P A R A S Y T E [A Samurai's Story]

(continued)



As the group starts to eat their meal, a small voice comes from behind them. “Honoka? Is that. . . is that you?”

She turns around, her eyes widening to twice their size at the person who had said her name. Honoka is frozen and silent, unsure of what to say or do at the time being. Suddenly, she is on her feet and charging towards the young man. And she grasps him in a tight hug, one that he is quick to return.

“Nobuo. . .” She gasps into his shoulder.



Honoka takes a quick step back and then takes hold of his forearm. She pulls him over to the group, and Masanori scans the young man up and down. He appeared to be no older than 20, if even. And it is clear that he is from another village. Clothing shows an island. But new scars show battle. He must have recently come back from the war. . .

“Everyone, this is Nobuo Sainō. . . he and I were great friends.” Honoka introduces.

“Well I would like to think that we still are.” Nobuo chuckles, scratching the back of his head. "I mean we've known each other since we were what. . . two?" He snickers.

“You should join us.” Masanori says, warmly smiling. “We’ve just started eating.”

“Well if it’s not too much of a bother. . .” Nobuo laughs, sitting beside Yasu. Honoka returns to her spot by Yashiro, and she smiles brightly at her friend.

“It’s been years.” Honoka says, almost under her breath.

“Five to be exact.” Nobuo replies. “I’m sorry about your father. . . I heard about what had happened as I passed through your village. I had hoped to find you there, but I was informed that you had gone off with others. These must be those others?” Nobuo’s eyes scan the group, resting on Yashiro for the longest amount of time.

He smiles once more, “I am very glad to see that you are safe!”

“Thank you~” Honoka slightly bows. “And I am glad to see that you are also alive and well.”

“Hey, I’m stronger than I look!” Nobuo laughs, his shoulders bobbing up and down. He then pats the katana at his side. He looks at Masanori and Yashiro. But, once again, his attention rests on Yashiro for the longest.

“So where are you headed?” Masanori decides to ask, wanting to avoid conflict.

“The next village over.” Nobuo answers, blinking.

“So are we. You could trail along with us.” Yasu shrugs. “That way you and Honoka could also catch up.”

Masanori jumps slightly in his own skin.

“That’s be nice!” Nobuo beams.

Masanori takes in a quiet breath. He opens his mouth, as if to say something.

“It would.” Honoka nods.

With that, Yasu continues to eat. Masanori was unsure of this. By the way Nobuo kept looking at Yashiro. . . he felt like things could go wrong.

"Is there a problem" Yashiro asked letting his bo staff rest on his lap as he holds Honoka's hand and pulled her into a playful embrace
"I'm gonna go for a walk" he says getting up and walking off something about that guy was off

Honoka watches as Yashiro walks off, and she blinks multiple times. She returns her attention to Nobuo, who was glaring at the doorway. Honoka’s eyes lower to stare at her lap, and she takes in a subtle breath.

Yasu gives a loud burp, and then sighs in satisfaction. “Alright! I’m set! Let’s go!” She jumps up to her feet and speeds outside, catching up to Yashiro. “No time for solo walks right now my friend. We need to go go go!” She exclaims. “So much to do in so little time!” She flashes him a wide grin.

Masanori shows up shortly after, with Honoka and Nobuo walking side by side, talking and laughing.

“Please don’t let anything bad happen.” Masanori exhales, looking up at the sky.




Honoka glances back as they pass through the village gates. She lightly smiles, glad that she had at least gotten a chance to return once more. That was all she needed to be happy. But, what made her even happier was that Nobuo is now with them. Yet, there was something off. He wasn’t nearly as energetic. Honoka guessed that it was probably because of the war.

Yasu leads them farther away from the village. She was full, which also means she’s content. And that’s a very good thing – as Masanori would say. Whilst eating, they had all introduced themselves to Nobuo. Yasu couldn’t help but think that he was somewhat cute. Even with the pink-tinted hair. She snickers to herself, causing Masanori to arch a brow and look at her.

Nobuo goes to say something to Honoka, but watches as she grabs Yashiro’s hand. His mouth instantly closes, and he tenses for a moment. His eyes narrow on Yashiro before he looks away. Clearing his throat, Nobuo asks, “So, Masanori, don’t those every get uncomfortable. . .?”

