“If she cut the thread, she cuts of the baby’s head as well. If the baby’s thread is cut, the lady’s head would be cut off as well. Same thing for Rokuta’s thread. You are a kirin totoaly different from mere sages, so your head would not be cut off, but you will be in great pain for sure. Maybe you horn will even be cut off.
“… Got it.”

“Threads are hung outside the prison. One step out of the prison, and the threads would all be cut.”
“And the baby and Ribi would end up in pretty unsightly looks.”
“Exactly.”
“After all the ruckus ends, will you return the baby?”
Kouya smiled.
“Sure.”

“You know a lot about kirin.”
The average person doesn’t know anything about kirin’s horns.
“It is because of rokuta -- or the Big One. Everything end up pretty much the same for youma and shinjyuu (神獣lit. heavenly beasts).”
“My shirei won’t tell me a thing!”
“The Big One doesn’t tell me anything as well! But if you are with it for that long, you will learn many things about it.”
“Oh…”

Kouya picked up the baby and gave it to Ribi.
“I will leave the baby to you. Please take care of it. If you need anything, we will bring it here for you.”
“Bastard!”
Ribi spat the words lightly, but Kouya just kept his smile.
“If you need anything else, feel free to ask.”
Ribi didn’t answer, but only glared at Kouya with deep disdain. Kouya aloofly received her glare.

Rokuta looked at Kouya. “Ribi and I would sit still. --Will you drop by often?”
“Yeah, to see how my hostages are doing.”
Rokuta nodded, and added “--What a pity that we meet again like this.”
Kouya nodded in agreement.
“Same here, Rokuta.”

***

<< PREV :: INDEX :: Page 13 :: NEXT >>