tataru doubted he would be able to look past the child he now saw to reciprocate those feelings. She smiled gleefully, knowing that her revenge would soon be completed.
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Commoner
IS OFFLINE
Years Old
Female
The trickster
58 POSTS & 52 LIKES
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Post by Hanako Gina on May 30, 2014 11:58:47 GMT -5
”Thank you, Gina-chan. I will be glad to consider you my family from now on…If I am ever sad and need to talk about it, I will tell you.”
She looked at him seriously and said, “I really hope you will because it would hurt me if you did not.” She then said, “Even a letter will work, anything…” she smiled. She was probably too friendly and few would find that agreeable but she could not do otherwise, in fact, she felt terrible if she did not offer to help someone when it was in her hands to do so. Even more so when the person she wanted to help was a close friend. But she also had to show she trusted Hayate and so, she decided she would simply mention this once and let him know she had confidence in him through these actions.
“I will meet you at the front gate…Will your parents not object to you visiting here? As you are my friend, I do not wish for you to get into trouble…”
She was thoughtful for a moment, she and planned not to tell anyone about this but she began to fidget, she was not sure how her parents would react, in fact, they would probably dismiss the whole idea or be completely against it. She looked down for a moment, she could not lie to Hayate, she found. “I…I do not think they will oppose…but…I was planning not to tell them.” She blushed and dared not look up at him, even if they opposed she would always find a way to let him know she was still there for him. She looked up at him, “Whatever happens, would you believe me if I told you I would always let you know I care?” Her parents were kind people but, she did not consider what they would think if their daughter came to visit the legendary “creature” everyone was so afraid of. If she assured them everything was ok they probably would not mind but, if anyone else heard of this, they would probably forbid her and that would break her heart into pieces.
She was not sure why she had grown so fond of the man in but a few hours, she looked up at his amethyst eyes so full of life and emotion and decided she could never dismiss this new friend of hers. If it were for her she would take him to live with her family, he seemed to be so lonely here even though he still had these friends of his. But sadly, the girls knew how dangerous it would be for him, and the people would not warm up to him, she sighed sadly and wished she could stay here instead.
“It is okay, so long as you try your best no one here will fault you for it…Not just with names, but with everything you do.”
Gina smiled warmly at Hayate and caught his hand as it moved away from her face and she kissed it gently before giving it a light squeeze. When someone offered you such kind words you had to show your gratitude, you had to show how you appreciated the words and how much you valued the person. Gina could not simply dismiss all these emotions and she felt overwhelmed with joy, why could she not stay here with Hayate and their animal friends? She felt her heart reach out for him and she decided that she already loved this friend deeply and there was nothing she would not do for him. She looked up at him and said, “Please Hayate-kun, never forget this little friend of yours.” She was not sure what made her say that, but she did not want to leave and hold any regrets having not said what she truly wanted to.
"When my father was the Lord of the house, he told me it was common for Lords to have Samurai to protect them...I am honored that you wish to be that Samurai for my household. Thank you, Gina-chan.”
She probably offered Hayate far too many things but, it felt right to do so. She was not sure why but well, she had a feeling this was something they would both remember in years to come. She smiled when he bowed like a lord would when accepting the services of a samurai and she bowed deeply for a long moment wishing she could have done that formally and by handing him her katana so he could accept it and make her the official samurai but, well, she still had much to learn, “I promise you I will make every effort to become the best samurai and protect you as soon as I’m able.” When you had a dream you never stopped to think you would achieve it once you got older, you had to get working on it at that very instant. Gina already knew she wanted to protect Hayate and this only confirmed it. He might be a Dragon-Lord and he looked mighty when he had scared her classmates away, but she knew her heart pushed her to want to protect him and though she was not entirely sure why, she followed that internal voice and walked on to see what awaited her.
”Thank you, Gina-chan. I will take care of it.”
She smiled and was glad he accepted the gift and when he pulled her on an embrace and kissed her forehead she sis the same, leaning up and resting her hands on his shoulders she leaned forth and closing her eyes she placed a kiss on his forehead. Somehow this sealed their handling of gifts and the promises they made and though neither of them were aware of it, a strong bond was beginning to take place between them and Gina felt her heart stir when he placed her back on the floor because that meant she would soon be told she had to go back. Back to her daily life, back to her loving but demanding parents and back to her classmates. Looking up at those intense purple eyes she decided she would be brave and strong for him, they promised to always be there for each other, so, she decided she could not let weakness govern her emotions when Hayate was always with her.
She embraced the stuffed version of the Dragon-Lord an closed her eyes deeply and hoped that this friendship would be blessed and that both could be happy when the time came and they reached out for their dreams in life. Despite what Hayate had said, Gina could not believe that he could no longer have aspirations or that he was old, he looked so young…maybe he had suffered much and now he needed someone to cheer him up. She smiled, she would start composing a song for him, and she would play it for him and call it Hayate, the Dragon Lord. She was learning the basics of it so it would not take her too long to figure a tune that could make her think of him and then take it from there and create a melody.
“You should go home soon, little one...I do not want your parents to worry. Can you make it on your own?”
She blushed lightly but smiled at him, “I ca Hayate-kun.” She truly did not want to go, “Could you… walk me to the gate?” Anything to spend a bit more time with her beloved friend. She smiled up at him and took his hand without waiting for him to reply and began to walk to the gate holding his hand. As they passed the shrine though, a cold shiver ran through her body and she looked away quickly, why did it feel as if that place was full of evil?
Gina had feared that once she crossed the gate things would change, either she would be unable to visit Hayate or he would forget all about their little friendship. once she got back home her parents welcomed her with open arms and even treated her to some tea and pie, and she tad them about Hayate, she knew that he would have wanted her to, he would not be happy if she visited him without their knowledge. She told them about her classmates and how he saved her and then she showed the stuffed toy and her parents were a bit shocked but they accepted this friendship at the start.
As time passed, however, people were starting to talk about Gina spending too much time in the forest and her classmates did not help always resenting the special treatment she received at that Palace. And so, they began to create such an aggressive environment that Gina’s family was threatened with not having any more customers and being unable to teach if Gina kept on spending so much time in the forest, they even called her a witch. Gina’s mother took the stuffed Dragon-Lord from her room and hid it in the basement. And her father told her she could not visit her friend anymore. It hurt her like a thousand knives but she was unable to deny her parents what they wanted, since they were after all the head of the family.
Nonetheless, she knew that she and grown fonder of her friend through the first few years, when she was forbidden to contact him, and so she kept on sending him letters through is animal friend and occasionally would play whenever she went past the forest, so that her flute reached the empty halls of his Palace. She even placed by the sea hoping that the echoes would reach him and he knew that she was thinking about him even when they had prohibited her to visit.
It could be said that, as the years passed, the communication decreased considerably, not because Gina did not wish to hear form her friend, but because her life got busier, yet, she knew that was the way her parents tried to keep her from going to see him. They forced her into such a busy schedule that at times she would end up sleeping in martial arts practice or being unable to get up early to go to school or she would end up doing her homework on the run. She wondered if there would come a point where she would eventually collapse and be unable to continue with this way of life.
But she grew stronger and determined and her temper helped her fight off the urge to give up on everything and just run away. However, nothing ever healed that strange emptiness in her heart and as time passed on and she finished school and moved on to University, she was unable to realise why she felt like that all the time. It did not matter how much fun she could be having, how many friend she had or how much time she would spend with her family and the little Chinese girl her parents adopted called TingTing, there was always something missing and Aiko was the only person would could see this and though she knew the reasons, she did not want Gina to go back to that place.
And so it happened that, when she turned twenty-one and had finally found a job as a dancer any martial arts performer at a nearby dojo, she finally came across something when looking through things in the basement and she gasped. A dusty stuffed version of Hayate landed in her hands and she suddenly remembered those dark purple eyes, long dark hair and that mysterious power that emanated from him. She blushed lightly and shook the dust from the toy and she embraced it warmly. It was then her eyes landed on the bracelet she and never removed ever since she was a child and her eyes shone with affection. She closed her eyes as a tear fell form them and into the bracelet making it shine.
She felt terrible, actually, she remembered all their experiences together and then sighed knowing she had promised him so many things and yet, here she was now, living a life as if she had never seen him, as if he had never saved her life. She walked back to her room and cleaned the toy before she sat on the bed and embraced it, her parents had tried to protect her but what they did made her want to knock some sense into them. Why did they make her forget her friend? He was her best friend…and her heart broke and she embraced the toy and cried bitterly, he probably was so lonely now, and he probably thought she was failing to keep her word and that she had made light promises she did not intend to keep.
She sighed, this was it, she did not care what others thought, she would be honest with her parents and finally get to decide on the path she followed. She believed she had done as she should as their daughter and honoured them with good grades all her life and now with a job she contributed to their support. But, her heart was in pain and the only way to heal it was to reclaim that abandoned friendship and she hoped that he had survived all this time and nothing had happened to him. She went out of her room and entered the living room where her parents and TingTing were having tea, she smiled and said, “TingTing, my love, would it be possible for you to go and check if everything is ready to go fishing with father tomorrow?” The child beamed a smile at her and embraced her warmly before she went and did as asked. Her parents stopped everything they were ding when she looked at them seriously. She closed the door behind her and said, “All these years, I understand your worry for me, and how you wanted me to do my best at everything I set my mind to. But, I must go back to my word, mother, father, I promised Hayate I would always be there for him and I abandoned him all these years… Do you understand? I have been feeling an empty void within all these years, I cannot go on living like this…”
Aiko sighed and stood up and embraced her daughter, “We are so sorry my dear daughter, we honestly did not try to make you fail on your word or even make your heart hurt so much. We were just so frightened and you were so young…” Gina closed her eyes welcoming the embrace warmly and sighed, feeling tears threatening to fall form her eyes but she fought as much as she could.
Li Bing sighed and stood up. Aiko moved away form Gina when he placed a hand on her shoulder, Gina turned to look at her father and was surprised when he smiled, “You promised to be the Lord’s samurai, right?” She nodded silently and was amazed they still remembered her promises, he then put his other hand on her other shoulder and said, “I believe, dear, tat you are ready to fulfil that promise. I think it is time you have your own sword back…” She gasped when he motioned toward the katana on display resting on a wooden pedestal.
“But, father I could not take that…” He smiled and moved to pick up the katana and she understood he would not take no for an answer. She then knelt on both knees and lowered her head respectfully, her mother smiled with tears in her eyes and Li Bing brought the broadsword that looked more like a katana forth and drew it, swung it around elegantly, and then placed it o Gina’s hand with its sheathe, “Remember, Gina, you must always live the way of life of the samurai, you protect those you owe your loyalties to but also those in need, and sometimes when ding so it is not necessary to use your weapons, you must learn to discern when to respect a person and when to impose justice. Life is precious…dear child…”
She smiled up at him and once she got up she embraced him warmly and heard him say with a hint of sadness, “It is a pity you do not have a sparing buddy or we could reopen the old dojo, maybe one day…” She smiled and she knew she did want to do that, to give that joy to her father. Aiko smiled at her and gave her the wooden transverse flute, “Go Gina, go and claim back that friendship you lost because of us.” Gina smiled and rushed to her bedroom. She put on a scarlet short dress with a golden belt with emeralds in it and her usual arm protectors and jewellery, basically what she would tend to use when making a martial arts display. She sorted her silver hair before she finally placed her sword in its sheathe and then with the flute in her hands she jogged out of the house and into the forest, there was no way to explain the joy she felt at going back to the Palace although she feared she might not see her beloved friend anymore. It was a terrifying thought and she knew she would never forgive herself if anything happened to him.
