Right after checking in, Sotona rushed up stairs and unlocked the door to where they were staying. She crossed the living area without even examining the interior (her usual habit) and swiftly opened the last door on the right. She quickly picked the bed beside the window and she threw herself on the soft mattress. Few moments later, Hakkai and Gojyo joined the girl sitting at their own beds.
"Tired?" asked Hakkai.
"Yeah, a bit." she sighed turning to her right side to face them "Hakkai, you'll get the supplies early in the morning,right?"
"Yes,why?"
"I'll go with you. Wake me up,will ya?" she sighed quickly adding "But I'm not carrying more than one bag!"
"What do you need, Berry-san? We can get it for you."
"Personal things."
The last phrase always cut the topic.
"Well, I'll prepare dinner." Hakkai smiled.
"I'll be with you in a minute." Sotona mumbled turning to her back and facing the ceiling.
"Just don't let her actually cook anything." Gojyo grinned lighting a cigarette " I bet none of us wants to end up with diarrhoea."
"Oh you!" Berry yelled furious throwing her pillow and hitting Gojyo's head with it. "Score!" she cheered slowly standing up and leaving the room. She took out a pack of cigarettes and lit one. Standing in the bedroom's doorway seven pairs of eyes were upon her.
"What?" she asked clueless.
"You look funny with a cigarette in your mouth and that voice just now definitely doesn't belong to that body." Doku chuckled from his seat at the table.
"Shut up." Berry faked pouting and began peeling the carrots.
*****
"Thank you." Sotona smiled placing her knife and for on the plate after finishing the meal.
"Berry-nee-san?"
"Yes,Lirin?" Sotona was somehow getting used to being called nee-san, though it was strange for her. Where she came from you didn't use "older sister" to anyone but your real older sister.
"Why do you say 'thank you' after every meal?"
"Oh, it's something I picked up at a place I've spent some time at."
"You even say 'thank you' in restaurants?"
"Even in restaurants."
"And if YOU are the one paying?"
"It doesn't matter who's paying. You say 'thank you' anyway." Sotona laughed taking the dishes from everyone but Goku, Gojyo and Lirin and started washing them.
"I'll help you,Berry." Doku grinned getting up.
Sotona glanced over her shoulder. Gojyo was too caught up in fighting for a piece of chicken to notice anything around him.
"Thank you." Sotona smiled "Can you dry the dishes?"
"Sure." the muscled man answered smiling back.
"Maybe I'll-"
"Sit,Hakkai." Berry interrupted him "You and Yaone-chan worked your asses off preparing everything. You two have the right to sit and relax. Or rather 'babysit' and relax."she laughed nodding at the fighting trio.
"HEY!!!"
As Berry was handing one of the plates to Doku they stopped dead in their tracks, both of them gripping tightly the dish in case the other would let go.
"What is it,Gojyo?" Sotona asked looking surprised at her lover who was making his way towards the sink.
The red-head Kappa moved her aside and started doing the rest of the dishes.
"What are you doing?" Berry asked confused.
"I saw that! Hands off her bro'!" Gojyo growled at his older brother handing him a plate.
"What do you mean? We were just washing dishes."
"Yeah, right. And you 'accidentally' kept on touching her hand."
"We just didn't want to brake anything- " Berry suddenly stopped and put her hands up in the air as if surrendering under the glare she received from her lover.
Berry turned her back to the two brothers. She covered her mouth trying hard not to laugh.
"Cigarettes." Sanzo said not taking his eyes of the newspaper he was holding.
"Don't say it like I'm your maid or something." Sotona spat stomping her foot like a little child.
"You don't want the newspaper?" the priest said in an indifferent voice not even looking at her.
She simply cursed under her breath.
"Care to repeat that?" Sanzo said annoyed.
"I'm going to take my jacket. It's getting freaking cold."
"Get mine, too, while you're at it." Gojyo called to her earning a hateful glare.
As the girl disappeared behind the door to the small bedroom Doku turned to his brother looking questioningly at the younger man.
"One of her mood swings." Gojyo explained lighting a cigarette "She'll get over it in few hours."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah... But she better not be alone."
"Why?"
"Berry-san is easy to throw a fit and cause a fight over a little thing when she's like that." Hakkai explained glancing at Lirin and Goku who were once again fighting over god-knows-what.
Doku nodded he understood when Berry left the bedroom. She threw the brown jacket to Gojyo and made her way to the door with her lover slightly behind.
"I'll go with you..." the muscled youkai started but seeing Berry flashed him a glare over her shoulder he added "...okay?"
"Do what you want." Sotona huffed opening the door so abruptly the whole door frame shook.
***
Quite a few people were at the streets that evening. Sotona checked the watch on her wrist. It was close to nine. She glanced over her shoulder at the two brothers about three meters behind her but she kept her usual fast walking pace. It's been about twenty minutes since they left. Berry bought the cigarette packs a while ago but she didn't feel like going back to the inn. Instead she decided to have a walk. The two men followed her talking to each other.
'Gojyo probably told Doku to simply leave me in peace. But I don't need nannies!' Sotona though swinging the bag with the ciggs absent-mindedly.
Suddenly she stopped causing her companions to almost walk into her.
"What is it?" Gojyo asked sucking at his cigarette.
The young woman turned on the toes of one foot and grinned at the two men.
"I feel like having a drink. Anyone wants to join me?"
"Sure." Gojyo chuckled looking at Sotona who was on the move once again and trying to decide which bar to pick. "Hyper kitty is back." the red-head whispered to his brother.
"She's not mad any more?"
"Probably still is but that will change once she gets a hold on alcohol."
"I thought it will take a while for her to cool off."
"Not always. Few times we saw her go from quiet to hyper then to depressed,angry,depressed,quiet and hyper again in a half-an-hour. I knew many women but I never experienced anything like that."
The both men laughed as they followed Sotona into one of the bars.
The bar looked like any other though it was quite spacious with about twenty tables and a long counter. More than half of the tables were open and there was the characteristic smell of cigarettes in the air,though, it wasn't very strong.
"What will it be?" the man behind the counter asked looking a bit warily at the girl. With her eyes shining brightly and curiously like they always did when she was about to drink, Sotona didn't look like more than sixteen.
"Do you have vodka by any chance?"
"We do..."
"Then a beer and two shots of vodka for me." she said cheerfully turning to the brothers "What about you guys? My treat!"
"Beer." Gojyo said without hesitation.
"Me too."
"Three beers and two shots for starters." Sotona smiled to the barman handing him her debit card.
"Right away."
They took their drinks and went to an empty table in a corner of the bar. Gojyo put Sotona's beer in front of her.
"Watch." he chuckled to his older brother.
Sotona who sat in the middle took a few sips of her beer after which she poured the two shots into the glass with the amber liquid.
"Er... Berry... that's not a good idea... You know... vodka is really strong..." Doku said looking at the girl's glass.
"Don't worry Doku. Vodka is very popular where I come from. I'm used to strong liquors. It would be bad if I drank vodka first and then beer;however, when those two are mixed it's okay. Anyway, cheers!" Sotona smiled raising her glass and then drinking a large draught.
"Mmmmm...feels good~..."
The two men laughed at her un-lady like behaviour and proceeded with their own drinks.
***
Through her closed eyelids Sotona could see it was morning already as the sunlight was directed straight at her face but she refused to open her eyes and she simply snuggled to a source of warmth next to her. That's when her senses told her something was wrong. She could smell her own cigarettes but no characteristic Hi-ligh's. Her eyes shot open and she almost shrieked. Her body was pressed to no one else but Gojyo's older brother who had his arm around her. For few seconds her mind was absolutely blank.
'Wait! How?!? Last night... we went drinking... there was beer... vodka... more beer... more vodka... and even more beer and vodka! But no, I'm sure we didn't... That's right! I didn't have my..."
>>>>Flash back
"$hit~... It's almost midnight... Sanzo is going to be sooooo mad..." Sotona mumbled looking at her watch.
"Huh?" Doku turned to the girl.
