The Riyona Village

[Xuan]

You still got the first half of the chapter the same thing as the last one... >>

Never mind, I'm content with this new chapter...

[blacKbird97]

Originally Posted by Xuan

You still got the first half of the chapter the same thing as the last one... >>

Never mind, I'm content with this new chapter...

Yeah...did you read my comments? o.o

[Xuan]

I did... but I'm bit lazy so I might skip a few points. Depends whether your title interest me, and your content continues to interest me. So far so good.

[blacKbird97]

Originally Posted by Xuan

I did... but I'm bit lazy so I might skip a few points. Depends whether your title interest me, and your content continues to interest me. So far so good.

Uh...well, ok, thanks? xDD The comments just kinda explained why part of chapter 7 is from the chapter 5 I posted here before. Anyway, thoughts about the story so far?

[Xuan]

Have faith in your work. And post quickly. I'm bored of waiting >>

[blacKbird97]

Originally Posted by Xuan

Have faith in your work. And post quickly. I'm bored of waiting >>

xDDD Well, the next few chapters are ready to post, but I want to give people a chance to read and comment before I overwhelm them with another chapter...idk, you think I should just go ahead and post 8?

[Xuan]

Post it, or ELSE...

*whips out blitz ball*

*take aim*

[blacKbird97]

xDD Well, in that case:
-----

Chapter Eight, The Flower Field

Nightfall came unexpectedly soon. Under the light of the florescent moon, Vincent and Miyo watched as young Kohana picked the rare spider lily flower, the sign of the village's celebration. The threesome had decided to break away from the festivities in the village and spend a moment in peaceful tranquility. There, the two adults nestled themselves amongst the meadow of flowers and continued to vigilantly watch the young girl.

"It's a gorgeous night," the man said as a warm breeze greeted his face. He gave a small smile and looked up at the radiant moon casting its mysterious light, like a beacon of hope. "I wish it would last forever."

Watching Kohana playfully pick flowers, Miyo smiled. She couldn't remember the last time she had been this happy. Everything seemed perfect as she knelt down on one knee to picked up the rare flower. "You know, this flower really blooms during the night," Miyo stated as she stood up, looking at the Spider-lily. "Most people pick them before they can really blossom."

Vincent nodded and looked at the flower in Miyo's hand. "That Spider-lily reminds me of a flower that used to bloom in my world," the man said as he sat down in the field of flowers. "Back then, times were good and pure. But now, everything is dying and there seems to be no hope left in people's hearts. This world is still unmarred by the scar of sin that my planet carries."

Miyo looked at the star-filled sky. As the moonlight touched her face, she replied, "I suppose so. It might not be compared to your world, but Riyona has really taken a turn for the worst over the past few years. Our lives have been a lot more hectic than they once were. The only good thing that has happened was you..."

Kohana gradually grew tired and yelled from a distance, "Can we stay here for the night?"

"You want to stay here?" Miyo replied with a raised eyebrow. "What do you think Vincent?"

Vincent nodded. "I think I would like that," he replied as looked up at Miyo and then glanced at Kohana. "It's pretty pleasant out and the fresh air should do us good. That is, if it's alright with you, Miyo."

"It's fine with me," she said smiling at Vincent. She looked at Kohana, signaling her to come over. "I hope you picked enough flowers for me too, Kohana."

"Don't worry, I did," Kohana replied giving Vincent a handful of Spider-Lily Flowers. "Here Vincent, you can take some home with you too."

Vincent nodded and took the flowers from the girl. "Thank you, Kohana," he said with a small smile as he tenderly put the flowers away in a safe pocket. "That's very kind of you. I'll keep them nice and safe."

Kohana sat down and Miyo followed suit by taking a seat on the soft grass. "You seem a lot more cheerful than before," Miyo said to Vincent. "But you often seem lost in thought. Is it because you're homesick?"

Vincent turned to Miyo and then looked down. "It's not that," he said with a sigh. "I'm actually glad to be away from Kalm. It's just... ever since I've gotten here, I've been thinking about someone who was dear to me over thirty years ago. I can't seem to get her out of my head."

