What follows are snippets of problems the warlords might come across if they went to the future with MC and had a child. [Side note: These were written before the introduction of Yoshimoto, Ranmaru and Motonari.]
Nobunaga â Son
Nobunaga meets with his sonâs history teacher at a Parent-Teacher conference. His son, named Hideyoshi, is failing history.
Teacher: Mister Oda, your son is not only consistently answering questions about the Sengoku Period incorrectly, but claims he knows for a fact that the history books are wrong. Weâre very concerned.
Nobunaga: Nonsense. Iâm something of an expert on that particular period. What is he saying thatâs incorrect? I will remedy it.
Teacher: *Hands him an open history book.*Â See here. Your son consistently gets these facts incorrect about Nobunaga Oda.
Nobunaga: *Reads.* What is this nonsense? I didnât⊠I mean, HE didnât do any of this. He was more concerned with unifying the country and making love to his wife.
Teacher:
Nobunaga:
Teacher:
Nobunaga: It seems as though my son is correct. Your history books are inaccurate.
Teacher: Get out.
Hideyoshi: Daughter
Hideyoshi is concerned about all the male attention his daughter, Mei, gets from boys. Sheâs 16.
Mei: Dad, he JUST invited me out for tea. Itâs just tea.
Hideyoshi: Itâs NEVER just tea, Mei. Tea is a date that leads to questions about yourselves and then you start to like each other and then you have to pretend youâre just interested in each other as siblings to escape the fact that your life belongs to Nobunaga andââ
Mei: Um⊠Dad.. Why would my life belong to uncle Nobunaga? And I like Hikaru as a boyfriend. Not as a sibling. When you like someone, youâre supposed to tell them your honest feelings.
Hideyoshi:
Mei:
Hideyoshi: Go to your room.
Mitsunari: Son
Mitsunariâs son, Ieyasu, is excellent at soccer. He wants to join the school team, but the school requires fathers to help coach.
Ieyasu: Dad, what are you doing up? Itâs 2:30 in the morning!
Mitsunari:
Ieyasu: Dad??
Mitsunari:
Ieyasu: DAD!!
Mitsunari: *Reaches out and pulls Ieyasu onto his lap.* Stay with me, darling. Iâm almost finished with this book on how to coach soccer. Be good for me and then we can go to bed and make love.
Ieyasu: STOP STOP STOP DAD STOP! I DONâT WANNA MAKE LOVE TO YOU!
MC: What is going on in heâIeyasu, why are you in your fatherâs lap?
Ieyasu: He thinks Iâm you! Heâs reading a book andâ
MC: Iâve told you about trying to disturb him while he reads. You should have known better.
Ieyasu: Mooommmmmmm. Hellllpppp.
MC: *Sighs.* Hang on, let me go find the cat.
Ieyasu â Son
Ieyasu is supposed to be having âThe Donât Be Mean To Girls Talkâ with Yuuto, who is six.
Ieyasu: And so, when youâre sure she likes you, you make sure she thinks you hate her. It will make her want you more. You donât have to throw rocks at her like you did in school today. Just tell her she is silly and brainless. She will love it.
Yuuto: Really? Because mommy said that boys who are mean to girls never marry nice beautiful women when they grow up.
Ieyasu: *Leans in close to whisper. * It worked for me.
Yuuto: *Gasps*
MC: IEYASU WHAT ARE YOU TELLING HIM?!?!
MasamuneâDaughter
Masamuneâs daughter, Tatsu, had her first kiss. Sheâs 15. Masamune just found out.
Masamune: What do you mean he kissed you and now wants a date? Where is this lad? Heâs awoken the One-Eyed Dragon!
Tatsu: Dad! It was just a kiss! I wasnât expecting it, but it wasnât bad. And heâs cute!
Masamune: He shouldnât have kissed you out of the blue like that! You donât kiss someone unless you both like each other and the mood is right!
MC: Is that so? I seem to recall someone kissing me without my permission shortly after we first met. Hmm.. What was his name? I canât seem to recallâŠ
Masamune:
Tatsu:
MC:
Masamune: Câmere lass. Iâll remind you!
MC: *Runs.*
Masamune: *Chases.*
MC: *Texts Tatsu* You owe me. Go on your date.
MitsuhideâDaughter
Mitsuhideâs daughter, Akira, has a new boyfriend. Mitsuhide is anxious.
Mitsuhide: We could simply have him over for dinner.
MC: Thatâs a great idea!
Mitsuhide: *Smiles.*
MC:
Akira:
Mitsuhide: *Innocently.* What?
MC: I know that look. Thatâs the âIâm going to torture himâ look.
Akira: Sheâs right. You look positively threatening.
Mitsuhide: *Happily.* Do I? We should have him over. I can just sit here and smile at him.
Akira: DADDDYYYY
Mitsuhide: Well, we know nothing about him!
Akira: Why donât you just look at his Facebook?
Mitsuhide: Because that takes all the fun out of it. I canât torture him for information I already have.
MC: Honey. Weâve talked about this a thousand times. Torture is illegal now.
Mitsuhide: *Pouts.*
KenshinâTwins
Kenshinâs son, Senso, and his twin sister, Heiwa are outside playing. They are play fighting in the front yard. Senso and Heiwa are sword fighting with wooden swords and Heiwa gets a bump on her head from a misplaced sword swing.
Kenshin: What is this? Heiwa, what happâyouâre bleeding. WHO HURT YOU? I WILL DESTROY THEM?!?
Heiwa: *Points to Senso.*
Senso: *Trembling and crying.* Dad⊠I didnât mean to. We were sword fighting like you and uncle Sasuke do and I hit her on accident. Please donât destroy me.
Kenshin: You were sword fighting? *Looks pleased.* Indeed. Well done, Senso. You won the duel.
Heiwa: But Dad! Iâm bleeding.
Kenshin:
Kenshin: Iâm in trouble. If your mother finds out about thisâŠ
MC: Finds out about what?
Kenshin: Uncle Shingen taught them how to sword fight.
MC: WHAT? I will have words with him!
Twins: *Giggle.*
Kenshin: Quickly texts Shingen an apology.
Shingen, who lives next door: *Reads text.* âŠShit.
ShingenâSon
Shingenâs son, Kaiyo (11), and his father are sneaking through the house late one evening.
Kaiyo: Are you sure, dad? Mom says weâre not allowed.
Shingen: Technically, your mother said we were not allowed before dinner. She didnât say we were not allowed in the evening.
Kaiyo: *Opens pantry. Takes out Chocolate Cake.*
Shingen: Atta boy. She said she hid it, but I watched her eyes. They flickered to the pantry. I knew it would be there. Our Moon Goddess is beautiful, but easily read.
MC: And you two donât know how to whisper.
Shingen: Weâve upset the Moon Goddess, son. Time to present an offering to her alter and hope we are forgiven!
Kaiyo: *Gives MC a bite of chocolate cake. *
MC: *Can no longer hold her frown.* Mmm.. The Moon Goddess approves of your offering. You can have a small piece. But then go to bed!
Shingen: My sweet Moon Goddess, you have a little chocolate on your lips. Please allow me to help remove it.
MC: *Blushes.* ShâŠShingen.. Not in front of Kaiyo.
Shingen: Kaiyo! Remember what I told you about when the Mood Goddess turns red?
Kaiyo: *Covers his eyes.*
Shingen: *Kisses MC and licks off the chocolate.* Mmm.. Heavenly.
SasukeâSon
Sasuke and his son, Kage, are in Sasukeâs home lab. Kage is 14.
Sasuke: And so we add a touch of this and boom! Homemade smoke bomb.
Kage: Cool!
Sasuke: Indeed it is! And if those boys bully you again and try to take your glasses, you throw this on the ground, and then spread out the spikes I made for you. Then you run.
*Sounds of MCâs footsteps approaching.*
Sasuke: Kage, remember what I taught you?
Kage:
Sasuke:
Both: *Whispered.* Ker-Vanish!
Both: Hide behind the lab desk.
MC: *Steps into the room.* Strange⊠I was sure I heard them. Maybe they are outside. *Leaves.*
Sasuke:
Kage:
Both: *Fist bump.*
YukimuraâDaughter
Yukiâs daughter, Hayami, comes home from school, crying. Sheâs 7 years old.
Yukimura: Baby, whatâs wrong?? Why are you crying?
Hayami: A boy at school called me names!! He said I was weird, and I run like a goat!
Yukimura: Let me see you run. Iâll tell you the truth.
Hayami: *Runs away and comes back.*
Yukimura:
Hayami:
Yukimura: Alright goat girl. Who taught you to run that way?
Hayami: MOMMMYYY!
Yukimura: SHHH!! I was kidding, baby. Donât tell your mom. Sheâll yell at me again!
MC: Tell me what?
Yukimura: Our daughter runs like a goat.
MC: YUKI!
KennyoâDaughter
Kennyo and his daughter, Reiki, are sneaking through the back door, another stray kitten in hand.
Kennyo: Now remember. If Mom asksâŠ
Reiki: I donât know where it came from.Â
Kennyo: Exactly.
MC: And if Mom catches you in the act of bringing ANOTHER cat home? Then what will you do?
Kennyo: I shall fight dirty and present you with a sneak attack.Â
Reiki: *Hands MC the kitten.*
Kitten: *Mews pitifully.*
MC: *Sighs.* This is the last one. Seriously, you two. The house is full. *Takes the kitten inside.*
Reiki:
Kennyo:
Reiki: You think sheâs noticed the two we added yesterday?Â
Mitsuhide ached. Every muscle, every bone, felt weary. He bypassed the main gate to Azuchi castle and came in one of the secret entrances he used when he did not want to be seen. His intention was to report directly to Nobunaga and then retire to his mansion to rest. But his stealthy travel through the castle stopped when he heard music and laughter.
He turned from his path, following the joyful sounds. A short walk led him to a window overlooking the Azuchi palace gardens. There, he spotted his fellow warlords, vassals, and the chatelaine.Â
She was throwing snowballs at Nobunaga from behind a low wall of snow. Hideyoshi was attempting a flanking maneuver but Ieyasu held the side. Mitsunari crouched nearby, rolling an arsenal of differently sized snowballs for strategic attacks.
More snow continued to fall, floating gently through the evening sky and landing on the playful group. The scene reminded Mitsuhide of something the chatelaine had told him about. A decorative thing, with carved or cast figures enclosed in glass, filled with water and tiny glittering flecks that would fall over and around them. A snowglobe.
He thought it was a foolish thing when sheâd described it. A wonder, yes, but a waste of effort as well. But now the thought made him melancholy. He stood here, in the walkway. Inside the castle, but outside the scene. Beyond the warm circle of friendship and love.Â
One of the trees had been decorated with ribbon, ropes of porcelain beads, and small, shiny baubles. It shook as one of Nobunagaâs missiles splatted against the evergreen branches.Â
The chatelaine shot up, eyes wide as several decorations fell into the snow. âOh no! Look what you-â
Her shout was cut off by a second snowball. It hit her in the forehead and burst on impact, coating her in a dusting of cold snow. Hideyoshi was at her side in an instant.
âAre you alright,â he asked, his hands atop her shoulders, inspecting her.Â
Ieyasu shouted. âWhat were you thinking? You aimed at her face!âÂ
Nobunaga had the grace to look abashed, though still triumphant. âI didnât know the fireball would stand up just then.â
Even Hideyoshi did not buy that answer, but he was too busy cooing over the chatelaine to disagree. She was looking up at him with trust and adoration, reassuring him that she was fine, that it was fine.Â
Mitsuhide felt his heart twist in his chest, a tight, hot, needle-sharp jab of jealousy. She never turned such a look on him. Never leaned into his touch. And that was good, he told himself. Good for her. For him.Â
Let them live in their snowglobe, sheltered from the darkness on the outside. Sheltered from men like him. He turned to go, but glanced back. Just once more, just to see her smile. It was one look too many. The chatelaine saw him there, in the window. Her smile widened. Her lips began to shape his name.
Mitsuhide tore himself from the view and slipped into the shadowed hall.
A Chevalier Michel fanfiction. Approx. 3900 words. This scene takes place in Chapter 21-22 of the romantic route and is told from Chevalierâs POV. Part 19 of a series.
Chapter List
Chevalier motioned the advance, the order communicated down by trumpets and flags. Soldiers on the battlefield surged. The Obsidian forces were putting on a good defense, but they would be overwhelmed soon. They had no reinforcements, while Rhodolite could field more troops each day. It was simple strategy.
He hoped Leonâs troops were as successful on their front. It would take all of them to press forward. Them and their allies from Benitoite and Jade. They were pressing on their own borders with Obsidian, forcing the military to split its forces to keep them at bay. Chevalier knew heâd done everything he could - now it was up to the skill and will of others to see the plan through.
A messenger burst past his honor guard and fell to a knee. âPrince Chevalier!â
âSpeak.â Chev felt an uneasy tension settle in his belly. This was too soon for bad news from the front lines and too late to expect a missive from the palace. Something had occurred that he did not account for.Â
âItâs the support camp. Some men attacked it - knights and soldiers. No one is left there but Prince Luke and the wounded.â The messenger fell silent.
Clavis smiled, the same grin he always wore. âOh no! Someone went after the logistic support? Why ever would they have done that?â
Chevalier felt a pressure in his chest, cold and heavy. Emma was there. And he knew without more inquiry that she was the target. His thoughts raced even as he was already moving. âSaddle my horse. You -â He pointed to his most trusted knight commander, âfollow the battle plan. I will be back soon.â
He rode for the camp without delay, with Clavis in tow. His body felt numb inside and out. This was his fault. He should have predicted that the Belle would be a target. But who would have given away her position and location? Few enough knew.Â
The village was quiet as he rode through the street to the central building where the medical support unit was housed. Nokto was already there, waiting. Chevalier gave the clown a nod in greeting as he leapt from his horse and strode in, his gaze taking in the blood and overturned tables.Â
Rio met them at the door to a small backroom.Â
âWhere is she?âÂ
The butler took him inside and began to explain. âIt was Flandre and the anti-war faction,â he explained. âThey tried to take Emma, but we didnât let them. She was trying to help this one knight they brought in. He looked injured, but during the fight, when Flandre began to lose . . .â
âI understand the particulars,â Chevalier said. It was exactly the sort of assassination attempt the Belle had no defense against. Using her sweet nature and kind heart against her. He felt his throat close up over his breath, an icy cold overtaking him.Â
Emma lay in a narrow cot wedged into a small room at the back of the villageâs gathering hall. Her breath was labored, rasping in and out of pale lips, her chest barely rising and falling. Rio sat at her bedside, gently wiping her forehead with a cool cloth.Â
Clavis studied her with a puzzled smile, as if something in the scene confused him. âThey seem to have thought of everything. I canât believe they stabbed the Belle with a poisoned knife as they retreated.â
âAnd weâve been told that if we want the antidote, we must give her up to Obsidian.â Noktoâs tone was glum.
Luke slumped against the wall. âThere has to be something we can do.â
Nokto shook his head. âAccording to the physician, they used a poison unique to Obsidian. They are the only ones with an antidote. Weâll have to hand her over to the messenger they are sending, if we donât want her to die.â
âThis is . . . itâs all my fault,â Rio said miserably. He twisted the cloth in his hands hard enough to turn his knuckles white.
âNo. Itâs mine. I was in charge of village defense but I couldnât even protect one woman.â Luke sagged further down the wall, knees bent.
Nokto gave them both an irritated look. âWhy are you wasting time beating yourselves up? The Belle is alive. You did protect her. And you managed to push back the Obsidian forces. Thanks to you, the damage was kept to a minimum.â He waved a hand in the general direction of the village homes. âIf you look at the end result, things turned out great. Even if what happened to Emma is terrible.â
âWhat exactly is great about it? Even if I died, that wouldnât be atonement enough for letting this happen to Emma.â Rioâs voice wavered between anger and grief.
âYouâre both mistaken,â Chevalier interjected, his voice cool and quiet. âAll the blame in this falls on me.â He should have known. Prepared for it. Protected her. Failure hit especially hard for a man that seldom felt its sting.Â
Rio and Luke turned to stare, surprise clear on their faces.
âIt happened under my leadership,â the second prince continued. âYou have no right to blame yourselves.âÂ
âBut,â Rio began.
Chevalier didnât let him finish. âIf you have the time to lament, why donât you use your head instead?â He brushed past Rio and bent down to look at Emma. He removed his gloves and laid two bare fingers to her neck. Then he touched her lips. Then her eyelids.Â
âAre you playing doctor now,â Clavis asked.Â
âIâve read about symptoms similar to these.â He gently rolled her over and tugged her shirt up to look at the stitched wound. âLabored breathing, irregular pulse, full body spasms, and the way the wound is festering. Take into account the method of delivery for the poison . . .â Chevalier roughly pulled the shirt back down and sat at a small table to write.
He did not have the luxury to revel in his guilt. There was only the path forward, and it would have to be good enough. One step at a time, a logical progression. A direction for the frigid fury building in him.
Nokto and Clavis watched him the way one might eye an agitated tiger, worried when - not if - it would lunge. But Chevalier only made his notes, and then tossed the page to Rio.
âGive that to the village doctor. The physician from the capital may not understand it all.â Chevalierâs lips twitched up in a bitter smile.
Rio scanned the note and then looked up again. âAre you saying you figured out how to make an antidote just from that simple examination?â
Chevalier returned his stare. âHundreds of medical books, foreign and domestic, are stored in my head.â
âHundreds?â Lukeâs brows lifted.
Nokto smirked. âKing Highnessâ memory is perfect. He has such an inhuman ability to remember things that once heâs seen something, heâll never forget it.â
âThere isnât time for pointless chatter.â Chevalier moved toward the door. âI still have the small matter of purging the traitors to see to.â His expression was as flat and cool as always, not a hint of the anger that churned in his chest. A storm of ice, a rage as cold as the deepest winter night. Cold as death.Â
No one said a word. They could feel it, hiding beneath his tranquil demeanor. Clavis was the first to break the silence with a laugh. âYou look calm but youâre really angry, arenât you?â
âAngry? Donât be ridiculous.â Chevalier rested a hand on the hilt of his sword. âHowever, the traitors will continue to be a nuisance if we let them. Itâs better to crush them now.â The beast in him rose to the surface, ready to be unleashed. The anti-war faction would not live to cause harm after today. Not one -
âNgh . . . Pl-please . . .â Emma breathed, the words barely audible.
Chevalier turned toward her as her fingers closed on the hem of his cloak.Â
Her eyes were open but there was no light in them, no life. Only a flicker of desperation as her pale fingers clutched at the fabric.
