Sono Majikaru Kushami

Kyoto

Year 1600

During Sengoku Jidai

Feudal Japan

A loud slam of the wooden front door of Harunashi’s home as his father watched his son storm away after another disagreement. A soft breeze blew through the village; some of the cherry blossoms were carried about like little pink hearts finding a spot on the ground; before they were trodden on by shoes.

Harunashi never seen his father eye to eye; he wants Haru to continue his healing practices and give up on fantasizing about winning Seido Kai’s heart. Seido Kai was the owner of the local tea house which is filled with lots of working Geisha’s. Haru tends to take a sneak peeks to see Seido in the yard either greeting guests or avoiding his grandfather Aguri's wrath.

As Haru walked across the village a familiar call caused Haru to stop in his tracks.

“Haru, where are you going?” Ryuki called to him. Ryuki Hein was Haru's tall dashing friend who he envies a lot cause of his beautiful looks. With long brown hair, hazel highlights, and aqua eyes like the oceans waters. Compared to Haru short lanky body, white spiky short hair and emerald green eyes he felt so much uglier.

“What you want Ryuki?” Haru huffs as Ryuki tried to catch his breath.

“Owww, you're in a bad mood, aren’t you?” Ryuki took notice of Haru’s facial expressions.

“Yes, Ryuki, I am angry, I can’t believe my father has taken notice of me admiring Seido.” Haru replied as they walked along.

It was quite calm around the village area, though the local lords haven’t preyed upon their area or else chaos would come. Haru’s father is much need necessity due to the sickness that seems to lurk about. If he wasn’t there a lot of people wouldn’t have a chance to survive.

Haru has known Ryuki ever since he lived in Kyoto; though Ryuki being older the pair seemed to be the opposite of each other. Haru being a rowdy rebellious man and Ryuki being quiet yet if poked enough he will unleash his anger in one long burst.

Neither of them was even being trained to serve as samurais to protect the village. Both haven’t picked up a katana or even fought for their freedom. It was up to the higher power and the lords who got to stop the constant fighting.

Though; Ryuki’s past seemed to be unknown to Haru as far as what he already been told. Ryuki seemed to be secretive about where he came from and what happened to his parents. All Haru know is that he came to Kyoto and stay here to live, and then befriended him.

Ever since they had been friends though at times it seemed to be shaky. As for both of them they wanted Seido Kai’s heart. Women weren’t interested to them though it wasn’t until today that they cooked up a plan to try and win Seido’s heart.

“Look, Haru, I have been thinking about Seido,” Ryuki said, before Haru spun around.

“Ryuki, he is mine!” He spat as Ryuki sighed.

“Haru, he doesn’t even know you exist. I have been thinking up of a good plan,” Ryuki sat down as Haru ears perked up at the word ‘plan’.

Joining his tall friend he was eagerly waiting for the words to fall out of his mouth.

“You see, Seido is constantly surrounded by all those pretty Geisha women. We could easily dress up and act like women to get into the tea house. From there we will try our luck at getting close to the man of our dreams,” Ryuki sighed as Haru eyes gleamed at Ryuki’s plan.

“This sounds workable. Good thinking! Ryuki, I knew there was a brain in that head of yours,” He chuckles as Ryuki shot a look at him.

“Why do I feel this is going to be a competition?” He thought as Haru stood up.

“Well you got any yen, or shall we steal from a women clothes line?” Haru asked as Ryuki stood up from the ground.

“Look, Haru, let's lay some rules here. You can’t pounce on Seido straight away. You have to got to play it low or else his grandfather might throw us out. Two keeps the flirting down; we have to work like the rest of the geishas. I would be surprised if they needed some more,” Ryuki said to the short man.

Haru whimpers as he rubs his hands together.

“But what if my father finds out? He could throw me out.” Haru said as Ryuki patted his friend on the shoulder.

“Hey, you got me man. You just act like one of the women, and we don’t want anyone to know you’re a man.” He reminded him. Haru smirked at his friend as he went into a deep thinking mode. Of course an idea popped into their heads and they headed off.

Outside the Shidoko tea house, Seido was sweeping the yard as his grandfather stomped out kicking the pile of leaves away.

“Seido, I swear you got to stop flirting with the workers! I warned you, no relationships at work!” He barks as Seido tried to resists strangling his elder family member.

“Grandfather, I was just sweeping up here. Look what you did!” He said as his grandfather grabbed his heart which made Seido pause.

“Oh grandfather, are you OK?” Seido watched the mob of Geisha’s rushed to the man in need.

“My grandson, you're so mean!” He cries as the girls gave Seido a cold look.

“I didn’t do anything!” Seido said as the girls gather the man and carried him inside. Seido sighed and threw the broom down on the ground.

“Every time we fight, he manages to play the victim too damn well,” He grunted as he wanders off towards the clothes line around the back.

He bypasses an open room and the girls were fawning over Aguri like he was an injured animal. By the fence Haru and Ryuki hid, the pair of them snatched some of the kimonos which were dry, yet spotted Seido in the yard.

“I’m so glad we got these before he came,” Haru whispered to Ryuki.

“Well let’s head back, I’m sure these feminine floral garments won’t be missed.” Ryuki said as the pair ran off back to the village.

Of course Haru’s father Mino was out doing a house call until he spotted his son and Ryuki carrying some kimonos and heading towards home.

“What is that boy up to?” He thought as he made his house call. Haru and Ryuki ran back to Haru’s house and towards his room before sliding the door closed.

Harunashi’s mother died when he was a child, yet he kept a collection of her things in a box under his bed. Luckily he kept the make up and perfumes, it was kind of sad for Haru pulled the box out and stared at it.

“I wish she was here,” Haru said opening the box up and pulling out the make up.

“It would have been nice to meet your mother. I bet she was a very beautiful person,” Ryuki said as he grabs the eye shadow and starts putting it on. Haru sighed as he put some lip stick on.

“I hope there is facial powder in there I need a white face.” Haru said it was then the front door open and closed. The pair paused. Ryuki moved towards the door and peer out to see Haru’s father had returned.

“Haru, what are you doing now?” He called from the hall way as Haru grabbed the make up and the box and put it all away.

“Father doesn’t like me when I bring out stuff that reminds him of mother,” Haru wipes his face quickly as his father open the door to see the pair of them.

“Ryuki, why is there a make up on your face?” Mino said to them as he sees the feminine kimonos on the bed.

“Oh father, we are just...” Haru didn’t know what to say until Ryuki had to save the day. “Just dress-ups,” Ryuki said modestly as Mino sighed and shook his head.

“I wish you were a man, and not a sissy. You really disappoint me.” Mino said as he left the pair alone in the room. Haru frowned as Ryuki did the same as he grabbed the box and the clothes.

“Let's head to my place before he asks any more questions,” Ryuki said as Haru jumped up and the pair sneaked out before Mino notice them gone again.

A stiff breeze had picked up as Seido sat alone in his room. Seido wasn’t too happy with the way things were his silent meditation was abruptly disturbed by one of the Geisha workers.

“Seido, where are my two kimonos I gave to you to wash?” She said as Seido stood up to face to the very beautiful woman.

“I don’t know I went out to the line and gather what was there. I couldn’t see your two kimonos anywhere,” He said as he walked past her and into the tea house. His grandfather wander over to him and notices the odd lipstick mark on his fat saggy cheeks.

“Seido, we have a problem...” He recited as Seido just walked past him before he could say more.

“I don’t want to know, grandfather. I just want to be with my mother,” Seido sighed as he was soon stopped by his grandfather again.

“We need some more geisha workers. We already had some of the girls leave,” Aguri said which made Seido raise an eyebrow.

“I can’t run this place, you're just scaring the women around like hens in a hen house. My father wouldn’t appreciate the way you treat me or them.” He said as he headed towards the kitchen and tend to the small pile of pottery tea pots and cups that sat by the tub of water.

Aguri notice that Seido seemed miserable but before he made a walk into the room the front door bells rang as Aguri rushed away leaving Seido with the dish washing. It had been a while since he seen his mother and father, apparently he doesn’t know if there still alive or not.

“I just want a woman for me. Someone who could love me, and grandfather will leave me alone forever,” Seido sighed as he drained a tea pot of water out before grabbing a cloth and drying it.

Aguri was at the door where two new Geisha women stood, what he didn’t know it was Ryuki and Haru in disguise. Ryuki put on a feminine voice and kept his fan over his mouth and nose.

“Hello there kind tea house owner. I read your help sign posted on the wall and my sister and I would like to help,” He said as Haru felt absolutely weird being related to Ryuki.

“My eyes are deceiving me but you're one tall woman and very pretty. And you are so adorable,” He wag his hairy eyebrows as Haru shrills and Ryuki kicked him in the butt almost sending him falling into the old mans arms. Ryuki laughs.

“My sister is clumsy,” He said as Haru glared at him angrily. Then he quickly got himself back upright.

“Ignore my sister, she isn’t as pretty as I am,” He squeaks which got Aguri rubbing his wrinkly chin.

“Well then do you two know how to entertain the men who come here for relaxation?” Aguri said as the pair looked at each other then laughed embarrassing-like.

The noise got Seido outside the door as some of the geishas spied upon some new competition.

“I never had seen such a tall woman in all my life. She looks so beautiful,” One said as the others look at the much shorter.

“How could they be related to each other? Did the other lose her growth spurt?” Another chuckles as Seido left the gaggle and walked over to his grandfather. Ryuki and Haru’s eyes immediately went to the dashing Seido.

“Grandfather, who are these pretty women?” He said in his lovely deep velvety voice.

His grandfather looked at the pair.

“What are your names?” he asked there was a awkward pause as Ryuki and Haru sweated a little, knees shaking under their kimonos.

“Our names, well, I’m Rei and this is Hako,” Ryuki said which had the pair of them fanning themselves in relief. Seido looked at the kimonos and scratched his head.

“Those garments look familiar,” He said as Ryuki stepped over to Seido.

“Oh no, these are ours, you know sometimes kimonos can look a like,” he chuckles in a girly voice. Seido looked into Ryuki’s eyes.

“Rei, you're very beautiful...” He trails off and his grandfather looked at him Haru was getting mad as Ryuki moved away.

“Would we like to start straight away, if that’s possible? Maybe you can train us,” Ryuki said as Aguri eyed Haru off.

“We would be delighted to do so,” He said leading the pair of them towards the door.

“Grandfather, hey?” Seido followed them into one of the main tea rooms. Ryuki and Haru were in yet they notice the small gathering of geishas were already staring at them oddly.

“Now, my dears, this is Rei and Hako. What’s your last name?” Aguri asked the pair were put on the spot again yet a geisha intervened.

“Those look like my kimonos she stomped forward,” Seido then dashed into her way.

“Oh no, Jiko, they are theirs. You shouldn’t get so restless,” He said as she shoved Seido away and joined the flock again.

“Look ladies, these are new geishas-in-training. You should give them respect and help so they can become like you all,” Agrui said to the group.

The women looked at the two new women and then decide to accept them in.

“Alright then let’s practice the art of pouring and serving guests,” Aguri said as Ryuki and Haru started to wonder if there was an art to this.

The Geishas that work there demonstrated the ceremony which after several tries Haru and Ryuki managed to get it right of course by then it was getting quite late.

“Well my dears, it's time we close up,” Aguri said as Ryuki and Haru headed off out the door, Agrui watching Haru as they left the tea house grounds.

“I can’t believe it; you said no flirting and you flirted,” Haru barks as the pair of them headed back towards Ryuki house.

“I wasn’t flirting, I can’t help it if Seido fancies me,” Ryuki said as they entered the house and closed the door.

Ryuki house was pretty empty, he was lucky enough to have small amount of possessions and items he needed to get by day by day.

“I guess your father won’t mind if you stay here for the night. Well unless you want to go back home and have him ask you where you been,” Ryuki said as he went over to the bucket of water and then started washing the make up off his face. Haru found the box that belong to his mother and opened it up to look through.

“You think that they won’t find out that we aren’t women?” Haru said as Ryuki returned to Haru.

“I got some rice and I’ll make some green tea. I really don’t have a lot of food around,” Ryuki sighed as he started scooping from a barrel of rice grains into a bowl.

“I felt utterly embarrassed today, by everyone even you. I just want to get close to Seido myself,” He huffed as Ryuki took the bowl over to an open fire where a pot of water was simmering.

“Haru, I’m sorry, OK? But please control your temper. You can be so wild at times,” Ryuki replied as he sat down with Haru and waited for the rice to cook.

Back at Haru’s family home, his father was wondering why his son haven’t returned as he ate alone he started to miss having his beloved wife there next to him. It was due to her that he wished he could have saved her life, but being something very serious he couldn’t diagnose what was wrong with her. Though getting old himself he doesn’t know when the war will shift upon Kyoto grounds and he needs his son to pick up where he leaves off.

The next day...

Haru and Ryuki returned to the tea house again to be greeted by Seido’s grandfather Aguri.

“Well good morning Rei and Hako. We are expecting some guests today I hope,” He said as Seido was looking from behind a sliding door. Seido gazed at Rei, feeling somewhat drawn to the woman who he had to know more about. As they came inside, Seido paused Ryuki in his tracks.