Miyo looked up at Vincent, noticing the sadness in his eyes. Kohana was resting her head in Miyo's lap and playing with the petals of the flowers she had collected. "She hurt you?" Miyo replied showing a sympathetic smile, "You don't want to show it, but the pain is there, isn't it?"

Vincent was silent for a moment and he simply nodded in reply. "She did," he said softly as he continued to look down. "She was the reason that I'm like this now and she's the reason I'm still alive. She chose Hojo, dammit. Why couldn't Lucrecia have let me die when that bastard shot me?"

Miyo looked down as she played with Kohana's hair. "Maybe she still loved you and didn't want to see you die. In her heart, she might of loved you, but was clouded by this 'Hojo' man," Miyo said softly.

Vincent sighed and glanced over at Miyo. "Well, even if she did actually care about me, it doesn't matter now," the man as he looked up at the moon. "That happened thirty three years ago and she's encased herself in Mako crystals. In other words, she's in suspended animation forever."

"I've always been alone," he continued. "I never had a family to care or love for me. All I had was my father, and he was never living with me or near me. When I met Lucrecia, I actually thought that I was worth something, and maybe life was worth living. But when she betrayed me and rejected me, I felt like my heart was ripped out."

The Turk's red eyes glowed as he stared up into the moon. "Besides, who would care about a man like me?" he asked softly. "I mean, look at me. There's nothing to see."

"There's plenty to see in you," Miyo said, staring into the man's eyes. "Kohana has been happy ever since you arrived...and I have too. I know it's only been a day, but you bring this pleasant feeling that pushes my worries aside. You may appear distant on the outside, but on the inside you're full of compassion and love; I see it in your eyes." She looked away and added softly, "I just want to see you happy, that's all."

Vincent looked down at Miyo and was silent once more. He tried to think of what to say, but his mouth failed to pull out words. "Thank you," he simply said after a few moments. He sighed and tented his fingers. "I guess... I want to see you happy, too." The man smiled and then lowered his head.

Miyo placed a wilted flower she had been holding inside Kohana's basket and picked out another one. She took in a deep breath and looked at Vincent.

"You don't have to say that if you don't mean it," Miyo replied. "You can be honest. I don't want you to say it just because I did.."

Miyo picked another Spider-lily and glanced at it. She continued, "I want to see you happy because it makes me happy too. I'm sure Kohana is happy when you're happy as well. I don't know much of your past, but I can see you've had it rough. You deserve so much Vincent; you have to believe that you do."

Vincent blushed and turned his head away. He pondered, "I never thought...anyone would--"

Suddenly, the Turk's thoughts were interrupted when a cloaked figure burst into the scene. "Isn't this lovely?" the shadow, whose voice seemed to belong to man, uttered with a hint of sarcasm. "Tell me, would you two mind if I stick around for a little Q & A?"

End of Chapter

-----
Yeah, I realize it's quite a bit shorter than the others...I'm considering merging this and chapter 9, but I'm not sure.

[blacKbird97]

...

Chapter 9, The Cloaked Schemer

Vincent stood up and gripped Cerberus at his side. "Who the hell are you?" he asked as he stepped in front of the girls to protect them. He pulled out his gun and aimed it directly at him. "Answer me!"

The hooded figure let out a quick laugh while shaking his head. "Ah, temper, temper," the man replied, folding his arms across his chest. "You're just a bag of fun, my friend. Well, I suppose this is the time where I spill the beans."

The mysterious man then pointed to Miyo, and a smirk crossed his face. "I got some information for your little friend, missy," he said slyly. "Why don't you be a good girl and go away for a while? I promise no one will be hurt."

Vincent did not move a muscle and he continued to outstretch his arm and aim Cerberus. "I think not," he said though his teeth as he thinned his eyes. "I have no idea who you are. There's no way I'm sending Miyo away just because you tell me to." The Turk glanced over his shoulder at the young woman and nodded.

Miyo let out a tiny gasp, then giving a small nod to Vincent. "He's really concerned for me," she thought. "I never imagined having someone to protect me."

