[Repercussions][Noko]

[riika]

He came besides her, bringing up a name that sounded a bit familiar to her. Walking side by side, Noko racked her brain before finally coming up with an answer. That's right, Kayle's was that sandwich shop on the way to the grocery store. Noko hadn't had a chance to go there, but the enticing aroma's coming from it always made her stomach growl. Despite herself, a smile found it's way onto the girl's face. Her violet eyes seemed to light up at the prospect of eating there, even along side Rensou. Although she had to admit (to none but herself) so far, he wasn't bad company. Noko nodded.

"I've passed by, but haven't eaten there yet," she said, lifting her right shoulder slightly, trying to act nonchalant about it. Noko was actually incredibly excited. She seemed to bounce a little as they walked, and even her tail seemed to almost wag. This would be her first time actually out on the town, exploring Saru and all it had to offer. That of course being the sandwich shop, which wasn't exactly all Saru had to offer. But still! Even going with Rensou couldn't put a damper on her mood. She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, curious. He was in the military here, she had realized that this morning.

"Rensou... What part of the military are you in here?" she asked, nervously glancing away. Her mind spun with the possibilities. Anastasia had told Noko that her father had been in the military, and most likely was still. Hopefully, at least. Maybe Rensou knew him, or heard of him at least! It was a stretch, but one Noko was willing to take.

[Rensou Hiruen]

For being a fiery Saiyaness which obviously had no qualms about engaging in violence, as attributed to the hardened mass of blood beneath Rensou's dark shock of hair, but had obvious problems with violence occurring in her bar, the General could not find himself but slightly mesmerized by her polite manner, her intelligent tone, and the fact that she was most certainly not a Saiyan of this world. As they walked, he had attempted to make conversation. . .though he generally failed in that regard. The only thing Rensou truly embodied was physical acts, and exercises of the tongue were definitely not his strongest point. Still, he managed.

The sandwich shoppe known simply as Kayle's was within sight, and Rensou felt his stomach growl as he contemplated what he would have. . .and what he would have for seconds and thirds. He had hoped the meager amount of coin he held within his pocket was adequate, but if need be he could simply use his name and his word that payment would be offered: he had not truly thought things through and realized it was a Saiyan woman he took to dinner. . .a creature just as voracious as the males. He grinned as she informed him she had not partaken in the delicious eats available. “You're in for a treat,” he chuckled, “I promise.”

He had slid onto a stool and she, probably, her own: the place was simple, the workers prepared the food within eyesight of the simple hole-in-the-wall affair which was a kitchen, a dining bar, and a score or so of stools lining it. She had asked what branch of the military Rensou Hiruen operated within, and he turned to her, wiping grin from face, would she honestly believe she was speaking with the second most important man upon Vegetan sands? Possibly not, but he offered naught but truth as he responded simply, “All of it, Noko. I'm the General of the Saiyan Army. Why?” he questioned as a young male approached them from the opposite side of the bar.

“Whaddaya want to drink?” Obviously, the young man was exactly that, young. . .and slightly rude as he impeded on the conversation.

“Just water for me,” Rensou replied as the youth slid a menu before the both of them as he looked to Noko from her request, and Rensou did as well, awaiting her reasoning. . .if any, perhaps she was just making small talk.

[riika]

She slipped into the small hole in the wall restaurant behind him. The place was nice. Small, but not crowded. She slipped onto a stool beside him. Noko turned her violet gaze to the shop. It was a nice place, enough room for patrons to sit, the kitchen longer and bustling. The smells of fresh bread, meat, and even vegetables wafted toward them. Noko inhaled deeply. It was rare for Sujest to serve any fruits or vegetables, things that were quite common and in abundance on Merrow Island. Besides them, there were only three other patrons in the shop, three men sitting a couple stools down. They were quite a bit older, and were arguing over something while laughing. Noko smiled, turning back to Rensou as he spoke.