“Rei, you will come with me today while Hako will be with my grandfather,” He said which caused Ryuki to blush. Haru stared at Ryuki and Seido as they headed way it was then Aguri pinched Haru’s butt which made him squeal.

“Hey, that’s not on!” Haru barked as Aguri smiled.

“Don’t get mad at me dear, now come to the front room we have got guests there,” He brought Hako in where some of the great samurais who weren’t in battle were being entertained.

“Now, Hako you go and dance with Jiko and Minako,” He said as Haru gulped and joined the other women in the front of the room.

One of the other women was playing a guitar as Haru tried to copy what Jiko and Minako dance movements with awkwardness. Dancing wasn’t Haru’s forte as he was clumsy prancing about that he ended up knocking Jiko and Minako to the ground and he remained standing wanting to wet himself.

The men started to laugh loudly as Haru hid his face and ran off. Aguri was gob smacked as Haru left the room in a flurry before the Jiko and Minako got up wanting to kill him.

“That was best entertainment I ever seen Aguri,” One of the samurais said as they clapped the geishas as they bowed. Aguri soon left the room and went after Haru, he soon found Haru in the garden and wander up to him.

“Oh Hako, maybe dancing isn’t your thing. Come back and serve the tea,” He said as he touches Haru which he stepped away from.

Haru was getting mad yet he had to try and control his frustrations.

“Mr. Kai, I want to be alone for a while. So don’t bother me please,” Haru said in a squeaky voice as the old man. Not far from where they stood Ryuki and Seido were alone under a cherry blossom tree.

“So Seido, where are your parents?” Ryuki asks as he avoids thinking about his own. “My father went to war, and mother moved with him leaving me with my grandfather and the tea house to run.” Seido replied as his black locks of hair brushed against his face.

“This war is worrying me too, what if they come upon Kyoto and destroy our homes?” Ryuki said as a light breeze blew some of the blossoms off the tree onto the dirt grounds.

“This is the first time my grandfather hasn’t come over here and batter me away from you. Your sister seemed to catch his eye,” Seido said as he notices the pair of them fighting.

“Oh dear what’s going?” Seido got up and went over to see Haru fending his grandfather off with a broom.

“Stay away from me, I’m not interested in you,” Haru screamed as he waved the boom around wildly. Ryuki jumped up and went after Seido.

“Hey, Hako please stop it calm down. My grandfather is pretty harmless,” He said which made Haru even more mad than ever.

“Seido… I can’t work here anymore,” Haru said in his normal voice which got the pair of them staring at him.

“Hako, you sound like a boy!” Seido gasped as Aguri gave Haru the evil eye.

“You’re a boy!!!” He cried as Ryuki tried to keep his identity in tack.

Seido looked at Ryuki as Haru stormed towards Ryuki who ran right into the tea house. It was then the sudden cry of war loomed upon the village. The samurais fled the tea house as a barrage of the enemy came storming into the area.

“Oh no, we need to get out of here!” Seido said as Aguri headed inside as the warriors preyed upon the tea house. Inside Ryuki had rushed into a room which had no way out. It was then Haru came in looking very mad.

“Ryuki! I had it playing a woman. You said you back off my man!” He said as he made a jump at Ryuki who dodge him and he landed against the wall.

“Haru, we better get out of here.” Ryuki said yet Haru made a grab for a lit candle and flung it to the ground.

“You’re not getting out of here.” Haru shoved Ryuki aside and made a run out of the door. Ryuki tried to escape but the fire seemed to light the floor in front of him. “I got to jump over it.” He said as he about to leap before invaders stormed into the tea house.

Ryuki glared at the enemy as he tried to get before he was soon surrounded by larger fire. The enemy had set the house alight and Ryuki was trapped in an enclosed room. Outside Haru was running for his life avoiding the fight he saw Seido and his grandfather but it was then his father came out and grabbed him.

“What are you wearing!” He said as they took cover. Ryuki was sweltering in the inferno, he saw how upset Haru was and how desperate and selfish he wanted Seido that he would set him up.

As the flames grew it started catch onto Ryuki’s kimono. He couldn’t do anything but scream. Outside the chaos continued and Haru couldn’t go back to save Ryuki his only friend as his father led him away along with the medical supplies he had on him.

“Where’s your friend Ryuki?” Mino asked his son as they ran into the forest that surround the village, Haru looked back as he felt utter guilt.

“I don’t know,” He said as they kept running.

It was awful eventually Haru and his father couldn’t no more and they were in a safe area far from the war. After a while they slowed down and made camp from what they could find. Haru was feeling terrible as he moved away from this father who made a camp fire.

“I guess we will have to find a new home. I hope your friend Ryuki is OK.” Mino said as he notices his son looking sad.

“I might as well tell you what was going on. You might not like it; I wanted to be close to Seido. I know he never wanted me, even though Ryuki was a woman too. So we dressed up and pretended to be women,” Haru said as his father fought back the anger rising in his stomach.

“Son, you know I have never approved of your antics, you changed since your mother had died. I hope you will give up on this. Make me proud and become a doctor.” He said as he coughed a little.

Haru wipe his eyes as he moved over to his father, “I think it could be the end of that. I can’t help but feel so lonely. I really loved Seido I had no idea he wouldn’t even notice me,” Haru said as he tried to give his father some comfort.

“I’m fine Haru, it’s been the first time since we have been together and not fighting. This war is totally tearing the land apart, we can’t do anything about it.” His father replied as he coughed some more.

He never seen his father look so unwell, Haru dug into his medical bag which his father hand grabbed his.

“Haru… If anything happens to me, I need you to continue on. I want you to help as many people as I did. Give up on love for now and focus on something greater than that,” He said as Haru nodded.

As the sun went behind the clouds it plunge the forest into darkness only the fire his father had lit. Far from the war, Ryuki’s chard body had drift into the after life and straight to the feet of one of the great Japanese gods of the after life. Jizo, great Buddha god loomed over the corpse ghost of Ryuki.

“Where am I?” Ryuki said his voice was dry and harsh sounding as he couldn’t see, everything was black to him yet he hears another voice.

“Ryuki Hein. I am Jizo, great god of the afterlife and guardian to everything living and suffering,” He said in a deep god like voice.

Ryuki was raised off the floor as Jizo given the ability to float; the remnants of the kimono were like tentacles and swished about below his torso. With no legs he was unable to move properly.

“Jizo…” I’m in the presence of a grand god. “You know my name?” Ryuki said as he felt a Jizo hand tough him gently.

“I brought you here Ryuki, because I decided upon giving you a second chance at life,” Jizo said to Ryuki which got him to think what he meant by it. It was such an honor to be given a second chance but at what cost.

“A second chance. Why, great Jizo?” Ryuki asked.

The god thought for a moment before he continued “I know you died via the hand of your friend. Though I feel that you shouldn’t have suffered. Your friend Haru must be taught a lesson.” He said as Ryuki wonder what Jizo was planning to do.

“Oh, Jizo, my friend Haru was jealous of me. His is my only friend. I think he was,” Ryuki trailed off as Jizo listen to him.

Ryuki burnt hands brushed the strands of cloth that still cover him his hair well what’s left of it cover his badly deformed face.

“He was your friend? I think you should enlighten your friend. Part of this is going to bring you back to your beautiful living self again,” Jizo said as he scratched his large fat chin. Ryuki was following the god’s idea and thinking it sounded plausible and honest.

Perched on a giant lotus blossom throne Jizo had Ryuki sit in his left hand while his other hand held his staff.

“So what do I have to do to regain my life back again great Jizo?” Ryuki asked the Buddha god. The great god continued his little chat with Ryuki

“I have selected five people; these people are in need of help. Your friend Haru will take upon the role of the healer. You and him will travel and tend to these people. With this other special ability I will give you. Use it only on these people, they will give you back your body and your life again,” Jizo said with a smile.

It was then he clicked his fingers that sounded like a rumble. It was then a fluffy dragon came into the room, pink in fur blue eyes it was snarling.

“This is Peppushu, you have to take good care of him and he will take good care of you. You and Haru will need a mode of transportation. Go say hello to Peppushu,” Jizo put Ryuki down gently next to the fluffy dragon which sniffed him and growled. Jizo petted the dragon.

“Now, Ryuki, don’t show the fear. He might take that as a chance of attacking you.” Jizo said as the dragon soon calmed down allowing Ryuki's bony hand to stroke its soft fluffy fur. Ryuki could wish he could see this beast though no eyes he had to rely on his hearing and touch senses.

“Who are these people? What are they suffering, Jizo?” He asked as the god watched him with his head resting in his left hand comfortably.

“You will understand soon. When you use your friend Haru’s medical powers, you will know how to use your power. Good luck, Ryuki, I hope you can help Haru and these people. You have a good heart, you deserve to live again.” Jizo said to him. Ryuki floated onto Peppushu’s back.

“Now I’ll take you to where your friend Haru is. I hope he doesn’t get scared by you or Peppushu. Just talk to him and tell him the mission, I wish you the best of luck,” Jizo said as he waved his staff around sending Ryuki and Peppushu up towards the world of the living.

As night had fallen Haru had nursed his father who was now sleeping beside the fire. Haru felt scared being in the middle of the forest after dark, who knows what wild animals are around, he huddle up into a ball and looked at his sleeping father. As a stiff wind rustles the leaves in the trees it also brought out two unknown figures. Haru looked around.

“Hello?” He said as the wind dragged his lone cry about the forest floor.

Haru eyes soon spotted a large shadowy growling beast coming towards him. He got to his feet as he was going to make a run for it until he heard a familiar voice.

“Haru, it’s me, Ryuki.” shadow said yet Haru was still convince to run away.

“Ryuki? You're back from the dead… You're going to kill me!” Haru squealed as he ran away from the camp ground.

Ryuki and Peppushu followed Haru who ran into the darkness. The moon light broke through the clouds and Haru paused in an open area of the forest. It was the shadowy figures soon revealed in the moonlight which made Haru scream.

“Stay away from me!” He cried as he avoided Peppushu sniffing him.

“Haru, it’s me. I’m not here to hurt you, and neither is Peppushu.” Ryuki said as he flew off the dragons back.

Haru stared in fear at blacken boney ghost of what was Ryuki. “You’re hideously deformed. It's all my fault.” Haru sobbed as Ryuki shook his head carefully.

“No, I could have escaped but the warriors who attacked the village set the entire place in fire and shoved me back into the room trapping me,” Ryuki said as Haru remained away from Ryuki’s ghostly form.

“I still feel awful about what happened, and yet still mad. I wonder what happened to Seido and his grandfather,” Haru replied as he went back over to the pink dragon.

Ryuki wriggled his burnt fingers making a clicking sound as Haru pets Peppushu. “I got him from the great Jizo, and he has given us a mission. It will bring me back to this world,” Ryuki said as he flew over to Haru.

“What is this mission you say?” Haru asked as he heard some cries coming back from the campsite. “Father is awake.” He said as he looked at Ryuki and the dragon. “He can’t see you right?” He said as he ran off, Ryuki and Peppushu following him.

“Stay back there!” Haru yelled as he almost tripped and fell over a tree log. Ryuki and Peppushu paused as Haru found his father who didn’t look too well.

“Haru there, you are…” He coughs as he falls to the ground, Haru grabbed the medical bag and rummage through it.

“Oh, father what is wrong with you?” He watches his father continuous cough it was then his father hand grabbed Haru’s hand out of the bag.

“Haru, this isn’t something you can’t fix?” He said as Haru panics.

“Father what is wrong with you?” He asked as his father soon went limp his hand sliding off Haru’s.

Ryuki came out of hiding, as Haru checked his father’s pulse and got nothing.

“Father, wake up please!” He cried as Ryuki frowned and hover down beside Haru and check the body. “No, he can’t be dead!” Haru whimpers as he grabbed a jar from the bag and waved it under his father’s nose.

“Haru, I don’t think using a scent will arouse him. He probably died from something internal.” Ryuki said as Haru looked up at the ghost.

After all these years of just him and his father, he should make more of an effort to make their remaining time pleasant. Hanging his head Haru felt more horrible guilt and sadness as he stood up and put the jar back into the bag.

“I failed at being a good son and a good friend.” He slung the bag over his shoulder and looked at Ryuki.

“Shouldn’t we bury him or something?” Ryuki query Haru who seemed to want to curl up and die himself.

“Tell me about this mission the great Buddha god gave you” Haru asked as Ryuki watched him put out the fire ending the lit camp site into darkness.

A cold wind whirled through the trees as Haru, Ryuki and Peppushu walked along.

“So if we cure these five people; whom the great god didn’t tell you who or what they are suffering from to get your life back,” Haru sounded a little confused to the god's plan.

“That’s what he said, and when we do find these people. Somehow there is a sign that we have to help them and we will know it when we do.” Ryuki said as they continued walking until a deep growling sound came through the forest.

“Was that Peppushu's? Or my stomach?” Haru chuckles; as they stopped to see a group of glowing yellow eyes.

“I don’t think so Haru, I don’t know what we can do.” Ryuki said as the eyes and shadows came closer to Haru.