The figure clicked his tongue and shook his head. "Not a smart move, man," he retorted sharply. "I'm helping you here. Maybe if you catch some of this, you'll be able to keep your life before things... get dangerous."

"Danger?" Miyo questioned. "What do you mean?!"

"Well, the only way for you to find that out is for him to hear what I have to say...alone," the figure responded.

Vincent looked down at the ground and fell into thought. The man wasn't certain of what he should do. He didn't want to abandon Kohana and Miyo, but he also needed to hear what this man had to say, in case the mysterious man knew something about why he and Kikyo were in Riyona.

The Turk lowered Cerberus and shifted his red eyes toward the stranger. "I'm sorry, but if my friend cannot hear your information, then I cannot hear it," he said as he relaxed himself once more. "Why is it you cannot tell Miyo your information?"

"Sorry," the hodded man responded, "Rules are rules. You can either come with me to hear what I have to say or leave. Your choice."

Miyo sighed and replied, "It's okay. We'll be here. If it's important then you should go." She gave Vincent a small shrug and looked down at Kohana.

The hooded man rolled his hidden eyes and crossed his arms once more. "Come on, come on," he lightly growled, beginning to tap his foot to a beat playing in his head. "I haven't got all night, y'know. Just trust me, she'll be fine."

Vincent thinned his eyes and huffed. He looked at Miyo and nodded. "If you need me just call my name, alright?"

The young woman looked up and gave the Turk a reassuring smile. "Right," she said softly. "Everything will be alright, Vincent. It's going to be okay."

The man nodded and walked toward the hooded figure. A strange and malevolent feeling resided about him, but Vincent quickly shook it off a moment later.

"Ah, now that's better," the shadow uttered with a scoff. "So, let's get to our little interview, shall we? Tell me, have you lived in this world since your birth?"

Vincent looked over at Miyo once more and then closed his eyes. "No," he said in a melancholy voice. "I wasn't born of this world. I was born sixty years ago in a city called Midgar."

A smirk grew upon the shadow's hidden face as he cunningly devised a quick plot in his mind. "Perfect," he muttered in a low, inaudible tone. "So far, so good."

Sitting upon the ground, her sister's head resting in her lap, Miyo couldn't help but look over to Vincent every so often. Her moonlit eyes gazed upon him intently and she was certain that he never left her sight. "I can't help but feel useless," the woman thought while looking away. She lowered her chin and, let out a sigh. "What if what that man was saying is true...what if Vincent is really in danger?."

The shadow continued. "So, from my understanding, you just popped into this little world out of the blue?" the figure inquired, darting his eyes at Miyo for a brief glance. "You've arrived here quite by accident?"

The Turk nodded and was silent for a few moments before speaking once again. "That's right," he simply said crossing his arms as his eyes thinned. "Look, I don't know who you are and I don't know your intentions. So, who sent you? Why are you here? I want answers and I want them now."

"Of course," the shadow replied while a sneer grew upon his covered face. "Let's just say that I'm not exactly the good or bad guy in this little scenario. Does that answer your question?"

The man touched Cerberus at his side and his eyes entered an intense glare. "I'm afraid not," he responded sharply. Vincent advanced toward the man and he began to draw his gun from its case. "Understand, if the situation calls for it, I won't hold back. I'll ask you again: who the hell are you?"

Miyo looked over at Vincent and noticed the bitter expression on his face. "Something's wrong," the young woman whispered softly before looking down at Kohana. She took off the top layer of her clothing and made a pillow for the young girl. She lifted her head and placed the cloth under it. Miyo kissed her sister's forehead and got up from her position a moment after. Cautiously approaching the two men, the young woman loomed with various emotions residing about her. She tensed herself as the unknown figure snapped his head to her direction, and the whites of Vincent's eyes were in her gaze.

"I thought I told you to stay away," the hooded man snarled.

"Just stay behind me, Miyo," he said softly as he glanced over to the young woman. The man turned his attention over to shadow and glared at him intently. "Keep away from her. If you dare come near us, I'll rip you to shreds."