They were all after few good drinks and the girl was just starting her fourth beer.
"We still haven't delivered the fags." Berry sighed leaning her head on Gojyo's shoulder.
"She's right. The bald prick is going to throw a cow."
"But Gojyo~..."Sotona whined "I just started my beer..."
"Fine,fine,I'll take them. Will you walk her back to the inn when you're finished?" asked Gojyo trying to stand straight though it was hard because her drank quite a bit "You've got the keys,right Berry?"
The girl nodded swaying slightly in her seat.
"Sure,I'll take her. That priest of yours seems pretty hot-headed."
"You don't even imagine how much you're right." the red-head laughed waving to the two and leaving the tavern.
Up till the moment Sotona stood up, Doku wasn't sure if she was drunk or simply in one of her hyper mood swings. They ended up staying two hours longer than they should because Sotona insisted on "just one more". Now Doku knew it was a mistake. She was totally drunk. Sure, Doku was pretty loaded himself but he was sure that if she had even a bit more alcohol - she'd throw up.
Somehow they managed to get to the right inn with the muscled man having have to support the fragile girl who was barely able to stand.
"Damn it... to all the hell... where are they...?" Sotona slurred going through all the pockets.
"You forgot them after all?"
"I was sure... I had the keys... in my... jacket..."
"No use trying to wake them up. The priest will kill you if you do."
"So what... now?"
"You'll sleep over at our place. The others are probably already asleep so we'll have to squeeze in on my bed. Can you deal with that?"
"I know you enough... to know... you wouldn't do... anything funny... with your brother's... girl."
"Got that right. Besides, drunk women aren't my thing."
"Funny... very funny..."
They made their way to the guys room and Doku placed Sotona on the bed to undress himself. This gave Berry the opportunity to examine her own attire. She was so soused she singed both her shirt and jeans.
'I needed new ones anyway.' she thought undressing herself. She was no only in her bra and panties on.
Sotona slipped in between the wall and Doku and immediately fell asleep.
>>>>End of Flash Back
Sotona's thought were abruptly disturbed by Doku who decided to change his position from lying on his back to his side. In order not to get squashed Sotona turned to her side too. She was trapped between the wall and the muscled man's chest with his arm tightly around her. Berry's mouth was so dry as if she ate a whole desert.
Then, some noises in the living room caught her attention waking up the man sleeping next to her at the same time. The door were slammed open and someone barged in.
"Bro!!! Where's Berry?!? She didn't... come... back..."
Sotona felt her ears go deaf from fear. Gojyo stood in the doorway with the most surprised expression Berry ever saw on anyone.
"You...two..."
"Wait, Gojyo. It's not what you think-" Sotona said sitting up along with Doku. Their movement caused the blanket to slide off revealing Doku's naked chest and Berry's undergarments. Noticing Kougaiji standing behind Gojyo with his eyes wide open Berry quickly covered herself with the blanket "It's not what you think!" she shouted as Gojyo stiffly turned around and left.
Sotona wanted to follow him but Doku stopped her outstretching his arm blocking her way. He quickly got out of the bed, pulled on his pants and left after his brother.
"Kou-san! You were sleeping here the whole time, you-"
"I stayed with Lirin."
"What? But-"
"Something got her scared and I stayed with her and Yaone the whole evening."
"But I'm sure we saw you-" Sotona cried but stopped abruptly when she turned to the second bed. There were some things lying there but besides that, the bed was untouched.
'Oh my god... We were sure Kou-san was here...'
Sunday, 22 March 2009
Once Upon A Broken Heart 10 ***Saiyuki*** /Sha Gojyo Love Story/
The cold air caressing Sotona's cheek woke her from the peaceful slumber. She looked around noticing everyone but Sanzo still asleep. Refusing to abound the warmth she snuggled closer to Gojyo rubbing her cheek against his chest.
"Too damn early..." Gojyo grunted turning to his side and looking drowsily at Berry.
"I know..." she sighed " ...but I guess I have to get up and wash up a bit."
Gojyo purred wrapping his arms more tightly around her. He kissed first the top of her head, then her nose finally reaching her lips. However, when she felt Gojyo's hand creeping into her panties she put her hands on his chest and pushed away.
"Kids." she hissed looking around making sure Sanzo had his back to them. Sotona stood up taking her backpack. She was surprised to see Gojyo doing the same.
"You can't go on your own. It's dangerous, remember?" he whispered taking her hand and leading her in the direction of the river.
"Hello Sanzo." Berry smiled seeing Sanzo just glance at them and going back to his newspaper "We're going to wash up,'k?" she whispered and resumed on her and Gojyo's way.
When they reached the river Sotona laid her backpack under one of the tree. She took few things and proceeded towards the bushes.
"Where are you going?"
"I need to change."
"You can change here." Gojyo grinned patting a spot near where he was sitting.
"Thank you but NO." she called from her shelter the twigs and leaves were providing her with.
After few moments of rustling bushes and curses she emerged carrying her yesterdays blouse in her hand and something she immediately stuffed into her backpack. She was wearing her usual jeans, knee-heigh army boots and a plain white bra. Sotona leaned over the edge of the shore a mite and started washing her blouse.
"You're going to dry it attaching it to the back of the Jeep again?" Gojyo snickered.
"Yeah,why?"
"Well, it looks stupid."
"Well, no one asked you."she pouted "Hakkai and Hakuryuu are fine with it."
Sotona wrung out the cloth the best she could and spread it on a nearby bolder. Satisfied with herself she took out her washing utensils and started scrubbing her face vigorously.
"You want to wash off the dirt or rip your skin along with it?" the red-head joked seeing her face being now a tomato red after the treatment she gave it. Feeling fresh and fully awake she put on a shirt she dug out of her backpack.
"I was always wondering..." Gojyo started with a smug look "What do you carry in that bag of yours? It's so damn heavy."
"All the necessary things." she said pretending to be offended.
"Yeah, clothes for two weeks, make up kit for three hundred women and God knows what else."
"It's not my fault that the only things YOU need are cigarettes, lighter and condoms." Berry remarked sarcasticly smiling at her lover.
****
Sotona looked up warily at the two black spots high in the air above their heads. She was happy she was in the Jeep that moved on the ground rather than up there. The youkai prince and his crew travelled on two "medium-sized" as he said flying dragons.
"What's wrong,Berry?"
"Nothing,Goku. I just imagined myself freaking out if I had to ride on those." she answered pointing at the dragons.
"Why would you 'freak out'? I bet it's great!" the boy exclaimed looking up.
"Yeah, probably but not for someone with a fear of heights." Berry laughed sheepishly.
"You're scared of heights?"
"Kind of..."
"Why?"
"Something... from when I was younger..." Sotona said, her voice trailing off.
"What happened when you were younger?"
Berry gave Goku an agonizing look but she knew he wouldn't leave it. He was too clueless.
"When I was a child, I was on top of a high tower and I saw a person jumping from it." Berry said staring at the passing landscape.
"Berry?"
"Huh? Oh, sorry. You said something, Goku?"
"Are you all right?"
"Yeah." she said putting on her fake smile.
"Can I ask you something else?"
"Shoot."
"Well," Goku started fidgeting " why are you always wearing that ribbon around your neck? You even had it in the hot springs. Do you bathe with it on?"
Berry blushed a bit at the personal question. Gojyo sitting next to her snickered.
"It's not a ribbon, Goku. It's called a 'choker' and it belonged to my mother." she said hoping that she wouldn't have to answer questions concerning her bathing habits.
"Your mother? What is she like?"
"She's dead."
"Oh, I'm sorry!"
"It's okay,Goku. She died a long time ago." she said patting Goku's shoulder. Sotona noticed Sanzo shifted slightly but decided to leave it. "She was... very attractive. Far more beautiful than I am. I'm just pretty. She had long wavy hair that had the same colour as mine. She had emerald, kind of seductive, eyes and rosy lips. She was very feminine but had quite a temper."
"Like mother, like daughter." Gojyo remarked earning a punch from the girl.