Would he neglect to see her? What if something had happened to him? When she was getting closer she stopped to fix her appearance and then took out her flute. All those years working on a melody to represent the Dragon-Lord, she almost smiled realising she still remembered the song. She closed her eyes of a moment and began playing, when she was younger, her music was the queue for Hayate to wait for her by the gate. She almost felt like crying once more, but she played this melody only for him, describing what the Lord meant to the once helpless girl. She opened her eyes as she follow the path and she was amazed she still remembered. Would Hayate be by the gate this time? Would he even be there? She gathered all the courage she could master and walked on as she played his song, the song of the Dragon Lord.
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Goddess
1,912 POSTS & 244 LIKES
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Post by Hotori on May 31, 2014 13:15:16 GMT -5
Hayate walked her to the gate, and even past it. It was his first time leaving the palace grounds in quite some time, and he was wary. Still, he was not quite ready to say goodbye to his little friend, half afraid that she would not return to him. He walked her most of the way though the forest. It was getting dark, and chances were no one would see him so long as he didn't get too close to the edge. He stopped before reaching the path that people used as a shortcut through the edge of the forest and gave Gina a small smile and a hug. He then melted into the shadows and watched her until she disappeared from his line of sight. He returned to the palace, and ordered a meeting with the entire palace guard staff, informing them that he wished for a guard to always follow and watch after Gina. It would take time to figure out a rotation, and which animals would be least out-of-place in her world. He trusted them to make it work, however, and noticed that they all worked with a renewed energy. This child had brought them all a new source of hope. That very evening, he went to the shrine to meet with Tataru. He wanted to see the Sorceress's response to this child, and the hope she brought them all. Surely if anyone could break their curse, it would be that sweet girl. He entered the shrine, and pulled the door closed behind him. Before looking for the evil spirit, he looked at the sakura tree. There were not very many blossoms left now, only a few more years to go before the curse ended and he and the others were stuck in this form forevermore. Gina had shown up just in the nick of time to give them all hope...not that he wanted to put that responsiblikty on her shoulders. "Good evening, Dragon Lord..." Tataru said in a chilled voice as she emerged from the shadows in the corner of the simple shrine. "You have been busy today it seems..." "I have come to inform you that it seems your curse will not hold much longer." His tone was cool, and his stance was proud and assured. He raised one eyebrow as he added. "I have met a child as sweet as my darling Yori. Was that not the basis of your requirements?" Tataru laughed coldly. "Oh, young Lord...you underestimate me." She smiled sweetly, and Hayate felt his fists clench in anger, that smile never meant good things. "Do you think that, after the magical force I expelled to place this curse, I would not keep some magic in reserve in case I needed it later?" Hayate gave a low growl. "What did you do?" Tataru leaned her back against the tree. She could touch the tree and the shrine, but she could not touch the blossoms or people within the shrine. If she could, she would've knocked the last blossoms down years ago, just to get some rest for herself after all this time. "I sensed that child cared greatly for you almost from the moment she saw you." She scoffed before adding. "Though I don't know why..." "What did you do?" He demanded again. His voice was low and dangerous, and his eyes flashed with anger. "I amended my little curse. It's a bit hard to do, this late into the spell, but I've always been gifted with that sort of thing." She smiled, quite pleased with herself. "The only way to break the curse is to feel romantic attachment for another and to have it returned." She smiled quite wickedly at him. "Good luck finding someone to love you in your current state. Humans are quite vain, and like for those they love to look attractive." Hayate gave a growl, and took a step forward, intending to strike her. He realized in time that if he tried, his hand would go through her and hit the tree, and that would cause more blossoms to fall. "You wicked woman! You cheating witch!" He ran his hands through his hair in frustration. "How am I ever meant to have a chance to break this curse if you can change it at your whim?" "You aren't meant to break it." She replied simply. "Though if it gives you any peace, I do not have the magical reserves to change the spell again." "How do I know you are not lying?" He asked. "You don't...but I'm not." She tilted her head. "Perhaps the blossoms will last long enough that the girl will grow up...do you think you could love her? And more importantly, do you think she could love you?" Hayate turned and left the shrine without answering. That was an option he could not even begin to fathom. Gina was but a child, and if she did visit every day, as she had done today, he had no doubt he would come to love her...but as a sister, as he had loved Yori, and that would no longer suit the curse. Feeling frustrated, he went to the dojo to train and work out some of his stress. Gina visited the next day, playing her flute as she approached so he would hear and knew to meet her at the gate. He was feeling a bit down, but he resolved to enjoy the visit and not to burden her with a problem she was too young to understand, and would not be able to help with anyway. He had Yori's old toys cleaned and brought down from where they'd been stored so Gina could play with them if she so desired. For about six years, she visited often, and sent him letters, by way of Teru the raven usually, when she could not. She was always watched over, even if she didn't know it, and they would report back to him that she was well. Eventually he put the curse to the back of his mind. Even if she could not break it, she was offering him human companionship, which was something he had not had for a very long time. He became aware, as time passed, that she was drawing attention to herself for spending so much time in the 'haunted' forest. He kept intending to tell her she should not visit as much, for her own safety, but he couldn't bring himself to. As selfish as it was, he wanted her there as much as possible. He began to notice she was coming less and less often, and Teru reported her life seemed more and more busy. She also wrote less and less often...until one day the letters and visits stopped altogether. He continued to have her watched over, and kept track of her progress, but he did not try to contact her. If her parents thought it best she stay away, he did not have the authority to say otherwise. He would sometimes hear her playing her flute, and he would go stand by the gate in the hopes she was coming to see him. It was as if she was playing for him, to let him know she was still thinking of him, and though it warmed his heart, he still missed her greatly. He planted white flowers in his favorite garden, as they reminded him of her, and they attracted more of the butterflies she liked so much. He trained to pass the time, and avoided the shrine as much as possible, not even bothering to see how many petals remained. He didn't want to know how little time they had left. One day, perhaps ten years after her last visit, he was sitting in the garden lost in his own thoughts. Teru landed nearby and spoke to him. "My Lord...the young Lady...she's coming!" There had been times before she had used the shortcut in the woods, and his servants had thought she was coming to see them, but it had not been so. Hayate shook his head. Was it worth it to go to the gate just to feel disappointed once more? He nodded to Teru, silently thanking him for his information before waving him away. He had just about decided not to bother this time when...he heard the song she always played to tell him she was coming. He felt his lips twitch into a very small smile as he stood and strode toward the gate. After all this time, Gina was returning. Would she be the same sweet girl she had been when he'd last seen her? She must be a young woman by now...how much had she changed? Adults tended to be so judgmental...would she be as fond of him now that she saw him with grown up eyes, instead of the innocent eyes of a child? That thought worried him. If she was no longer as fond of him...he almost wished she'd stay away. It would be better than shattering those lovely memories of years past. He reached the gate and pulled it open, standing in the opening to wait for her as he always did. His arms crossed over his chest, and his wings flexing slightly on his back. He still wore the bandana she had given him...it was his most treasured possession. When his eyes landed on her at last, he could scarcely believe it was the same little girl he cared so deeply for. She was a beautiful young woman now. Tall and lovely with long white-silver hair, and those same gem-like green eyes. She wore a pretty scarlet dress, and many jewels, and he saw a sword with her. He also saw she was still wearing the bracelet he had gifted her. It warmed his heart to see it on her wrist. She said she'd wear it like a lady should someday, and now she was. "Gina-chan..." He spoke softly but clearly, as if he could not believe she was really there. He then smirked and added in a tease. "You are late."
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Post by Hanako Gina on May 31, 2014 18:38:25 GMT -5
Gina walked forth truly worried that she might never see her old friend again. Would he be upset that she suddenly stopped communicating with him? In all honesty she had never fully stopped thinking of him. One way or another he was always there in her mind and she never forgot that sweet friend who made her every day a shining one, even if she and problems at school, whatever happened, he was always there for her and she now wanted to always be there for him. She was finally granted leave by her parents to visit him and she would punch whoever criticised her for it. She could not be bothered to hear nonsense about the sweetest man in the whole of Japan, if not the world. Her heart reached a strange level of uncertainty the closer she got to the actual Palace, she was taking the shortcut and she could see no one had visited her friend ever since and it saddened her, she and abandoned the person who needed her the most because her family and the townsfolk said she was insane. Surely he would never want to see her again, right? She was the worst person in the world…at least she felt like one.
She played on hoping she looked her best, hopefully the walk and the weather had not ruined her appearance after all she had fixed herself to please him. She frowned, to please him? Well, in a way right? She had to look presentable and she had not seen him in a while, would he liked the change? She was no longer that young girl he had known i the past, she was a young woman now, would that change the way he approached her? Oh, how she wished it would not… But who could tell what time did to some? And she had been gone for far to long.
Her eyes slowly opened when she envisaged the Palace, it was just as she remembered it and, had she not been playing her flute, she would have smiled. Although, for some reason, it looked darker, beaten down and as if it were about to fall into pieces. Could it be something happened when she was absent? Did the Lord perish of loneliness? Truth be told, if that was the case she would never forgive herself. In fact, she would never smile again. Who could ever live happily knowing to have wounded the best one special best friend? No, she would be unable to contain the guilt, in fact she had a feeling this would affect her far more than anyone would realise.
And yet, she decided there had to be something she could do for him now, whatever could have happened to him back then, when she stopped contacting him, she would do her best to help him. And if, for any reason, he was no longer in the Palace she would still let hi know somehow that she still thought about him and how sorry she was for what had happened back then. Who could blame her for simply obeying her parents as any child would? Still that did not mean it did not feel wrong when she did. The moment she reached him she meant to resume the promises she had made, and now most of them could be fulfilled. She had trained very hard for the past few years, she wanted to show that her word meant something, and that she meant what she had promised.
She got closer and closer to the main gate and all sorts of emotions filled her heart. She knew that if he was standing there waiting for her he would be expecting an explanation for her taking such a long time to come back, but what could she say? What could she say or do to have prevented what unleashed? But she would rather have him state his annoyance rather than her walk to the gate and not find him there. She feared what could happen but she knew that she desperately wanted him to be there, to make amends and to make him smile once more. Could he hear his song? It took her a very long time to compose it for him and now, it was complete.
She took a deep breath as she played on when she realised the gate was right there, before her eyes. This was it… She looked ahead and did her best to mentally prepare herself for what was to come. Whatever it was she would face it head on, she had to be responsible for her own actions. She knew he would have wanted her to anyway.
And then, she saw him…
She blinked several times, could it truly be? Was she not dreaming? No, he was really there and she remembered him well, his soft long dark hair, his piercing purple eyes as charming as his persona and, he was still wearing the bandana? She blushed lightly at the thought, it was so nice of him to have kept it and treasure it as much as she treated the stuffed version of him and the bracelet he had given her. Now that she was older and taller she could see him with new eyes, and though many would think her mad there was something about him that suggested that he was a rather handsome young man. Wait…he had not aged a bit…he still looked his same young persona, the same young man she and met when she was a girl, so in reality he should be much older now…It did not matter though, the important thing was that…he was here…he was ok and he seemed happy to see her if as surprised as she was.
