Legend of Glory

Legend of Glory

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Chapter Five: Healing

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From a side window, Shizuka and Hiroto kept watch for Katsuya. Neither had heard much of him in the past two days, and both were quite concerned. When he finally returned, riding into the village on Flame, Shizuka immediately took notice that he was in pain. She rushed outdoors, and made her way over to his limping figure. “Katsuya!”

“S--Shizuka, Hiroto…” Katsuya smiled. He leaned on Hiroto, allowing his friend to lead him towards home. Once they entered the hut, Hiroto helped place Katsuya upon a comfortable elk skin.

“Damn, Katsuya,” Hiroto said, his voice was full of worry. “What the hell happened to ya?”

“L--long story,” Katsuya chuckled. He sat, watching as Shizuka damped a small piece of leather into a bowl of cold water. She placed it over Katsuya’s bruised ankle, it purplish in color. Thankfully, it was not broken, but Katsuya knew it’d take time to heal.

Of course, Katsuya was not planning on telling his sister and best friend of what truly caused his ankle to bruise. He easily fiddled, telling of how he had let Flame go hunt. While Flame was away, Katsuya decided to walk the forest floor, and he accidentally stumbled and rolled down a long, rocky hill. Thanks to him already being clumsy, the two believed every word.

As Shizuka wrapped Katsuya’s wound, his parents and the chief entered. Nana shrieked in shock, immediately running over to aid her son.

“Katsuya,” she cried. “What happened?”

“He took a bad fall, “Hiroto explained.

“I--I’m alright,” Katsuya said, watching Chief Mandook sit before him. Chief Mandook took the ankle in hand, using his other to rub it slowly.

Frowning, Chief Mandook allowed his gaze to fix on Katsuya’s glimmering brown eyes. “How did you obtain this wound, young Katsuya?”

Chief Mandook’s eyes were most frightening, and Katsuya almost broke out in truth. However, he held himself, yet stuttered the lie. “I--I fell down a hill in t--the forests.”

“I see,” Chief Mandook smirked. The Chief was terribly difficult for any Beast to read. Katsuya had the most difficulty. He was positive that the Chief knew he was lying, but he kept his mouth shut, in hopes that the subject would drop.

Katsuya watched as his Chief began to chant. The chanting was soothing, and Katsuya grew droopy as he gazed downward, noticing the Chief’s hand circling over his ankle. In a minute, Katsuya was fast asleep.

A few bones crack as Chief Mandook stood. He arched his back, allowing one more pop. “Mm…”

“Will he be alright?” Nana asked.

“He shall be fine by daybreak,” Chief Mandook said. He balanced on his woodened staff, eyeing Katsuya with suspicion. “It only be a wounded ankle, after all. Come, let us all give him peace.”

Jonouchi takes his mate’s hand, leading her out first. Hiroto and Shizuka follow second, but not before giving one another worried glances. Chief Mandook stood there, staying for a moment. He kept his attention on Katsuya’s ankle. “My young student, what have you been up to?” Closing his eyes, Chief Mandook leaned forward, placing a single hand against Katsuya’s forehead. “Hmm…” He quivered, trying to sense the truth in Katsuya. But, shockingly, he could not. “Why is your mind blurry? I cannot read what has happened to you, today. Oh, young Katsuya, what are you hiding?”

--

Mokuba sat nervously before High Gozaburo and Noa. His older brother was meant to be home, by that time. But there was no sign. Mokuba had not expected to be visited by Gozaburo. The man scared Mokuba -- terribly! However, Mokuba was a brave boy, and so he allowed Gozaburo and Noa to wait with him.

Gozaburo tapped at his knee with his fingers. He had been waiting for nearly ten minutes. He was growing restless. “Where is he?”

“I--I’m sure he’ll be here soon,” Mokuba answered. That is really all the thirteen year old could muster. He was too nervous to say anything more. He did not know where Seto was, and in his mind, he prayed that his brother was well and alive.

As if on cue, the door flew open. In walked Seto, still wearing his shredded robe, and still with his bloody wound.

“Seto!” Mokuba shouted. He hopped to his feet, rushing forward to hug his brother. “What happened? I was so worried!”

“I--I’m fine, Mokuba,” Seto said, eyeing Gozaburo. “Would you please fetch me some medicine for my cut?’

“Of course, Seto,” Mokuba said, running fast for Raiki.

Seto stood, watching his ruler stand and make way towards him. “Seto,” Gozaburo said, faking sorrow. “My God, whatever happened?” Seto tensed, staying still as Gozaburo’s hand intruded upon his wound. Seto despised when the man dare touch him.

“Had a little accident while walking in the forests,” Seto flatly answered. It was truthful. “Why are you here?”

“Why, I was merely concerned,” Gozaburo smirked, taking back his hand. “You had left your studies quite early today, and so I thought I’d visit and see if you were, by chance, struggling?”

‘You wish,’ thought Seto. Smirking, Seto went to sit down, feeling a sudden dizziness approaching. Staring ahead, Seto took notice of Noa. The boy hardly spoke, and when he did, it usually is speech of agreement with his father. “I am fine. Just took a long break, is all. I am actually getting closer to finishing the book I am on.”

“Wonderful,” Gozaburo stated. He sat beside Noa.

Mokuba returned with medicine from Raiki. The maiden was busily preparing dinner in the other room. But she had told Mokuba that she’d scold Seto later. “Here Seto.”

“Thanks, Mokuba,” Seto thanked, taking the small piece of cloth. He soaked it in the medicine, and then dabbed at his wound. It stung painfully, and Seto winced.

“What happened, big brother?” asked Mokuba. His wide eyes showed tremendous amounts of worry. The wound on Seto’s head, however, looked worse than it was.

