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Post by Hanako Gina on May 24, 2014 12:40:35 GMT -5
"If you wish…”
She certainly did. She could not let him bleed while he tended to her own wound. She had principles and was a very proud person so she would honour them above everything else. She could not let anyone doubt her honour. And so, once she could she tended to Hayate’s wound. She was relieved he had not gotten too injured and yet, she could not help but to tease him with a smirk, “Don’t you dare think that because of this wound I won’t be able to fight tomorrow and…I do not plan to go easy on you.” She playfully punched softly at his healthy arm and winked at him. Back at her own world people took her for too arrogant and proud and even compared her to tomboys. She honestly never cared for what other people said or thought of her. Of course they would be surprised if they met Hayate, his ego could probably match hers she was sure.
"Do you think so little of my family that we would toss you aside because of circumstances beyond your control?”
She felt his eyes burn in anger and she sighed. This had not been her intent, and she took in his words with a hint of vinegar. She looked away for a moment trying not to snap at him while he tended to her wound, she said as softly as she could manage “That is not what I mean…it is difficult to explain.” She was the daughter of a fisherman, could he not understand that she felt unworthy of al this luxury? Yes, she was proud of her origins and rather arrogant whenever her person is concerned. But she was realistically humble in this case and she did not want to abuse of the benevolence of his family. As if trying to help him relax and take in the words for what she meant them, she looked up into his eyes and her hand moved to his hand which had tied her bandages and she placed it on his, holding his hand warmly, “Forgive me, I did not mean to offend the honour of your family but… well…” she bit her lower lip, admitting this was probably a big blow to her pride but she had to ensure he knew, “I am just a fisherman’s daughter.” It was all too new for her. Was he aware of that?
“The situation has changed. Instead of finding the Miko, I have found a Seishi. Either way, you were specially chosen by Genbu and transported here to fulfill a duty…I told you I would assist you with whatever your task was, did I not? And that will not change now…Your task may not be what we originally expected, but otherwise nothing has changed. All offers still stand, and everything that has been allotted to you is still yours.”
She looked away and released his hand gently moving toward the fire so he would not see her blush and heel ashamed of her choice of words, “I know…I’m sorry.” She only hoped he would not tease her or laugh at her now that she was admitting when she was wrong, it was truly difficult for someone as proud of her. She hoped he was fully aware of that little fact. She crossed her arms around her to try and relax and not snap at him or anything. She did not mean to offend him so…
"I was just thinking that, actually...We can set out, under the guise of looking for the rest of your Seishi, and secretly attempt to track down the Miko and the rest of our fellow Seishi.”
He was seriously planning to leave Yori and his mother at the mercy of Daichi and the assassins? No, she could not consent to that, but she would not speak her mind. She would set out on her own and hunt down the miko and the other Seishi and bring them to the palace, if anything happened to her she was sure she could be easily replaced, in nay case, she would not be someone easily discarded since she would fence for herself and she knew now that she had Seishi skills that were quite handy. She looked lost in thought but merely nodded at his words, she wondered if she would be able to sneak out eventually… and not have any of them know of this. She had to try it was the least she could do. She appreciated them and did not want any harm to befall them like it did this night. And it was her first day here…no, she could not let them suffer any more for her sake.
“They..vanished. I am not sure what they were, only that they were not human, and were not Seishi. They have escaped, but I feel they will not be foolish enough to try again any time soon.”
She sighed, it was inevitable then. She had to leave without anyone else to help her. She did not want a repeat of this experience, if these so called assassins realised how important these persons were all for her, well, she knew they would use them to lure her into a trap. And though she would willingly go because she could not sacrifice those dear to her, she did not want them to abuse their power and hurt them in the meantime. Just the tough of that made her hands close into fists and anger flash through her emerald eyes like amber burring in the forge. But then, the enemy must have spies, how else would they know she was there on the very same day she arrived? It was all too confusing for her, but one thing she knew, the enemy was powerful and had plenty resources to get by…
Gina was a bit surprised, to say the least, when she noticed Hayate blush and look away to hide it. She moved her hand to rest on her opposite arm, the injured one and she looked at the flames, did she do something that offended him? No, that was not it. He would have been angered and would have shaped at her as he seemed fond of doing, and she would then get back into her defensive mechanisms. She thought back o what she had just done and said and then realised that he had probably blushed because she said he was attractive, well she did not say that with those exact words but she did imply it. She was honest and bold to a fault and on several occasions her mother had complained about it and though she tried hard she could not change the person she was and she was proud of herself. Too proud even. But surely people valued the truth more than anything else, why then did they seek it constantly? She decided, however, not to tease him about it for the time being, it seemed that these recent experiences had started a small bond and it could break easily so she wanted to be careful with it and treasure it. She was not sure why it was so important to her now but, still, she would listen to her heart for once and try as much as possible to be nice to him.
"Gina-chan, I am grateful that you came to my sister's rescue. Though I was nearby, I shudder to think what would have happened in the time it took me to get there had you not intervened…I feel you have nothing to apologize for, and I am sure Yori feels the same way. For once you are her hero…”
She felt his hand on her cheek and she gasped and her eyes instantly looked deeply into his purple ones. Se had certainly not expected this, but then her mind went back to the times they shared since the last meal and the embrace at the balcony, he was being much kinder to her and so chivalrous that he never insulted her, not even once. She felt a light blush on her cheeks and hoped he could not see it. His words meant so much to her, she smiled softly for a moment and she said, “I could not do anything else, I know how dear Yori is to those who love her but…I confess I am also very fond of her and I could not see her or any of you getting hurt for that matter. I am a light sleeper and I heard them enter her room.” She was shocked when she realised that she was a bit annoyed that he move chis hand away from her cheek, it had felt so soft and warm, the hand of a leader who could protect his people but also love them. And yet she realised he was expending her ego, he was calling her a heroine? Seriously? He had softened so much that he almost seemed like another person, maybe he used his stoic personality to protect himself form those who did not know him. After all the world of politics was rather difficult. It could swallow you up if you were not careful enough.
And you have the makings of a decent medic...With practice.”
She rolled her eyes but at his smile she could not be angry with him, it was so surprising to see him smile, it even made him look beautiful. He probably knew that so she would not remark it, it would turn him back into his pedantic personality. “I have been trained well where I come from, I did not only learn to fight but also tend to the wounds you can get from such encounters. And though we use different things to tend to wounds I can easily identify them here.” She placed a hand on his wound though and she closed her eyes, “I hope Genbu looks after you and your loved ones and that your wound heals soon enough.”
“You are welcome to stay the night in here as well… Yori would most likely prefer company, and as I said, you are the hero of the hour…I can stay in her room for the night.”
She smiled at his first words and said, “I will go back to my rooms, not because I wish to offend your generosity but, I believe Yori will need her brother when she wakes up, that brother she has loved all her life and who has looked after her through thick and thin. I do love her like a small sister and she is my Koboshi but, the bond is still young and tender, it would be better for her if you stayed here Hayate-kun.” She smiled at him and said, “Do not worry about me, besides…” she laughed as she remembered Yori’s badroom, “I do not think it would do to your egotistical reputation to sleep in a room full of stuffed animals and pink tapestries.” She smiled and caressed his cheek for a moment before she said, “Thank you for coming to our aid, I will never forget it Hayate-kun.” She leaned forth and kissed his cheek. He probably did not know but, this also meant she would leave and this was her good-bye for now, so, since she was leaving there was no harm in kissing his cheek and making his ego as big as he had made hers that night.
She turned and giving one last smile at Hayate and Yori she opened the door of the bedroom and closed it behind her. She sighed and made her way to her rooms. She would pack everything and then sleep for a couple of more hours. Then she would be gone before anyone, even Hayate woke up…
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Goddess
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Post by Hotori on May 24, 2014 22:55:42 GMT -5
“That is not what I mean…it is difficult to explain. Forgive me, I did not mean to offend the honour of your family but… well… I am just a fisherman’s daughter.”He realized he had misunderstood her words, and he felt bad about it. He matched her soft tone as his purple eyes met her green, and he tried to convey his feelings on the matter, which was not always the easiest thing. "Whatever you are in your world...you are a Seishi here, and that will earn you respect around the palace. You are also now a family friend. You deserve whatever comfort and happiness we can offer you." “I know…I’m sorry.”"I, too, am sorry..." Hayate said after a moment. This was not an easy thing for them to admit to one another, and they both knew it. "I should not have been so short with you. I hope we may...forgive each other and move on with a clean slate." “I could not do anything else, I know how dear Yori is to those who love her but…I confess I am also very fond of her and I could not see her or any of you getting hurt for that matter. I am a light sleeper and I heard them enter her room.”Hayate nodded, looking at her silently for a long moment. She really did care for his family, after only knowing them a few hours. There were those who claimed to love his family, nad had known them for years, but would've hidden under their beds with fright, refusing to help. This meant more to him than she would probably realize...yet he didn't know how to express this, so he gave her a very small smile, and hoped she understood. The smile slipped away soon enough and he looked toward the fire for a moment. “I will go back to my rooms, not because I wish to offend your generosity but, I believe Yori will need her brother when she wakes up, that brother she has loved all her life and who has looked after her through thick and thin. I do love her like a small sister and she is my Koboshi but, the bond is still young and tender, it would be better for her if you stayed here Hayate-kun. I do not think it would do to your egotistical reputation to sleep in a room full of stuffed animals and pink tapestries. Thank you for coming to our aid, I will never forget it Hayate-kun.”Hayate thought this felt more like 'goodbye' than it did 'goodnight', but he knew if he pointed this out, it would put her on guard. He could tell they thought a lot alike. If he was in her situation, he would think those around him would be safer if he set out on his own to look for the others. He understood her train of thought, and could guess her actions, but that did not mean he liked them, and would not try to stop her. Instead he nodded. "Goodnight, then Gina-chan. Rest well." He watched her go before checking on Yori. Seeing she was still sleeping soundly, he dressed and positioned himself by the door. There he sat, dozing lightly, and waiting for a sounds from the hall to indicate Gina was sneaking away. He was also a light sleeper, so he would be awake and ready in a moment.