The surprise was evident on her face. Yes, she had no idea that the resident asshole held such a high position. Noko would have laughed right in his face if he hadn't looked so serious. Her heart jumped. If he was in such high command...would it be possible he knew her father? Or could find out that information? But... what if he didn't even serve anymore? Noko didn't even have his name, a pictures, a description, anything. All she had was her last name. Would that be enough? It has to be... She turned to the boy, giving him a smile before looking down. Her tail churned the air behind her in excitement as she looked over the drinks. Turning her violet gaze back to the waiter, she nodded.

"Water for me as well, thank you," she said, polite as always. Noko turned back to Rensou, nervous. It was a gamble, one that might not even turn into anything. But if it did... If she had even the smallest chance... Noko took a deep breath and went for it.

"Rensou... I'm trying to find someone. I don;t know anything except that he would have served in the military twenty-five years ago with the last name of Arahara," she said, words rushed.

[Rensou Hiruen]

Rensou chuckled sheepishly as she stared at him with disbelief, but he reaffirmed his claim with a nod and more word, “It's true,” he concluded, at any rate, if she did not believe him to be an officer, he would prove it soon enough as she explained her situation. Searching out a man with the sername Arahara. Rensou had never met a Saiyan whom carried the name. But the Saiyan had means.

“You're not from around here, are you?” he mused, truly and finally confirming that she was from some distant planet for whatever reason or another. It was not an oddity, Saiyan life had spread. . .they were a nomadic and conquering people, and many peoples had Saiyan blood flowing through their veins while knowing nothing of where they truly originated from. Therefore, they often knew not of how technologically advanced their race was: stolen technologies from Tsufurjin oppressors had been improved, slowly, but surely. . .Rensou was capable of pressing a button on the scouter and finding her target in moments with but a few words. Rensou tapped the scouter casting a redness over his right eye, "This thing can find him, Noko."

Just then, the server returned with the drinks and posed the question if they were ready to order or not, and Rensou glanced to Noko, he knew exactly what he wanted, his usual. What he was unsure of was if she had decided. . .it did not seem she had paid too much attention to the menu, and he awaited her reply to the man. At any rate, the young waiter was becoming a hindrance to a conversation that was beginning to reveal a little at a time about the woman whom had gashed his scalp with a bottle.

[riika]

She gave a small shrug to his words, looking down at the counter in front of her. No, she wasn't from this planet. Hadn't even been born here! She was from an island that few could find. An Island protected by magic and the Merrows that it was named for. Noko turned her gaze back to him.

"I'm from the planet Nor... a small bit of land called Merrow Island, near the coast of the Dark Court. Is there something wrong with that?" she asked, challenging him. Noko wasn't blind to the hatred some Saiyans had for other races, other planets. Hell, one of the only reasons why she didn't get anything but stares was simply because people thought she was "eccentric." She watched as he tapped the scouter over his eye. She sat up sight, leaning closer. Her tail wagged quickly, and she couldn't stop the grin from spreading over her face.

"Really?! That easy?!" she asked, unable to contain the excitement. She jumped slightly as the server came over to them, pulling away and giving a sheepish smile. Clearing her throat she turned to him.

"Um, teriyaki chicken, please," she said, giving him a small smile. She turned back to Rensou, embarrassment obviously shown on her face. She fiddled with her necklace, running the purple pendant back and forth along the chain. Another habit of her's, an obvious sign she was nervous.

"So, um... Could you really do that? Right here and now? Find him, that is..." she mumbled, looking at the Saiyan man before her. A mixture of hope and nervousness swirled in her violet eyes.

[Rensou Hiruen]

Nor. He recalled the planet with neutrality – guards had leveled weapons at him on Nor as he flashed his strength wildly, calling Boliko to him like clockwork, and the two had set off and shortly afterward they had both departed and returned to Vegeta. Rensou smiled at the thought of his gargantuan king, like this girl, he was not of Vegeta. . .but he was still wholly a Saiyan, just one without the more refined viewpoints of the culture. Boliko preferred diplomacy and as little casualties as possible in the efforts of expanding the empire, but he still had the lust to rule over peoples and prove his dominance. Noko had been against senseless violence herself, but when presented with such a situation she had responded in kind. Noran or Vegetan, she was a Saiyan.