âLet go,â Chevalier said.
âEva.â Rio laid a hand on her.
The second prince watched her, uncertainty creeping in at the edges of his thoughts. Was this her will? His ridiculous, naive, kind-hearted love . . . how foolish. How precious. He felt an aching warmth return to his heart, a hearthfire in the midst of that icy chill. âIâll talk to them first. Does that satisfy you?â
Emmaâs hand dropped away from his cloak. Her body relaxed again, eyes drifting closed.Â
Chevalier knelt down and took her hand. His fingers twined with hers, squeezing gently for a moment. Then he tucked it beneath the sheet. He hoped she would understand.Â
âI feel like Iâve witnessed something priceless,â Nokto quipped.
Clavis nodded. âFrom that alone, it seems the Belle has become an excellent animal trainer.â
âYouâre coming with me,â Chevalier told him, his gaze pinning Clavis to the spot. He was not going to grant their commentary any response.
âWait. Just the two of you are going?â Luke straightened.
âThat will be enough to deal with the anti-war faction,â Chevalier replied.
Clavis laughed again. âYouâll keep me entertained, wonât you Chev?â
âIndeed.â Chevalier gave his brother a grim smile. âThe hunt begins now.â
He was aware of the Clavisâ gaze as they followed the trail left by the fleeing anti-war faction. It was an annoyance akin to a fly, nothing worth his attention. And yet. Chevalier finally let out a breath. âWhat?â
Clavis grinned wider. âYou almost seem human like this. I didnât think it was possible.â
âI am what I have always been.âÂ
His brother snorted in disbelief. âIf Iâd known all it took was a woman to -â
âQuiet.â Chevalier studied the hilltop ahead, the unnatural arrangement of brush, the sad attempt to hide horse tracks.Â
Clavis fell silent as he too picked up on the signs ahead.Â
The two of them approached at a slow walk. Chevalier stopped in ear shot, aware he was taking a risk as it was close enough for a long bow. âI am here to speak with Baron Flandre.â
Several arrows zipped through the air toward them. Chev cut the close ones from the air, knocking them aside.
âI donât think they want to talk to you,â Clavis laughed.
Chevalier grunted in response, and nudged his horse closer. âI am here to negotiate.âÂ
More arrows fell, but now they were in sight of the poorly hidden entrance. Clavis rode forward, and as he closed in, three men leapt out with swords drawn. The third born prince was no stranger to swordplay, and his skill quickly dispatched the three. They were left alive, but too wounded to fight. A clean death might have been kinder.
âWeâve come to talk,â Clavis shouted. âWonât you come out and chat with us?â He laughed and flicked the blood from his blade.
They did not seem to believe the princes.Â
Chevalier exchanged a look with Clavis.
âHow exciting! Youâre going to leave this to me?â Clavis sounded like a child on holiday.Â
âTry not to kill all of them.â Chevalier felt his jaw clench.Â
The next several minutes were pure chaos. The anti-war faction soldiers were few in number, but desperate. Unfortunately for them, their frenzied violence was no match for the laughing Clavis. He took them out as easily as cutting daisies from the stem.
Chevalier dismounted and strode forward, heading for the largest tent in the most protected spot. Flandreâs arrogance was painfully clear in everything he did, right down to how he set up his camp. The baron was there, sword drawn, his chest heaving with panicked breath.
He looked at Flandre with distaste. To think this man had once been a knight in his service. âYou appear to be the only one left.â
âImpossible . . .â The baronâs eyes scanned the dark camp and found no allies standing.Â
âI didnât expect it to be this easy. Disappointing. Were you just a group of amateurs?â Chevalier let his lips curl in a cruel smirk.Â
Flandreâs temper flared, battling his defeated apathy. âYou know thatâs not true! Are you mocking us?â
Chevalier scoffed. âYou are a disgrace. You have no right to complain about being mocked.â He tilted his head, studying the man as if he were no more than a strange insect. âBesides, I thought I told you that I wanted to talk.â
âWho would believe the lie that the Brutal Beast just wanted to talk? You intended to kill us all anyway.âÂ
âRegretfully, I didnât come here tonight to kill you. If you open your eyes, you would realize that.â The prince felt suddenly tired. He did not want to be here, talking to this man. This fool that would sell out everyone in Rhodolite for the possibility that his loved ones might be spared. He deserved nothing but the sharp end of a sword and an unmarked grave. But Emma had asked . . .
He forced a calm smile. âI came here tonight to offer you redemption.â
Flandre blinked, uncertain. âRedemption?â
âIf your faction cuts ties with Obsidian immediately and sides with Rhodolite, Iâll consider it atonement for your crimes.â Chevalierâs eyes narrowed. âHowever, the essence of the anti-war faction is protecting your loved ones.Those loved ones migrated to a number of islands off the coast of Benitoite several months ago.â
That put the baron on the defensive. âH-how did you . . . youâre not - not threatening them, are you,â he sputtered.
One blonde brow rose. âWhat do you think?â
Flandre trembled with rage and fear.Â
âTreason or obedience. Either way, it doesnât matter to me. Choose what you prefer.â Chevalier waited, though he was past impatient to be done here.
âWhy?â
The prince sneered. âWhy what? Why havenât I punished them after I discovered where your family was hidden?â He shook his head. âUsing force to suppress those who hold differing views about the country is called dictatorship. Iâve never once desired that for our kingdom.â
Flandre stumbled and caught himself. His hand fell away from his sword hilt. âBut youâve killed anyone who might bring harm to the country!â
âYes. Anyone who might cause real harm. Dissenting opinions regarding the way the country is run are valuable sources of information when making policy decisions.â Chevalier skewered Flandre with an icy glare. âWe declared this war because we deemed it necessary, but I would have respected your grievances if they were justified.â
The baronâs jaw clenched as his rage won out over sense and fear.
âHowever, apparently you all believed from the very beginning that I wouldnât listen to you and so you chose this path. The path of hostility.â The prince let out a slow breath, reigning in his irritation.
âI know youâre not the kind of man you just described,â Flandre grumbled. âNo one but you could mercilessly slaughter people and do whatever you please regardless of the wants or needs of others!â
Chevalier felt like laughing at this fool. Feeding himself to the wolf to save himself from the tiger. âYou werenât discerning enough to see my true nature. Thatâs all. And now you have given up everything for nothing.â
The truth of his words sank in slowly. One breath. Two. Another. Then Flandre collapsed to his knees and buried his face in his hands.Â
Clavis began to clap, a slow overly dramatic gesture that fit the third-born perfectly. âGoodness. My. Well done!â
âDid you find the antidote?â Chev didnât dignify his behavior with a reaction.Â
âYup. And I grabbed the poison itself while I was at it.â He pulled out two vials, one a horrid thick, dark fluid and the other a light, turbid concoction. Clavisâ grin promised some planned use for the foul stuff, but his brother did not pry. He only cared about the antidote for now. Whatever else Clavis might do later would be handled then.
Chevalier gave a slight smile. The cloudy liquid looked exactly the way his recommended cure would look. âI believe the antidote the doctor made will suffice.âÂ
âIâm impressed, Chev, really. But to be really sure, letâs give her this one too, hm?âÂ
âIndeed.â Chevalier glanced at the bloody carnage around them, the remains of the anti-war faction camp. âIâm leaving the cleanup to you. After all, this was your fault.â
Clavis shrugged as if he did not care one way or another. âAre you sure you want to entrust me with my âfriendsâ?â
The unspoken threat was there, threaded in his words. Did Chev trust his brother not to take what remnants were here and turn them into another threat? Chevalierâs lips lifted a little more at the corners, widening his smile. âYou can entertain yourself with them if you wish, but keep your hands firmly on the reins.â His smile fell as if it had never been. âIf you ever do something like this again, youâre going to get what you deserve.â
His brother laughed as if this was a joke, but his eyes told a different story. He knew that Chevalier knew heâd nudged these malcontents. âIâll bear that in mind.â Clavisâ smile stayed firmly in place as Chev turned away.Â
âSeriously though, I canât believe you didnât kill a single person here,â Clavis added. âIf you let them live, you know it may be more than a rebellion next time.â
âIt doesnât matter if they rebel or not,â Chevalier replied, glancing back. âHowever, the day you lay a hand on the Belle again is the day you die.â His eyes were ice and his tone colder still.Â
Clavis did not have a ready quip for that.Â
Chevalier left, giving Clavis instructions on what to do with the remnants of the anti-war faction. He tried not to hurry obviously as he returned to Emmaâs side.
Rio was still there, sitting beside Emmaâs bed. His expression was one of pure misery. He looked up as Chevalier came in. âSheâs breathing easier.â
The prince nodded and sat at the small table. The room felt crowded, but he did not ask Rio to leave. He could see the unrequited affection in the butlerâs eyes, a loyalty beyond friendship or servitude. He wasnât threatened by it, only reassured that this man would also protect the Belle.Â
They sat together in silence for awhile. Chevalier took the time to martial his thoughts. Now that she was safe and dosed twice, he could consider how this had happened. It was his fault. Not because of the war, nor because heâd allowed her to accompany him. No. It was his fault for allowing her to become precious. A token, one that could be taken or destroyed, or used in barter. A tool valued only for her connection to him.
The longer he allowed her to stay by his side, the more he gave in to the stirring warmth in his heart, the worse it would be. For her. This would be one of many assassination attempts. But she faced them bravely. She did not give up or give in. She had not panicked or fled. The Belle had a spine of steel and a heart strong enough to match.
He sat, and watched her in silence, ordering his thoughts. He had a decision to make. The quiet was only broken when Emma began to stir. Her breath changed, a new strain entering it. And then her hand moved and her eyes slowly opened.Â
âWhat . . . where . . .â
âEmma!â Rio clasped her hand in his. âIâm so sorry. I - I should have -â
âNgh . . . n-no . . . Rio . . .â
Chevalier could hear the unspoken words, the forgiveness behind them. She was too kind. Entirely too kind.
âThank you,â Rio murmured. His head bowed.Â
âWhat happened,â she rasped.
âPrince Chevalier diagnosed you and came up with a cure. Then he and Clavis went to the anti-war faction camp,â Rio supplied.
âI . . . rem-member . . . Prince . . .â She struggled to sit up, but couldnât manage.Â
âItâs ok, Emma,â Rio stroked her hair back from her forehead. âPrince Chevalier went to the anti-war faction. But he didnât go there for a purge.â The butler glanced toward him for a moment, then looked back at Emma. âIn fact, he brought several members of the faction back here.â He smiled. âEveryone was so surprised!â
The Belleâs lips lifted in a smile, radiant despite her weakness.Â
âHe must love you, Emma.â Rio spoke gravely, as if these words were a eulogy. The start of a dirge. It was a strange juxtaposition to the joy in the Belleâs expression.Â
Chevalier knew the truth of those words, and felt the tone appropriate.
She tried to say something, but her breath rattled in her chest and her eyes fluttered closed.Â
Rio stroked her forehead gently. âSorry. Iâm talking too much. Youâre not back to normal yet. You should sleep.â He smiled and tucked her hand back under the covers. âLet me sing you a lullaby.â
The song was Benitoite. Chevalier knew the butler was more than he seemed, and this only added to that certainty. That was a question to answer later. Whatever the song, it seemed to ease Emmaâs breathing, and soon she was sleeping again.Â
âWhy didnât you join the conversation,â Rio asked him.
âI didnât feel the need to.â He stood. Now that she was awake, he could go. He could walk away clean. Leave Emma to live her life without interference.Â
The butler frowned. âI think itâs a mistake not to do that just because you donât want to bother her.â
Chevalier smirked in response. No matter how well Rio thought he knew her, he clearly didnât know everything.Â
âAhhh,â Rio sighed. âI thought you were the one prince that would never be my rival in love.â He looked down at the sleeping Belle. âBut ever since she came to the palace, sheâs been talking about you every chance she gets. So even though I hate the thought of it, I came to realize that she loves you.â
The prince felt a sharpness enter his expression.
The butlerâs gaze came back to him, ocean blue and earnest. âPrince Chevalier. Could you do me a favor? Would you make Emma happy for the rest of her life?â
âDonât be ridiculous.â His cold blue gaze pierced the butler where he sat.
Rio froze, the response surprising him.Â
Chevalier frowned. âIt never ends well for women who get involved with royalty.â He eyed the butler speculatively. âSeeing as there are eight of us half brothers now, perhaps you have some idea what Iâm talking about.â
âBut I think she wants to be with you.â Rio resumed stroking her hair gently.
âA temporary delusion.â He turned his head away, unable to look at her there. âOnce she leaves the palace, sheâll forget about me.â
Rio made a choked sound. âAre you serious?â
âDoes it sound like Iâm joking?â When the butler did not reply, Chev added, âEven supposing she doesnât forget about me, Iâm sure I will forget about her.â He knew that was a lie. He thought he could stop loving her. Lock those feelings away behind a wall of ice as thick as it needed to be. But forget? Never. She was inscribed on his mind as surely as any text.
âSo you mean to leave it at that, huh?âÂ
Chevalier grunted in response. His mouth did not want to shape the word yes, nor his lungs to breathe sound into it. He left before Rio could push him any further. As he closed the door, he allowed himself one last look at Emma. He would not see her again until the war was over.
Part 15 of a multipart series. Mai has been reborn in the modern age after a full life in the Sengoku. The warlords as spirit animals find her again after 500 years of searching for her soul. Approx. 3000 words.
Chapter List
Kaiya had a bad feeling as she watched Mai and Ayami leave. She couldnât point to any real reason, just a general anxiety. Something was wrong. Or it would be wrong.
She tried to ignore unease and focus on the work. Hand beading was one of her favorite crafts, and she was good at it. The corset for this wedding dress was elaborately beaded and should have absorbed her completely, but instead, she found herself glancing at her phone and the door all morning.
That was why, when her phone went off, she was ready for it. Ayamiâs message was cryptic, but clear that Kaiya was needed. She put down her sewing and left in a rush.Â
The hypnotherapistâs office was easy to find. Kaiya took a shaky breath and then went in. She was immediately assailed by incense and the hum of white noise. It disoriented her for a moment, and she put a hand on the wall.
âAre you alright?âÂ
A manâs voice from a doorway she hadnât even noticed. Kaiya shook her head, trying to organize her thoughts. âYes. Iâm fine. Who are you? Where is Mai?â The guy was older and a little on the heavy side. He didnât look threatening but made her nervous all the same.
âYou must be Kaiya, Ayamiâs friend.â The guy ran a hand through his hair. âCome on back. Iâm Bo, by the way.â
Kaiya glared at the back of his head as he led her into his office. This was his fault, she thought. He shouldnât even be practicing fake, stupid - her thoughts stuttered to a stop as she caught sight of Mai. âYou idiot! What did you do?â She rushed to the chair and knelt down.
âI - nothing! The session started normally. Mai was speaking, telling me she was training with someone. Mitsuhide? I think? But she stopped talking, and then I couldnât get her to wake.â Bo looked genuinely distraught. âThatâs never happened before! Never!â
âWell, you ought to have some kind of emergency plan B,â Kaiya muttered. She took Maiâs hand. It was cool to the touch, and twitching weakly, like a dreaming kitten. This was impossible, she thought. Hypnotherapy wasnât even real. But real or not, something had happened in this office.Â
Bo hung his head. âI suppose I should. Itâs just, this isnât - it shouldnât be possible. Not without medicated sedation or - or - I donât know. Maybe an underlying medical condition?âÂ
Kaiya turned to look at him. âYou donât know?â She wanted to tear into him, but stopped herself. This was just her frustration at seeing her friend hurt and being unable to do anything about it. Her fear. She took a breath. âOk. Ok fine. Letâs not worry about how. What can we do for her now?â
âIâve tried waking her up. I even cracked open my emergency kit and got out the smelling salts.â Bo gestured toward a small table where a spill of items covered the surface. Bandages, antiseptic cream, the smelling salts, tweezers, scissors, and a handful of other items. âI - I shook her a little.â
âWhat about cold water?â
Bo jerked to attention. âThatâs a good idea!â He hurried over to his desk and opened a mini-fridge. Then he brought over a chilled water bottle.Â
Kaiya took it from him and opened it, splashing a little water on Maiâs tear-streaked face. There was no reaction. âDamn.â She sighed. âIâm guessing you already tried loud noise? A pinch?âÂ
âPlease donât pinch my little mouse.â The silk-smooth voice took them both by surprise. Kaiya jumped to her feet and Bo spun around to face the door.
âH-how did you get in? I didnât hear the entry tone!â Bo sounded as if he was reaching his limit.
The man at the door was tall, with pale hair and eyes so light brown they looked golden. Kaiya placed him in a blink. âYouâre Mitsuhide.â
He gave a slight bow. âI am. And you must be Kaiya. I am glad to meet any friend of Maiâs, though I wish the circumstances were less dire.â His eyes found Mai, slumped back in the chair. âHow long has she been like this?â
âWait. You are Mitsuhide? But . . . her past life . . .â Bo ran a hand over his face. â
âThis is your fault.â Kaiya stood, all her frustration boiling back up. âShe came here because of you. Because of her weird memories and the headaches! Passing out! All of that started after she met you!â
His gold eyes gleamed in the soft light, the hardness going out of them for just a moment. Just long enough for Kaiya to see a darkness there, a deep sorrow. A well of regret. And then it was gone. âIt is my fault, I suppose. But I could not turn away from her, once I found her again.â He leaned down, too close for comfort. â500 years of searching. Hoping. Longing. Five centuries worth of long, cold, nights and empty sun-stricken days. I could not simply let her go, because disaster might come.âÂ
Kaiya found herself breathless. His proximity was frightening. Intoxicating. She wanted to run, but there was nowhere to go.Â
âMai taught me that. Hope. It is as much a part of me now as my beating heart.â Mitsuhide smiled a thin, sharp smile. He stepped back, and gestured toward the door.Â
She didnât need the invitation. Kaiya sped toward the lobby and collapsed into one of the chairs. All her senses screamed warning, but this was as far as she could go. Any further would be abandoning her friend. And now, she at least was certain this Mitsuhide guy would do nothing to harm Mai intentionally.Â
Bo followed her out, a bottle of water in hand. âHere.â He sat across from her.Â
âThanks.â Kaiya took a drink, trying to calm herself. She felt out of control, her emotions jumping all over the place. It was not normal for her, and she didnât like it. Unfortunately, it seemed her upset was not going away any time soon.Â
The door burst open and a harried looking man stormed in, his expression one of righteous rage. âWhere is she?â The guy was tall, with large grey eyes and a mop of unruly brown hair. He was drop dead gorgeous, despite looking furious.Â
Bo leapt to his feet. âThis is getting out of hand! I have a sick girl in my office and the last thing she needs is a parade of -â
The guy grabbed Bo by the collar and lifted him off his feet. âI didnât ask for your opinion. Now, where is the angel?â
Kaiya sighed and stood. âPut the hypnotherapist down, big guy. Iâll take you back. But you better cool it. If you plan on like, dueling for her hand or something, take it outside.â
âDueling for her -â The manâs expression gentled with a slight smile. It sent Kaiyaâs pulse racing. He set Bo down and took Kaiyaâs hand. âI did not know there was a gathering of the divine here. What might your name be? Wait - is it goddess of love and beauty?â
âUmm. No. Iâm Kaiya.â She pulled her hand back, hoping her face didnât look as hot as it felt. âNow come on. Mai is this way.âÂ
The guy followed her back. He sucked in a breath at the sight of Mai, slumped in the chair, tears still running down her face.