She realised she had stopped walking and had even stopped playing, actually the wooden flute fell from her hands and onto the road. Her eyes were shining deeply in joy at the sight of her best friend and she felt her heart race like never before. She realised her eyes were blurry now because of the tears forming in them. She wanted to look away not to embarrass herself any further in front of her old friend but she could not, because she could not fathom how he would be there, waiting for her after all these years, unless he learned what happens with her parents and the townsfolk.
“Gina-chan…You are late.”
She finally snapped form her own mind when she heard the familiar voice, and right now, it was the most wonderful sound she had ever heard. Forgetting all about her flute she looked deeply into his eyes, how could she begin to apologise to this wonderful man for having forgotten him? “Hayate-kun” it was a barely audible whisper, almost as if she could not believe he was there.
Now she and been experiencing all sorts of things and, to be honest, at this point she no longer denied her heart its one comfort and so she ran forth and launched her arms around his neck and she finally allowed the tears to fall from her eyes while she said, “Hayate-kun, I was so worried…” She sober and held him tight crying her heart to this man, “I am so sorry…”
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Goddess
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Post by Hotori on May 31, 2014 21:12:45 GMT -5
There was a very long moment when both stood there and simply stared at one another, as if neither could believe the other was real. She was so much taller than she had been, and though that made perfect sense, it surprised him somewhat. She was taller than any woman he'd known before, but then again his own mother had been a little on the short side, and Yori had still been growing, so perhaps he didn't have the best frame of reference. It did not look gangly or awkward on her, though, as it could on some people. No, she looked strong and graceful. She had truly blossomed with age, and he had no doubt she was quite skilled at both martial arts and dancing. He knew she'd kept with both over the years. Absurdly, he absently wished he'd known she was coming with a little time to spare. He'd trained that morning, so he would've liked to comb his hair and perhaps change clothes. It almost felt as if he wanted to please her. Wasn't that ridiculous? Besides, he reminded himself bitterly, it would take more than a new outfit, and running a comb though his hair to make this form pleasing to anyone. She spoke his name, and he barely heard her. Had he still been human, he may not have, but his ears were more sensitive in this form. It seemed all of his senses were more acute, and he'd noticed slight increases in his speed, strength, and agility. Nothing, superhuman, perhaps, but still more so than the typical person. So yes, he heard when she barely whispered his name. This first glimpse of her voice, now that she was grown, showed it to be as lovely as always. He heard the soft noise her flute made as it hit the grass but he did not look away from her emerald eyes. He dared not break this eye contact for fear that she would vanish like a dream. “Hayate-kun, I was so worried… I am so sorry…”She threw herself at him, putting her arms around his neck, and he caught her instinctively. He wrapped his arms around her, careful not to let his claws scrape or poke her. As she cried, he closed his eyes, and leaned his forehead down to rest against the top of her head. "It is alright Gina-chan...you need not worry...no one can harm us here. And you need not be sorry...I know you did not stay away by choice." He lifted a scaled hand, and used his sleeve to dry her tears as gently as he could. "Do not cry...you are here now, and that is all that matters..." For a moment, he had almost called her 'Little One' as he had so often when she'd visit...but she wasn't little anymore, and he doubted she'd appreciate the nickname now. He pulled back, but did not remove himself from her embrace as he lifted her chin so their eyes met. "Now is not a time for tears and sorrow." He gave her a faint smile. "Everyone will be glad to see you've returned. It is time for celebration." Teru swooped down and picked up the fallen flute in his beak. Hayate held out a hand and the raven dropped the flute into it. He closed his fingers around it gently before he stepped back from her at last. He took one of her hands in his own and placed the flute in it, closing her fingers around it. "Let us enter the Palace grounds...we can catch up in the garden." Not that he needed to catch up, exactly. He'd kept an eye on her, as he'd promised to, and nothing within the palace walls had changed-could change, really-since her last visit...but there was no reason to bother her with all those details. He carefully placed a hand on her back to guide her forward, closing the gate behind them to keep others out. It seemed every animal she had befriended during her visits there had gotten word that she was back at last. Animals of all shapes and sizes lined the walk and perched on buildings or peeked out of windows. There were excited whispers and voices calling out to her. "Gian-san!" All were overjoyed to see she had returned at long last. Mei stepped out from the crowd and gave a sort of curtsey, the best her spider monkey form could manage. "My Lady, we are all pleased to see you've returned." There were tears in the corners of her eyes and a wide smile on her small face. She'd been closer to Gina than any of the others-with the exception of the Lord himself-and she could barely contain her joy at seeing that the child had grown into a lovely young woman. Hayate hated to ask so soon after she'd arrived, but he wasn't sure if she was here with the permission of her parents, or if she'd slipped away to see him. It would affect how long they could visit before she'd have to leave again. "How long can you stay, Gina-chan?" He hadn't known why he'd done it at the time, but he'd had a room prepared for her some years ago when she was still visiting frequently. Mei had kept it clean and orderly, and it had yet to be used. He hadn't even told her it was there. It seemed an odd act, but he figured it was because, deep down, he'd never wanted her to leave. He knew it was selfish to wish to lock her away there with him forever, but he couldn't help. He could never force her to stay, however. He wanted her happy and free, not living as a prisoner, as he and the others did with that dreadful curse. Tataru, who could not leave the shrine but was able to see all that happened within the palace walls because of the spell, scowled when she saw the girl arrive. There were really very few blossoms left. If the girl had been away a little longer, it would be too late...but she was here now. Tataru would have to think of something...some way to turn her against Hayate. As lovely as Gina was now, and as fond as he'd been of her all this time, he'd fall in love before long...and the fact that she had returned at all after all these years made the sorceress think that perhaps she would not be far behind...especially if her thoughts had not changed. She'd been unbothered by his appearance when she was a child. If that fact still held true...Tataru's plans would fall apart at the very last moment. She would wait until the girl was alone...which was bound to happen sooner or later, and she would lure her to the shrine. She'd use her gift with words, and if that failed her, she'd try something else.
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Post by Hanako Gina on Jun 1, 2014 6:13:39 GMT -5
"It is alright Gina-chan...you need not worry...no one can harm us here. And you need not be sorry...I know you did not stay away by choice…Do not cry...you are here now, and that is all that matters…”
Oh how she had missed that voice! She smiled softly at the sound of his voice when he uttered her name once more and she allowed him to embrace him remembering the tenderness he always granted her and now, she realised how strong he truly was, now that he pulled her close to him and she blushed lightly. It was so strange, back then she could have never bothered to see those things about her childhood friend and now, these strange thoughts entered her mind and she did not know how to face them. Usually when you found someone appealing you had no problem with it and admitted it to yourself right? But then why did she suddenly fret over holding an old friend now that she was a fully grown woman? It was only natural right? She felt his head lean on hers and the embrace reminded her of where she was and she was glad this was no dream. his gentleness was so astounding she even gasped silently when he dried her tears with his sleeve and he held her so carefully, so lovingly, not to harm her with his claws, and though many would fear this man, she trusted him with her life and did not even mind if he held her in any way, he would never hurt her. It reminded her of the very first time they met, he had done the same for her, he embraced her and dried her tears and even offered words of comfort to make her happy again. She did not deserve such treatment after abandoning him for so many years, and yet, he seemed so understanding…
“I missed you so much…” She whispered in his embrace. For the first time in many years she no longer felt that emptiness, she felt complete again and if she cried it was both her regrets and the joy of seeing him again. She took the comfort offered in his arms and for a moment forgot about everything else, she had no other cares in the world aside from this happiness she felt knowing that Hayate was all right and he did not hate her for having taken such long years to return to him. “Thank you for being here…for waiting for me…” Her voice was recovering its usual strength now and she spoke with the joy she felt and hoped he was also happy that she had come. Although the smile seemed to reassure her so she decided it had been a good idea to come back to him now, and she did not know why but, she had a feeling something terrible could have happened had she not returned now, she mentally shrugged, it could all be the mere joy of being with Hayate once more, after all. To his last words she smiled and said, “Yes, I am here.” And she planned to never have to say goodbye to her friend ever again. Although she would like to visit her family and since they were so closely she trusted he would not mind her doing so and, would he mind if she kept her jobs? She was not sure why but, if they would have her, she wished to contribute with the economy of the Palace, she knew a bit about maintenance and would love to see this place bloom in beauty, make it up for all the years she was gone.
“Now is not a time for tears and sorrow…Everyone will be glad to see you've returned. It is time for celebration.”
She smiled softly when he lifted her chin for their eyes to meet and she nodded. She slowly lifted a hand and placed it on his chin, it was much softer than his hands she decided. Looking at his forehead she saw the bandana again and she said with a smile, “Thank you for keeping that, it means a lot to me.” She then leaned forth and kissed his cheek gently. Back when she was a child she used to embrace him or kiss his cheeks or forehead so often but now, even if she was bold enough to kiss his cheek, she realised it felt different. She was not entirely sure why but, it just did. She saw the same happiness reflected in his eyes as he caught her flute and she smiled and once they pulled back from the embrace she removed the dirt form her flute and then place fit back in its bag on her belt.
"Let us enter the Palace grounds...we can catch up in the garden.”
She smiled at him and walked alongside him and once he closed the gate she placed a hand on his bent arm and walked alongside him, “I hope everyone has been well, I still feel terrible for having taken so long to come back.” She turned to look at Hayate and said, “I finally did as promised…” would he understand what she was talking about? She had promised to come and become his samurai when she was old enough and had the required skills and the sword her father had given her was the best proof of that. But then she wondered if Hayate would still accept her services or if he had simply consented back then because she had been a small girl then and he wanted to please her and not break her heart stating he did not need protection. Truth be told she believed everyone needed protection, especially those with the heart as big as Hayate. People like him should be preserved like the greatest treasure because the world was flu of selfish and conceited fools that tainted the heart of the innocent. She had seen it happen so many times back at the village, she did not want to think what it could be like in a whole country. She was glad that no one had found him yet, and that no one had decided to destroy the forest to make more houses, that way her friends could be safe, she had not forgotten the sweet animal friends Hayate had actually.
She smiled looking around and she saw that soon the whole path was surrounded by animals of all sizes and shapes and she could hear them all call out to her in joy. She laughed softly and only let go of Hayate’s arm to caress some animals, embrace others and wave at the ones she could not reach. She spoke with some and was glad to hear they were well. She carried some baby animals and laughed congratulating the parents and felt a joy she had not experienced in a very long time. Why did she ever leave this place? Now, more than ever, she wished he could stay here not only to protect Hayate but also these lovely friends of theirs and catch up on what she had missed all those years. She was so happy she felt tears blurry her eyes once more but she removed them with the back of her fingers, “I have missed you all very much, I am sorry for my delay.” She was so glad everyone seemed pleased to see her, they were not upset with her and that somewhat made her feel better. Suddenly she heard a familiar voice call out to her and she turned to look to her right.
”Gian-san! My Lady, we are all pleased to see you've returned.”