Her tone had carried challenge, something Rensou could understand. Perhaps she had faced persecution for the color of her eyes, her choice of clothing. The uncultured among the people would resort to such things, and not long ago, Rensou would as well. Those days were gone, ascension to position had changed his viewpoints slightly due to his attempts to maintain professional nature. He failed, mostly, but at least he tried. With his thoughts gathered, the scarred face went from side to side as he shook his head. “No, there's nothing wrong with that,” he stated bluntly before he had announced the point that her father should be relatively easy to find and her serious nature took an excited route.

Rensou Hiruen glanced to the waiter, “Just a burger, please, rare. . .and none of those acrid vega. . .” He stumbled on the word, still having only consumed the things in liquid form after a physical session. “. . .things.” Finally, the waiter was once again out of their hair. Finally, he turned back to Noko, and from the look on her face decided to immediately locate the man that had she sought. “One moment,” and he grinned, tapping a finger to one of multiple buttons before he decided to let the Saiyaness enjoy the technology their forefathers had taken for their own against cruel oppressors.

With a flick of a knob, the suction and seal that held the thing over ear and before the eye was broken. Rensou blinked, readjusting to the pale light which suddenly flooded the unshielded coal before he set the device down on the table and turned his gaze back to Noko. “I think you should do it,” he grinned, hoping within himself that the man still lived. . .many Saiyans left the service and life itself simultaneously. Considering she had never used a scouter, Rensou guided her through it.

“Over the left ear, and turn this knob clockwise. . .” and he pointed out the thing with a single finger.

“Press this button,” and the finger noted the location, “Ayleen will answer you,” Ayleen happened to be the artificial intelligence program uploaded into every computing device Rensou owned: the scouter, his ship, many facets of his home were controlled entirely by Ayleen.

“Tell her everything you know about this Arahara fellow, and ask her to locate him. . .if he is on Vegeta, she will find him.” Simplicity in complexity to the finest degree. Rensou had not taken into account Noko might be nervous about speaking into the scouter, for such a thing was commonplace on Vegeta.

[/size][/font]

[riika]

Noko watched intently as he fiddled with his scouter before....taking it off? She watched in complete and utter confusion. Had he decided not to help her? Was this some cruel joke? Or did he want something in return before he did so? She flushed though, the thoughts banished from her mind at his next words. Feeling guilty, Noko turned her gaze onto the scouter at the table. She was nervous, incredibly so. Merrow Island wasn't the most...advanced of place. And by that, it meant not at all. Not much had changed since Anastasia had created it about five thousand years ago. With the duiiecite aging only one year for every twelve, there went a lot of newer ideas floating around. Especially since very few choose to leave the island. But, she was determined. So, with a deep breath, Noko picked up the scouter, and put it on with shaking hands.

She turned the knob as he instructed, feeling the thing almost suction it's self onto her ear. She still held it there though, ready to rip it off at the first sign of danger. She listened to him carefully before giving a tiny nod, and pressing the button.

"Good afternoon, Master Hiruen."

Noko jumped, let out a small squeak as the voice spoke to her, a red screen going over her left eye. It distorted the world and she kept her other eye closed, her head already hurting from the strange, double vision. The world turned red, making her even more nervous. Before she could talk, the thing spoke up again.

"You're not Master Hiruen. Analyzing sound waves, user identified as a Saiyan, proceed."

"U-Um.....Hi Ayleen. Um, I'm Noko? I'm looking for someone and Rensou said you could help," she started. Noko felt like an idiot, speaking like this. She kept her voice quiet, allowing her to be heard by only Ayleen and Rensou. Biting her bottom lips, she sighed and proceeded.

"I don't know his first name... but his last is Arahara. He was in the military at least twenty-five years ago. He was on Nor with his wife, a scientist. Um..... I-I don't know if he's in the military any more though..." she said. Silence answered her and Noko got even more nervous. Every second seemed like an hour, and she was worried that she had broken his scouter. A small beep sent her almost jumping out of her seat before the scouter spoke again.

"The described has been identified from a search group of fifty four Saiyans bearing the surname Arahara, of which fifty three have never been dispatched to Nor. Bodou Arahara, alive, fifty three years of age, widower, located at 261B Raditzu Avenue, Saru City. Do you require more information, ma'am?"