Mitsuhide was kneeling beside her on the floor, speaking to her. His voice was so soft that she couldnât make out what he was saying. He stopped and looked up as they came in. âTakeda.â
âAkechi.â The manâs lush lips pressed into a thin line of distaste. âWhat happened? Is she alright?â
He ran a hand through his pale hair and shook his head. âShe is trapped in memories from her past life. Our life together. I had hoped I could . . . draw her out. But she doesnât appear to hear me.â
Takeda took a breath, clearly shaken. âWe need a doctor. Or . . . a priest.âÂ
Mitsuhide gave a grim smile. âDonât you happen to know one, Shingen? Think you can call in a favor?â
Kaiya eyed them both. âWhat exactly are you two proposing?â
Shingen gave her a reassuring smile, one that sent her heart galloping off again. He really needed to stop doing that, she thought. Smiling. âWe need to get through to Mai, to bring her back. I donât think medicine can help us.â
âUh huh. Go on.â Kaiya put a fist to her hip.
âWe are turning to faith,â Mitsuhide said with a dry laugh. âThe true sign of desperation.â
Shingen sighed. âIâll text the abbot.â
***
Ayami glanced nervously between Keiji and Nobunaga. âSo. Ummm. Why arenât we going back to see Mai now?â
Nobunaga gave her a smile she found less than reassuring. âI need to know what youâve been told and what you have determined on your own.â He rubbed his chin. âThis hypnotherapist was your idea, was it not?â
She swallowed. âI-it was. Yes. I mean, Iâve done it loads of times.â
âAnd why is that?â He leaned forward, his carnelian gaze relentless.Â
Ayami could feel those eyes drilling into her, compelling her. He was like a force of nature, as easy to deny as a summer storm. âI . . . in high school I started smoking. I thought it would make me look mature. Sexy.â She let out a nervous laugh. âBut it really didnât. I went to Bo to quit. And then to help me eat better and workout more and . . . you know. Self improvement.â
Nobunaga sat back, his gaze now traveling over her in a slow, thorough sweep. She felt like she might as well be naked, with the way he saw her. Like her clothes and attitude were peeled back, and he saw right through to the person underneath. âYou do not look as if you need improvement.âÂ
Keiji chuckled. âSecond that. Our girl has pretty friends.âÂ
Ayami felt her face get hot. âWould you two cut it out? I feel like Iâm in some kinda pageant!â
âDo you not enjoy being complimented?â Nobunaga raised a brow.
âI do! Of course I do. Just . . . youâre really intense, you know?â She frowned at him. âAnd this isnât exactly the right circumstance? I mean, my best friend is sick and Iâm sitting in a conference room in some posh office and you didnât even get me a drink!âÂ
Ayami was afraid sheâd said too much, been rude. But Nobunaga just laughed. âYouâve got as much attitude as my little fireball. Trust me when I say, Mitsuhide will do all in his power to help Mai. She could not be in better hands. We can do nothing for her, besides wait. Do you trust me that far?â
She wanted to say no, to tell him there was no way sheâd trust her best friend to someone that was practically a stranger. Yet she found that she did trust him. There was such certainty in him. As if heâd said the sun would rise or that the sky was blue. Ayami nodded.Â
Keiji chuckled. âYou sure do have a way with people, Lord Oda. It took me a lot more to get her to trust me. And she threatened to punch me!â
âThat wasnât a threat. I was just letting you know,â Ayami shot back. He was grinning ear to ear like this was funny. âI liked you better as a pig,â she huffed.â
Nobunaga laughed at that. âIt is an improvement, to be sure. Now. You mentioned a drink. What would you like? I wish to put you at ease.â
âOh! Really?â She looked for some sign he was mocking her, but he seemed completely serious. âOk then. How about an iced coffee? With caramel syrup and extra cream?â
âIâll grab it. Anything for you, boss?â
âOne of the same, but make sure Hideyoshi doesnât see you bring it in. Heâs decided sweet drinks are worse than candy.â Nobunaga sighed. âIâd rather not get a lecture this afternoon.â
âHideyoshi? You mean Maiâs ex-boyfriend? He lectures you?â Ayamiâs eyes widened.Â
âHe lectures everybody,â Keiji interjected. âFor our own good, of course.â
Ayami looked between them. âBut arenât you his boss? Isnât he a school teacher?â
Nobunaga chuckled. âHe does teach and I do own the school, yes. Hideyoshi works for me in his way, and sometimes that includes lecturing me, and others. He has a strong sense of -â
âSuperiority? Mothering?â Keijiâs voice was almost sharp.
âArenât you getting coffee?â Nobunaga glanced at him.
Keiji nodded with alacrity. âOn my way.â He slipped out of the room and disappeared down the hall.
Ayami was not at all sure being alone with Nobunaga was an improvement. âSo. Umm. Thanks for the coffee.â
âIt is a small thing for a friend of Mai. Now. Tell me all you know, and what you believe.â He leaned forward again, and Ayami felt compelled to speak.Â
By the time Keiji came back with coffee, sheâd told Nobunaga everything she knew, and all the ideas she and Mai had. It really didnât amount to much. âSo, we thought if Mai could get her memories back, sheâd understand everything with Mitsuhide. I didnât know it could go so wrong . . .â
âOf course not. But Mai is a special case. She was born into this era once before, and taken back to our time. We did not know when or how she would be reborn. All of us followed the signs, searched for lifetimes.â Nobunaga looked pensive, his gaze turned inward.
âLifetimes? But how are you still here? Alive?â Ayami sipped at her coffee.
Keiji answered. âWhen we died, we did not die. We woke again, divinely blessed, or cursed I guess. Spirits that can take the form of man, or animal. Pulled to tasks we donât always understand.âÂ
âThat is enough.â Nobunagaâs voice cracked into the space between Keijiâs words. âShe does not need to know every aspect. Only that we are here, and that Mai is precious to us.â
Ayami nodded, accepting that. She didnât understand what Keiji meant about tasks, but living forever could be a blessing or a curse. Sheâd seen enough movies about that. âSo. What are you guys to her, exactly?â
âFriends, I suppose. My luck charm was more than that, though.â Nobunaga took a breath. âShe was a princess of my clan, my rescuer. A confidante.â He gave a melancholy smile. âI have missed her immensely.âÂ
Keiji nodded. âYep. Sheâs one of a kind.âÂ
âHuh. Well. I mean, she is pretty special. I didnât know she was that important though.â Ayami sat back, feeling a little overwhelmed. Sheâd known Mai since childhood. Mai was smart and kind and cute, a good friend. But sheâd never guessed past-life Mai had such an impact on these powerful people. It was a strange thought, and one that left an odd, bittersweet feeling in her chest. As if she didnât really know her friend at all.
Nobunaga seemed to sense the drift of her thoughts because he reached out and took her hand, pulling her to her feet. âI want to show you something.â
âWhat?â She stumbled after him, confused by the sudden change in conversation.
He didnât reply, only led her forward. Up a flight of stairs hidden behind a paneled wall, and into an area that looked more like an apartment than an office. Shelves with delicate porcelain, painted wall scrolls that were old enough to probably be in a museum, elegant, simple furniture glimpsed through open doors.Â
âDo you live here?â Ayami tried to peer into every room they passed, but Nobunaga was walking so fast.Â
âAt times.â He did not pause his steps until he pulled her into a small, narrow room with a high ceiling. There were no chairs here, or sofas, only shelves and hanging racks. The racks held swords, some sheathed and others with their blades bare. Several were beautiful, the patterned lines of folded steel gleaming. Others were chipped and dull, or even broken altogether.Â
The shelves held helms and decorative buckles, a similar assortment of seemingly random memorabilia. Ayami walked around the room, looking at them with curiosity. âI wish Iâd paid more attention in history class,â she muttered.
âYou still would not know most of them,â Nobunaga said from behind her. âThese are my friends. Men with nobility in them, who served me or my allies. They helped bring about my dream, though they often could not understand it. They died for it nonetheless.â
He ran his finger along one of the nicked blades, barely touching.
âSo this is like some weird trophy room? To remind you of what? Your victories with them?â Ayami looked at him from the corner of her eye, trying not to be obvious about studying his reaction. You could tell a lot about a guy by how he reacted to a question like that.
Nobunaga shook his head. âNo. These are not trophies. They are reminders. The cost of my dreams, the value of a life. The distance between humans, no matter how closely allied.âÂ
Ayami saw no regret or pride in him as he spoke. Only acceptance. A grim sort of forbearance that saw the consequences and did not shy away from the action regardless. âWould you do it all again, then? Knowing so many people died?â
âYes. I know my actions, bloody as they were, brought my world closer to a peaceful one. Mai is proof of that. As are you.â He gave her a slight smile.Â
She understood then what he was trying to say. That friendship and loyalty didnât require you to know each otherâs heart and mind, only a willingness to try. And to care. Ayami smiled back at him. âThanks.â
âAh, I see now I am allowed to compliment you. Excellent.â He led her out of the room. âI donât suppose you play go? I can teach you if not.â
Part 12 of a multipart series. Mai has been reborn in the modern age after a full life in the Sengoku. The warlords as spirit animals find her again after 500 years of searching for her soul. Approx. 3300 words.
Chapter List
Mai struggled not to fall asleep. Exhaustion had her in its grip, but she wanted - needed - to see Mitsuhide before she let herself give in to it. The cold, sterile hospital air kept her alert as she sat waiting. The rabbit watched her with a disapproving gaze, its mismatched eyes flicked between her and the pillow on the other end of the bed.Â
âYou can stop looking at me like that. Iâll rest after I talk to Mitsuhide,â she told the rabbit. Somehow, it didnât feel silly talking to him.Â
The rabbit huffed and rubbed its face with a paw. Then it hopped over and snuggled onto her lap, placing its paws on top of her uninjured hand. It looked up at her with a serious expression, its nose twitching.Â
âIf I didnât know better, I would think youâre worried about me.â Mai stroked the bunnyâs long, soft ears. âI guess thatâs why youâre a good therapy rabbit, huh?â
âHe probably is. I know I am.âÂ
The unexpected voice made Mai do a little hop on the bed. She looked up to see a gorgeous, pink haired guy standing in the doorway. He held a bouquet of pink roses that nearly matched the color of his hair. âRanmaru?â
He smiled brightly. âYou remembered me! I am so glad!â The roses went onto the small table by the door as he stepped closer.
âUmm, of course. But . . .â
âWhat am I doing here?â He gave a slight shrug. âWell. I heard you were hurt. See, Kennyo - my agent - is old friends with Shingen and, anyway, itâs not important. What matters is, are you ok?â His gaze traveled over her, brows drawing together with worry.Â
Mai paused, not sure how to politely ask why a guy sheâd met once on the train was in her hospital room. The question felt both completely unnecessary and pretty damn important. There was part of her that felt like, of course Ranmaru was here! And another that found it bizarre.Â
âIâm doing ok,â she said after a pause. âBut, Ranmaru . . . who are you? Really?â
He smiled with wide, innocent eyes. It was the kind of expression that might completely derail someoneâs thoughts with just how adorable he was. âI am so happy youâre alright. When we heard what danger that - that kitsune put you in -â
âWait, we?â
Ranmaru blushed, and took a breath. âMm. My manager and I. Anyway, look! I brought you a treat!â He pulled out a candy box in a colorful furoshiki. He handed it to Mai.Â
She took it but didnât open it. âYou didnât answer my question.â
âI told you who I am on the train. And you remembered me. My last name is Mori, but donât tell anyone, âkay?â
She frowned. âThatâs not what I mean. I mean . . . who are you to me? How do you know me?â
Ranmaruâs mouth opened, then closed again. âUmm. Is it ok if I canât really talk to you about that just yet? Because I could never lie to you, Mai. But some things you have to be ready to hear.â
âIâm ready right now.â Mai crossed her arms and tried to hold onto her frown and her glare. It was hard because the sweet-faced Ranmaru looked as if he might start crying.Â
After a long, awkward pause, his shoulders fell. âAlright. Iâll tell you what I can. But you have to promise not to let Mitsuhi- ah!âÂ
The man appeared behind Ranmaru as if summoned by his name. Mitsuhideâs slender fingers curled around Ranmaruâs shoulder. There was an audible pop and suddenly, Ranmaru was gone. Mitsuhide held a struggling white stoat in his hand.
âIt seems youâve been plagued by visitors without a chance to rest, little mouse.âÂ
Mai was so shocked she couldnât speak.Â
Mitsuhideâs golden gaze settled on the rabbit in her lap beside the sweets Ranmaru brought. âYou should go. She is in my care now.â
The rabbit thumped its foot against the mattress, fur bristling.Â
âWe can discuss your accusations later, Uesugi.â Mitsuhideâs expression was cold and his tone one of icy disdain.Â
After a huff, the bunny leapt down from the bed and loped out of the room.Â
Mitsuhide set the stoat down after it and closed the door. âThere. Much better.â He smiled and sat down at the edge of Maiâs bed.Â
âD-did Ranmaru turn into a weasel? I saw him just - just -â She tried to make sense of it, but the only thing that came to mind were folktales. Stories that clearly werenât true. Except what sheâd just seen could have come from one of them.Â
âIs that what happened, little mouse? I think you may be more tired than you realize.â He set a warm hand on her leg, squeezing her calf gently.Â
Mai felt a knot of tension she hadnât even realized she was carrying release at his touch. âI-I am, but he - you -â
Mitsuhide smiled, though the expression looked strained. âAnd you are on something for the pain as well. Perhaps things are not quite as they seem.â
âNo. I want you to tell me now. What - what is going on? How do I know you? And - and the others? Shingen and Sasuke and Ranmaru and -â The stress and horror of her day fell on her all at once. She felt the most absurd urge to fling herself into Mitsuhideâs arms and burrow her face against his chest to cry until the tightness in her released. A tear rolled free from the corner of her eye and slid down her cheek.
He took her in his arms, careful of her injuries. His scent enfolded her as she pressed her face against his shoulder and let herself relax into his touch. Mitsuhideâs hand stroked her back, slow calming motions to ease her tired heart and mind.Â
âI want to - to be mad at you,â she confessed. âYou never answer my questions. And something IS happening. Something I - I donât understand but you,â she leaned back to look him in the eyes. âYou are right in the middle of it.â
Mitsuhideâs expression was unreadable. His eyes glinted with hidden secrets and stories, and his lips were pressed to a thin line. âYouâve been through enough for tonight, little one. Why are you looking for more trouble?â
She took a shaky breath. âIs that what you are?â
âTrouble?â He chuckled. âI have been called worse.â He brushed her hair back from her face, his fingertips trailing along the edge of her ear. âI suppose I am.â
Mai took his hand in hers. âI want to know, Mitsuhide. Everything.â
He sighed and stroked a finger along the back of her hand. The sensation was like a candle flame that raced up the nerves of her arm and set her heart on fire. âEverything? I wouldnât know where to start. And this is not the time for what questions you have.â
âBut -â
âYou will need to be focused when you speak to the police. They want your report of tonightâs events. I donât want you to worry about . . . other things.â His thumb was a warm, comforting pressure at her wrist. âTrust me.â
âI do. I donât know why but I do.â Mai didnât want to think too long on that statement. It was irrational, mad really. She knew very little about Mitsuhide. And though heâd saved her, he also put her in danger. âJust please, next time you set up a clever plot, can you just . . . I dunno. Warn me?â
Mitsuhide stroked his finger along the line of her jaw, stopping at her chin. âI will. I promise.â
She studied his face, hoping for some sign of his thoughts. After a moment, Mai gave up the effort. âAlright. Iâll take that, I guess.âÂ
âGood. Now, little mouse, you need to sleep.â His crescent moon smile returned as he brushed his thumb over her brows. âYour eyes are puffy.â
âYou are so -â Mai felt at a loss for words. But his teasing really did make her feel better. âJust grrrr.â
âMmm. Just?âÂ
A laugh escaped her still-parted lips. âYeah. Pretty much.âÂ
Mitsuhide ruffled her hair. âI shall endeavor to be more. Iâd hate to be relegated to a mere sound of frustration in your mind.âÂ
âI wouldnât say mere. Sometimes youâre practically a symphony.âÂ
âOf more than frustration, I hope?â His golden gaze was impossible to look away from. The playful glint, the soft vulnerability in them intoxicated her.Â
Mai swallowed. âA - a lot more.â
âThen I will be satisfied for now.â He moved to stand, relinquishing his hold on her.
âWait!â
Mitsuhide paused, an eyebrow raised.
âI - I donât want to be alone right now. I wonât sleep if - if you leave.â It was a bit of emotional blackmail, she knew. But it was true as well. She didnât want to be alone, and more than that, she wanted the company of one particular, infuriating man.
His thin smile stretched wide, a soft, resigned exhalation. âI have places to be, but there is a little time between. I will stay, just until you fall asleep. Is that acceptable?â
She nodded, feeling a little guilty.Â
Mitsuhide sat down again on the edge of the bed. âLie down. All the way.â He gently took hold of her shoulder and supported her as she laid back. Then he tugged the blanket up to her chin and made sure her arms were under it.Â
âIâm not a little kid,â Mai pouted, feeling exactly like a child.Â
âNo. You arenât.â He drew a hand over her face, his fingertips brushed lightly over her. The light touch caused her eyes to flutter shut.Â
Mai found it hard to open them again. The thin hospital blanket felt warm with Mitsuhide sitting so close. Her body gave in to the need to sleep. The world drifted away, all her questions, all her worries, sliding away into a comforting darkness. âThank you,â she murmured, âfor staying.â
The last words she heard before sleep took her, âI have never been able to deny you, little one.â
***
A hawk sat on a bare branch of an ancient cedar tree, staring down imperiously at the other animals gathered there. A one eyed tiger striped cat sat on a lower branch, cleaning its fur while a white rabbit chewed furiously at a clover blossom below it. A squirrel perched, half hidden in the foliage, while a pig snuffled around the roots, ridden by a small, grey hamster. There were other even stranger animals - a kangaroo, and a white weasel, a peacock, and a wolf. In the center, at the base of the vast trunk, sat a single white fox with golden eyes.
