Fire and Water | A Blue Eye Samurai Story

Chapter 4

As the sun just starts to break the horizon, Ryuu finds himself in the same spot he left Mizu the night prior. However, Mizu is nowhere to be found and there are multiple footprints on the ground where they separated. Ryuu kneels down to the ground to try to distinguish if there is a threat in the area or not.

These prints are varying in size. My prints, a smaller print, and a very large set of prints that start to lead in that direction. Ryuu follows the line of prints with his eyes, and they seem to lead to a nearby brush of leaves. He carefully and quietly follows the prints to the brush, and he can hear the sound of running water as well as a familiar voice.

"But I found you! You have to let me come with you!" the voice cries out in desperation. Ryuu hears another person sigh, and he begins to peek through the brush of leaves. A tall man with an equipment roll stands before a rather annoyed Mizu who is seated on the ground sewing the large opening shut on the blue shirt he's wearing.

Ryuu emerges from the brush and Mizu's blue eyes dart in his direction, and she pulls her sword from the spot next to her, readying herself for a potential attacker.

"Relax darling. It's just me," Ryuu says in a warm and welcoming tone. Mizu sets down her sword and focuses back on the shirt she was sewing together. "I have something for your wound. That is, if you'll accept it." Ryuu walks forward and nods to Ringo who is seen smiling widely. He kneels down to the ground and pulls out the small wooden box that he received from the inn. "Here. Take it," he motions to Mizu in hopes that she will take the small box.

"What is this?" Mizu questions with a skeptical look spread on her face.

Ryuu looks at Mizu with disappointment and his shoulders droop slightly. "Darling, please just take it. Unless you want me to put it on you myself..." Mizu glances from the wooden box to his crimson covered eyes and reaches hesitantly for the small box. Mizu pulls the box from his outstretched hand and Ryuu's lips curl into a slight smile. Mizu opens the box to reveal a yellow-ish ointment and she dips her finger into the box. She meets eyes with Ryuu and his eyes seem softer somehow, like he's happy she took it from him.

"That won't be necessary. I can handle it myself," Mizu wipes her ointment-covered finger on the edge of the box and closes it. She begins to stand Ryuu watches as Mizu turns to face the hot spring. Ryuu turns to Ringo, who is standing quietly with his arms pressed together as if he was just begging Mizu to stay. Which of course he was.

"Hello again Ringo. I see you've found us again," Ryuu teases.

Ringo's eyes widen ever so slightly, and he asks, "Us? Who are you anyway? I served you at my father's shop but you're together?" The sound of an annoyed exhale and a slamming box causes both of their gazes to fall to Mizu, who is now turned and facing the pair. Ryuu raises a brow, and he wonders what exactly Ringo was implying.

"We have an aligned quest and we've mutually agreed to help one another," Mizu answers with an almost hissing tone. She reaches down to grab her poncho, sword, hat, and glasses, redressing herself with her items. "And that doesn't include you." She gives Ringo an icy stare and Ryuu can't help but watch Mizu desperately try to get rid of him for the third time.

"I am called Ryuu, but seeing as we have a mission to attend to, I suppose you won't be around long enough to remember that," Ryuu murmured, clearly seeing the tension his presence is causing Mizu. He catches sight of Mizu, becoming slightly relieved with his decision to keep Ringo away from the pair. "Trust me, this isn't something you should be getting involved in."

"But I can help!" he pleads, dropping to his knees in front of them.

"Let's go Ryuu," Mizu insists, rolling her left shoulder as she walks back towards the path.