Her heart pounded. Her father was alive! He was alive and she had an address! Noko nodded before realizing Ayleen couldn't see her. She spoke again.

"Yes please!"

"Bodou Arahara. Wife, Mikan Arahara deceased. Brother, Kinoko Arahara. Wife, Mame Arahara. Two children. Nasu Arahara, male, twenty seven years of age. Ninniku Arahara, male, twenty years of age. Boudou is currently unemployed and living with brother."

"Thank you Ayleen!" Noko said excitedly. Not only did she have a father who was still alive, but other family too! An uncle, an aunt, and cousins. Noko couldn't hide the joy she felt at this, her grin wide. Not even thinking, she practically launched herself at Rensou, throwing her arms around his neck and hugging him tightly.

"Thank you Rensou! Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

[Rensou Hiruen]

Rensou Hiruen had bit his lip as the uninitiated became embarrassed, stifling a bit of laughter as she stumbled through the entire process, bit by bit. He was interested, no doubt, but he had no idea of what importance the Saiyan named Arahara held to her. Thus, it was only natural that his attentions were devoted elsewhere once something was presented which enticed his focus to a greater degree. The waiter had slid their plates onto the counter, and without a moments notice the ex-gladiator attacked his food like a starved wolf.

The man pushed himself hard, and he required much fuel to sustain him. The bread simply added texture, and Rensou would probably never truly enjoy the taste of the baked grains. Ayleen insisted he ingest things besides straight protein to augment the growth of his abilities and benefit his health in general, and he had tried. Vegetables had been attempted, but he had found himself sickened by their taste and only consumed them in the form of drink. . .that much, he could withstand. He had sworn away solid vegetables, so he had decided to appease Ayleen with carbohydrates in addition to the ridiculous amount of proteins and fats he devoured. Hand lifted sandwich to mouth, and teeth sheared through bread with haste before the tongue was delighted by fleshy, tender, and savory goodness.

Rensou had just finished the sandwich and had begun to push golden, fried slices of whatever vegetable they had sent to accompany it around his plate with a fingertip. His stomach was still without fullness, and he finally managed to try one as Noko began to thank Ayleen with earnest. The enthusiasm momentarily drew his attentions away from the pleasant salts and crunchy outer mass before he felt the mealy texture of the cursed vegetable and decided to immediately spit the thing out, company be damned.

Then, a Saiyaness wrapped herself around his neck.

[/center]

It startled him, and those coals that had been squinted with disgust upon his tongue widened. Combative mind began to react, but better sense told him this was an embrace rather than an attack as Noko began to thank him in much the same manner she had Ayleen. With a mouthful of putridness and his chin on her shoulder, Rensou Hiruen did the only thing he could do. . .he wrapped his arms around the female and swallowed, fighting the urge to vomit as he murmured, “You're welcome, Noko.” The Saiyan was completely sure his breath was horrid after the fried, yellow slice of disgusting, and was suddenly glad they weren't speaking face to face. . . .and maybe, just maybe, he enjoyed the hug.

Oh, whatever, of course he did. Noko was an attractive, well mannered, and intelligent Saiyan woman. She was just a bit. . .off, but that had been explained.[/blockquote][/size][/font]

[riika]

It took only a second for her to realize what she had done. Her face flushed as she realized that her arms were wrapped around the large Saiyan, his hair tickling her cheek, her chest pressed against him. It took another moment for her to realize that his arms were wrapped around her waist, returning the hug that had surprised both of them. The soft murmuring of his made her face flush even more and she pulled away maybe a little too face, turning her face away to avoid eye contact. She instead turned to the waiter that was watching in curiosity.

"Um..... May I have a pen?" she asked, suddenly incredibly shy. The waiter rolled his eyes and put a pen down by her food. Food she didn't even realize she had. Noko gave him a sheepish smile and quickly copied the address down on a napkin. Her handwriting was neat and pretty, almost spidery in it's appearance. It drove the cook at the bar crazy, especially since she tended to slip a few native words in by accident. Noko removed the scouter handing it back to him before she turned to her sandwich and french fries. Unlike Rensou, she knew exactly what the vegetable on her plate was, and quite enjoyed it. On Merrow Island, fruits and Vegetables were in abundance. More so than meat, actually.

