The Day of Thunder

"You, me, and those closest to us." Hikaru echoed her, smiling. "Yes." He closed his eyes into the kiss. "But for today, just us..." He grinned as he, while keeping her pulled tight against him, savoring the warmth of her body against his, led her beneath the tree. He paused there, lips brushing aga...

Hikaru laughed openly, his joy bubbling over. "Yes. Entwined. That's a very good word for it." He lifted one hand, catching their hair where, once more, his white lock had become entangled with hers. He sighed pleasantly as she leaned her head on his shoulder. Hearing that response, Hikaru blinked. ...

As they kissed, Hikaru released her left hand, but only to slide his arm around her waist. Almost as if he could read her mind, he pulled her closer, pressing her form against his. One kiss became two, then three, as Hikaru found himself unable to break away, wanting to savor this moment as long as ...

Hikaru took a deep breath. This was the one he was least certain about. And the least within his comfort zone. Only, looking into Satsuki's lovely green eyes, that was no longer true. Smiling, he took her hands. With his right, he entwined his fingers with hers, but with his left, he took her hand i...

"Almost from when you first hugged me." Hikaru said, grinning suddenly. "But perhaps most when you risked everything to help me in my quest. That was when I knew..." He closed his eyes briefly, remembering not just the scene, but the feeling. His eyes opened. "There is the final task." Hikaru took a...

Seeing Satsuki's excitement brought a smile to Hikaru's face. Despite that, it did not diminish his formality, merely shifted it to a more comfortable form. He bowed. "Kaiu Tai-san called it glitterstone. Crushed and mixed in proper proportions into paint, it has this effect." Straightening, he care...

Hikaru looked at her a moment longer, then nodded slowly. "Very well." He said. He straightened, that formal edge returning. "The first answer was the easiest one, or so I felt." Reaching into his pack, he drew out a ceramic jar. Carefully, he pulled off the waxed paper that sealed it; inside seemed...

Even if it hadn't been a clear day, even if he could not see her walking towards him, Hikaru would have known Satsuki was coming. The wind blew around him, tugging at his clothes, his hair. All stayed in place... except, of course, his single white lock. It came free of the tie he'd so carefully use...

"I confess that I'm a bit unsure of this idea of being perfect in any art form, speaking as an artisan. Perhaps I can fathom it myself. There are most certainly a lot of aspects I could strive to improve myself on as I'm a long way away from even being considered a master! I'm more certain that thi...

Hikaru was there. He wasn't quite smiling, but his expression was a bit brighter than usual.

Perhaps it was the festive atmosphere.

Hikaru is definitely 100% not going to take part. I was asking because, if we do suspect this is tainted, it seems like the villagers should be warned.

It just seems super duper sketchy, especially knowing that Chouri has been in league with Harbinger.

Errrr, do we know, IC or OOC, if this healing ritual that's going on is safe? Non-corrupty?

Hikaru had asked Satsuki to meet him here. It was a bit farther than they'd met the other day, for their very engaging sword practice. With the wind blowing, the area was much less foggy. It was a pleasant spot, on the far edge of the field, in the shade of a tree. A bit farther from Lady Anjing's s...

Looking for help since I'm bad with Rat-Rat names. :D Satsuki's name is written 咲月, which translates to something like "gossamer + moon". She is strongly linked to moon spiritually as well as the Heavens. And of course fire. Lots of fire. So something like Burning Bright, or some such maybe? Again ...

"Oh, you're a painter too? And most certainly, I do like to think that art does have a serenity about it, especially when you've found your inspiration or you're chasing an idea or some sort of perfection. That said, art can also be a source of frustration when you find yourself stuck and unable to...

Hikaru returned the nod slowly. It seemed that they understood each other. Good. As Naraku spoke, Hikaru looked at him a long moment, his expression strange. Finally, he spoke. "I very much hope you are right." He said, his voice soft. Then he smiled. "In truth, we found each other some time ago. Fi...

"Yes..." Hikaru said, frowning. "I remember the first time I saw her face her demons, ah, metaphorically speaking." A brief grimace at that; damn these times they lived in. "Her fire is also what gives her the drive to help others, to make a difference." Hikaru smiled. "I may have been hers at that ...

Hikaru was there, waiting to see what was going to be said.

Hikaru listened. "I can imagine that. He finally said. "I have heard that she is a paragon of bushido, even before we truly knew what bushido was. That is certainly borne out by your words." He inclined his head to the princess. And then he shook his head. "Many things. What makes us who we are. Par...

Hikaru gently shook his head, although it wasn't clear what he was denying, as he turned, following Anjing. Reaching into his kimono, he drew forth a cloth. Carefully, he wiped his face with it, then wordlessly offered it to Anjing. He nodded. "I understand." Hikaru said, his voice back to its usual...