The hooded figure placed his hands on his hips, and he let out a quick chortle. "Now, now, let's not be hasty," the voice continued waving his hands about in the air. Looking up at Vincent's glaring face, the shadow smirked. "You've got it all wrong, my friend. I'm trying to get you out of a little mess that's going to ensue, ya get me?"

Vincent grew increasingly suspicious as the figure pressed on with his speech. "What are you talking about?" he asked, the man's voice was low and almost sounded like a growl. "A mess? Danger?"

Without a second thought, the hooded figure proceeded. "Well, if you must know, something big is coming on the horizon," he continued, the figure then began to circle Vincent and Miyo, and his tone was dark and menacing. "I can't exactly inform you of what it is at the moment. No, not now... You have to realize that by just coming along with me, you'll be dodging a bullet that's yet to be fired. I'm not asking for anything--nothing at all; it's simple. A child can grasp the concept. Don't you understand? All you have to do is comply to my terms, and you're going to be totally worry free."

Rage grew inside of the Turk as his keen eyes followed the black shadow's movement, and his ears took in the man's deceitful words. "Absolutely... not," Vincent replied, nearly frightening Miyo with his chilling voice. His intense eyes thinned while he placed Cerberus back into its leather case on his thigh. "I don't care about what happens to me. I only intend to keep my friends safe from any of your chaotic mess. Understand? Miyo, are you coming?"

"Yes," Miyo responded, following close behind him. The young woman darted her eyes to Vincent before lowering her gaze to the ground. She turned over her shoulder to check on Kohana who, surprisingly, was still dozing off.

The dark figure raised a hidden brow after his arms folded to his chest. "Fine, I see how it is, but remember, this won't be the only shifty encounter you'll have; not by a long shot." he whispered to himself, his voice was twisted and cold. "If you won't join me, then I'll have the pleasure of--well, I'll leave that to the imagination. Until we meet again, I guess this is farewell...."

"Fine by me," Vincent said, leading Miyo away from the hooded figure. As the two made their way over to the sleeping girl, the young woman looked over to where the hooded man was previously standing. To her surprise, he had completely vanished, leaving not a trace of the mysterious encounter.

End of Chapter

The title is a reference to KH, btw. It in no way confirms that the mysterious person is in fact Zexion, but meh. xDD CnC.

[Xuan]

...

Ok, looking forward to the next chapter. THis is getting interesting.

[blacKbird97]

Chapter 10, You're Welcome

Vincent Valentine was silent for a long moment, before he finally sighed. "I guess this is goodbye, then," he whispered, hanging his head. His eyes were fixed on the ground.

Miyo instantly turned to Vincent and looked at him strangely. "Goodbye?" she asked him, confused by his words. "What do you mean?"

Vincent lowered his gaze to the ground and he let out a soft sigh. "You heard what that man said. This won't be the last encounter with the likes of him. Next time it could become violent..." he said with a serious tone. "If I stay with you, the others might try to hurt you and Kohana. And if they ever hurt you, I... I would never forgive myself."

Miyo walked over to Vincent and held his hand. "Don't do this, Vincent," she replied, tearing up a bit. "Please don't go! I'd miss you so much.. "

Vincent frowned and looked into the young woman's eyes. "It's alright, Miyo," he said to her softly. The man shifted his eyes and saw his hand in hers. He smiled and looked up once more. "You and Kohana are...the only true family I've ever had. You're both very important to me now. I know I've only known you for a day, but I feel like I've known you for a lifetime. I want to keep you safe, Miyo."

Miyo blushed at Vincent lowering her head. "I feel the same way, but how would leaving protect us? If anything, it would make things more dangerous," she replied softly, "I don't want you to die again. I just couldn't bear the thought... I really do care about you, Vincent Valentine."

Vincent was silent for a moment and repeated Miyo's words over and over again in his mind. "She... cares about me?" he asked himself. "Someone actually cares about me?" There was the strangest feeling in Vincent's heart at this moment.

He felt like he was willing to sacrifice his life for the young woman before him, and he felt like he could do anything with her at his side. He felt his pulse race as he laid his eyes upon her and the chemicals in his mind were going crazy. It was the feeling that he had for Doctor Crescent over thirty years ago; it was the feeling of love.