She picked up her sandwich, taking a bite. It was good, better than she had hoped. The cooks here really knew what they were doing. Noko continued to eat, trying to will away the flush of pink she knew still lingered on her cheeks. She couldn't believe she had just done that! Yes, she was excited, but that didn't mean she should go around randomly hugging people! Rensou probably thought she was a nutter. Hell, she thought she was a nutter for doing that. The chuckles from the older men at the end of the counter didn't help, especially their talk of "puppy love." Yup, it was official, Noko was mortified. She finished off the sandwich quickly, picking up a fry and taking a bite. The fries here weren't as good as at the bar. She had heard that vegetables were new to Vegeta. Maybe they were still learning exactly how to cook them. Noko turned to Rensou, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

"Um, Rensou, could you help me with one more thing....? Could you tell me where Raditzu Avenue is? You don't have to show me, you've been more than enough help already! But, it would really mean a lot..." she said. Noko turned her eyes back down to her fries, using the one she had taken a small bite of to push the others around. She was embarrassed, asking for his help. Especially after she had been so cold to him this afternoon and last night. She had to admit thought, Rensou wasn't the Saiyan she had thought he was. He was actually quite kind, and interesting at that. Noko knew he only took her here so that she would accept his apology, and was most likely helping her only for the same reason. The two weren't friends, and she wouldn't blame him if he simply pointed the way and told her to go by herself.

[Rensou Hiruen]

As quickly as they had embraced, they had broken apart. . .thankfully, the look of disgust had disappeared from scarred face and the acrid taste upon tongue was quickly washed away by a swallow of water. Noko, embarrassed, had apparently forgotten the scouter still upon her ear belonged to Rensou. He decided not to remind, she would realize it soon enough once she got over whatever it was that bothered her. Rensou, to say the least, was not shy about physical contact. Truly, no Vegetan raised Saiyan really was, when you got down to the bottom of it.

He poked and prodded at those nasty fried slices as she wrote, flicking his eyes sideways towards the address. Raditzu Avenue was located closer to the Elite district of Saru city, a place Rensou was not very familiar with. The entire place was organized according to caste, with the poorest and often weakest of the Saiyans living on the outskirts: the slums, where they dined now. Between the slums, the middle class lived comfortably. Rensou's own home rested comfortably between the two aforementioned borders. Towards the center of Saru rested the Royal Spire.

She asked if he might be able to give her directions to the avenue, but that was something Rensou would be unable to assist with. He shook his head from side to side, informing Noko of such and reinforcing it with word. “It's where the elite families typically live, Noko, I'm not very familiar with that part of the city,” Ayleen would be, but Rensou would neglect to bring that to light for his own desires. Tsuken, his beloved child, was in bed by now. Sessa would be working on her schoolwork, and Rensou would be left without company if he did not accompany the young woman on her personal quest to find this Arahara fellow.

“. . .but I'm sure we could find it,” he offered with an enthusiastic smile, something true. It was quite clear Rensou was not simply making amends for prior mistakes and settling score. The Saiyan actually wanted her company, at least for a while longer.

[/size][/font]

[riika]

As Rensou began talking, her heart dropped. When it came to directions, she was amung the worst. She'd find the house, but it would take a lot longer to do so. But, Noko understood. Why should he help her even more? In twenty-four hours, she had glared daggers at him, yell at him, hit him over the head with a bottle, told him to stay out of her life, and insulted him. It had been only in the last hour alone that the two had been friendly to each other. Noko nodded, understanding. She'd accept his apology, go home to look up the address, and go tomorrow.

“. . .but I'm sure we could find it,”

She turned her gaze back to him, shocked, but happy. She gaze at him for a moment, trying to see any falseness behind his smile. To see if there was anything hidden in his look. Did he really want to show her? Was he just being nice? Did he have ulterior motives. Noko pushed those thoughts from her head. She had always been a little on the causous side with people she didn't know. After all, growing up on a small island for twenty five years would do that to a person. So instead of questioning it, she slipped off her seat, turning to gaze at him.

