Paradoxical world (Bloody x Perch)

[Bloodysadist]

Every step he was making felt as painful as if he was impaling by an arrow right in the heart. He couldn't even turn back to see if Goto was alright after his own words. Only if he wasn't feeling that terrible, maybe he would go and just hug the other, calm him down. Yet, he, himself, was feeling like the world was turning upside down, at least for now, nothing even being able to make him feel better. At least not until he could kill the Prime Minister.

 

As soon as he felt the hold over his hand, Kana managed to lift his gaze for a moment at the other, trying with the small strength left inside to pull his hand back, yet he gave up. Maybe it was for the better if he was just pulled along. Else... he would take hours before he would actually come back. Once they reached the house though, he let out another small sigh, looking with such an empty gaze around. One could say his soul was sold to the devil, if they didn't know him.

 

He heard what Goto said, yet he wasn't even sure if here was safe for him to stay. Wait, where was it safe actually? Every single person could betray him now. With a small hesitation, after throwing one last look at both the monk, who was kinda caught off guard seeing both all soaked and all, and Goto, he just headed to the bathroom. He could hear Sato saying that he warmed water for them, nodding once and just entering the small room. As soon as he did though, instead of getting ready for the shower, he slid himself down the door, sitting on the floor and burying his face into his palms, leaning his head against the door as well and letting his voice out, crying out his whole soul.

[YellowPerch]

Goto left the house, leaving Kanase behind with the monk. He was very suspicious of the man at first. But now he decided to trust the man. He hoped his trust wouldn't cause harm to Kanase. Goto wanted nothing more to stay in the warmth of the cabin. Take a hot bath, sit by the fireplace. But not now. Now he needed to get to the bottom of this. He made his way back to the village. But the house was already a far ways off. So by the time he got back to the village it was clear into the late night. Everyone would hopefully be asleep. Which would be to Goto's advantage.

 

He snuck around the edges of the forest again. Finding a good are he would be able to enter the village at. His house wasn't on the edge of the forest, it was more into the center of the village. So Goto would have to be extra careful sneaking around. He found a spot closest to his house and entered the side street. It smelt like a dead body had been lying here for days. He figured a cat must have died somewhere, or perhaps even a dog. Heck, he'd believe if some wild animal just made a dump and left.

 

Goto made his way to the end of the street before peeking around. No one was in view to his next spot. But that didn't mean someone wasn't watching him. He looked around first before he took a step out. He tried to stay as low as he could to the ground. He crouched his way across to another street. This one wasn't as secluded, so there was a better chance he'd be found. In fact, he was sure that soon enough he would be.

 

The man that Goto had knocked out would surely wake up soon or be spotted by another. In fact, Goto was surprised that he hadn't. Unless he did and the quiet of the streets was their plan at catching one of them. But slowly Goto maneuvered from one street to the next. Soon enough he had made it to his house. The lanterns were off, and no sound came from inside. He walked around back to where he knew he'd be able to get in easier.

 

There was a window that Goto would be able to climb into that got him to the kitchen. When he was a kid he used to climb on crates and wood to jump through the window. He'd use this way to sneak in and scare his mother while she was cooking. This time however, Goto didn't need the extra help and soon he was jumping up very slightly and climbing through the window. He was quiet when he managed to climb through and step into the house, not even a plank of wood creaking under his weight.

[Bloodysadist]

Kana wasn't even sure how much time has it passed, while he was in the bathroom, crying like a little kid. Was it just few minutes, was it a hour or two? He actually didn't even care. The fact that while he was playing around, his father's reputation was going lower and lower; the fact that Goto's father was with the Prime Minister; just by the thought of that, the young male hit the floor as hard as he could, doesn't even feeling any pain at first. He could feel that even the tears stopped. He had no left ones to cry out anymore.

 

With a deep sigh, he got up and slowly took off his kimono, letting it just fall down, walking to the snap-roll and taking the small cup, as he washed himself, his body warming a little from the water. Maybe he'd be lucky enough not to catch a cold.

After like half hour spent in the bathroom, Kana walked out, peeking at the monk, yet not seeing Goto. Before to be able to ask where the other was though, he saw Sato running to him with a small towel and a new pair of purple kimono for him, smiling a little.

 

"Here, you need to put on these clothes first and warm up." Without saying a word, the dark haired boy just dried himself as much as he could, putting on the fresh kimono, while the monk went to take the wet one from the bathroom.

"Where is he?" His voice was as silent as ever, at first the monk barely hearing him, though when he repeated, he saw the slightly worried face the other made.

 

"He... went out for a bit. You shouldn't worry though. He is going to be back." Kana raised a brow, yet without asking more just nodding. Right now, even the emotions were impossible to be shown from him. He was just too empty; too empty to even feel like a human, that he wasn't anyways. Without saying anything more, the young boy just walked off the room, heading to where him and Goto were sleeping, entering inside and lying down on the futon instantly, hiding himself between the blankets, leaving the silence be broken only by the small sounds of the rain drops hitting the windows.