"What did she like?"
"Hnn... From what I remember she liked elegant dresses, expensive jewellery, luxurious furniture, lavish parties and red roses. She was pretty... plain in her likes."
Sotona saw by Goku's expression that he was imagining her mother.
"And your dad is dead too?"
"No,Goku. He is... alive...well..." Berry smiled to herself 'I wonder if "alive" is the right word.'"He is as tall as Doku, with long raven hair. He likes fighting so he's very fit but he isn't the muscular type."
"He's the one that taught you how to fight,right?"
"Actually,no. He was usually very... busy."
"Hnn... Berry, it seems you didn't spend much time with your old folks." Gojyo wondered aloud.
"Not really... but I always had a lot of... people... around me, so I wasn't lonely. My father made sure I was taught how to fight, though. Moreover, when I was ten and twelve I met my best friends, Yuri and Misha."
"Do you miss them?"
"I do but I have you guy's." Sotona said hugging Goku.
"I'm happy to hear that,Berry-san." Hakkai said cheerfully "As for more good news, we should reach the next town before dusk."
"Yay! Finally! I'm starving!"
"You're always hungry, Goku." Sotona chuckled.
"Kids." she hissed looking around making sure Sanzo had his back to them. Sotona stood up taking her backpack. She was surprised to see Gojyo doing the same.
"You can't go on your own. It's dangerous, remember?" he whispered taking her hand and leading her in the direction of the river.
"Hello Sanzo." Berry smiled seeing Sanzo just glance at them and going back to his newspaper "We're going to wash up,'k?" she whispered and resumed on her and Gojyo's way.
When they reached the river Sotona laid her backpack under one of the tree. She took few things and proceeded towards the bushes.
"Where are you going?"
"I need to change."
"You can change here." Gojyo grinned patting a spot near where he was sitting.
"Thank you but NO." she called from her shelter the twigs and leaves were providing her with.
After few moments of rustling bushes and curses she emerged carrying her yesterdays blouse in her hand and something she immediately stuffed into her backpack. She was wearing her usual jeans, knee-heigh army boots and a plain white bra. Sotona leaned over the edge of the shore a mite and started washing her blouse.
"You're going to dry it attaching it to the back of the Jeep again?" Gojyo snickered.
"Yeah,why?"
"Well, it looks stupid."
"Well, no one asked you."she pouted "Hakkai and Hakuryuu are fine with it."
Sotona wrung out the cloth the best she could and spread it on a nearby bolder. Satisfied with herself she took out her washing utensils and started scrubbing her face vigorously.
"You want to wash off the dirt or rip your skin along with it?" the red-head joked seeing her face being now a tomato red after the treatment she gave it. Feeling fresh and fully awake she put on a shirt she dug out of her backpack.
"I was always wondering..." Gojyo started with a smug look "What do you carry in that bag of yours? It's so damn heavy."
"All the necessary things." she said pretending to be offended.
"Yeah, clothes for two weeks, make up kit for three hundred women and God knows what else."
"It's not my fault that the only things YOU need are cigarettes, lighter and condoms." Berry remarked sarcasticly smiling at her lover.
****
Sotona looked up warily at the two black spots high in the air above their heads. She was happy she was in the Jeep that moved on the ground rather than up there. The youkai prince and his crew travelled on two "medium-sized" as he said flying dragons.
"What's wrong,Berry?"
"Nothing,Goku. I just imagined myself freaking out if I had to ride on those." she answered pointing at the dragons.
"Why would you 'freak out'? I bet it's great!" the boy exclaimed looking up.
"Yeah, probably but not for someone with a fear of heights." Berry laughed sheepishly.
"You're scared of heights?"
"Kind of..."
"Why?"
"Something... from when I was younger..." Sotona said, her voice trailing off.
"What happened when you were younger?"
Berry gave Goku an agonizing look but she knew he wouldn't leave it. He was too clueless.
"When I was a child, I was on top of a high tower and I saw a person jumping from it." Berry said staring at the passing landscape.
"Berry?"
"Huh? Oh, sorry. You said something, Goku?"
"Are you all right?"
"Yeah." she said putting on her fake smile.
"Can I ask you something else?"
"Shoot."
"Well," Goku started fidgeting " why are you always wearing that ribbon around your neck? You even had it in the hot springs. Do you bathe with it on?"
Berry blushed a bit at the personal question. Gojyo sitting next to her snickered.
"It's not a ribbon, Goku. It's called a 'choker' and it belonged to my mother." she said hoping that she wouldn't have to answer questions concerning her bathing habits.
"Your mother? What is she like?"
"She's dead."
"Oh, I'm sorry!"
"It's okay,Goku. She died a long time ago." she said patting Goku's shoulder. Sotona noticed Sanzo shifted slightly but decided to leave it. "She was... very attractive. Far more beautiful than I am. I'm just pretty. She had long wavy hair that had the same colour as mine. She had emerald, kind of seductive, eyes and rosy lips. She was very feminine but had quite a temper."
"Like mother, like daughter." Gojyo remarked earning a punch from the girl.
"What did she like?"
"Hnn... From what I remember she liked elegant dresses, expensive jewellery, luxurious furniture, lavish parties and red roses. She was pretty... plain in her likes."
Sotona saw by Goku's expression that he was imagining her mother.
"And your dad is dead too?"
"No,Goku. He is... alive...well..." Berry smiled to herself 'I wonder if "alive" is the right word.'"He is as tall as Doku, with long raven hair. He likes fighting so he's very fit but he isn't the muscular type."
"He's the one that taught you how to fight,right?"
"Actually,no. He was usually very... busy."
"Hnn... Berry, it seems you didn't spend much time with your old folks." Gojyo wondered aloud.
"Not really... but I always had a lot of... people... around me, so I wasn't lonely. My father made sure I was taught how to fight, though. Moreover, when I was ten and twelve I met my best friends, Yuri and Misha."
"Do you miss them?"
"I do but I have you guy's." Sotona said hugging Goku.
"I'm happy to hear that,Berry-san." Hakkai said cheerfully "As for more good news, we should reach the next town before dusk."
"Yay! Finally! I'm starving!"
"You're always hungry, Goku." Sotona chuckled.
(The pick is of Sotona's mother only that the hair is a bit too dark)
Friday, 20 March 2009
Which element are you?
You are Water
Water is the most unpredictable of the elements. At times you can be calm, but the chance of a storm is always there. You friends and family are sometimes careful of what they say around you, because you are easily upset/angered. You have a very strong, independent personality, and you admire that in others. You are a natural leader, and others tend to look up to you, although you don't always realise. You are wise, and tend to know a lot about a lot of things, although you don't always share. You can be quite mysterious, and not a lot of people know everything about you. You are sometimes a bit manipulative or self-centered, if you're in a bad mood, but usually you're fun to be around. You are most compatible with electricity.
Saturday, 14 March 2009
Once Upon A Broken Heart 9 ***Saiyuki*** /Sha Gojyo Love Story/
The man from the hot-springs and the river only WITHOUT horns XD
The art belongs to Heise, his/her pics are AWESOME. I don't draw guys so I'll use Heise pics (I chose some good ones)
"I think we should stop here and put up a camp,Sanzo. According to the map, there should be a river close by."
As they started getting things from the Jeep Hakkai looked at Gojyo who was still sleeping soundly.
"Could you just lay him somewhere? I'll go get water." Sotona smiled to Hakkai throwing him her lighter to start the fire and went to look for the river.
It wasn't that hard to find, since only after few steps she heard the water splashing against the rocks. Sotona carefully approached the edge and dipped the bucket in. She put her hands in the water and washed her face.
'Feels nice. Today was a pretty hot day for autumn.' she thought to herself taking of her knee-length boots and socks.
She dipped her toes in the river sitting at the edge. The water was cold enough to make her shriek slightly but after a while she got used to the temperature and happily swayed her feet in the river.
"There you are."
