Jiro X OC

Goodbye

I watched in astonishment as Jiro laughed.  I didn't know someone as serious as him would even smile much less laugh like this.  

"Something funny? What you think I can't take you down?" I continued.  "Do I have to remind you of the last time you lost to me?" 

Jiro chuckled some more before answering, "last time you used a dirty trick to win.  A trick I won't fall for again." 

Something about how he said the last part sent a shiver down my spine.  I shrugged trying to play it cool.

"So I take it you're feeling better?" I asked.  He nodded and gave me a warm smile.

"Great! So about before with Greg-"  As soon as Gregs name escaped my lips Jiros smile disappeared. "What I mean is..." I trailed on trying to figure out why Gregs name bothered him so much.  Did he know what happened to him?  Was it something so horrible that he didn't want me to know? No, Jiro wouldn't hide something like that, he has no reason to.  "-your meeting! Was there any news of him?" 

Jiro shook his head, suddenly he stiffened and pushed me behind him. 

"Ji-"

"Quiet." He whispered.  I pursed my lips and stood still.  I could hear footsteps and laughter coming closer.  

"Ah well if it isn't our hot tempered friend." A voice rang out. "Teaching the hatchlings a lesson are you? I hope you didn't take your anger out on them." Some of the little tengus were recovering but looked visibly frightened at whoever was talking. The smallest, Yuki glanced in my direction.

"Is there someone behind you Jiro?" The voice continued. Jiros shoulder relaxed before he answered.

"Is your buisness not done here Hishi?" He asked.  An unnerving silence continued, part of me really wanted to glance over Jiros shoulder but something in Yukis face stopped me.  

"My, the Tengubi clan must have a lot of security to afford the upcoming chief being away for such a long time." A deeper warmer voice boomed.

"C-Chief, our apologies-"

"I recall asking you to leave as soon as our conversation ended seeing as we have a lot of training to do."  The second voice continued, cutting off this Hishi guy.

"Yes Chief Soujoubou our apologies, we shall take our leave."  

After a few minutes Jiro fully relaxed and bowed leaving me exposed.  I straightened up to face someone who I could only describe as looking like an old grandfather.  His face looked friendly enough with a huge beard that covered half his torso.  He had an overwhelming presence so much so that I instinctively bowed as well. 

"Apologies Chief I-" 

"Enough Jiro, bring the human and follow me." I looked over at Jiro, he had a grim expression on his face. I chewed on my bottom lip not knowing what was to come.  I had naively thought that Jiro was in charge but it looks like I was wrong.  Was I going to get kicked out? A pang hit my heart as I thought of that reality.  It's not that I didn't want to leave but how would I find Greg without Jiro...? But was that the only reason?

Jiros hand on mine snapped me out of my thoughts, his fingers wrapped around it pulling me upright. My heart thudded in my chest, for some reason I could feel the heat rising to my face although I didn't know why.  It's not like this is the first time we've had contact with one another we had to touch each other constantly during our matches so why was this act of his making me feel flustered.  I brushed it off quickly as we followed the chief, it's probably because he's being so gentle. Yeah...that's it this is just out of character for him so it's throwing me off. 

I stared at his back as we followed the chief from the training grounds. I was careful to not track any dirt as we climbed the steps leading to a large building with a pointed roof.  The roof itself was a color of green jade.  The doors slid open as two tengus made way for the chief.

"Leave us." The chief ordered.  I walked into what looked like a throne room, ahead was a lifted platform with two lanterns on either side, the chief went ahead and took a seat on it.  Jiro motioned me to kneel down across the chief, a worried expression donned his face.

"Now why is it that you're here human?" The chief asked.  For some reason my mouth suddenly ran dry, it felt as if I was on trial.

"I...wandered here by accident." I stated trying my best not to be intimidated by him.

"Wandered by accident?" He repeated in disbelief. "This place is protected by my barrier, there should be no way for a human to come in." I shifted my gaze from him to Jiro who was looking straight at the chief with an unwavering gaze.  He reminded me of a robot, the atmosphere suddenly felt heavier.

"I don't know myself..." I continued "I was here with my friend Greg, then there was a mist and he disappeared-"

"I brought her here." Jiro interjected.  The chief looked at Jiro in surprise. "She was lost at the bottom of the cherry blossom tree, if left alone she might've damaged it."

I gave him a look of disbelief as I recalled our first meeting.  Damaged the tree? Me?  He's the one who pinned me against that tree! Jiro ignored me and continued. "I'm sorry Soujoubou." He bowed deeply. "I am aware of the position I put you in, and for that I ask your forgiveness, her presence here is my doing and I will right that wrong soon enough.  For now I humbly ask for you to let her stay." 

The Chief stared at Jiro intently then gave a deep sigh. 

"Raise your head Jiro," He rose and motioned for someone to come in, I turned to see the two tengus from before. "Unfortunately due to my promise I cannot let her remain here but Ryou and Souta will escort her to the bottom of the mountain undetected."

I felt my heart sink at those words. 

"Sou-" Jiro started

"But he promised!" I blurted out. The chief looked at me, baffled by my statement.

"He promised?" He repeated. 

"W-we have a deal." I cleared my throat in order to sound confident.  "I need to find Greg and Jiro promised to help me in exchange for-"

"In exchange for helping out the young ones when we were invaded." Jiro finished.  I glanced in his direction confused by his statement, but by the panicked look on his face I decided to stay quiet.  "After I help her I will send her back down the mountain." 

The chief looked at Jiro and I in amusement. 

"Very well." The chief then turned to me. "Human what is your name?"

"Ritsu." I answered.

"Ritsu...I will give you 15 days.  You and Jiro may wander the mountain during the day and feel free to come back at night however, if your friend is not found within those days I humbly request you be on your way." 

I opened my mouth to protest but the look on the chiefs face made me stop.  He had a sincere apologetic look that said his offer was non-negotiable.  I turned to look at Jiro but he averted my gaze. I gritted my teeth a sudden rage building up inside of me. 

I shouldn't be here anyway. I wanted to leave since the beginning.

The rage continued to burn as I thought about all the time spent in the forest sparring with Jiro.  The deal we had made, if he knew I couldn't stay why did he waste my time? That's time I could've spent looking for Greg!  

"Fine." For some reason I could feel tears prickling my eyes threatening to come out.  I sprang to my feet determined to stop them. "I'm sorry for my sudden rudeness but if 15 days is all I'm given I have to start the search immediately."  I gave a bow and quickly brushed past the two tengus Ryou and Souta who gave me looks of disbelief. 

"Ritsu-" Jiro started but I didn't look back or slow down.  I felt like running, like screaming, I felt...betrayed.