He points at the geta on Masanori’s feet. Masanori just chuckles and shakes his head. “No. I like them.” He gives a shrug, and Nobuo nods in understanding.

Nobuo’s attention once more rests on Honoka’s and Yashiro’s hands. His fingers slowly curl into tight fists, and a second later, he is holding his katana.

Masanori hears this, and stops, turning to look at Nobuo – whom is in a fighting stance.

“Yashiro! I challenge you right now to a duel!” Nobuo shouts, brows knitted together.

Honoka's eyes widen slightly, and she looks from Nobuo to Yashiro. "Please don't do this." She shakes her head.

"Honoka, stand back." Nobuo tells her, his voice firm. He wasn't going to change his mind. He wasn't going to back down now.

Yashiro stops and turns his head looking back at the man still facing forward. .
"I had a feeling you had your heart set on my soulmate but I wont fight you as she is not some prize to be won through battle she is my sole reason for existence not something to be possessed the day you match these feelings of mine then we can duel till then I wont be part of anything that will cause Honoka pain" he says balling his fist up

Nobuo produces a sound between a snort and a laugh, a smirk flitting across his face. “That’s a joke. Just like you.” His brows knit together, his grip on the blade tightening. “I have known Honoka far longer than you have. I’m the one she has always loved!”

There is a moment of silence before Honoka gathers her thoughts and steps forward. “Nobuo, stop this, please. Yes, I have always loved you. . . but as a brother.” She somewhat frowns as his expression is quick to change.

Nobuo’s eyes widen and he lowers his katana. Yasu could feel his pain. She knew his feelings all too well. Her attention wanders over to Masanori, and she frowns. Suddenly, Yasu hears a heart-wrenching outcry. She whips her head around, watching as Nobuo charges at Yashiro with blade ready.

Masanori stands where he is, watching. There was something off about Nobuo's movements. There seemed to be no technique. . .

Yashiro burst forward with great speed and holds Nobuo's hand before he can make a full extension steam was beginning to rise off his body as he had accessed some of his training to move at that speed it was the same technique he had to use just to keep up with Masonori when he was on a tear, it was funny that he had to use a technique to keep up with Masanori's natural top running speed.


Converting his strength in his lower body Yashiro's internal flame direct all power to his feet as he charges and over time speed steadily increases.

Yashiro just stops the blade as the wind moves through his hair, as everyone is silent it was weird to see Yashiro enter combat without a smile on his face actually it was weird that Yashiro didn't go for a damaging technique other then just stopping Nobuo. His green eyes, are looking right past Nobuo, as he doesn't look Honoka's way as it must be hard for her to see her friend like this, but his gaze rests on Yasu.
"IS THIS IT FOR YOU ...ALL YOUR FEELINGS REPRESSED ALL THESE YEARS. WHY DIDN'T YOU SAY ANYTHING WHY DID YOU LET YOU EMOTIONS FESTER AND BOIL UP TO THIS MOMENT WHERE YOU WANT TO CAUSE HARM TO THE PERSON WHO HAS THE HEART OF THE PERSON YOU LOVE. YOU DON'T HAVE ANYONE TO BLAME BUT YOURSELF, REGARDLESS OF IF THEY DON'T FEEL THE SAME WAY KEEPING YOUR HEART IN A PRISON WILL ONLY LEAD YOU DOWN THE PATH OF DESTRUCTION. I TOLD YOU THAT I WILL NOT BE PART OF ANYTHING THAT WILL MAKE HONOKA CRY BUT I WILL NOT LET YOU RECKLESSLY ATTACK ME VYING FOR HER HEART, YOU LACK SKILL EVEN COMMON SWORDSMEN COULD SEE FLAWS IN YOUR TECHNIQUE, WHY NOT JUST SPEAK TO THE ONE YOU CLAIM TO LOVE AND LET FATE DECIDE, BUT If YOU KEEP YOUR HEART GUARDED THEN YOU WILL TRULY BECOME A DEMON OF HATRED, ANGER AND RESENTMENT."