Berry turned around to find Gojyo who appeared from the woods. She wasn't startled because she heard the cracking of twigs earlier. She was sure that whoever was coming her way wasn't trying to sneak up on her so she felt safe.
"Sleeping beauty finally woke up?" she chuckled as he sat next to her "Try it, it feels good after a journey." she encouraged the man splashing the water with her feet.
He looked at the water and then back at her taking out a pack of cigarettes.
"You're not scared?" he asked lighting his cig.
"Nope. At least as long as I don't actually have to get in." she smiled taking out her own pack and motioning for him to lent her his lighter. She puffed a cloud of smoke out of her mouth and added "Hakkai's got mine."
"Couldn't he just get Sanzo's?"
"Sanzo? Share???"
They both laughed but stopped as something on the other shore caught their attention. The man standing there was very well visible thanks to the full moon bathing him in its light. The couple examined him carefully. He had handsome features, dark trench coat falling to his ankles and elegant shoes (definitely not destined for strolling in the woods).
"You again." Sotona whispered to herself looking closely at the man's long braided silver hair. After a moment Gojyo noticed something. The stranger didn't pay any attention to him. However, he refused to take his eyes off Berry's and vice versa.
"Again? You know him?" Gojyo questioned her but to no avail.
The two stared at each other. The red-head had a feeling they were having a conversation only that no one spoke. At first, both of them had blank expressions on their faces, then Berry smiled warmly while the man on the other side first looked surprised but then a smug look graced his features. This, however, seemed to be a mistake. Suddenly Sotona's face became frigid. She wasn't furious, just deathly serious. Gojyo never saw her like that but he was sure he didn't want to see it again.
"Mine." she spoke in a blood freezing voice. Gojyo could swear he saw a puff of smoke/vapour coming out of Sotona's mouth but it was neither that cold nor did she inhaled a cig for the last five minutes.The man's face became stern and he left disappearing in the wood.
"I'm sorry, Gojyo. You said something?" Berry turned to her lover smiling cheerfully.
"You know this guy?"
"Hn... no,not really."
"Then what was this all about?"
"How should I know?" she laughed as she dried her feet and putting her socks and boots back on "Come on. Hakkai is going to worry."
The couple stood up and made their way to the rest of the group. How surprised they were hearing bickering coming from the camp. Approaching the fire set up by Hakkai the two noticed Goku and Lirin fighting over something with Hakkai and Yaone trying to tear them apart. Kougaiji was sitting with Gojyo's brother on one of the fallen logs and Sanzo sat away from the whole group cranky as usual.
"Took you long enough." the priest sneered at the couple.
"I was dipping my feet in the river." Sotona explained "What happened?"
"We got attacked. Both groups." Hakkai answered holding Goku away from Lirin "Are you two okay?"
Berry looked surprised at Gojyo and nodded.
"We're fine." she said standing in between the two fighting children "What are you two arguing about?"
"He," the little girl cried pointing at Goku "didn't let me go look for Berry-nee-san!"
"Hakkai said Berry and the perverted Water Sprite need 'time alone'!"
"But someone might have attacked them!"
Berry leaned down placing her hands at her knees for balance and spoke smiling warmly.
"I know how to defend myself and besides Gojyo would protect me. However, thank you for your concern."Sotona petted the girl's hair earning a cheerful smile from the youkai princess."So, it's safer to stay in a larger group?" she asked looking from Yaone to Hakkai. When both of them nodded she let out a sigh of relief."Good. Now, anyone want to play poker?" she asked taking the deck of cards out of her backpack and shuffling it.
"Only if it's a strip-poker and you're playing." Doku joked laughing as he stood up.
"Watch it,bro." Gojyo growled putting his arm around Sotona.
Berry and Doku both sniggered.
'Looks like Doku found a perfect topic to tease his little brother about.' she though rolling her eyes as a smile still lingered on her lips.
For a few hours Doku, Gojyo, Sotona and Hakkai played until both Goku and Lirin became drowsy and couldn't keep up with the game. Berry sipped coffee from hers and Gojyo's mug finally putting her cards down.
"Sorry. I need to hit the sack. Don't stay up too late, Gojyo, or you'll sleep in the Jeep again." Sotona smiled patting Kappa's shoulder while going to get a blanket.
"I'll join you in a moment. I just need to win this game." Gojyo grinned at his brother and best friend.
Doku's curiousity made him pick up the girl's cards and he opened his mouth.
"You're leaving when you had a royal flush?!?"
"Sssh..." she hushed him theatrically pressing a finger to her lips.
"Sorry guys. I'll follow the lady."Gojyo stood up immediately finishing the coffee and joining Berry.
"What happened to him?" Doku asked no one in particular.
"Looks like we were abounded." Hakkai chuckled watching Gojyo getting under the same blanket Sotona covered herself with pulling her to his chest and whispering something which made her giggle and smirk.
Monday, 9 March 2009
Saiyuki character info (Once Upon a Broken Heart /Sha Gojyo Love Story/)
Here are some info's on Berry. The N/A will be updated as the story continues. Just to let you know, I have the full filled out form on my laptop so I know more or less where the story is leading XD I hope it will be interesting/helpful. Sotona's past is yet to be revealed so some things might change a bit in this form, but not much. Full Name: Belial Sotona
Nicknames: "Berry"
Age: 21 but looks like 16.
Date of Birth: 17 June
Sexual Orientation: Heterosexual (more or less...)
Ethnicity: Slavic(father's side),Asian (mother's side)
Personality: She looks cute and acts like a little girl in front of others because she found out it makes things easier when they think your an idiot. They never expect what she will do next. She doesn't care what others say about her because they come and go and she stays. She constantly talks and she's really loud. She's also easy to throw a fit. She tends to have mood swings every few hours or even minutes...But she's not a bad girl,she just does bad things. She's pretty lazy too,though very persistant.. If she wants something she gets it,and shr can drive people mad by it. She tries to hide the pain and hatred for herself behind her hyperness because she doesn't belive anyone would care anyway. People say she's pretty mercyless in a battle and badass most of the time but most people don't have to know that she really cares a lot,right? And she likes kids very much. Guess "Bitch" by Meredith Brooks describes her pretty well. And if someone doesn't like it it's their problem,not hers. She is willing to be friend with most people so it's up to them if they are willing to keep up with her. She's aware that she's weak emotionally but she always tries her best.
---------------------
Appearances-
Hair Color/Style :She's got brown hair, cut so that in front they are at about the level of her nose/middle of her ear with a slight fringe,and an inch long and spiky at the back of her head.
Eye Color: Her eyes look pretty strange. She says they are grey because they are light brown around the pupil, the rim of the iris is blue and the rest of the iris is grey and green so go figure it out what colour it is.
Skin Color: Pale peach.
Body Build (Skinny, Chubby, Muscular, Frail, etc.): Skinny (and she's not a sceleton >.> ... ok,maybe a little ^^' )
Height: 172 cm
Weight: 50 kg
Outside Clothes: Depends on her mood. One day she can wear a black leather sleaveless top opened with a silver double zipper at the front, black leather miniskirt and high heeled black leather shoes (yeah, she like black leather and shr doesn't care shr might look slutish. Guys can try their luck but they will be REALLY sorry if she's not in the mood.) Then the other day shr can dress almost like a nun and the next day in baggy jeans and oversized hoody. One thing though: SHE HATES PINK AND YELLOW!
---------------------
History-
Reputation: Hot-headed loudmouth but cute.
Family History: N/A
Mom and Papa : N/A
Brothers/Sisters: None that she knows of.
Crush: Gojyo (slightly Doku).Best Friends: Gojyo,Hakkai, Goku, Doku.
Worst Enemy: N/A
Fears: Being left alone,getting lost, abondonment, water reservoirs larger then a bathtube and butterflies/moths.
Weaknesses: Her friends. She's overprotective over them ^^' She gets mad easily,too.
Strengths:She's smart and easily gets along with people. She's proud of how cute she looks Also lying ,she's a good actress...and pretty manupulative too.
