Without Borders | OPEN

[Tsukino Seiko]

Cloudy.

Seiko looked up at the sky with a small smile; it had been uncomfortably sunny these past couple of days which made it difficult for her to venture out with her skin and eyes being hyper sensitive to light. But since the clouds had covered up the skies overhead, she took this as an opportunity of freedom. Traveling at night was too dangerous, not that she wasn't skilled in combat but Seiko preferred to avoid trouble- though, if she was stuck inside another day, she probably would have ventured out regardless.

Somehow, she found herself near the waters- the bustling of men and women tending to their ships or requesting for some sort of aid from the nearby marketplace, the children scurrying around with little trinkets they called toys--...no familiar faces though, not that she could see, anyway. She pushed forward, weaving in and out past people the best she could except that she stood out like a sore thumb with her white hair and red eyes. She hardly ever came by the coast before, and since it was a prime location for traders of different nations to come and go, she was often called derogatory names.

"WITCH!"

Seiko was unfazed. Their words held little weight especially since she had learned to become desensitized to their petty and childish ways. Instead she pressed forward, ignoring the individual who spat more ugly words. Usually, they left her alone after uttering something under their breath, but it seemed as if this man was hell bent on making her uncomfortable until she left Seto area all together- which wasn't going to happen because she had just arrived.

"Please, save your insults for someone who cares," Seiko mumbled, which may or may not have been a great idea. She was still a woman after all, and talking back to a male could have some serious backlash. Ugh. She wished she had brought some garb to cover herself with- her hair, mostly. Or maybe she should have just worn the wig whenever she left home like others had advised.

Whatever. Too late now.

[Morei Haji]

I decided to take a break from laying around in the inn to take a walk around the around. While they had advised me to stay in bed due to my stab wound, I decided to sneak out and get some fresh air. Katsumi was still resting, and I did not want to wake her when she needed the rest more than I did. So I strapped on my headband, gauntlets, and kimono. Underneath that, my body was wrapped to prevent more bleeding, but I couldn't overexert myself at all for fear of reopening the wound. Sakabato and katana at my side just in case, I strolled along the water way.

I recalled how excited I was when I had first seen the sea. My nature was childlike in itself, before Katsumi and I had nearly died that same night. Trying to push that thought of my mind, I would come across some commotion. Hearing someone shout "WITCH!", I would hurry along to see what the problem was.

My eyes widened as I saw someone else with white hair, being treated the same way I had gotten used to. Looking around at the people around me, I had begun to wonder if being here as well would make the situation worse or not. Regardless, I stepped into view where the shouting man could see me. "Hey, I think you should leave her alone."

I was really hoping this would not escalate into a fight, as I really wasn't in the state for it. Being someone else with white hair, the man would probably think we're in collusion or some kind of diseased people or something.

[Tsukino Seiko]

"Hey, I think you should leave her alone."

That's when Seiko stopped walking. She turned to face her offender before glancing at the source of the voice and...taken aback because of his hair. She had never seen another one of 'her kind' and her curiosity was piqued- rather than this guy speaking up out of the goodness of his heart - though, that could have also been the case - he did so out of empathy. He understood the troubles that came with looking unlike anyone else. And this was perhaps one of the oddest feelings because even though she did not know him, she felt a connection simply by the fact that here was someone who knew.

The man looked at the male, then at Seiko, spitting at the ground near her which caused her to take a step back.

"You two make me sick."

A slow exhale of relief when the man turned away. Spectators who curiously looked over went back to their usual business and Seiko, remembering the boy like her, looked at blurted out-- "Are you an albino too?"

[Morei Haji]

The air was tense for a moment as the man seemed to contemplate what to do. When he spit on the ground near her, which was uncalled for, I couldn't help but smile as things turned out non-violent after all. I really didn't want to get punched in the stomach.

I looked over at the girl as she spoke to me. "An albino?" So that's what she thought I was, and that explained her appearance. And here I was thinking maybe she also had some crazy family history that came out in her genes or something. Granted, it wasn't any better for either of us. One of us had red eyes, and the other blue, and that was probably the only real difference.