Yashiro says all this but his gaze is going right past Nobuo and rests on Yasu. His words were meant to change the path that Nobuo was on but also meant for Yasu this is the path she was traveling keeping your heart guarded it is only a matter of time before those feelings destroy all rationality.

(I’m just gonna say this. . . but my brain has given Nobuo the voice of Sasuke. . .)



“Shut up. Just shut up! YOU DON’T KNOW ANYTHING! YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT I HAVE BEEN THROUGH!” Nobuo shakes his head, the tears burning his eyes. Yasu seemed to be the same way, and she is quick to wipe her tears away. She moves her attention away from Yashiro and back at Nobuo, watching him as he seemed to sink into his own skin. After a minute, Nobuo drops to his knees. “I’ve lost EVERYTHING!” Nobuo sobs, his fingers digging into the ground. “Family. Friends. . . everyone is gone.” He shakes his head once more. “I come back from the war for you.” He lifts his head slightly, his pain-filled eyes resting on Honoka. “And you didn’t wait for me.” He croaks.



She looks at him, clearly confused. When she looks back at Nobuo, his eyes have changed. They were still consumed by tears, but also a heavily glowing red.



Within a second, Nobuo is gone. He appears in a flash, right in front of Yashiro. But, before he could make any other movement, Masanori stands between them, and his blade clashes with Nobuo’s. Masanori kicks Nobuo back and onto the ground, in which Nobuo snarls.

“PLEASE! NOBUO! SNAP OUT OF IT!” Honoka screams, her fists trembling. She looks at Yashiro. “Please do something.” She pleads, her voice broken through her tears. “Please..”

Yashiro looks at Masonori and places a hand on his shoulder and flips over him "SNAP OUT OF IT" he yells as he is delivering a punishing kick to Nobuo as he comes down with great force connecting with his head and driving him face first into the ground with great force to the point that the dirt jets upward in a small cloud. Upon connecting Yashiro jumps into the air flipping off of Nobuo and landing near Honoka and pulls her into a hug.



He said that with tears in his eyes not just for Nobuo but for Honoka as well. He glances at Yasu as he lifts Honoka up....


Tears began pouring down his face and glistened in the light in the sky, he hated retreating, he hated putting everything on Masanori's shoulders but as he was right now he couldn't see him, they were in to different worlds.

Yasu remains where she is. She actually wanted to stay. She wanted to be with Masanori. . . he needed her. Yasu knew he would never say it. And Yasu had just come to realize it. But Masanori needed someone in these moments. Every ounce of blood that Masanori spilt, Yasu could sense that he felt the pain that his opponent felt. A part of Yasu didn’t understand it. . . and that other part didn’t want to understand it.



Yasu watches Masanori. His actions were fluid. Graceful. And almost inhuman. He was too quick for Nobuo to fully register. There was no time to avoid. To dodge. To gasp. To scream. And within a mere second. . . a blade is lodged through Nobuo’s chest.

And Yasu watches as the color fades from Nobuo’s eyes just as Masanori pulls his blade out. Nobuo’s limp body drops at Masanori’s feet, a hand outstretched in the direction Yashiro and Honoka had gone. Yasu’s heart skips a beat as she looks directly at Masanori, whose head was bowed. And she watched as one perfect tear escaped, sliding down his face and striking Nobuo’s forehead.





Honoka could feel Yashiro’s tears drop onto her own cheeks, mixing with her own. She looks up at him, reaching her shaking hands up to wipe his tears away. “Don’t cry please.” She whispers, quoting what he had once said to her. “Y-you’ll be okay.”

She could feel her own waterworks fall even harder, a pain suddenly in her chest. She knew what had happened. . . she knew all too well as to what had happened.

Yasu tilts her head back slightly, bleak clouds rolling through. She closes her eyes as rain starts to plummet, starting out light and quickly progressing into a downpour. Yasu looks at Masanori once more, whose shoulders are slouched and blade lowered, hair clinging to his face. His expression was something Yasu wished she’d never have to see. She missed that goofy smile. She missed her idiot.

