Making Travel Arrangements [complete]

[Sze Kamlong]

Upon reaching the town at the end of a relatively short but nonetheless uneasy trip, they had checked into the first inn they came across. It was doubtful any of them had had any semblance of fitful rest last night, considering the content and sheer volume of information they had been forced to process and accept. That, and the building tension during the horseback journey had been taxing on the four travellers.

Even if things were not much clearer now, Kamlong figured they should close their eyes for a moment, no matter how brief. These opportunities would surely lessen in the future. At the very least, they wouldn't be plagued by as many doubts as yesterday, being that the first steps were already taken, and turning back now was out of the question. Then again, those 'what-ifs' could've been replaced by regrets, but strangely enough he didn't feel any of that weighing him down.

Despite his initial lack of confidence, he was beginning to feel that this may have been the first correct choice he had taken in a while.

They had asked for two rooms. Their budget wasn't boundless, but he figured the four of them couldn't stay in such close proximity for long right now before the friction set them off at each other's throat. Setting down his pack on floor of the room he was sharing with Shen, he stood up and passed the other on the way to the door. "I'm going to go out for a second and see if I can find any men still desperate enough to risk a trip to Japan," he informed his friend. "You stay here and get some rest."

[Shen Rui]

For once, he decided to breathe in all of his doubts and hold it down into his chest. There was no reason to contemplate the situation anymore since he supported his friend with great care. Although, he couldn't scarcely forget he had done something impulsive, destructive, above all - stupid. Of course there were no 'I forgive you' to set his guilt and regret at ease. Shen wasn't used to being the problem-causer, it usually was the other way around when it came to others needing advice. Yet, for himself, he was inadequate to keep his chin high. His eyes took in Kamlong's figure passing by, his weight tilting slightly to set down his securely packed bag. The shawl his friend so kindly offered him, remained around his neck.

"Kamlong, wait," he spoke up, back facing the older man. Building enough courage would be very constructive right now. So, he sucked it up and turned to face his friend - eyes intense and his expression gentle. "I asked to come with and I repay you with vulgar behavior. It's entirely my fault and the actions will remain irrational but it's true I made a mistake and I have learned from it. Saying I am sorry would be really cliché and barely define everything I am feeling.. but I will no longer be a nuisance. As a friend, you should trust me to make the right decisions. I am hoping I've becoming nothing less under your eyes." Shen's head bowed a little, trying to keep his gaze fixed upon Kamlong's profile.

"I just wanted you to know," he intervened, trying to conclude his confession of snagging guilt. Kamlong could leave right now and he would be all right, just as long as his friend knew he was sincere.

[Sze Kamlong]

Kamlong had paused as soon as Shen uttered a word. He had expected something like this, after all, because while his friend had always been a quiet individual, he knew that Shen had realized the foolishness of his actions and was abashed, even if not regretful. He stared impassively throughout the entire explanation, expression neither forgiving nor accusing, and at the end remained quiet for a moment, letting the silence hang.

"I know," he said finally, accompanied by a small exhalation of breath. "I knew," he amended, because it was only human to be petty, but ultimately his friend had proved to be a trustworthy and reasonable person in the past, and he doubted that would change so suddenly. "I can't blame you for hating them, but I hope that you'll be more careful from now on. There's more at stake than just the four of us."

"You probably owe the two of them a similar explanation, though," he added, nodding at the door - an explanation, not an apology, because apologies were useless if you weren't really sorry. The issue at hand was willingness to cooperate, not heartfelt fondness for each other, and while that might pose a problem in the future, it was only wise to tackle what they could for now. "Don't beat yourself up over it too much," he finished, patting Shen's arm.

[Shen Rui]

Normally his expression would've have shifted into a slight frown but instead he just stared forward, watching Kamlong. Before his friend didn't even speak to him and he was glad to get some response. When he felt the pat on his arm his head rose a little and he glanced towards the doorway. He would explain his situation to the Japanese men, to let them know he really was a person of moral. At times he would hate the reassurance, believing that if he got too much help it would be a great fault of his persona. However, he welcomed it this time - knowing he needed it more then anything.

