HSV: A meeting with the priest

It was afternoon when Koume finished her job. She had done some work for the weapon department and just said goodbye to Taira before leaving. On her way out, she noticed Joshua. He seemed to be on his way to Mikokage's office and she was proven right when he knocked on her door.

“Don't bother.” Koume said to the Bishie Priest. “They just left for a meeting.”

“Who did?”

“Our spouse did. Taira said it could take a while.”

“Ah, that's too bad. I guess I will consult her later.” He paused, and then turned to face Koume. “Wait... Did he tell you about us?”

“About Mikokage-sama and you?” A smile played around Koume's lips. “I've seen the way you look at each other. It wasn't hard to figure out. When I asked my husband, he didn't deny it. But don't worry, your secret is safe with me.”

“I'm glad we can count on your discretion.”

She looked straight at Joshua. “Just promise me one thing. Try a little harder not to get caught together.” A sigh escaped her lips now. “Taira always acts a bit funny when he walked in on you again.”

“Is that so?” Joshua laughed. “What does he do then?”

Koume didn't reply, but smiled faintly.

“Well, if it really bothers you, you can also ask him to knock first.”

“He does, but you don't hear it. And you know him. He doesn't like wasting time by waiting.”

“It's his own fault then.” Joshua grinned. “Are you going home now?”

“Yes, I am.”

“May I walk with you? I need to go the same way.”

“Of course.” Her house was near the graveyard, opposite of the Byakko-compound. If she remembered correctly Joshua lived behind the compound near the rosary.

“Would you mind joining me with shopping first?”

“Sure, I would love that.” Koume smiled. “Where do you want to go?”

“The flower shop.”

--------------------------------------

They now walked towards her home, while he was carrying white chrysanthemums. If she remembered correctly the flower represented autumn and longevity. He also carried a small bag with him over his shoulders. His long hair was held back in a ponytail. Now that she saw him up close, she noticed how shiny it was.

“How do you keep your hair like that?” She wondered out loud.

“Hairbending.” He answered in a very formal tone.

“What's that?”

“Join the hair care club and you'll see.” He smiled.

“Well, I will consider it, but I'm not really sure what my life will be like in a few months.” She rubbed her belly.

“You can take your child with you.”

“Not even born and already in some clubs.” She laughed. “Taira already planned on taking the baby to his host club.”

“Quite the ladies man already.”

“Or woman...”

--------------------------------------

They were almost at her home, when Joshua turned to the right towards the graveyard. The white chrysanthemums in his arms made sense now. The flower was also a symbol for a pure soul and was often connected to death.

“Do you go here often?”

“Every once in a while.” He said. “These people died for our sakes. We shouldn't forget them.”

“Very true.”

They walked in serene silence passed the graves and stopped when they reached the memorial stone. The priest kneeled down and laid the flowers in front of the stone. He reached for his bag and took out incense and a candle and lit it. He stood up again, pushed his hands together to pray and made a slight bow.

“Recently we said our goodbyes to Daiki, Nanase and Chiyoko, but many went before them. It could have been us as well.” He said as he turned to Koume again.

She looked at the stone carrying the names of all those gone. “Where do you think they are now?”

He shrugged. “Who knows? Some choose to move on, while others remain close to their loved ones until they are ready to say goodbye. Have you ever lost someone close to you?”

Koume shook her head. “I've led a nomadic life and never attached myself to people. The few close to my heart are still alive.”

“I see, you're lucky then.”

“Yes, I am.” She said in hoarse whisper. “But I shouldn't be. As ninja I took lives of many.”

“We shouldn't pride ourselves in that, but it's our job. We believe we are making the world a better place for ourselves and others.” Joshua put his hand on her shoulder. “The least we can do is not forgot the faces of those deceased, and live our lives happily in the world we believe in.” He looked at her hands which were on her belly. “Do no forget that.”

“Thank you.” She smiled.

--------------------------------------

She was going home now and turned to look at the priest one more time. He was facing the memorial stone again and was muttering another prayer. The man was a mystery, but he sure was something special.