“We have to get out of here,” Haru scrambled onto the dragon’s back.

“Fly, please fly!” He cried as the wolves made a pounce towards them as Peppushu roared and shot fire towards the wolves.

Of course the wolves only could see Haru floating in the air and fire coming out of no where. They soon backed away and fled into the darkness.

“I’m glad that spooked them, I didn't know Peppushu can blast fire.” Haru said to his corpse companion.

“I’m grateful that he did. Now as for flying But I don’t know if he can fly well.” Ryuki said in an unsure tone.

Haru was just grateful that he was safe, well technically though he felt lonely on the inside. Grasping the bag his father used to help sick folk in the village it was then another sound came out of the silence. This one got Haru and Ryuki by the ears, it was Seido and he seemed to be lost.

“That’s Seido, it sounds like it's coming from over there.” Ryuki listened as Peppushu changed direction and headed towards the calls. Seido and his grandfather who seemed to be nursing his injury he sustained during the fleeing of Kyoto.

“Seido, Kai, there isn’t anyone out here, please stop calling.” He said as he winces in pain. It was then Seido heard some foot steps heading this way.

“Hey Seido.” Haru called as he soon came through the bushes and almost gave the man a surprise.

“Haru what are you doing out here alone?” Seido said as knelt down beside Aguri who immediately got mad.

“Who are you? You tried to make me think you were a woman.” Aguri said as he winces again.

“I think he have broken his ankle or something/” Seido said in a panicking voice.

“Mr. Kai, allow me to fix it please, I’m sorry about before but allow me to help you. My father…” Haru pause as he looked over to where Ryuki and Peppushu, he notices Ryuki twitching wildly.

“Look, whoever you are; please can you help my grandfather?” Seido pleas to Haru. He never thought he is so overthrown by Seido’s beauty again, though Haru must focus.

“My name's Haru Yamato and I’m sorry about before.” He dug into the medical bag and grabbed some cloth and placed it on the ground.

“Where is your father, I knew him but I never knew you were his son.” Aguri said as Haru notices Ryuki hovering close to the group.

“Haru… Psst,” He went as Seido and Aguri looked around.

“Did I hear something?” Aguri said as Haru started to check over his ankle.

“Can you feel this?” Haru touch Aguri’s toes and got a defiant no. Ryuki was twitching as he felt that this was one of the five people he must help. But how will he allow Haru to get him to sneeze without them noticing it.

“This must be it.” Ryuki twitch his noses wriggling and was glowing a little as Haru turned behind him to notice Ryuki having a strange twitching attack.

“Haru, what are you looking at?” Seido said as Haru notice Ryuki flailing his arms to move aside Haru eventually backed away and watched Ryuki throw his head back as he was about to sneeze.

“Haru?” Aguri notices that the youngster seemed distracted by something as Ryuki soon let it out. Haru watched Ryuki head fell forward and blasted the nose scared Haru, Seido and Aguri as they looked around the darkness.

“ACHHHOOOOOOO!” It echoed about as the magic streamed from Ryuki’s mouth and down onto the broken ankle.

“What was that!” Seido jumped behind a tree as his father was helpless to flea the horrid noise. Haru tried to keep Aguri calm as the magical medicine drifted into the broken ankle and started to mend the bone and flesh.

“Oh god, I want to hide!!! Let go me let me go!” Aguri yelled as Ryuki quickly vanished from sight back to Peppushu.

“Calm down Aguri, it probably was me sneezing... I turned my head away so I don’t sneeze on you.” Haru said as Aguri gave him a disturbed look. Seido came out of hiding “Grrr, Haru, I swear you can…” Aguri jumped to his feet like there was no broken bone and it was then Seido gasped.

Aguri paused to see he was upon his feet, no pain or discomfort. There was silence before Seido and Aguri exchange confused looks and Haru seemed to peek behind the trees where Ryuki had gained a portion of himself back.

“I guess that how we will know.” Haru said under his breath then Seido and Aguri were dancing around madly which disturbed Haru.

“Oh how is this possible? I mean my grandfather had a broken bone and it’s healed... Did you really injury it?” Seido stopped and glared at Aguri who gave him a look.

“Are you calling your grandfather a liar!?” Aguri said as he walked around a bit finding him feeling a lot better but Seido was fuming. All the times Aguri had made him angry this was a chance to unleash some wraith.

“You always lied to me, grandfather, about my parent’s, about the fact you're not dying; you're doing it so I won’t get a woman!” He spat as Haru started to sneak away yet Seido grabbed Haru by the sleeve.

“Seido, please. I’m an old man, you're my only relative. I’m sorry.” Aguri hung his head as Haru was swept up into a close hug which got Ryuki shocked.

Though Ryuki felt his arms with his fingers the flesh had flourished back onto the surface now he was a ghost with human arms. He smiled as he ran his delicate fingers over them.

Seido held Haru in a hug as his grandfather watched in surprise.

“Haru, I’m sorry about the way my grandfather treated you. I hope this embrace will be enough to show my gratitude for your help.” Seido said as Haru was blushing bright red and nestled against Seido’s strong chest. Ryuki sighed as Aguri was sighing too.

“For a moment, Seido, I thought you were interested in women.” He laughs as Seido’s blue eyes glimmer as he looked into Haru’s emerald eyes.

“Umm, thank you Seido-san. I accept your apology.” Haru said as his face went redder as a tomato. Aguri then started piling some sticks together

“I think we could set up camp, stay until daylight comes,” He said humble-like as Seido let Haru go.

“Join us, I’m sure you will need the company,” He said as Haru sat down on the ground putting his medical stuff away.

“Thank you, Seido-san.” He replied as Ryuki and Peppushu watched through the bushes.

“I guess we are staying here Peppushu. It's no good going to be close to them.” Ryuki sighed as Peppushu crouched down onto the ground and curled up into a ball of fluffy fur.

Ryuki nested in the fluff and soon nodded off to sleep. The rest of the night slowly went by as Haru was feeling slightly better having Seido and his grandfather nearby.

Though he is worrying about his father who he left several meters away from where they are. His emotions were swirling around as he struggled to sleep. Seido seemed to notice Haru unable to sleep.

“What’s wrong, may I ask?” He said as Haru moved over next to him.

“You don’t know what happened to me today. I started off with having my best friend try and steal you away, that’s right... Seido, I have a major crush on you and we pose as women to be close to you,” Haru stared at the camp fire as Seido was taken back by Haru’s words.

“I didn’t know I had you and Ryuki both wanting me. I’m kind of a surprised I admit…but where is your friend Ryuki?” Seido watched Haru sob to himself.

As the fire burned Haru explained how he lost two of the closest people he ever had in his life and Seido comforted him until they fell asleep. Haru never thought Seido would be such a caring man, yet he is grateful that he was there. As the sun rose over the hill the sun crept through the forest Seido stirred to find Haru still sleeping beside him. His grandfather soon woke up after they heard some growling.

“Oh no wolves!” He cried as he scrambled up a tree as Haru woke up realizing the noise was from Peppushu.

“I don’t see any wolves,” Seido said as he looked around, Haru got up and headed away from the pair.

“Nature calls,” Haru chuckles as he runs off leaving Seido and his grandfather behind.

As Haru went through the bushes he gasped to see a set of fleshy arms on Ryuki’s corpse body.

“Hey, Aguri was my first patient” He smiled crooked like as Haru panics.

“What are we going to do? I can’t have a set of floating arms,” He dug into the bag and pulled out a blanket he wished he knew was in there.

“Haru… Did you enjoy sleeping with Seido?” Ryuki asked, feeling slightly jealous as Haru slung the blanket over him. Peppushu growled as Ryuki seemed covered up now just a floating cloth which seemed a little better than before.

“Haru!” Seido called as he looked at Ryuki and Peppushu

“I’ll come back. Ryuki, it might be best not to ride Peppushu until Seido goes away,” Haru suggested as he started to walk away Ryuki sighed as Peppushu snorted.

Seido and his grandfather were awake and all feeling rather hungry.

“May I ask where are we going?” Haru asked Seido and Aguri. As the old man stretched his back and yawns Seido answers Haru question.

“I guess the next village nearby if it hasn’t been attacked and destroyed.” He said as his grandfather perked up with a rumbling stomach.

“I’m so hungry, I’m sure there is a village not far from where we are.” He sighed as Haru looked back through the bushes and Ryuki was covered up under the blanket like a cloak.

This was going to be difficult for Haru to have Ryuki follow him or even more so having to use his sneezing powers on people. He was becoming visible slowly, Haru looked back as Seido and Aguri started walking through the forest.

“So do you know where the next village is?” Haru asked Seido who seemed to be a little distant as he kept an eye on his grandfather.

“I haven’t traveled away from Kyoto in a long time, my grandfather kept me grounded there. I’m sorry to be talking about family after you lost your father and your friend.” Seido said as Aguri came rushing back and hid behind Seido.

“What’s wrong?” He said as his grandfather looked around in fear.

“I saw this ghost… This floating ghost, it’s following us” He said as Haru somewhat knew this was going to be difficult now Aguri might have seen him.

“Calm down grandfather, there's no such thing as ghosts,” Seido said as he shoved him out from behind and continued walking.

“I some what remember this pathway, long time ago I think. My father had taken me out here. I think if I recalled, my grandmother lived in the next village.” Seido said as Aguri started to feel sad.

“Stop it, Seido! Don’t ever talk about your grandmother!” He cried as it was then a loud howling noise came through the forest.

“Is that wolves?” Aguri leapt into Seido’s arms and panics as Haru decides to move away yet Seido grabbed him.

“Where are you going?” He asked as the howling came again.

Then the floating blanket with human arms came out in front of them sending Seido and Aguri running like mad over the hill and down into the valley. Haru stood there as Ryuki laughed.

“I scared them good, eh? I was getting lonely and that…” and Haru was fuming at Ryuki’s immature use of his dead appearance. Haru stuck burst into a fit of rage.

“Ryuki! You stupid idiot, now look what you did! I don’t know where they are!” Haru slung the medical bag as a weapon and Ryuki dodges it easily.

“Hey, man, those medical supplies aren’t strong you know, they are fragile.” He reminded Haru as he chased him over to the hill and towards the lower valley.

Aguri and Seido watched from behind a rock and saw Haru chasing the ghost, behind him Peppushu followed growling as Haru soon tripped over a rock and the bag flew through the air. Haru went for a horrible slide down the grassy dirt slope.

“Aghhh!!” Haru rolled as the bag was going to plummet and hit the ground hard, yet Seido ran out just to dive under it and catch it. Ryuki watched from up above as Aguri was fretting away.

“Ghost!” He yelled as he pointed the floating cloth with arms. Seido looked up to watch the blanket fly away from the scene and Haru managed to come to a rolling stop.

“Ouch,” He moaned as he got up from the ground and snaps the bag from Seido’s arms. “Thank you Seido.” He grunted as he stomped onwards. Seido got up off the ground and looked at Aguri.

“Grandfather, the ghost is gone. Come on, let’s go.” He said in a calm state while he was practically shaking on the inside.

Ryuki watched from behind the trees and looked at Peppushu.

“I really feel out of place, how am I going to cure people or let alone trust them not to freak out at me?” He sighed as he and Peppushu continued walking along. Though Ryuki’s loneliness was soon joined by the voice of Jizo.

“Ryuki, I’m glad you have cured your first patient; it shows that friends are always the first and easiest to cure. Yet now onwards you must work out a way to sneeze onto them without people knowing you're there.” He said as Ryuki felt his smooth fleshy arms.

“Haru doesn’t want me around. Seido and Aguri are scared of me. What if they found out who I was they might shun me away?” Ryuki asked the Buddha god.

“That’s one of the greatest problems many people face. Acceptance.” Jizo said as a vision of his face appeared in Ryuki’s corpse like mind.

“I think Haru will need you more and more, though if you fail to cure the people I had given you could end up going back to your ghost form again.” Jizo said as Ryuki gasps in horror.

“No you can’t do this, that’s not fair.” he cried as Peppushu growled deeply.

“I’m sorry Ryuki, but you won't have this ability forever, it’s just for you to learn and to gain your life back.” Jizo said in an emphatic voice to Ryuki.

“I see, I will continue my quest, I hope I will not lose the vital opportunities.” Ryuki said as he felt a little unconfident in himself. A cool breeze rustles the trees as Seido, Aguri and Haru reached the outskirts Kobe.

Cherry blossoms seemed to be rarer in this village; which seemed to be recovering from the war. The waters gleam from the far end of the village as it was perched beside the ocean. Seido’s fond memories of seeing his grandmother and playing around at the beach all came back to him as he walked along in a dream state of mind.

Aguri wasn’t feeling the same, to come back to a place he never wanted to return due to his wife death. Yet it brought up the lies he had to tell Seido to protect him from the truth.

The fact his parent’s aren’t really around at all; also that he had to raise Seido a lot while his parent’s were unhappy being together. Haru looked behind him and notice Ryuki and Peppushu weren’t there, he sighed as he felt his guilt returned.

“It’s been so long, I remember where she lived,” Seido said as he wonder through the village and towards the house where his grandmother lived. Aguri was weary about letting him go near the place.