"Could we go tonight then? We could fly, it wouldn't take long. You wouldn't even have to stay if you don't want to," she said, speaking hurridly. Her eyes pleaded with him, pracitcly begging. She did hope he'd stay, though. She was nervous. For twenty-five years her father hand't contacted her once. Did he even remember her? She didn't know. He might be overjoyed, might think of her as a prankster, might not even remember her. She knew she had just met Rensou, but if things did go wrong, she wanted someone beside her. On a planet where she had no friends, any kind of strength standing beside her would be welcome. Even a virtual stranger. She bit her lower lip softly, worried. She knew it was getting late... The clock on the wall showed the time as ten to eight, and she didn't blame him if he wanted to go home.

Breifly, she wondered if he had a family. Maybe a wife, children? Or was he alone. She didn't really know anything about Rensou. Except his favorite drinks, and the only veggies he seemed to tolerate were the ones she cut up tiny to add to a meat sauce. She knew he was the head of the military here, but even that was recent knowlege. Even his name was new to her. she had caught herself many times, almost calling him RA for Resident Asshole. Gazing up at him, Noko did find herself curious. When she asked Sujest about him before, he had muttered something about it being a long story. When asking Boa, the girl had given a lazy, cat-like grin and practiclly purred his name before chuckling and walking off.

[Rensou Hiruen]

She exploded with such enthusiasm that the male had little choice but to allow it to bleed over, and suddenly, he was nearly as excited about the prospect of helping Noko locate Raditzu Avenue. Her words traveled from lips quickly, her eyes pleading for his help that he had already resolved himself to give. She wished to fly to hasten her meeting with the one she sought, then it would be so. “Sounds like a plan,” he quickly replied. At once, the warrior delved into his pocket and produced a sum of zeni that was neither extravagant nor cheap. The server, although a slight annoyance, had proven to be a capable attendent. Thus, the coin was placed on the counter and Rensou turned his coals back towards the young woman whom had apparently forgotten entirely about her food in light of the good news Ayleen had undoubtedly revealed to her.

“Are you going to finish your meal, or would you like to leave now?” he inquired. If they were more familiar with each other rather than simply acquaintances, the general would probably scarf down her food himself if she opted to depart immediately. His body was worked doggedly in his typical routines, and his appetite was massive. . .but he would refrain should she refuse the rest of her meal.

Certainly, it had occurred to Rensou that the person Noko sought might be due for an ill arrival, but those suspicions had been diminished when she had displayed absolute happiness rather than cool resolve or nervousness. The person she sought had to mean something to her, but the Saiyan did not pry: it was really none of his business whom the person was. Perhaps a father, a sibling? A friend? . . .certainly not a lost lover, as she was not even from Vegeta, but then Rensou worried over the fact that Saiyans had been sent on tours of duty to the planet for the last three years. Perhaps she had met one of them who was not on leave. As the thought passed through his mind with an uncomfortable feeling in his stomach, Rensou began to worry why exactly he thinking such nonsense.

This woman had split his scalp open with broken glass, and here he was, worried she might have a significant other. . .nay, she certainly could not care for him too much, and the Saiyan pondered the idea that he was suddenly being used as a meal ticket with the boon of finding whoever it was Noko sought. At any rate, he would find out. . .eventually. If Noko never spoke to him again, even after what Rensou thought to be a fine evening, it would confirm the idea. Something within him told him to dismiss that idea as well. Noko was too nice, and too genuine in demeanor for such things~

Or was she?

[/size][/font]

[riika]

"Could we leave now?" she asked. He had paid and all she had left on her plate were the french fries, and judging by the amount on Rensou's, he didn't much like them. She took the two steps back onto the street, jumping up and hovering in the air. It was a warm night, the suns having set while they were inside. The street lamps were on, illuminating the people on the street. A soft wind had blown in, ruffling the edge of her dress and the hairs that had come loose from her braid. Her violet eyes held unmatched excitement, though her stomach was knotted. Noko was scared. Terrified in fact. But she kept her cool, focusing on the good that could happen.

After all, she didn't even want to think of the bad.

