The Cursed Iris

Sprout 8: Homura Tsukiyama the Vermillion Bird

Kikyo took over Atsuko's body. "Ayame there's something you should know."

Ayame looked at her. "What is it?"

"Well, Atsuko has been having dreams about a woman who could possibly be Homura. It's on our way to the forest, so I was wondering could we possibly stop there before we continue onward."

"How far is it though?" Natsume asked.

Kikyo pulled out Atsuko's map, "Well, that village is only 15 miles to the west of our current location so it shouldn't be too hard to get there if the two of us take Kumo. I'm also pretty positive that they can run that distance as well," she stated.

"I definitely can, but Ayame can't. Plus, Kumo can only carry one person, and the only person he seems to like to carry is you," Katsumi replied.

"Maybe you could carry me?" Ayame asked Katsumi with a blush on her face. She was definitely embarrassed about asking him that and it was visible to everyone.

*****

The morning came, and everyone hit the road. Kumo carried Atsuko and Katsumi carried Ayame on his back, "So Atsu why didn't you tell me about the dreams you've been having?" Ayame asked her.

"Well, I didn't want you to worry about me for one. Two I really didn't want to go there, especially if it is that woman. She's the one who," Atsuko replied until she went into a whisper.

"Who what?" Ayame asked.

"Oh nothing, anyways we need to get this over with, so we can get those other two tasks knocked out."

They continued in silence until Katsumi chuckled, and they all looked at him, "What's funny?" Natsume asked him.

Katsumi smiled, "I never thought that I would actually be out of that village on a journey with friends you know. The reality of my situation is grim, but I do enjoy the moments like these where I can be with you guys," he said.

They all heard the sincerity in his voice, which made them smile as well, "Geez, you're so corny," Atsuko replied. "No wonder Ayame likes you so much."

"Atsu!!" Ayame yelled at her.

Natsume stared at them. "It's crazy that you all haven't known each other for long, but you play off one another so perfectly. I wish I would've had people like that back then; all I had was my master. Now she's gone"

"Well, you've got us now," Ayame said reassuringly.

Natsume scoffed. "I don't need you."

"I definitely like you Natsume; I hope you'll be with us till the end." Katsumi chuckled.

She blushed at his comment, "Maybe I can stay with you guys," she mumbled.

*****

A woman was sat on top of her home staring at the horizon. She had bright vermillion hair, golden eyes, olive colored skin, and a great physique. "Little feather, it seems like you've finally found me?" she stood up with a smile.

"Guess I'll give her a little test. She is my descendant after all; I won't test those other two other girls, but I will help them out. One of them needs to awaken, so I'll help accelerate that."

She walked in Ayame's direction. "I think I know a good way to do that.

*****

Atsuko and Kumo were flying high above Ayame and the others; Atsuko then felt a tugging sensation in her chest, "She's coming," Atsuko said surprised. She looked up at Kumo, "Take me down to the others right now!"