“Seido, please don’t go there.” Aguri said as Seido turned to look at his grandfather curious as to know why.

“Why not, why aren’t you allowing me to go see where she lives. I know she died; long time ago. You have to face it grandfather.” Seido replied to him as he knocked on the door.

Aguri sighed as Haru had disappeared from them. Ryuki and Peppushu stood in the shrubby behind the house as Haru spotted him he walked over.

“Ryuki, I’m sorry about yelling at you and that.” He apologies as Ryuki hover past him slight twitching.

“Oh Ryuki, you're twitching a bit, does that mean you're close to your next patient?” Haru asked as Ryuki stopped and turned around.

“Haru, we need to work as a team; but if you're scared of having me around just because people think you're strange to talk to me. I guess I can work alone without you,” He said in a sad voice as Haru notice how depressed he looked.

Peppushu grunted as he sniffed Haru and shoved him forward with his nose like a horse.

“Haru?” Aguri called as he looked at Ryuki.

“Stay here. I’ll come back, OK?” as Haru rushed back towards the old man to hear horrid noises that came from inside the house. Seido came out in a panic as he saw his grandfather and Haru standing there.

“There is a poor girl in there, she is very sick!” He cried as Haru entered the house Aguri looked at Seido.

“What were you doing in there anyway?” He blurted as Seido looked at his grandfather sheepish like.

“I knocked on the door while you were looking for Haru, this woman came to the door and thought I was a doctor. She was throwing up blood everywhere,” Seido said as Aguri shook his head.

Inside the place Haru notice a lot of blood splatter about the floors it was then Ryuki was outside the house twitching away.

“Hello? Anyone here?” Haru said it was then this woman appeared and he totally freaked out as she was pale and dead like.

“You have to help me...” She stuttered as she looked unnaturally thin and unkept.

“I never had seen anything like this before. I’m just a doctor in training. My father was a doctor,” He trailed off as she wonder over to the window and opened it up before vomiting blooding out. Ryuki gasped as the young woman pulled herself back in.

“I’m dying, I have been to scared to go outside. I don’t know why I answered the door...” She talked on as Ryuki peaked through the window.

Haru swallowed hard as he notices the swollen throat and the blood stains on her clothes.

“Do you have a name? May I ask you? I’m Haru Yamato,” Haru said as the woman flopped down into a chair.

“I’m Kikaru Minamo, my parents aren’t here. I have been ill for so long. I want to be able to live,” She wept as Haru couldn’t stand the gruesome sight that he had to ask about the symptoms. Her hair was oily and black in colour, though how was Haru going to cure Kikaru’s problem.

“I’m scared Dr. Yamato, what will I do?” She pleas to Haru as it was the first time he was address as a doctor.

As Haru rummage through the bag and pulled out a medical note book which had listed illnesses serious to not so. Kikaru shifted in her seat as she explained what she been experiencing and soon enough Haru found the problem. Acute tuberculosis and it was a pretty serious case that Haru needed Ryuki for.

“I’m afraid you have tuberculosis, serious version of the flu,” Haru said as Kikaru frowned as she looked very sad.

“Can’t you help, I have been praying everyday, I want the great Buddha god Jizo… I had a feeling today I might be changed.” She stuttered as Haru looked at Ryuki and Peppushu in the yard.

Ryuki was relying on Jizo to help him and even himself yet he had to get Kikaru to fall asleep so Ryuki can come in and sneeze.

“Kikaru, I will try and help you. I need you to fall asleep for now. Relax, please, I’ll try and help you.” Haru said as Kikaru closed her eyes weary. Then Haru signaled Ryuki to come into the window. Removing the blanket he hovers over and into the house.

“What’s wrong with her?” Ryuki twitched violently.

“Just sneeze please.” Haru hissed as Kikaru was twitching herself.

“Haru? Is someone here?” She asked as Ryuki did the unthinkable he covered her eyes with his hands as he soon sneezed all over Kikaru.

“What was that!” She croaked as the magic of the sneeze was taken into her body and went to work. Ryuki quickly let go of Kikaru and hid away as Seido and Aguri entered the house.

“Haru, are you OK?” Seido said as Haru made a beeline towards them to stall them from coming inside.

“I’m fine… You're better off staying out here. Everything is being taken care of,” Haru stuttered as he lead the pair back outside.

“Haru, if you can help this person, I’ll be surprised,” Seido said as Haru smiled.

“I’m sure she will be OK, don’t worry about it,” Haru said reassuring the pair of them.

Inside Kikaru stood up from the chair and he touched her throat, the swollen throat had gone. The sickness and the coughing had subsided.

“Oh wow, I feel… better!” She cried as she raced towards the front door and outside.

“Dr. Yamato, I don’t know how you did but I’m finally healthy again!” She squealed as she hugged Haru.

“Umm, Kikaru, thanks. But please go inside and clean yourself up please.” Haru yelped as she went back inside.

“I don’t know how you did it, Haru. But you got some amazing gift to cure people,” Aguri looked at him strangely as Haru smiled.

Ryuki plucked the blanket off the ground and he watched as the woman was prancing around happily, it was then he notices he has a torso.

“Oh another piece of me has returned,” He said as he hid back behind the bushes, his hands touched his chest and stomach, yet he was still missing some legs to stand on.

Kikaru started to wash up her and the house, change of clothes and she was happy to finally no longer live in such a horrible murderous area. Haru really wanted to go and find Ryuki yet Aguri was still giving him a strange look.

“Grandfather, since we are here, let's go to the beach.” Seido said as Aguri’s and Haru’s tummy rumbles loudly.

“I’m hungry, let's go find some food.” Aguri said as Haru sighed.

“Where are we going to find any? We don’t have any money.” Seido said as the lovely smell of food waffled through the air and under their noses.

It smelt like cooked rice with some vegetables and meat, it seemed early for lunch time meal but the three of them were drooling and sniffing the air to find out where it’s coming from.

“Oh, how are we going to get any food?” Agrui whimpers then Kikaru came back out of her house and notice they were still standing there holding their stomachs in hunger.

“All of you look very hungry. Did you want some food?” She said of course Kikaru had washed herself up and did a quick clean of the house.

“Well, we're OK.” Haru said as he didn’t want to go back inside there.

“I haven’t seen my friend in ages and that’s a dish they make all the time,” Kikaru said as she closed the door to her house and came down the steps.

Her hair was looking a lot better in fact Seido could tell that Kikaru is quite pretty as she lead them across the village grounds the smell came from a house where a young man came out. He almost fainted at the sight of healthy Kikaru.

“Kikaru, are you OK? Stay back.” He said as Kikaru laughs at her friend Kiba's phobia about catching what she had. Kiba was quite adorable with black hair and green eyes. Kikaru eyes lit up as she approached him.

“Kiba, I’m cured. Thanks to Dr. Yamato!” She pointed at Haru who was blushing.

“That’s wonderful, I haven’t seen you in a long time.” Kiba smiled. The moment was defiantly touching as Kiba invite everyone inside for a much needed meal.

Ryuki and Peppushu move carefully out of sight of any of the villagers after seeing Haru and the group go into a house.

“You know I feel a little hungry myself... Though I can't go in looking like this half of me is visible,” Ryuki whined to Peppushu.

The smell was so tantalizing for him that he was going crazy with hunger. He couldn’t resist, he had to get Haru to get him some food. He quietly flew over and settled by a window as he watched the group happy feast upon food.

“So, Haru, I must know how you managed to get Kikaru healthy again. I feared her and whatever she had,” Kiba said as he watched Kikaru eat without vomiting half her insides out on the table.

Haru was finding this difficult as Aguri and Seido looked at him. It was then Ryuki knocked on the window which got him to notice him before he vanished again.

“Well I think I’ll go for a little walk down to that beach,” Haru got up and grabbed the remainder of food and left leaving Seido, Agrui, Kiba and Kikaru scratching there heads. Haru waved to Ryuki and the pair rushed down out of the village to the sea shores edge.

By then the sun was high up in the sky as Ryuki and Peppushu met up with Haru.

“Ryuki, they are constantly asking me how I cured her. I can’t tell her that some ghost sneezed on her,” Haru said as Ryuki tried to eat the food though it flew straight through him and landed in the sand. Ryuki frowned and wondered why he couldn’t eat it.

“Haru, I’m so empty, my torso don't have anything inside,” He sighed as Peppushu tried to eat the real food yet of course failed also. Haru frowned as he looked out at the blue ocean in front of them.

“I wonder where the next person is. Even more so it’s going to be harder to explain how I cure people with the use of a ghost.” Haru said as he sat down, Ryuki floated down and hover next to him.

“Haru when it’s all over, you will have me again.” Ryuki said which he hoped put some happiness into Haru’s eyes. Though Haru’s eyes seemed to be filled with worry and fear

“I don’t know Ryuki, after what happened to you, I thought my problems were easy to get rid of. But I couldn’t control my temper. I’m sorry Ryuki, I don’t think us will ever be the same again.” Haru threw some sand as Ryuki looked blue,

“Haru, please how many people get a second chance to bring one person back that means a lot to them? Not many do have that chance. I need you and you need me.” He said putting an arm around Haru who moved away.

“I failed, I should paid more attention to my father who I couldn’t save either.” Haru stood up and went over to where the waters lapped the shore.

His white hair blew a little in the sea breeze yet none of them were aware of the old man hiding in the bushes.

“The ghost, why is it hanging around Haru? Something's strange going on here.” Aguri mutters before he was startled by Seido who noticed the floating blanket and Haru on the beach.

“Seido! Please, I’m trying to spy on them.” Aguri said as Seido huffed and pulled his grandfather away from the bushes.

“I need some answers from you.” He said as his grandfather didn’t know what Seido was going on about.

“Answers to what?” He asked as Seido folded his arms sternly.

“I don’t understand why you freaked out when I entered grandmother’s old house? I think you know something, grandfather.” Seido asked as Aguri walked back over to the bushes only to be pulled back by Seido.

“Seido, look, the ghost is there with Haru. Do you think Haru is using magic?” Aguri said as Seido did notice what his grandfather saw.

“I had knowledge in medical sense, I have to say it would have been impossible for Haru to heal my broken ankle and Kikaru’s sickness just like that.” He said as Seido rolled his eyes.

“Grandfather, I’m tired of your stupid assumptions. Even back at the tea house; every day you kept the women from working along side me. You’re scared of me leaving you and having a life! Oblivious my parents couldn’t stick around to raise me.” Seido spat as Haru turned to hear the yelling from the bushes.

“Oh no!” Haru panics as Ryuki rushed away to hide somewhere with Peppushu.

Then Seido came out of hiding and saw Haru shaking on the spot. He walked over to him in long strides; his black hair shone in the sunlight and his blue eyes seeking the truth. Aguri popped out and trailed behind his tall grand son.

“Haru, if you don’t mind me asking… Why was that ghost thing hanging around with you? Were you talking to it?” He asked his voice seemed concerned and intruded to know. Haru sighed what was he going to say to the man he and Ryuki were crazy over.

“Seido, Aguri, the ghost is a friend of mine,” He started to sob as he tried to wash the rest of his problem away as Seido hugged Haru in his strong arms. Ryuki and Peppushu watched; Ryuki knew that his secret couldn’t stay quiet for very long.

“Jizo, what if Haru tells them?” He asked, then Jizo replied.

“Haru isn’t going to tell. You can see that he is too scared.” Ryuki watched Seido hold Haru in his arms.

“I wish I could have Seido hug me. Haru is so lucky.” Ryuki sobs as Peppushu growls in boredom.

“Ryuki, I think in the end you will discover there is someone else that might be the one…” Jizo hinted as Ryuki remained in the shrubby helpless to do anything at all. Seido soon let Haru go as Aguri was stewing in anger.

“I can’t believe this! Some ghost friend of yours! Why is he following you around!” He said as Seido pulled his grandfather back.

“Enough. If it is a friend from beyond the afterlife; you have no right to judge Haru because of it,” Seido said as Aguri hung his old head in shame.

“I think I should learn to stand up for myself, I have been through too many times I had to take orders from you. I tend to think you’re keeping some major secrets,” Seido stood over his grandfather as Haru peeked out from behind.

“Oh Seido, I’m doing these things to protect you. I guess I might as well come out with it.” He sighed as he wipes his brow.

“Your parents, they weren’t happy with each other at all. The marriage didn’t seem to last long as you think. I know you keep asking me where they went. And whatever happened to them. The numerous letters you wanted to send, I collected them and burnt them. They weren’t coming back for you Seido-san. It was down to me and your grandmother to make your life a little happier,” Aguri voice seemed to be filled with sadness and despair.

His stance seemed to wobble a bit, before he fell forward, Seido catch him and put him back up again. Seido couldn’t help but feel a mixture of feelings as his grandfather stood awkwardly

“I can understand… You don’t love your grandfather,” He said as he turned and started to walk away. Haru looked on as Seido was hesitant to give a response.

“Seido I think you better go after your grandfather. Try and mend things, I have my own problems I can deal with alone,” Haru left Seido on the beach and headed towards the shrubby; Seido soon called out to Haru.