âShe could have died. Again. The kitsuneâs worse at this than I am.â The kangaroo spoke, his voice loud enough to carry through the odd gathering.Â
The fox sniffed. âI wouldnât have let that happen.â
âNo? Because if this is your protection, the angel might be better off without your interference,â the bear rumbled.
âA true tactician would have considered the possibility of her arrival, and planned for it,â piped the small, grey hamster with violet eyes. His fur bristled as he glared at the fox.
Several other voices rose then, a cacophony of worry and anger. The hawk cut it short with a harsh cry. âEnough!â His piercing, garnet gaze pinned each of the animals to where they stood, sat, or perched. âLet the kitsune speak.â
The fox swished its tail once, a grin spreading over his face, but with fangs bared it was anything but friendly. âThank you all for your . . . insights. The little mouse would be overwhelmed by your concern.â His red tongue lolled between his jaws as he turned his head to regard each animal with a hard, cold golden eye. âShe may not be so pleased that you all think her cowardly or incapable.â
âHey! We never said that,â growled a wolf, hackles raised. The bear beside him put a paw on the wolfâs back, smoothing the grey-brown fur.Â
âOh? Is it not implied?â The white fox widened one eye as if to arch his brow.
The gathering exploded again in a mix of voices and bestial growls. Surprisingly, it was the rabbit that brought them to order this time. The white bunny thumped its foot hard against a tree root until the rest of the beasts fell quiet. âMake your point, kitsune. I am bored of talking.â
âMy point? Hmmm.â The fox smiled again. âOnly that you have all discounted how very capable my little mouse is. I could not keep her out of harmâs way before, and I cannot now. None of you can, because she is not a bauble to be locked away. She is brave, assertive. Independent. And I am proud of her, even as I regret the pain she suffered.â
A low murmur spread out from the tree then, a mix of approval and consternation.Â
âThis was still your fault, Akechi,â the pig said, his voice laced with a sharp bitterness that seemed in opposition to his cheery demeanor.
âI do not deny that. I should have moved to secure Keiki more quickly.â The fox bowed his head.Â
Several animals spoke up then, all saying they could have protected her, kept her from harm. The hawk spoke over them in a tone that brooked no dissent. âUesugi, Kennyo, Takeda and I will speak privately on this. Until then, none shall interfere with our little fireball.â
âNone? What does that mean?â A small monkey poked its head from the leafy branch near the hawk, gentle brown eyes wide and unhappy.
âLeave her alone for now. She will need rest anyway, and that is best accomplished without company.â The hawkâs gimlet-eyed gaze touched every one of the host gathered there. They began to disperse, each to their own place. Some took man-shape as they left, while others stayed on four legs or kept their wings. Only the white fox stayed, head still bowed.
âAlone, hm,â the fox murmured. âAs if, after 500 long years, I could turn away from her, even for a moment.âÂ
***
Mai spent a few hours answering questions for the police the next day. They nodded and took notes, and left their cards for her questions. Once they were gone, the hospital discharged her. Asami and Kaiya came to take her home.Â
âI canât believe that guy! What was he even thinking,â Kaiya shook her head.Â
âProbably something stupid, like hey! Why stop at embezzlement when I could add assault to my crimes,â Asami chimed in.Â
Kaiya sighed. âIâm just glad youâre ok. Who knew costuming could be so dangerous?â
âRight?â Mai gave her friends a tired smile.Â
âI guess this means you didnât get to hook up with Mister Sexy from your past life, huh?â Asamiâs smile was sly, though her gentle gaze told Mai she was still worried about her.
âNope, but he rescued me so I guess that counts for something.â Mai shrugged, then regretted the motion. Her arm ached in the sling, and she wondered how long it would take to heal.
Kaiya gave them both an incredulous look. âWhat are you talking about? Past life?â
Mai and Asami filled their friend in on the way back to Maiâs flat. By the time they got there, Kaiya was shaking her head. âThat is so weird. All of it.â She frowned at Mai. âMaybe it would be a good idea to see a - a therapist or something. And stay away from this guy until you get your head sorted.â
âKaiya!â Asami looked surprised. âYou donât think itâs romantic? I mean think about it! They could have been lovers before, and now their souls are reaching for each other and -â
âStuff like that only happens in rom coms and romance novels.â Kaiya took a deep breath. âIâm just saying, it all sounds pretty wild. But what we know is that you got really hurt yesterday, and this guy youâre crushing on - Mitsuhide? He was definitely involved, even if he didnât hurt you. You might want to take a step back, just to make sure youâre ready for this, whatever it is.â
Mai didnât like the advice very much, but it did sound pretty sensible. âIâll think about it anyway,â she said after a moment. âItâs not like thereâs any rush.â
âRight?â Kaiya agreed, just as Asami said, âYouâre joking!â
The three of them looked at each other, and realized all at once how crazy their argument sounded. They burst into laughter.
Asami helped Mai upstairs, while Kaiya went to grab them lunch. It made Mai feel strange to be the center of so much concern, even with her close friends. Telling her family would be even worse.Â
âSo did our past-life love bring you the candy and flowers?â Asami asked as she helped Mai sit on her bed.
âNo. I got them from -â
âDonât tell me itâs the one you broke up with? Hideyoshi?âÂ
Mai shook her head.
âThe hot chef guy?â Asami tried again.
âNope.â
âOh. My. God. You have another secret admirer?â Asami laughed incredulously.Â
âI mean, I donât think so? It was kind of weird.â Mai told her about the hospital visits, though she left out the peacock and the way sheâd thought she saw Ranmaru turn into a white weasel. She wasnât ready for Asami to think she was that crazy.Â
Kaiya showed up about half-way through, so Mai had to start again while the three of them shared sandwiches and the box of chocolates from Ranmaru. Her two friends looked as confused as she felt.
âSo, let me get this straight. The chocolates are from some guy you ran into on the train. And a guy you met once while on a date with Hideyoshi came in, with friends, including someone whoâs invested in the theater program? And they brought you a support animal?â Kaiya sounded the most incredulous.
Mai nodded. âYeah. It was weird. But they were all so nice! It kind of, I dunno. Felt like I knew them? Like it sounds weird but it seemed natural while they were there?â
âI think you must have got a concussion,â Asami winked to take the sting from her teasing.
Kaiya laughed. âHonestly, I canât decide if youâre lucky or not. Iâd freak out if a bunch of cute guys I barely know showed up and I was in a hospital bed.â
âTrust me, I was freaking out.â Mai grinned.Â
âThis just makes me more sure you need to follow up with my hypnotherapist. I asked for you, and heâs got some openings this week.â Asami took out her phone and pulled up a text. âWhat are you doing Wednesday?â
âHey, hold on. Are you serious?â Kaiya gave Asami a sidelong glance. âHypnosis? Thatâs not even real!â
âHow would you know? Did you ever try it?â Asami shot back.
Mai cleared her throat. âUmm. Hey, it might be worth trying. And anyway, Kaiya, I have a favor to ask you.â She fiddled with the hem of her shirt. She hated, absolutely hated asking for favors. âWould you be willing to help me finish out my current orders? I just donât know - with my arm - how fast I can get them out? And I donât want to disappoint anyone. I can pay you too!â
Kaiya held up her hand. âMai. Of course Iâll help. Itâs not a big deal. I was actually going to ask you if you needed me. I wasnât sure how much work youâve got going on right now.â
âYou are my hero.â Mai gave her friend a one-armed hug.
âMmm. I thought that was the Mitsuhide guy. Didnât he save you from Mr. Theater-Stabbity-Stab?â Asami glanced up from her phone.
Mai giggled. âHe did! But I donât see him here offering to help stitch beads and finish seams.â
Asami grinned back. âYeah yeah. I see how it is. Anyway, I booked you for Wednesday afternoon. Iâll come get you.â
âThanks.â Mai tried to sound certain, though she felt anything but.Â
âAnd, Iâll come over and help with the sewing too. I canât do much, but I can run deliveries or something, right?â Asami put the phone away and picked up her drink.
âYou guys really are the best.â Mai finally relaxed and let herself imagine this wasnât the disaster it felt like.
Part 12 of a multipart series. Mai has been reborn in the modern age after a full life in the Sengoku. The warlords as spirit animals find her again after 500 years of searching for her soul. Approx. 3300 words.
Chapter List
Mai struggled not to fall asleep. Exhaustion had her in its grip, but she wanted - needed - to see Mitsuhide before she let herself give in to it. The cold, sterile hospital air kept her alert as she sat waiting. The rabbit watched her with a disapproving gaze, its mismatched eyes flicked between her and the pillow on the other end of the bed.Â
âYou can stop looking at me like that. Iâll rest after I talk to Mitsuhide,â she told the rabbit. Somehow, it didnât feel silly talking to him.Â
The rabbit huffed and rubbed its face with a paw. Then it hopped over and snuggled onto her lap, placing its paws on top of her uninjured hand. It looked up at her with a serious expression, its nose twitching.Â
âIf I didnât know better, I would think youâre worried about me.â Mai stroked the bunnyâs long, soft ears. âI guess thatâs why youâre a good therapy rabbit, huh?â
âHe probably is. I know I am.âÂ
The unexpected voice made Mai do a little hop on the bed. She looked up to see a gorgeous, pink haired guy standing in the doorway. He held a bouquet of pink roses that nearly matched the color of his hair. âRanmaru?â
He smiled brightly. âYou remembered me! I am so glad!â The roses went onto the small table by the door as he stepped closer.
âUmm, of course. But . . .â
âWhat am I doing here?â He gave a slight shrug. âWell. I heard you were hurt. See, Kennyo - my agent - is old friends with Shingen and, anyway, itâs not important. What matters is, are you ok?â His gaze traveled over her, brows drawing together with worry.Â
Mai paused, not sure how to politely ask why a guy sheâd met once on the train was in her hospital room. The question felt both completely unnecessary and pretty damn important. There was part of her that felt like, of course Ranmaru was here! And another that found it bizarre.Â
âIâm doing ok,â she said after a pause. âBut, Ranmaru . . . who are you? Really?â
He smiled with wide, innocent eyes. It was the kind of expression that might completely derail someoneâs thoughts with just how adorable he was. âI am so happy youâre alright. When we heard what danger that - that kitsune put you in -â
âWait, we?â
Ranmaru blushed, and took a breath. âMm. My manager and I. Anyway, look! I brought you a treat!â He pulled out a candy box in a colorful furoshiki. He handed it to Mai.Â
She took it but didnât open it. âYou didnât answer my question.â
âI told you who I am on the train. And you remembered me. My last name is Mori, but donât tell anyone, âkay?â
She frowned. âThatâs not what I mean. I mean . . . who are you to me? How do you know me?â
Ranmaruâs mouth opened, then closed again. âUmm. Is it ok if I canât really talk to you about that just yet? Because I could never lie to you, Mai. But some things you have to be ready to hear.â
âIâm ready right now.â Mai crossed her arms and tried to hold onto her frown and her glare. It was hard because the sweet-faced Ranmaru looked as if he might start crying.Â
After a long, awkward pause, his shoulders fell. âAlright. Iâll tell you what I can. But you have to promise not to let Mitsuhi- ah!âÂ
The man appeared behind Ranmaru as if summoned by his name. Mitsuhideâs slender fingers curled around Ranmaruâs shoulder. There was an audible pop and suddenly, Ranmaru was gone. Mitsuhide held a struggling white stoat in his hand.
âIt seems youâve been plagued by visitors without a chance to rest, little mouse.âÂ
Mai was so shocked she couldnât speak.Â
Mitsuhideâs golden gaze settled on the rabbit in her lap beside the sweets Ranmaru brought. âYou should go. She is in my care now.â
The rabbit thumped its foot against the mattress, fur bristling.Â
âWe can discuss your accusations later, Uesugi.â Mitsuhideâs expression was cold and his tone one of icy disdain.Â
After a huff, the bunny leapt down from the bed and loped out of the room.Â
Mitsuhide set the stoat down after it and closed the door. âThere. Much better.â He smiled and sat down at the edge of Maiâs bed.Â
âD-did Ranmaru turn into a weasel? I saw him just - just -â She tried to make sense of it, but the only thing that came to mind were folktales. Stories that clearly werenât true. Except what sheâd just seen could have come from one of them.Â
âIs that what happened, little mouse? I think you may be more tired than you realize.â He set a warm hand on her leg, squeezing her calf gently.Â
Mai felt a knot of tension she hadnât even realized she was carrying release at his touch. âI-I am, but he - you -â
Mitsuhide smiled, though the expression looked strained. âAnd you are on something for the pain as well. Perhaps things are not quite as they seem.â
âNo. I want you to tell me now. What - what is going on? How do I know you? And - and the others? Shingen and Sasuke and Ranmaru and -â The stress and horror of her day fell on her all at once. She felt the most absurd urge to fling herself into Mitsuhideâs arms and burrow her face against his chest to cry until the tightness in her released. A tear rolled free from the corner of her eye and slid down her cheek.
He took her in his arms, careful of her injuries. His scent enfolded her as she pressed her face against his shoulder and let herself relax into his touch. Mitsuhideâs hand stroked her back, slow calming motions to ease her tired heart and mind.Â
âI want to - to be mad at you,â she confessed. âYou never answer my questions. And something IS happening. Something I - I donât understand but you,â she leaned back to look him in the eyes. âYou are right in the middle of it.â
Mitsuhideâs expression was unreadable. His eyes glinted with hidden secrets and stories, and his lips were pressed to a thin line. âYouâve been through enough for tonight, little one. Why are you looking for more trouble?â
She took a shaky breath. âIs that what you are?â
âTrouble?â He chuckled. âI have been called worse.â He brushed her hair back from her face, his fingertips trailing along the edge of her ear. âI suppose I am.â
Mai took his hand in hers. âI want to know, Mitsuhide. Everything.â
He sighed and stroked a finger along the back of her hand. The sensation was like a candle flame that raced up the nerves of her arm and set her heart on fire. âEverything? I wouldnât know where to start. And this is not the time for what questions you have.â
âBut -â
âYou will need to be focused when you speak to the police. They want your report of tonightâs events. I donât want you to worry about . . . other things.â His thumb was a warm, comforting pressure at her wrist. âTrust me.â
âI do. I donât know why but I do.â Mai didnât want to think too long on that statement. It was irrational, mad really. She knew very little about Mitsuhide. And though heâd saved her, he also put her in danger. âJust please, next time you set up a clever plot, can you just . . . I dunno. Warn me?â
Mitsuhide stroked his finger along the line of her jaw, stopping at her chin. âI will. I promise.â
She studied his face, hoping for some sign of his thoughts. After a moment, Mai gave up the effort. âAlright. Iâll take that, I guess.âÂ
âGood. Now, little mouse, you need to sleep.â His crescent moon smile returned as he brushed his thumb over her brows. âYour eyes are puffy.â
âYou are so -â Mai felt at a loss for words. But his teasing really did make her feel better. âJust grrrr.â
âMmm. Just?âÂ
A laugh escaped her still-parted lips. âYeah. Pretty much.âÂ
Mitsuhide ruffled her hair. âI shall endeavor to be more. Iâd hate to be relegated to a mere sound of frustration in your mind.âÂ
âI wouldnât say mere. Sometimes youâre practically a symphony.âÂ
âOf more than frustration, I hope?â His golden gaze was impossible to look away from. The playful glint, the soft vulnerability in them intoxicated her.Â
Mai swallowed. âA - a lot more.â
âThen I will be satisfied for now.â He moved to stand, relinquishing his hold on her.
âWait!â
Mitsuhide paused, an eyebrow raised.
âI - I donât want to be alone right now. I wonât sleep if - if you leave.â It was a bit of emotional blackmail, she knew. But it was true as well. She didnât want to be alone, and more than that, she wanted the company of one particular, infuriating man.
His thin smile stretched wide, a soft, resigned exhalation. âI have places to be, but there is a little time between. I will stay, just until you fall asleep. Is that acceptable?â
She nodded, feeling a little guilty.Â
Mitsuhide sat down again on the edge of the bed. âLie down. All the way.â He gently took hold of her shoulder and supported her as she laid back. Then he tugged the blanket up to her chin and made sure her arms were under it.Â
âIâm not a little kid,â Mai pouted, feeling exactly like a child.Â
âNo. You arenât.â He drew a hand over her face, his fingertips brushed lightly over her. The light touch caused her eyes to flutter shut.Â
Mai found it hard to open them again. The thin hospital blanket felt warm with Mitsuhide sitting so close. Her body gave in to the need to sleep. The world drifted away, all her questions, all her worries, sliding away into a comforting darkness. âThank you,â she murmured, âfor staying.â
The last words she heard before sleep took her, âI have never been able to deny you, little one.â
***
A hawk sat on a bare branch of an ancient cedar tree, staring down imperiously at the other animals gathered there. A one eyed tiger striped cat sat on a lower branch, cleaning its fur while a white rabbit chewed furiously at a clover blossom below it. A squirrel perched, half hidden in the foliage, while a pig snuffled around the roots, ridden by a small, grey hamster. There were other even stranger animals - a kangaroo, and a white weasel, a peacock, and a wolf. In the center, at the base of the vast trunk, sat a single white fox with golden eyes.
âShe could have died. Again. The kitsuneâs worse at this than I am.â The kangaroo spoke, his voice loud enough to carry through the odd gathering.Â
The fox sniffed. âI wouldnât have let that happen.â
âNo? Because if this is your protection, the angel might be better off without your interference,â the bear rumbled.
âA true tactician would have considered the possibility of her arrival, and planned for it,â piped the small, grey hamster with violet eyes. His fur bristled as he glared at the fox.
Several other voices rose then, a cacophony of worry and anger. The hawk cut it short with a harsh cry. âEnough!â His piercing, garnet gaze pinned each of the animals to where they stood, sat, or perched. âLet the kitsune speak.â
The fox swished its tail once, a grin spreading over his face, but with fangs bared it was anything but friendly. âThank you all for your . . . insights. The little mouse would be overwhelmed by your concern.â His red tongue lolled between his jaws as he turned his head to regard each animal with a hard, cold golden eye. âShe may not be so pleased that you all think her cowardly or incapable.â
âHey! We never said that,â growled a wolf, hackles raised. The bear beside him put a paw on the wolfâs back, smoothing the grey-brown fur.Â
âOh? Is it not implied?â The white fox widened one eye as if to arch his brow.