Gina laughed in excitement looking at her old friend, her second best friend after Hayate. she fell on her two knees and said, “Mei, my sweet Mei, what have I told you about formalities? Gina or Gina-chan will do.” She smiled at the beautiful monkey and gently picked her up into a warm embraced, “I missed you a lot my dear, but I am back now, I promise.” She closed her eyes for a moment before she slowly placed her friend back on the ground and used the back of her finger to remove the tears from her lovely friend and then said, “do you remember what I once promised?” She giggled and then removed something small from her picket, it was a colourful little necklace she and a friend had worked on, of course she had never told her friend who it was for, and she slowly placed it around Mei’s neck and then looked at her with a gentle smile, “It makes you look even lovelier my dear.”
"How long can you stay, Gina-chan?”
She smiled and then slowly stood up to look at him. She had wanted to do this in an official manner but she guessed that al she need was the Dragon Lord himself and his subjects and here they were all gathered in fond tot the beautiful gardens, this might as well be the right place for what she planned to do. “It all depends on you.” She hoped he would understand what she implied by that, she was old enough to ale her own choices and in any case her parents knew now and they would no longer object, in fact, they would never let anyone know of this, so long as she could still see them that is.
Without another word she stepped back a couple of steps and looked at him a bit more solemnly, she took a deep breath and then she drew her sword and swung it around her a couple of times before she lifted it up the blade pointing to the sky, “I travelled forth to this your realm Dragon Lord with the sole purpose to serve you and protect you as Imperial samurai if you deem my services useful and my skills refined enough. With the honour of the Hanako dynasty of samurai I promise everlasting loyalty and protecting to you and your household.” She then gently lowered her blade and held the pommel with one hand and with the other the blade, placing both hands underneath the sword, she took one step forth and then knelt on both knees before Hayate and extended the blade for him to take with her head leaning down in respect.
She waited patiently and only hoped that he would not laugh at her, she did promise to serve him and well she was from a family of samurai, it would be an offence to take this as a game and so she offered to serve him now, now that she could protect him. If he wanted to test her skills she would have no problem with that. Her hands held the sword steadily and she took a deep breath while she waited, so many emotions had decorated her heart that now she felt a bit overwhelmed but she still smiled, she knew that aside form her family there was no one else she would rather protect than the Dragon Lord and his subjects.
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Post by Hotori on Jun 2, 2014 20:59:06 GMT -5
“I missed you so much…”"I missed you too..." Hayate assured her. He hadn't realized how muc until she was there again. It was strange...he'd convinced himself that he didn't need her there with him, so long as he knew she was happy and safe, but he could tell now that wasn't the case. He had missed her companionship. While they made an unlikely pair of friends at the time they'd met-a centuries old lord cursed into the form of a dragon-man, and a small sweet child with a heart bigger than either realized-they had indeed been friends, and he'd felt lonely without her. Loneliness was something he'd grown used to over the centuries, but after that relatively brief break from it, it had seemed more acute than ever once she'd been forbidden from returning to see him. Because it was still just the two of them outside the gate, and both were talking softly, he felt no harm in admitting something. "Several times I almost came to see you...especailly those dark moonless nights when I stood little chance of being seen...but I did not wish to put you or your family in danger, so I stayed away..." “Thank you for keeping that, it means a lot to me.”He felt his cheeks warm slightly when Gina kissed his cheek. She'd done similar things before, but it felt...different now, perhaps because she'd been gone so long, or perhaps because she was older. either way, he hoped his dark skintone and scales would hide it. "I see you are still wearing the bracelet. I thank you for that. I am glad eo see it has been taken care of." He gave her a very small smile. "You now wear it as a lady should, just as you promised you would all those years ago." “I hope everyone has been well, I still feel terrible for having taken so long to come back. I finally did as promised…”"You will find all more or less as you left it last." It was the nature of the curse to avoid change, after all. There was only one way for things to change-as the only way any of them could free themselves from the curse was by taking their own life-but Gina had brought such hope to them in recent years that no one had felt the need to take that drastic final step. To her last words, he knew instantly what she meant, and he nodded. "All great samurai must have time to train..." So Sshe still wished to serve as his Samura and to protect them all. Perhaps the time had come for him to tell her about the curse...though he saw no need in telling her of the requirements for breaking it. He considered that a lost cause, and there was still no need inburdening her with a requirement she could not fulfill. “Mei, my sweet Mei, what have I told you about formalities? Gina or Gina-chan will do. I missed you a lot my dear, but I am back now, I promise. do you remember what I once promised? It makes you look even lovelier my dear.”Mei beamed at her friend, returning the embrace as best she could. When Gina gave her the necklace, Mei touched it lightly with wonder. "Thank you, Gina-chan. I will treasure it always!" When she was set down, she rejoined the others who looked at her new necklace with awe and commented on how lovely it was. Hayate watched her interact with his various animal servants, and smiled faintly. She had always had a way with them that awed him. Besides Hiden, he'd never considered them friends. He was fond and protective of them, and valued their loyalty, but he found it hard to call them friends...which was perhaps why he had been so willing to accept the friendship of a sweet little girl so many years ago. “It all depends on you. I travelled forth to this your realm Dragon Lord with the sole purpose to serve you and protect you as Imperial samurai if you deem my services useful and my skills refined enough. With the honour of the Hanako dynasty of samurai I promise everlasting loyalty and protecting to you and your household.”Hayate had not learned the proper official way to respond, his father had intended to teach him upon his return from the battle that eventually claimed his life. Still, he hoped Gina would not mind if he did what felt right. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, letting it out slowly before he opened them once more. His deep purple eyes looked down at her as he reached down and accepted the blade she offered him. "Honored Samurai of the Hanako dynasty, I accept your offered services and welcome you as the protector, henceforth, of this household." Having lifted the sword from her hand, he smiled slightly. "Now stand, lady samurai, and reclaim your blade. I still have much to discuss with an old and dear friend." He held out the hand that did not hold her sword to help her up. There was applause and cheers from those gathered, and after a few moments, they began to return to their duties. Mei approached once more, after Gina was standing and Hayate had handed back her blade. "I will make sure dinner is something special, my Lord, to celebrate Gina-chan's return." she giggled. "And the introduction of your new protector." "Very good, Mei, Thank you." Hayate nodded to her before he looked back to Gina. "Shall we continue to the garden to talk until dinner?" He asked. The garden was near, and he could already see the white roses he'd planted that reminded him of Gina. the rosebushes circled the small pond and the bench where he'd sat that first day and listened to her play her flute. There was an opening wide enough for the two of them to walk in side-by-side, and the bushes were tall enough to provide privacy once they were seated. "I would like to hear of your life these last few years." He knew most of it, but he wanted to hear it from her. He was also waiting for an oppertunity, trying to figure out the best way to explain the curse to her...to explain that nothing had changed-could change-at the palace because of it. Surely she wondered why none of them had aged or changed in the slightest...
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Post by Hanako Gina on Jun 10, 2014 16:18:10 GMT -5
"I missed you too...Several times I almost came to see you...especailly those dark moonless nights when I stood little chance of being seen...but I did not wish to put you or your family in danger, so I stayed away…”
She was not sure why but she was glad to hear he had missed her as well. On the one hand that meant he had not been too upset at the fact that she could no longer come to see him but that also meant he understood she did not do this on her own accord. But she did this because she was forced to. It also meant he had grown as fond of her as she had of him. And it somewhat made her cheeks redden slightly but she was glad she looked down slightly so her hair covered the sudden crimson colour. To his last words though she looked into his eyes and she whispered, “I would have liked that.” She, hesitantly at first, lifted her hand and then placed it on his cheek. It was much easier to touch him now that she was taller, although it pleased her that he was still taller than her. She smiled at her thoughts and found them ridiculous, why would she be thinking that? True, back then she had been but a child and their friendship blossomed but it could never develop more when she was usher from his presence. But now, she was back and realised that this was because…her heart dictated her to. All these years she had lived well but with a deep emptiness within. How could she explain this to Hayate? No, it was best she did not tell him such confession even though, he had just made a confession of his own. She looked into his eyes a sheer emerald gaze shone with honesty and affection, “All these years, I lived with an emptiness in my heart.”
”I see you are still wearing the bracelet. I thank you for that. I am glad eo see it has been taken care of…You now wear it as a lady should, just as you promised you would all those years ago.”
She knew she did not want him to come to her village though to protect him. She did not want anyone to hut him but now, now she was finally the samurai she had promised she would be someday. She looked at his face and smiled sweetly when she realised that he was blushing and she could not deny thinking he looked sweet and completely adorable when he did that. She heard his words and to his last comment she blushed deeply. Did it truly look nice on her now? Really? She looked up into his eyes for a moment trying to see if he was being honest or just polite, but nothing in him told her he did any of this to mock her or laugh at her. She looked down at the bracelet and then said with a smile, “I had to, you gave me your heart and I gave you mine back then.” Of course she only realised that her promise as a child had been much more intense than anyone would have expected and at the realisation of the words she had just uttered she kept looking down at the bracelet not wanting to see Hayate’s face of disguise or mockery. Her parents always said she was bold to a fault. Of course she had never managed to embarrass herself in front of an old friend or a handsome man as she just had with Hayate. She was already expecting him to tell her to just go away.
"You will find all more or less as you left it last…All great samurai must have time to train…”
Gina smiled at his words and was truly grateful for the fact that he remembered what she had promised him as a child. Although she was also rather impressed, because…well…few persons took seriously the words of a child. However, Hayate had believed everything she had said and much more, it sent a warm feeling of appreciation and affection in her heart and her smile broadened, “That was my aim when training all those years… And I come here in the hopes that you will approve of my skills.” There was no harm in admitting this, every samurai knew that he or she depended solely on their skills in order to survive and to earn an important position in a kingdom or land.
“Thank you, Gina-chan. I will treasure it always!”
Gina smiled warmly at her friend and then she blew her a kiss before she stood up and smiled watching as Mei showed her new necklace and everyone complimented the work, she looked at them for a moment and decided that since she was planning to stay in this Palace and serve and protect Hayate, then she might as well make things of the sort for all her friends here. Perhaps now she was not as naïve to think they are all Hayate’s friends but rather servants, but that did not stop her wish to make him see that there was no risk in being code to your staff especially when they lived this long under his service, it was so hard to find loyalty these days. She could see everyone was truly happy to see her, for a moment she dismissed her past fears that everyone would be upset at her for having abandoned them all for so long. In fact, now she allowed herself to laugh along and smile at them as they cheered her return, this time she would never leave. Never again.
"Honored Samurai of the Hanako dynasty, I accept your offered services and welcome you as the protector, henceforth, of this household.”
It was difficult for a samurai to offer such honourable services basically because he or she could be rejected by the Emperor and, therefore, by the Empire itself and at times it was difficult to earn the trust of such kingdom. Many paid the price of their lives and even that seldom served as redemption and so, although she knew that Hayate was truly glad to see her once more, she did fear he might reject her, especially when he did not know if she was truly that good. He took the offered blade and she was relieved when she heard him talk and she slowly placed a hand on her heart and lowered her head and smiled closing her eyes for a moment to signify she was glad to serve such Lord.
"Now stand, lady samurai, and reclaim your blade. I still have much to discuss with an old and dear friend.”
She smiled and taking his hand she stood up, she took the sword from his hand and she sheathed it, realising that the fact that they were holding hands still made her blush lightly. And then she realised that it felt quite nice to hold his hand despite the scales about him, which she truly did not mind and thought it made him look rather sweet, besides she loved dragons! She slowly moved her free hand to her bag and she took out the stuffed version of Hayate and she held it to her heart, “I always tried to keep you close, and I could not leave this behind on my way here…” By this pint most of the cute animals had left and only Mei moved to approach them so she was not embarrassed by her words which she had spoken softly only for him to hear though.