"It'd probably be easier to just say yes, but uh... My family used to be priests and really spiritual and all that crap, and apparently it came out in my generation... or something. I was born different from my parents, who looked... 'normal'."

I scratched my head as I spoke, noting how weird the story sounded. It wasn't anything so simple as being an albino, even though I had never seen one before. "You're actually the first person I've met who's looked similar."

[Tsukino Seiko]

Say what? So there really were such things like magic? She stared at him as if he were speaking lies to her, almost wondering if he thought she was stupid. But then again, it wasn't possible for him to be an albino because of his eyes- ah, she wasn't sure what to think, now.

"...me too." She paused for a moment before giving a slight bow out of politeness- he was a stranger and she had spoken to him so informally that she was a little embarrassed, but the damage was already done. "I'm Tsukino Seiko, by the way. Thank you for speaking up."

He looked young and seemed young, and in a way he almost felt like kin to her despite her having just met him. It made little sense, but so did his story.

"So you were born like that? White hair and blue eyes?" Just to confirm; it was almost hard to believe.

[Morei Haji]

Noticing the woman bow, I took would bow my head, wincing a bit as I moved the muscles in my stomach. "Ahh, no thanks are necessary, Tsukino-san." I would speak politely. "I am Morei Haji."

I returned to my normal stance after a moment longer of bowing. I did not think to actually speak to this person after trying to help them, as I was used to performing the deed and the other person would leave. Perhaps the hair similarities really helped.

"I know it isn't the most believable story, but yes..." Both of my parents and even my eldest brother had looked normal, so it was beyond me why I was born this way. For the longest time, I considered it a curse, but thanks to it, I met Katsumi, and now Seiko. "You were born with your hair and eyes too, correct? It's not too different."

[Tsukino Seiko]

"I was." Not different at all. Seiko was just a little dumbstruck that there existed another person who looked similarly to her. Pale red eyes dropped to his katana and sakabato- maybe that's why the man backed out, because he sighted the weapons? Was he a part of another faction? She wondered.

"I'm sorry for staring- it's just--" her head tilted a bit, "--I did not know there were others like me." She dismissed the thought and then nodded toward his weapons, "Are you from a faction?" She had to ask because she had to be wary. Takeda didn't have any formally established allies and she was a little far from home. Although it was nice to find someone who had a physical resemblance to her, she still had to be careful with her interactions. Not that she ever was careful to begin with.

[Morei Haji]

"It's okay..."

Admittingly, being stared at was something I was used to. What I wasn't used to was someone staring at me out of curiosity, rather than fear of the unknown. Of course, I couldn't say I wasn't looking at her in the same way. Because I kind of was.

"I am just a wanderer. You could say I do odd jobs." I responded to her question about me being in a faction, but I remembered back when I had met Yukimura in Kofu and he had offered me a place in the Takeda army. Looking back at my weapon, I remembered that spar in the bamboo grove. "But I guess you could say I'm an ally to the Takeda army."

That said, I hoped she wasn't an enemy of the Takeda. That would pretty much suck.

[Tsukino Seiko]

She still looked at him warily; odd jobs that require two weapons, both of which were commonly used to slay people? Then again, factions were in war with each other so it made sense for people to leave their comforted areas with weapons. Maybe Seiko was just insane for leaving home without one.

"It seems like we have another in common- you're a wanderer by trade and I'm a wanderer by nature." The words just sort of slipped out of her mouth. But it was nice to know that he was an ally and not an enemy, else Seiko would have booked back home. Though, she wouldn't say aloud that she was a part of Takeda. Not very many knew aside from those who were actually in it.

"What brings you here? Your wanderings?" Because this wasn't a funnest place to be- not with all the merchants and their unruly behaviors.

[Morei Haji]

(OOC: Pssst Kia the sakabato is a reverse-blade sword. Sorry, should've specified that sooner.)

"You too, a wanderer?"