"Kamlong," his voice lifted once more, wanting his friend to know his spirits had rose. Plus, whenever he said the other's name he had started to get rise out of him. If that is what it took for the General's attention, he would continue onward. Since Shen wasn't at all extroverted, there would be no wide grins and taunting of his friend's name. Instead, he liked to keep calling Sze by his first name, since it wasn't disallowed. Now that he was alone with Kamlong, he had gotten the same rise of emotions. The other male had those brooding features with slight adolescence showing through. Shen turned his mouth into a lifted smiling, trying to get Kamlong to mirror the expression.

[Sze Kamlong]

He started, and it took him a moment and a glance at Shen's face to realize that the other soldier was teasing him, which stunned him just as much. Solemn, frowning Shen was mocking him? The sternness fell from his face when he laughed out loud in both surprise and amusement. "So you're actually that devious under that scary expression," he observed, lightly rapping the other on the forehead with his fingers. "If our troops found out that their monster Lieutenant General was actually like this, they'd have a heart attack."

[Shen Rui]

"Monsters have feelings, too," he explained, eyes rolling back to watch the gesture of Kamlong's fingers. Lifting both of his hands he slowly took the fingers within his palm, an action someone would do when they catch a firefly. Careful to not disturb Kamlong, he let his hands move down, before releasing the prize. Hearing Sze's laughter was definite music to his ears and his heart raced on queue. Everything would be all right; everything would be ok was the reiterative notion. Still, something moved out of picture. With a light motion, he moved his fingers forward to slowly brush a strand of Kamlong's hair away from his face. Shen liked to get the most out of the expressions, after all.

[Sze Kamlong]

He stood still and let Shen carry out the affectionate gesture. It was not all that surprising - in the past there were times when Shen slipped and did actions of a similar nature. Protesting or giving it any particular attention would just embarrass one or the two of them, so when the other was done, Kamlong nodded at the door. "Then while I am out, you get on that explanation." He opened the door, leaving it open for his friend. "That's an order," he said jokingly, with a smile, turning to go down the stairs.

[Shen Rui]

Suddenly, he frowned as he watched Kamlong turn and go. He wasn't really prepared to talk to the two Japanese men at the moment. Shen found these type of emotional situations draining and tiresome. Though, he would have to do it to clear the tension. With a sigh, he closed his eyes and crossed his chest - contemplating. He rumantated the words he would say and how he would say it, he even thought about the reactions even. Done with his hesitating, his lids lifted and his arms rested back to his side. Shen started out of the door, making his way to the room where Akihito and Naia stayed.

[Sze Kamlong]

He cast a last worrying look over his shoulder once he reached the bottom of the flight of stairs. He was asking a lot of Shen, he knew, but the situation only called for it, and anyway, he was confident that the other man was honorable enough to accept the consequences of what he had sown. Seeing Shen finally overcome his hesitation and head towards the other room, Kamlong smiled and turned back to the task in hand.

A logical starting point would be the restaurants and bars nearest to the shore, where the boat owners stayed. After a quick check that he was securely armed, he began towards his destination. It was painfully easy to go about without drawing attention, so he didn't have to worry about keeping a low profile. During times like people focused inward, and they didn't have time to pay attention to every man walking down the street, especially if he wasn't in military regalia or the expensive wear of a noble.

The first bar of many that he came across was having a slow day, but otherwise it was just like any other bar - men talking loudly at each other, a gambling table in the corner, and the occasional waiter walking to deliver the bottles of drink in hand. Quietly, he picked out the owner of the establishment - an older, bearded man making customary laughs with a few customers, and sat down at a table, waiting for his chance.