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The trickster
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Post by Hanako Gina on May 25, 2014 7:06:54 GMT -5
"Whatever you are in your world...you are a Seishi here, and that will earn you respect around the palace. You are also now a family friend. You deserve whatever comfort and happiness we can offer you."
Gina woke up earlier than expected but she did not mind. She slid off the bed as silently as a mouse and hung her sword in its scabbard behind her. She made the bed and moved the curtains to her balcony and sat on the parapet fixing her cloak as she thought about her last conversations with Hayate. his tone had softened considerably when he realised what she had meant, did he feel guilty for saying that? She one he was right, she was a Seishi here and she had duties to tend to. If she was attacked that could only mean the actual miko had arrived as well not so long ago. So she had to go on her own and hope that her intuition could help her. She had looked at a map of the area that day and she kind of knew her north now. She knew there was a nearby village to the South and she could make inquiries then. He had called her a family friend, and she closed her eyes for a moment looking at the still dark sky, that meant much more than anything she could have been given, she smiled and caressed the bracelet Yori had given her and that made her remember that night when she and Hayate exchanged words at her balcony. She found herself smiling despite how at times the Prince was too arrogant and egotistical.
“I, too, am sorry…I should not have been so short with you. I hope we may...forgive each other and move on with a clean slate.”
She still remembered how she reacted to his words. She had squeezed his hand gently and nodded with a smile. Yes, it had been so difficult for them to ask for forgiveness for something both had a blame on. But she did not expect him to comply, she was ready for him to mock her or simply irk her but instead he was understanding and compassionate. How on earth did he change so much so suddenly? True, she liked this side of him far better than his usual stoic sarcastic self. But you are meant to accept people as they were right? So if he was a fellow Seishi she would have to learn to tolerate to the best of her ability, she knew she also was a bit bratty with him sometimes but, it was mainly self defines due to how he behaved around her. She sighed and then looked at the landscape, if she was to achieve something in this world she had to try, she had to embrace this challenge and not be afraid, she would be fine so long as she fought head on to survive.
She finally slid silently and landed with no noise on the snow. It was not snowing now but she knew that by morning her tracks would be erased. She then began to jog at ease in the direction of the nearby village. The sooner she was gone from their lives the safer they would be. She could almost have sworn she sensed eyes behind her and suspected the assassins had not completely left the palace at peace, she did not mind, she would give them something to fear after all they had done and now she was rested so she could ensure they never attacked them again. She still could not believe they had not shown remorse at all for attacking someone who was not the person they had been looking for. But she had read many books about adventures and the like and knew that assassins did not truly care, they were given a task and had to fulfil it at any cost even if that meant eliminating innocent bystanders.
She smiled and knew she could keep this rhythm until she reached the nearby village. After all those years of training it was time to put it all to practice, she knew that so long as she kept moving and her body was kept warm she could easily reach the village and have a warm meal there while learning of the whereabouts of the miko, she knew of ways to bribe people into talking especially in a tavern so for now this would be her plan. Once she found her and the Seishi she would return with everyone. She hoped Hayate would forgive her but, she had to do this, she could not take him away from Yori, from Sumiko and all the duties he held as a Crown Prince, besides, if anything happened to him she would never forgive herself, especially if once everyone was done she was sent back and she was unable to give Yori the brother she would lose and Sumiko the Crown Prince and son she would miss. It would be all too cruel…
She did mean her words though, despite what happened form that moment forth, she would always remember the kindness bestowed on her, even when Hayate could at times vex her, she knew his gentler side and even found herself blushing lightly as she remembered how intensely they looked into each other’s eyes at times. It was strange, in all her years living in Okinawa, she never met someone who interested her and at the same time annoyed her as much as Hayate did.
Maybe it was the weather or the cultural differences. No, that was not it… She sighed and did not look back, she had to keep on going because, as crazy as it sounded, she suspected Hayate had not been too pleased with her last words and suspected something. It was difficult to explain but at times it felt like they shared one mind and her thoughts could have probably reached his as well, and he might have guessed she would leave the palace to prevent more harm to come to his loved ones. She could see a mountain range, they were too tall to climb easily and she saw a nearby lake, she would go around the edge of the lake.
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Goddess
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Post by Hotori on May 25, 2014 10:04:03 GMT -5
Hayate awoke suddenly when he heard light movement across the hall. Had he not had his door cracked slightly, he might've missed it. He waited to hear Gina exit her room, but after a long moment she did not. "The balcony!" He said, snapping his fingers as the thought came to him. He paused just long enough to make sure Yori was still sleeping soundly and then he left his room. He crossed the hall and entered Gina's room without so much as knocking. If he was wrong and she was still there, he would apologize and come up with some excuse. She wasn't in her room, and the balcony doors were open, allowing a cool breeze to blow through. He crossed to the balcony just in time to see her figure disappear. He was skilled at tracking in the snow, and at traveling in it in general, which gave him two advantages over Gina. He turned to pull the balcony doors securely shut before he hoisted himself over the railing, landing in the snow as silently as she had. He then set out stealthily to follow her. He knew she claimed to be able to sense him, but he wasn't sure how far away that worked. With any luck, she'd think he was still at the palace until he could catch up with her. He set out in a jog, following the tracks he could see by the moonlight. If he had to guess, she was planning to skirt the lake and head for the village to the south. That just proved she should not be attempting this alone. The lake would not be fully frozen, and the mountain, though steep, had many small passes that made it quicker and safer to travel. Though Gina was tall, Hayate was taller, and his longer legs and familiarity with the climate meant he caught her fairly quickly. As soon as he caught sight of Gina, he sped his pace, calling out to her. "Oh, Gina-chan!" Once he was near enough, he reached out and grabbed her wrist to halt her. "You must be quite eager to find the Miko indeed. You forgot to tell me we were leaving this morning." He raised an eyebrow at her before adding with a smirk. "Good think I happened to be up, is it not?" He knew, of course, that she'd had no intention of telling him, or anyone else, she was going. Did she not realize that would only cause them to worry? Yori would probably think she'd done something wrong, and anyway, how could he help Gina with her task if she insisted on going off without him. Besides, she did not know nearly enough about this land to survive on her own like this. It would not be as easy as she seemed to think, and it was foolish of her not to realize this. His annoyance shown in his deep purple eyes as he looked down at her.
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Post by Hanako Gina on May 25, 2014 11:45:27 GMT -5
Gina was already going around the lake when she felt something and as she concentrated on her feelings she frowned, it was Hayate. So despite her caution he had followed her as she suspected he would. She increased her pace and cursed under her breath and just at that time it was beginning to get lighter and she could see snow falling. She concentrated on the task at hand but she knew he was getting closer, it was not fair that he had such an advantage over her. And he would not try to understand her reasons, she knew he would either snap at her or simply use his pedantry once more. And at this moment she could not bother with dealing with his typical comments or remarks. If he expected her to turn back, ovate him and then admit he was always right, well, she had news for him. She was snot that kind of person, he could turn to this so called Lulu to do so, she was sure she always complimented his magnificence in order to get him to notice her. It was sickening butt here were people like that in this world. She could almost see his disapproving face and hear the words he was preparing to voice out to irk her.
Unfortunately, she was unable to get much further, but it was not because he was catching up with her, but rather because suddenly she saw a snowflake felling right in front of her and it made her gasp in surprise and she slowly stretched her hand to catch it and she found herself smiling and her eyes sparkled with joy when she noticed the silvery brightness of the snowflake and its various shapes and crystal-like shape. She gently stroked it and laughed softly, she had never seen snow before and now, she finally realised, she was in the middle of a land covered in snow and not only that but it was snowing now. Two things she had never experienced before. She extended both of her hands and caught several more snowflakes yet the first one she caught, she would always treasure even after it melted in her hand. She laughed softly and for a moment in time she forgot about everything else, even the cold, it did not bother her that much and in any case she was better dressed now for the weather. She closed her eyes and laughed as the twirled around and caught even more snowflakes in her hands. It was then she saw Hayate and she could not help but to keep smiling as she looked around noticing how snow could truly be beautiful, it was…like the Prince standing before her, cold and harsh at times but still lovely, still enjoyable and beautiful.