Slowly, Yasu makes her way over to Masanori, and wraps her arms around him. She gives a weak laugh, and then starts to say something, but if cut off by the sound of heavy crying. Yasu is startled at first, her eyes widening somewhat as she feels a pair of powerful arms grasp onto her.





And it seemed like forever before Masanori moves away from Yasu, and stares at her. The two are drenched, and the sight of a soaked Masanori brings a short smile to Yasu’s face.

“We should probably go catch up with Yashiro and Honoka. . .” Yasu says, moving hair away from her face and spitting out some of the rain. "Maybe they've found another abandoned home. . ." She yawns.





Yasu had been right. Honoka and Yashiro had managed to find another abandoned home, placed outside of a group of trees. The scenery was beautiful, though hidden within the haze that was starting to settle across the landscape.

Honoka sits in a room, soaking wet, and freezing cold. Her kimono sticks to her, as though it is another layer of chilling skin. She is silent, the tears having stopped. She couldn't cry anymore. But the rain outside continued to come down as a heavy downpour. . . as if acting as the tears that she could no longer produce. She had shed too many tears within the past days. And she now stares almost blankly at one of the walls.

It had been a while now, and Honoka was growing concerned. Masanori and Yasu hadn’t shown up yet. Her first thoughts are that they were lost. She knew they were okay. Especially Yasu. . . Masanori would never let anything happen to Yasu. Maybe they had found another place. Thunder roared overhead as lightning flashed, making Honoka flinch. Letting her heart settle, Honoka slowly gets up and walks over to the door. She peers outside, hoping she would possibly see them. But, she couldn’t.

Honoka makes her way back inside and frowns. “Yashiro. . . should we go search for them?” She asks, rubbing her arms through the drenched sleeves of her kimono.


Masanori and Yasu sit inside of a cave, a fire in front of them, as Yasu had managed to make one. Masanori had made the first attempt, but failed. Yasu wasn’t surprised. The flickering flames cause shadows to dance upon Masanori’s face, and Yasu scans his current expression. He still wasn’t smiling, and instead stares directly at the fire.

“You know. . . if there’s anything you need to talk about”- Yasu starts, but is cut off by Masanori.

“I am fine, thank you.” He whispers, still not looking at her.

“Whatever.” Yasu mutters, tucking her knees up to her chest and wrapping her arms around her legs.

Masanori glances over at her, and takes in a quiet breath before saying, "We'll search for Honoka and Yashiro when the storm passes. Until then, let's try to avoid catching any illnesses. . ."

(. . .Bump. . .)

Yashiro looks back at Honoka... it was raining and he was looking out the window, his clothes were sticking to his skin also showing off his body ... but he turns to Honoka and says "NO... there is something that needs to happen between Yasu and Masanori... she is on the same path Nobuo is..." he says head down for bringing up Nobuo so quick.

"They are ok and you know Masanori is with her, and you know he's the safest one to be with out of all of us... i wish i had the skill to defeat infected like he does...I mean i wish to protect you but its really easy for him... but besides that Yasu needs to choose a path i am not sure if you saw her feelings for Masanori but they are there...and she needs to decide whether to hide her heart and maybe one day become destroyed by it or open up and risk rejection....Masanori is a fool his oblivious nature further keeps Yasu at bay." Yashiro says


"In truth your safe here, but they won't know where we are at so im going to go look for them... but here take this and keep it with you at all times" he says giving her a sword



"Nobuo had multiple blades on him... when i stopped his hand I pulled this one off not knowing he had another one.... its a good blade ...and knowing you Angel you could bring out its potential just like the day we met you." he says handing it off to her and grabbing up his bo staff...."i'll be back"

Honoka stares at the blade in her hands before glancing back up at Yashiro. She then returns her attention to the weapon, trembling. She didn’t want this. She didn’t want to kill anyone else. She just wanted to go home. She wanted her mother and her father and her brother back. That was all.



"Please let me go with you." Honoka rasps. She didn't want to be alone. Especially with this storm. Not with the thoughts that ran through her head.

"Please." She repeats with her broken voice, looking directly at him.


Masanori and Yasu had been sitting within complete silence for nearly a half an hour. They don’t look at each other, and even the sound of their breathing is overpowered by that of the crackling fire.