[YellowPerch]

Goto had been lucky so far. There were no men stationed inside his house. Goto still walked slowly, making sure not to make a sound. He found his way to the hall leading down to the bedrooms. For all he knew someone was in his. Heck, his parents could have been in his while someone else was in theirs. All in an attempt to catch him. But when Goto opened the door an inch to look through he was able to make out the figures of two people sleeping. He slid the door open more so he could fit through.

 

Goto slid it closed again, that way if someone had been in the house they wouldnt think of the opened door as suspicious. Then Goto made his way to the bed. His mother always slept closest to the door. Stating that when she was pregnant with him she'd have to get up always to rush and release her bladder. It became habit to sleep there afterwards. When Goto made it to the side of the bed and looked down at his sleeping mother. Goto sighed before gently jostling his mother awake., "Mother....Mother wake up....Mother." Goto's low quiet whisper soon woke the woman up.

 

"What...what is it?" She looked around the room, blinking before resting her eyes on Goto. At first she just stared, thinking it was an image of her imagination. But soon enough her eyes widened and she was about to let out a louder sound. Goto covered his mouth with his hand and then held the other up[ to his lips in a hushing motion. "Goto, what are you doing here?" Goto's brow raised with her question. "What do you mean? This is my home, just like yours" His mother shook her head and looked at her door. "Listen to me...the minister is a dirty man. You have to leave before he finds you."

 

Goto didn't know what to think. Kanase was yelling at him because his father was working with the minister and now his mother was trying to get him out as if it was all the ministers planning. "What's going on here? Why is the pri-" Goto's words cut themselves off when he saw the eyes of his father looking at him. "What are you doing here!?" The man warned. His voice louder then the woman's but still quiet.

 

Goto back away just an inch. "What the hell is going on in the village! That's all I want to know!" Goto was getting angry. No one was answering his questions. "You have to leave!" His mother whispered out at him. "No he doesn't! He needs to stay!" His father's voice growing louder. His mother looked at him in horror as if saying he shouldn't have ever came back for this reason. His father however stood up instantly and cried out. Goto's eyes went wide as he stood up and ran out of the room.

 

He ran through the hall and made his way to the front door. Unfortunately he wouldn't be able to sneak away so easily. But as soon as he made it to the entry way, the door flew open and several men, including the prime minister, stood in the way. He tried to turn back, maybe he could make it through that window. But more men with swords stood behind him. "Shit" He cursed under his skin. This was why he didn't want Kanase coming back to the village.

[Bloodysadist]

Even though he tried falling asleep, Kana couldn't get rid of this bad feeling he had once again. He was slightly calmed down, however, knowing that Goto was out there, god knowing only where exactly, was making him feel all worried. The more he was recalling everything that has happened, the more he believed that his friend was clueless to his father's plan. As soon as he remembered Goto's father, Kana stood up, his eyes full with horror. It wasn't possible right? Goto wouldn't do such a silly thing!

 

The young male ran out of the room and rushed back to where Sato was. "Tell me that he didn't go back in the village!" He screamed out, for a first time even raising his voice like that. He saw the monk widening his eyes, slowly making his way to him, as if trying to stop him. "Back off. Tell me, did he go there!?" His words were like an order. Sato sighed and nodded.

"He did go there. And he told me to keep you inside the house." This guy... Kanase clenched his fists, the anger taking over him again. Without even waiting for the other to say anything else, he ran through the door and out of the house. The rain was as heavy as before, yet that didn't matter. Well, at least so he thought, before to feel a tight grip over his wrist. He turned his head slightly backwards just to see Sato standing there.

 

"You can't do anything if you go there." Was this monk crazy? Kana pulled his hand all harshly back. "And so, you suggest me to just stay here, while Goto is there? Maybe on way to be killed?" He hissed at the other, without even noticing the bracelet slightly shining - a sign that his true form was fighting to get out.

 

"I know you won't. At least take this." It seemed as if the monk gave up, handing Kana one raincoat. He put it on quickly, then just ran back to the road they came back with his friend a while ago.

He had to find him. No matter what. Even if that meant to kill. Even if that meant to turn into a beast forever. He had to save Goto. "Just hang in a little." The young male mumbled to himself, while making his way through the forest.

[YellowPerch]

Goto didn't have anywhere to go. He tried backing away from the sniveling man, only to be poked in the back with a sword. He flinched at the touch and stepped forward. The only thought he had was hoping the monk kept Kanase away. If he had found his way back here there was no way they would be able to escape so cleanly this time. "Well, well, my dear boy. We meet again." Goto growled at the man from inside the house. But soon enough the man had snapped and the swords were poking at his back again forcing him outside.

 

"Leave him alone! Prime Minister, please!" Goto's mother ran to his side, trying to free her son. But the minister wasn't having it her way. When he pushed the woman away, forcing her to fall in the mud made from the rain, Goto grew angry. He rushed out of the house and at the man in a threatening away. "Don't you dare touch her! You her-" His words were cut off as men grabbed a hold of him and held him back. Then they pushed his head down, forcing his body into a kneeling position in front of the ruthless man.

 

"Perhaps the scary man can become a teddy bear in the end." The prime minister could care less about anyone but his own plans. Goto had his head held down so that he couldn't defy the man before him. But he managed to turn his head up and catch a glimpse of his father rushing to his mother's side. "You coward! What have you done!?" He couldn't believe his father would turn to such lengths.