She blushed lightly at the thought and hoped that the weather and her run helped hide it from his eyes. He caught her wrist as if he feared she might run away still with the same determination she had set off at dawn but she knew it would be useless to try and do that now that he had finally caught up with her. She took a deep breath, he would probably show his disapproval and she had enjoyed the snow so much that she could not allow this incident to make her have a bad day, maybe she could talk him into teaching her more about the ways to enjoy the snow as they did in his country. Did they even play with it? Build things with it as they did at the beach in Okinawa?
She noticed the way the snow decorated his dark hair, such contrast form the purity of its white colour, and when it fell on her own hair it made it sparkle with a silver light of its own. She did not remove his hand from her wrist, he had caught her at the worst moment, when she lowered her hard and felt like a young child would when discovering snow for the very first time. And he probably was about to throw in a comment at her. Hayate was the one person who could manage to do such a thing, she sighed and finally fared to look at the tall Prince as he smirked and then spoke.
“Oh, Gina-chan! You must be quite eager to find the Miko indeed. You forgot to tell me we were leaving this morning…Good think I happened to be up, is it not?”
Her smile faded slowly and she looked away and then moved her wrist from his grasp and turned her back to him. “I sensed those assassins never left the castle, and they are somewhere nearby, I could not let creatures we do not know harm Yori, or even you, yes you stubborn Crown Prince and yet I do care…” She looked up at the mountains before she closed her eyes feeling the cold nearby and the snow still falling down on her, “I thought I could lure all our enemies away from the only people to make me feel at home here, do you understand the burden of knowing something could happen to the three of you and how busy and terrible I would feel? I studied some maps and I am not as ignorant as you think I am…I thought it best to bring the miko and her Seishi to the palace and keep you all safe…”
She did not turn to look at his deep purple eyes, she could not longer handle the disapproval he seemed to constantly show whenever she did or said anything. She could not bother at this moment with any of this so called contests of wit. She then decided to resume her walk around the lake and did not look back. She knew that if she did she would snap back at him and then he would probably try to drag her back to the palace or insist on coming with her. Could he not understand she felt responsible for this task? At first she had agreed to receive his help because she did not consider the actual dangers that came from being a target and now, now something happened that could have gotten worse, she could not let Genbu lose its Crown Prince, as annoying as he could be a times he was also a charming young man, she would admit that, though she would probably never voice thought thoughts of hers out loud, especially not to Hayate.
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Goddess
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Post by Hotori on May 25, 2014 15:02:08 GMT -5
Hayate stopped in his tracks as he watched her twirl and laugh in the snow. She acted as if she'd never seen it before. And then he wondered...had she seen it before? He did not know enough of her culture...perhaps it never snowed there. That was a baffling thought for him...so perhaps he could understand her current state of childlike wonder. He moved forward, and caught her arm, speaking to her at last, expecting her to either come up with some fib to explain her actions or to snap at him. “I sensed those assassins never left the castle, and they are somewhere nearby, I could not let creatures we do not know harm Yori, or even you, yes you stubborn Crown Prince and yet I do care… I thought I could lure all our enemies away from the only people to make me feel at home here, do you understand the burden of knowing something could happen to the three of you and how busy and terrible I would feel? I studied some maps and I am not as ignorant as you think I am…I thought it best to bring the miko and her Seishi to the palace and keep you all safe…”He allowed her to pull free, and sighed. Did she not realize how things seemed from his point of view. "I figured that was your train of thought..." He admitted. He took a step toward her, but stopped again. "Honestly, how can a smart girl be so foolish?" He felt frustrated as he spoke. "Did you not realize we would worry when we woke and found you missing? Do you not think we might've thought the assassins returned and took you?" Yes, had he woken to find her gone, he would've worried and blamed himself. "Do you really think looking at a map will make up for your lack of experience with this environment? As ill prepared as you are, you would've frozen to death before you reached the next town." He rubbed his forehead before crossing his arms over his chest. "I appreciate that you wish to protect my family, but surely you do not think this is the first time someone has sent assassins after us. It is part of the life of royals, and there are measures we can put into place to help protect everyone within from attackers, including those with abilities like the ones we faced last night...something I had intended to explain to you once we'd all gotten some sleep." He was not sure why her actions bothered him as much as they did, but they did. "Moreover, I do not need you trying to protect me. I am a Seishi, and I have known my destiny from birth. My family knows my duty to protect the Miko comes first." He crossed his arms. "I will not be put aside to be protected when I know more of the legends and the practicalities of what we are facing than you do. Surely you realize we must work together on this if we hope to be successful?" He understood her reasons for what she did, and he wasn't angry, exactly, though it probably sounded like he was. He was...well, he wasn't sure what it was exactly...it was almost as if his feelings were hurt that she would leave without him, but he couldn't figure out why that would be. And so, even if it was the wrong thing to do, he responded the way he always did, falling back on his prickly personality...
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The trickster
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Post by Hanako Gina on May 25, 2014 18:31:21 GMT -5
“I figured that was your train of thought...Honestly, how can a smart girl be so foolish? Did you not realize we would worry when we woke and found you missing? Do you not think we might've thought the assassins returned and took you? Do you really think looking at a map will make up for your lack of experience with this environment? As ill prepared as you are, you would've frozen to death before you reached the next town.”
He…insulted her? At first she felt as cold as the frozen lake nearby. She was so shocked she could not react at all to his words, was this the Hayate she had spoken with the night before by the starlight and who had held he run his strong arms and lullabies her to sleep and then later on saved her from any harm? Was this truly the Seishi who had offered to help her and had seemed so kind and understanding and had rendered her support? Could it truly be this the Hayate who loved Yori and said he would help her accomplish her mission here? Was he the person who said it did not matter if she was no longer the miko? She took one step back feeling greatly hurt and tears decorated her deep emerald eyes. She gasped silently and her hands closed into fists, she began to shake not because of the cold but rather the anger bottling up inside her. She just could not believe he would hurt her pride so, weren’t other ways of telling someone she had probably acted upon impulse but they should go back and plan things differently? How can the same person act so differently all of a sudden?
She saw no longer the man with feelings hidden behind his deep purple eyes, but the same stoic Prince she had met when she woke up the day before in his castle. She looked coldly into his eyes, “I knew you would realise this was my plan, so I deemed you would either come after me or let others know where I had gone, but for once I wanted to do something for myself, to not involved those I care for and find my true worth. Why should that be foolish? I cannot always depend on someone to protect me…life does not work like that, and I might be inexperienced but I am trying to do something to help, I am trying to learn…” Her eyes were burning like gemstones being placed on a burning urn in a forge. She wanted to snap at him but she did not want to sink to that level, she wanted to explain herself and hopefully get him to understand this was all too sudden for her still.
She had only just arrived the day before, she was suddenly entrusted with a difficult task and then suddenly she was not the miko, did he think it was an easy task to swallow all this things and digest them as if nothing had ever happened? He had his whole life to be prepared to find the miko, but Gina arrived one day and she was told she was the Priestess of Genbu and now she was a Seishi something that had never been recorded in the world of the Four Gods. It was strange and alarming and she wanted to find answers to her questions. If she stayed at the palace she would put everyone in danger and she would not find her self, what she was meant to do here…True, she knew she had to protect the miko but, surely there was a reason she was chosen in Japan instead of this world…
“I appreciate that you wish to protect my family, but surely you do not think this is the first time someone has sent assassins after us. It is part of the life of royals, and there are measures we can put into place to help protect everyone within from attackers, including those with abilities like the ones we faced last night...something I had intended to explain to you once we'd all gotten some sleep.”
Tears were threatening to gal from her raging eyes, she sighed in exasperation, “How did you expect me to know this? I do not read minds…In any case did you honestly expect me to sleep peacefully with a smile on my face after what happened? I come from a world different to your own but I had never experienced first-hand that kind of aggression where dear life was being threatened…and not only mine but Yori’s… Maybe for you it is completely normal to have people barge into your home and threaten your loved ones but I did not want Yori to experience such and that is certainly not something I experience in Okinawa…” Yes, she was fully aware she was not royalty and did not have any experience in this world even when she had studied history all her life. But he did not have to rub that in her face, did he?!
“Moreover, I do not need you trying to protect me. I am a Seishi, and I have known my destiny from birth. My family knows my duty to protect the Miko comes first…I will not be put aside to be protected when I know more of the legends and the practicalities of what we are facing than you do. Surely you realize we must work together on this if we hope to be successful?”
His last sermon was the last straw and her tears began to fall as quickly as the snow was by now. How could someone be so harsh and cruel? Was this truly necessary? Did he find pleasure in treating others like that? No wonder he was still single and her mother wanted desperately to hook him up with someone. She felt her heart ache far more than it had in recent years, even after she saw Akahana being dragged into this world without her being able to do anything about it. She finally lost her temper, it was just too much for her to bear and she said sharply, “Oh, forgive me Master Seishi for daring to even think I could ever protect the likes of you, as if I ever presupposed I knew far more about the legends-not so much legends-than you! What a crime indeed, I should you let you stand before our enemies, in fact, why don’t you just set out to find the miko you have been training to protect all these years! Since you know everything and are so prepared you should do this on your own, you do not need me! How could anyone work with you…”
She turned her back at him and began to walk on the frozen lake. Yes, she knew why she was doing and she knew what could happen but she wanted to be away from this man who had hurt her far more than anything else ever could, sharper than a blade his tongue was. She sobbed, “Go then and find your miko and save the world!”