“Yasu. Please tell me what is wrong.” Masanori looks at her, his brows somewhat furrowing.

She glances up for a moment, and then away. “It’s nothing.”

“That’s what you said yesterday. And the day before that. I’m worried.” Masanori moves closer to her. Yasu remains where she is, perfectly still and quiet.

“It’s nothing, okay?” Yasu snaps at him.

Masanori falls quiet, and once more the silence settles.

“Sorry.” Yasu whispers.

“It’s okay.” Masanori returns to his original spot. “But you need to know that I do care for you. . .”

“And I love you.” Yasu whips her head to the side to look at him. Masanori is clearly taken back by this. Slowly, Yasu sinks into her own skin in the hopes of disappearing right there.

Masanori sighs. “Yasu please don’t”-

“What!? Am I not allowed to have feelings for you!? Masanori we’ve known each other for how many years now!? You’ve always been there for me, and I’ve always been there for you!” Yasu shouts, her voice echoing throughout the cave.

That pained expression returns to Masanori’s face, and Yasu instantly realizes she had said something wrong. Very wrong. It was a lie. Masanori had always been there for her. But Yasu. . . Yasu hadn’t been there for anything difficult that Masanori had gone through. Yasu didn’t even know Masanori’s life.

“I’m so sorry.” Yasu apologizes, turning to face him.

“It’s okay.” Masanori lightly chuckles.

He takes in a subtle breath, watching as Yasu lowers her head, frowning. Masanori takes hold of her chin and tilts her head back up, and gives her a light kiss on the forehead.

“It’s okay.” Masanori repeats, a warm smile on his face. He then pulls her into a hug, one that Yasu gladly returns.

(BUMP!)

(Bump)

(Bump. Again)

Yashiro finally catches on to Yasu and Masanori's trail..."good their nearby" he says dashing off his mind was on Honoka...he gave her Nobuo"s sword as a memento not a weapon. He knew Masanori would have to kill him so he hoped that it would be a part of her friends spirit that was protecting her if she was to ever use it.

Yashiro passed some warriors of the village and one swung his blade at him but luckily yashiro felt the killing intent and caught the blade and then kicked the swordsman in the chest. ."what's the meaning of this" he asked as 12 more swordsman came forth and a rather large man with a giant axe came before Yashiro.
(Genma)"I am Genma...the strongest man in these parts and you and your friends have killed our friend Nobuo..." he said swinging his axe.

Yashiro backflipped out the way....while the weapon left a massive crater..."WHAT THAT'S ABSURD NOBUO WAS INFECTED WITH THE PARASITE. ..HE HAD TO BE KILLED" he says gripping his bo staff

(Genma)"LIES...YOU AND YOUR BAND INFECTED HIM MANY YEARS AND NOBUO WAS KIND AND GENTLE THEN YOU COME ALONG AND HE CHANGES....YOU WILL DIE FOR YOUR CRIMES" He says swinging sideways and two other swordsman charge at him throwing chains....Yashiro had no choice but to brace himself and take the axe strike which sent him through a tree...and left a gash on his chest.

Yashiro stood up..."Masanori would stand so I must stand also" he says to himself getting up all wobbly but the attacks don't let up..."THAT'S IT" he says getting in a different stance with his bo staff before him and he begins to heat up aa he paries every strike...on after another they can't touch him...then they encircled him.

Yashiro closed his eyes...as they all charged he ran up a tree and the followed as he kicked off the tree he landed while the rest were mid air....he began burning up...."AAAhhhh...Phoenix drop strike of 12 feathers. .." he said jumping up and leaving a small flame on the ground as he struck all 12 men incredibly fast with one strike each all falling to the ground. ..in smoldering piles.