“Wait Haru please.” He said but Haru refused.

Ryuki watched Haru come into the bushes it was then he sat down again. Peppushu nosed Haru gently as Haru petted the pink dragon.

“Ryuki, you don’t have to worry. I didn’t tell them that you’re the one who is curing these people.” Haru sighed as Ryuki came down out of the canopy and floated beside Haru. His shabby kimono hung over his flesh torso yet his dead head seemed out of place.

“I know. Jizo told me you wouldn’t. I’m glad you didn’t,” Ryuki said as Haru sighed

“Seido and his grandfather aren’t getting along well. Another problem I can’t solve. I must learn the way of curing people my way. Not with magic, I know Ryuki but this isn’t proving I’m much of a healer at all if I have you sneeze on people,” Haru stood up from the ground and dusted his kimono.

“But Haru, you can always learn but you must let me cure these people, I can be back to myself again. I know it sounds selfish but compared to the fact you abandoned me in a horrifying situation, it proves that you don’t care about me,” Ryuki said coldly as Haru sobs, his friends words were hurting him.

“I don’t know where the next person is, Ryuki. You know things get harder and harder the more you pursue it.” Haru cried, as Peppushu growled lowly as Haru walked away from Ryuki.

It had been hard on all of them, Seido had trailed his grandfather back to grandmother’s old house and notice Aguri was out the back where a small grave was.

“Oh my dear, I tried my best to father this child. He doesn’t respect me at all. I wish I was there with you now,” Aguri said to himself as Seido couldn’t help but feel hurt.

“I’m sorry grandfather… I know how much you loved your wife much. You didn’t show me this before.” Seido said as he placed a hand on his grandfather’s shoulder.

The cherry blossom tree that stood over the small burial plot that Aguri cleared away to reveal the stone he placed there was defiantly insignificant to find.

“I’m glad that Kikaru hasn’t discovered this. I better tell her not to touch the stone,” Aguri mumbled as he started to walk away.

“Grandfather, why don’t we live here? We have nothing to go back to in Kyoto.” Seido suggested as it was then Kiba and Kikaru came around to see them.

“Stay here?” Aguri said in a surprise voice.

“Hello Seido, Aguri-san. We didn’t want to intrude on you,” Kikaru said apology-like “Oh no, Kikaru, We were wondering if it’s possible. Can we live here? I know it’s your house but you see this, it's where my grandmother used to live,” Seido said to her. Kiba looked at Kikaru with adoration.

“Oh, well Kikaru you can stay with me. I’ll take good care of you. I’m sorry if I kind of left you alone for too long,” Kiba said feeling sorry for neglecting her. Kikaru looked at Seido and Aguri then at Kiba who was waiting for a reply.

“I think that's OK. If you have you lost your house already, you’re welcome to take mine.” She said as Kiba hugged her happily.

Seido smiled as Aguri seemed to cheer up him.

“This is wonderful, thank you Kikaru! I hope you and Kiba well enjoy living together.” Seido said with a smile. Kikaru was beaming red as she didn’t know how much she seemed to like Kiba until now.

“I’m glad you have decided to stay here, it’s nice to have some more friends.” Kikaru said as she wonder where Dr. Yamato disappeared too.

It was then Haru walked by to see them in the yard, Seido notice how down Haru looked as he paused to see them standing there looking at him.

“Dr. Yamato, is there something wrong?” Kikaru went over to him as Haru looked at Seido and Aguri and sighed.

“I must go now. I would like to stay for the night if you don’t mind. My journey continues.” Haru said as he put on a fake smile.

“A doctor’s job is never done. I must tell more people about you. I can’t believe you cure me but what matters the most is I don’t know how you did it.” Kikaru hugged Haru again for gratitude it was then Kiba took Kikaru away and held her.

“I admit it, Dr. Yamato, I’m glad you brought the happiness back into my life,” He said as he seemed very overjoyed with Kikaru close to him.

“I think Haru could stay with us for the night.” Seido said as Haru looked around and saw no sign of Ryuki. As the sun was almost near the ocean horizon Ryuki and Peppushu were wandering about alone together.

“I wonder if Haru will come back, I know he feels ashamed to have me around.” Ryuki sighed as Peppushu growled it was then Ryuki heard a girl calling out for help .

“Oh no, I can’t go and help because I’ll scare her… But on the other hand,” Ryuki flew and Peppushu followed him as they dodge the trees to a clearing where a young woman was being attacked by a violent stranger.

“Get up!” The man cried as the woman seemed to remained scurrying on the ground, she seemed beaten up yet Ryuki watched before he let out a long howling noise that alerted the pair.

“Ahhh, wolves!” The woman cried as the man wasn’t fooled.

“There aren’t any around here.” It was again Peppushu growled before roaring loud enough to scary the man away leaving the woman on the ground.

She was shaking violently as Ryuki pondered the idea of coming out.

“Help!” She cried, then Ryuki notice why she was struggling, her ankle seemed to be twisted, and yet Ryuki felt no much twitching at all.

“Well here I go,” Ryuki flies out into the clearing and the woman screamed louder.

“Hey, stop screaming, I’m nothing to be scared of.” Ryuki said as the woman panics more and more like a child.

“Get away, horrible reaper.” She swipe at Ryuki with a bag of some sort. Peppushu sighed as Ryuki was making the situation worse.

“Look lady, calm down please. I won’t hurt you.” Ryuki said as his arms exposed and the woman stared in fear. She was quite large breasted, her hair slighting mess up but rather attractive looking.

“Who are you? Why are you trying to help me?” She said as Ryuki offers his hands to gently ease her upright.

“I scared that man away. I don’t know why he was attacking you; but you look hurt. I can take you to a doctor, who is my friend…” Ryuki trailed off. He had little idea on where he might be.

“What is your name?” The woman asked as Ryuki stared away from her.

“Ryuki.” He replied.

“I’m Siame Yamo. It’s nice to... meet you.” She was still scared of Ryuki.

Ryuki couldn’t believe he just exposed himself to another person without Haru knowledge. What did Jizo think? He didn’t hear anything from the Buddha at all everything seemed quiet as he looked back at Siame.

“I’m going to take you to my friend,” Ryuki said as he once again helped her up onto her feet a lot of the weight almost squashed Ryuki down into the ground as he struggled alone with Siame leaning on him.

“So Ryuki…careful please, I got something very precious in my bag.” She said.

That made Ryuki wonder if Siame stolen something from that man. It was none of his business; he managed to get her to come with her without screaming. The sun was setting as darkness loomed Ryuki made it back to Kobe village it was then he notice Haru was on the doorstep of Kikaru’s house staring up at the early stars in the sky.

“Haru!” Ryuki panted as Haru almost went white to see a rather large woman attached to Ryuki balancing awkwardly on a hurt ankle.

“Ryuki… you're exposed to humans!” Haru stood up as he looked inside the house and then went over to help Ryuki put the woman down onto the veranda.

“You don’t look like a doctor, let alone a cross dressing kid,” Siame blurt.

“Look, Ryuki, let’s just try and help Siame out here.” He said as Haru was dumbfounded “And why didn’t you react to her injury?” He said and Siame looked at the pair oddly. “Haru, are you out there?” Seido called as he came out.

“Uh, hi, I don’t recall meeting you,” Seido said as Haru looked at Seido and then at Ryuki.

“Um, the ghost is back, and none is freaking out,” Haru said as he went inside. “This woman needs some attention, keep her here and don’t get Aguri up please,” He said as he fetched his medical bag.

Seido walked by the woman and stood on the ground next to Ryuki.

“This is strange. A ghost, a woman with a hurt ankle and Haru tending to her. I got to admit he is one who doesn’t stop helping.” Seido said with a smile.

“This is strange, obviously there is a human in there.” Siame said as Ryuki gulped he didn’t want to talk

“Did you know that he talks?” Siame chirps as Haru returned with his bag it was then Ryuki was even more uncomfortable.

“Human? I really don’t understand.” Seido said as Haru went to work on Siame’s ankle.

“Now I recommend you don’t walk on it please. Until it gets better,” Haru said and Siame snapped back

“I can’t stop my search, I’m looking for someone. Someone I must find again.” She trailed off as she pulled out the box from her bag then opened the box to reveal a ball.

“He gave me this; I don’t know what it's supposed to do. He said it will lead me back to him some day,” She sighed as Haru finished up banding her ankle.

“Sounds to me you must love this guy a lot. Having it find him must be a challenge,” He said as Siame nodded. Siame cradled the ball which seemed to have various lines etched all over it.

“I don’t know what these lines mean though. I have been following it and they haven’t led me to him,” Siame sighed as Haru had a look at the ball himself.

“Seido, where are you?” Aguri called from inside it was then Ryuki started to head away yet Seido grabbed his hand and felt something familiar about it.

“Oh dear, Ryuki, you must go hide. I don’t think Aguri should see you. Oops...” Haru went bright red as Seido almost fainted.

“Ryuki… This is him?” Seido let go of Ryuki’s hand as Ryuki looked down at the ground ashamed.

“Seido, where are you?!” Aguri yelled again as Seido headed back inside before he looked at Ryuki again.

“Seido…please…don’t be scared of him.” Haru said as he tried to get Seido to have a little faith.

“Haru come inside, but first let’s help Siame in.” Seido said as he helped the woman up onto her good foot. Haru took the over side.

“Well, you're pretty handsome, aren’t you Seido?” Siame said which made Seido shutter not in a good way. He wasn’t taking any fancy with Siame at all.

“Haru, I’ll be outside since you don’t want to spend the night with me.” He sighed as he went over to where Peppushu laid, Haru felt sorry for Ryuki as he went inside to see Aguri eye Siame off.

“Well hello there, I didn’t know you were into this kind of lady.” Aguri purrs as Seido put Siame down in a chair and shook his head.

“No way, grandfather. She's looking for her man.” Seido replied as Haru put his medical bag down again.

“Oh well, then maybe I can have her.” Aguri moved closer to Siame who soon whacked him away.

“You old man, I don’t want you!” She spat as she crossed her arms angrily. Aguri cowardly walked away, very hurt by her comments.

“I’m going to bed. I suggest you all do the same.” He wheezed as he left the room after having his ego destroyed.

“Don’t worry about him Siame; I’ll make sure he doesn’t come near you.” Seido chuckles as Siame sighed. Haru looked out the window as Seido walked over to him.

“I’m sorry. I wish you told me who it was. I would understand.” Seido said as Haru kept staring into the darkness.

Outside Ryuki allowed Peppushu to curl up around him burying him in his pink fur. He never felt so lonely, he hope Haru would come out and least stay with him. Though it was then Haru’s head popped up with a lantern in his hand.

“Ryuki, is there room for one more?” he said as Peppushu grunt and uncoiled a bit as Haru climbed in where Ryuki was. “I’m sorry about everything,” Haru said as Ryuki threw his arms around Haru pulling them close.

“I know. I guess we might be lumped with Siame,” Ryuki sighed as Haru tried to get comfortable. To human’s eyes, Haru is lying on the ground yet to his eyes, he is surrounded by Peppushu’s body.

“Goodnight, Ryuki.” Haru mutters into Ryuki’s chest as Ryuki smiled. The pair of them soon fell asleep.

The next day...

“Ahhh! Get off me, you old man!” Siame shrilled from inside the house as it woke Ryuki and Haru up.

“I better go inside and see what’s happening” Haru leapt up and ran inside to see Seido pulling Aguri away from Siame.

“This isn’t the way to start the morning!” Siame spat as she looked at Haru.

“Aguri is a perverted old man,” Haru said as Aguri hung his head in shame.

“But… but… Oh well,” He gave up then turns his attention to his stomach “Seido, make some breakfast.” He announced as Seido sighed.

“Fine then, you leave Siame alone.” He said as he went off into the kitchen.

Then there was a knock on the door which lures Haru to answer it to see Kikaru and Kiba with a basket of food.

“Morning, Dr. Yamato, we thought we bring some food over because I don’t have much in the house,” Kikaru chirps as it alerted Siame to stand up awkwardly.

“Oh, food!” She squealed as Haru and Kikaru watched her hobble over and then snatched the basket away.

“No, Siame that’s for everyone!” Haru grabbed the basket and pulled. Kikaru and Kiba watched a tug of war between small Haru and towering Siame Yamo.

“We don’t seem to have any food,” Seido watches Haru and Siame fight over a basket and helped Haru eventually they pulled it off Siame’s grasp and she fell down onto the floor.

“Kikaru and Kiba, nice to see you again.” Seido said scratching his head.

“Help me up!” Siame yelled as Haru struggled to pull Siame onto her feet again.

“Come on, dish it out!” Siame barks as Seido grabbed some plates and started laying it out on the table. Outside Ryuki peered into the window watch them eat up the breakfast.

“Today, me and Ryuki and Siame better get back on the trail,” Haru said between chews of food.

“You're leaving? Haru, I'm going to miss you.” Seido said that made Haru blush bright red. Seido cares for him, and he couldn’t believe it.

“Yeah. I’m sure I’ll come back and visit you again, Seido. Maybe even with Ryuki being himself again,” Haru trailed off as he looked towards the window to see Ryuki there.