 

Goto cried out at the man as a flash of lightening and a blast of thunder raged overhead. Goto flinched at the loud roar of the storm. He wasn't afraid, it was just loud. The minister how ever burst into laughter, proud to take on the wrath of the Gods. "Do you here them up there!? Crying out in anger? NO! They are cheering me on! You and your stupid friend! You are the criminals!" He laughed out once more.

 

Goto needed a new plan. But with his arms held out behind him, his head and back pushed down, he was unable to come up with something. He'd have to fight off the men and rush to the minister's side. It was a plan, one he was planning on gambling on. He began to push his body up as his mother cried out. "Goto, no! Stay still." His mother knew him to well. And she stopped him from doing anything stupid. His body relaxed.

 

However, when the minister witnessed this, the man stepped towards his mother. "Shut it woman!" He slapped her. And his father merely flinched and did nothing more. Goto watched, unable to do anything more at that point. "Don't touch her!" Goto cried out. Then the minister appointed him his knew toy. The man stepped towards Goto and kicked him in the mouth. The men holding his head down let go, so Goto was able to look up and glare at the man. Blood dripping down his chin from his mouth. The minister then grabbed hold of Goto's hair and tugged on it hard, lifting Goto's face up further.

[Bloodysadist]

The rain was as heavy as ever. Even thunders were to be heard already. Thanks god Kana wasn't afraid of them at all. The only thing, he could say he was afraid about was only if Goto was alive. He had to be. He knew the other was strong, yet we were talking about the minister here. Finally after a little bit more of walking, Kana could see the village. It was already too dark to be able to say if there was anybody around and the bracelet wasn't helping much, stopping even the smallest try to use any of his powers. He didn't care though. The young male just made his way, of course once again all quickly, once he reached the first few houses, peeking around. There was no sign of anybody alive here. Was everybody already asleep? Kana took a deep breath and made his way slowly to Goto's house.

 

Just as he was sneaking between the houses though, all of sudden somebody grabbed him by the shoulder, making him widen his eyes, turning around instantly, ready to hit the person, yet just then he saw it was one of the people working in the house.

"Kanase-sama. What are you doing here?? It's too dangerous. The Prime Minister is searching for you everywhere. They are going to kill you, young master!" He saw how panicked the other male was, yet he couldn't just leave like that. Kana put on a small smile, looking at the other though kinda serious.

 

"I can't leave just like that. Goto is here. I am afraid they caught him." He saw the worker widening his eyes, slightly peeking around, before to take Kana's hands into his own ones. "The Prime Minister, right? I... heard some noise coming from his house. But young master..." The dark haired male just shook his head, taking out one hand and setting it over the other male's. "I want to ask you for just one thing. Help me make a way out. Gather as much people as you can, these who would still believe in me and would be ready to stand against the minister." He saw the other male looking at him all shocked, yet nodding slowly, letting him go. As Kana thanked him, he continued his way to Goto's house, now at least a little bit calmer that maybe, someone would help.

 

Finally he was seeing the house, yet it was almost empty on the outside. Only one guy standing in front of the house. What the hell has happened? Kana peeked at the bracelet, squeezing his wrist for a moment. Maybe he should take it off? No. Not yet. With an all quick move, he moved behind the man guarding, wrapping an arm around his neck from behind and taking out his short sword before he could even react, even though the other was struggling to get free, a small chuckle running out. "Not so fast. We have dome work to do with you." With these words, Kana dragged the other to some of the dark corners of the yard, still quite unable to see what was going on though, knocking the man out as soon as he was sure nobody was following them, letting him fall on the ground and quickly changing himself into the other's clothes. Damn, was he actually that tiny? Anyways, he ignored that, put on the raincoat the other was wearing, leaving his clothes covered with his own raincoat, then taking his way deeper in the house.

[YellowPerch]

Goto was being beat pretty badly by the minister. Clearly he hadn't cared whether or not his own parents were there watching or if the men started to look away. To him, Goto had done wrong, and the only way to punish him, was to beat him senseless. Goto had been held against his will as the minister continued to lower himself. He would kicked Goto in the cut, or in the face, punch him and slap him until he produced bruises and blood. Goto was able to handle the beat down. In fact, he figured the more he took from the man, the less his mother would receive. It was the only thing he could do right now.

 

With no weapon on him, Goto didn't have a means of fighting back. He would have to grab one from one of the men and hope he wasn't stabbed while he did it. Goto was able to hold his own pretty well. But when he was so quickly out numbered, he knew when to stand down. Unfortunately it just had to be against the prime minister of all people. Finally the man stopped, running his fingers through his hair to tame it from his wild beat down. He collected himself once more.

 

However, when he walked over to one of his soldiers, grabbed his sword and swung it around as he walked over back to his mother, Goto didn't want to resist anymore. "Stay away from her!" He struggled against the force of the men holding him down. From his knees he managed to raise one leg up, resting his foot below him. He looked at his father in anger. "Do something! You coward!" Goto didn't think he'd grow so angry at his own father. He had held so much respect for the man growing up. He knew his father had been through enough wars, that he didn't think the man would ever side with this kind of person.