The Turk smiled and nodded. "I suppose you're right... are you certain that you don't mind me around?" he asked Miyo aloud. "Are you willing to put up with a guy like me?"

Miyo nodded, energy building within her. After a few moments spent biting her lower lip in anticipation, she finally released her emotions and gripped Vincent in a tight embrace. It was so unexpected that Vincent fell back with Miyo on top of him. She gazed into his eyes for a moment, soon realizing the position they were in. Miyo's heart skipped a beat as she quickly got up and turned red. "I'm sorry," she said a little flustered. "That was a bit forward of me... are you ok?"

The Turk couldn't help but smile. "I'm fine," he said softly looking up at Miyo. Then, Vincent Valentine did the unexpected, and he began to laugh, something that he rarely did. He sat up and brought his knee to his chest. "More than fine; great, in fact."

Miyo blushed, burying her face in her hands from embarrassment. She soon looked up, lowering her hands and gazed at Vincent in the bright moonlight.

"Never in my life would I have imagined falling for someone in a day's time," she thought. "It's strange, but I really enjoy this feeling. There's been an attraction to him since our first meeting, but it's grown so much stronger. I feel happier than I have in a long time...all thanks to the man from Midgar."

Miyo looked over to Kohana and saw she remained sound asleep, then glancing over at Vincent. "I'm glad to hear ," she replied with a warm smile. "And yes, Vincent, I...would like it if you would stay with us."

The man nodded and gazed up at the shining light coming from the moon above. "I'm glad," he said with a smile. Vincent looked over to Miyo sitting beside him, and again, he felt his heart race. He wanted to tell her so much, but his mouth could not reach for the right words. He sighed and simply settled for, "Thank you."

"Heh, you're welcome," Miyo said with a giggle. Her smile soon faded to a frown, though, as thoughts of the mysterious hooded man plagued her. She finally asked, "Vincent...who was that man earlier? Did he say what kind of danger you were in?"

"I'm not sure," Vincent replied. "But since he asked me about what world I was from, it could mean Kikyo and anyone else who arrived from the vortex could be in the same danger. If the danger is real, we might be in for trouble." The Turk touched Cerberus at his side and nodded. He would be ready if someone attempted to harm him or his friends.

"Did he seem to know why you arrived here?" Miyo replied, "I mean, if danger is specific to those from the vortex, there has to be a reason you're here."

"I'm not sure. He didn't inform me of much," the man said looking down. He took a deep breath and exhaled. "He didn't say why I was in danger, it was just an assumption. But I don't care about me, my goal is to keep you, and Kohana, safe."

Miyo smiled and was silent for a bit. She took in his last few words and felt ecstatic that he wanted to stay, pushing all thoughts of the danger aside. "To be honest, I've always thought you were handsome," Miyo said, blushing. "It's silly, but that's one of the reasons why I let you stay over."

Vincent smiled and lowered his head. "Funny you should say that," he said lifting his head after a moment. "The reason I came into your house was to see your face more clearly in the light. I know this sounds poetic, but I got lost in your eyes." The man fell silent and he looked away in embarrassment.

Miyo felt an overwhelm of emotion for the Turk and struggled to keep it inside, for now. She knew Vincent was a man of little emotion and she didn't want to make him uncomfortable. Still, Miyo felt he needed comfort, so she placed her hand on his shoulder. "I became absorbed in yours as well," Miyo replied with a flushed face. Her fatigue was getting the better of her; she could no longer fight of the urge to yawn.

Vincent turned his head toward Miyo and revealed a broad smile. He was silent once again and simply stared at Miyo's beautiful face. "It's getting late," he said after a few moments. "I think I should be getting you girls home. It's been a long day for all of us."

Miyo gave a small nod as the two stood to their feet. Vincent scooped a sleeping Kohana in his arms and carried her as Miyo walked beside them. The festival had come to a close and most of the villagers had already returned to their homes. The group soon followed suit.

