When I awoke the next morning, Hyaku was gone from his spot on the bed where he had fallen asleep the night before, drunker than I'd ever seen him. The nauseating headache from the day before was gone, replaced with a dull ringing in my ears.
Stretching my arms, I took in my new surroundings with my new found abilities. Things were clearer; I could see the minutest dirt particles in the corners of the rooms. I could hear the creaking of the manor and of voices out in the yard. I could smell the wood from the walls, the staleness in the air.
I sighed happily as I got out of bed and changed into a blue and black kimono and made my way into the temple where Hana was seated, praying. I decided to leave her be and to go meditate by the waterfall.
Making my way across the garden and out back, I found a nice, pleasant rock to sit on and began my meditating. I found that humming and singing a song was best for helping me to really become one with myself. I felt an odd sensation on the back of my neck, but I ignored it as I concentrated on the song.
"I had missed your singing," Hyaku's voice startled me from behind. I guess, I was just not used to my new found senses. "You haven't sung in awhile. Been busy and everything."
I smiled, as I turned and jumped from the rock to the bank, loving that I was stronger and lighter than before. "I wouldn't mind singing for you more often," I told him with a grin, running my hand across his shoulder and down his chest.
"I'd love that," he kissed the top of my head. "But, I'm afraid that'll have to wait. Our scouts have sent a message. Shun is still alive and he's plotting against us. He threatens to take over the land."
I frowned. "But, I thought Koori had killed him. How could..." I trailed off, shaking my head. This was so unreal.
"That's what we all thought too, but he's working in alliance with Rin, and they orchestrated the whole thing together. It was a set up," he replied with a shrug, his brows furrowed.
"What do you plan on doing?" I asked, grabbing his hand and holding it. I wasn't sure how to comfort him right now.
"We're going to prepare the troops and begin training. We don't know when they plan on attacking, but we need to be ready for them. Shun's strong, and he'll bring an even stronger army." Hyaku looked so determined; he was ready to beat his brother once and for all.
I nodded. "It seems it's about all we can do right now." I paused and listened. I could hear the others sword fighting and training. "We should be there with them. It's better for morale."
He nodded in agreement. I gave him a feather light kiss on the lips before taking off towards the others. "Beat you there," I called over my shoulder. He was by my side in a flash, grabbing me around the middle, lifting me up, off the ground. Our laughter rang out. It was good to know that even in times of hardship, we could still find the ray of hope.