[Koyada Akihito]

Akihito sat still, slightly hunched forward, with his chin rested flat in the center of his palm. His eyes were glazed in thought and his breathing was steady. For some reason he couldn't sleep. Though without the sleep he could be at ease, knowing his friend was safe and well rested. Everything was fine until he heard the floorboards make a slight creek noise. Turning his head he looked over his shoulder, hearing a knock at the door. He didn't think anything of it but he quickly moved himself in a light stumble, hoping the knocking didn't wake Naia from his slumber. Akihito got close enough, adjusting the door open to a slit. Outside he noticed that it was Shen. With great reluctance he slowly opened it further, stepping out to close the door behind him. There was no one around, so the privacy of the outer hall would suffice. Besides, it wouldn't disturb Naia.

"May I help you with something?" he asked, knowing there was a strain in his voice. Akihito didn't exactly trust Shen. Without it being too obvious he surveyed the area, noting that Kamlong wasn't in sight. Who would hold Shen back if he got out of hand? Anyways, Akihito was prepared for a fight.

[Shen Rui]

Shen watched the door open and he stared at Akihito for a little while, nodding his head in greeting. Slowly, he stepped back to allow the other male some room in the hall before he adjusted his arms crossed his chest. This wasn't an every day thing for him and he wasn't used to talking to a mere stranger. Akihito, had sparked an anger out of Kamlong that Shen had never seen - making the Japanese Prince quite intimidating. Though Shen could be intimidating, too. Shen caught Akihito eyeing the area and took no offense to it.

"No, I don't require anything at the moment besides your ear," he explained. If it was Kamlong he would have given Akihito the opportunity to accept or reject what he was about to say. But if he took his time with the other his point would never get across and he refused to allow Akihito to trap him into a mind game. "I don't know you personally and there isn't enough time to really get acquainted but I came here with an apology. There was mutual deceit on both our ends. However, I represented China in the way that wasn't respectful. With all the words I can give, there isn't one defining enough to describe how sorry I am. So, instead I am requesting your helping hand - to get through this together."

Out if proper ceremony he slowly placed himself into a respectful bow, knowing that the very gesture was highly looked upon. "If you claim my apology to be anything but sincere and continue to shadow me as a nuisance, then I'll turn and leave upon your order."

[Koyada Akihito]

He was stunned as he listened to Shen and he slowly watched the other male go into a courteous bow. Of course the apology would have been better if it was explained to Naia, however, he could see why Shen came to him. Not only did he once hold a title in Japan but he would have a significant chance in letting know Naia was a bit more safer. The bow was held for awhile and when Shen stood straight, Akihito stared the other male in the eyes. "In a war, the opposing forces believe they are always correct. Yet you tell me you're wrong .. that takes a lot of courage. I admire your effort." There was more to it, though. "I am really not the only one that is counting on you," he breathed out, aware that Shen had General Kamlong's approval. If there was security on that end, he had no reason to not believe Shen.

Shen wasn't used to words, so this is where he gave Akihito a firm nod and turned on his foot. "Thank you. Get some rest, Prince Akihito," he said, wavering the name gently. That was all he wanted, all he needed to get by. It was even worse when he felt the back of his neck growing warm, framing his nervousness.

"Take care.." Akihito replied, moving his hand back to slowly latch to the door - opening it up to slide in. He knew Shen didn't like being around him alone and the feeling was mutual. But as a group he had no doubt in his mind they would work out just fine. Tomorrow, he would explain the situation to Naia.

[Sze Kamlong]

A waiter came to bring him a drink as soon he was seated - along with two other strangers. The place was crowded, and sitting space in somewhat short supply. He didn't even garner a glance from the other two men, being that their attentions were fixed on some ruckus going on in the corner. Kamlong strained his neck, but he wasn't tall enough to see over the towering heads and the raised arms, but there were fists atop those arms and calls for a fight in the air, accompanied by drunken laughter.

He did spot the Owner picking up on the noise, however - it was difficult not to, in all honesty - and caught a glimpse of his graying hair before the broad-shouldered man shoved his way into the fray and out of sight. A few shouts, the sound of bottles breaking, and a few cheers later, the crowd parted to let the Owner and his companion step through towards the employee-only room in the back, a few feet from where Kamlong was seated.