Genma had hidden and dropped from above swinging the axe downwards and striking yashiro but he caught the axe as the dirt on the ground blew away from the sheer force...the axe began to get hot and the blade melt..."Phoenix. ..Fist" he says punching. ..Genma
"ENTEI AKUMA..." GENMA says scared...as he is struck and sent through 4 tree's but Yashiro heard him say Entei Akuma and he ran to Genma's body..."WHAT DID YOU SAY....WHAT DID YOU CALL ME"... he grabs Genma by the collar but his eyes are stark white... he must have passed out from the pain..."I... apologize but you all left me no choice..." he says as he proceeds to treat their wounds... One of the swordsman begin to move...(Swordsman) "wh....why....yyy do you help us... aren't you.... a demon" he says weakly...
Yashiro stands..."No... and don't try to speak you'll only put greater strain on your body... but im no demon i'm a doctor" he says as he walks off.

Yashiro picks up on the trail finding Yasu and Masanori ... all close together... the gash on his chest is bleeding but Yashiro has it bandaged up as he watches the two from afar..."Looks like she finally said something to Masanori ...im proud of you Yasu"

He walks up to the two still thinking about what Genma called him..."Hey are you guys ok... i guess you dealt with Nobuo" he says

Meanwhile from a great distance a man with a long beard was watching them all smiling

Masanori glances over at Yashiro, his eyes resting on the gash in his chest. He had heard the raucous from the cave, though he doubt that Yasu had. His hearing was sharper thanks to that damn Parasyte. He wished he could get rid of it. He actually envied Yashiro. . . someone who still stood despite not having such an advantage as Parasyte. Someone who couldn’t instantly heal. It made Masanori wish the event had never occurred. . . that Ellis had never arrived in Japan. . . in his village.

Yasu speaks up, moving away from Masanori and getting to her feet. She yanks him up, and says to Yashiro, “You should probably take care of that wound.” She sighs, her eyes resting outside of the cave. The storm had finally settled down to a light drizzle.



“You shouldn’t have left Honoka alone. . .” Masanori frowns at Yashiro, brushing dirt away from his pants. “She has been through too much within these past days. . . she’s not used to it like we are. And you should have been aware of that. . .” He looks from Yashiro to Yasu, who nods in agreement.





Honoka lays on the floor, her hand resting on the blade that is beside her. She frowns, sliding her hand up and down the weapon, wishing Nobuo was with her. She missed his laugh. His voice. His smile. The feel of his arms around her. And now this is all that is left of everything that is Nobuo. . . a blade.



Honoka tightly grasps onto the hilt of the blade and swiftly gets to her feet. She wears a fierce expression, one that is consumed by pain, confusion and rage. And she dashes outside, katana in hand. The sheathe slips off as she moves forward, her bare feet sinking into the soggy grass.

"No honoka will be fine sometimes the best person to console you and talk to is yourself. .people will surprise you if you just plant the seeds and see what they do with it....and this is nothing I'm a doctor remember i already stitched up the wound. ..wish I was like wonderboy over here.." he says to Yasu..

"The village warriors thought we brought about the parasyte lucky they were human if not I'd have more than a gash. So what you guys talking bout so close to each other" he says grinning

Yashiro stood smiling hoping that they finally confessed their love for one another. ..

His mind was also on honoka ..."she's a fighter she will weather the storm" he thought

Masanori stands still for a moment, thinking about what Yashiro had said. He then glances over at Yasu with a light smile, one she gladly returns. He then chuckles and shakes his head. “Nothing that you need to worry about.” Masanori answers Yashiro before leading the way out of the cave.

Yasu stands at Masanori’s side, her hands behind her head. “As soon as we get back I’m taking these things off.” She then gestures to her clothes. “Otherwise I’ll catch a cold.” She snorts. “And I hate those damn things. With the sneezing and chills. Bleh.”



“Hey. Yashiro. You should be leading the way.” Yasu says to him, arching a brow. She claps her hands together. "And let's pick up the pace, because I'm ready for some sleep!" She laughs



Honoka had nothing left. There was no strength. No thoughts. Nothing. She collapses to her knees, dropping the blade at her side. Her sorrowful eyes rest on the tree that stands tall before her, a majority of the bark having been chipped off. The old oak is now covered in gashes, ranging from centimeters to several inches deep.

(Bump)

Yashiro sighs wanting to know details of what happened between the two but he gets over it

"Fine just follow me" he says dashing off he wasn't in a major rush but he did want to get back to Honoka and make sure she was ok.