When ready, she flew up higher, the streets of Saru city stretched beneath her. She had always marveled at the beautify of the city, especially tonight. But now was not the time to float there, watching the twinkling of lights, or listen to the mummer and laughter of the crowd beneath her. No, she gazed around her, focusing more of the higher-class houses ahead. Her stomach did a flip flop. That was where he father was. She turned her gaze to Rensou, smiling softly. Worry, fear, hope, and excitement had softened her gaze, quieting her slightly.

"Lead the way..."

[Rensou Hiruen]

Rensou Hiruen drew the darkness into his lungs, the cold air filling him with all the wonder of a beautiful night with most wonderful company. The zephyrs wafting around two forms shrouded them in clouds, and wet the exposed skin of a man with water. . .not the blood it so often wore. Hiruen felt his lips curl upward, and he smiled to himself: a simple thing, really. Then again, simple composed complex with a million different factors, and such was the nature of the smile. This man who had been slain had smiled the first time he had held his son in his arms, glad to see him safe. A grin had crinkled those scars when the king informed of the vengeance soon to blossom, for the people deserved such justice: he smiled for the wives and the daughters, the fathers and the mothers and the sons! The lovers! His king! His comrades!

. . .but now, Rensou Hiruen was smiling for himself.

For the first time in years, he felt peace, true happiness. This woman had elated him, she had shown him that there were matters more important than those of the sword: of attacking the hated and defending the beloved. There were matters of the heart to be attended to, and she had set herself to task and he followed, leading him through the skies until they basked above the clouds. Violet eyes looked to him, sparkling with the stars in the skies and the twinkling lights below. The coals of the man met those gorgeous lights as her lips parted.

“Lead the way. . .”

Strength had ordained Rensou a leader of multitudes of men, and his fearlessness had pulled him through. The Saiyan was a warrior amongst the greatest, a soldier without mercy, a man of honor. Certainly, he had slain hundreds. . .thousands, millions even! Trillions of lives had been extinguished by his hands, hands that trembled as he moved forward. A heart that had pulsed confidently while so many stopped to raise a race beyond the means of the home beat harder than it ever had before. A slayer of many had been reduced to nervousness, fear. . .and he reveled in it. He embraced the fear and boldness manifested, and just as he held the feeling close, an arm encircled Noko's waist and another lifted hand to chin, bringing her lips to his own just as she had asked.

The brazen bastard was scared to death, but he led the way.

[/size][/font]

[riika]

He's so warm...

The first thoughts that ran though her mind were hazy, disoriented. His lips had pressed against her own and she felt her body slowly responding. Her hands were on his broad chest, curled softly in pleasure. Her violet eyes had gone wide, but fluttered close as she leaned into him, kissing him back. This is so nice.... Kissing him...

Wait....what?!

Violet eyes snapped back open as clarity rushed back to her. She was floating in the sky, wrapped in his gentle embrace as he kissed her. And she was kissing him back. In a sudden flood of panic, Noko broke the kiss and sailed back a couple of feet, covering her mouth. What was wrong with her?! She hardly knew the man before her! Had she not just been thinking about his motives, questioning his actions? Had she not just realized how little she had known about the man before her? Wondering if he had a wife, a family, a lover? And now look at her, kissing him so deeply, heart a fluttering and her body melting against him. This was NOT how she acted. Noko was quiet, wary, and cautious.

"R-Rensou I," she stuttered out, not quite knowing what to say. What did one say to such an event? Thank you but no thanks, now lets get going? Was she supposed to say that she didn't feel that way? But hadn't she just been kissing him back?! Noko's experience with men could be summed up very quickly. She had dated two boys on the island, both when she was younger. Neither had turned out well, at all. One had cheated on her and the other...well, him and his boyfriend were very happy last time she saw him. So when faced with such a situation, she froze.

"I-I-I'm sorry but....I j-just don't....I mean....I don't really know you! This has been a great evening, b-but....I just...I.....I have to go!" she stuttered out, words said so fast she almost choked on them. With a red face, she shot past him, heading toward the homes of the higher up. She didn't know if she planned to find her father now, or what. She just needed a second to think, to slow down her heart.

She needed to think why she had kissed him back.

And why she wanted to turn around and kiss him again.