---------------------
Finish the sentence -
I am most likely to: get so drunk I can't control myself but I remember everything afterwords.
I will never in my life do: something I don't believe in. I follow my own rules,even if they are amoral.
If I were an animal, I would be a___fox____, because___they are smart,sly and cute____:
I do not like how I: easily forget about things I'm suppose to do.
My best trait would be: always faithful to myself (?)
If I were a candy I would be (a) ___lollipop___, because___I like them the best____:
I dream of being (a): teacher,any kind.
---------------------
Favorite-
Color: Black and bloody red.
Animal: Fox and cat.
Hobby: Practising street-fighting,dancing,writing,drawing and collecting useless things.
Sport: Street-fighting/Krav-Maga.
Class/Subject: Art and Foreign language.
Type of Music: She likes everything except Disco Polo (If you don't know what it is,don't ask).
Band: Nickelback,Fall Out Boy, Evanescence, Three Days Grace, Simple Plan, 3 Doors Down, Anime music.
---------------------
More Detail-
Least Favorite Character: Gyoukumen Koushou.
Rival: N/A
Good/Bad Habits: Does she have any good habits?/Smoking, getting drunk(and the worst part is that she remembers everything she did afterwards), kissing guys when drunk, her mood changing every few minutes even though she's not in her period (then it gets even worse) or pregnant.
Ideal First Date: In his room,doing 'you-know-what'. Maybe having a drink or two before that.
Pet: None. To much hassle. (Unless you count Hakuryuu/Jeep and the guys ^^')
Special Features: N/A
Favourite Quotes:
“When choosing between two evils, I always like to try the one I've never tried before.”,
“When I'm good I'm very, very good, but when I'm bad, I'm better.”,
“Every man I meet wants to protect me. I can't figure out what from.”,
"I see you're a man with ideals. I better be going before you've still got them. ",
"I'll try anything once, twice if I like it, three times to make sure. ",
"The best way to hold a man is in your arms.",
"Ten men waiting for me at the door? Send one of them home, I'm tired. ".
Favourite Food: Pork,chicken and sweets.
Disliked Food: Mushrooms and fishes.
Once Upon A Broken Heart 8 ***Saiyuki*** /Sha Gojyo Love Story/
"Are you alright,Gojyo?" asked Hakkai a bit concerned. His friend has been quiet all day.
"Yeah. Just tired."
"Well, if you'd use the night for sleeping, you wouldn't be so god-damned tired." Sanzo growled in a low voice glancing at the back. The red-head really seemed like he needed a good nights sleep. Sotona in the meantime was as perky, fresh and cheerful as ever as she puffed her cigarette smiling widely.
"I swear, Berry-san, I don't know where you get all that energy from." laughed Hakkai.
Sotona only blushed a bit while Gojyo had a smirk plastered on his face.
"If you try to keep me up all night again, I'll shoot both of you." Sanzo spat lighting his own cigarette.
Gojyo knew that Hakkai must've clearly heard red-heads and Sotona's moans and their bed rocking back and forth since only a wooden wall separated them. The monkey boy would keep on sleeping even if they started screaming. However, Gojyo wasn't sure how much the priest heard.
Then, Hakkai slammed the breaks so suddenly they almost fell out of the Jeep.
"What's the big idea,Hakkai?"
"We've got a problem,Gojyo." Hakkai laughed sheepishly pointing at the enormous bolder that just landed in front of them.
"How did THAT get here?" asked Sotona surprised looking at the guys who seemed annoyed, each one to a different degree.
"Not the pest again..." Sanzo growled.
"'Pest'?" inquired Sotona.
"Lirin-san. Kougaiji's little sister." Hakkai explained briefly.
"Now I got you! Hand over the script, Sanzo!"
Berry turned her gaze to a little orange-haired youkai girl standing on the bolder pointing at Sanzo.
"Take care of her, Goku." ordered Sanzo.
"Why me?!? Let the perverted Kappa take care of her!"
"Shut up stupid monkey! Hakkai?!?"
"Sorry, Gojyo."
"Guys... what's the big deal about fighting her?" Sotona asked making everyone turn their attention to her.
Just then, Lirin irritated by the lack of attention jumped down throwing a punch at Sanzo. Sotona automaticly jumped up sliding her fan out of the leather pocket and opened it stopping Lirin's fist at the flat metal surface. Both girls landed on the ground, Sotona standing in between the youkai and the four men in the Jeep.
"Nice one." smirked the little demon taking up a fighting stance "Who are you?"
"Sotona Berry. Nice to meet you." Sotona smiled hiding her fan "Quite a powerful blow I must admit." she continued also preparing for a fist-fight.
"You think you can take me on, human?"
"Let's have a go and see."
Lirin plunged forward to Sotona throwing a sock at the other girl. Berry blocked the other girls' hand and landed her fist in Lirin's solar plexus hard enough to knock her out. Berry caught the girls' limp body and laid her carefully on the ground.
"Don't worry, she's just unconscious." Berry said to Hakkai seeing him rushing over with the other three following. "What's wrong?"
"If she's here, her brother will be here in a moment."
'Kougaiji, the youkai prince, huh? But Hakkai's right.' Sotona thought placing her hands on the fans at her thighs.
In a matter of seconds Berry noticed something shiny with the corner of her eye and blocked a sword coming right at her with her fans. Towering over her kneeling form was a muscular dark-haired youkai carrying and angry expression on his face.
"What did you do to her?!?" a demon with crimson hair coming her way asked furious.
"I just knocked her out." Sotona said leaping away from the youkais putting her fans into a spin. She could feel muscles and joints in her arms aching from the swordsman's blow earlier.
Berry was strong and reckless but she also knew fighting such a man hand to hand would be foolishness.
'I'm not really into short-haired guys but this one's pretty hot-, No! Now is not the time for this! Gojyo! Think: "Gojyo"!' Berry mentally kicked herself . She watched as a dark haired busty woman run up to Lirin and examined her.
"She is fine, Kougaiji-sama. She is just unconscious." the woman stated to the youkai prince.
"I have no intention in hurting such nice and cute little children." Sotona said smiling warmly standing still while the blades spinning at each side of her caused the strands of her hair to wave slightly around her face.
"You've hurt Lirin." Kougaiji said taking a step towards Sotona.
"She wanted to fight so I decided for the safest solution." Sotona explained her face becoming serious.
Berry's eyes travelled back and forth to Kougaiji and the second man. If she was to fight both of them she had a pretty good chance of winning with her weapon being designed for long range fights. Sotona was fully aware that she could only fight the youkai prince with as much handicap as she could come up with. Gossips about strong individuals were spreading fast in bars and she would rather over- than underestimate her opponent. She was also sure that rumours about princes' swordsman reached her ears once or twice.
"Berry-san..."
"It's OK, Hakkai." Sotona said eyeing the two opponents "I'll handle this."
"Oh?" the larger man smirked "You think you can win with me and Kou?" he continued approaching her.
"I won't know unless I try,right?" Berry smirked back.
She outstretched her arms causing the wires attaching the fans to the gloves to shorten turning the spinning blades into little circular saws resembling air screws. When she clenched her fists a jangling sound was almost completely drowned out by the sound of fans ripping the air. Suddenly the little saws cut the air as the wires were released. Only blades were spinning while the wires stayed motionless as if someone invisible hands were stretching them. They also had a slightly greenish glow on as if someone oiled them with a green watery gooey.
"Gentlemen?" Berry encouraged her opponents while swaying her hips from one side to the other.
"You're serious then?" the tall man smirked preparing to attack her.
"I'm always serious when it comes to fighting." Berry answered giving both men a seductive smile. "However, I have to warn you: Watch out for my weapon... they are very... DANGEROUS!!!" she shouted the last word swinging one of her fans in their direction. The other fans' wire shortened as if it was a shield staying close to her body.
Both men experienced in fighting knew it was just a teaser but they still decided to oblige to the lady's' wish. However, they encountered an unexpected obstacle. Sotonas' long range weapon constantly kept them at a distance. With this both sword and fists were useless.