It was certainly common nowadays to find another wanderer. Many people weren't certain of who they wanted to ally themselves with. Most stayed with their lords who ruled over the land that they ruled over, but if I did that, then I'd be serving Oda Nobunaga himself. That definitely didn't sit well with me. He and I may have been born in the same place, but something about him made me oppose everything that he stood for.

"I came here with someone, but... we were injured. She's resting up at the inn still." I looked away as I remembered what happened to Katsumi just days before. My own weakness put her in that position. "So we're kind of stuck in this area for a while longer... what about you?"

[Tsukino Seiko]

(OOC: ...I don't know what you're trying to imply. LOL. Also, maybe we can get Katsumi up in hurr?!)

She nodded her head. She belonged to a faction but she was a drifter by nature; after the death of her parents, she found that staying in one place made her feel wildly uncomfortable. At the same time, she couldn't just leave the place she called home- so although she was bound to Takeda's faction because they had saved her, her heart was out there- somewhere.

"Injured? You both?" A slight frown. It was perhaps one of her greatest weaknesses- the injured. She cursed herself; Seiko always told herself to prepare a small medical pack to carry around with her at all times but never got around to it. She would be sure to do that as soon as she got home.

"Perhaps I may be of help- I'm a physician by trade." Although she didn't have any of her materials, they were amongst merchants; Seiko was sure something could be found. If they wanted her help, that is.

[Morei Haji]

(OOC: Since you noted that Haji had two weapons meant for slaying, I wanted to point that out, lol. Also, if she wants to join, then sure!)

"Really, Tsukino-san, you're a physician?" My eyes widened for a moment. It must have been some strange stroke of luck to come across her like this. The people at the inn, while helpful, probably weren't the best suited for things... But if Seiko could really be a help, then... would Katsumi let her help?

"I could not possibly ask you to go so far out of your way for people you do not even know." I bowed my head in respect, trying not to wince. "But... I am very worried for her safety..."

I wanted to jump at every chance I could to make sure Katsumi was okay. I had risked my life for her, nearly dying to get her back to the town, but upon waking up in that bed later, I realized it wasn't just as simple as getting her back. I did not know the extent of her condition. Or even if she would let someone else see her, as she was so secretive about her identity since she pretended to be a man... which I had realized I let slip.

[Tsukino Seiko]

(OOC: Oh! Is one not meant for slaying? LOL Sorry! My knowledge on swords = limited...or non-existent, I guess.)

She nodded her head. There weren't many female physicians, but it just so happened that Seiko was part of a generation that worked with needles and herbs. She didn't quite know how to perform surgery, but she had - unfortunately - amputated a limb or two in her line of work. A bloody mess, literally, but necessary, and excruciatingly painful. Numbing only went so far.

"I am. Please- I insist." Seeing his concern for his friend only made her desire to check up on her grow; and it would give her the chance to repay him for his kindness, which is something she rarely found in strangers. He said he had been injured as well, did he not?

"What kind of injuries do you two have?" Because she might have to buy some supplies before she heads over.

[Morei Haji]

(OOC: The sakabato is a sword where the blade is reverse. The sharp edge faces the wielder, and the dull end faces the opponent. So that way you can defeat your opponent without killing them.)

"I... thank you very much, Tsukino-san!" I bowed again, extremely grateful that she was so adamant about going out of her way for us. I was certain we could work out payment further on, especially to compensate for any supplies she may have needed.

"Well, you see..." I moved my kimono down just a bit so she could see the wraps on my torso. "I was stabbed... I'm not actually meant to be out of bed, to be honest." I scratched my head as I spoke. "But she... she's far worse. Her entire body, and I..."

My voice trailed off, one of my fists clenching up as I kept recalling the bloodied state I found her in. I calmed down, looking back at Seiko. "It would mean the world to me if you saw her, Tsukino-san. She's staying at the inn."

[Tsukino Seiko]

She let out a slow, disapproving sigh. The fact that he was stabbed and walking about was pretty high up on the list of things not to do when wounded via impalement. But if this was the condition he was in, she wondered what state his friend was in for him to be so concerned.