 

Goto forced himself up on his two feet, but was quickly pushed back down again. His strength wasn't at its fullest from being kicked and punched all over. Plus he was still recovering from his nightly run the other night and from the injury he received from Kanase just before. He watched in horror as the minister rose the sword above his head, readying it at his mother. "Stop it! Stop!" The blast of thunder and lightening sounded again at his cry. The Gods were angry, that's how Goto saw it. Not at him, but at the man willing to take innocent lives. He could only pray to them in hopes to save his mother.

[Bloodysadist]

As he was walking further, Kana kept knocking down the Minister's people one by one. He wasn't killing them, yet he was making sure they would stay out of the game for a while. Though.. as soon as he was close enough, he could hear the voices coming a little bit ahead. Someone was being beaten up. He heard a cry... a woman's cry. Was that Goto's mother? Just as he was thinking, he heard another voice. It wasn't possible... Goto! The younger male started running to where the voices where heard from, literally freezing on place by the view. His own friend was beaten, on his knees, his father standing there and doing nothing and his mother, oh god. He looked above just to see the Minister holding a sword, ready to kill her. Was he that insane? One was to touch anybody from Kanase's family because of him, but Goto?

 

Without even thinking twice, Kana stepped forward, quickly grabbing one of the Prime Minister's people and pressing the short sword against his throat as he made his way further where everybody was, along with the man.

"Let go of the sword, Fujimori Taisuke or I will kill him." He could see all the surprised gazes thrown at him, though the minister doesn't even moving an inch from his words.

 

"And if that isn't our dearest Kanase. You came to save your friend? Or his mother? Which one's life would you choose? Whom would you like to save, Kanase? I will give you a choice. Goto or his mother?" He was speechless. What was the other talking about? To choose? How could he possibly do that? He squeezed the short sword into his hand, pressing it a little bit more against the other's throat. He was crazy. This guy was crazy.

 

"Well? You know that you won't kill him. So just choose." Kana threw a small all shocked look at Goto's mother, then his friend. He was pissed off, scared, the rain kept being as heavy as ever. He saw Goto's mother giving him a small weak smile and nodding at him to choose her son. No. He wouldn't be risking any more lives. But what could he do? How could he save both of them at once? Was that even possible?

 

"Kanaseee! I am losing my patience, hmm? If you don't choose soon I will kill both. I was going to do it anyways, but you showed on the perfect time." Kana took a deep breath, a small all ironic giggle running out. He other was truly insane.

 

"I have a better suggestion. I will give you myself. You want me, that's why you are doing all this, isn't that true? Then take me, but leave them." He could see the Minister's smile growing bigger, for a moment lowering the sword. He made a sign to his people to let go of Goto, as Kanase pushed the man he was holding, aside, making his way slowly to the other. Just then though, he saw him raising the sword again. No, he... he was going to...

"NO!" Kana shout out, yet just before to reach his friend's mother, he saw the male he met a while ago, the one working for them, protecting her, as he was cut, falling on the ground dead. In the next moment, almost the whole village was into the yard, where everything was happening, holding whatever they could as a weapon. He managed... to gather them. They were still trusting Kanase, yet... another person was killed.

[YellowPerch]

Goto was enraged by his powerless self. He couldn't even gain enough strength to protect his own mother. He noticed movement out of the corner of his eye and saw Kanase walking closer, using a soldier as a shield. Goto's eyes widened at the sight. Then he glared at the minister when he too spotted Kanase. Everyone had frozen in surprise at his sudden appearance. Goto yelled out at the Kanase, clearly being ignored by the other. "Dammit, I told you to stay!" He knew Kanase was stubborn, he knew he'd fight against the monk. He just didn't think he'd come so quickly. The monk was going to have to be punished, Goto's way.

 

Then the minister told Kanse to choose, choose which one he wanted to save. Their was no hesitation for Goto. He wanted his mother saved, that was all. He didn't care what happened to him. "Kanase, protect her! Save my mother!" He knew the other struggled. How could he choose between two people? One being a dear friend to him. Goto hoped their friendship didn't interfere with his decision. When Goto noticed his mother give Kanase her approval of what his decision should be Goto yelled out. There was no way he would let that happen. If only he could get away from these men.

 

Suddenly Kanase came up with a different plan. A plan where he gave himself up to the minister like he wanted. Goto tensed against the grips on his arms. "Kanase no! Don't do that!" Then the minister had his men let Goto go. Goto's body fell hard to the ground at the sudden loss of force against him. When he regained his balance once more, he watched in horror as the minister rose the sword up once more, making a quicker effort of it and swung down. Both he and Kanase yelled out together as thunder roared above. But just as a flash of lightening went off, another village stepped in front of the sword, protecting his mother.

 

Goto instantly stood up as the two fell backwards to the ground. His wounds hurt him, but he ignored them quickly so he could make it to his mother. He ran to her side and knelt down beside her. The dead body of the man who served in Kanase's home lay next to her. Goto pulled her close to his chest as her small body shook from the cold and fear. He looked at Kanase, anger filling his eyes for a moment at him. Yes, he was angry at him for coming when he said not to. But he was thankful for it. Then he flashed his anger at the minister. "You bastard."