Another disturbing fact was that she constantly danced. There wasn't a split second when she would stay still. Kougaiji and the second man kept examining her movements looking for an opening but to no avail. The blades responded to the slightest snap of her wrist with deathly accuracy. Finally the large man spotted it. An opening. He dodged the saw diving underneath it and sprinted towards the girl. A glance at her narrowed furious eyes immediately told him he made a mistake.
"Bro! Watch out!"
At this, the muscled man barely dodged the wire coming directly at him by dropping to the ground. As he was falling on his back he saw few pieces of his short hair cut by the metal wire flying next to his face. It could be his neck. Berry pulled the fans back to each of her sides keeping her hips rocking.
Kougaiji was at once at his friends side checking if the other man was okay.
"'Bro'?" Sotona asked raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah, Gojyo is my little brother." the muscled man chuckled rubbing his neck and getting back to his feet "Dokugakuji, nice to meet ya."
"Oh..." Berry looked from Gojyo to his older brother with a confused look. She blinked few times and smiled sweetly "Sorry 'bout that. Good thing you dodged it. It would be a shame if my wire cut you."
"Well, I like my neck right where it is." Doku chuckled causing Berry to do the same.
"It's not just your neck,bro." Gojyo said loud enough for others to hear him "See the green gooey on the string?"
"Yeah..." Doku replied eyeing the wire.
"It's poison. Doesn't work fast but when it gets into your veins then in few hours you're dead."
"Dangerous thing you got there." the swordsman said to the girl.
"Warned you.~" Sotona chirped happily.
"Excuse me but I'm afraid we have some company." Hakkai interrupted.
Guys looked around while Sotona carefully observed them Her disability to sense youkai and shikigami was a great disadvantage.
"$hit... we're surrounded." Gojyo cursed, his shakujo appearing in his hand. "Berry, stand back with the ladies. We'll handle this,"
As much as Sotona disliked that she knew Gojyo was right. Her weapon might be amazing; however, in this situation she would not only had to focus on eliminating the enemy but also at not killing her allies. Sanzo Ikkou she could deal with but she still knew too little about Kougaiji and Doku and their movement patterns to risk hurting them. Sotona backed away to the woman and the girl as guys encircled them. By then Berry guessed that the enemy weren't Kougaijis' butchers.
"Something's wrong." Berry whispered to herself.
When the brawl broken out she noticed the enemies were dresses from head to toes in black linen clothes with their faces covered.
'They're good. Way better then the usual groups. And they're targeting Sanzo and Prince a lot more than others. What's going on?'
Meanwhile Sotona kept looking from one of her friend to another checking if any of them needed a hand. She knew they were good fighters but she couldn't help but worry about them.
Then Berry cut into half a man that was preparing to slash Gojyos' brother from the back. It was a natural impulse.
"Thanks." Doku shouted grinning at Sotona.
There it was again. That sickening feeling in Berrys' stomach. It was nowhere close to the pleasurable thrill when she was fighting. It was a feeling of responsibility. She hated it.
The enemy was highly skilled and in a large number but her friends managed to defeat them nonetheless. Berry carefully examined the situation. Goku was treated by Hakkai and Kougaiji by the young brunette whose name, Sotona learned, was Yaone. Gojyo had few bruises but he seemed fine. Sanzo got off without a scratch. Lirin was still unconscious. Dokugakuji on the other hand had a nasty looking wound on his left arm. Berry snatched her backpack from the Jeep and run up to Gojyos' brother and took out some bandages, lint and disinfectant.
"This will sting a bit." Sotona said after cleaning her hands with moistured tissues looking into Dokus' eyes. He nodded his head smiling at her. She poured the liquid onto the wound earning hisses from the man but he didn't move an inch.
"You could use a cotton ball, you know." he chuckled as she carefully bandaged his arm.
"Now,now. Big, strong and handsome men such as yourself shouldn't whine over little things like that." she smirked raising an eyebrow. She felt someone hoovering over her kneeling form. The characteristic scent of cigarettes immediately told her who it was.
"You're good at this,Berry." remarked Gojyo.
"I have a lot of experience." Sotona chuckled.
"Cute, knows how to fight and can take care of wounds. You're a real angel,Berry-san." Doku said grinning at her.
"Please,'Berry' is fine." she smiled as Gojyo crouched behind her and put his arm around her.
"Sorry,bro. This angel is mine."
"Oh?" Doku looked at both of them a little surprised.
Gojyo pulled out a cigarette out of his pocket and when he was about to light it Sotona spoke.
"Don't or move."
"Huh?" the red haired Kappa looked at her questioningly.
"You'll singe my hair. So either don't light the cig or move away." she said fasting the clip on the bandages and making sure it won't slide off.
"I'll be careful." Gojyo said holding her against his chest and lighting his fag.
"If you'll excuse me, Doku-san." Berry smiled sweetly elbowing Gojyo hard in the abs. She turned to the man who fell on his arse coughing with her eyes narrowed dangerously.
"I said: 'Don't or move',didn't I?"
"The girl got spunk." Doku laughed getting up. He held out his uninjured hand to Sotona.
"Thank you~" she chirped accepting his help and looking down at Gojyo who was still on the ground.
"You don't intend to stay that all day, do you Gojyo? Sanzo is going to be mad because of the delay."
"Who cares about the baldy?"
Just as the red head finished the sentence there was a bang and a bullet barely missed Gojyos' face.
"Hey!!! You almost shot me!!!" Gojyo yelled getting to his feet.
In order to stop the brawl Berry stood on her toes and gently took few strands of Gojyos' hair in her hand and kissed them. To Dokus' surprise, his brother immediately calmed down and looked softly at the girl, who in order to keep her balance placed her free hand on Gojyos' chest. Sotona smiled sweetly and went to place her backpack back in the Jeep. She flung the bag over her shoulder and hopped back to the others like a six-year-old.
"Oi,Gojyo..." Doku asked his brother quietly enough so that no one would hear them.
"What?" the red head replied lighting a cigarette and keeping his eyes on Sotona who was putting her things back into the Jeep and discussed something with Hakkai cheerfully.
"I'd never imagine you'd change your preferences. I mean... I thought you had some strict rules when choosing... partners."
"Yeah, I know what you mean. Her boobs aren't that big but trust an expert, she's good~" Gojyo grinned nudging his older brothers' side with his elbow.
"That's not what I meant..."
"Huh? Then what?"
"Well... I though you only dated women ABOVE eighteen. But sixteen year old?"
Gojyo looked dumb folded at the other man, then at Sotona and then back at his brother. Suddenly he burst out laughing. Berry seeing this ran up to the two brothers looking as cute as a little happy puppy.
"What's so funny?" Sotona tilted her head.
"Dunno... he started laughing when I... commented on you being sixteen."
Berrys' face twitched a bit at this remark.
"Doku-san."
"'Doku' is fine." he paraphrased her.
"Doku... I'm not sixteen."
"No?"
"No."
"Don't tell me you're fifteen! Bro,that's illegal!"
"I'm twenty-one,Doku."
"Excuse me?"
"I AM 21!!!" she yelled at the top of her lungs earning odd looks from the others.
"You... you gotta be kidding me..." Doku stammered staring at Sotona with his mouth a mite open.
Sotona stomp her foot angrily and went back to the others,the two men following behind.
"Those were Gyokumen Koushous' new henchmen." Kougaiji said looking at his little sister who was regaining consciousness. "Are you okay Lirin?"
"Yeah, oni-san... What happened?"
"Kougaiji-san..."Berry ignored Lirin speaking with a concerned look on her face"...they attacked their own prince? Is it possible they didn't know who you are?"
"No. I'm sure they knew who we are."
"They assaulted their superior?" Sotona asked surprised.
"They might have had two targets: you AND us." Doku said in a stern voice.
"She's up to something." Kougaiji whispered looking at his sister and then at the brunette "Yaone, we're not going back to Houtou Castle for now. It's too risky."