"How bad? Also stab wounds? Burns? Open cuts?"

Knowing that they were at the Inn made things easier; it meant that there would be supplies available on site if she needed anything.

[Morei Haji]

"She was severely beaten and was covered in blood and cuts when I found her... by the time I had gotten to her, I was already stabbed and carried her all the way back to town... I haven't been allowed to see her too much."

It was at least a couple hours out of town, and it certainly wasn't easy. Collapsing outside the town, we were lucky to get picked up by the residents here as we both lost consciousness after our blood loss.

That said, I wasn't sure if Katsumi had received any deeper injuries like I had. I was out of the loop when I asked about her condition.

[Tsukino Seiko]

Brows furrowed; cuts were only dangerous if they weren't treated correctly. The Inn probably did a fine enough job tending to them, but just in case she wanted to grab some ointment and needles to manipulate her flow of qi and alleviate pain.

"How deep is your stab wound?" She started walking down toward the marketplace, expecting him to follow.

[Morei Haji]

"The knife was... kind of plunged in deep..."

I chuckled nervously. I shouldn't have been walking around, especially since it was a strain on me right now. Breathing was awfully painful, and as I followed after Seiko, I was trying not to exasperate the pain too much. I'd imagine if it weren't for the bandages around my torso, I'd be at risk for bleeding all over the place. Barely a month out of home and I got stabbed.

"But I'm not as concerned about myself..."

Katsumi was first priority.

[Tsukino Seiko]

She stopped.

"...where is the Inn?"

She asked because she was going to send him back. She would buy the supplies herself and meet him and his friend there. Stupid boy didn't know the severity of his own injury and worried only about his friend's. Although externally it may have looked like a completely selfless act, Seiko couldn't help but think how incredibly selfish it was.

"Go. I'll see you there in a few minutes."

[Morei Haji]

"It's, uh... the nice looking building facing the sea, it's near a fountain past all the stalls."

Hopefully she wouldn't have much difficulty finding it. It was the first place I had found when I first arrived here. I figured I would do as she said though, as offering to stay and help her get things together, I was worried I would just slow her down. It sounded like she was concerned for my own injury.

"Yes, Tsukino-san. I will see you there." I bowed my head, trying to hold the pain back. I would make my way back to the inn, finding it not too far from where I had run into Seiko.

Entering the inn, I would make my way to the room Katsumi was in. I would take a deep breath before entering, hoping she wouldn't get mad at me for moving around.

"Katsumi-chan. How are you holding up?" I spoke as I entered, hoping she was feeling better.

[Shinomori Katsumi]

The sheets were bunched up at the end of the mat and nothing lay beneath. Instead, the patient was halfway across the room, slowly crawling towards her bag resting against the cabinet in the room. Her supplies were within that back, and there were the herbs and items there for her to make her salve.

Katsumi's broken rib, and fractured bones, and wounds galore protested, screaming at her to rest instead, to do otherwise, but she had always been one to have to take care of herself. It wasn't that she was necessarily stubborn, but simply that she knew no other way. Whenever she had been wounded like this, which had been more often than not, the girl had to tend to her own injuries or die. It was a matter of survival and she had to learn it early on, as injuries like these were frequent because of her father.

In fact, even with things drastically changing since she met Haji and her friends, it didn't feel much different to her now. The fear of asking for assistance and being beaten and nearly killed for it would likely never go away. Some time passed before she reached the end of the room, body wrought with pain. Shaking, her bandaged hands searched her bag, removing the herbs within and the mortar and pestle, and she began to make her salve.

Fearing for the deep cuts in her hands from gripping the blade of the katana and repeatedly stabbing the man who had beaten her relentlessly opening up, Katsumi used her mouth, teeth clenching the pestle. It kept falling out, and bending over made her torso hurt terribly. But she bore through it, wincing from the pain and tears forming in the corners of her eyes.