She had an inkling she sensed in reality he was probably hurt she had not told him she would leave but she id not like his way of approaching things. So she slipped and landed on one knee on the ice and she slowly stood up to look at him and she dared snap at him truthfully and boldly, “In any case Mr. Narcissus, you could have just told me you felt hurt that I was leaving without you, yes you heard me right, you could have been honest for once… there was no need for everything else!”
She kept trying to walk on the ice which got harder and harder, she would slip often and stumble. But then, suddenly movement happened from within and her eyes opened widely as she heard a great crack right where she was standing. She froze in fear and unsure a to what she could do and she gasped in horror when the ice sunk and she fell inside the freezing water of the lake. At first she panicked and tried to swim back up and when doing so she tried to come back out but she slipped back inside. But then she took a deep breath and remembered that so long as you did not allow any of the cold water inside you, you could last more minutes. She drew her blade and stabbed it on the ice and tried to hoist herself back up, but then, her cloak became too heaving and ended up pulling her into the water.
As the weight of her cloak dragged her inside, she closed her eyes and held her breath and did her best to try and remove the cloak but her hands were freezing by then and she felt she had not the strength to keep on fighting with the flow of the water and the weight of the freezing cloak. She looked up at the surface and stretched one hand, panic took her once more and she began to lose the feeling of her body and she feared this was it, she would freeze to death. She closed her eyes and for a moment she lost track of her surroundings, she thought of her mother, her father and TingTing, that sweet girl, they would probably get too worried about her if they were reading this, and she hoped they knew how much she loved them and she wanted them to continue being happy, and not to miss her too much.
It were moments such as these that got you into thinking that you could have done things differently, but Genbu knew she had tried. She really tried to contain her temper and brattiness with Hayate, but she was too much for her to handle. They had serious communication issues so how would they ever manage to work together and find the miko? Maybe she had been dragged into this world by accident and this was to be her fate, never to return home. She was beginning to feel heavy and only felt sorry Yori would lose a friend so soon. She admitted she had been foolish for stepping on the frozen lake, especially when you could never be too sure of yourself, she could feel her injured arm hurt much more with the freeze and she thought maybe she deserved this for having failed in the simple task she had been given by Genbu himself.
If he had selected her as a Seishi she should have understood that meant she had an important role in this and that to be responsible and plan things ahead before doing anything on impulse. But at times she thought too much with her heart and that could make her commit mistakes, not that anyone could ever be perfect, there was no such thing on people, but, surely this error could have been omitted. Gina’s body felt numb and she slowly realised that holding her breath her body was beginning to lose control due to lack of air and was weakening fast. She hoped Hayate and the rest would manage to fulfil the task without her, he was probably right, he did not need her, and he could do this on his own…
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Goddess
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Post by Hotori on May 26, 2014 16:55:38 GMT -5
Hayate regretted all that he'd said the moment it left his lips and he saw how hurt Gina was. She was crying, and angry, and he couldn't blame her. His words had been harsh, even to his own ears. He saw where she was headed, and called out to her. "Not that way! The ice isn't sturdy!" She ignored him, however and stomped and slipped on. He hesitated. Part of him wanted to go pull her back off the frozen lake...but the other part of him worried his added weight would crack the ice for sure. He heard an ominous cracking sound, and instantly knew what was about to happen. He began pulling off his cloak and coat. He dropped his sword on top of the cloak and kicked off his boots. He was just wondering if there would be anything else that might drag him down when he saw the ice give way and Gina fall in. He was calculating which entry point would put him closest to her, as there wouldn't be a lot of time for either of them, when she emerged long enough to drive her sword into the bank. She couldn't seem to pull herself out though. He took a deep breath and held it before diving it. The water was cold, and dark, and more than a little disorienting, but the filtered moonlight shone on her white hair, causing it to glow like a beacon and guiding him to her. He swam to her and pulled her near. She was too heavy, though, and was slowly pulling them both down... The cloak! He held her with one arm as the other hand reached up and unfastened the cloak. As it fell away, they lightened, and he was able to swim for the surface, holding her close to his body as he did. He broke through the surface and let out his held breath before taking another, kicking to keep them afloat. He spotted her sword, and reached out to grab it, using it to hoist them back up onto firm ground once more. He was drenched and cold, but he knew she'd be far worse. After taking a few more deep breaths, he stood shakily and lifted her in his arms. carrying her to where he'd left his cloak and things. He gently set her in the snow before laying his cloak out and then he lifted her once more, setting her on it and wrapping her up, hoping it would offer some warmth. "Are you alright?" He asked gently as he put his boots back on and put his sword back on his belt. He put his coat on, but then realized it wouldn't help much. "Besides being half frozen, I mean." He looked at her for a moment before turning and retrieving her sword. The way she was wrapped up, he couldn't put it in her scabbard, so he slit it in next to his own, and noted he'd just have to be careful with the uncovered blade. That done, he picked her up again and started walking back toward the palace. He felt he should say something more, so with his gaze locked firmly ahead, he spoke. "I am...sorry...for what I said. I must admit I was worried about you, and I do not...I am not accustomed to that feeling. Sometimes I do not quite know what to say..." He felt terrible for making her cry, and felt personally responsible for her falling into the lake. If he hadn't upset her, she would've been move careful. "We'll get you back to the palace, and once you're warmed up...if you still wish to go, I'll help you travel safely in any way that I can." He secretly wished she wouldn't, though he wasn't sure why... He was sure his words wouldn't be enough to make up for what he'd said earlier, but he hoped it would serve as a good start. He still had quite a trek thorugh the forest before he reached the palace, and he was cold, but he pushed on. He had to get Gina inside before she got ill. He knew that would be unpleasant to say the least.
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Post by Hanako Gina on May 26, 2014 18:27:15 GMT -5
She was so determined she would perish then, in one of the worst ways of dying, freezing to death, that she did not realise Hayate had jumped into the water to save her. Only when she felt movement around her did she resize he was hoisting her back to the surface. She tried to hold on to him but her body was numb and she could not move and she felt the panic of such state. She feared that even if she got out of the water, she would not survive the freeze her body had just experienced. Once they reached the surface and gasped deeply for air, she was glad she had been holding her breath. She tried to hold on to him but she could not and so she allowed him to get out and carry her out of the lake as well. Her body was starting to shiver deeply and she closed her eyes to try and feel something in her body, if anything. And finally, once the threat of the water was gone, and she watched him cover her with his cloak to keep her warm and then get ready to return to the palace, she considered what he just did and her heart felt sore. She looked at the ground for a moment feeling slightly embarrassed and at the same time full of admiration for this young Prince. He had just jumped into freezing water just to save her? And he seemed to have anticipated even to what was about to happen, maybe he was right, she was a fool and useless as it were, why was she even chosen as a Seishi?
He had warned her about the ice, yes, but she could not bother to listen. She felt so hurt that she could no longer judge what was the right thing to do and when a person was at the verge of exploding they never listened to reason. Gina was no exception, martial artist or not. Everyone had their limit and with all that ha happened in the last two days she was standing at the top of a cliff and Hayate only made things worse. Maybe he was not trying to react that way but, well, it had not helped her in any way. She did feel slightly ashamed that she had allowed her anger and let down to govern her actions. Now because of that both were soaking wet and even though Hayate did not complains he could see him shake slightly due to the cold as well. She closed her eyes fora moment while he got ready to go and concentrated on regaining some body-warmth to at least feel the numbness go away but it was proving to be difficult. This had truly been an awful experience for her, she would admit…and she was not sure she wanted to go through it ever again, just the thought of what she had just experienced made her eyes open quickly to ensure she was no longer under the water.
"Are you alright? Besides being half frozen, I mean.”
She finally looked up into his eyes and realised he was worried about her, he worried deeply and she had not expected that. He probably expected her to talk but she could not, at least not now. She shook her head when he asked if she was ok, how could she be? It was not only the fact that she was panicking because she could not feel even the cold wind touch her body, but the sole experience of falling into a frozen lake and thinking you will never come out again…that was what tortured her the most and she felt tears in her eyes once more. She sobbed slightly and tried to remove her tears but she could not, her body just would not cooperate. Yes, Gina, the proud and fearless Gina was completely shocked and filled with angst and she was truly frightened. And though she did not want Hayate to think her weak or anything of the sort, she still cried and felt the bitterness of what just happened. She also felt the pain in her wound increase due to the cold.
While he was getting ready to go she kept thinking about her sword, it was the only thing she had to remind her of her friend Akahana and she did not want it to be left by the lake. But Hayate thought of everything and even went to retrieve it, and for a moment she was afraid he would fall back in just because she had buried the blade of her sword on the ice in order to escape the water. But he easily removed it and she sighed relieved, despite having just argued with the man she did not want anything to happen to him. She cared for him after all, despite how harsh he had been to her. Yet, she could not avoid thinking that he had just proved his point when saving her, she could not look after herself in these lands and was completely useless and needed his help to see through to another day.
She blinked when she resized he was picking her up and making his way to the palace. She was slowly finding movement on her neck and mouth and she opened it lightly to take a deep breath and she tried to relax and think that everything would be fine. She looked up at him for a moment before she looked back down and closed her eyes slightly, she was not sure what to say now, what she could do or say to help him in any way, she was truly worthless, why on earth did Genbu call her here?
