The cruise ship was enormous. Even though I was in a bad mood, I paused to marvel at the sheer size of the dining room and other such areas. But just as soon as this sense of wonder overcame me, it left, leaving me grumpy and depressed as I dragged my suitcases across the floor. We were supposed to be going to Hawaii? Peh. Hawaii my ass. Couldn't we go someplace interesting with some history and snow? Like in the Himalayan region or in the Alps or something. But nooo. We had to go to Hawaii.
I glanced down at the crumpled piece of paper in my hand, which had the directions to my room written on it with the ship captain's neat and precise handwriting. I followed the directions and, before long, I arrived at the door to my cabin. "So I'm supposed to be rooming with a girl named Asagi or something, right?" I muttered to myself. "Huh." I swung open the door, but the room was empty as of now. I put my suitcases on one of the beds, but didn't bother to take everything out. The only things I removed were a book, a bikini, and a semi-transparent swimsuit cover-up.
I changed into the bikini, (Which I must say was too revealing on my standards...) and pulled on the cover-up over it. I was thankful that Chishio had gone back into my body for now, because it would definitely be awkward if I had to change around her. I mean, where would I go? There was no closet or anything of that sort - at least, not that I saw. I grabbed my canvas bag and packed my book and the dress I had changed out of into it - just in case. After that, I scribbled a note on a piece of paper that I found in the room and placed it on the bed that would be Asagi's. It read:
To whomever is rooming with me:
The only time you will see me is when I come to get some items from my suitcase, when I'll shower, etc. So, since I will leave you alone, will you please let me be as well? Thank you.
Sincerely,
Asuka
And with that, I left for the pool.
It took me a while to find the location of this pool due, once again, to the large expanses of the ship. I did eventually locate it, though, and I found a nice spot to have a seat and read. After a little bit, though, my eyes - and my mind - drifted over to the other bijuu milling about on the deck and at the pool. How many have I met? ...Three? Yes, three: Kokoro, Raijuu, and most recently Shukaku, who surprisingly had a connection with my own bijuu, Chishio, from long ago. I hoped I would meet more on this cruise despite my bitter feelings on going to Hawaii. Would they some to me, or would I come to them? Only time would tell.
I also watched the bijuu lovers give each other moony-eyed stares. It made me wonder what it was like to be in love. As far as I could tell, it must feel pretty good. I felt a pang of sadness when I realized that no one had ever been in love with me before. Was there something wrong with me? Was I ugly? Was I too cruel or heartless? What characteristic did I lack that these other bijuu have? I've never even had friends before!
I looked down at my book again to try to stifle such ridiculous thoughts. Yet, as I did, a single tear of jealousy formed in my eye.
And deep inside of me, I heard Chishio mumble, "You've gone soft, child."
Someone please continue!