“Nothing bad,” Seto said. “I accidentally fell off of Blue Eyes in the forest.”

“Oh,” Mokuba smiled. “I bet she was really worried!”

“She was,” Seto answered. Indeed, Blue Eyes had been worried when she saw her chosen, him walking towards her with a bloody head and a torn robe. But Seto had reassured her his safety by rubbing her head. And she had slowly flown him home.

“You fell off your dragon?” Gozaburo chuckled, hardly believing it. “I’ve never thought of you to accidentally do anything, Seto.”

“Everyone has flaws,” Seto said. He stood, and made his way over to the front door. “Besides, I have been overstressed with study. I am extremely tired, and I would like to bathe and change.” Opening the door, Seto gave his leader a satisfied glare. “Here is the exit. Now, please leave.”

“Very well,” Gozaburo sneered. Standing, he took Noa’s hand in his, and dragged his son towards the exit. “I shall see you tomorrow, Seto.”

Seto nodded, and immediately slammed the door once Gozaburo and Noa had set foot on the other side. He turned, seeing Mokuba staring up at him with worry.

“S--Seto?”

“I’m fine,” Seto hissed, feeling his forehead throbbing. “I’ll be in the bath. Please tell Raiki that I will eat later.”

Understanding, Mokuba watched on as Seto vanished through the small hallway towards the bathing room.

--

Holding a large, woodened bucket, Seto poured heated water over his nude body. The water felt nice against his wound. Seto relaxed, feeling the dirt wash away. He hated being dirty. And yet, thinking of such a topic allowed his mind to picture Katsuya. He pictured that dirty face. Even before the two had plundered into the ground, Katsuya’s face had been somewhat unclean. Seto also pictured Katsuya’s attire. He could still make out those dark skins Katsuya called clothes, and it made Seto wonder what the other’s of Katsuya’s tribe were like.

Were they wild, like animals? Were they as improper as Katsuya? Were they poor?

So many questions, such much Seto wished to know.

He had no idea why.

Another thought came to him. One of him and Katsuya in the cave, them in fear of escaping that giant spider. A weird flash of light had protected them. Where had it come from? Seto frowned, and he scratched at his right arm. The marking tended to itch, but for some odd reason, it had not itched once when Seto was with Katsuya.

Seto shook his head. ‘W--why am I thinking about that stinky mutt?’ Refilling the bucket, Seto sat on the cold, rocky floor of his bathing room. The coolness touching against his bare behind made him shiver. ‘Uh, am I really that interested in him?’

Was Katsuya worth thinking about?

Rubbing his eyes, Seto grabbed the bucket, welcoming his body with another spray of the warm water.




--

That next morning, Katsuya began undressing for a bath of his own. His ankle felt much better, though it still was a bit battered. Checking it, Katsuya slowly lifted his foot, and placed it into the barrel of steamed water. It felt damn wonderful, and Katsuya allowed a deep-needing sigh to escape through his throat. He allowed the rest of his body to fall into the water.

With shut eyes, Katsuya allowed the rising steam to float about him, and fill him with a mix of pleasure and relaxation. The day before had been such an exhilarating adventure. Though his and Seto’s lives had been in danger, Katsuya could not help but laugh about what had happened.

Seto, so mysterious and strange, seemed so interested in Katsuya. Yet, Katsuya had no idea as of why. Of course, Seto interested him. The man’s clothes were soft to touch, and the man was delicate and clean. However, though Seto seemed precious, he was quite strong, dashing, and courageous.

Eyes shooting open, Katsuya leaned forward. Water splashed, causing a partial to pour out of the barrel, and over the dirt-covered ground. “W--what am I thinking?” Taking a deep breath, Katsuya shook his head. He tried getting Seto out of his mind. “I am not that interested in him. He’s a stubborn, cruel jackass.” Frowning, Katsuya winced, feeling the marking on his left arm itch. Scratching it, Katsuya lowered further into the water. ‘I mean, what’s with him anyway? Why did he even bother saving me down in the cave?’

‘Why did he save me?” Katsuya opened his eyes. He still remembered staring eye to eye with that giant spider. He could still hear Seto shouting, “Run,” as they both swiftly turn to escape the spider. He could still image his body falling from his stumble, and the aching pain of feeling his ankle twist around that damned stone. He saw Seto, saw the man turn, and run back to help him.

Seto had turned back to help him. And as Seto yelled at Katsuya for being stubborn, a sudden flash of light shielded them from the spider’s poisonous fangs. Katsuya could still see the spider struggle by the flash, which surprisingly had not effected neither him nor Seto.

Where had it come from?

“Katsuya! O--oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t know you were bathing…”

His father’s sudden intrusion brought Katsuya’s mind from the past of yesterday. Smiling, Katsuya turned, smiling widely. “It’s no problem.”

“I was just coming to check up on you,” Jonouchi said. Taking a seat on the barrel’s edge, Jonouchi eyes his son. “How’s your ankle?”

“Good,” Katsuya said, pulling his leg out from the water. The ankle was no longer dark in color.

“Wonderful,” Jonouchi smiled. “Everyone has been very concerned, Katsuya. Your mother was having a huge fit.”

“I’m sorry,” Katsuya frowned. “I’ll be more careful next time I go out.”

Jonouchi had difficulty reading his son. The two of them were hardly alike, and yet somewhat similar. Both were tough, and both hated showing any signs of weakness. Without regard, Katsuya had a certain energy that he had not required by neither of his parents. He was unique, and Jonouchi saw this quite clearly. “I am sure you will be, my son.” Standing, Jonouchi made his way for the exit. “Keep safe.”

“Of course,” Katsuya beamed. He watched his father leave, and finished his bath with no following interruptions to ruin his thoughts.

-End of Chapter Five-

Here we are! I know this chapter is short, but the next one is longer.