“I will make sure dinner is something special, my Lord, to celebrate Gina-chan's return…And the introduction of your new protector."
"Very good, Mei, Thank you.”
Gina smiled at Mei, she was so adorable, she would truly love to catch up with her. She winked at her before she watched her go, “I have really missed this place…” she said as she placed a hand on a pillar and looked around. How did she spend all that time far away from her friends? From this place?
“Shall we continue to the garden to talk until dinner?”
She smiled at him, “I would like that…” without realising her boldness came out once again and she gently took one of his hands before she led him to the gardens, “I still remember your favourite place…” she said gamily as she guided them to a bench that was protected by some beautiful bushes, she saw the lovely white flowers and she stopped for a moment to admire the purple butterflies, and she remembered much more of their lovely moments together when she was a child.
“I would like to hear of your life these last few years.”
She moved to sit beside him and she smiled, her thumb gently stroking the scales on his hand as she looked into his eyes for a moment before she released his hand to fix her hair that had suddenly been blown away by the wind. She smiled back at him and told him as much as she could think of regarding her life but then she also asked him questions, she was interested in helping this place bloom again and wanted to help in making new designs, updates, new pain for the building and making it more of a joy to watch, she wanted to make him happy. That she realised was her main objective form the very start, when he saved her life. Of course she did notice he seemed to be thinking, as if he wanted to tell her something but he could not think on the best way possible. She smiled and thought she best not force it and let him tell her at his own pace, she tried to make him feel comfortable enough that he could tell her eventually. Her hands embraced his stuffed imitation and she smiled looking back at the flowers in the garden, such lovely memories…
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Goddess
1,912 POSTS & 244 LIKES
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Post by Hotori on Jun 10, 2014 22:29:14 GMT -5
“I would have liked that. All these years, I lived with an emptiness in my heart.”Hayate smiled when she said she'd have liked for him to visit her. Had he not feared that it would put her and her family in danger, he would have. He'd missed her far more than he'd realized and it worried him a bit. To miss her that much only served to remind him of the curse and how little time remained...which then reminded him of Tataru's nasty little trick to make it impossible for him to break the curse. Gina had been his friend since she was a small child...and compared to his time on this earth, she was still a small child. He could not even fathom a romantic attraction to her. He shook the thoughts from his head and looked to her when she spoke again. "I..understand. I felt that same emptiness for quite some time..." He felt it from the moment the curse hit...until a little white haired girl stumbled upon his quiet solitude and changed everything...he'd felt it again over the last ten years, but it was not as bad as it had been before. "That time is behind us both." He concluded with a small smile. “I had to, you gave me your heart and I gave you mine back then.”He felt something inside give a little twinge at her words, and yet again, his mind went to his dreaded curse. She hadn't realized what she'd said back then, and he was sure the words did not mean what many would imply of them. She saw him as a dear friend...he'd always known that, and he had always seen her as a dear friend. There was no reason for that to change now that she was older...and yet he couldn't help but notice little differences in the way they acted toward each other now. “I always tried to keep you close, and I could not leave this behind on my way here…”Hayate was surprised when he saw the old plush toy he'd had made for her. It, more than anything else, touched him when he'd seen it. It was a toy for a child, and yet now she, as a woman, still embraced it with such tenderness. He reached out a hand and gently touched the toy, as if not believing she really held it now. "You'll have to take it, and your other things, to your room then..." He looked to see what her reaction would be to the announcement that he had a room ready for her. “I would like that… I still remember your favourite place…”He smiled faintly when she took his hand, as she had so often when she was a child, and led him to the gardens. He listened to her talk, and answered as many of her questions as he could, but he was surprised how freely she caressed his hand...as if the claws and scales did not bother her. She had always seemed bothered by them, and yet he'd never been about to understand it. After all, he'd had them for a thousand years, and he'd still never gotten used to them. Still, that was why he'd decided to tell her at least part of the curse. The part that applied to her, at least. There was no point in telling her about the things she could do nothing about. "Gina-chan...if you are going to be staying here...there is something you should know..." It was not easy for him. He had never actually explained the curse to anyone before. Tataru had told him, and someone had overheard and spread the word. It was an open secret among the palace. Everyone under the curse knew about it, and knew how to break it-as well as how to escape it-but no one ever talked about it. It was often easier to accept and live with it when you didn't think too much about it. He looked over at his friend for a moment, but soon his eyes drifted to the butterflies that seemed so fond of the lovely white flowers. "You know the legends and rumors that surround this palace and its inhabitants...There is truth in those legends...not all of them, perhaps, but more truth than you might wish to admit." He noticed a blossom that had fallen, in tact, from a nearby bush, and he lifted it up, focusing on it instead. He took a deep breath before continuing. "Centuries ago, I lived here with my family. My mother, father, and little sister. Times were different then...much harder than they are now, in a lot of ways." He looked over at her, remembering her fondness for history. "But I am sure you know that, and do not need details." He smiled at her for a moment before he looked back to the flower. "My mother died, and my father worried that Yori-my sister-would need a mother figure of some sort, so he remarried. The woman was...very unpleasant, and after my sister and father died, she placed a curse on me, and all those servants who were loyal to me." He looked at her again, to make sure that she was following everything before he continued. "The shrine near the front gate is part of the curse. It contains a tree, and that tree has glass blossoms. Each petal on each blossom represents a year the curse is to last. Until the last petal falls, I, nor any of my animal friends, can age or change or...or die. We can get injured, and sick, but we will not die from it, and will recover in time." He could not bring himself to tell her about the romantic attachment required to break the curse. He also could not bear to tell her that the only way to escape the curse was to take one's own life. She could do nothing about either of those things, and he didn't wish to make her cry again. He knew the woman sitting next to him would be curious, and would ask questions, but he hoped she would not pry too much. She was not a child, but he was still protective of her. He twirled the flower absently between clawed, scaled fingers, and sighed. "You will be unaffected by the curse, but I felt if you will be staying here that you should know. I really am the cursed Dragon Lord of the hidden Palace, just as the legends claim. That is why nothing has really changed since you were last here..." He smirked. "Except for the gardens, of course..." He then lapsed into silence, waiting for the questions and comments he knew would come. In her shrine, Tataru kept watch over all that happened. She smirked when Hayate did not tell Gina the full truth...that left her room to manipulate things, and perhaps frighten the girl off before she could ruin a thousand years' hard work. She began to manipulate her small reserve of magic, calling out to the girl subtly without alerting anyone else. She made the shrine seem more inviting, and silently compelled her to come visit when she found herself away from the Dragon Lord. Tataru was skilled with words...it was how she had convinced the previous Lord to marry her, and she was a good actress. It should be quite easy to turn this foolish child against the Dragon Lord with a few altered truths, and a lot of creative storytelling...
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Commoner
IS OFFLINE
Years Old
Female
The trickster
58 POSTS & 52 LIKES
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Post by Hanako Gina on Jun 12, 2014 17:25:18 GMT -5
”I..understand. I felt that same emptiness for quite some time...That time is behind us both.”
It made her feel rather guilty and though he smiled she could still see the sorrow in his eyes, he truly did not have to lie to her, both had suffered greatly with the separation. He had bee her best friend and for that she felt truly upset. It was such a horrible experience when, as a child, you were pushed away from your best friend whatever the excuse. She wished she had had more character to oppose those who spoke against her bond with the Dragon Lord, but if she had done so back then they would have hurt him. And she knew one of the young children he scared off, the one with a knife about to stab at her, still annoyed her occasionally and so, she decided, it had been painful but she probably would have done this again if it would protect her friend. She looked deeply into his eyes and whispered as she placed a hand on his cheek, as always never caring that there were scales, “But I see the sorrow in your eyes, and it pains me that I caused you so much harm, you of all people.” Her eyes did not move away form his as she smiled softly, “I promise to make it up to you from this moment forth.”
"You'll have to take it, and your other things, to your room then…”
Gina caught that surprised look in his eyes, did he truly think she had forgotten all about him? She would never lie, and she had stated she felt emptiness ever since she was forced to part from him even though their friendship bond was indeed honest and loyal. She smiled though as he touched it, hopefully that would help ensure he knew that she took things seriously from that early age. She finally grasped his last words and she turned to look at him father surprised, “My room? I have a room in your palace already?” She felt her heart move, it seemed that in many ways Hayate had expected her to stay in his palace but she could not understand why. She never thought of herself as the most amazing friend anyone could ever have, and she abandoned him…despite all these years he still welcomed her with open eyes, “I will yes…” she said regarding taking her stuffed version of Hayate and she held it to her chest fondly, almost as if she wished to protect it from any threats.
"Gina-chan...if you are going to be staying here...there is something you should know…”
She turned to look at him and he looked as serious and solemn as the words he uttered. For a moment she was frightened wondering what was so dark that he had to think carefully before he spoke. But then she decided that she would not behave like a true friend if she trend away and ran at the first proof of trust. If he had something to tell her about this palace and their way of life she would listen. Surely it would be nothing to worry about, if it were, then she would do her best to help if it were in her power to do so. She nodded at him and gave him as long as he needed to speak, she extended a finger and one of those beautiful butterflies with purple wings landed on her finger and she watched it with great curiosity and in awe at its beauty. She looked back at Hayate for a moment, perhaps many would find him completely unappealing, but, in her eyes, he was a wonderful person and she was not afraid nor did she think anything about him made her feel repulsed. Friendship was true and you over those you held dear with their good and bad things and you never messed with their aspect.
“You know the legends and rumors that surround this palace and its inhabitants...There is truth in those legends...not all of them, perhaps, but more truth than you might wish to admit.”
She was a bit surprised at his words, she and not expected a confession of this nature at all, but then she decided to take a deep breath and slowly release it. She could not panic over these words, surely Hayate was about to tell her that he and his friends were different, although she had already guessed it all these years. It wasn’t every day that animals could talk, but it never bothered him, did he not know that? She was happy being here with his friends and the Dragon Lord, and she did not need to be anywhere else. She watched him as he picked up a flower and looked at it, he was uncomfortable and feared her reaction since he was not looking at her and she felt truly sad. She had called him a friend long ago ad she would not retaliate now…
“Centuries ago, I lived here with my family. My mother, father, and little sister. Times were different then...much harder than they are now, in a lot of ways… But I am sure you know that, and do not need details." He smiled at her for a moment before he looked back to the flower. "My mother died, and my father worried that Yori-my sister-would need a mother figure of some sort, so he remarried. The woman was...very unpleasant, and after my sister and father died, she placed a curse on me, and all those servants who were loyal to me.”
She felt her heart break at his words, so he had had a nasty step-mother? She felt such sorrow that she wished she could have prevented him such fate. She was a bit shocked, of course, it wasn’t every day that someone told you you would be living in an enchanted palace where everything had been cursed by an evil woman many centuries ago. She looked deeply into is eyes as he looked back at her for the first time since he spoke. And she hoped that he would see the compassion in her eyes, she would not pity him but she would sympathise, because although she did not experience that as well, she knew that he had suffered greatly and she said, “What…happened to your father and sister?” She placed a hand on his which held the flower as if she wished him to know she understood the seriousness of the subject, judging by his hesitation, she could tell he had not told many persons of this. “How many persons have you met ever since?” Had he had anyone like her to come and meet him? Or had he been lonely al this while?