His heart was beating fast, he had still used up a lot of energy in that fight some of his bones were fractured and he looks at Masanori...."AAHHH damn you ... wish I could heal like you, man this is hell... at least you can keep going if damaged...." he says
He slows the pace to be able to deal with the strain...But he was thinking about his one true love so he didn't slow down completely....

"Hey Masanori... you never told me where you got that sword from ...your able to cut through infected like butter and from my experience its hard as hell to pierce their skin let alone go through their bone... my attacks could break bones but against them all i leave is bruises ...... well i only fought with one and i almost died... so tell me the origins of that weapon" he asked as they neared Honoka's location

Yasu looks at Masanori, just as curious as to where he had retrieved that weapon from. She herself had confronted multiple Parasyte in the past, and not even bullets would lodge completely through. But a ragged blade could. It was strange. Just like Masanori.

“It actually belonged to my father. . . so I’m not really sure.” Masanori half-smiles at Yashiro as he gives a slight shrug. And that was the truth, Masanori had no clue as to where his father had gotten such a katana from. He wasn’t a military man, nor was he some well-known samurai. Masanori’s father was just another one of the innocent villagers.

“If I ever manage to figure it out I’ll be sure to tell you.” Masanori chuckles, scratching the back of his head.

“You better!” Yasu huffs, brows knitting together.

Yashiro keeps running he is upset a little bit....
"GAAHHH everything i want to know i can't...jeez its pointless being curious i guess...anyway we are close" he says as he could see Honoka's location ... it would take about one more minute to reach.
The thought of Honoka being hurt or just the excitement of seeing her made Yashiro speed up... leaving a trail burning behind him
"IM COMING BABY..." he screams as if he feels her despair....

He rushes inside seeing Honoka gone and looks out back to see Honoka on the ground with the blade on the ground... so he runs to her and drops by her side ....
"HONOKA!!! BABY ARE YOU OK" he screams... as he shakes her lightly....
He then see's the marks left on the tree of the blade so its clear that she was striking the tree... and he see's many strikes on the tree so she must of just tired herself out

"Oh you must have over exerted yourself... it will be ok....." he says hugging her... he feels his bones crack but he didn't care he would endure far greater pain just to console her....
"It will all be ok...I promise you we'll all be the ones to rid the world of this curse... I promise and I know this because I love you and neither of us will give up till our dying breath.

Honoka opens her eyes, and looks at Yashiro. He was right. And she knew he was. Together they would all get rid of Parasyte. They would make sure no one else suffers. Families. Friends. Lovers. No one else would deal with the pain that they had. The world’s curse would be broken.

She then frowns, and whispers under her breath, “You’re hurt, go rest. Please.”

She takes in a quiet breath, feeling her soaking kimono stick to both of them. Her eyes move over to stare at the blade for a moment, and then back over to gaze at Yashiro.



Masanori and Yasu had made themselves contented in the building. Yasu is in a separate room, where she peels off her clothes but remains in the bandages that wrapped around her chest and waist.

She glances outside, her eyes resting on the crescent moon that peeked out through a canopy of towering trees. The rain had finally come to a stop, and there was thunder in the far distance. It was almost welcoming. The humidity was perfect and there was enough light shed down on them to make it comfortable.

Laying down on the floor, Yasu closes her eyes, and thinks.

Masanori sits pretzel-style in a room that is beside Yasu’s, his katana on the floor before him. His hands rest on his knees as he sits with a straight back, eyes intent on the weapon. The mystery. Now that Yashiro brought it up, Masanori’s own curiosity seemed to peak. It was something he has carried with him for many years, but not once questioned its origins.

“There has to be someone out there who knows. . .” Masanori mutters to himself, brows somewhat furrowing. With a heavy sigh he tosses himself back, and sprawls out on the wooden ground. His foot hits the sheathed blade, kicking it to the other side of the room.

“I’m going to figure it out.” Masanori informs himself.

He then hears light footsteps, and the door sliding open. Sitting up once more, Masanori looks to see Yasu entering the room, wearing only her wrappings. His eyes follow her movements as she sits beside him, her own gaze on the katana that he had previously kicked away.

“What’s going on? Can’t sleep?” Masanori tilts his head in question.