“I am...sorry...for what I said. I must admit I was worried about you, and I do not...I am not accustomed to that feeling. Sometimes I do not quite know what to say…”
She gasped and looked up at him yet he was looking ahead and, despite what had happened, she knew how difficult it was for him to ask for forgiveness and she decided this was rather astonishing and she would take his words for why they were worth, which was a lot. She was not sure how to reply to his words at that moment, especially when she was still having trouble feeling her body, but she decided that, for now, her gestures would be the ones to show how she was feeling or if she accepted his words of apology. She thought for a long moment before she finally came up with something she could do that would ensure he was aware that she forgave him. She leaned on his chest and placed her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. She finally looked up at him and whispered, “Thank…you…Hayate-kun…” it was truly difficult for her to talk, it was scary to think this happened just by spending a few minutes underwater.
We’ll get you back to the palace, and once you're warmed up...if you still wish to go, I'll help you travel safely in any way that I can.”
She was still shivering and she knew Hayate was also suffering form the cold, and yet he worried about her did he not? She opened her emerald eyes to look into deep purple eyes and she whispered weakly, “You are…also cold…” she looked down bitterly and added, “I’m…sorry…” She had decided to leave in order to spare Hayate and his loved ones any harm and here she was, getting into trouble and pulling Hayate along. She wondered if he would ever grow tired of this and dismiss her and send her back to her world or something. Well, that did not seem possible, if it were no miko would full fill her role, right?
She leaned closer to him to try and also give him some of her warmth and she closed her eyes relaxing in his arms and trusting him completely, this one time she would let him order her around if he had to. Just this once she would trust the man who saved her life once again.
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Goddess
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Post by Hotori on May 27, 2014 17:31:31 GMT -5
Hayate saw Gina shake her head no, and instantly he'd known it had been a foolish question. He knew personally that it wasn't something you were over instantly as soon as you were out of the water. She'd have to warm up, and even then it may still take time. Had he not been looking at her, he wouldn't have seen her crying, as she was doing so silently. He moved closer to her for a second, and used the edge of the sleeve of his coat, which was mostly dry, to dry her tears gently. “Thank…you…Hayate-kun…”When she leaned her head against him, he had a feeling it was her way of telling him she accepted his apology. Still, he wanted to make it up to her. After all, if he had not said such things, she wouldn't have set out across the ice and she wouldn't be in the state she was now. “You are…also cold… I’m…sorry…”Hayare gave a small nod, though he had to clench his jaw to keep his teeth from chattering. "Save your energy..." He mananged, though not in a commanding tome. "We can...talk later." He spotted the palace entrance, and Hiden standing guard, and almost collapsed with relief. They both needed warming up, and they both needed rest, and he trusted Hiden to see that everything was seen to. He had just reached the gate, and was about to tell Hiden what happened when he heard a familiar, but not welcome, voice call out to him. "Hayate-kun! Surprise!" The young noblewoman, Lulu, threw herself at Hayate, and somehow managed to jostle his stiff, cold arms in such a way that knocked Gina to the ground, though Lulu didn't seem to notice. "Father got the announcement for the ball last night and we set out at once so I could see you. Isn't that wonderful." Hiden was quick on his feet, moving to try and help Gina up. "I've got you, my lady..." He told her as he did his best to help her. Hayate was far too cold to know what to do. He was far too cold and tired to deal with Lulu, and he needed to make sure Gina got inside alright. "Lulu-san...I appreciate that you came...but..." He grimaced a bit at the last word as his shivers grew worse. "I'm really...very cold...and m-must attend...to the Miko..."
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Post by Hanako Gina on May 27, 2014 18:16:28 GMT -5
How could you survive such a freezing experience? Despite Hayate’s attempts to keep her warm and then take her to the palace to receive the proper attention, the shivering intensified and she could not feel her extremities, she tried to move an arm or a leg and though he still could, a great wave of pain would follow. Still, she knew Hayate had jumped into the cold water with any chance of perishing in the act and all just to save her. She felt something in her heart soft at such selfless act and now, he was carrying her to the palace although he was feeling as bad as she was, if not worse, since he had to use his brazen body to transport the both of them to the palace. She weakly lifted her head to look up at him, at this wonderful yet narcissistic man. How could someone so wonderful be so arrogant and annoying at the same time? She looked into his amethyst eyes and could tell he was suffering as much as she was, although movement helped it would not amount to much since he had to walk a long way and she was sure that at this pace he was unfit to run or jog since his body was much more stiffer than usual. She wished there was something she could do for him but for now, she tried not to move so that he did not make a risky movement that made him injure himself.
The moment she looked back at the path she realised she could already see the palace. She decided to keep on fighting if not for her sake, for the efforts this Prince put in order to save her life. It would be ungrateful of her to give up now when he was doing everything at hand to get her to the palace. She blushed lightly when she remembered him drying her tears ever so gently. She did not understand how a man like him could be so wonderful. How a man with such a tender heart could at time say things that could really hurt others. Just as what he had told her that morning. The sunlight was finally beginning to touch the horizon, and it gave her a sense of hope, of something approaching that would ensure their survival and she knew that, from that moment forth, she would have a different opinion of the Crown Prince even when he turned back to his stoic self. She could not help it, he was her hero, he had saved her very life…
She closed her eyes briefly, she could almost feel the warmth of the palace and she hoped that, although walking and hurting himself with each step, she at least managed to share the little warmth she had left in her body with him. She blinked feeling colder and colder with each passing moment, what else could she do to help them both feel warm and safe? If only she could control fire as a Seishi, but no, her skills would not be useful at this very moment and she felt the most useless person in the world just why exactly did Genbu chose her and to what purposes?
“Save your energy...We can...talk later.”
She could tell that even talking was difficult for him and she felt a few tears touch her eyelashes once more, she felt so guilty that he had to jump in there as well. If only she had admitted that she was useless and just walked back to the palace…Yes, it would have been an astounding wound to her pride and stubbornness but, now they were in a big mess and all because she wanted to play the heroine. She spotted Hiden and felt embarrassed, what would they think of the Seishi who pretended to be the miko…they probably thought she was always getting into trouble and making Hayate suffer with it as well.
However, nothing in this world or her own could have prepared her for what was about to happen. And though she was weak and cold she was still her good old stubborn self and Gina never appreciated when situations of emergency such as this one, were breached. Of corse she could not expect the Crown Prince of Hokkan to not be acquaintance with any other lady in the land but this…There were no words to describe this…
"Hayate-kun! Surprise! Father got the announcement for the ball last night and we set out at once so I could see you. Isn't that wonderful.”
Gina was not someone to easily cry in pain whenever the situations arose, but at this moment, she did give a piercing cry because her whole body was stiff and frozen and the fall made her body feel the pain ten times worse. What is more, she tried to soften the fall and placed a hand to support herself but ended spraining it instead. The tears in her eyes intensified and she shivered from head to toe not only because of the cold but because of the anger that was taking over her all of a sudden.
”Lulu-san...I appreciate that you came...but...I'm really...very cold...and m-must attend...to the Miko…”
Was Hayate for real? Why did he not rudely dismiss her like he could easily dismiss Gina? Why was he being nice to someone who did not seem to care for their health at all? Why did he not order for someone to then to them both instead of forcing himself to talk? She felt her blood boil within her…
Was she jealous? Maybe, but what truly vexed her was that Hayate had simply allowed that spoiled brat to toss her like some useless belonging and still not chastise her for it, had he not insulted her for the simple fact that she wished to ge the miko and Seishi so his family would be safe? How did that harm him and his reputation more than what that bladed woman did? Oh and this was the so called Lulu? She sober lightly as she bit he lip feeling the pain in all her body the moment she stood on her two feet and then touched Lulu’s shoulder with a finger tapping at her. Once she finally turned to look at Gina, the Seishi was angered than a predator.
“You spoiled brat, can you not see the Crown Prince needs urgent attention?!” She was shaking so much she feared she might pass out at that moment, oh… but not before she id what she truly longed to do. Forget etiquette and rules of propriety, anyone in her situation would have justified what she was about to do.
She then glared at her, her eyes could have burned her alive if at all possible. She took a step back and then as quickly as lightning she moved forth a step and punched her in the face. “That is for throwing me to the floor!” Her eyes gave Hayate a momentarily hurt look before she finally fell on her knees and groaned in pain and had trouble breathing then. She began to shake more violently. She felt dizzy and she and to truly struggle not to faint. It was then she heard a familiar voice…
“I’ve got you, my lady…”
She allowed Hiden to pick her up and then take her wherever he saw fit, she constantly struggled to stay awake almost feeling as if the cold had finally taken over her. She blinked several times as if she was trying to fight falling asleep and the more she tried to remain awake the harder it got.