“The shrine near the front gate is part of the curse. It contains a tree, and that tree has glass blossoms. Each petal on each blossom represents a year the curse is to last. Until the last petal falls, I, nor any of my animal friends, can age or change or...or die. We can get injured, and sick, but we will not die from it, and will recover in time.”
She was speechless and was not sure what to say. How would anyone react to such news? Well, she slowly squeezed her hold of his hand and with her other hand she moved a lock of hair from his face. Would these gestures tell him she would never desert him? In any case, she decided to make her point and she looked at him and said, “I understand. Thank you for telling me, I will keep that into account.” And she would, she had to ensure to abide by the rules of the Palace.
"You will be unaffected by the curse, but I felt if you will be staying here that you should know. I really am the cursed Dragon Lord of the hidden Palace, just as the legends claim. That is why nothing has really changed since you were last here...Except for the gardens, of course…”
She sighed and said, “I am honoured to protect the Dragon Lord, it is a cruel and undeserved curse and I would be unfaithful to all my convictions from childhood if I allowed anything like that to keep me away from the friend I had deserted.” She smiled softly at him and after a brief pause she said, “Is there no way for the curse to be broken? Is there no way to speak with the person behind this to make her change her mind?”
Suddenly her attention was clearly dragged elsewhere, and she gasped looking around her, “Who is it?” She was not sure but a voice like silk seemed to be calling he rname, had she lost her mind already? She rubbed her forehead, she was probably too tired or something but she wanted to spend some more time in the company of her dear friend. “I’m sorry, I must be hearing things…” She blushed lightly and looked away as the butterfly moved from her finger.
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Goddess
1,912 POSTS & 244 LIKES
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Post by Hotori on Jun 12, 2014 21:38:18 GMT -5
“But I see the sorrow in your eyes, and it pains me that I caused you so much harm, you of all people. I promise to make it up to you from this moment forth.”Hayate shook his head softly, not doubting her words, simply expressing a misunderstanding. "I'm afraid I misspoke, Gina-chan. I do not refer to the time that you were gone from here. I refer..." He glanced away, though he still faced her, his eyes were elsewhere. "I refer to the time before you came here." He was silent a moment before he looked back to her once more. "I did miss you terribly, please do not think otherwise...but I was comforted in the knowledge that it was not your choice to stay away. I knew that you were well and that brought me peace..." He hesitantly placed his hand on top of hers, careful, as always, not to scratch her with his claws. "I regret, however, that I could think of no suitable way to tell you that all was well here. Perhaps if I had...you would not have felt so hollow these past ten years." His eyes showed the regret he felt, and he sat there in the garden for a moment longer with his hand on hers before his slowly withdrew it, placing it on his own knee once more. They say it is always easier to know what you should've done after the time has passed, but he still felt he should've risked sending her a letter with Hiden or Teru, or one of the others...just to let her know they were safe, and just to keep her from worrying. "I thought...by not contacting you, I was keeping you safe. I see now that I caused you sorrow, and for that, I am truly sorry." He looked deeply into her eyes, hoping to show just how serious he took her words, and how serious he wished for her to take his. "I hope you will allow me to make it up to you, Gina-chan..." “My room? I have a room in your palace already? I will yes…”Hayate chuckled softly and tilted his head slightly as he looked at her, and the late afternoon sun glinted off of his silver horns. "Some time ago...on a whim...I had a room prepared for you, should the weather turn foul while you were here, or should it grow too late for you to walk home." He shrugged slightly, as if it was a small, unimportant thing, but his smirk was playful, showing he was teasing slightly. "You never had cause to use it, and I never thought to bring it up. Thankfully, Mei has insisted on keeping it clean and orderly, so it should be ready for you..." He looked out over the small pond filled with Koi fish. "Admittedly, it was prepared for you when you were quite a bit younger...so if any of the decor is not to your liking, you need only let me know, and we will have it corrected immediately. I want you to be comfortable and happy while you are here." It was then that he decided he wished to make one fact absolutely clear to her. "Gina-chan...you came here of your own free will, did you not?" He was still watching the Koi. "I do not wish...for you to stay here, simply because you feel obligated to. I want you to stay...because you want to stay." He could not imagine what a gentle soul like Gina could possibly see in a cursed Lord and his cursed palace. "You are not a prisoner here...you may come and go as you wish, and though I will be glad to have you for as long as you desire...I do not want you to stay because you feel that you must." He hoped it did not sound as if he didn't believe she wanted to be there. He simply wanted to make sure she knew that he would never blame her if she chose to leave. "You are still young, and have the rest of your life ahead of you...it would be selfish of me to think you will stay as my companion forevermore." “What…happened to your father and sister?”Hayate told her to basic facts of his history, and yet, as he looked at her, he didn't see anything he expected a gentle girl like Gina to show. Shock, perhaps, or fear. He would've expected both from just about anyone. And yet he knew, Gina wasn't 'just about anyone'. she was Gina...the girl who had embraced him and cried the first time she saw him...who had always taken his hand and touched his cheek...as if he was a normal man, and not a scaled, horned monster. How could she be so...kind to him, didn't she realize he didn't deserve it? And the first words out of her mouth were the last thing he expected her to question. "My sister...fell ill. I have never been able to prove it decisively, but I am fairly sure my step-mother poisoned her when she was but thirteen years old." This admission brought up pain he'd thought was long buried. He closed his eyes against it for a moment before he spoke up again. When he opened his eyes, they had returned to their normal state, a sort of detached state one adopts with discussing history, and not personal matters. "My father died in battle...in a skirmish to defend the boarders of our lands. I have no reason to believe she was involved in that." “How many persons have you met ever since?”Hayate took a deep breath and let it out slowly. He had hoped she would not ask a question like that. He knew she felt bad for leaving him to his solitude, as if it was her responsibility alone to keep him company. Still, friendship meant honesty-as Hiden often told him-and he valued Gina's friendship enough to be honest with her. "Excluding those who would come thrill seeking, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Dreaded Dragon Lord...those that I had to frighten off to protect those in my care...like those children who chased you here that very first day..." He actually hesitated for a moment. Would she think him pathetic? A sad old man wandering though his mostly empty home for a thousand years? No...Gina wasn't like that. He was not sure what her reaction would be, but it would not be scorn. "Only you, Gina-chan..." “I understand. Thank you for telling me, I will keep that into account.”He understood her gestures and words, and his deep purple eyes softened as he looked at her. It meant so much to him that...even knowing he was cursed, she would not flee in terror. He gently reached up and tucked the lovely white flower he held behind her ear, and gave her the smallest smile. He was not always the best with such gestures, but he hoped she realized this was his way of saying he appreciated her. He felt something stir within at her unspoken promise to stay with him. The hand that tucked the flower behind her ear gently and just barely touched her cheek. It was almost as if there was a sudden shock through his fingertips as they touched her skin, and he pulled away, perhaps a little too quickly, looking down at his hands in his lap once more. He should not have touched her. She was lovely and fair, and he was...well, he was a Dragon Lord...nothing but hard scales, sharp claws and pointed horns. He felt the same inner fear he always had when he'd touch her, from that first time she clung to him crying. He feared that someday, without meaning to, he'd harm her, and he couldn't bear the thought. Of all the people in the world, she was the only one he'd never forgive himself if he harmed in any way, even though he never would intentionally. “I am honoured to protect the Dragon Lord, it is a cruel and undeserved curse and I would be unfaithful to all my convictions from childhood if I allowed anything like that to keep me away from the friend I had deserted. Is there no way for the curse to be broken? Is there no way to speak with the person behind this to make her change her mind?”Hayate returned her soft smile, and shook his head a bit sadly at her questions. She was determined to draw from him every scrap of information that he'd hoped to conceal for her own well being. Still, she was to be living there henceforth, and she would most likely find out in time, as he was sure she would not stop questioning anyone and everyone within the palace walls until she received an answer. "There is one definitive way to be freed from the curse for all those affected by it. We cannot die from illness or starvation or injury...but we can die if...we use our own hands to do so..." He was unable to look at her again. "I could free all those cursed because of their loyalties to me...if I were to take my own life...but I confess I have been too selfish and cowardly these past centuries to do such a thing...even for the good of all those who have been brave and faithful toward me." Would she think him the selfish coward that Tataru accused him of being each time he visited the shrine. He debated for a moment about telling her Tataru's other condition that might break the curse, but again, he was a coward, and simply could not. "There was supposed to be another way...but when the curse was nearly broken some years ago, she used some of her magical reserves to change it just enough. I fear I have not the time remaining to figure out how to break it now...if such a thing is even still possible..." He hoped desperately that she would not ask about the time it was nearly broken...he didn't wish to place any sort of pressure on her. He had never wanted to. She was far too kind to do that to. And he had a feeling that, if she knew she had nearly broken the curse roughly sixteen years ago, she would feel the need to try and break it now. There was no point...he knew he had very little time remaining. To her last question, he chuckled, but it was a humorless sound. "I do not wish for you to ever face that woman, Gina-chan...she...corrupts all around her, and is truly poisons." He looked at her again, at last, knowing this was another fact that he would be unable to conceal from her for long. "Her spirit resides within the shrine, and she has mostly repeated her magic in maintaining the curse, but I fear she may have just enough remaining to harm you...somehow." He shook his head. "She has made it clear she will never change her mind...and I am not sure she has the power to now, even if she did. She desires my suffering and death, and will not rest until she is sure that I am not...happy." Loved, actually, but that was a word he wasn't sure he could use anymore. "When the last petal falls, I will be trapped within this curse, as will the others, for all eternity. She is sure that, once that happens, I will be incapable of finding peace, and has said that only then will her spirit be at rest." He looked at her seriously. "I would like to request that you stay away from the shrine. I fear what she may be able to do to you if you step within her domain. That is the reason I have been the only one inside the building since the curse began." He smirked a little at her. "But I know better than to order you to stay away, or forbid you access. You were always a very stubborn child, and once you put your mind to something, nothing would dissuade you. I have a feeling very little has changed with time in that regard." After a long pause, he side, and made one small concession. "If you do feel the urgent need to go there...I ask only that you are careful. Use your mind, and your heart, and always trust your instincts." “Who is it? I’m sorry, I must be hearing things…”The Dragon Lord's brow furrowed in concern. "I...heard nothing, Gina-chan." Despite his continuous fear that he'd accidentally harm her, he placed a hand carefully on top of hers. "Are you feeling okay? It is quite warm today...perhaps you should rest until dinner? I have heard it is a bit of a walk from your home here..." He looked back toward the palace. "I could...show you to your room, and you could relax for a bit and settle in, if you wish...we have time enough to finish catching up with one another during and after dinner..." Tataru smiled wickedly to herself as she continued to send out the gently, coaxing impulse to the girl. She was already beginning to compose the tale she would spin once the girl was there...a tale that would surely cause her to think twice about her...'friend'-the word left a nasty taste on her tongue-if it didn't make the girl change her opinion entirely. If she was lucky, the girl would not even stay the night. She had put too much time and energy into the young Lord's demise to have it all undone by a foolish little girl now...
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Commoner
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The trickster
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Post by Hanako Gina on Jun 14, 2014 11:33:58 GMT -5
"I'm afraid I misspoke, Gina-chan. I do not refer to the time that you were gone from here. I refer… I refer to the time before you came here.”