“Mmm… It’s been too long since I had a meal. Yes, I must continue my search, it is good this time to have company.” Siame eyed off Haru and Ryuki.

“Umm, yes. But you must remember Siame, we have an important journey we must fulfill,” Haru said as Seido and Aguri looked at the pair. Kikaru soon spoke up.

“There is a ghost near the window!” She squealed as Kiba held her then Aguri freaked out.

“Ahh! It’s trying to come in!” He leapt up and ran into the other room. Seido sighed. “Kikaru and Kiba, please don’t be afraid of him… That’s Ryuki.” Haru said as the pair ran off into the other room with Aguri.

Haru stood up and then gave Siame a two long pieces of wood to aid her walking.

“Thanks, Haru,” She said as she eased her self up right with Seido’s help. It was soon that time where Haru, Ryuki and Siame must say goodbye.

“I’m going miss you Haru, good luck.” Seido said as Haru as he hugged Seido again. Ryuki sighed as Siame balance on her hand made crutches.

“Oh, this is going to be hard for me to walk.” She wobbles about as Ryuki soon coped the weight of her as he held her up right again.

“Haru, we can’t take her along to this make the trip longer.” Ryuki whimpers as Siame stood upright again on her crutches.

“I don’t think Siame should come, I’m sorry,” Haru said to her but she wasn’t budging regardless of her injury.

“No, I’m not staying put, I must find my lover!” She spat as Ryuki looked at Peppushu and then hoped for Jizo’s insight on the situation.

Haru sighed as he walked over to his traveling group.

“I don’t know how we are going to do this,” Haru said as he looked at Peppushu and at Siame. Ryuki drifted away as Jizo started to talk to him.

“I see you have a new addition to the journey, I must say I’m glad you have found this one.” He said as Ryuki was puzzled by his words.

“What do you mean?” He replied as Jizo laughed to himself.

“You will see at the end of your journey.” He said as Ryuki sighed.

“Jizo, what are we going to do with Siame? She is injured. Should Peppushu be revealed to her sight?” Ryuki asked as Jizo pondered over that idea.

“I think I may have to, but I can’t believe I have to do this. So far you revealed yourself to humans and I’m proud that you have done it.” Jizo said in an honest tone.

“I know, Jizo, but will Siame see Peppushu?” Ryuki replied it was then Jizo replied with a yes.

“Ryuki come on, let's go.” Haru said as Ryuki soon turned around and faced Haru and Siame.

“Jizo said Peppushu can be revealed to Siame. We might have to use him to carry her along.” Ryuki said as Siame tilted her head.

“Peppushu? Who's that?” she said as Haru and Ryuki started heading out of the village.

Seido and the others saying goodbye to them as they left. As the traveled out towards the forest area again it wasn’t long before Peppushu started to appear for the first time in real form. Yet the pink dragon’s appearance wasn’t a pleasant one for Siame.

“Ahh! A pink dragon!” She cried as she tried to hobble away and fell over again sprawling on the ground Haru and Ryuki sighed.

“Run, Haru! It’s a dangerous creature!!” She screamed as Haru shook his head and helped Siame up again.

“No it isn’t. It's harmless, Siame. This is Peppushu. Hopefully he won’t hurt you as long as you don’t fear him.” Haru said as he led Siame over to the beast. Peppushu snorted as he sniffed Siame who was shaking crazy.

“What is he doing?” She asked as Haru petted the dragon.

“He just smelling you, besides you're going to be riding him for most of the time.” Haru said as Peppushu crouched down; Siame was hesitant to climb on yet Peppushu waited patiently as his tail swing from side to side like a dog.

“He won’t eat me, huh?” Siame said as Haru shook his head as Siame climbed onto the dragon’s back. Ryuki watched as Peppushu stood upright again.

“Well how are we going to find the next person?” Ryuki asks as they started walking again.

“I don’t know. I honestly think we should go to the next place we can come across.” Haru said scratching his head.

Siame dug into her bag and pulled the ball out with one hand the and other clenches onto Peppushu’s neck fur which was making him grumpy. The sun gleam off its shiny surface as the lines, though it was then the ball started to shift a bit and wobble about in her hand.

Haru heard Siame shrieked as the ball started to flee from her grasp.

“Hey come back!” she called as the ball hovered wildly in the air. Ryuki and Haru watched as the ball soon flew off.

“Argh!” Siame cried as Haru leapt onto Peppushu

“Follow that ball!” He cried as Ryuki flew off after it with them.

“Has it done this before?” Haru said as they dodge the trees and climbed upwards. Siame struggled to hold on.

“No, it had never done anything like this before. Unless it means means my lover is near by!” Siame soon smiled as Haru sighed as they swooped through the low clouds; up ahead Ryuki was trying to reach the ball as it soon drop back downwards.

“I wonder if it found him!” Siame squealed as Peppushu dove down.

“Hold on!” Haru cried as they were getting rather close to the ground again as Peppushu pulled up the ball continued weaving through the remainder of the trees.

“Ryuki, don’t catch it, it might lead us to someone!” Haru yelled as they broke out of the forest and flew over a field the ball continued its crazy trail.

Ryuki backed off and joined Haru and Siame on the pink dragon as it struggled to keep up with it.

“This is crazy, when is it going to stop!” Ryuki cried as the ball shot up into the sunlight before it came straight down towards the outskirts of a village.

“Oh my goodness, its stopping!” Siame cried as Peppushu flew forwards towards where it landed.

Below a stranger lurked up in the trees as he couldn’t believe what he saw. Remaining quiet as he could he drew out some ninja stars and waited to attack. Peppushu soon landed as Siame struggled to get off only to fall flat on her face. Haru sighed as Siame cried in pain; Ryuki helped her upright and retrieved the crutches that were tied to Peppushu’s side.

“Where is he?” She squawked hobbling about wildly as she took off into the village grounds of Osaka. Haru and Ryuki looked around to see there was no one here.

“We better retrieve the ball!” Haru headed towards where the ball lay at the base of a tree it wasn’t until a ninja star came heading down towards him that Ryuki pulled Haru out of the way as it stuck the ground.

“Where the hell did that come from?” Haru said in a panicking voice as Ryuki moved Haru away.

Then a figure jumped down from the tree and landed on the ground. The man had his mouth covered with a green cloth; the rest of his outfit was green too. His blue eyes seemed to be red and then he started to sneeze.

“Ugh…what do you strangers want? You're not going into my village and destroying it!” He blurted as he coughed and sneeze again. Ryuki started to twitch, Haru noticed as also did the ninja.

“Umm, we aren’t here to hurt you” Haru said to the blond spiky hair man.

“Yeah right, why are you in the presence of a dragon? And that thing?” He said as he referred to Ryuki who was twitching.

“They won't hurt you, just don’t fear us. Are you sick by any chance?” Haru asks the ninja who remained armed. It was then the man removed the cloth and sneeze again

“What kind of doctor travels with a dragon and a ghost?” He croaks as he seemed to look less harmful now.

“I really should be putting up more of a fight with you. We already braved on war battle. I don’t want the village harmed again,” The man said as Haru could understand, luckily he seemed to be a lonely ninja.

“What if he has more hiding somewhere?” Ryuki whispered to Haru. It was then Siame came hobbling back in disappointment.

“He is not here!” She wailed as she leaned against a tree.

“I can help you, what is your name?” Haru asked as he walked towards the man with caution.

“You don’t look like a doctor, and why are you wearing a floral kimono?” He said as Haru sighed at the remark and opened his bag of medical equipment. Ryuki was quivering away as he went over to Siame who looked at him blankly.

“Stupid ball, it led me to no one! What’s your damn problem?” She watched Ryuki shake like a pile of jelly.

“Umm… nothing.” Ryuki looked like he was going to burst. Haru looked at Ryuki who cowardly walked behind the tree trunk.

“My name's Suichi, I don’t think you can cure my sickness.” He said as he started to move away.

“Hey wait, don’t go!” Haru raced after him it was then a group of ninjas sprung out of hiding and surrounded Suichi and Haru.

“Suichi, you have got some nerve to be around here. You’re a failure to the Shinobi Clan.” the leader spoke.

“Please leave him alone, I have come here to cure him.” Haru said boldly as the group laughed at him. Suichi pushed Haru aside.

“Don’t get involved, please.” He mutters as the leader and his group closed in on them.

Ryuki watched as the group who were armed to attack his friend and his new patient.

“Oh no, what are we going to do?” Ryuki said as Peppushu stormed away from Ryuki and Siame and then let out a roar that alerted the ninja clan.

“Ahhh, a dragon!” One cried as they watched it blew fire into the air which made them run off into hiding again.

“I wish your dragon didn’t interfere.” Suichi sighed as he walked away as Ryuki and Siame came over to them.

“Suichi, I’m sorry. I just want to make you feel better.” Haru said as Suichi stopped and turned around.

“They banished me, they want me to leave. I have been suffering from this flu for days. It’s ruining my stealth skills. I just want to prove that I’m a great ninja.” Suichi said sniffling in a large amount of snot in his blocked nose. His eyes were red from the lack of sleep and his nose was red and dry.

I know you're not feeling so great, but please let me help you so you can continue your path to becoming a great ninja.” Haru said in a hopeful sounding voice. Suichi look pretty depressed, as he continued walking away from Haru.

“Haru, can we please rest for a while?” Siame whines as she hobbled over to a log and sat down. Ryuki hover beside Haru.

“I don’t think having Peppushu out here be a good idea. They could come back and attack us.” He said as notice couple of the locals giving them a strange look.

“I think Peppushu have gone back to out of the village. It's just you here which they are staring at,” Haru mumbled to Ryuki.

Ryuki frowned though it was then they heard Suichi cry out, which alerted the pair to raced towards it, to see if he wasn’t in any danger. The Shinobi Clan was attacking him as Haru and Ryuki hid out of sight watching the ill Suichi defend himself against his group.

“You can’t fight too well Suichi, but you don’t listen to us when we said you have to leave!” The leader cried as Suichi took another blow causing his flu to become even worse.

“I’m not allowing that pansy doctor to cure you, you deserve to suffer!” The leader added as Haru and Ryuki watched as Suichi struggled to fight back.

“We can’t allow this to happen!” Haru said as Ryuki held Haru back.

“It’s no good for us to get involved, we have to wait until the fight is over and Suichi comes to his senses.” Ryuki said as Haru watched.

Suichi managed to throw a round house kick at them and dodge any thrown ninja stars yet he was feeling exhausted as the flu made him drowsy and unfocused.

“He is wearing out,” One of the ninja’s called as Suichi fell onto the ground panting for air, his nose clogged and the dust made it itchy.

“You give up now, Suichi?” The leader said as he stood over him. Suichi's pride was strong he didn’t want to wave the white flag now, but he had no choice.

“Yes.” He wheezed as Haru and Ryuki came out of hiding into the garden where they stood.

“OK, that’s enough.” Haru said sternly as the group turned around to see them.

“Your little friends are here, maybe we should pick on them.” One of the ninjas said as Haru and Ryuki backed away.

“Don’t hurt them,” Suichi got his feet. “Just let the doctor tend to me. I don’t care much for being part of this Shinobi Clan.” Suichi admit holding back his grief.

“Fine. you leave Osaka now. And don’t come back.” the leader said as Suichi headed away Haru and Ryuki followed him.

“You’re giving up?” Haru said as Suichi headed toward his home and sat down on the veranda.

“OK, doc, are you going to give me something for this flu?” He asked in a depressed tone as Haru looked at Ryuki who was twitching violently. “What’s wrong with him?” Suichi asked as Haru started to panic a bit.

“Could I get you to close your eyes please? Just for a moment.” Haru said as Suichi cocked his head wondering why. “Umm, it's part of my procedure.” He added as Suichi shrugged his shoulders and close his eyes.

Siame was coming up behind them just to witness something very disgusting. Ryuki sneeze onto Suichi which made her gag.

“Eww, yuck!” She croaked as Haru and Ryuki looked at her in horror. “You're disgusting!” She added as Haru watched Suichi open his eyes.

“What was that? Did someone just sneeze?” He asked as he wasn’t aware how the magical cure was working on him.

“No one sneezed on you.” Haru said as Ryuki clamped his hand over Siame’s mouth but she thumped Ryuki against his new set of legs cause him to limp away.

“Ouch! You stupid woman!” He yelled at her as Suichi notice the set of legs peeking out from the blanket.

“What is she talking about?” Suichi asked as Haru backed away.

“She is crazy,” He said as Siame intervened.

“Ryuki sneezed on you!” She barked Suichi looked at Haru oddly.

“He sneezed on me? Why you...” He paused, his nose was clear, his ears seemed to be unblocked and the flu had vanished. “Huh, I feel better?” He said as he took in a deep breath and smiled.

“I finally got my legs!” Ryuki cried. Siame was still wrenching from that horrible act of germ spreading.

“You’re disgusting, don’t sneeze on people!” She cried and hobbled away from the pair.

By the sun was over head and Haru and Ryuki had successfully cured another patient. Though they were in need of some food and rest. Siame sat far away from them with Peppushu as Suichi offered the travelers a meal.

