The Cursed Iris

Sprout 51: The Island of Nonushu

A full day of travel passed, it was quiet, the sun shined brightly, the wind also had an amazing feel to it. In other words it was a perfect day.

"Stay away from Ayame, you creep!" Katsumi yelled to Arthur in frustration.

"What do you mean? I'm respecting her personal space quite a lot. So why are you making such a big deal, stupid halfling?" Arthur replied.

"Call me that again, I dare you."

Arthur looked like he wanted to do it, but Ayame and Usagi stopped him, "Hey Miya how far are we from Nonushu now?" Ayame asked.

"We're near the southern coast so not much longer," she replied with a smile.

"Seems like it's a lot more lively since those two decided to join." Chiyoko giggled.

"Little Katsu got a rival both in love and strength. Natsume seems to have found a girl with a crush on her, Usagi found her confidence, and we got this little cutie with us now," Minori responded while rubbing on Kumo's head.

Kumo seemed to like that, "Minori I missed talking to you," he stated.

"I missed talking to you too Kumo."

Minori turned her attention to Jeanne who was bothering Natsume, "That girl though. Her abilities are a true mystery," she sighed.

Katsumi and Arthur were both still arguing with each other, that is until Ayame became frustrated, "Would you both shut up!" she yelled. Instantly they both were quiet.

"Well at least we know who's the most powerful in their group." Chiyoko laughed.

Ayame sighed as she looked forward. She noticed something in the distance, it was an island.

"That right there is the Island of Nonushu, the home of Oguchi the God of Wolves." Miya stated with a smile. It was almost as if she happy to be back. Her eyes looked as if she wanted to say, 'I'm home.'

"Come on, let me show you around," Miya said as a bridge of flowers rose from the water.

*****

Transitioning back to the capital of Japan, Aimi was in her quarters sitting with her eyes closed. Almost as if she were in a state of meditation, but in reality she was conversing with Suki, "Aimi, your understanding of the energies that flow through this world is amazing," Suki noticed.

Aimi chuckled. "I wouldn't say that, because there's some things I still don't know of course," she said as her smile disappeared. "Suki there's a storm coming, and it's going to be one like none of the others before."

"I know, but we have to continue things as they are. It is not our place to defy the destiny of those two."

"Katsumi Nakajima and Ayame Akiyama," Aimi replied, "bound by destiny to make a choice none of them can escape."

"Indeed, but from the looks of it those two seem way more capable than I imagined. I just hope that the future continues to stay bright for them."

Aimi opened her eyes, and she thought about her daughter who was traveling with Katsumi and Ayame. "This journey with them should prepare my daughter for the hardships of when I'm no longer of this world. Also should help her stay away from the tainted side of the spirit energy."

"You have a resilient daughter, she's every bit like you and more my dear. She'll be ready I assure you," Suki reassured her.

*****

Minori walked side by side with Ayame, "Hey, so how are you feeling?" she asked.

Ayame noticed that she had a sincere tone to her, it was always like that when Minori talked to her. Minori seemed like she really did see Ayame as a younger sister. She chuckled nervously, "I'm fine I guess. It's just so much has been happening, then Katsumi and I made that promise to each other, and I still feel like we're moving too slowly with this journey."