riptide | kyojuro rengoku

XXI | wonderland

"OH, YOU'RE AWAKE!"

A sweet voice you didn't recognize instantly made you panic as you screamed, attempting to scramble to your feet. However, only after attempting to stand up did you realize how weak you felt, slumping against the bed you laid on. "Don't panic too much; you're at the Butterfly Estate. Kyojuro brought you here because of your high fever."

The voice reassured you, but that wasn't what scared you; you didn't even know who was talking to you and the one person who had promised to be there with you wasn't here. "Kyojuro went to get some food for himself. We only offer food to patients," You scrunched her nose at her tone. So stingy. 

You tried to relax against the pillows behind your head, pulling up the blankets to sit underneath your chin. "Here's some water," You felt something cool in your hand and you moved to sit up, wincing at the slight ache in your muscles. The voice laughed again, tilting the cup upwards to your lips in order to help you drink.

"My name is Shinobu. Kyojuro told me he had already told you about me on the way here. Are you feeling any better?" 

You grew less tense, realizing who this was. You were facing the village's best doctor and one of Kyojuro's friends; she sounded kind, but something behind her words made you a little wary of her. We're only staying here for a little bit. Not for long. You reminded yourself, swallowing and willing yourself to answer.

You nodded slowly, hoping that she was looking at you. Shinobu let out a breath at that, "Good. Kyojuro should be back soon and for the most part, you'll just have to rest. I'll give you more medicine later, but for now, you can focus on recuperating. If you need anything, I have a few assistants, so just ring this bell if you need them."

She placed something in the palm of your left hand and you shook it lightly, testing it. It rang out a sweet sound and you heard a few footsteps. However, Shinobu seemed to tell them what was going on as the footsteps receded as fast as they had approached. The doctor looked at you one last time before heading out of the small hut, humming a tune under her breath.

You sighed, finishing the last of the water that was in the cup. You had initially attempted to nap some more, but you couldn't, your brows scrunching together in frustration. Maybe if I eat something I'll feel better? You managed to grasp the bell, ringing it softly. Footsteps approached, a small girl speaking.

"I'm Kanzaki Aoi. Is there anything I can get you, Miss?"

Your heart felt warm at the sudden respect. Part of you was still cautious considering you hadn't been around this many people in a very long time, but Kyojuro wouldn't bring you here if he didn't have the best intentions in the first place. "Um, food. I don't really have a preference," You awkwardly smiled in her direction.

Aoi scurried off shortly after. You had expected to wait a bit longer, but it was less than five minutes before she returned. She placed something on your lap, making you jump slightly at the sudden shock. "Sorry," The short apology left her lips; she had never worked with blind patients before, clearly.

You didn't mind, shaking your head at her. Being more careful, Aoi set a spoon in your hand and led your hand towards a bowl. "It's some miso soup and there are a few onigiris here." She removed the bell from your grasp, bringing it towards a few seaweed-covered snacks. Aoi reassured you that she'd be here if you needed anything, leaving you to eat in peace.

Quietly, you began to eat. The warmth of the soup and the heaviness of the onigiris was filling and incredibly satisfying. You had spent most of your life eating fish, fruits, and the occasional mushrooms or nuts you'd find on the cliffside. Hell, the last time you had rice was probably when your father was still alive.

He'd occasionally stop by different towns and buy things from merchants that you couldn't get on the sea: salt, meat, rice, and even chocolates. "Shinobu told me you were awake!" Kyojuro announced, brushing past the foliage to grin at you. You would've been more startled if you hadn't heard his running footsteps just a few seconds ago.

You smiled, realizing he had been in a hurry to see you. Quickly, he set his things down and pressed his hand against your forehead. "You don't feel so hot anymore! You must be feeling way better, huh?" Kyojuro asked enthusiastically and you noticed how your tray suddenly got lighter. He took an onigiri, didn't he?

Your question was answered when he began rambling with a full mouth. He clearly had a lot to say and wasn't afraid to say it; listing various things he saw in the village and how he had even helped a lady carry a bundle of sticks to her home. "Eat slower," You laughed softly, hearing his voice growing more and more muffled.

Kyojuro swallowed, grinning at you and muttering an apology. "I feel fine. Just a little tired and my back hurts a bit, but that's it. Shinobu said she'd give me more medicine later," You recounted what she told you to him and he hummed thoughtfully. "We'll probably leave tomorrow morning then. Worst case scenario, Shinobu makes me buy medicine."

He didn't seem to be too worried about that, but you did. Your brows furrowed and you reached your hand out to him which he complied, lacing his fingers with yours. "You have to pay for me to stay here?" Kyojuro shrugged; you could feel the movement flow through his shoulder to his fingers that grasped yours.

"It was either that or I had to fight some beast in their forest. I'm still not in the best condition to do that and I'm sure Shinobu can come up with a poison to combat it, so I'd rather just pay and get back on the sea." 

You felt guilty at his last few words. Right, we still have to look for Senjuro. You paused, thinking it over. You had completely forgotten that you two were looking for Kyojuro's little brother; Kyojuro didn't seem to be as bothered though. Your brows furrowed and you subconsciously squeezed Kyojuro's hand.

When was the last time Kyojuro even brought up his little brother?