“I don’t know how to say this, but it's strange as this all seems. I’m quite grateful for your help.” Suichi said scratching his head.

“Are you going to attempt to get back into the Shinobi clan?” Haru asked which caused Suichi to pause and put his chopsticks down and sighed.

“After what I have been through, I couldn’t stand up for myself cause of this illness. Now I’m better, somehow I don’t feel like attempting the impossible again.” He stood up and walked away.

It was obvious that Haru couldn’t do anything about Suichi’s problem; Ryuki seemed happy now that he is almost back to normal again.

“I wish we could do something else for Suichi; he seemed to lost all confidence in himself.” Haru said as they gathered up the empty plates.

“I hate to ask, I can’t get over the damn sneezing thing. Why did you do it?” Siame asked as Haru and Ryuki had little choice.

What would Jizo think now? Ryuki moved away to a corner of the room and waited for Jizo. Haru tried to avoid speaking but Siame glared at him.

“I don’t recall Ryuki having legs until after he sneezed on Suichi,” She said suspiciosly.

“Jizo, this is getting hard.” Ryuki said in his subconscious mind as the Buddha god was snoring which made Ryuki a little frustrated. “Jizo, wake up!” He said loudly in his head and the Buddha god woke

“Oh Ryuki, I’m tired. I’m trying to take a nap. What’s wrong?” He yawned.

“Siame witnessed the sneeze,” He said as Jizo had a slight gasp before he chuckled lightly to himself.

“I guess now she wants to know about what you and Haru are doing? Did Suichi get cured? As long as she isn’t asking too much you should be fine,” He responded with another yawn.

“But Jizo I thought that would ruin everything if Siame finds out, besides she's looking quite strangely at us right now.” Ryuki said looking over his shoulder.

Siame was eying Haru impatiently as Haru looked at Ryuki panicking for some help. Suichi stood in the door way as he watched them, wondering what was being talked about.

“Fine, then you might as well tell her, I’m not happy with this myself. The patients aren’t supposed to witness this,” He said shaking his head in dismay.

Ryuki sighed; being able to have emotions he can’t feel anything but empty. Suichi decided to come into the room.

“What’s going on here?” He said as Ryuki, Haru and Siame looked at him.

“Oh nothing…” Siame restrained her arms back to her side as she was close to choking the answer out of Haru.

“Yeah, I was just clearing away the plates.” Haru chirps as he took the pile of dirty dishes into his arms, yet Suichi took them from him.

“I’ll clear this away, doc.” He said and then left the room again. Ryuki finished up his talk with Jizo and returned to the group.

“Right, I want answers!” Siame hissed at them since Suichi left the room. Ryuki looked at Haru.

“OK, don’t mention this out loud to anyone. Ryuki was given this gift to sneeze on people to cure them. Once he cures them he gains parts of himself back.” Haru said as Siame scratched her head.

“You don’t do anything at all do you?” Siame said as Haru hung his head.

“No, I need Ryuki to sneeze on them. I have to distract them.” He sighed as Ryuki nodded. Siame was a little confused.

“He can’t just gain this ability from nowhere. Where did you get it?” She probed into Ryuki's space.

“Great Buddha God Jizo…” He mutters as Suichi returned to see them talking amongst themselves.

“OK, all of you are welcome to stay here for the night.” He offered as Haru replied

“Thanks Suichi, I’m sorry for bring up the ninja issue.” He muttered as Suichi grabbed some kunais. Haru and Siame got up as Suichi seemed to loading himself up with his weapons.

“Umm, Suichi you don’t need to hurt us.” Haru said as Siame headed towards the door on her crutches.

“I’m not going to hurt you. I wish I could take down the Shinobi Clan. I must leave.” Suichi said as he headed towards the door.

“You don't have to leave!” Haru said as Suichi was already outside the house.

The sun was heading towards the horizon as night time was coming.

“Haru, I appreciate your help and everything. I think I would better off wandering the lands alone,” Suichi sighed as he headed away. Haru frowned Ryuki came out and watched Suichi leave.

“So much for him sticking around,” Siame said as Haru couldn’t help but feel sorry for Suichi.

“I think he can survive on his own, I just hope the Shinobi Clan don’t try to come and kill him.” He sighed as he headed back inside again.

“I guess we can’t change his mind.” Ryuki said as Haru sat down and put his head in his hands.

“I can’t help but feel that I let him down,” He cried as Ryuki petted his shoulder.

“No you didn’t, this was his choice.” He replied.

Siame came back inside too; the day had been long for her. Though she dug into her bag and pulled the golden orb and stared at it.

“I was so sure I would find him, it seems so long ago when we first met in a market place,” Siame sighed as she rubbed her hand over the shiny surface.

She stifled a yawn as she closed her eyes, to dream of that man she so wants to be with right now. Haru yawns as Ryuki watches his friend in the corner of the room.

“I guess we better get some sleep.” He said as Ryuki out stretches his arms, Haru notice Ryuki wanting him to sleep with him.

“I hope Peppushu is OK,” Haru said as he cuddles up to Ryuki who was almost complete in his human form.

“I’m sure he is fine.” Ryuki said as he held Haru close him. His legs stretched out a bit so Haru could rest between them comfortably.

“Soon you will have your head back; I hope that’s all of it,” Haru mutters into Ryuki’s chest.

“Yes that would be wonderful, though I need clothes badly. I’m kind of drafty,” Ryuki said.

Haru noticed that Ryuki was lucky to cover up his naked body under the old blanket with the hole it. The hole is where Ryuki’s head sits in; though Ryuki still felt very empty on the inside of him.

“Haru, I hope after all this, you start practicing on your medical skills. I can’t sneeze on your patients forever,” Ryuki yawn as Haru nodded against his chest. As the moon shone through the window, outside Peppushu had come closer to the house and was fast asleep.

It seemed to be a peaceful night sleep, though Haru tried to forget about Suichi and the Shinobi Clan, what if he was pounced on by them? He would be out-numbered.

His mind started to form images; it was a dream which Haru wasn’t expecting at all. Ryuki and he were together, yet the place they were in was so beautiful. Lots of cherry blossoms; light breeze and the sun shining as they were in a field.

They were close together, closer and some what in love with each other. Ryuki seemed to be completely whole again as his long brown hair waved in the breeze, his aqua eyes gleamed for Haru. He wore a lovely blue kimono which shown a bit of his lean chest. Haru was in his arms, their hands exploring each other; the feeling of love was between them and he couldn’t believe it himself.

It was then the kiss was planted onto his lips though the lustful moment end abruptly. Ryuki fainted back and landed motionless on the ground gasping for air. This where Haru got scared; he tried everything he could but Ryuki was missing vital parts of himself that he never got.

“Ryuki… Don’t die!” he cried out loud as Ryuki gave up and became lifeless. Haru stirred in Ryuki’s lap as he tried to wake up. “Don't die!” He cried out loud as Siame opened one eye slowly and Ryuki was woken up as he tried to wake Haru up.

“Haru, wake up,” He said as Haru soon opened his eyes to see he was staring at Ryuki. “Oh it was just a dream...” He sighed as he remained awake.

“What happened in your dream ?” Ryuki yawned as he petted Haru’s back gently. Siame went back to sleep unnerved by Haru’s nightmare.

“I prefer not to say” Haru said as he was a little embarrassed by what was happening between him and Ryuki.

Ryuki noticed Haru seemed to be red in the face; blushing as he continued comforting his friend. As the night dragged on they remained awake before either them could fall back to sleep.

Soon the next day dawned and Haru and Ryuki were still awake as there was a knocking on the door to Suichi’s house.

“Umm, who’s going to answer that?” Siame yawned as she hauled herself out of the chair and headed towards the door.

“Who could that be?” Haru yawned; he and Ryuki were still feeling tired.

“Hello,” Siame said to the stranger who seemed to have a group of angry people behind him.

“There is a dragon in your yard! You must escape, it's dangerous!” He cried as Siame was still half awake.

Ryuki and Haru got up then they heard the roaring cries of Peppushu. Haru rushed to the door way and past the man to see Peppushu flying around wildly as the Shinobi Clan were attacking him with kunais, ninja stars and some were wielding ropes.

“Stop it!” Haru cried as he fought through the crowd.

“Look it’s the stupid doctor; you better leave and let us kill this beast!” The leader said as they rope Peppushu around one of his legs.

“Peppushu, fly away!” Haru cried as Peppushu roar and growled as he flew higher pulling the ninja or two off the ground into the sky.

“No!” Ryuki ran out of the house and then realized he can’t fly.

“Too bad you can’t fly anymore,” Siame sighed as Haru rushed back towards them.

“We must kill the dragon!” The ninja cried as the villages ran wildly about as Peppushu swooped about blasting fire down upon the villagers.

“How are we going to get onto Peppushu’s back?” Siame said as Peppushu blasted the two ninjas and the rope off his foot.

“Peppushu!” Haru cried as they rushed through the crowd, the Shinobi Clan watched them then decided to attack.

“Don’t let them get near the beast!” The leader barks as they soon swooped down from the roof tops and surrounded them. Fires started to flair up as villages struggle to put them out.

“Please you should have left him!” Haru said as the leader struck Haru down to the ground before pulling him up again off the ground.

“You should never interfere, I don’t think you’re much of a doctor.” The leader growled.

Siame was fuming that she couldn’t do anything as her ankle still healing. Ryuki wasn’t much of a fighter; sadly now he has legs there is no reason for him to fly about anymore. Peppushu circled about in the skies above the Shinobi Clan.

“Haru is a fine doctor, so leave him alone!” Ryuki bare his fists yet it was then the entire group was engulfed with smoke.

The ninjas started to cough wildly as Peppushu scooped up Haru, Ryuki and Siame with swift claws and flew high up into the sky with them in his talons.

“Oh my god, we are flying!” Siame squealed then realized Peppushu had pulled them out of danger. Below the Shinobi Clan were in anguish as the dragon flew away with them.

“Phew that was close one,” Haru said as he watched Siame clasped her crutches tightly along with her bag.

“Shouldn’t Peppushu land so we can get on his back?” She barked at them as Peppushu soon descended down into a clearing and placing them on the ground before landing himself.

“I’m so glad we got out of there, though,” Ryuki looked down at his lovely legs and sighed, “I miss flying, in fact it wasn’t too bad being a ghost.” He said as Haru walked over to him.

“It’s OK, Ryuki. You’re so close to becoming human again, and I missed looking at you,” Haru trailed off as Ryuki looked at him.

“Do you really care about me? Maybe, even...” Then there was silence as Siame scrabbled onto Peppushu’s back.

“You two stop staring at each other and get on!” She cried as they joined her on Peppushu’s back.

Soon enough they were off the ground and flying again, with no idea on where they suppose to go.

“Why don’t we use that ball of yours?” Haru said to Siame who gave him a weird look.

“After it let me down first,” She replied yet Ryuki cut into the conversation.

“Yet it led us to Suichi, who was a patient.” He said as Siame pulled the box out of the bag yet she put it back in.

“No, I’m not using it, besides Peppushu doesn’t look too well.” Siame said looking at the dragon’s fur. Haru and Ryuki notice that Peppushu’s pink scales was turning white, Peppushu was puffing loudly as he soon started to loose altitude.

“Ahh! Peppushu, pull up!” Haru cried as Siame and Ryuki screamed as Peppushu started to limpet downwards into the forest.

“Haru, make him stop!” Siame cried.

She gripped onto Peppushu’s neck tightly as they spiral downwards, below them a camp of resting samurais were soon alerted by the loud shrills of Siame voice as the dragon plunge through the trees and hovered a little yet hit the ground hard. Haru, Ryuki and Siame were flung off as Peppushu wheezed and panted heavily, he was white as a snow.

“Ouch, what is wrong with him?” Siame wobbles about on the ground as Ryuki pulled her up onto her crutches and feet.

“I don’t know what’s wrong. He looks sick,” Ryuki said as he notices even Peppushu’s yellow eyes turned light blue. Small wafts of smoke streamed from his nostrils; the noise soon alerted one of the camping folk.

“Ryuki, ask Jizo what’s wrong.” Haru hissed as Haru was soon faced to face with a tall mysterious figure.

Ryuki started to twitch once the stranger was within range of him.

“Who are you? I hope that dragon isn’t dangerous,” The stranger said as he peered out from under the hood he worn. His body was covered up from head to toe, it was then some of the other samurai’s rose up and saw the intruding visitors.

“Who are you?” The man repeated as Haru removed his medical bag and put it down “I’m a doctor, my name is Haru Yamato, these are my friends Ryuki and Siame. Our dragon Peppushu is ill. Don’t worry he wont hurt you, he is too tired.” Haru said to the man.

“A doctor you say? Maybe you can help me.” The man said to Haru.

“I probably could, what is your name, may I ask?” Haru questioned his new patient yet a small crowd covered around them were armed with weapons.

“Intruders, we must kill them!” The leader said as the man soon defended them.

“No, they aren’t evil, father. He is a doctor, I’m in need of aid.” The man said to him.