"The nearest town on the West is in two days trip by a car...right Hakkai?" receiving a nod from the man Sotona continued "However, if you don't have power limiters it would be a problem."
"We have them with us,just in case. I guess we'll have to do that Kou?"
"Yeah,you are right Doku."
Sotona looked into the sky clearly thinking about something and then smiled cutely.
"Then how about we camp together? It'll be safer to stay in a larger group."
"NO." Sanzo and Kougaiji said in union.
Berry looked quizzically at the two leaders.
"We're enemies." Kougaiji said glancing at Sanzo.
"Yaone-chan," Berry spoke to the other woman causing the brunette to blush at the sudden familiarity but nodded to acknowledge the girl she was listening "Why are some men so thick-headed they completely forget about logical reasoning?" as Sotona finished the sentence a bullet flew right before her face so close she could feel the air being ripped.
"Shut up,idiot." Sanzo growled earning a grin from Berry.
She climbed into the Jeep and turned to Sanzo Ikkou.
"Well? We're going or not? I thought you're in a hurry."
They said their goodbyes and the five of them drove off. As they were leaving Lirins' words:" I want to fight you again, Berry-nee-san!" were still heard for some time.
"Yeah. Just tired."
"Well, if you'd use the night for sleeping, you wouldn't be so god-damned tired." Sanzo growled in a low voice glancing at the back. The red-head really seemed like he needed a good nights sleep. Sotona in the meantime was as perky, fresh and cheerful as ever as she puffed her cigarette smiling widely.
"I swear, Berry-san, I don't know where you get all that energy from." laughed Hakkai.
Sotona only blushed a bit while Gojyo had a smirk plastered on his face.
"If you try to keep me up all night again, I'll shoot both of you." Sanzo spat lighting his own cigarette.
Gojyo knew that Hakkai must've clearly heard red-heads and Sotona's moans and their bed rocking back and forth since only a wooden wall separated them. The monkey boy would keep on sleeping even if they started screaming. However, Gojyo wasn't sure how much the priest heard.
Then, Hakkai slammed the breaks so suddenly they almost fell out of the Jeep.
"What's the big idea,Hakkai?"
"We've got a problem,Gojyo." Hakkai laughed sheepishly pointing at the enormous bolder that just landed in front of them.
"How did THAT get here?" asked Sotona surprised looking at the guys who seemed annoyed, each one to a different degree.
"Not the pest again..." Sanzo growled.
"'Pest'?" inquired Sotona.
"Lirin-san. Kougaiji's little sister." Hakkai explained briefly.
"Now I got you! Hand over the script, Sanzo!"
Berry turned her gaze to a little orange-haired youkai girl standing on the bolder pointing at Sanzo.
"Take care of her, Goku." ordered Sanzo.
"Why me?!? Let the perverted Kappa take care of her!"
"Shut up stupid monkey! Hakkai?!?"
"Sorry, Gojyo."
"Guys... what's the big deal about fighting her?" Sotona asked making everyone turn their attention to her.
Just then, Lirin irritated by the lack of attention jumped down throwing a punch at Sanzo. Sotona automaticly jumped up sliding her fan out of the leather pocket and opened it stopping Lirin's fist at the flat metal surface. Both girls landed on the ground, Sotona standing in between the youkai and the four men in the Jeep.
"Nice one." smirked the little demon taking up a fighting stance "Who are you?"
"Sotona Berry. Nice to meet you." Sotona smiled hiding her fan "Quite a powerful blow I must admit." she continued also preparing for a fist-fight.
"You think you can take me on, human?"
"Let's have a go and see."
Lirin plunged forward to Sotona throwing a sock at the other girl. Berry blocked the other girls' hand and landed her fist in Lirin's solar plexus hard enough to knock her out. Berry caught the girls' limp body and laid her carefully on the ground.
"Don't worry, she's just unconscious." Berry said to Hakkai seeing him rushing over with the other three following. "What's wrong?"
"If she's here, her brother will be here in a moment."
'Kougaiji, the youkai prince, huh? But Hakkai's right.' Sotona thought placing her hands on the fans at her thighs.
In a matter of seconds Berry noticed something shiny with the corner of her eye and blocked a sword coming right at her with her fans. Towering over her kneeling form was a muscular dark-haired youkai carrying and angry expression on his face.
"What did you do to her?!?" a demon with crimson hair coming her way asked furious.
"I just knocked her out." Sotona said leaping away from the youkais putting her fans into a spin. She could feel muscles and joints in her arms aching from the swordsman's blow earlier.
Berry was strong and reckless but she also knew fighting such a man hand to hand would be foolishness.
'I'm not really into short-haired guys but this one's pretty hot-, No! Now is not the time for this! Gojyo! Think: "Gojyo"!' Berry mentally kicked herself . She watched as a dark haired busty woman run up to Lirin and examined her.
"She is fine, Kougaiji-sama. She is just unconscious." the woman stated to the youkai prince.
"I have no intention in hurting such nice and cute little children." Sotona said smiling warmly standing still while the blades spinning at each side of her caused the strands of her hair to wave slightly around her face.
"You've hurt Lirin." Kougaiji said taking a step towards Sotona.
"She wanted to fight so I decided for the safest solution." Sotona explained her face becoming serious.
Berry's eyes travelled back and forth to Kougaiji and the second man. If she was to fight both of them she had a pretty good chance of winning with her weapon being designed for long range fights. Sotona was fully aware that she could only fight the youkai prince with as much handicap as she could come up with. Gossips about strong individuals were spreading fast in bars and she would rather over- than underestimate her opponent. She was also sure that rumours about princes' swordsman reached her ears once or twice.
"Berry-san..."
"It's OK, Hakkai." Sotona said eyeing the two opponents "I'll handle this."
"Oh?" the larger man smirked "You think you can win with me and Kou?" he continued approaching her.
"I won't know unless I try,right?" Berry smirked back.
She outstretched her arms causing the wires attaching the fans to the gloves to shorten turning the spinning blades into little circular saws resembling air screws. When she clenched her fists a jangling sound was almost completely drowned out by the sound of fans ripping the air. Suddenly the little saws cut the air as the wires were released. Only blades were spinning while the wires stayed motionless as if someone invisible hands were stretching them. They also had a slightly greenish glow on as if someone oiled them with a green watery gooey.
"Gentlemen?" Berry encouraged her opponents while swaying her hips from one side to the other.
"You're serious then?" the tall man smirked preparing to attack her.
"I'm always serious when it comes to fighting." Berry answered giving both men a seductive smile. "However, I have to warn you: Watch out for my weapon... they are very... DANGEROUS!!!" she shouted the last word swinging one of her fans in their direction. The other fans' wire shortened as if it was a shield staying close to her body.
Both men experienced in fighting knew it was just a teaser but they still decided to oblige to the lady's' wish. However, they encountered an unexpected obstacle. Sotonas' long range weapon constantly kept them at a distance. With this both sword and fists were useless.
Another disturbing fact was that she constantly danced. There wasn't a split second when she would stay still. Kougaiji and the second man kept examining her movements looking for an opening but to no avail. The blades responded to the slightest snap of her wrist with deathly accuracy. Finally the large man spotted it. An opening. He dodged the saw diving underneath it and sprinted towards the girl. A glance at her narrowed furious eyes immediately told him he made a mistake.
"Bro! Watch out!"
At this, the muscled man barely dodged the wire coming directly at him by dropping to the ground. As he was falling on his back he saw few pieces of his short hair cut by the metal wire flying next to his face. It could be his neck. Berry pulled the fans back to each of her sides keeping her hips rocking.
Kougaiji was at once at his friends side checking if the other man was okay.
"'Bro'?" Sotona asked raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah, Gojyo is my little brother." the muscled man chuckled rubbing his neck and getting back to his feet "Dokugakuji, nice to meet ya."
"Oh..." Berry looked from Gojyo to his older brother with a confused look. She blinked few times and smiled sweetly "Sorry 'bout that. Good thing you dodged it. It would be a shame if my wire cut you."