The gathering exploded again in a mix of voices and bestial growls. Surprisingly, it was the rabbit that brought them to order this time. The white bunny thumped its foot hard against a tree root until the rest of the beasts fell quiet. âMake your point, kitsune. I am bored of talking.â
âMy point? Hmmm.â The fox smiled again. âOnly that you have all discounted how very capable my little mouse is. I could not keep her out of harmâs way before, and I cannot now. None of you can, because she is not a bauble to be locked away. She is brave, assertive. Independent. And I am proud of her, even as I regret the pain she suffered.â
A low murmur spread out from the tree then, a mix of approval and consternation.Â
âThis was still your fault, Akechi,â the pig said, his voice laced with a sharp bitterness that seemed in opposition to his cheery demeanor.
âI do not deny that. I should have moved to secure Keiki more quickly.â The fox bowed his head.Â
Several animals spoke up then, all saying they could have protected her, kept her from harm. The hawk spoke over them in a tone that brooked no dissent. âUesugi, Kennyo, Takeda and I will speak privately on this. Until then, none shall interfere with our little fireball.â
âNone? What does that mean?â A small monkey poked its head from the leafy branch near the hawk, gentle brown eyes wide and unhappy.
âLeave her alone for now. She will need rest anyway, and that is best accomplished without company.â The hawkâs gimlet-eyed gaze touched every one of the host gathered there. They began to disperse, each to their own place. Some took man-shape as they left, while others stayed on four legs or kept their wings. Only the white fox stayed, head still bowed.
âAlone, hm,â the fox murmured. âAs if, after 500 long years, I could turn away from her, even for a moment.âÂ
***
Mai spent a few hours answering questions for the police the next day. They nodded and took notes, and left their cards for her questions. Once they were gone, the hospital discharged her. Asami and Kaiya came to take her home.Â
âI canât believe that guy! What was he even thinking,â Kaiya shook her head.Â
âProbably something stupid, like hey! Why stop at embezzlement when I could add assault to my crimes,â Asami chimed in.Â
Kaiya sighed. âIâm just glad youâre ok. Who knew costuming could be so dangerous?â
âRight?â Mai gave her friends a tired smile.Â
âI guess this means you didnât get to hook up with Mister Sexy from your past life, huh?â Asamiâs smile was sly, though her gentle gaze told Mai she was still worried about her.
âNope, but he rescued me so I guess that counts for something.â Mai shrugged, then regretted the motion. Her arm ached in the sling, and she wondered how long it would take to heal.
Kaiya gave them both an incredulous look. âWhat are you talking about? Past life?â
Mai and Asami filled their friend in on the way back to Maiâs flat. By the time they got there, Kaiya was shaking her head. âThat is so weird. All of it.â She frowned at Mai. âMaybe it would be a good idea to see a - a therapist or something. And stay away from this guy until you get your head sorted.â
âKaiya!â Asami looked surprised. âYou donât think itâs romantic? I mean think about it! They could have been lovers before, and now their souls are reaching for each other and -â
âStuff like that only happens in rom coms and romance novels.â Kaiya took a deep breath. âIâm just saying, it all sounds pretty wild. But what we know is that you got really hurt yesterday, and this guy youâre crushing on - Mitsuhide? He was definitely involved, even if he didnât hurt you. You might want to take a step back, just to make sure youâre ready for this, whatever it is.â
Mai didnât like the advice very much, but it did sound pretty sensible. âIâll think about it anyway,â she said after a moment. âItâs not like thereâs any rush.â
âRight?â Kaiya agreed, just as Asami said, âYouâre joking!â
The three of them looked at each other, and realized all at once how crazy their argument sounded. They burst into laughter.
Asami helped Mai upstairs, while Kaiya went to grab them lunch. It made Mai feel strange to be the center of so much concern, even with her close friends. Telling her family would be even worse.Â
âSo did our past-life love bring you the candy and flowers?â Asami asked as she helped Mai sit on her bed.
âNo. I got them from -â
âDonât tell me itâs the one you broke up with? Hideyoshi?âÂ
Mai shook her head.
âThe hot chef guy?â Asami tried again.
âNope.â
âOh. My. God. You have another secret admirer?â Asami laughed incredulously.Â
âI mean, I donât think so? It was kind of weird.â Mai told her about the hospital visits, though she left out the peacock and the way sheâd thought she saw Ranmaru turn into a white weasel. She wasnât ready for Asami to think she was that crazy.Â
Kaiya showed up about half-way through, so Mai had to start again while the three of them shared sandwiches and the box of chocolates from Ranmaru. Her two friends looked as confused as she felt.
âSo, let me get this straight. The chocolates are from some guy you ran into on the train. And a guy you met once while on a date with Hideyoshi came in, with friends, including someone whoâs invested in the theater program? And they brought you a support animal?â Kaiya sounded the most incredulous.
Mai nodded. âYeah. It was weird. But they were all so nice! It kind of, I dunno. Felt like I knew them? Like it sounds weird but it seemed natural while they were there?â
âI think you must have got a concussion,â Asami winked to take the sting from her teasing.
Kaiya laughed. âHonestly, I canât decide if youâre lucky or not. Iâd freak out if a bunch of cute guys I barely know showed up and I was in a hospital bed.â
âTrust me, I was freaking out.â Mai grinned.Â
âThis just makes me more sure you need to follow up with my hypnotherapist. I asked for you, and heâs got some openings this week.â Asami took out her phone and pulled up a text. âWhat are you doing Wednesday?â
âHey, hold on. Are you serious?â Kaiya gave Asami a sidelong glance. âHypnosis? Thatâs not even real!â
âHow would you know? Did you ever try it?â Asami shot back.
Mai cleared her throat. âUmm. Hey, it might be worth trying. And anyway, Kaiya, I have a favor to ask you.â She fiddled with the hem of her shirt. She hated, absolutely hated asking for favors. âWould you be willing to help me finish out my current orders? I just donât know - with my arm - how fast I can get them out? And I donât want to disappoint anyone. I can pay you too!â
Kaiya held up her hand. âMai. Of course Iâll help. Itâs not a big deal. I was actually going to ask you if you needed me. I wasnât sure how much work youâve got going on right now.â
âYou are my hero.â Mai gave her friend a one-armed hug.
âMmm. I thought that was the Mitsuhide guy. Didnât he save you from Mr. Theater-Stabbity-Stab?â Asami glanced up from her phone.
Mai giggled. âHe did! But I donât see him here offering to help stitch beads and finish seams.â
Asami grinned back. âYeah yeah. I see how it is. Anyway, I booked you for Wednesday afternoon. Iâll come get you.â
âThanks.â Mai tried to sound certain, though she felt anything but.Â
âAnd, Iâll come over and help with the sewing too. I canât do much, but I can run deliveries or something, right?â Asami put the phone away and picked up her drink.
âYou guys really are the best.â Mai finally relaxed and let herself imagine this wasnât the disaster it felt like.
This was an ask from @otomedad that I just had to write. I did some reading up on the history of tattooing in Japan and there was so much that I found super interesting. So! Here goes, starting with Nobunaga, Hideyoshi, and Masamune! Approx. 1500 words.
Nobunaga
âWhatâs this, fireball?â
You feel Nobunagaâs breath tickle your shoulder blade, his lips so close they almost brush your skin. For a moment, you donât know what he means. Itâs hard to think when parts of you are being âclaimedâ, afterall. But you smile as the memory comes back to you. Sitting on a stool, arms braced on the counter in front of you, with the buzz of the tattoo gun in your ear. âYou like my koi?â
His fingers brush the inked design, tracing the outline of the leaping fish. âIt is very well done.â He does not sound pleased, though heâs trying to hide it.
âYou donât.â A slight pout draws your lips out and down.Â
Nobunaga stills behind you, so motionless that you donât even feel him breathing. Just as you are about to break the silence, he wraps his arms around you, pulling your back against his chest. âIt is part of you, so it is beautiful.â His chin rests on your shoulder, just above the tattoo in question. âWhy did you receive this mark?â
There is an unexpected tension in his voice, and you laugh to ease it before explaining. âI got it after I graduated from design. It represents my struggles, and my determination.â You turn your head to kiss his cheek.Â
He regards you with a serious expression, tense despite your affection.Â
âDo you really hate it?â You canât help how vulnerable you feel as you meet his carnelian gaze.
âI told you. It is beautiful, as you are. But . . .â He pauses, a slight grimace crossing his expression. âI do not like that someone marked you. Someone else claimed this -â He leans back to spread his hand over the koi. âEvery part of you is mine.â
âAre you jealous of my tattoo artist?â You grin, unable to hold back. âYou know I picked the design and the colors and everything, right? He was just some guy with a good flash book . . .â
Nobunagaâs frown does not ease, though you know that heâs aware this is ridiculous.Â
You snuggle back against him. âAlright, alright. I understand. If you could do tattoos, Iâd get one from you, ok?â
Something mischievous flickers in his gaze and a slight smile turns up the corners of his mouth. âYes. This is acceptable.â
You arenât sure what heâs accepting. Nobunaga canât do tattoos, right? Right? Whatever questions you have disappear as his lips find that sensitive spot at the back of your neck.Â
Hideyoshi
You roll up your sleeves to start working on the kitchenâs herb garden. The day is warm and sunny, promising a hot afternoon. Itâs a good thing youâre starting early.Â
About an hour into the weeding, Hideyoshi stops by with a tray of cool water and a wide straw hat. He kneels beside you. âYou know itâs bad for your skin to be exposed to sunlight for so long. Even in the morning, you canât -â He stops midword, his mouth hanging open.
âHm?â You look up, dusting your hands off. Before you can ask anything else, Hideyoshi grabs your elbow.
âWhat is this?âÂ
You realize heâs pointing at the serpent tattoo on your forearm. The snake curls over itself in a complex circle, with the head pointing at your wrist and the tale toward your elbow. âOh! Erm,â you give an embarrassed laugh. âThat.â
âI knew you couldnât be trusted.â Hideyoshi holds your arm up, inspecting it. âA thief. I should have guessed. What prefecture is this? Where are you really from?â The questions come lightning fast, his usual gentle lecturing tone replaced with a hard, brittleness that does not suit him at all.
âA thief? Are you serious right now?â You try to yank your arm back, going from bewildered to angry.Â
Hideyoshi pulls you up to standing. âIf you wonât answer my questions, maybe youâll answer Mitsuhideâs.â He glares at you. âI canât believe I - I called you my sister!âÂ
You take a breath, trying to hold in the tears suddenly threatening at the corners of your eyes. Sister. Why was this man so infuriating? First putting you in the sis-zone, and now accusing you. As if you hadnât shared so many sweet moments. Almost-kisses. Holding hands. âWhy are you freaking out about my tattoo?â
âIt marks you as a criminal.â He sighs, looking away. âIf youâll come clean with me, maybe we can -â
âCome clean? Hideyoshi, I told you Iâm not from here. In my ah, my village, people get tattoos because they like the way they look.â You wiggle your arm in his grasp. âThis one means the cycle of life. Birth and death. Look at it!â
Hideyoshi slowly turns back to examine the mark on your arm. âIt is . . . very finely done for a - a punishment.â He purses his lips. âAnd I do not know of a prefecture that uses a snake . . .â
You nod emphatically. âExactly. And you know me. Hideyoshi?â Your tone brings his gaze to your face.Â
He studies you for a moment. Then his grip loosens on your arm, the pad of his thumb stroking your inked flesh. âI may have, um, jumped to conclusions. My apologies.â A breath, then, âSis.â
âThanks.â You take your arm back, feelings still hurt.Â
For a long moment, neither of you says anything. Then he drapes an arm over your shoulder, pulling you to his side. âLet me apologize properly, after work tonight. Stop by after your bath and Iâll rub some oil on your arms and legs.â Hideyoshiâs cheeks hold a faint heat. âA brother should care for his sister when sheâs working so hard.â
You know he knows thereâs nothing brotherly in the touches you share, but you nod in acquiescence. Then you pull away. âThe garden wonât weed itself,â you say.
He grins. âI suppose not.â Hideyoshiâs hand takes yours before you can take a step. âItâs nice. Your tattoo. Once I really looked at it.â
âThanks,â you smile back, feeling a little better. âIâm looking forward to my massage tonight.â You give him a cheeky wink.Â
Masamune
You splash to the riverâs surface, sputtering from the water in your mouth and nose. Masamune laughs beside you, his strong arm holding you up above the roiling surface of the water as the current pushes you both downstream.
âMaybe next time we should look for a bridge,â you shout to be heard over the river.
âNah. Whereâs the fun in that?â Masamuneâs blue eye gleams with unfettered joy as he pulls you toward the opposite shore.Â
Once you hit the bank and crawl out, you flop back onto the grassy hillside. âFun? Not drowning is fun. And now Iâm soaked.â You glance over to see Masamune already stripping down, laying his clothes out to dry.Â
He grins when he sees your expression. âWhatâs the matter, kitten? Tiger got your tongue?â
âPffft.â You sit up, ignoring the way your face heats. You shrug out of your kimono, very aware of how thin your linen underclothes are. Especially now that they are wet and clinging to your skin.Â
Masamuneâs appreciative look does not help. He grins unapologetically. âI should come out this way more often. Great view.â
You throw a clump of grass at him and jump up to run. He chases you, laughing, and catches you pretty quickly.Â
His laughter stops with a sharp inhale. âAre you hurt?â
You realize that heâs noticed the ink on your side, a tiger in the midst of peonies. The red, pink, and orange probably look like a wound beneath the opaque cloth. âNo, nothing like that.â You carefully tug the linen up to show him your tattoo.Â
âWow.â His eye is wide as he takes in the art piece. âGorgeous.â His calloused finger brushes the skin on your side, sending a shiver across your belly and up your ribcage. âItâs like a painting.â
âThanks.â You feel more than a little self conscious, but also gratified by his reaction. âItâs supposed to be, like, fragility and strength? Together?â You find yourself a little tongue tied, too focused on his warm hand touching you.Â
Masamune finally looks up, catching your gaze. âIt fits you, kitten. Strong and fragile.â His expression is more serious than youâre used to. A deeper emotion moves in the depths of his blue eye.Â
The urge to kiss him is strong, but you resist. You tug the cloth back down and step away, heart beating frantically. Masamune likes to flirt, you think, thatâs all. You wrack your brain for a witty comment and come up empty.Â
He smiles, drops his hands. âOur clothes should dry out soon, and then we can continue on.â
âThe temple better be awesome. Youâve talked it up too much to take anything less than.â Your destination is safer ground, you think, jumping right into the new topic.
Masamune laughs. âThereâs not another like it anywhere.â Something about the way he says it makes you wonder if he means the temple youâre traveling to or something else.Â
âWorth the trip then?â
He catches a bit of your damp hair and twirls it around a finger. âIâd say this trip is already worth it.â
Part 11 of a multipart series. Mai has been reborn in the modern age after a full life in the Sengoku. The warlords as spirit animals find her again after 500 years of searching for her soul. Approx. 4700 words.
Chapter List
Mai couldnât help but smile as she walked the last block to the theater. There was no guarantee sheâd run into Mitsuhide but she had a good feeling. Heâd be there, and sheâd say something flirty and heâd . . . well, she wasnât sure what he would do. Or what she wanted him to do. Flirt back, of course, but then what? And theyâd been sending each other mixed messages from the first meeting.Â
A sudden case of nerves hit her as the door came into view. The last time sheâd seen Mitsuhide, he flirted outrageously. But then he hadnât tried to kiss her goodbye. Buuuut he did call their outing a date . . . so . . . that had to mean something? Something good even.Â
âHe likes you. Come on, Mai. You know he does. And - and if not, well, weâll just -â she swallowed. âTake some snaps of the stage and props. And go. No harm done.â Except, the flip-flop flutters in her belly told her there would absolutely be harm if he was there and brushed her off.Â
She took one more steadying breath and went inside. The hall and back offices were dark and empty. That should be no surprise, considering the day and the time, but it felt off somehow. Mai passed the nest of cubicles and desks with an uneasy feeling brewing in the pit of her stomach.Â
The hall ahead was lightless, save for the emergency exit sign which cast a dim red glow on the far side. This hall ran behind and slightly beneath the stage, a back-back-stage where costumes and props were carried up from storage. There were a few private office doors and dressing rooms, some of which were open. She paused at the first one to peer into the lightless gloom.Â
Darker-than-dark silhouettes of desk furniture greeted her nervous curiosity. Mai swallowed, heart racing. She knew the shapes were just a desk, a chair, and perhaps a bookshelf? Or a coat rack? Some tall, dark shadow that took up one corner. Her hand reached for the light switch. The fluorescent ceiling light flickered into life, revealing exactly what should be here. Just a shelf.Â
She breathed a sigh of relief and flipped the switch off again. Iâve got to stop being so jumpy, she thought. There was no one at the theater but her, which was disappointing, but no reason to be scared. Mai squared her shoulders. âOk. So itâs just me and the ghosts of productions past. Letâs get our stage snaps and go.â
Just as she finished speaking, a sound came from one of the other darkened rooms. A soft whup, like a pile of cloth falling to the ground. Mai nearly jumped. âHello?â
More sounds came from nearby, but she couldnât tell from which doorway. A hissing scrape, the thud of a drawer closing. She backed up, scared to turn and run. One hand pawed at the wall reaching for a light switch she wasnât close enough to hit. Her other hand rummaged in her small purse, trembling fingers failing to grip her phone.Â
A dark figure stumbled into the hall. Though she couldnât see the face, she could tell it was looking at her. Then it rushed forward, movements jerky and awkward.Â
Mai screamed and turned to run. Terror burned through her veins, fear sped her up and slowed her down as she tripped over her own feet. A cold, hard grip caught her and pulled her up.Â
âYou.â Warm breath that stank of alcohol flooded her face. âThis is your fault.â
âM-me?â She tried to pull away from the man, but he was stronger than her. Bigger framed.Â
âYou gotta fix it. Iâm gonna make you.âÂ
Mai recognized the voice then. âMr. Keiki?â She struggled even harder as the realization set in. He was here, and drunk. And she was alone with him.Â
He laughed, a harsh barking sound that held no humor. âDonât pretend you didnât know. Stupid girl. Thought youâd get the better of me.â Keiki dragged her toward the office heâd come from. âNo one . . . not some insignificant . . . worthless . . .â He was so angry and so wasted that his words turned into a garbled senseless noise.Â
Keiki and Mai froze at a sudden bang. The lights in the cubicle area flickered to life and three uniformed officers rushed into the theater. They spotted Mai and Keiki in the same moment. Everything seemed to slow as the officers reached for their weapons, shouting orders to stop.