After a bit of walking, the group finally arrived at Miyo's home and went inside. Vincent carried Kohana back to her room and traveled back into the living room. He and Miyo stood before each other for a few minutes, simply gazing and smiling to one another. Neither one wished to part, but sleep was inevitable. Vincent held out a hand to shake, but a grinning Miyo soon pulled him into a soft hug, causing the Turk to blush.

They smiled at one another and parted for the night, falling asleep with comforting thoughts of their time together.

End of chapter

((The chapter title's a little tribute to one of my favorite Angel episodes ^__^))

[All-Star Gamer]

Sorry I haven't been following. Excellent as allways BB97.

[Haku]

Seems as though I've missed a ton of great sequences as well, hope the update is coming along nicely.

[Xuan]

Nice job. Really nice job. Please don't be lazy and post at least two times a week tq.

[blacKbird97]

Looks like we got some of the readers back ^^
----

Chapter 11, The Garden

"I've never been this deep in the forest," Miyo said aloud, observing the nature around her. She was in the Riyona forest by herself, surrounded by many growing trees and blossoming flowers. Suddenly, a butterfly passed in front of Miyo's face. Its wings were blue and marked with fantastic designs. Miyo, entranced by its beauty, began to follow it in awe.

She continued to follow it, not fully paying attention to her surroundings. She soon reached a waterfall that she had never been to before. She forgot about the butterfly for a moment, leaning down and placing her hands into the cool, blue water. "Mm, this feels good," she said, closing her eyes. "I want to bring Vincent and Kohana here."

She breathed in the fresh air as she looked up to the clear sky through the trees. She soon faltered, sitting completely still; she had the vague feeling that someone was standing behind her. She cautiously turned her head to glance over her shoulder. Her eyes widened when she saw three shadowy figures in the distance. Miyo stared at them nervously, beginning to back away as they moved forward. She soon found herself pinned against the small pool of water coming from the waterfall as the figures began crowding around her and...

Miyo gasped as she awoke abruptly from her dream. She began breathing heavily, wiping her moist forehead of sweat and getting out of bed. "Who were they?" she whispered.

As Vincent sat in the living room, he looked toward the floor and saw as the sun's brilliant light flooded the room.

The man stood from his sitting position and stretched his arms wide. He cracked his knuckles and neck as he walked toward the front door and stepped outside to greet the day.

"Another beautiful day," the Turk whispered. Morning had come once more.

Miyo stumbled a bit when exiting her room, before catching herself and lightly chuckling at her own clumsiness. After entering the living room, she noticed Vincent wasn't there, feeling a bit confused. She went to check to see if the Turk was in Kohana's room.

"Good morning, Miyo," Kohana said cheerfully. "Yesterday was the greatest day ever! I'm going to ask Vincent about last night. I can't believe I fell asleep!" Kohana then rushed to the living area and shouted, "Vincent!"

Vincent's ears perked and he looked into the doorway to see Kohana calling his name. "Good morning, Kohana," he said in an upbeat tone. He came inside and presented the girl with a warm smile. "Sleep well last night?"

"Hiya!" she replied, rushing up to him. "Yeah, I slept great. Did anything happen while I was sleeping at the festival? I can't believe I missed the fireworks."

Miyo smiled at the two and crept back into her room for a moment, still a little dazed from her dream. She shook her head of the rogue thoughts and made her way back into the main area of the house. "Those two must be hungry by now," Miyo said softly to herself. "I know I am!"

Vincent shifted his eyes about and scratched his head. "Well, something happened alright," he said with a cough. "It's alright, Kohana. It's nothing you would have liked." He smiled and hid his embarrassment.

"Aww...oh well," Kohana replied with a shrug. "Next time I'm staying up the whole night!"

Miyo interjected herself by calling out, "Good morning. Are you both hungry? I'll make breakfast and we can all eat together. Wait...where's Kikyo? Did she come back?"

"No, I haven't seen her," Vincent said lowering his head. "I wonder where she is." Suddenly, a loud growling sound filled the room and Vincent looked down at his stomach. "I'm sorry. My stomach has never grumbled like this before."

Miyo and Kohana gave each other an amused look and smiled back at the Turk.