[Bloodysadist]

Kana was sure that Goto would be angry, but what could've he done staying inside the house, while his friend was here? He wasn't a coward, nor cared what was going to happen, as long as his friend would be saved. He saw as well that both Goto's mother and him were not in the fault for his father's actions. That stupid old man. Only if he didn't make such choice. The younger boy heard the other yelling at him, yet he ignored it. Both's biggest problem right now was the Prime Minister.

 

As soon as he saw Goto going to his mother, he took a deep breath, looking all angry at the minister. He then looked at the men from the village, for a moment meeting Goto's own gaze just to see the anger in his eyes.

"People from the village. As you know, I am accused for my family's death. As you know, this male there told you that I killed my own father. But tell me, do you still believe in such guy, who would've taken an innocent woman's life just like that? Just because she wanted to protect her son? Is that the person you believe in? He, Fujimori Taisuke, is the one who killed both my parents and he is going to keep killing if you, people of this village don't stop him." With these words, Kanase looked once again at the minister, throwing him his scariest gaze. He could feel the people gathered being as shocked as ever, hearing what he said, Fujimori's people instantly getting on post, few gathering around the Prime Minister as a protection, in the next moment, few of the villagers running for a fight against the other males. Kana used the chance and ran to Goto, helping him lift his mother from the ground and looking at the exit.

 

"We need to go now! You can scold me as much as you want later on. But now, we need to leave. Your mother can come with us, but if you are going to bring your father as well, forget about me." Kanase looked as serious as ever at Goto, seeing one of the villagers waving his hand at them, showing them that they should hurry up and leave.

[YellowPerch]

Goto watched as the villagers stared in disbelief at Kanase's words. He was surprised that so many had in fact believed in what the poster said. But he was glad to see them side with them and not against them. But as soon as Kanase had finished speaking, the villagers began fighting. Goto shook his head and groaned. Really what were they thinking against trained soldiers? Then Kanase cam running to him and helped him lift his mother off the ground. But the look in his eyes clearly made Goto uncomfortable. "Wait, hey! What do you mean forget about you. We both have to leave."

 

Goto walked his mother a few steps and turned to reach back for Kanase. His father stopped his hand as he knelt down before him. "P-please forgive me son! I didn't mean for it to go this far. I thought I could save you. If I had given Kanase to the minister he said he would spare my family." Goto stared at his father, even scowled at him. He sighed, releasing his hold from his wrist. He grabbed his own father's wrist this time. He knew the man well, and he could tell he had been ultimately thinking about his family. Not realizing what he had gotten in to.

 

He pushed the two forward towards the way they would escape and turned back to Kanase. "Your coming to. What am I supposed to do if he catches you? Come one let's go." Goto tried to pull the other away from the fighting. He hated to see them struggling so, but he could also see a slow defense as the tried to hold back on harming innocent civilians. Goto felt the other tense in his grip and stopped him. He wasn't going to let Kanase go back. Even if he wanted to.

[Bloodysadist]

Kana sighed and didn't say anything at the other's question. He wasn't going to forgive Goto's father. No matter the reason, if he betrayed them once, he would most probably do it again. He didn't trust this male. Yet once he saw him begging Goto, he clicked with his tongue. The villagers weren't going to resist any much longer, so they had to run quickly, yet he wanted to stay and help, even though he knew he wouldn't be able to be of much help.

 

As soon as he heard his friend speaking again though, he threw him a small unwilling gaze, especially if his father was coming with him, yet he knew he had no other choice. "Fine." Was the only thing he said, though at first slightly trying to pull back, yet almost instantly just giving up and walking past the exit along with Goto's family, bowing as a thanks to the male standing there, then hurrying out of the house and back to the forest. It didn't take them that long and they were already in the beginning of the forest, though seeing how dark it was, Kana wrinkled his face a little worried. It wasn't like he couldn't try to find the way back to the house, but... was it actually a good idea? They were bringing more and more people there, but on the other hand the rain wasn't even stopping for a second, all of them already soaked.

 

"What are we going to do? And where are we going to go?" Kanase turned to face Goto, looking kinda serious at him.

[YellowPerch]

Goto stayed in his spot as Kanase hesitated. He knew, by the lookd he gave to the villagers, that he want to stay and help. But there was no way Goto was going to let him. He held on to Kanase standing in his spot until the other finally gave in and came with him. He watched as the other walked past him towards the house. His parents were already inside waiting for them. Goto could tell how unwilling he was to come, but there was no time for arguing, they had leave now.

 

As the reentered the forest, the rain broke at times between the trees. But the storm still held strong in the sky. Goto caught up to Kanase as he ran in front, looking behind him briefly to make sure his parents were following. He heard Kanase speak up and Goto slowed his pace, but continued on. "For now, we'll go back to the house. Sato needs to know what has happened." He looked up at the sky just as a flash lit it up and a roar thundering later. "I don't think it's a good idea to stay there anymore. We'll have to leave Edo, go somewhere else." He saw the look on the other. "At least until we can figure out how to fight back."