Mai felt a flare of hope. Somehow, theyâd shown up just in time to save her. She opened her mouth to call out to them, but her jaw snapped painfully shut as Keiki jerked her into the nearest doorway. Something in her arm tore loose as he pulled her against his chest. âL-let me g-â
âShut up.â Keiki pressed something cold and sharp to her throat. âShut up and let me think.â
âMr. Keiki. Please. I - I donât know whatâs happened. But you have to let me go.â She hated the pleading tone of her voice, the quaver of fear. Mai swallowed. âI - Iâll tell them this is a misunderstanding. Whatever has happened -â
A cold sharpness dug into the soft flesh of her throat. âI said shut up.â Keiki glanced wildly about the room. They were in a sidewing to the main stage, surrounded by boxes and costume racks. Behind them, the stage was screened from view by a heavy black velvet curtain. The lights here had come on as they stumbled in, signaling that the police found the master switch at the front of the hall. âYouâre gonna tell them I paid you. All of it,â he growled. âThe money . . .â
The police were moving around at the end of the hall, whispering. The faint clatter of their gear and the hum of low voices reached Mai. A reassurance that help was just a little ways away. She just needed to get loose. âI - I will. Iâll tell them whatever you want.â
A familiar voice rang out, one that made Maiâs heart speed for another reason entirely. âMr. Keiki! What are you doing? Taking a hostage? Do you really think thatâs going to help your case?â The sound of footsteps came closer.Â
âI-Iâll kill her if you come in here!â Keiki pushed harder at her throat, the cold yielding to a sudden hot flash of pain.Â
âIâm on your side. I want to help you sort this out.â Mitsuhide came into view. His eyes were burnished gold, a dangerous heat burning in their depths. He held out his hands to show they were empty.Â
Keikiâs grip tightened, his fingers digging into Maiâs arm. âTell him.â
Mai met Mitsuhideâs gaze, warmth and strength flowing into her. âHe paid me? All of the money. I -â She glanced at Keiki. âI take the blame.â
âOf course you do.â Mitsuhideâs smile grew thinner, sharper. His eyes lit on her throat. âBut it would be so much more believable if you werenât bleeding.â He looked back up at Keiki. âLet her go. We both know sheâs got nothing to do with this.â
âNo.â There was fear in Keikiâs voice now. âShe can fix this. If I let her go, Iâve got nothing.â
Mitsuhide tsked as if chiding a small and stupid child. âHolding her hostage wonât help. Just think about what happens next. Iâm sure the penalty for kidnapping, assault, and murder is much worse than theft and embezzlement. Let her go.â Despite the silky persuasive tone of his voice, Mai could hear the steel beneath. A serpentine venom, the coiled tension of a snake about to strike.Â
Keiki laughed. âIt doesnât matter what the penalty is. If I canât clear these - these baseless accusations . . . no one will ever hire me after this. All my work . . . my contacts . . . everything . . . gone!â His laughter turned into a sob, the desperation of the guilty.Â
Mai felt the pressure against her neck increase, the sharp tip of the letter opener parting her skin. Tearing it. He was going to kill her, she realized. Somehow, the reality of that hadnât settled in - but it did now. She was going to die. The thought paralyzed her.
âDo you trust me?â
It took Mai a moment to realize Mitsuhide spoke to her and not to Mr. Keiki. Did she? He was still a mystery. Mitsuhide rarely answered her questions. He always seemed to be hiding something - something big. But . . . she did. She trusted him, even if she couldnât explain why. Mai mouthed the word yes.Â
Mitsuhideâs gaze warmed for a heartbeat, his smile almost gentle.Â
âWhy are you asking her that? What do you -â Keiki scrambled back, and for a moment they were both tangled in the thick, suffocating folds of the stage curtain. Then past it, standing on the darkened stage. The safety lights along the aisles painted the space with deep shadows, distorted shapes of rails and chairs.Â
Mitsuhide followed, still smiling. âDo you know what my favorite thing about theater is?â
âWhat? No.â Keiki made a choked sounding laugh. âWhat do I care?â
âI love playing a role. Villain. Hero.â His gaze brushed Maiâs, âA lover or husband.â He advanced and Keiki moved back. âI can be all of those things. At once, or singularly. Farm boy and court schemer. Emperor and peasant.âÂ
As he spoke, he moved closer. Every step sent Keiki back two, dragging Mai with him. The sharp tip dug relentlessly into her throat, a fiery agony that pulsed with her lifeblood. A centimeter, perhaps two, separated her from a mortal wound. But Mitsuhide had a plan, she thought. He would get her out of this, somethow.
Keikiâs grip on her arm loosened the slightest bit. âSo? Why are you telling me this? You should be negotiating! I want - I want the charges to go away. Make it happen, or Iâll kill her. I will.âÂ
âNegotiating?â Mitsuhide seemed to mull the word over. âI played that part a time or two.â He shrugged. âSo you want to make a deal. The girl in exchange for a pardon? No. You want something to smooth it all away, like this never happened. Disappear the records of all the money youâve siphoned out of the theater, hm?â
âYes! Do it. Or Iâll-â
âKill her. You said that.â He settled back on his heels. âOk. I know some people. I can make that happen for you.â Mitsuhideâs eyes held a darkness deeper than the gloom. âLet her go and I can make that call.â
Keiki shook his head. âMake the call and then I let her go.âÂ
âSeems I canât outmaneuver you,â Mitsuhide chuckled. He took his phone from his jacket pocket, moving slowly.
âOf course not. Youâre just some jumped up actor.â Keiki snorted. He gestured at the phone with the letter opener. âCall the police off first.â
Mai saw Mitsuhide move the moment the sharp point moved away from her throat. He flowed forward, the motion fast and fluid, like water running downhill. He grabbed the letter opener with one hand, wrenching it away from Keiki, pushing him back with the other.Â
For a heartbeat, Mai fell backward with Mr. Keiki. A heartbeat, suspended in the air, nothing supporting her, only Keikiâs grasping fingers as he flailed for purchase. Then Mitsuhide grabbed her arm. He caught her as Keiki fell down into one of the stageâs trapdoors.Â
âLittle one,â Mitsuhide breathed the words, his eyes revealing a mix of tangled emotions. He threw down the scarlet-smeared letter opener and wrapped his arm around her chest, pulling her up and onto the stage. âYou werenât supposed to be here.â
Mai tried to calm herself. She felt like a leaf, trembling in the wind. Her hand fluttered at her throat, almost touching the seeping wound there. âI - I came to see you. I was . . . going to take pictures . . .â Her eyes skittered over the dark stage where impressive backdrops of the imperial palace were arranged. This all felt strangely familiar.
He pulled her close, arms wrapping around her shoulders, his face pressed against her hair. Mitsuhide took a shuddering breath, tension easing as he clung tightly to her. âI thought I was going to lose you again,â he murmured.
âIâm ok. Iâm still here.â Mai hugged him back with one arm. The other hung useless at her side, a testament to how not-ok she was.Â
Mitsuhide gave a choked laugh. âAnd now you are comforting me, when it is you that was hurt.â He kissed the top of her head. âWhat else? Will you offer kind words to Keiki?â
Mai glanced behind her at the trapdoor. The police were collecting Mr. Keiki from the floor. He glared up at them, sullen and angry, but silent. âNo. Iâm not that nice.â
âGood.â He stepped back, taking her in with a glance. His jaw clenched as his eyes landed on her arm. âHow do you feel?â
âI - I donât know? Numb. Everything is just . . .â She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. âThank you. I donât know what might have happened if you werenât here.â
âDonât thank me, little mouse. This is my fault. I should have warned you to stay home tonight. I didnât want you to be part of this. I wanted you safe.â Mitsuhide looked away and took a moment to master his emotions. When he looked back, he wore a familiar smile. âIt seems no matter how much time passes, you end up in the middle of things.â
âWell, you canât expect me to sit home and knit.â Mai frowned. Her arm was starting to hurt again now, and the cut in her neck stung. âAlthough, if Iâd known I was going to get grabbed and stabbed, I would have given tonight a pass.â
He laughed wryly. âA choice I can agree with, but done is done.â His fingertips grazed her arm. âLetâs get your injuries seen to.â
Around them, the theater was coming alive with lights and the entrance of more police and other first responders. They checked Mitsuhide over as Mai was laid on a stretcher and carried out, despite her protests that she could walk just fine. She didnât think she needed to be carried when it was her arm that hurt, and not her legs.
Mitsuhide ruffled her hair. âIâll see you at the hospital. Donât get into any more trouble.âÂ
âPfft.â She grinned, despite the pain. There was just something about him that made her feel better. âIf I get into trouble, it will be because someone carried me there.â
He might have replied, but two officers closed in and pulled Mitsuhide aside for his statement. Mai gave him a wave with her good arm as she was carried away.
***
The hospital was cold. Mai shivered under the thin blanket of her hospital bed. She felt tired in every way, and her eyes kept slipping shut in long, slow blinks. Even the uncomfortable sling on her arm and the sting of the stitches in her neck werenât enough to keep her alert. She wanted to stay awake though, at least until Mitsuhide came. She wanted to . . . but her eyelids were so heavy.
Her eyes snapped open as she felt someone settle at the foot of her bed. Only, it wasnât Mitsuhide sitting there. A peacock rested there, holding her in its obsidian regard. The bird was beautiful, feathers gleaming with sapphire and emerald hues.Â
Mai tried to wake herself. She knew peacocks werenât allowed in hospitals, ergo, there was no peacock on her bed. Which meant she was dreaming, and she might miss Mitsuhide when he stopped by. She pinched her earlobe hard enough that it sent a little shock of pain all the way to her cheek.Â
The peacock tilted its head and blinked, as if asking what she was doing.Â
âLook, youâre very pretty but I donât want to be asleep right now. I need to wake up. So if you could just not look at me like that? I donât know why Iâm dreaming about a peacock anyway. I guess itâs better than a nightmare about Mr - well, about things I donât want to think about.â She sighed.Â
The bird leapt onto the floor, disappearing beyond the end of the bed.Â
Mai tried to sit up, but her shoulder flared with pain at the movement. âUgh. Why am I injured in my dream? I should just imagine myself healed up, right?â She looked at the vitals monitor next to her bed, and the IV drip. It was all so detailed and realistic. And outside, a nurse passed her doorway, rubber-soled shoes squeaking on the tile floor.Â
Everything looked very much the way it should in the waking world, she realized. Which meant - Mai sat up suddenly, despite the flare of hot agony in her arm. There was, in fact, a peacock sitting on the floor. In her hospital room. âUmm. Ok. So Iâm not dreaming. You are really here. Staring at me.â
The peacock preened, and then leapt up to perch on the back of a chair.Â
âRight. Ok. I guess thatâs fine. Peacock in my hospital room. Are you an emotional support animal?â Mai got no response from the bird, of course. She took a breath and looked up at the bright ceiling lights. âI guess it could be weirder.â
âWeirder? How so?âÂ
The response made Mai jump, and sent another shooting pain through her body. She instinctively pulled the injured arm closer to her chest as she turned toward the voice. A man sat in the chair where the bird had been a moment ago. He was a stranger to her, and she should have been frightened - but there was something calming about his gentle smile.Â
âI apologize. I didnât mean to startle you.â The man tilted his head and blinked, the gesture reminiscent of the peacock.
He was gorgeous, she realized. His eyes were a pallid shade of honey, his skin like porcelain, and his long dark hair hung silkily over his shoulder. He looked like a man from a cologne commercial, she thought. Or one of those shampoo ads. Too pretty to be real. But he was sitting there, no filter, no photoshop. And waiting for her response.Â
âYou . . . itâs, umm, itâs fine. I thought there was a - a - you know what? It doesnât matter.â Mai took a moment to focus. âWho are you, anyway? A mo-â She stopped herself before she said model. More likely, âA lawyer?âÂ
The man laughed softly, a sound as pretty as he was. âMy thoughts have never been drawn to legal matters. No, I am a representative from the national theater program. You may call me Yoshimoto.â
Mai nodded. âAlright, Mr. Yoshimoto. Do I need to give you a statement or something?â
âPlease, just Yoshimoto. And no. I am simply here to make sure youâre alright. We didnât realize Keiki would take such a violent action.â His brow creased with concern. âAre you?â
She wasnât sure how to answer that question. Her body had its hurts, and she felt a heavy anxiety as her mind touched on the memory of Keikiâs arms around her. The feel of cold metal against her throat. âI . . .â
Yoshimoto looked down, his whole posture evincing sorrow. âOf course. That was an inconsiderate question. Please forgive me.â
âNo, Yoshimoto. Itâs fine. I am ok. A - a little shaken up? And achy? But alright. Mitsuhide came just in time.â
When he looked up again, there was a slight smile lifting the edges of his perfect lips. Mai wondered what kind of lip gloss he wore. That satin sheen could not be all natural. âThank you for being so kind. You have a tendency to put others first, but please, do not prioritize my comfort.â He reached out and took her hand.Â
Mai felt like she was drowning in his wide gaze as he drew closer to her.Â
âAllow me to apologize. When Mitsuhide came to me with his information, we should have taken more precautions in removing Keiki. I never would have moved forward, knowing you might be hurt.â Yoshimotoâs voice was melodic, almost hypnotic.Â
âCuz, even I know better than to seduce a woman in a hospital.â A low laugh came from the door and both Yoshimoto and Mai turned toward it.Â
âShingen?â Maiâs eyebrows shot up. This was the cheesy hot guy from the amusement park. The one with the rude friend. And the rude guy was right behind him.Â
âI am flattered you remembered me.â He smiled and his grin made the room feel brighter.
âYes, you and, um -â Mai stared at the rude boy, searching her mind for his name. âYoshiki? No. Yusei?â
âYuki.â His lower lip stuck out in a pout. âI canât believe you remembered this guy and not me.â
Yoshimoto laughed. âI am sure itâs only due to the stress of the evening, Yukimura. You always leave quite an impression.â
This did not appear to mollify him, but he only huffed as he followed Shingen in.Â
âI do remember you,â Mai insisted. âYou called me a boar woman. So stop making that face.â
âIâll make this face if I want to. And - and Iâm not even making some kind of face! You are!â Yuki glared at her, but the expression softened as his gaze flitted to her bandaged neck. âI - look, I just came to make sure you were alright. Here.â He shoved a box of candy at her and then stormed out.
âWait, what? Yuki?â She called after him, but he didnât stop or turn.Â
âDonât worry about him,â Shingen told her with a sigh. âHeâs still learning how to talk to girls.â
âUmm. Ok?â Mai looked at the box of candies. âCan you tell him thanks for me?â
âI would do any task for you, angel.â Shingenâs grey eyes shone. âIs there anything else you want me to do? I could be your nurse. Give you a very special sponge-â
âThat is quite enough. We did not come here to make the girl uncomfortable.â Another man graced the entry. And graced was the right word. He was tall, though not as tall as Shingen, and his hair was almost the same light shade as Mitsuhideâs, with eyes that shone a deep violet blue.Â
Mai blinked. Who was this guy? And why was her room filled with extremely attractive strangers. âDo you all work in theater?â The question popped out before she thought it through. But honestly, the only excuse for so many hot guys in one place had to be that they were actors.Â
âNo, Kanetsugu doesnât work for the theater program in any capacity. But his boss is one of our patrons. As is Shingen.â Yoshimoto smiled gently and squeezed the hand he still held.Â
âCorrect.â Kanetsugu nodded. âI am here at Lord Uesugiâs request.â He held up a bunny. It was white, with long, floppy ears, and a delicate poof of a cotton-tail. It gazed at Mai with its odd eyes, one a brilliant green and the other, an icy blue.Â
âWhy . . . why are you carrying a rabbit?â Mai stared at the bunny. It was adorable, and she felt an urge to pet its soft fur.Â
Kanetsugu arched an eyebrow.Â
âEmotional support animal.â A familiar voice said from behind the violet-eyed man. Sasuke stepped out to stand beside him. âWe brought Ke-, ah, the bunny to keep you company and make you feel better.â
âSasuke! Hello again.â Mai smiled at the familiar face. Though sheâd only really met him once, she felt like she knew him well. âDid Mitsuhide send you?â
âAfraid not. But since Yoshimoto and Shingen were helping him out, Iâve been in the loop.â His lips twitched in what might have been a smile.Â
Kanetsugu sighed. âYes. Weâve all been in the loop.â He walked to the other side of her bed and set the rabbit onto her blanket. âYou must treat this bunny with proper respect and care. Do not let him jump as he likes, and be careful of what he eats. Rabbits have very sensitive stomachs. And when petting him, stroke in the direction the hair grows. But! Only if he initiates the contact. You cannot simply handle him like some petting zoo rabbit.â
âI think she gets it,â Shingen interrupted. He gazed balefully at the rabbit and murmured, âSome guys have all the luck.â
âHm?â Mai glanced at him, though her attention was on the bunny as it made itself comfortable on her lap.Â
âNothing, angel. I was just thinking a rabbit is easier to sneak into a hospital than a bear.âÂ
Sasuke chuckled. âNot sure how youâd manage that.â
Yoshimoto only smiled.Â
Mai nodded agreement. âMmm. Yeah a bear is pretty big. You know, itâs so weird though. I thought there was a peacock in my room. Just before Yoshimoto came? But I bet it would be pretty hard to sneak one of those in too.â She laughed. âMaybe they gave me a stronger painkiller than I thought.â
Shingen and Yoshimoto shared a look. âYouâre right about that, angel. Though I imagine all things in nature cried out when you were hurt, and would want to comfort you.â
âEh, hahaha, no. I mean, thatâs really sweet of you to say. But Iâm no one important.â Mai felt her cheeks heat. This guy was an outrageous flatterer, she thought.Â
âYou are very important,â Yoshimoto told her, giving her hand another gentle squeeze. âThe world would be a worse place without your artistry.â
Kanetsugu was still watching the bunny on Maiâs lap, ignoring the conversation completely.Â
Thankfully, it gave Mai an easy out of this embarrassing praise. âKanetsugu, do you want to take the rabbit back? Itâs ok if you do. Just seeing him made me feel a little better.â
âNo. He wishes to be where he is.â Kanetsugu gave her a slight smile. âI am pleased if his presence brought you some comfort.â
âI hope my attention also gave you some comfort, angel.â Shingenâs smooth voice brought Maiâs gaze back to him. He was giving her a dazzling smile, and there was unexpected warmth in the depths of his eyes.Â
Mai felt her pulse speed, reacting to that look and his nearness. âI . . . ah . . .â
Sasuke cleared his throat. âI think we should let her rest now.â
Yoshimoto glanced at him and then nodded. âYes, of course. How selfish of me. I only wanted to ensure you were recovering. Please rest and feel better.â He brought her hand to his lips, and placed an ephemeral kiss to the back of it. The touch was light but warm, and it sent a pleasant shiver up her arm.Â
âWeâll check on you later.â Shingen agreed. âIn the meantime, donât do anything I wouldnât.â
âThat leaves a distressing number of options,â Kanetsugu commented. He smiled, and Mai couldnât help but note he had little fangs. Sharp canines that looked a bit longer than the surrounding teeth. âI will return for Ke- the bunny. You will take good care of him until then.â
âYes?â Mai nodded, her fingers brushing the soft fur on the rabbitâs head.
