The next morning had been an exercise in restraint. Erikson had wanted Red's head for burning Taka, who pointed out the woman had suffered enough. Eventually the man had finished giving his “I told you so” speeches and the castle died down. The storm abated and nature seemed eager to reclaim it's former ground.
Taka looked upon the previous night before he shook his head gently. Of course Red had not understood the night entirely, thinking something as casual as touch could incite the Oni, but he wasn't about to correct her. Taka was uncomfortable with touch and if she created an excuse not to touch him, he would gladly accept it. She at least understood the struggle better, and in doing so had learned more about herself.
To say he felt tension from the previous night was an understatement.
Pushing the passions down he sighed as his men prepared to go. The armory would remain untouched. The Gemini blade along with Sei Orlouge’s other weapons protected for another few months. No sign of the other generals not the least of which was disconcerting, but Taka knew he had been devoted to the Knights because of his own relationship with them.
Everyone gathered in the courtyard before Taka called out, “Red, we're beginning to go. I am afraid my hospitality has run out. Take care of yourself!”
He waited to see if she was ready to leave herself, or if she would do the wise thing and stay to rest up and heal. The Dark Blade held up a carefully bandaged arm to look into the dark entryways of the castle.
Red emerged shortly after, looking disheveled. Her hair was unbrushed and it was clear she hadn’t slept too well. Her appearance caused a stir in his men, none too happy with how she had spent most the night in his room. “You wanted me gone as you left, right?” She asked with a yawn, approaching him and standing closer to him than what was probably deemed acceptable by his men.
“I think an exception can be made. You learned your lesson about roaming the castle,” Taka replied pointedly, almost asking a rhetorical question.
“Tch.” She shot him a disheartened glare. “Oh bite me.” She muttered. “I never went back on my word, and I won’t do it now.” She huffed as she crossed her arms over her chest indignantly.
“If that is your wish, grab anything now, we're leaving. We are heading out by Jadet this time,” He explained.
“Why are you telling me where you’re going?” She paused as she glanced at his men. “I don’t think people appreciate the sentiment.”
“My choice,” Taka replied reaching for his mask and beginning to put it on, “In case you had enough of me to last you a few lifetimes.”
Red grabbed his mask out of his hand, “That’s yet to be determined, Taka.” She reached out and pushed his hair back, gently adjusting the mask onto his face. As she stepped away she still gripped a tendril of his hair, rubbing it between thumb and forefinger. “I suppose I’d better choose when that time is then, huh?” She asked as she let it go, allowing it to fall back into place.
Taka remained silent before he nodded. He looked back at his men and held up a hand, seeing Erikson had already begun to bring his crossbow to bear. He pulled his knife and carefully cut a few strands of his hair before he pressed them into her palm. “Incase you think about forgetting me.”
Red gave Taka a confused look, still she wrapped it carefully around a few fingers creating a neat ball. “I have unfinished business with that Oni, I’m not done with him, nor he with me. I doubt I’d be forgetting you anytime soon.” Red smirked, “Especially after Master hears how I let you go, but that’s his problem, not mine.”
“Goodbye Red, don't get yourself killed.”
“Start by telling your men to stand down.” Red quipped as she turned to leave. “Until next time, Taka.”
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