When he looked into her eyes and yet seemed to be looking beyond, she caught an even greater glimpse of that sorrow that seemed to eat at him. She gasped silently and her eyes sparkled deeply, he still suffered greatly and she could see it. If only she knew what to do to make him happy again. Her hand gently moved to caress his cheek but she soon dropped it next to her other hand instead and she looked away for a moment. She concentrated her eyes on the pond and yet she was not sure why she wished to please him so bad. She came to realise she had felt that way form the very first moment they met. But that did not help in solving the puzzle, she was shocked that these thoughts should cloud her mind at such a time. But she decided she would take them into account later, once she readied to sleep, she always managed to think better then. She felt his eyes upon her again and she dared not look back in fear that she might blush or look foolish as she was still just about regaining composure. She took a deep breath and released the air softly, silently, trying to go back to the actual topic that should concern her at present.
“I did miss you terribly, please do not think otherwise...but I was comforted in the knowledge that it was not your choice to stay away. I knew that you were well and that brought me peace…”
She had been avoiding his gaze thinking about the words he had just said when his next words and even more so the fact that he rested his hand on top of hers made her look at their hands and then finally into his amethyst eyes. Did he truly miss her that much? So it had been as she suspected, he kept watch over her and yet she never saw her old friends, never did she suspect he would have kept his servants looking after her all these years, and it moved her heart deeply that despite knowing that she had deserted them, he still wished to keep her safe. She was not sure why but she felt as if she had always understood his way of thinking, almost as if they were rather similar in many ways but when she was a child she was too concentrated enjoying their friendship to think on such things. And now, although it should not be any different, it still felt different. She looked at their hands for a moment before she said, “I… I always knew you were well but, I knew the sorrow hidden in your eyes and I wanted to erase it and being unable to come see you seemed like an impediment…that was one of the reasons I felt that void inside, I guess.”
“I regret, however, that I could think of no suitable way to tell you that all was well here. Perhaps if I had...you would not have felt so hollow these past ten years…I thought...by not contacting you, I was keeping you safe. I see now that I caused you sorrow, and for that, I am truly sorry…I hope you will allow me to make it up to you, Gina-chan…”
She blushed lightly at his words. Why did he wish to make amens when in reality she felt as if she was the one to blame? However something in her heart stirred and she realised she did not want him to feel guilty for any of this. He already suffered enough and she deemed he still did. She looked back into his eyes and then placed both hands on his own and she squeezed them gently and her lips curved into a sweet smile and she nodded, “Only if you allow me to bring back the light in your eyes and the smile in your lips. That is all I want. I returned for that reason, I know I promised it years ago. But I did mean it back then and I still do now.”
“Some time ago...on a whim...I had a room prepared for you, should the weather turn foul while you were here, or should it grow too late for you to walk home…You never had cause to use it, and I never thought to bring it up. Thankfully, Mei has insisted on keeping it clean and orderly, so it should be ready for you...Admittedly, it was prepared for you when you were quite a bit younger...so if any of the decor is not to your liking, you need only let me know, and we will have it corrected immediately. I want you to be comfortable and happy while you are here.”
She felt warmth in her heart and she placed a hand on it to make sure she was not dreaming, but alas, the warmth was still there. She smiled looking at the pond, “Thank you for always trying to make me feel at home, I do not know how I will ever repay such kindness but if there is anything I can ever do for you or your servants, please let me know. And I do mean it.” She did want to have it redecorated, maybe with some purple colours like the tones in his eyes and some butterflies or something, she smiled, she truly enjoyed decorating things and having a new room to decorate was astounding. But that was not the only thing she wined to help bring back to life but the whole Palace. She wondered what he would think of that though, it was a rather sudden thing to do but, surely everyone would be happier of the castle was restored and looked lively? She had friends who worked in such departments and even if they did not come to do the work themselves she could get the materials at a discount and work on it alongside the servants, it would be fun to do and maybe she could teach Hayate and he could help?
She feared at first that her questions might irk him or make him let her know that she was being nosy and that these things did not concern her but, she somehow thought that the more she knew about his past the more she could understand him. And she allowed him enough time to talk about it, but she did notice that darkness that suddenly took hold of him, talking about this truly brought him pain and in a way she winced thinking she had probably asked these things too soon, but she could not help it…she wanted to help him.
”My sister...fell ill. I have never been able to prove it decisively, but I am fairly sure my step-mother poisoned her when she was but thirteen years old…My father died in battle...in a skirmish to defend the boarders of our lands. I have no reason to believe she was involved in that.”
This was the darkness within him that ate at him, the emptiness he had suffered until he met Gina and she knew she wanted to make it go away, he had probably never had anyone’s care, anyone’s help for that matter and it had consumed him greatly but if she managed to slightly erase that pain then she would try even harder to help him, “I’m sorry, it was rude of me to pry but…I want to understand your pain…to understand what you have been through.”
"Excluding those who would come thrill seeking, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Dreaded Dragon Lord...those that I had to frighten off to protect those in my care...like those children who chased you here that very first day...Only you, Gina-chan…”
Her eyes softened at his words and she understood his plight. It was difficult not to be hesitant toward her when she was the only person to ever show slight interest on actually helping him. She smiled softly at him and said, “Then I will make it up for all those years…” She hoped he understood she meant her words and did not do this out of remorse but because she wanted to help her dear friend. She smiled when he tucked a flower behind her ear and then for some reason leaned to his hand as he touched her cheek, but she felt him quickly remove his hand, was he afraid of hurting her? No, he never would, and she truly did not mind the scales, in fact she loved dragons and the fact hat he was half-dragon was not a bad thing to her. She gently took his hand again and slowly placed it on her cheek and she closed her eyes for a long moment feeling his hand. Her hands still held it there for a moment before she pulled away and smiled at him and almost as if she could read his thoughts she whispered, “I trust you, just as I have always had.” Even when she was much younger she still trusted him and never feared his wrath, it was strange, she never understood why but she managed to see beyond what everyone else could perceive from him. It was not a bad thing actually…
"There is one definitive way to be freed from the curse for all those affected by it. We cannot die from illness or starvation or injury...but we can die if...we use our own hands to do so...I could free all those cursed because of their loyalties to me...if I were to take my own life...but I confess I have been too selfish and cowardly these past centuries to do such a thing...even for the good of all those who have been brave and faithful toward me…There was supposed to be another way...but when the curse was nearly broken some years ago, she used some of her magical reserves to change it just enough. I fear I have not the time remaining to figure out how to break it now...if such a thing is even still possible…”
Gina gasped, that witch was horrible indeed for doing such a thing. It made her realise that being a samurai it was utterly similar to the old ways of Seppuku, back in the old days if you were dishonoured as a samurai all you could do was take your own life if you could not die in battle. And though none in her family had to do so she remembered being told that her grandfather lost a most cherished friend that way. She looked deeply into his eyes and said, “There has to be another way, taking your life would only let the enemy who harmed your family win and I would not forgive myself if the one person I came here to protect perished. No, Hayate-kun, that is not selfish we all fear such an act and I am only glad that is not a common practice among the samurai nowadays.” She looked deeply into his eyes, “You are not alone anymore, please understand that, I am here to protect you and helping you find a way is something I wish to do. We will fight your enemies with our means and hopefully we will have enough time to win. I am back now, I do not intend to go anywhere…” she smiled at him.
“I do not wish for you to ever face that woman, Gina-chan...she...corrupts all around her, and is truly poisons…Her spirit resides within the shrine, and she has mostly repeated her magic in maintaining the curse, but I fear she may have just enough remaining to harm you…somehow…She has made it clear she will never change her mind...and I am not sure she has the power to now, even if she did. She desires my suffering and death, and will not rest until she is sure that I am not…happy…When the last petal falls, I will be trapped within this curse, as will the others, for all eternity. She is sure that, once that happens, I will be incapable of finding peace, and has said that only then will her spirit be at rest.”
“If she is your enemy…then she is mine…I am your samurai now Hayate-kun, never forget that…” And she knew that betraying him would be out of the question, she could never bring herself to do such a thing, she would dishonour a perfect lineage of samurai. This angered her though, why would anyone try to harm someone like Hayate? It was being her understanding but she said nothing after that, she was glad he told her so she could be ready if she ever came across that viper. She instinctively placed a hand on her sword’s hilt but she relaxed after taking a deep breath, yes, she wished to protect her friend.
“I would like to request that you stay away from the shrine. I fear what she may be able to do to you if you step within her domain. That is the reason I have been the only one inside the building since the curse began…But I know better than to order you to stay away, or forbid you access. You were always a very stubborn child, and once you put your mind to something, nothing would dissuade you. I have a feeling very little has changed with time in that regard…If you do feel the urgent need to go there...I ask only that you are careful. Use your mind, and your heart, and always trust your instincts.”
She smirked at his words and then said, “I will heed your warning but, know that, from now on, if you ever go there I must come along, a samurai must ensure to be close to the protege at all times, you know what I mean.” She was rather proud of her cheekiness but then knew that somehow he was as stubborn and added to light the mood, “A stubborn samurai for a stubborn Lord, wouldn’t you say?” She winked at him and smiled.
“Gina-chan…you came here of your own free will, did you not? I do not wish...for you to stay here, simply because you feel obligated to. I want you to stay...because you want to stay…You are not a prisoner here...you may come and go as you wish, and though I will be glad to have you for as long as you desire...I do not want you to stay because you feel that you must…You are still young, and have the rest of your life ahead of you...it would be selfish of me to think you will stay as my companion forevermore.”
Gina was a bit hurt that after all she did to show she wished to come back Hayate questioned her once more but she turned to look into his eyes and placed a hand on his cheek, how could she show him that she wished to come? What way would set his soul at peace? “I intend to bring joy and life to this place once more, I intend to make you happy, my dear friend, although I still wish to keep my jobs outside the Palace to contribute to the sustainability of the Palace I would like to also work on restoring the buildings and making them lovely…It is hard to explain but I have already lived a life outside these gates and I was not completely happy, not because I did not enjoy the way of life I led but, because you were not part of it.” She ran a thumb on his cheek. Had her embraces or kisses on his cheek not been enough to ensure he knew how she felt about this place?
What could she give him to set his mind at peace and finally be convinced that she came here because she wanted to be here? If her other gestures ha not worked then what would? She slowly moved her hand from his cheek and thought fora long time watching a purple butterfly move past them. Then her eyes locked on his amethyst gaze, she had given him her services, her music and friendship and that did not seem to convince him of her wish to be here and never leave, never. So all that was left for her to do was grant him something that only family and truly close people could do, she only hoped that he would not misunderstand this but, it was the only think she could think of to give him that would probably be as meaningful as her words and would finally make him see she wished to be with him. She leaned forth and placed a gentle kiss that lasted an instant. She granted him the greatest proof of trust and friendship she could think of.
“I…heard nothing, Gina-chan…Are you feeling okay? It is quite warm today...perhaps you should rest until dinner? I have heard it is a bit of a walk from your home here...I could...show you to your room, and you could relax for a bit and settle in, if you wish...we have time enough to finish catching up with one another during and after dinner…”
She did not register his words anymore and only managed to whisper, “it’s that voice…again…” she closed her eyes feeling her head hurt greatly and passed out. She was probably exhausted from all she experienced but it also seemed to drain something from her, could it be the witch?