 

Soon Goto stopped his pace, realizing his mother had slowed down. He returned to her side and crouched down, instantly allowing her to climb on his back, like he had down that night with Kanase. When her body pressed against him he flinched at the contact to his wounds. He hissed out at the pain, but before she could retract from him he stood up, forcing her to press against his back. "Just hold on, please." He glanced back at her.

 

When he started walking again, he walked between his father and Kanase. Had the rain not washed away his blood, his face would be red from the liquid. He would certainly host a good collection of cuts and bruises later. He looked at Kanase for a moment. "Sato, will he come with us too? If the minister finds the house and finds out he was helping us...." Suddenly Goto's father spoke up. "That man has been possessed by the demon. He'll find us where ever we go." Goto stopped at his words and looked down at the man. "Even the demon has weakness father." It fell silent for a moment.

[Bloodysadist]

Kana listened to the other's words and nodded once at first, yet hearing the last words, he lifted his gaze up to the other and shook his head. "I won't leave the house yet. You should do it though, because of your family. Find a place where they will be safe. Let's talk this out though once we reach the house." After his words, Kana looked at Goto's mother for a moment, just when about to head to her and offer his help, seeing his friend doing so, smiling a little. The older male was indeed so caring about his parents, which was not even surprising, yet it was warming Kana's heart.

 

The younger boy spaced out out for a second, slightly staying behind the rest. He stared at Goto's back, sighing silently. What was he going to do with his feelings? Even though he still wasn't giving it such deep thoughts, the more the thought was passing through his head, the more his heart was slightly clenching. Kana just shook his head, trying to ignore everything else and just concentrate on what was he going to do from now on, heading back forwards to reach the rest.

 

"I don't think so. He has been living here for a long time now. Remember? Also, as I said, I will stay with him. Look Goto, I can't just go with you and you know pretty well why. I need to train. I need to get stronger." Kana was as serious as ever for his words. He couldn't just leave like that, barely being able to control his powers. What is... he went out of control again and hurt Goto or his family? As he was thinking his own things though, he heard Goto's father speaking, a small chuckle running out. "Goto's right. I am his weakness, actually. He will do anything to get me, but this everything can bring him to his own lose." The dark haired boy smiled a little, spotting the house slightly hurrying forward.

 

Sato was outside waiting for them, looking all shocked at first to see Goto's parents here, then Kana in one of the minister's men' uniforms, yet instantly calming down, waving at them. "Gosh you are alive.. You are back. Thanks god."

[YellowPerch]

Goto frowned at Kanase's words. Why couldn't he come? Couldn't he have trained on the run too? Goto stopped himself from thinking those thoughts. Why was he so upset about Kanase leaving his side? Sure they were friends, but eventually friends go off in their own directions. But this was different, Goto thought that if he let the other leave him, either he would never see him again, or he would never say what he needed to say to him. Of course, he had know idea what those words even were. But that was how he felt, and he didn't know why. Kanase was at an age he was able to make his own decisions, he didn't need Goto watching him now. He sighed when he gave in to the thought of him coming with them.

 

When THey suddenly stopped again at his father's words, Goto looked over at Kanase who let out a small laugh. His words were true. Any man who was so occupied with hunting down another would only fall. Either from his own stupidity, or from the man he hunted fighting against him. He turned to face Kanase, "Don't you dare think you'll be fighting him on your own either." Goto was serious, even despite having his worn out mother resting on his back. As soon as their conversation ended, they found themselves in front of the house once more. Sato waiting outside for them.

 

He let his mother slide off his back then, flinching again as her body accidentally pulled his bandages away from his wounds, causing the drying ointment to tear at the healing skin. She panicked at her son's discomfort, but he only offered her a comforting smile. Then he turned to Sato and bowed towards the man. "Please, allow my parents to rest for a while before we set off once again." Goto stayed in the position of his bow until the other spoke up. The rain was very slowly starting to let up, and the raging storm was slowly dying down.

[Bloodysadist]

Kana stared at Goto for a second, another small chuckle running out. He loved it how serious the other sounded and how worried he was. That was really adorable from him. "I won't fight him alone, silly. Don't worry." He said calmly, for a moment thinking about reaching out his hand to ruffle the other's hair, yet gave up on the idea quickly. He looked at Sato, bowing almost the same time as Goto, shrugging and giving him a small smile as well.

 

The monk thought for a moment at the idea of letting Goto's parents stay, yet eventually he nodded in the end. "Sure. Though... That means you will need to share the room with them." Kana shook his head, showing that there is no problem in that, instantly though looking at his friend, seeing the wounds. He ran to him and took his hand, looking at Goto's mother and bowing at her. "If you excuse us. I will go take care of his wounds." With these words he literally just dragged his friend inside the house, feeling his heart beating faster and faster. It was odd. Yet, he was no longer wondering why. With a small sigh, he headed inside the house, letting go of Goto's hand and turning around. "So, now which one do you prefer? To treat your wounds and then talk or talk while treating your wounds?"