âGood.â Kanetsugu nodded. âUntil then.âÂ
Yoshimoto released her hand and stood to leave. The others followed him out, and Mai was left again in the quiet, cold hospital room. But she felt warmer now, inside and out. âThose guys are so strange,â she sighed. âBut nice. Donât you think so, Mr. Bunny?â She stroked his soft ears.Â
The rabbit gazed at her, its pink nose wiggling. The dichroic eyes held an unexpected weight of affection and a look Mai thought was a little sad. She cradled the rabbit to her chest in a gentle hug. âItâs just me and you now. Waiting for Mitsuhide.â
Mai let go of the bunny as it started wriggling. She could have sworn the look it gave her was an unhappy one as it hopped to the end of her bed and laid down. âSilly bunny.â She smiled. It was sitting right where the peacock had been. If there ever was a peacock in her room. Mai wasnât sure anymore. And it didnât matter. The rabbit wasnât going to turn into a hot guy, afterall. She knew it was real and solid, and definitely just a bunny. Even if there was something hauntingly familiar about it.
The winner of the IkeRev 1K AU story poll was Cinderella! Featuring the Black Army guys and Alice as Cinderella. These are the endings for each suitor. Pt. 4/4
Part 1 Part2 Part 3
The days turned to weeks and the season from summer to autumn. Lady Tremaine kept Alice so busy that she had no time for anything but work and sleep. She woke early every morning to begin, and fell into bed late into the night, so tired she barely managed to pry her shoes off before tucking herself in.Â
Even with her demanding schedule and all the extra chores, Alice still heard rumors and gossip. The vegetable sellers at the market said Prince Ray was looking for a thief, and the dairy deliveryman said no, it was Sir Oswald hunting for a spy. The butcher told her actually, it was Sir Godspeed and he was seeking his lady love - a mysterious woman he spotted riding through town on a milk-white mare.Â
Alice wondered if any of it had to do with her, but she dismissed the thought as silly. She wasnât a thief or a spy and she hadnât ridden any kind of horse through town. Maybe something had happened at the ball after she left, or in the days following. She didnât know, and probably never would.Â
That didnât stop her from thinking about it as she moved around the dining room, preparing for dinner. Alice was lost in thought when . . .
Ray
A familiar dark gray cat darted through the open window. The kitty bounded over the table settings and flung itself under the hem of Aliceâs apron. She bent down, a curious smile on her face. âIs that you, Ms. Belle?âÂ
Alice lifted her apron hem and took a peek at the pink satin ribbon around the catâs neck. A small, gold tag dangled from it, with the name Belle written in lovely script. âIt is you! Oh you silly little thing. This is a long way from the palace.â She scratched the kittyâs head.
âHey.âÂ
She jumped, and Belle leapt up onto the chair at the sound of the voice. Her eyes went to the window, where Ray stood, a grin on his face.Â
âDidnât mean to surprise you.â He gestured to the room. âIs it alright if I come in?â
âYes, of course.â Alice started to move toward the door, but Ray pulled himself in through the window. âOh! Ok. W-welcome. Are you here for your cat?â
Ray laughed. âWell, she did run off. But actually . . .â He paused, his expression turning serious, âI was looking for you.â
âMe?â Alice startled all over again.
âYeah. And youâre not exactly easy to find. You didnât even give me your name, the night of the royal ball. So Belle and I have been looking around town for you for weeks. Trying to find the beautiful girl with a sweet smile.â
She felt her cheeks heat and her pulse began to race. âIâm . . . sorry?â
Ray took a step closer and reached for her hand. He lifted it to his lips and pressed a light kiss to the back of it. âI didnât come to hear you apologize.â His lips grazed her skin as he spoke, his warm breath dancing over her knuckles. The touch sent a shiver through her that she did her best to hide.Â
âI . . . then . . . what?â She stumbled over the words, too distracted by his touch to collect her thoughts.Â
âI wanted to see you again.â His green eyes pierced her, his gaze felt as if he studied her soul. âDid you -â he paused and took a deep breath as if to steady himself. âDid you want to see me too?â
Alice nodded, a smile breaking across her face. âI do! I . . . Iâve been thinking about you every day since the ball! But you - youâre a prince and -â She gestured to the ragged clothes she wore, encompassing the whole of her position.
Ray pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her waist. âThat doesnât matter. Iâm just glad I found you.â He grinned. âSo . . . what is your name? Because I canât call my girlfriend âthe mystery womanâ.â
She laughed and hid her blushing cheeks against his shoulder. âIâm Alice.â
âAlice.â He said her name with relish, as if tasting it. Rayâs voice was soft, husky. âMay I kiss you, Alice?â
âY-yes. Yes. Iâd like that.â Alice tilted her face to him, her eyes fluttering shut as his warm lips gently pressed against hers in a tender kiss.Â
When they parted, he still kept his arms around her waist. âWould you come to live in the palace?â
Her eyes went wide with surprise. She wasnât sure what to say. âBut then . . . Druzilla and Anastasia . . . who would cook and clean for them? And Lady Tremaine would be so angry with me.â Alice swallowed, suddenly nervous. The fact was, Lady Tremaine would be furious about all of this.
Ray shrugged, nonchalant. âI bet they can hire someone. And actually pay them.â He frowned at her rags. âBecause from here, it looks like you do the work of four and get the pay of none.â
It was true, but Alice didnât want to speak ill of her stepmother, and so she said nothing.
âI thought so.â Ray poked her forehead. âDonât put their happiness in front of your own. If you donât want to live in the palace, say so. But if you do . . .â
âI do.â She took a trembling breath. âItâs just so hard to believe.â
âYou better start believing it.â He grinned and lifted her into his arms. âLetâs go. Come on Belle!â
The cat trotted after them as Ray went back out the window with her cradled against his chest. Alice hardly believed it was real. Rescued by a real prince. He was so dashing and romantic that she felt like she was in a fairy tale.Â
***
Sirius
A well appointed carriage rolled up the Tremaine estate and stopped by the entry. The royal crest was emblazoned on the side, and the driver wore palace livery. Alice saw it from the kitchen window and hurried to untie her apron and dry her hands. But Anastasia must have spotted it too, and got to the door before Alice could. Druzilla and the Lady herself were only a step behind, all excited as the estate rarely had visitors of note.Â
Anastasia opened the door, a polite smile on her lips and a calculating look in her eyes. âMay I ask whoâs calling?â She batted her eyelashes at the tall figure on the stair.
Alice felt a start of surprise as she saw the visitor from over her step-sisterâs shoulder. It was Sirius Oswald, dressed in his official uniform and wearing a solemn expression.Â
âSir Oswald, senior advisor to the king. Iâm here on a matter of import to the court, regarding the late Lord Tremaine.â
Anastasia took a step back and welcomed him inside. Druzilla and Lady Tremaine curtsied. Alice tried to, but felt entirely unsteady as Siriusâ gaze fell on her. She couldnât help but remember what it had felt like to be held by him, her hand in his, as they danced. His warmth and easy affection, and the kindness heâd shown her.Â
She ducked her head as he passed, hoping he wouldnât recognize her in her filthy rags - and half hoping he would because . . . Alice refused to finish that thought. Girlish silliness. No, he was here on business and that was all.Â
Lady Tremaine escorted him to the parlor, inquiring politely on his health and family. She bid Druzilla and Anastasia to accompany them and sent Alice for refreshments.Â
Sirius did not seem interested in conversation, though he gave polite enough replies. When Alice came back with tea and pastries, he was fending off a too-friendly Druzilla.
She poured the tea and set out the milk and sugar. Just as she turned to go, Siriusâ hand shot out and took hold of her arm.
âYou need to be here for this too. After all, youâre the Lord Tremaineâs only child.â He met her trembling gaze with gentle warmth, the violet of his eyes as soft as flower petals.Â
âUmm. Alright.â Alice spared a look at Lady Tremaine. Her step-mother was near to quivering with rage. But she couldnât defy the royal advisor, so she sat as far from the little group as she could, on a stool by the window.Â
Sirius gave her a small smile before turning to look at Lady Tremaine. âThe Tremaine estate came up in a review of property and inheritance tax. It appears nothing was paid after the Lordâs death and his accounts are being spent out at a high rate. This is concerning to the crown.â
âI - well, I am only a poor widow. I didnât know there was something we needed to pay to the crown. After my beloved husband passed and left all he owned to me and his daughters -â Lady Tremaine tried to put a mournful expression on her face but it sat awkwardly there.
âHe had only one beneficiary, Lady Tremaine.â Sirius interrupted, his voice firm and unyielding as stone. âAnd it was not you nor your daughters. He left everything to his only natural child, but each time the bank sent a trust letter to her, nothing was ever returned.â
Alice stared, not quite understanding. The Lady told her that her father left nothing for any of them. That the estate and all expenses were being paid from her own pocket, the money left from her family before she married.Â
Lady Tremaine frowned, the false sorrow falling from her face like a discarded veil. âI do not know what nonsense you think you have discovered, but I can tell you my husband wouldnât have dared -â
Sirius interrupted her again, pulling a letter from his pocket. It also bore the royal seal. âPer the dictum of the court and his majesty the prince, you are hereby evicted from this property. Your access to the accounts and incomes of the Tremaine estate are void. You will leave within the hour, or face arrest and imprisonment for theft.â He frowned. âThe guards are here to see this royal decree is obeyed in full.â
As he finished, several uniformed men entered the room.Â
Druzilla and Anastasia looked as shocked as Alice felt. They turned pleading eyes to her. Lady Tremaine, on the other hand, merely looked furious. She stood, gripping her skirt. âThis will not stand! I have friends - family! With influence. You cannot come into my home and -â
âIt is not your home.â Sirius gestured, and the uniformed men escorted them out.
Alice watched, still caught in a sense of complete disbelief.Â
Sirius stood and crossed the space between them, crouching in front of her stool. âAre you alright, little lady? This must be quite a shock.â
âI - yes. I donât know. Is all of that true?â She blinked at him, feeling suddenly overwhelmed.
âIt is. Your step-mother tried to steal your inheritance.â He took her hand, stroking the back of it with his thumb. âWhen you ran from the ball, I tried to find you. I had to know who you were. And when I did learn your name, who you are . . .â Sirius sighed. âI found out all the rest too. I couldnât let this happen to anyone, but especially not you.â
âEspecially?â Alice felt a heat creep into her cheeks at the way he said that part.Â
Sirius held her gaze, his eyes full of an unexpected affection. âEspecially. I know we only just met, but I felt a connection to you. I can tell you have a kind soul. And . . . I wanted to see you again. Ever since I ran into you at the market, actually.â
Alice grinned. âI guess that was a lucky accident for me.â
âMore so for me, I think. And then I got to dance with you at the ball.â He kissed her fingertip, his lips only barely brushing her skin. It was enough to send a wave of warmth rushing through her. âWhen things are settled,â Sirius paused as if unsure whether to say more.
âYes?â
âI would like to see more of you. A date, if you are willing?â
Alice felt her heart fill to bursting. âI would love to.â
Sirius chuckled, a genuine smile lifting the corners of his lips. âYou sound so sure. Iâm glad.â He pressed another barely-there kiss to her fingertips.
Alice leaned forward, intending to kiss him on the cheek, but he turned at just the wrong - or perhaps right - moment. Her lips met his for just a breath. A pulse-racing, electric heartbeat, when the satin touch of his mouth touched hers and she felt every nerve in her body light up like fireworks under her skin so that when he pulled back in surprise, it left her aching for more. âI-Iâm sure,â she breathed.
***
Luka
There was a knock at the servantâs entrance. Alice quickly dried her hands on her apron and hurried over to open the door. Luka stood there on the step. He was dressed in a suit like the one heâd worn to the ball, and held a bouquet of wildflowers in his hand. His ears peeked redly from beneath his hair and his cheeks were stained as well.
âLuka!â Alice felt so glad to see him that she wanted to hug him. But hugs always made him shy around her, so she restrained herself and just took his hand. She pulled him inside and shut the door. âI havenât seen you since the ball!â
She couldnât help but remember how different heâd been that night. The way heâd touched her when they danced, the look in his eyes. Alice glanced away, suddenly feeling awkward herself.Â
He nodded. âI tried to come by. But you werenât home. Or your step-sisters said you were busy.â His voice was very soft, almost hard to hear, and he was gripping the bouquet like it might try to run away.
âLady Tremaine gave me more chores. I didnât tell her I went to the ball, but I think she suspects. So . . . I really havenât been around.â She gestured to the mess on the counter. âIâm supposed to be cooking now.â
Luka took a breath and thrust the flowers toward her. âThese are for you.â
Alice took them, her fingers briefly touching his as he passed the bouquet to her. He snatched his hand back as if singed. âTh-thanks.â She wasnât sure how to react or what she should do. Her feelings were a tangle in her chest, of friendship and something more, and so she just stood there holding them and looking at him.
âDo you . . .â Luka started to ask a question, but his voice trailed into silence. He fixed his stare on the flowers in her hand and tried again. âDo you like me?â
âI - of course?â Alice wanted to put into words the way sheâd felt for years as his neighbor, her respect for how hard he worked. Her appreciation for the little moments of kindness heâd showed her. And now the magic theyâd shared at the royal ball. Seeing him as something more than a friend. It made her nervous and excited, her heartbeat was racing and her tummy was doing flips.Â
He frowned, searching her expression. Whatever he saw there must have encouraged him, because he continued. âYou - you looked really . . . pretty. At the ball. But - you, you always look pretty.â
Alice felt her face get hot. âYou did too. I mean, you looked really nice. You look nice now.â
âI . . .â Luka trailed off again, staring down now at his empty hands.
Alice turned and set the flowers down, intending to find a vase for them. She thought it would give him some privacy to collect himself. And her as well. Her chest felt tight and hot and tense, waiting to hear what he would say. She nearly jumped in surprise as she felt his arms wrap around her from behind, his chin resting gently on her shoulder.Â
âI thought you would meet a noble and fall in love. And I would lose you.â He murmured, barely audible even at this close distance. âThatâs why I followed you to the royal ball.â Luka took a trembling breath. âI love you, Alice. I was afraid to tell you.â
Alice felt her heart stutter in her chest. It thudded against her ribcage in a wild, galloping beat that matched the chaos of her emotions. âYou . . . love me?â She turned in his arms, her back pressed to the counter.Â
Luka nodded, too emotional to say more.Â
The words warmed through her like the sun on a chill morning. She wrapped her arms around him to hug him back. âI - I love you too.â
He squeezed her tightly, his face buried in her shoulder. âI didnât want to ruin our friendship . . . but I couldnât keep it in any longer.â
âItâs ok,â Alice laughed warmly. âI just - I didnât know. I thought you just saw me as a friend. I liked you so much . . . I didnât want to mess it up.â
Luka laughed too, looking up at her. His eyes were full of sweet adoration. âWill you come stay with me, then, Alice?â
She felt her eyes sting with happy tears. âYes.âÂ
He smiled, then shyly leaned forward and brushed the most chaste kiss to her lips, petal soft and warm and as sweet as honey. Then he pulled back, as if embarrassed. But Alice pulled him close for a second kiss and he didnât seem to mind that at all.Â
***
FenrirÂ
The front door burst open. Alice hurried toward it, wondering what could be happening. When she got there, Fenrir stood with his hands on his hips while a few of his knights led her step-mother and step-sisters out.Â
âWhat - Sir Godspeed - what are you doing?â Alice came to a stumbling halt right in front of him, a question on her lips.
He laughed and ruffled her hair. âPrince Ray and me found out Lady Tremaine and her daughters stole your inheritance. So sheâs under arrest.â
She blinked, trying to process this piece of information. âMy . . . inheritance? But . . . I donât understand.â
Fenrir wrapped an arm around her shoulders and gently guided her outside to one of the garden benches. âAfter the ball, I went looking for you. You donât make it easy on a guy!â He grinned at her blush. âBut when I found you, all sorts of questions started poppinâ up.â
âOh.â Alice looked around the garden, at the profusion of flowers and the tiny butterflies that flitted from one end to the other. Heâd looked for her, she thought, and it made something in her chest tighten. âBut . . . why did you come looking for me?â
At this, Fenrir laughed. âI thought I told you when we were dancing! Youâre a great partner. And I want to dance with you again.â Â
His laugh tickled the hairs at the nape of her neck, and his joy was infectious. Still, something tugged at Aliceâs heart. Just to dance with, she thought. Someone fun to see at parties. Surely there was more. She turned her head to study him, unsure how to voice this or if she even should say anything more. Afterall, they barely knew each other and yet . . . she felt a connection to him.