"You relax and I'll make breakfast," Miyo said. "Or, if you're up to it, Kohana can show you the garden out back."

"Yeah! I want to do that!" Kohana exclaimed.

Vincent nodded and smiled. "Alright, Kohana," he said with a bit of joy. "Will you show me to the garden?"

"Come on!" Kohana said with a bright smile, pulling Vincent outside.

"I'll call when breakfast is ready," Miyo said, watching them leave.

While Miyo began to prepare breakfast, Kohana held Vincent's hand and the two walked up a small trail until they saw a rather large garden with different flowers, vegetables, and fruits.

"It's lovely here, isn't it Vincent?" Kohana said. "We can sell most of this at the market. Miyo is going to teach me how to plant and sow. She says that our parents put their love into this soil. What do you think?"

Vincent smiled and nodded. He knelt down and touched the ground and was silent for a moment. He looked over to Kohana. "You know something?" the man asked the little girl. "I can feel the love in this garden. And I can feel all of the hard work and time you and Miyo put into it, too."

The Turk stood up and saw the garden in full view. "It shows," he continued as he looked at the lush plants. "It's wonderful."

Kohana beamed as she pulled Vincent along to show him all of the different crops and plants they had. The planted food was on the left side, all sorts of shrubs popping up from the ground. Signs labeled carrots, potatoes, and many other crops were scattered about. At the very edge of the vast area, an apple tree towered over the surrounding plants. The flower garden was on the right side, vibrant and full of color.

"I love the flower garden the most!" Kohana exclaimed. "It overlooks the gazebo."

Kohana pointed left and Vincent looked over to see a small path that lead down to the gazebo, where potted flowers appeared to be stored. It looked old, but still beautiful, with a few vines hugging it. The gazebo looked over a small pond with exotic flowers and tiny fish. The forest contrasted behind it. It was a breathtaking place that seem to have a relaxing aura around it.

Vincent felt himself out of breath as he laid his eyes upon the fantastic sight. It brought back memories of long ago when he often visited the countryside and got away from city life. "It's incredible," he said with wide eyes. "I haven't seen anything like this in many years."

"Well, don't just stand there, let's go!" Kohana said with enthusiasm, dragging Vincent along once again.

The Turk chuckled, willingly following the young girl. They walked along the same dirt path until they reached a small wooden bridge that connected to the gazebo, which caused Kohana to halt.

"Careful," she said knowingly. "They never got to build the hand-railing."

Vincent nodded and crossed over the water with Kohana, holding her hand all the way. After the made it across, the young girl gave a sigh of relief and looked up at Vincent. She grinned and exclaimed, "We made it!"

Vincent smiled at the young girl and the duo made their way over to the bench. After sitting down, the Turk took in the gorgeous sight of the small pond and forest before them. "The view is marvelous, Kohana."

"Thanks!" Kohana said happily, smiling with pride.

"So...why is it the railing was never built on the bridge?" Vincent asked curiously.

"I'm not really sure," Kohana responded. "Miyo told me their was a bridge before this one, but it got old and rotten. Our brother, Jei...Jeimuzu, I think, rebuilt the bridge, but never got to finish."

"Why's that?" Vincent questioned.

"He left," Kohana said casually.

Vincent nodded and replied, "Oh yes...Miyo told me, but she didn't say why. Do you know why, Kohana?"

"No," Kohana answered. "I was just a baby when our parents died, around the same time he left I guess. Miyo doesn't like talking about it all that much."

"I see," Vincent said, turning his attention back to the pond. "I would imagine it's quite painful to talk about."

Kohana took a deep breath of the fresh air and said, "Yeah...hey Vincent, did you have a place like this in your world?"

The man was silent for a moment and then sighed. "There used to be," he said with a blank expression, "but three years ago, someone destroyed everything that was once good. Now, there's almost nothing left in nature. All the flowers, the trees...everything's faded away."

Kohana appeared solemn for a moment, then replied, "Well we have lots of seeds, you can take back as many as you want."

Vincent smiled warmly at young girl, touched by her kindness, and answered, "Thanks, Kohana. Thank you very much."

End of Chapter