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Goddess
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Post by Hotori on May 28, 2014 7:30:05 GMT -5
“You spoiled brat, can you not see the Crown Prince needs urgent attention?!”Neither Hayate nor Hiden could do much beyond watch, shocked, as Gina punched the young noblewoman. Lulu gave a cry of shock and pain, and rought her hands up to covered her bruised face. Lulu's father had been standing quietly by until this happened, and he instantly moved forward to put an arm around his daughter and glare at Gina as Hiden lifted her in his arms. "She just assaulted my poor Lulu. I demand she be arrested!" Hayate nodded for Hiden to take her inside, though she wasn't under arrest, and they both knew it. He then turned to the pair of them. "The Miko has been through a lot already this morning, as have I, and cannot be faulted for a stress-induced reaction." He had to take a deep breath and let it out slowly. "If you would care to go to your usual quarters, I'll have the palace healer sent around to check on Lulu-san." He sighed, almost wearily. "But as the Miko said, I'm not entirely up for entertaining at present, and I really must go warm myself. If you will excuse me." Without another word, he turned and headed inside. He nodded to Mei who would have hot baths prepared for himself and Gina, and hot infusions sent as wwll. He then headed for his own room. Meanwhile, Hiden had carried Gina to her room, and placed her near the fire before adding wood to it to build it up and help her warm up. With quick, quiet efficiency, he pulled one of the blankets from the bed and put it around Gina. "Are you injured, my Lady?" He asked softly as he tried to check her over himself as best he could without removing the blanket that helped to warm her. He would stay here with her until one of the maids arrived with a bath and could look after her. Then he planned to see Hayate, and find out exactly what had happened. The last thing Hiden had known, both were asleep in their rooms, so he was puzzled as to how they had ended up drenched and half frozen in the forest. He recalled her last action before collapsing, and smirked just slightly. "Forgive me if I am speaking out of turn, my Lady, but you have just done what many within the palace have longed to do." There was a knock on Gina's door, and Hiden stood from where he'd knelt by her to answer it. Mei and another maid entered with preparations for a bath while a third entered with a stack of fabric, warm clothes and blankets, he assumed. He gave a bow to the gathered ladies, and left the room, seeing another set of maids entering Hayate's room. He followed them in. Hayate stood near the firs still shivering and staring at his bed. Hiden followed his gaze and saw that Yori was still sleeping peacefully there. With everything that had happened, he had actually forgotten his sister was in his room. Even if she could not see him, he felt odd about bathing with his little sister in the room. "I should take her back to her room..." He told Hiden. The guard shook his head, and carefully lifted the sleeping princess. Yori stirred lightly, but Hiden spoke softly to her. "It is alright, Princess, it is only me. Let's get you to your room so your brother may rest." He was granted perhaps more freedom with the royal family than other guards, but being friends with the prince had it's advantages. One of them was that not only did Hayate trust him to look after Yori, but Tori, upon hearing his familiar voice, settled back to sleep and allowed Hiden to take her to her room for the next couple of hours' worth of rest. Once Hiden and Yori were gone, and the maids had the bath set up and had left, Hayate stripped as fast as his frozen fingers would let him, and sank into the warm water, submerging himself for a long moment. When he surfaced again, he was only slightly surprised to find Hiden sitting on the foot of his bed, waiting for his chance to talk to him. "What happened?" Hiden asked without preamble. Hayate felt weary after all he'd been through, and was tempted to tell his friend to go away and bother him later. Instead, with a sigh, and submerging himself up to his chin in the large metal tub, he gave a quick account of everything that had happened after the assassins attacked the night before. Because Hiden knew him as well as his own family, and would be able to tell if he'd left anything out, he told him about his argument with Gina that had resulted in her stomping across the lake and falling in, and him diving in to rescue her. He also told him that Gina was a Seishi, not the Miko, but that they planned to let everyone think she was the Miko for the time being. Again, he was only a little surprised when Hiden leaned over and smacked him upside the back of the head, not distracted by the change of topic at the end. "Haven't you learned you have to actually try to be nice to people?" He asked the prince, his eyebrow raised. "You can warm up after being in cold water...but cold words are harder to recover from." "I didn't mean it how it came out." Hayate said defensively. He was beginning to feel human once more, and more weary by the moment. "It doesn't matter how you meant it...what matters is how it came out." Hiden replied. "Girls are sensitive, you know? And she's from another world. For all you know, they're even more so over there." "What do you recommend then? Since you know so much..." Hayate grumbled, trying to ignore his friend. "Apologize properly to her." Hiden said simply. "And thank her for taking care of Lulu for you." Hayate groaned. He'd appreciated that she'd knocked the annoying girl away from him, and he'd silently enjoyed htat she'd punched her, but Lulu was still a noble, and as mad as her father had been, he was sure there would be some uproar about it. Instead of commenting on any of this, though, he looked over at Hiden. "Don't you have someone else to bother?" "My shift just ended." Hiden replied with a grin. "Technically, I could stay here a while and hound you. Lucky for you. though, I'm tired." He stood from his seat on the bed. "Someone had me searching the palace all night in search of magically vanishing assassins." He turned to leave, but stopped at the door. "I mean it, my friend, I really think you should try and talk to her sooner rather than later." Hayate waved him off, but nodded. He was right. He needed to speak with Gina and make sure she was okay...and that she knew he really was sorry for what he'd said to her. Hiden left, and Hayate completely submerged in the water once more, determined to take every bit of warmth it offered before getting out and dressing. In Gina's room, Mei and one other maid eased her out of her wet clothing and helped her into the bath. Once she was in, Mei sent the other maid away, and took to tending the girl all thought was the Miko.
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Post by Hanako Gina on May 28, 2014 18:53:30 GMT -5
“She just assaulted my poor Lulu. I demand she be arrested!”
By that point Gina was so cold and dizzy she was beginning to lose track of what was going on around her and as Hiden held her she almost completely passed out by then. She kept on fighting though to try and keep awake but it was proving a tedious task and the new injury on her wrist and the strong emotions that overcame her were too much for her to handle at that very moment. She finally came back to herself when Hiden covered her more and placed her near the fire. his eyes were concerned, was he going to chastise her for what she told Lulu and what she did to her? She was fully aware of the repercussions this would have on her reputation and she would have to ensure the people accepted her before this man spread lies about her but, she could not help it but to react to her hurting her by forcing herself into Hayate’s arms. Gina had gotten so hurt, and yet she did not even apologise.
“Are you injured, my Lady?”
She nodded to his words and offered him her sprained wrist that was a bit swollen now. Her whole body was in pain especially after the fall but her wrist had taken the worst of it. She hated appearing feeble and weak especially among those linked to the proud and arrogant Prince, but at this very moment all she wanted to do was to fall asleep crying herself to sleep. But she did her best to swallow the tears already forming in her eyes and concentrated on watching what the maids were doing and the what Hiden did, she eyed him before she whispered in between cold coughs, “I…hope the Prince…is ok.” The last thing she wanted was for the kingdom to lose its Crown Prince because of her. A tear left her cheek and she looked away not to appear weak to this man who had seen war probably many times before.
”Forgive me if I am speaking out of turn, my Lady, but you have just done what many within the palace have longed to do.”
She was a bit shocked by his words and watched him chuckle. She had expected him to chastise her for having injured a noble and causing a riot for the Crown Prince, but she honestly did not saw anything else she could do to ensure that both of them got the attention they needed after falling into that frozen lake. It was then she resized the bath was ready and the maids were leaving, except for Mei. Gina turned to look at Hiden and said, “Thank you.” She then watched him leave and she tried to move but she could not and the pain she felt was too much to bear. She and to allow Mei to help her reach the bath and then remove the cold and frosty clothes that was almost as stiff as her body now. It took a lot of effort from the both of them, but Gina was truly exhausted. She was so tired she ignored how embarrassed she was of having someone next to her while she bathed. She submerged on the bath and only her head up to her neck came out, she felt in pain and she realised she was also unhappy. Ever since she had arrived to Hokkan it had been nothing but struggle after struggle and whenever she tried to do the right thing it would backfire on her. And now she and had the worst experience of her life, almost freezing to death in that lake. She finally began to sob and she silently cried covering her face with her hands.
She was like that for a few minutes before she dried her tears and washed her face with the warm water. She was beginning to slowly regain warmth in her body but it was a bit of a hard task to move or even wash herself. She was silent then but her face showed sorrow, especially her eyes. She was finally strong enough to emerged form the bath and Mei helped her dry up and get fully dressed before she covered her with two blankets and offered her a warm drink. She sat on the couch by the fire and held the cup with her uninjured hand. Mei smiled tenderly at the girl, she already was fond of her, especially since the time she had thanked her and smiled at her.
She moved close to Gina and sat next to her, Gina began to cry once more, “I’m sorry Mei…it was…it was just horrible to…almost die in that lake…” And the words that preceded that had also wounded her heart far more than any physical harm ever would. She leaned on Mei’s shoulder and the maid embraced her warmly and helped her with the tea. She was slowly beginning to calm down and her body did not hurt that much.
Her hand was a bit swollen though and she was not sure how sprained wrists were treated here… She closed her eyes and smiled softly as Mei gently sang to her and caressed her long white hair which was beginning to dry as well. She was in a relaxed state and she was ready to eat something and to go sleep honestly, she did not want to know anything else about anyone else. She just wanted sleep to take her and she hoped she would not catch a cold or something. But when the feared she would be unable to sleep that night, remembering the…cold.