[YellowPerch]

Goto was glad to hear Sato allow his parents to stay. But they wouldn't be staying long. They had to go somewhere else. Perhaps to Kyoto. Goto would bring them there and come back. It was the only way to keep his parents out of the hands of the minister. He had no power in Kyoto. As soon as they stepped inside the house Kanase came running to him, stating that he would take care of his wounds. With the light of the house, everyone was able to see just how much of a mess Goto was. His back wounds had slightly opened up and his Kimono was starting to dye red. With the rain not falling on them anymore, his split lip and every other scrap he got from the man was starting to let its blood run down. He had one black eye from being punched and wasn't even sure what the rest of his body looked like from getting kicked.

 

Kanase dragged Goto into the room where he could take care of the other's wounds. When the other let go of his hand he turned around and faced Goto. "We can talk while dressing the wounds." He said as he was already starting to slip the top half of his kimono off. His upper body was red, that was for sure. Not from blood, just from being hit over and over again. He was sure by tomorrow there would be a nice array of green bruises along his body. Goto knelt down on his knees and waited for Kanase to help him with his wounds. He closed his eyes as he waited.

[Bloodysadist]

Until now he didn't even notice how badly was Goto looking right now. Though as soon as the light on the house showed it, the younger male clenched his free hand into a tight fist. "This bastard..." He mumbled silently under his nose, taking a deep breath, trying to calm down and running to take the first aid from the table, though almost falling down seeing his friend already half naked.

 

"I didn't know you are in such a hurry for my special treatment." Kana said rather all jokingly, just to make the atmosphere less heavy, first kneeling in front of his friend as he took some ointment and put a small part of it over his index, gently running it over Goto's lip. "See how badly he hit you? And then ask me again why I came. I couldn't just leave you like that." The dark haired man gave his friend a small smile, once done with the lip, slightly lifting his chin and carefully moving his head a little from side to side to look at every single place from closer.

 

"What are we going to do with that eye hmm?" Seeing how badly it was hit, for a moment Kana got worried if Goto could even see properly, shaking head and taking some more of the ointment, putting it over few smaller wounds around the other's face, as he ran his gaze over the other's bare chest, slightly nibbling on his lower lip. Damn, Goto was... sexy. Even though the wounds... Wait no! What was he thinking? The younger male literally slapped his forehead, shaking head then just peeking to see if there were any serious wounds on the front part.

[YellowPerch]

Goto let out a small laugh as the other came back into the room with the medical supplies. "Well, I can't exactly reach my back on my own." He looked up at Kanase as the other crouched down before him and started placing ointment on his wounds. When he gently touched his lip Goto twitched at the cold of the ointment and the pain of the wound. Then he started looking at his face, rubbing the ointment into the other wounds on his face. There was a nice one on his temple, just as bad as the one on his rib was going to be. Kanase took his chin and gently raised Goto's head to look at him.

 

For a moment Goto's heart thumped hard against his chest. He was starting to like the touch of the other, even if it was just to check his wounds. He heard Kanase ask about his eye and the other smiled. "Ah, there isn't much we can do except possibly cover it." He lifted his hand to cover his eye as example. "I can't see out of it right now as it is. So it won't bother me." Suddenly he felt Kanase shift and slapped his own forehead. Goto flinched in surprise at his actions and merely stared at him. "A-are you....okay?" He wasn't sure how to address the other. But the strong gaze Kanase gave him told him that he was okay, but something was still slightly bugging him. Goto didn't ask about it any further though, and just let the other do what he had to do.

[Bloodysadist]

"Oh I will do that for you and touch you, eveeeerywhere~" Kana said the words rather with the same joking tone, winking at the older male, as he gave his face one last check, nodding, once he saw there wasn't any untreated place. As he heard Goto answering about his eye though, he let out another small laugh. "Goto is turning from a samurai into a pirate~" The younger male said, yet just by the image of that, he barely held inside his laugh. Though maybe it was indeed for the best to cover his friend's eye with some patch.

 

He blinked though a little as asked if he was okay, realizing how odd he probably looked, nodding a couple of times. "Oh yeah. Just.. don't mind me." Gosh. He probably looked like some insane idiot. With a small bite over his lower lip, Kana applied some more of the ointment over his index and gently rubbed it over few of the wounds over Goto's chest, even slightly blushing. Now that he was realizing what was going on with him, it was just strange to... touch the other like that, even if it was just for a treatment, yet he had to admit, he liked it and didn't want to stop.

 

Kana took a small look at the already slightly blue places around Goto's ribs, shaking head and grabbing the bandages, yet remembering that he has to take care of the wounds over his back as well first, he crawled behind the other, taking him around a minute to put some ointment over all of the wounds there, once done, resting his chin over Goto's shoulder for a second. "I know that... you are worried about me. About what I said and all, but you should think of your parents first. I need to train my true powers. Let's separate for like a month. Until you find where are your parents going to live. After that we can meet here again. I promise. I won't do anything without you." Kana said the words all silently, for a second leaning over his friend's ear. "Do you trust me, Goto?" He whispered the words, yet realizing how close he was to the other instantly pulling back. Gosh, he probably looked odd... What was he even doing?