She wasn't sure how much time passed, but exhaustion set in and her form wavered, lids drooping heavily. Katsumi was so exhausted but needed to get the job done. Once finishing making the salve, the girl rested her back against the counter, panting heavily. It hurt to breathe, ribs protesting, and she weakly lifted up her hands, the archer beginning to use her teeth to rip through the old bandages.

Katsumi felt as though if she didn't do it, no one would, all but forgetting about the villagers helping her before. Her dark eyes were fogged over and she was back in time, living in the days of the past. Katsumi trembled, terrified Father would come in and see her in such a pathetic state. She had to get better right away before he returned. She couldn't let him see. She would die! He would kill her if she couldn't perform and get through something as minuscule as this! There was more training to do, more jobs to do. Nothing was ever good enough, and she had to keep going, keep surviving...

[Tsukino Seiko]

"Mm...I'll take these- oh-- do you have any acupuncture needles?"

She already had a basket full of items just in case the Inn didn't have what she needed. There would be no need for compensation because Seiko had to get these items anyway, and she never really took in the injured for money. She didn't really make a living off of anything- the other two she lived with, did.

"Oh- these will do," she uttered quietly after inspecting the points and lengths of the needles. She paid the appropriate amount before adding it to the basket, which had splinters, wraps, ointments, vials containing liquids and paste-- interesting items; necessary items.

OOC: I'll have Seiko appear in the next post.

[Morei Haji]

"Katsumi..."

She seemed to be off in a world of her own. She hadn't acknowledged my presence at all, which was unusual for her. But after what happened... finding her across the room from her bed like this was the last thing she needed to be doing. Despite her injuries, she remained strong-willed enough to try and take care of herself. And I admired her for it, but...

I would walk over to her, kneeling by her side. She seemed determined, and as much as I wanted her to rest, I felt it would be wrong to stop her too. But help was coming. And as I looked over her body, bruised and tattered, it caused a sharp pain in my chest. Every time I looked upon this, I continued to blame myself. For not being there, for not protecting her like I should've. The woman I loved was hurt, and my own weakness was at fault. My fists clenched tightly as I looked to the ground, and I fought the urge to cry.

Instead, my hands would come out and lightly take hers, stopping her from tearing away at her bandages momentarily. "Katsumi, stop..." I looked back at her now, my voice gentle, if she could even acknowledge that I was here. "I met someone in the town, a physician... she says that she can help."

I knew she wanted to keep her identity a secret from as many people as possible, but Seiko did not seem like the type to look down upon Katsumi for being a woman, especially as she was a woman herself. I doubted many were among the living at this point who would judge her, or want to kill her. The men who troubled her past were dead. Seiko was trustworthy, I felt that in the small moment I had spoken to her. After all of this was over, she and I could go back to what we did before, with no more worries. And I swore that I would protect her next time.

[Shinomori Katsumi]

Katsumi had tunnel vision, one goal in mind because of the fear wracking her body. It was far more intense than the pain, and so she worked as she trembled, as she shook. In fact, Katsumi didn't even hear Haji come in or say her name. Instead, she focused on using all of the little strength she had right now to rip off her bandages, and with her teeth of all things.

When Haji sat next to her and took her hand, saying her name, Katsumi gasped, cringing at the pain from her ribs, and drew back. Tears fell from her eyes. Her mind was not where her body was, and Katsumi believed it was Father who was there instead. He was going to kill her for being so weak!

Panic welled up inside of her as the tears fell down her paled cheeks and, with difficulty, she fretfully scooted away, pressing herself into the corner of the room. Katsumi was shaking her head, chest rising up and down in panic, which only increased the pain she felt, and she whimpered, "N-No. I... I'm okay. I'll... I'll be fine. Please... please just... just give me a... a few moments to... to finish up... I... I'm s-so sorry for... for being so weak and... and f-failing you again. I'll d-do much b-better n-next time."

She tried tearing through the bandages more vigorously, which only proved to start opening up her wounds again, and her crying turned into weeping. But the tears were more from the unadulterated terror she felt than the actual pain, and Katsumi curled up into a pitiful ball despite her body's protests, hoping to make herself smaller and to help shield herself from the merciless beatings of her past.