Just as she slightly moved away from Mei and finished the drink and was about to ask if she could have a bit more, thanking her, she heard a man grumbling just outside her door. A guard seemed to tell him he could not come inside, but the man complained and opened the door pushing the guard aside. Mei immediately stood up, and said, “Lord Hiroto…What is the meaning of this? You dare enter the mike’s room unannounced and so boldly despite the instructions the Prince gave you?” The man smirked and then walked toward Gina and he snatched her wrist forcing her to her feet and the cup fell to the floor and broke. Unlucky for her the wrist he had wrapped was her swollen injured hand and she gave a cry of pain and he shook her, “You are going to my daughter’s room to apologise for what you did now…they may not imprison you for doing this but I will have you on your knee begging her to forgive you…” Gina felt so much pain tears began to fall from her eyes.
Mei tried to make the man let go of Gina’s hand, “Can you not see she is injured and she needs to stay warm?” She was beginning to get really angry, she looked at the guard and nodded, Hayate had to be informed of this… the guard immediately went to look for Hayate to inform him of this. Gina felt terrible, not only because of the pain but also because elf all the trouble she had caused this palace ever since she arrived. “You are hurting me…” she tried to move her wrist form his hand but he held it even harder and she winced in pain, she wondered if this was what he wanted, to find her in such misery…And she did not have the energy or the strength to fight him or even use her Seishi skills, even if she was pretending to be the miko. She was finding it difficult to even stand on her two feet, Mei soon came to her and helped her hold on to her, “Please, milord, let the girl go…”
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Goddess
1,912 POSTS & 244 LIKES
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Post by Hotori on May 28, 2014 21:58:25 GMT -5
Hayate had just finished dressing, and was contemplating a nap when he heard a great commotion in the hall outside his room. He pulled on his belt, which held his sword, and still had Gina's as well, and pulled open the door. The uproar was coming form Gina's room...somehow that didn't surprise him. He crossed the hall and stood in the doorway. He glowered at the sight that met him. Hiroto, Lulu's father, was standing there, gripping Gina's wrist. Gina looked in pain, and Mei-sweet, wonderful Mei!-was trying to talk sense into the irate nobleman. Hayate crossed the room in a few long strides and clamped his hand down on Hiroto's wrist. He applied enough pressure to force the older man to let go. He then pulled the nobleman around to face him. Hayate was taller and stronger. When he spoke, his voice was as cold as the lake he'd recently pulled himself and Gina from, and his eyes were like shards of purple ice. "I told you to drop it, Hiroto. If I must make it a command instead of a friendly request, then I will. You will not harm the lady. Do you understand?" He turned slightly, still holding the man's wrist and strode back toward the door, dragging him along behind him like a scolded child. When he reached Gina's door, he shoved Hiroto out into the hall before finally releasing him. "You have been a valued member of my mother's court for some time now. I am sure you would not wish to sully your reputation with word that you assaulted the Miko, the girl from another world send to save our land in its time of need. Now, go to your quarters. I do not want to see you in this wing again." He nodded to two guards nearby indicating they should escort him away before he closed Gina's door. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly, trying to calm his anger. Hiroto was walking a fine line, and with a single word to his mother, it would be over for the nobleman. It was tempting just to be rid of him and his daughter for good. Still, he could understand Hiroto's displeasure, given what Gina had done, so he would grant the man one chance to behave. Just one. He took another deep breath and released it slowly before he finally turned to check on Gina. Mei had helped her back onto the couch and was attempting to make her comfortable. His eyes softened somewhat as he looked at her. He crossed the room slowly before stopping infront of her. He looked down at the broken cup, and knelt to pick up the pieces, placing them on the tray. "I can do that, my Lord..." Mei began. "It's fine, Mei. You are attending to Gina-chan." His tone was no longer cold. Once the pieces were picked up and placed aside, he looked up at Gina, though he still knelt in front of her. "May I see your wrist?" Even from where he was, he could tell it was swollen. He reached out and gently took her wrist, moving slowly and carefully to not cause her more pain. After looking at it a moment, he nodded to himself. "Sprained." He looked up at Mei. "Please go fetch a long clean bandage." He looked back to Gina. "We'll have to wrap it to try and keep it immobile. It would be best to treat it with cold until the swelling goes down, we could pack it in snow for short periods of time...but given the morning's events, I would understand if you do not wish to. Heat will help the pain once the swelling is down, though. The best thing for it is rest. Try not to use it until the pain lets up." He waited for Mei to leave to get the bandage, and he looked down at the swollen hand. "I am sorry you were assaulted in such a manner. It is inexcusable, and as a member of the court he should know better than to disobey such a request, no matter the reason. Please believe that not all nobles are like Hiroto. Most are like Mother and Yori...and unfortunately, some are like myself." He spared her a small glance and a half smile, hoping she'd see he was willing to tease himself at present if it made her feel any better. Mei returned with the bandage, and Hayate thanked her and requested another hot drink, perhaps with something to help Gina rest a while. Mei nodded and went to get it. He moved to sit on the couch next to Gina, as it would make bandaging her wrist easier, and he sought out her emerald eyes for a moment. "This will be uncomfortable, but I will try to keep from causing you too much pain." He needed to wrap it tight enough to minimize the mobility, but not so tight that it was painful or cut off circulation. He began to wrap the bandage, starting with her hand. He focused on what he was doing, and began to speak. It was easier on his pride to apologize and admit when he was wrong when he wasn't looking at the person. "I wanted to tell you, Gina-chan, that I am really, truly sorry for all that I said to you out by the lake." He wrapped the bandage carefully around her wrist and kept going. "I...understand your reasoning, and had the roles been reversed, I am sure I would've done the exact same thing you did, for the exact same reasons. They are good reasons, and I really do appreciate that you desire to keep my family...and myself safe." His eyes darted to her face, but not long enough to make eye contact. "But I desire to keep you safe, do you understand? I know you are not the Miko, but I feel Genbu summoned you here for a reason, and I feel he wants me to make sure you fulfill your task. Perhaps it it arrogant of me to think so, but I cannot help it." He wrapped it further up her arm to make sure the wrist was properly immobilized. "If I may be blunt..." He hesitated. Technically being blunt was what had gotten them both into this mess. "I...worried about you from the moment I realized you had left the palace. Not because I think you cannot take care of yourself, and not because I think I know more than you...but because you are my...friend." He tied off the bandage and finally looked up at her. "I am sorry that I hurt you, Gina-chan, and I hope that..if you cannot forgive me, then you will at least let me help you prepare for your journey once you are recovered." He could teach her to navigate, and tell her all the secret mountain passes that made traveling easier. He would also make sure she had sufficient money and supplies, perhaps even a horse, if she rode. Mei returned then with the second hot drink, and she sat it by Gina's good hand, before stepping back and waiting for any further orders. Hayate nodded his thanks to her and looked back to Gina. "If you feel up to it, we can try to reduce the swelling with a snow pack...but I would understand if you do not." He wasn't sure if his words had gotten his feelings across...people didn't understand how hard that was for him...but he'd tried, and hopefully Gina would see that. He also planned to relate what he'd said to Hiden later. If he was smacked again, he'd know it'd been the wrong thing to say...
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Commoner
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The trickster
58 POSTS & 52 LIKES
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Post by Hanako Gina on May 29, 2014 13:42:12 GMT -5
Gina could not believe the audacity and cruelty in the man's actions. did he usually did that to those that were injured and could not help themselves? Were she strong enough to be her usual self this would not be happening and she would have given the man reasons to fear ever coming this close to her. There was anger in her eyes and a fire that burned deep within her but she had no more energy to argue and fight to break free form his menacing grasp. And the worst part was he knew that was her injured wrist and he still tightened his grip. What a horrid man! No wonder his daughter was terrible, she only needed that, one glance at her as she suddenly leapt into Hayate's arms not taking into account he was carrying her and both were cold and soaking wet and then the way she disregarded the harm she caused Gina and pretended to take Hayate all to herself. This was more than enough to make the Seishi dislike her completely. Her eye would have twitched back then had she not fought to get up and remind her on the laws of propriety. Even if she was a noble she still had to respect Hayate as the Crown Prince and she obviously held no regard toward him but rather his position, she probably aspired to be a spoiled Empress. The thought alone disgusted her, and her father put these ideas in her head. She was about to remark his beloved Lulu had probably sprained her wrist and so it was an eye for an eye. Had they met under normal circumstances she would have probably reacted differently, but she would have shown her her place still. Gina was honest to a fault and she always spoke her mind.
She could not hide the relief that filled her when she saw Hayate standing at the entrance of her room. On the one hand she was relieved to see he was well, on the other, she felt like this was one of those times she could trust his protection would reach her when she was unable to do anything to help herself. She had been so worried about him, but now, watching him standing in his regal posture with his royal clothing and that piercing glance that would send any enemy running for their lives, she realised he was quite the Prince. She might never admit this though but she did understand his reasons for being narcissistic, he was rather handsome and the way he conduced himself was rather befitting of someone of great strength of body and mind. He would make an excellent Emperor someday, she decided. She was rather impressed by what he could do by simply using a hand, he pressed on Hiroto's wrist causing the man to lightly wince and turn to face him. Gina was relieved that her wrist had been released although the pain was even greater than before and she could not avoid holding it carefully when Mei helped her settle back on the sofa. Tears were falling from her eyes still and she tried to dry them with her healthy hand.