"Well, I like my neck right where it is." Doku chuckled causing Berry to do the same.
"It's not just your neck,bro." Gojyo said loud enough for others to hear him "See the green gooey on the string?"
"Yeah..." Doku replied eyeing the wire.
"It's poison. Doesn't work fast but when it gets into your veins then in few hours you're dead."
"Dangerous thing you got there." the swordsman said to the girl.
"Warned you.~" Sotona chirped happily.
"Excuse me but I'm afraid we have some company." Hakkai interrupted.
Guys looked around while Sotona carefully observed them Her disability to sense youkai and shikigami was a great disadvantage.
"$hit... we're surrounded." Gojyo cursed, his shakujo appearing in his hand. "Berry, stand back with the ladies. We'll handle this,"
As much as Sotona disliked that she knew Gojyo was right. Her weapon might be amazing; however, in this situation she would not only had to focus on eliminating the enemy but also at not killing her allies. Sanzo Ikkou she could deal with but she still knew too little about Kougaiji and Doku and their movement patterns to risk hurting them. Sotona backed away to the woman and the girl as guys encircled them. By then Berry guessed that the enemy weren't Kougaijis' butchers.
"Something's wrong." Berry whispered to herself.
When the brawl broken out she noticed the enemies were dresses from head to toes in black linen clothes with their faces covered.
'They're good. Way better then the usual groups. And they're targeting Sanzo and Prince a lot more than others. What's going on?'
Meanwhile Sotona kept looking from one of her friend to another checking if any of them needed a hand. She knew they were good fighters but she couldn't help but worry about them.
Then Berry cut into half a man that was preparing to slash Gojyos' brother from the back. It was a natural impulse.
"Thanks." Doku shouted grinning at Sotona.
There it was again. That sickening feeling in Berrys' stomach. It was nowhere close to the pleasurable thrill when she was fighting. It was a feeling of responsibility. She hated it.
The enemy was highly skilled and in a large number but her friends managed to defeat them nonetheless. Berry carefully examined the situation. Goku was treated by Hakkai and Kougaiji by the young brunette whose name, Sotona learned, was Yaone. Gojyo had few bruises but he seemed fine. Sanzo got off without a scratch. Lirin was still unconscious. Dokugakuji on the other hand had a nasty looking wound on his left arm. Berry snatched her backpack from the Jeep and run up to Gojyos' brother and took out some bandages, lint and disinfectant.
"This will sting a bit." Sotona said after cleaning her hands with moistured tissues looking into Dokus' eyes. He nodded his head smiling at her. She poured the liquid onto the wound earning hisses from the man but he didn't move an inch.
"You could use a cotton ball, you know." he chuckled as she carefully bandaged his arm.
"Now,now. Big, strong and handsome men such as yourself shouldn't whine over little things like that." she smirked raising an eyebrow. She felt someone hoovering over her kneeling form. The characteristic scent of cigarettes immediately told her who it was.
"You're good at this,Berry." remarked Gojyo.
"I have a lot of experience." Sotona chuckled.
"Cute, knows how to fight and can take care of wounds. You're a real angel,Berry-san." Doku said grinning at her.
"Please,'Berry' is fine." she smiled as Gojyo crouched behind her and put his arm around her.
"Sorry,bro. This angel is mine."
"Oh?" Doku looked at both of them a little surprised.
Gojyo pulled out a cigarette out of his pocket and when he was about to light it Sotona spoke.
"Don't or move."
"Huh?" the red haired Kappa looked at her questioningly.
"You'll singe my hair. So either don't light the cig or move away." she said fasting the clip on the bandages and making sure it won't slide off.
"I'll be careful." Gojyo said holding her against his chest and lighting his fag.
"If you'll excuse me, Doku-san." Berry smiled sweetly elbowing Gojyo hard in the abs. She turned to the man who fell on his arse coughing with her eyes narrowed dangerously.
"I said: 'Don't or move',didn't I?"
"The girl got spunk." Doku laughed getting up. He held out his uninjured hand to Sotona.
"Thank you~" she chirped accepting his help and looking down at Gojyo who was still on the ground.
"You don't intend to stay that all day, do you Gojyo? Sanzo is going to be mad because of the delay."
"Who cares about the baldy?"
Just as the red head finished the sentence there was a bang and a bullet barely missed Gojyos' face.
"Hey!!! You almost shot me!!!" Gojyo yelled getting to his feet.
In order to stop the brawl Berry stood on her toes and gently took few strands of Gojyos' hair in her hand and kissed them. To Dokus' surprise, his brother immediately calmed down and looked softly at the girl, who in order to keep her balance placed her free hand on Gojyos' chest. Sotona smiled sweetly and went to place her backpack back in the Jeep. She flung the bag over her shoulder and hopped back to the others like a six-year-old.
"Oi,Gojyo..." Doku asked his brother quietly enough so that no one would hear them.
"What?" the red head replied lighting a cigarette and keeping his eyes on Sotona who was putting her things back into the Jeep and discussed something with Hakkai cheerfully.
"I'd never imagine you'd change your preferences. I mean... I thought you had some strict rules when choosing... partners."
"Yeah, I know what you mean. Her boobs aren't that big but trust an expert, she's good~" Gojyo grinned nudging his older brothers' side with his elbow.
"That's not what I meant..."
"Huh? Then what?"
"Well... I though you only dated women ABOVE eighteen. But sixteen year old?"
Gojyo looked dumb folded at the other man, then at Sotona and then back at his brother. Suddenly he burst out laughing. Berry seeing this ran up to the two brothers looking as cute as a little happy puppy.
"What's so funny?" Sotona tilted her head.
"Dunno... he started laughing when I... commented on you being sixteen."
Berrys' face twitched a bit at this remark.
"Doku-san."
"'Doku' is fine." he paraphrased her.
"Doku... I'm not sixteen."
"No?"
"No."
"Don't tell me you're fifteen! Bro,that's illegal!"
"I'm twenty-one,Doku."
"Excuse me?"
"I AM 21!!!" she yelled at the top of her lungs earning odd looks from the others.
"You... you gotta be kidding me..." Doku stammered staring at Sotona with his mouth a mite open.
Sotona stomp her foot angrily and went back to the others,the two men following behind.
"Those were Gyokumen Koushous' new henchmen." Kougaiji said looking at his little sister who was regaining consciousness. "Are you okay Lirin?"
"Yeah, oni-san... What happened?"
"Kougaiji-san..."Berry ignored Lirin speaking with a concerned look on her face"...they attacked their own prince? Is it possible they didn't know who you are?"
"No. I'm sure they knew who we are."
"They assaulted their superior?" Sotona asked surprised.
"They might have had two targets: you AND us." Doku said in a stern voice.
"She's up to something." Kougaiji whispered looking at his sister and then at the brunette "Yaone, we're not going back to Houtou Castle for now. It's too risky."
"The nearest town on the West is in two days trip by a car...right Hakkai?" receiving a nod from the man Sotona continued "However, if you don't have power limiters it would be a problem."
"We have them with us,just in case. I guess we'll have to do that Kou?"
"Yeah,you are right Doku."
Sotona looked into the sky clearly thinking about something and then smiled cutely.
"Then how about we camp together? It'll be safer to stay in a larger group."
"NO." Sanzo and Kougaiji said in union.
Berry looked quizzically at the two leaders.
"We're enemies." Kougaiji said glancing at Sanzo.
"Yaone-chan," Berry spoke to the other woman causing the brunette to blush at the sudden familiarity but nodded to acknowledge the girl she was listening "Why are some men so thick-headed they completely forget about logical reasoning?" as Sotona finished the sentence a bullet flew right before her face so close she could feel the air being ripped.
"Shut up,idiot." Sanzo growled earning a grin from Berry.
She climbed into the Jeep and turned to Sanzo Ikkou.
"Well? We're going or not? I thought you're in a hurry."
They said their goodbyes and the five of them drove off. As they were leaving Lirins' words:" I want to fight you again, Berry-nee-san!" were still heard for some time.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