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Goddess
1,912 POSTS & 244 LIKES
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Post by Hotori on Aug 3, 2014 13:12:47 GMT -5
“I… I always knew you were well but, I knew the sorrow hidden in your eyes and I wanted to erase it and being unable to come see you seemed like an impediment…that was one of the reasons I felt that void inside, I guess.”The Dreagon Lord looked at her for a long moment. It still stunned him that this human girl...this lovely, gentle creature, could feel such a desire to help him. She felt it was her sole duty to erase the centuries' old pain and torment he'd held on to...the guilt that the knowledge that his subjects suffered this fate because of him brought upon his shoulders. After a long moment, he looked at the pond once mroe. "You have always helped me more than you realize." His eyes moved to her for just a second before looking away. "And as long as you've known me, you should realize I do not say such things as empty words." He meant what he told her. She brought him more joy, just by wishing to visit him, than he had felt since his beloved little sister had died. She almost made him feel...human...again. “Only if you allow me to bring back the light in your eyes and the smile in your lips. That is all I want. I returned for that reason, I know I promised it years ago. But I did mean it back then and I still do now.”Hayate looked down at her soft hands holding his rough clawed ones. It looked wrong...for something so pure to touch something cursed as he was...and yet she had never seemed to notice. Upon hearing her words, he looked up to her face, and saw the sweet smile she favored him with. He felt his own lips curl up into the smallest of smiles, and he turned his hands slightly in hers to give them a gentle squeeze in return. "If anyone can, Gina-chan, it would be you..." He spoke more to himself than to her. Indeed, he felt happier, just seeing that smile, than he had the entire time she'd been away. It was just like the smiles she used to give him all the time as a child...and yet there was something different about it. She was grown up now, and she could no longer look at him with the innocent eyes of a child. He knew experience, and life in general, would've taken at least some of that from her...and yet she was still here, and still giving him the sweetest of smiles. What did it mean? He pushed the thoughts away for now, and carefully pulled his hands from hers. He had never been the best with physical social interaction, not even when he was human, so he was not sure how long was too long for them to sit hand-in-hand, as they had been just then. “Thank you for always trying to make me feel at home, I do not know how I will ever repay such kindness but if there is anything I can ever do for you or your servants, please let me know. And I do mean it.”Hayate saw the excitement in her eyes, especially when he mentioned she could redecorate as she liked, and chuckled softly. "It is the least we could do. After all, my Samurai needs sleeping quarters, does she not?" “I’m sorry, it was rude of me to pry but…I want to understand your pain…to understand what you have been through.”He looked at her for a moment, and shook his head. "It is alright, Gina-chan. It hurts more to keep such things inside." He looked down at her hands once more. "It is...comforting...to finally have someone to discuss these events with." He could have told his servants, confided in one of them, but it felt improper, and he could not bring himself to do so. Hiden knew more than the rest, but not even he knew all. He had come closer to telling Gina everything than he had anyone else. He wondered if she realized this... “Then I will make it up for all those years…”He found it odd that she blamed herself for things that were beyond her control. She could not help that he had been cursed, and yet she felt responsible for righting that wrong. She could not help that her parents had kept her away all those years, and yet she seemed to thing it was something she had to personally make up for. Still, he knew better than to argue so he simply nodded and said nothing. “I trust you, just as I have always had.”She...actually leaned into his touch? It puzzled him. She had always accepted him, and yet, this was...different. As she moved his hand back to her cheek and held it there, he closed his eyes for a moment, and gently, carefully stroked her cheek with his thumb. How could she accept the Dragon Lord? He was not human, and yet...He opened his eyes and shook his head. "You are something special, Gina-chan..." And she was. There had never been someone like her before, and he was sure he could wait another thousand years and never meet someone like her again. “There has to be another way, taking your life would only let the enemy who harmed your family win and I would not forgive myself if the one person I came here to protect perished. No, Hayate-kun, that is not selfish we all fear such an act and I am only glad that is not a common practice among the samurai nowadays. You are not alone anymore, please understand that, I am here to protect you and helping you find a way is something I wish to do. We will fight your enemies with our means and hopefully we will have enough time to win. I am back now, I do not intend to go anywhere…”He could think of little to say, so instead he gave her the smallest but most genuine smile he could, and closed his eyes as he gave a nod. "Thank you, my samurai. Your sword and strength are greatly appreciated." He hoped she knew he meant it. “If she is your enemy…then she is mine…I am your samurai now Hayate-kun, never forget that… I will heed your warning but, know that, from now on, if you ever go there I must come along, a samurai must ensure to be close to the protege at all times, you know what I mean. A stubborn samurai for a stubborn Lord, wouldn’t you say?”Hayate crossed his arms and raised a scaled eyebrow at him. "Do Samurai often give their Lords such ultimatums?" He smirked, however, as there was no real hard feelings toward her words. He couldn't help his reaction to her last words, however, and he laughed heartily, perhaps the hardest he'd laughed in years. Once the mirth had passed, he looked at her, and his eyes sparked with amusement. "You are indeed the perfect samurai for the Dragon Lord. My match in every way..." He was still chuckling, and thinking of how they had so much in commen, in spite of all the differences between them. And yet, as he realized what he said, something inside him stirred. Was it improper for him to say such a thing? Would she take it the way he meant it? Did he even know how he'd meant it...? “I intend to bring joy and life to this place once more, I intend to make you happy, my dear friend, although I still wish to keep my jobs outside the Palace to contribute to the sustainability of the Palace I would like to also work on restoring the buildings and making them lovely…It is hard to explain but I have already lived a life outside these gates and I was not completely happy, not because I did not enjoy the way of life I led but, because you were not part of it.”Again, he felt stunned at her words. She wished to help out with his palace so much? He nodded to her words. He would grant her whatever leave she wished to work and help around the palace. He was so glad to have her there he would have granted her any request at all. At her last words, his eyes met hers for a long moment. "I..." What did he wish to say? He felt that stirring within once more, and shook his head. "am glad you are here now, Gina-chan..." “it’s that voice…again…”He dove to catch her as she passed out, holding her to his chest as he called her name and gently shook her, trying to rouse her. It was no use. He looked in the direction of the shrine nad knew Tataru was to blame. For now, however, his main concern was Gina. He carried her into the palace and up to her own room. After placing her on the bed, he ordered Mei to bring some water and a cloth. He then sat by her side and bathed her face, hoping she would wake soon.
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The trickster
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Post by Hanako Gina on Mar 28, 2015 13:07:42 GMT -5
"You have always helped me more than you realize… And as long as you've known me, you should realize I do not say such things as empty words."
She smiled at him and said, “Neither do I.” Of course she was not trying to be mean to the Lord she served or even oppose his commands but as his protector she had every right to voice her opinion regarding his safety and then, of course, it is up to him to decide if he will heed her words or not. Both were stubborn so she did worry that at times he might not listen to her but then agin she felt she had as much stubbornness inside as he did. Her reply hopefully would ensure he knew that she did wish to protect him and consider his needs as her Lord but she would never allow him to risk his safety. His very existence was precious to her. She hoped he had realised that by now. After all, she had left her family and village to come back to him…
"If anyone can, Gina-chan, it would be you…”
She was not sure why but his last words made her feel warm inside and a gentle smile caressed her lips. If they had not been holding hands at that moment she would have placed a hand on her chest to soothe her beating heart. She wonders if this was the result of having seen Lord Hayate again and the joy she felt for being here once more and not having to say goodbye again? She looked into his amethyst eyes and wondered if he noticed, she hoped not. She looked back at their hands trying to hide her embarrassment before she allowed him to remove his hands from hers. She was not sure why but a sudden feeling of loneliness took hold of her heart at that very instant. She ran a hand through her hair and tried to ignore it by looking back at the lovely scenery.
”It is the least we could do. After all, my Samurai needs sleeping quarters, does she not?”
She smiled up at him and said, “She does, although if her Lord ever needed anything she would not mind staying up and doing night watch if he ever needed her to. Please remember I do come from a family of well-known samurai.” She smirked at her words but she did mean them. She did not want him to be lenient just because they were old friends, she wanted him to behave like a Lord. After all, her hard training had to be put in practice.
”It is alright, Gina-chan. It hurts more to keep such things inside… It is...comforting...to finally have someone to discuss these events with.”
She smiled and bowed her head lightly as she said, “I am honoured and I hope to always be able to help you in this accord. I wish to be there for you always.” She could easily understand where he was coming from, aside from servants the man lived alone with his past and the enemy he despised living in his Palace. It must be tough not to go mad with the pain sometimes. She smiled warmly at him for a moment.
"You are something special, Gina-chan…”
She closed her eyes when he placed his hand on her cheek and she stopped herself from sighing happily when he stroked it with his thumb. She was not sure why but she reacted natural like that to his touch. Her mother would probably kick her if she saw her having such an effect on the Lord she had just promised to serve. It was true that such practice were not common among samurai anymore but her family still held the honour of old and they would not approve if they knew that she was being too friendly with her Lord right? But… she could not help it, her body and heart acted on their own accord and, opening her eyes slightly she noticed that Hayate was also enjoying this closeness. To his words she smiled and her eyes sparkled as they met his own.
“Thank you, my samurai. Your sword and strength are greatly appreciated.”
Gina smiled softly and nodded her head respectfully, “You will always have them.” She had to confess that when she left her home she came ready for anything. She knew that he suffered due to a dark past or a curse of some sort but she never asked before. However, now was different. Her training had finished, she had put everything into practice and was old enough to convince her family that this was the path for her. She was much more mature than she was then. Or so she thought.
“Do Samurai often give their Lords such ultimatums?”
Gina was a bit surprised when Hayate smirked and then ended up laughing harder than ever. The way his eyes sparkled, his lips smiled, he looked so handsome when he was happy and enjoying himself… She blushed lightly at her own silly thoughts and then bowed her head to hide that reaction saying, “Only when considering the well-fare of the Lord.” She smiled though since his laughter for a moment filled the place with music and happiness. She hoped she could do this for him from that day forth, she was a bit amused at the thought of Hiden commenting something about Hayate laughing. But she did not mention it, she did not want to tease her Lord too much. However, she allowed him to enjoy himself fro once in many… many years.
”You are indeed the perfect samurai for the Dragon Lord. My match in every way…”
She hid the shock at his words with a smile. Why did he mean by that? She avoided to blush this time although it took all her efforts to do so. Somehow her heart was beating frantically now. What could this all mean? She had been nervous when she granted him the kiss, it was true that a kiss depending on the place it could mean one thing or another and that some people professed loyalty through a kiss. In this case Gina had been too bold for she had kissed him on the lips, although a brief kiss to ensure he knew that she wanted to be there, it had still been on the lips. She blushed lightly and looked down at her hands, what had she just done then?
“I… am glad you are here now, Gina-chan…”
He seemed to hesitate. What was it he wished to tell her? She was still wondering when she suddenly collapsed but she did not know what had just happened. The last she knew she had passed out and did not remember anything else from then on. She seemed to hear a voice though, she was unsure what this was but she felt in a darkness she could not escape. A voice told her she could never save Hayate but as she suddenly woke up her wish and determination were renewed. She WOULD save him! She blinked for a moment before she realised where she was and she felt something cool on her forehead, she then whispered, “Hayate-kun?” Her hand slowly moved to touch his own as it moved the piece of cloth with water on her forehead. “-Wh-What happened?”
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