The other man was spotless - not even a scratch on his tan skin, and only following because the Owner was dragging him rather insistently by the collar. He was following the elder with the air of a chastised child, but had enough cheek in him to grin at the other patrons in the bar, as he was showered with claps on the back and laughter on his way. Their eyes met for a moment before he disappeared behind the door, but it was long enough for the fellow to throw a toothy grin.

Kamlong rose as the rest of the patrons began to sit back down, excitement dispersing. He could now spot a rather round, large-looking man slumped in the corner he had previously been unable to see, sporting a bloody nose and in need of a shave. A barfight, he concluded, sighing. The people around here didn't seem anything out of the ordinary - just simple sailors. They would not do. Leaving money for the bill, he turned to leave, before he heard the sound of muffled voices from the other room.

He paused and eyed the shut door. "S'nothin' in there," one of the men chuckled at him, passing him in a tipsy slouch. "S'just the boss givin' that pirate an earful again."

Kamlong turned back towards the door, brows raised. "Is that so," he murmured.

[Cheng Peishei]

The Owner had launched into a tirade even before they had shut the door. In fact, he had been yelling the entire way to the storeroom, occasionally stopping to mutter under his breath or to just get some air into those lungs. Let it never be said that the older a man got, the worse he became. If anything, the Owner's voice had only increased in volume in all the years Peishei had known him.

Of course, it was all the same drivel - "Don't you have anything better to do than to disrupt my business? Can't you go beat up people at some other bar?" and "You're going to get yourself killed one day for all the stupid things you do!" and "It's useless to encourage those idlers out there you dumbass!" and "Isn't there any semblance of gratefulness in you after all I've done for you, you little maggot?!"

Occasionally it grew a little colorful with the added spice of a sailor's cursing, but Peishei could recite everything the Owner was saying if given the opportunity, so ultimately it was a better choice to just sit down in a chair that had long since become Peishei's Chair based solely on the number of visits to this little square room that smelled of wine because of the huge jugs lining the wall. In the middle of wondering how much all this stuff could sell for if pilfered, Peishei heard the Owner say, "Are you even listening to me?!"

Ah, that was a cue. "Of course, old man!" Peishei exclaimed, with great feeling and involvement, leaning forward on the chair until the hind legs lifted off the floor. The Owner seemed to believe the lie, only pausing to glare suspiciously for a few seconds, before launching into Part Two of Many in his practiced but never condensed speech. Peishei began to scan the room again. Around this time it usually became boring.

Eyes narrowing, Peishei stood up and approached the door while the Owner was still in the middle of the, "God can't you just find a real job instead of all this nonsense 'pirate' business that you've been spewing? I mean who really believes that farce anyway, and especially since it's getting so dangerous, it's all the more reason for you to just stop and do something worthwhile with your life!" part. In fact, the old croaker didn't stop until Peishei unceremoniously opened the door.

[Sze Kamlong]

The door swung outward instead of pulling in, which was curious in itself considering Kamlong had sworn it had gone inwards whent he owner and his charge had entered. He left it to his bad luck that apparently this door had hinges that allowed both directions of movements. "Agh," he hissed when he didn't move backwards fast enough, and the edge of the wood slammed into his left chest. He stumbled backwards, but didn't fall.

"Rat!" hissed the tan stranger, grabbing Kamlong by the collar, before he was, in turn, grabbed by the Owner and pulled inside. They both stumbled inwards.

"What are you doing?!" roared the old man, throwing Peishei into a shelf as soon as the pirate let go of Kamlong. "Trying to sneak out while I'm trying to talk to you and getting into another fight already?!" he accused, advancing furiously. "Is there any way of getting anything through that thick head of yours, you stupid waste of space?! I can't even let you alone for a second here, so who knows what the hell you're doin' out at sea?!"

Kamlong stood very, very still and decided it was in the best interests of his wellbeing that he not interfere.