[YellowPerch]

Goto let out a small laugh at the comment of looking like a pirate. But it quickly died down when his ribs started to hurt against his chest. For all he knew he had one or two that were broken. He'd have to see a doctor somehow on his travels to Kyoto. He let Kanase apply ointment to his chest wounds. He noticed how Kanase bit down on his lower lip, an action he knew very well. Goto rose his hand up to Kanase's chin and tried to part his lips from his teeth. "Seriously, that's a bad habit of yours.' He let his hand rest when Kanase stopped biting down. However not before noticing the slight pink of his cheeks.

 

Goto watched Kanase maneuver himself around to Goto's back and started applying the ointment to his wounds again. Goto flinched at the contact once more. When Kanase had finished he lowered his head on Goto's shoulder, much like he always used to do. This time however, Goto unconsciously rested his head against Kanase's. He himself didn't realize he was doing it either. He heard the other talking in his ear and let out a smile. "Sometimes I wonder if I worry too much about you." He felt Kanase move slightly closer and the sudden thump of his heart again. He realized, very quickly, that he liked when Kanase was close to him. But he couldn't understand why.

 

Kanase must have realized his close proximity, because he pulled back, away from Goto. Goto turned slightly so he could see the other. "Listen, Kanase....I'm taking my parents to Kyoto. My mother has family out that way who I'm sure can take them in." He turned completely around this time, looking seriously at Kanase. "As soon as they have settled there I'm coming back. Got it?" He waited for the other to give him his answer before anything else was said.

[Bloodysadist]

Kana raised his index, for a second moving it slightly in the air as an action that he was going to say something, yet instead he felt small shiver passing down his spine, instantly stopping with biting his lower lip without saying anything more, gulping nervously and just shrugging his shoulders. If Goto actually knew that he was biting his lip just because of the view in front of himself?

 

The younger boy widened his eyes feeling Goto's head rested against his own one, his heart skipping few all fast beats, making his face turning reddish. Gosh, he needed to calm down. For sure he had to do that.. He shouldn't let his friend see him like that, not yet... not now. Hearing the other's words though, he let out a small chuckle, clearing his throat. "You just like me, haha. Or I am just a big troublemaker, which is the more possible thing." Kana said silently, even though saying the words on a joke, he wished all this could be true though. Well, the first part only. Once again though, he was giving it too much time to think over such things.

 

As soon as Goto turned around though, Kana raised a brow slightly, listening carefully to his words, nodding until he heard the last ones, kinda freezing on place, not even sure what to say at first. Was his friend making signals for what he felt, or was he just speaking out his friend feelings? Somehow the younger one wanted to smack him. "Ah, Goto. Alright. Then, I will wait until you come back, so you better do it for real. Staying... away from you is not gonna be nice." Kana mumbled the last words rather all silently to himself, clearing his throat instantly after that as if he didn't say anything.

[YellowPerch]

When Goto turned to Kanase and noticed the red of his cheeks, he thought the other was developing a cold. After being in the rain all this time. He was bound to get one. He laughed at the other's joke. "Well, maybe I do." He ruffled the soaking hair of the other. "Or perhaps your just a serious troublemaker." Goto was definitely oblivious to the feelings Kanase was feeling. But when he pulled away from the other he had noticed his cheeks grow more in color. He would definitely have to make the other lie down.

 

Goto nodded when Kanase gave him the answer he was looking for. SO as soon as his parents got to the home in Kyoto and he knew they were safe there, he would come back to Edo, to Kanase. He couldn't leave his friend here alone. He sighed when the other mentioned having to part for so long. "Yeah, trust me, I'm not going to be able to sleep at night knowing your here. Anything can happen to you and I wouldn't even know." He looked Kanase straight in the eye and reached his hand out again. But instead of ruffling his hair he kept his hand their a slightly bowed his head towards him. Goto and Kanase's head were just barely touching each other now.

[Bloodysadist]

Kana expected to hear anything else. A joke, something way different from what he has said, but 'Well, maybe I do' was just like confessing to him and he was left not just speechless, but like he was just hit with something. Yet, he realized in the next moment that Goto didn't really mean these words. And of course, they were friends, they were joking like that a lot. He had to realize that and just put the line, before it would be too late. Though, he couldn't stop his cheeks getting reddish. Even if he tried to rub them with his palm, it wouldn't even help. Even the ruffle... he didn't feel.

 

The younger boy opened his mouth to say something, yet hearing how was Goto speaking about not being able to sleep and all, he raised his hand, literally ready to hit him hard, though froze on place. Maybe the most he could. Kana didn't even dare to move at first. Goto... he was so close, making the younger wanting to reach his hand and just pull him to himself. It was hard holding these feelings and the things he wanted to do right now. Yet with some strength he found, he pulled back, before he could get any closer to his friend. "I-I need to finish bandaging you." Kana mumbled all stuttering, grabbing the bandages and gesturing Goto to take his place back.

 

Gosh this heart though. It was beating so fast, as if it was beating into his ears. It suddenly got even hot in the room and Kana was sure that wasn't because he was catching a cold. He just needed to calm down. He could. Squeezing the bandages, he nodding slowly to himself, peeking at Goto.