“I’m Jonouchi Kazuya; this is my father Shamonji Kazuya, leader of the army.” Jonouchi said as Haru bowed a little as Shamonji looked at him.

“Put your weapons down.” Shamonji said as his men did as told and went back to the camp area.

“You’re a bit too young to be a doctor.” Shamonji noted as Haru dug into his bag retrieving a book and some charcoal.

“What is Jonouchi’s illness?” Haru asks it was then Jonouchi whispered something into his father’s ear. Then his father nodded and left him alone.

“Sorry, I think it might me better if I show you my problem without the sight of the group,” Jonouchi said as he led Haru away behind some thick shrubby.

“Well doc, I have this terrible look skin growth all over me,” Jonouchi started to remove some of the clothing and Haru gasp.

Reading into his notebook the one his father had written; he searched for some answers. “I want to be cured, it’s bothering me so much,” Jonouchi said in embarrassed shy voice as Haru eventually found his answer.

“I have to say Jonouchi, you're suffering from Leprosy; it’s a type of skin disease. It also affects the nerves and your mobility I could see you're experiencing those problems.”

Haru said as he notice Ryuki twitching away behind the shrubs. He was so excited because he gets his head at last, Siame was keeping a eye on the samurai group; even more so she began investigate to them.

“I wonder if my man is here,” She thought as she wondered over to them on her crutches.

Then Jizo voice crept into Ryuki’s mind. “Ryuki, why is Peppushu looking pale?” He bellowed in an angry voice as Ryuki remembered Peppushu's problem.

The dragon was looking worse than before and Ryuki was stuck between getting his head and saving Peppushu. “Jizo, we don’t know what’s wrong with him,” Ryuki replied as Haru was waiting patiently for Ryuki to sneeze.

“So what can you give me doctor?” Jonouchi asked as Haru was thinking mostly a little annoyed that Ryuki hasn’t come and did this thing.

“Can you wait here for a moment?” Haru asked as he walked out of the shrubby and grabbed Ryuki by the blanket.

“This isn’t the time to daydream,” He hissed as Ryuki flung him off.

“Jizo is mad! Peppushu is ill, I’m going to ask him what we can do!” He hissed as Haru was surprised by Ryuki's reaction.

“What can we do?” Ryuki asked the Buddha god.

“You must find some sunfire, it’s a special plant that will bring Peppushu’s colour back,” Jizo said.

“Where do we find this plant?” Ryuki asked as Haru notice Jonouchi was getting impatient.

“Ryuki! This is your chance to do this now!” Haru hissed as he notice the camp was being stirred up by Siame, Shamonji notices Haru was talking to Ryuki and decided to go over and find out what’s going on.

“Haru!” Ryuki hissed as they notices Shamonji heading towards them.

“Now, Ryuki, go!” He said as Ryuki quickly went into the shrubby as Shamonji reached Haru and towered over him.

“What is wrong with my son? It was then a sneeze was expelled into the air and Haru looked behind and saw Ryuki return with a head and his long locks of brown hair.

“Well, your son, is suffering from Leprosy. It’s a disease to the skin leaving welts and sores but also affects his nerves in his limbs and that,” Haru said as it was then Jonouchi came back looking a lot better than before.

His father was in awe as his son looked healthily than ever. “I can’t believe it…father I’m well” He said as Shamonji looked at Haru all concerned.

“Isn’t this wonderful, he is all better,” Haru said in a shaky voice as Ryuki seemed too looked worried. Shamonji looked at his son’s flesh and touched his hands, no pain or damage that was there before.

“I don’t understand, what did you use to cure my son so quickly? Magic?” He quaffed as Jonouchi was also confused.

“But he told me to stay back there, I stayed there I heard someone sneeze and the next minute I was feeling a lot better,” Jonouchi said scratching his head.

Ryuki hurried over. “I’m sorry to disturb this conversation but, we must help our dragon who is ill,” He said as Shamonji and Jonouchi notice the dragon wheezing and that.

“What is wrong with him?” Shamonji said as Haru petted Peppushu on the head. Siame soon came back a little disappointed.

“He isn’t in this camp.” She whined as she notices that Peppushu.

“Oh what are we going to do?” She said as Peppushu looked sad.

“We have to find a plant called Sunfire, apparently it’s a yellow flower that contains a herb that will cure him,” Ryuki said as Shamonji remembered seeing a flower like that, “We must find this or Peppushu could die.” Haru panics as Peppushu groans in pain.

“We need him for transport.” Ryuki said he flicked his hair; Haru was mesmerized by his beautiful friend.

“I think we can help you, in gratitude that you cured my son,” Shamonji said having a change of heart.

“Oh you know of this flower?” Haru said with some hope in his voice. Shamonji stroked his chin and then called some of his men over.

“We are delighted to retrieve this plant for you.” He said as he told his men to start searching.

“Thank you!” Haru said as Jonouchi seemed to still confused as to how he was cured.

“We will find this flower for you, thank you so much for curing me!” Jonouchi said as he went over and petted Peppushu who groaned some more.

Haru grabbed Ryuki who was now struggling to cover himself in the ragged kimono and blanket.

“Is your friend OK? Why is he wearing a blanket as a poncho?” Jonouchi said as Ryuki was blushing at his lack of clothing.

“Oh you see, his clothes were falling apart. I haven’t had the chance to find him something to wear,” Haru said blushing. The sight of those lovely legs and that face it reminded him of that brief intimate dream he had.

“I’ll find him something to wear.” Jonouchi said as he went back to the camp area.

“Siame, go help Jonouchi.” Haru said as Siame sighed and hobbled off after him.

Ryuki looked at Haru it had been a rather long journey so far, yet Haru still hasn’t had a chance to tell him about his dream. He seemed to be keeping it a secret; it made him wonder about him a little more. Jonouchi soon returned with a kimono and handed it to him.

“Thank you so much.” Ryuki said as he disappeared into the shrubby Haru soon saw Shamonji and his men returned with flowers in hand.

“We have found the flowers; do you just feed it to the dragon?” Shamonji said handing flowers to Haru. Ryuki soon returned wearing a kimono which was a lot better than what he was wearing before.

“Right, Ryuki, what do we do with the sunfire flower now?” Haru asked as Ryuki thought for a moment.

Peppushu was looking like he was going to die. “We have to get the sap out of it and boil it up and have him drink it” Ryuki said.

“We have a fire going. We can boil it up for you.” Jonouchi said as Haru went over to the camp fire and started to make the medicine.

Soon an unusual smell leaked into the air as Haru soon came back, Peppushu was looking very weak as Haru grabbed a spoonful of it and placed it into Peppushu’s mouth.

“That stuff smells awful.” Siame grumbled as the men watched and waited.

Haru spoon fed him more and more Peppushu started to drink it up and the magic of healing began. Shamonji and Jonouchi watched as Peppushu was getting his colour back into his fur.

“I never seen anything like this,” Siame said as Jonouchi nodded as Peppushu was soon up and standing again. With a roar and bit of smoke blowing Peppushu was healthly again.

“Thank goodness, he is OK.” Siame said as Ryuki jumped for joy with Haru.

“Since your dragon is fine now, do you wish to stay and rest up?” Shamonji offered them.

“No, thank you. We better get going we still got plenty of daylight and that,” Haru said turning down his offer.

Siame sighed as Ryuki felt he was still empty; he was missing something that he hasn’t been able to express at all. It was then Jizo voice popped into Ryuki’s head.

“I’m so glad you managed to cure Peppushu, yet there is one person you must cure. It’s not one of a physical kind but it will give you the vital piece you need,” He said in a humbled voice.

Ryuki looked at Haru who already climbed onto Peppushu’s back with Siame. Ryuki stared at Haru, he remembered a lot of the times he spent together; even the first time they met. His daydreaming was soon ended; when Haru called him over to join them.

“Are you okay, Ryuki?” Siame asked as she dug into her bag and pulled the box out.

“Thank you for your help,” Haru said as Shamonji bowed slightly.

“Thank you for curing my son, I still don’t how you did it; I’m sure glad to have him well.” Shamonji replied humbly. From there Peppushu took off and left the samurai camp behind.

Haru was feeling very good about himself, he managed to cure Peppushu and to have Ryuki back together again. Though Siame was still with them; they had no idea where she was going to find her samurai lover.

“After all this traveling around, I haven’t found him.” She sighed as she opened the box and the ball hovered out of it and flew straight ahead.

“Hey! Follow that ball!” She cried as Peppushu picked up speed.

“Siame, I wished you have left that in its box.” Haru cried as Peppushu whirled through the air the ball dove downwards towards a large river.

Down below in the forest; a young man was bathing in the river until he heard a strange sound then a gold ball came flying downwards towards him.

“Ahh!!!” The man cried as it whacked him in the head and he fell into the water gurgling bubbles as he soon brought his head back up dazed and confused. It was then he saw a woman, two boys and a pink dragon on the shore line.

“Oh hello.” He said in a groggy voice the gold ball flew out of the waters and landed back on the land next to his belongings. Siame eyes lit up and she shrilled.

“Shinjokaru, I finally found you!” She cried as he looked at her oddly. He had no idea who she was.

“Who are you?” He said as he started to walk out of the water. He used his hands to cover himself he could before Siame fainted at the sight of his nudity. Haru and Ryuki weren’t too impressed as they came over to the man.

“Sorry about that, you see Siame is searching for some samurai who gave her this,” Haru said picking up the ball from pile of clothes as the man started to dress himself.

“I really don’t recall her or this ball,” He said as Siame got to her feet again crutches straining under her weight.

She looked at him, her green eyes sparkling her reddish brown hair was slightly shambled.

“What do you mean you don’t know me?” She said as she hobbled over to a rock and sat down.

“I don’t know how you know my name or that,” Shinjokaru said as he tied up his belt before sliding his Kitaramaru into his belt.

“I’m sorry about this intrusion, but she is a little crazy.” Haru muttered as Siame heard that and hobbled over to Haru.

“I’m not crazy! I spent so much time searching for the man I love. This is him!” She said pointing to Shinjokaru.

Shinjokaru was a tall blond-haired man with blue eyes and slender build, and without a doubt, he looks very attractive to Siame’s eye.

“I’m sorry but I really don’t know who she is,” He said as he rubbed his sore head.

Ryuki watched the shattered connection between Siame and Shinjokaru. He had the exact same feeling; the feelings he has with Haru when they were together. He never admitted or wants to tell him that he loves Haru deeply; maybe this is what he was missing. His emotions; he hasn’t been able to feel anything until now. Siame looked heart broken as she put the ball back into the box and close it.

“Doesn’t this remind you of anything? The day we met in the market place. You said you loved me. I couldn’t forget a face. You gave me your name, so that’s how I know you.” She said as she tried to hold back the tears.

Shinjokaru looked at her; Haru went back over to Ryuki who watched the scene play out.

“I’m so sorry; I wish I could remember…” Shinjokaru said as he took Siame’s hand into his own he held it for a while and gazed into her eyes. Ryuki couldn’t help but feel sadness for her yet started to twitch a bit as Haru notice it himself.

“Ryuki, what’s wrong?” He asked as Ryuki was twitching away.

“This is it!” He said as he walked a little closer to Siame and Shinjokaru.

“This isn’t going to look good,” Haru cringed as Siame and Shinjokaru notices Ryuki twitching violently.

“Oh no, don’t please!” Siame cried as Shinjokaru looked at Ryuki oddly.

Haru closed his eyes as Siame got up and shoved Shinjokaru away to get blasted by Ryuki’s sneeze. It was silence for a moment; the magic had given Ryuki the final bit he was missing.

Shinjokaru came over to Siame who seemed to be in a daze as the sneezing powers took her sense and soon shifted onto Shinjokaru. Ryuki walked away and turned to see the pair of them gazing into each others eyes loving like.

“Siame, I remember you now.” He said which made Siame’s eyes lit up again.

“Oh, Shinjokaru you do!! I wonder what else you remember!!” She said as she kissed him. Haru was happy for the pair then turned to see Ryuki beaming happily at him.

“Ryuki does that mean we are finished?” He asked him as Ryuki smiled before scooping Haru off the ground into his arms bridal style. Haru was blushing at Ryuki’s sudden gesture.

“Ryuki what are you doing?” He said as Ryuki gave Haru a small kiss on the cheek.

“I know I never came out and said this. I do wonder about whether we had something,” He said in a shy voice. Haru turned redder in the face, his eyes were shining brightly for Ryuki.

“Well, I didn’t know if you felt that way about me.” He replied as he carried him away from Siame and Shinjokaru.

Peppushu growled as he watched the love birds.

“This is the end of our journey” Ryuki said as he put Haru down and sat down on the ground. Haru noted his surroundings; it was like his dream, though he hoped Ryuki wasn’t going to die on him.

“Since you are back to the whole yourself, this means I’ll have to start practicing my medicine,” Haru sighed as Ryuki hugged him tightly.

“I just hope this changed you; I think it has and I’m glad it did.” Ryuki said as he brought Haru’s face up to his and kissed him.

From there onwards Haru and Ryuki didn’t fight so much; and learned to get along with each other and not just think about themselves but the others that are around them.

The End