“I was going to ask you the same thing.” Yasu replies, looking at him. She then laughs, “I have too many thoughts.”

“Alright. Then tell me about them.” Masanori smiles.

Yasu arches a brow before shrugging, “I guess I was thinking about my parents. And everything that has happened. Yashiro. Honoka. Nobuo. Everyone we’ve encountered, from villagers we see one second and are gone the next. . . to those we have held dear to us. One day they will all slip away. Masanori, we don’t live forever.” She rocks back and forth slightly.

“I understand.” Masanori nods.

"So what about you, hm? Why can't you sleep?" Yasu wonders aloud, smiling once more.

"Basically the same as you." Masanori chuckles.

Yashiro walks into the room shirtless wirh only his bandages from his axe wound are visible. .."hey guys Yaaasu..." he says turning away for a second as she was only wearing bandages and she had a great body that seemed to even rival Honoka's

Yashiro gains his composure...and turns back around and looks at the two

"So what's our next move...I was thinking that we could go to the hospital and I work on a way to test someone to see if they carry the parasyte and surpress it...that way no one else has to die." He says as Honoka going through what she did with Nobuo made him think that he has to find a detector or a suppressor so they can save more lives

As Yashiro turned back around, Masanori had placed himself in front of Yasu, a somewhat scowl on his face. He clears his throat before straightening out and looking at Yashiro. “That is a good idea. But the nearest hospital is probably several days away.”

Yasu speaks from behind Masanori. “He’s right. The closest one is three days away!”

Masanori glances over his shoulder to smile at Yasu, who then returns a grin. He then returns his attention to Yashiro. “We should get as much rest as possible, then. It seems like we have a mission on our hands.”

“Woo!” Yasu throws her arms up in mock enthusiasm.

Both of their thoughts were filled with doubt. But neither of them had the energy to argue with Yashiro tonight.


Honoka had made her way into her own room, which is on the opposite side of the building. She had managed to find a candle, and lit it. Nobuo’s blade is in the corner of the room, within the shadows of the corner. Honoka sits in front of the candle, trying to absorb its warmth.

After a moment of sitting completely still with her eyes shut, Honoka starts to peel of her drenched kimono. It had quickly turned into another heavy layer of skin, and removing it was already lifting a weight. She then gazes at her hands for a moment, staring at the blisters that had been created from her tight grip on the blade.

Honoka takes in a quiet breath as she curls her fingers to form fists, hiding the blisters. She needed stronger hands. She just needed to be stronger altogether.

"You need to be strong." Honoka says to herself.

Yashiro looks at Masanori with a raised eyebrow
"Calm down boyfriend... i have Honoka at least i did the right thing and turned away instead of leer at her, im not going to jump on her or anything thought you'd trust me by now... oh well I guess" he says shrugging.

"I just need to get to a hospital, and you guys seem to think its a bad idea ...so i suggest we sleep and split up in the morning... seems like you guys have other plans that don't require traveling so many days so we can meet up somewhere if you like so just come to my room in the morning when you guys have decided" he says walking out.

He goes to check on Honoka as he see's her contemplating by candlelite....He had heard her say that she needs to be strong so he interjects his opinion..."No i think you are plenty strong, i didn't give you that sword to fight and kill and take on infected. Right now the only one who can take them on is Masanori, i know you killed one but lets not risk it his chances are much greater then yours, I gave you that blade to defend yourself and use it as a medium to express your emotions, like me and this bo staff of mine" he sayd picking up his staff.

"I use to be a swordsman ...using swords as a tool for destruction then i changed and saw that the weapon wasn't the right medium for me, but that blade with Nobuo's spirit and love for you should be able to do amazing things in your hands. I practice and train because it calms me, and i just want to help people .... stop thinking about getting stronger, and start thinking about using the strength you already have to defend others. You think i would not like to match Masanori's level, I can't but i will use what I have....I don't chase the stars as they are on plateau's some of us will never reach i focus on the light that i already have erupting from within my soul my own personal star..." He says grabbing a candle and putting his fingers on the wic and lighting it....

"Get some sleep Honoka, we'll talk more in the morning" he says