"I told you to drop it, Hiroto. If I must make it a command instead of a friendly request, then I will. You will not harm the lady. Do you understand? You have been a valued member of my mother's court for some time now. I am sure you would not wish to sully your reputation with word that you assaulted the Miko, the girl from another world send to save our land in its time of need. Now, go to your quarters. I do not want to see you in this wing again."
She blushed lightly although it was barely noticeable due to the tears that were still falling from her eyes, he was actually doing all this to protect her? She looked down and wanted to laugh when he dragged that monster of a man out of her room, she confessed that, at that moment, until Hiroto was out of her room, she would feel afraid and anxious. Hayate was truly an imposing figure, no wonder he felt no need to have anyone protect him or look after him, but something inside her made her want to try in any case. He had helped her so many times already, she knew that her father's honour dictated she did the same for him, or at least tried. She only hoped that this incident and the one before would not force Hayate into an uncomfortable political conflict with that man and his obnoxious daughter. She was beginning to feel ashamed of what she had done, but she had been so offended, it only felt natural that she protected herself from someone like Lulu or Hiroto. Would Hayate be angry? Would he give her another bitter sermon? From the moment he entered her room she realised that she had been expecting him to be furious and far more hurtful than before she fell into the lake. And the memory made her shudder and she looked at the flames.
"I can do that, my Lord…"
"It's fine, Mei. You are attending to Gina-chan.”
She heard him take a deep breath and blushed even more, feeling like a scorned child. Was he trying not to sound too furious with her? She could already think of a million things he would tell her regarding hitting beautiful noble ladies or something. She was surprised though when he knelt to pick up the pieces of the cup that had fallen, she had almost forgotten all about that. She felt so guilty of having him pick them all up even though he had also fallen into that cold lake and she was still happily sitting by the fire and covered in blankets. It seemed to her that for a moment Mei guessed her thoughts since she placed a hand on her shoulder and as their eyes met, she smiled sweetly at Gina, she decided she really liked this girl from another world, she had her temper and did things without thinking but, she was sweet and good-natured, she would never arm anyone for the mere sake of it.
May I see your wrist?"
She blushed lightly at how softly he spoke to her now and her eyes showed the confusion, just a little bit. but she nodded at him and extended her hand, she did her best not to wince or stir slightly at the pain once he examined it but, given the fact hat Hiroto had done everything he could to ensure her hand got from bad to worse, she could not hide the pain and gasped at times looking away from Hayate not to show the pain. She did not want him to think her weak and he had already seen her cry the last thing she wanted was or him to cal he feeble on top of all the humiliation she already experienced. Yet, his hands touched hers and she was amazed at how gentle he was, and it reminded her of the very first time she had held his hands, how soft yet strong they were, the hands of a true leader: he who could enforce his law in the kingdom and, at the same time, be as gentle as a loving mother to its people.
“Sprained…Please go fetch a long clean bandage…We’ll have to wrap it to try and keep it immobile. It would be best to treat it with cold until the swelling goes down, we could pack it in snow for short periods of time...but given the morning's events, I would understand if you do not wish to. Heat will help the pain once the swelling is down, though. The best thing for it is rest. Try not to use it until the pain lets up.”
She sighed and looked at her wrist for a moment, she truly did not want to have anything to do with snow anymore or ice or cold for that matter. But she knew that she was a Genbu Seishi so there was no point in trying to evade an obstacle, she and to face it head on as much as it could frighten her. She looked down for a moment before her eyes were lit with a small sparkle of determination, she anted to be able to use that wrist at some point after all so the best thing to do was to listen to Hayate and let them ice the sprained wrist as hard as that could sound. “I…I understand…do what you think is best. I need that hand nursed back into health.” She would be completely useless without the use of both hands to hold her weapon, she would just have to put her fears aside and concentrate on what is truly important and, in her eyes, the miko, the Seishi, Hayate and his family and the whole Kingdom of Hokkan were more important than her fear of death through freezing. She was surprised when he spoke again, once Mei left the room.
”I am sorry you were assaulted in such a manner. It is inexcusable, and as a member of the court he should know better than to disobey such a request, no matter the reason. Please believe that not all nobles are like Hiroto. Most are like Mother and Yori...and unfortunately, some are like myself.”
She gasped silently and looked into his eyes suddenly, he was biting at his ego just to make her feel better? Was this the same person she had met when she arrived to this world, the same man who rued with her near the lake? He was almost unrecognisable. Was he bipolar or something? Or maybe he did feel repented of what happened… She was not sure why but, she weakly smiled at him as he offered her a half smile. But then she looked down, “I am sorry I hurt that spoiled girl but… I cannot stand those who do not care for others, those who will stop ay nothing until they get what they want and it was pretty obvious to me what she was after, and…” she blushed lightly and looked away, “I was worried about you, you were shaking all because of me and, well, I was to happy that I got hurt because of her…” She noticed Mei came back into the room and she was spent for a moment, feeling comforted at having Hayate’s hand holding hers, she was puzzled why this suddenly happened…
"This will be uncomfortable, but I will try to keep from causing you too much pain.”
He sent Mei to get her another drink but she interrupted her and said, “Mei, dear friend, could you please bring a warm drink for the Prince as well?” She did not want her to be the only one receiving all the care when he also needed to be looked after and if he was not willing to admit it then she would see to it herself. Once Mei left she heard him and her eyes met his and she nodded silently. It really upset her to have an injury like this one, she disliked being unable to carry out her usual activities and then she would lose fitness. She knew she would dislike Lulu but, she could have never guessed just how much this dislike would be… She nodded to his words and said, “I’ll be fine.” She truly did not mind whatever she and to do to make her wrist healthy again, it was the only way really…
"I wanted to tell you, Gina-chan, that I am really, truly sorry for all that I said to you out by the lake…I…understand your reasoning, and had the roles been reversed, I am sure I would've done the exact same thing you did, for the exact same reasons. They are good reasons, and I really do appreciate that you desire to keep my family...and myself safe.”
Gina was speechless and she looked at his face as he concentrated on bandaging the wrist and though she felt great pain and her wrist hurt her eyes could not move away form his face. She was confused at first that someone so arrogant and narcissistic should apologise so readily when he and made her feel the one at fault-a silly girl-back at the lake. She looked down for a moment and remembered she had also wanted to apologise to him because, when two persons argue, both have a part of fault. She watched his hands gently work their way to bandaging her wrist and she said softly, “Hayate-kun, I…also wanted to apologise for what I said and for leaving without telling you. I just…didn’t want any harm to come to you or your family and I was so confused and frightened, it is not easy to wake up and suddenly be far away form home, from all you have ever known, I could not even bid my family farewell and they are probably worrying right now…So…I am sorry if I upset or worry you back then.”
“But I desire to keep you safe, do you understand? I know you are not the Miko, but I feel Genbu summoned you here for a reason, and I feel he wants me to make sure you fulfill your task. Perhaps it it arrogant of me to think so, but I cannot help it.”
She blushed deeply and looked away for a moment. This was so much different from when they had first thought she was the miko. Back then he had stated it was his duty to protect her and help her gather the other Seishi, now he was not that important person everything depended on, nonetheless, it was at this moment when he said he wished to protect her. This was a willing decision and it made her feel truly undeserving of the importance he seemed to grant her. She managed to nod and say, “I understand, I am sorry.” She could have guessed he also had his reasons to protect her but, she had never been important for anyone bar her family, no one had ever tried to move the stars for her and yet, Hayate had dived into a frozen lake… she then took up the courage to say looking back into his eyes, “You…you saved me from a terrible experience Hayate-kun, I will never forget that something could have happened to you as well and you still did everything to save me, even take me back to the Palace despite suffering from the same things as I was…thank you…” her last words were like a soft whisper.
"If I may be blunt...I...worried about you from the moment I realized you had left the palace. Not because I think you cannot take care of yourself, and not because I think I know more than you...but because you are my…friend…I am sorry that I hurt you, Gina-chan, and I hope that..if you cannot forgive me, then you will at least let me help you prepare for your journey once you are recovered.”
Her cheeks reddened again and their eyes met as he finished, her emerald eyes sparkled deeply and she swallowed for a moment, her healthy hand moved to rest on top of one of his own and she squeezed it at first but then her thumb caressed it and she was not sure why it felt like the right thing to do or why she enjoyed it so much. Her eyes never left his and there was tenderness in them as she smiled silently and then leaned forth and kissed his cheek, “After all you did, it would be cruel of me not to forgive you, Hayate-kun. If I go on that journey again, this time, I will ensure to tell my fellow Seishi of it and we will do it together with his advice and guidance.” She smiled warmly at him and realised her hand was feeling slightly better now that it was being wrapped.
She saw Mei enter once more with their drinks and she thanked her for he and hoped Hayate would also drink his, she also wanted him to feel better after what had happened. To his last words she nodded, she drank from her cup and knew she was ready to experience that horrible sensation once more. She wanted to be strong and also, she wanted to make Hayate proud and regain a bit of her morale after being thus treated. Once Mei left to get the ice, she turned to place her healthy hand on his cheek, “Hayate-kun, could you stay here a bit longer today?” She looked away for a moment, “I know you are as proud as me if not more, and for that I…appreciate the words you have granted me while you tended to my wrist.”
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