It was Fenrir sheâd dreamed of these past few weeks. His eyes that held her own with such warmth. His playfulness. His strength. But she couldnât assume he felt the same.Â
âHey! Whatâs that look for?â He tapped her nose gently.Â
âN-nothing!â Alice felt her face go even hotter. âIâm fine being just your dance partner. When thereâs a party. Or, you know, if you just want to go dance.â
Fenrir chuckled, and this time his laugh was low and a little breathy. âWho said I only want to dance with you, Alice?â His face was close to hers and those petal-pink eyes held a heat in them both tender and fierce.Â
âY-you . . .â Alice cleared her throat, but that did nothing to ease the tightness. Her heart thudded painfully in her chest, the sound of her pulse loud in her ears. Fenrirâs arm was still draped over her shoulder and every place his skin touched hers was electric.Â
âI like you.â He was blushing now too, but he didnât look away. His gaze was mesmerizing to Alice, and she felt pulled toward him. Fenrir leaned closer to her, his lips almost touching hers. âMay I kiss you?â
She tried to say yes but the word tangled on her tongue and all that came out was a short, sharp breath.Â
Fenrir understood though, a slow, heated smile turning his lips up at the edges just before he touched them to hers. His kiss was ferocious, full of a passion like a bonfire, devouring her with warmth and light. He pulled back after a moment, his breath trembling in the air between them. âI wanted to do that for weeks.â His look told her he wanted even more.Â
Alice kissed him again, savoring the feel of his body pressed close to hers. There was nothing in the world as sweet as this, she thought.Â
When he pulled back the second time, there was something desperate in his expression. A hunger at odds with his gentlemanly dress and manners. âI . . . gotta stand up now. Come on, partner.â He stood and held his hand out to her.Â
âW-where are we going?â
âAnywhere. Everywhere. I want to have adventures with you, Alice. Will you stay by my side?â
There was only one answer to that. Alice took his hand. âEverywhere sounds good, as long as Iâm with you.â
***
Seth
She let out a sigh. âI wish -â
âTo see me again? Wish granted.â The now-familiar voice came from just behind her.Â
Alice turned to see her fairy godfather standing there, an insouciant smile on his face. âSeth! You startled me. Again!â
âYou look cute when youâre surprised.âÂ
She blushed at the compliment and looked away, trying to hide it. He had this way of looking at her that made her feel terribly self conscious. Alice cleared her throat. âOk, but that doesnât explain why youâre here. Thereâs no ball today. Just chores.â
Seth laughed, closing the distance between them without taking a step. âYou were about to make a wish. And wishes summon fairies.â He tilted her chin up with a fingertip, forcing her to meet his playful, heated gaze. âSo tell me, lovely Alice, what is it you wish for?â
âI . . .â Her throat closed tight around the words, unable to speak them because they would admit so much. And her dream felt impossible.Â
He gently brushed a lock of hair from her forehead, fingers trailing along the side of her face. His touch was gentle and full of an unspoken affection as he waited for her to get up the courage to speak.
âI wish I was somewhere else, anywhere but here. I want to be happy. I want to feel loved, like I matter . . .â Alice trailed off after the brief outburst, feeling sheâd said too much already.Â
Sethâs smile was gentle. âDone.â And just like that, they were somewhere else. Alice saw a bustling street below, with market stalls and shops. Her eyes were wide with surprise as she looked around the room. It was a well appointed parlor, nothing as fancy as the Tremaine manor but very nice. There were flowers on the table in impossible colors, and the lamps were glittering magic crystals.Â
âIâm afraid happiness is up to you. But I can promise you are loved. And you do matter.â His brown-eyed gaze was warm and intimate, his voice a breathy sigh. He took her hand and clasped it tightly.
Alice leaned into his comforting touch, his words soothing a hurt in her that she hadnât realized was there. âSeth . . .â
He giggled and spun her around, breaking the moment before Alice could process what heâd said. âSo, as your fairy godfather, I am giving you this lovely flat in Central. Thereâs a teahouse and a pĂątissiĂšre downstairs, and across the street youâll find a market with everything else a girl could want.âÂ
âThat sounds nice?â
âEnough to bring a smile to your beautiful face?â Sethâs grin widened and he pulled her into an unexpected embrace. âAnd if there is something you want, you can just wish for it. Anything.â His words were playful, tickling against her neck.Â
Alice slipped her arms around him, and Seth went very still. âWhat if what I want is . . . you?â
âThen you are a very silly girl.â His voice shook as he said it, and she could not see what expression he made as he hid his face in her hair. âFairy Godfathers arenât allowed to fall in love with mortals.â
Alice turned her face to kiss his cheek, putting all the affection she held for him into this one, gentle touch. âI want to know you, Seth. The man holding me right now, not the fairy godfather.â
He shivered, a sigh escaping his lips at her touch. âYou might not like him . . .â
âI think I already do,â she countered. âHe is kind and funny. And he makes me smile. Seeing him . . . makes me happy.â Alice laid her head against his shoulder, where she could hear the fierce pounding of his heart. âIâd rather have just Seth, than a fairy godfather.â
âEven if just Seth canât magic you up a fancy gown and carriage?â
Alice laughed softly. âA friend is way more important than those things.â
Seth let out a breath, the tension leaking from him. âI hope Iâm more than just a friend.â His hand brushed the nape of her neck, a teasing gentle touch that sent little waves of warmth through her.Â
âWeâll just have to find out, wonât we?â Alice pulled back from him so that she could see his face.
Alas, poor Kyubei. The suitor that deserves to be! Approx. 1700 words.
Kyubei had a secret. In the grand scheme of things, it wasnât an important secret. No fortunes would be made or destroyed by it. No lives irrevocably changed. If it got out, there would be no wars fought over it or assassinations because of it. The secret was small and his and he held it in him like a childâs lantern held candle-light. The warm glow of knowing it made his life more bearable.Â
âWhat are you smiling about?â Mitsuhideâs sharp gold gaze landed on him as he brought in the nightâs reports.Â
âAm I smiling?â Kyubei drew his mouth into a firm line.Â
Akechiâs own mouth spread in a grin. âYou were.â
âThen perhaps I am learning from you.â Kyubei did his best to imitate the razor sharp smile his lord was known for. And then, before more questions could come, he set his bundle down on Mitsuhideâs desk. âThere are two missives from Kasugayama, one from Kyoto, and a full report from one of our eyes in the south.â
News would draw away the too-perceptive eye of his lord. And it did. Mitsuhide opened the bundle, long slim fingers graceful as they plucked the important papers from the rest that could be read later.Â
Kyubei did not wait to be dismissed. He was already backing out with a bow when Mitsuhide glanced up. âStay. I may have need of you yet.â
âYes, my lord,â he replied. Because what other reply could he give? Kyubei settled in, watching Akechi read through the urgent reports. He already knew what was in them, and had a fair idea of what his lord would request done. Another agent sent south, some letters and payments to certain merchants that traveled through Kasugayama, and for Kyoto . . .Â
His musings cut short as the door opened. The chatelaine stepped in with a tray of tea and some food. âI know you donât break for lunch but I thought -â she paused as she noticed Kyubei standing there. âOh! Hello!âÂ
âPrincess.â Kyubei bowed, hoping the movement would hide his face long enough to subdue the sudden rush of heat in his cheeks.Â
The chatelaine smiled at him shyly and tucked her hair over her ear. The tray wobbled in her remaining hand and he darted forward to take it from her. âThank you. It would be just like me to make a mess when Iâm trying to be helpful. Iâm so clumsy.â
âYou are as graceful as a deer, princess. Next time, ask me. I am pleased to help.â He couldnât take his eyes off her face. She was so beautiful.Â
âAhaha, no - omg - no. No one has ever said I am like a deer.â She wasnât laughing at him or his words, but at herself and it made Kyubeiâs heart feel full to bursting to share this moment with her.Â
Kyubei returned her smile with one of his own. âThen I am lucky to be the first. Though I am surely not to be the last to notice your beauty.â
And then Mitsuhide cleared his throat, reminding them both that he was there and an unwilling audience to this awkward, inappropriate moment.Â
In just a heartbeat, Kyubei came crashing back to reality. To the world in which he was a vassal, a man that should not even look above the feet of an Oda princess. The warm glow of his secret fluttered in his chest, buffeted by the cold truth. He turned from her and set the tray on his lordâs desk without another word.
âS-sorry to distract you two,â the chatelaine told them. âI just wanted to make sure you ate something today. Besides whatever crumbs are in your pockets.âÂ
Mitsuhide gave a wry laugh. âI promise you, I eat when I am hungry. I do not need you to look after me. You or that meddlesome dragon.â
The chatelaine blinked in surprise. âI didnât say anything about Masamune!â
âYou didnât have to. This has his mark all over it.â Mitsuhide sighed. âI suppose now that youâve brought it, I must appreciate the effort appropriately. But you will stay and enjoy it with me.â
Kyubei saw his exit and gladly took it. âThen I will leave you both to -â
âNo. Kyubei, why donât you stay? Have a cup of tea.â Mitsuhideâs smile was relentless.Â
âAs you command.â He poured three cups of tea, tense and reluctant but determined not to give anything else away.
The chatelaine watched him with interest. âYouâre so good at that. The perfect pour. Have you practiced?â
âYes, have you?â Mitsuhideâs grin grew wider.
Kyubei swallowed. âYes? I am always seeking to improve my service to the Akechi.âÂ
She laid a hand on his arm and the light touch sent heat coursing through him. âMaybe one of these days we can hang out and you can show me your technique.â
Which was exactly the sort of offer Kyubei dreamt of. Time alone with just the chatelaine. Spending time with her, listening to her. But he couldnât say yes because he was only a vassal and she -
âIâd be happy to lend Kyubei to you for whatever you like. In fact, heâs an excellent instructor for many subjects.â Mitsuhide gave a nod. âYou could start this evening.â
âI must - what?â His polite refusal halted as his lordâs words sunk in.Â
The chatelaine clapped her hands excitedly. âThatâs great! But . . . only if he wants to. You canât loan him out like a bike, Mitsuhide!â She turned the full force of her gaze on Kyubei. âSo, would you be willing?â
And of course, he couldnât say no to her. Not when she looked at him like that. âI would be glad to,â he replied, which was the simple truth.Â
Mitsuhide picked up his tea and took a sip. âThen that is settled.âÂ
The break felt to Kyubei like a fever dream. Each time a subject came up, Mitsuhide would look at him and say, âKyubei can tell you more about that.â Or, âKyubei is an expert in -â Or even, âWhat are your thoughts, Kyubei?âÂ
And the chatelaineâs eyes were on him and he felt as if his whole body might catch on fire. He fought the heat down from his cheeks but feared his expression made his feelings too clear.
When they finished with the tea and snacks, the chatelaine stood up and picked up the tray. âSorry again for interrupting. But I hope you enjoyed the food.â
âCertainly. And the company as well.â Mitsuhide grinned. âFeel free to stop in whenever you like, little mouse.â
âYes, thank you for coming by,â Kyubei bowed low, reminding himself again that she was a princess and he was a vassal and this was a favor to his lord. Not to him. Not for him. Not about him.Â
His secret flickered, wavering, but held steady. It was alright, he told himself, to hold this one-sided love. So long as she never found out. When he straightened, his expression was appropriate. Only polite. Nothing more.
The chatelaine grabbed his hand and squeezed it. âI am glad you were here when I did! Iâll see you later. Tonight.â She smiled. âIt will be fun.â
And he couldnât help but smile back, genuinely looking forward to it. âI am looking forward to it.â
She let him go and left, and when she was gone the office felt so much emptier. Kyubei took a deep, slow, steadying breath before turning back to work.Â
Mitsuhide studied his expression and then sighed. âYou will have to work on that.â
âOn what?â
âHmm. On what indeed.â He picked up one of the reports heâd been reviewing before they were interrupted. His eyes returned to the text. Kyubei thought he was in the clear until a few minutes later when he spoke up again.Â
âSheâs quite pretty. Not a court beauty, of course. But pretty.â Those piercing gold eyes found him again.Â
Kyubei chose to play dumb. âWho are we speaking of?â
Mitsuhideâs knowing smile was his answer. Then, a few minutes later, âShe isnât a princess either.â
âThe Oda adopted her.â Kyubeiâs back tightened as he realized his lord was not going to let this drop. He buried his secret further down, hiding it under the proper words.Â
Mitsuhide nodded and his gaze returned to the page as if that was the only point he needed to make. But this time, Kyubei didnât relax. He knew what his lord was like on the hunt. And he was surely hunting now.Â
âThere is more than one tale in which a commoner marries a princess.â Mitsuhide didnât look up this time, and Kyubei was glad for that because he wasnât sure what face he made right then. âAnd those were women born into it. She barely knows what her title means.âÂ
He took a moment before replying, calming the part of his heart that leapt in response to that idea. âPerhaps. But most of those tales end in tragedy, too.â
Mitsuhide scoffed. âBecause they were ill-considered.â He did look up then, and there was something in his gaze besides the usual calculation. An unexpected kindness. âI know you are many things, Kyubei. My most trusted assistant. My friend. But you are never careless.â He smiled and it was a gentler expression than his cutting crescent moon grin. âShould you - and I am not saying you are - but should you ever find yourself in love with any kind of princess, take hold of that happiness while you can.â
Kyubei nodded. He understood the fragile hope he was being handed. The gift, given with intent. âI will take that under consideration, my lord.â
âGood.â Mitsuhideâs eyes sparked with mischief. âAnd when you do, please do me a great favor. Moon after her out of my sight? I think your passionate gazes left syrup on my reports.â
âAt your command,â Kyubei chuckled. âBut surely it wasnât that obvious.â
âI could have scraped sugar from the walls, watching the two of you dance around each other. She was about to crawl into your lap.â
âNo. She was not! And I was holding back! Trying to be appropriate!â Kyubei protested.
Mitsuhide shook his head. âIf that was your best attempt to pretend not to like a girl, Iâm going to have to reconsider sending you out to spy for me.â
âYou are as cruel as they say,â he sighed and put a hand to his chest. But inside, he was aglow with hope. Delicate as it was, as improbable and unlikely as anything, he was in love with a princess and maybe - just maybe - that was alright. She might even like him back.
We mustn't forget Mitsuhide! A little victory for our foxy warlord. Approx. 1000 words, fluff and light spice.
Mitsuhide dismounted in a cloud of dust and ash. It clung to his skin and hair, mixing with the slick layer of sweat from summer sunâs merciless heat. The village was a ruin. Most of the houses burned in the conflict, and what hadnât been destroyed was looted and befouled.Â
The chatelaine surveyed the desolation with a stricken look. Sheâd never seen the aftermath of a crushed uprising. âMitsuhide,â she said his name after a moment, and he turned his head to look up at her where she still sat her mount. âI thought you said we won this one.â
âWe did. The Oda forces were victorious. This is one of three villages overrun by the battle between our soldiers and the daimyoâs rebels.âÂ
She took a breath and then nodded. Her expression went from one of shock and horror to a determined frown. âI see.â Then, âWe have a lot of work to do.â
Mitsuhide helped her dismount and together, they walked through the center street. Most of the villagers fled when the army approached and only a few returned. They watched with sullen gazes, still afraid of further violence. Still angry at what theyâd suffered.
The chatelaine didnât seem to notice the hurt and anger. Or rather, she chose not to as she pushed her sleeves up and approached a small group of bent-backed farmers. âHi there!â
They didnât respond at first, but when she walked past them to start cleaning up the rubble, the farmers went to help with mumbled hellos and thank yous. What began as an uncertain and awkward team turned efficient after a little while. The villagers began to tell her their stories, to point to where they used to live, and share what they wanted and needed.
Mitsuhide stayed out of it. He had to. He was the wicked kitsune, the bloody left hand of the Oda. Capable of any violence, any outrage. It did not matter that he dirtied his hands with ash and mud doing the same cleanup. Or that he ordered his soldiers to help. People would never trust him with their hopes and sorrows.Â
This was her strength, and he envied her for it. And loved her because of it. She caught him watching and flashed Mitsuhide a shy smile. Her face was smeared with ash and her clothes were filthy from mud but sheâd never looked more beautiful. When he smiled back, her cheeks flushed and she quickly went back to work.Â
They called a halt at sundown, unable to safely work in the dark. There were two homes rebuilt and another two cleared and repaired enough to sleep in. The villagers offered them one, and Mitsuhide accepted. His men set up tents nearby and settled in to camp for the night.
The Oda forced shared out food and cookfires, and soon the survivors of the battle soldier and villager alike, were celebrating. Wine and harder liquors lubricated the dayâs new friendships. Someone began singing and soon, most of the camp joined in. All but Mitsuhide and the chatelaine, who watched from the front step of the little house.Â
âI didnât expect to see a celebration tonight,â she told him. She leaned her head against his shoulder, tired from the hard work and the journey before it. âI thought they would be too sad. And exhausted!âÂ
Mitsuhide kissed the top of her head. âYou underestimate the sheer joy of still being alive. Even knowing what was lost, they cannot help but celebrate.â He paused, his gaze narrowed. âThere will be more tears later. Grief as life continues on past the loss of loved ones. But tonight, there is only relief that they have a chance to begin again.â
She nodded understanding. Her cold hand sought the warmth of his grasp, and she burrowed closer to his side.Â
He put an arm around her, understanding what she sought without words. Reassurance. Stability. The certainty of his presence and love. Mitsuhide pulled her tight against his side. Even in victory, it was easy to see how fragile these moments were. How delicate the construct of love, the framework of a life.Â
âLetâs go to bed, little one,â he said softly, layering his meaning.Â
She looked up at him, surprised. âYou canât be serious. Iâm filthy! And you are too!â
Mitsuhide grinned. âWhy wouldnât I be? A little dirt never hurt anyone. And I have reason to celebrate.â He caressed her side, sliding his hand down to her thigh. âMy lover is by my side, and I am alive to appreciate her.â
âBut the soldiers - and, and the villagers. What if someone hears us?â Her entire face was hot now, and she looked away, unable to meet his bright gaze.
âWhat if they do? They might know I love you?â He kissed the top of her ear.Â
âMitsuhide!â
He laughed at the quaver in her voice, such a heady mix of excitement and embarrassment all at once. It was why she was still so very much fun to tease. Mitsuhide nipped her earlobe and whispered. âWhat if I promise to smother your moans with my lips and swallow every sound you make as I remind you how very much I adore you?â
âYou -â She cleared her throat. âYou canât really do that.â
âAh. Now youâve challenged me, little mouse.â He stood and pulled her to her feet.Â
Her eyes were wide and bright in the silvered star light. âYouâre kidding, right?â The words were half-hopeful and equally worried he would agree this was all a joke.
Mitsuhide kissed her then, a passionate tangling of lips and tongue, fingers tangling in her hair. She tasted of sweat and smoke and that certain flavor that was just and only her and if he had been teasing before, he wasnât now. He wanted her. He wanted to make love to her and feel her pleasure and his in that sweet twining of limbs and flesh and heart and soul that said âI am alive and in love and my lover is with me!âÂ
When he drew back for a breath, he could see she wanted him to. Desire lit her gaze and heated her skin. She didnât argue as he tugged her inside and closed the thin-framed door behind them.
Oh Nobunaga! My favorite tyrant of the heart ^_^ Approx. 900 words of our carnelian-eyed menace and heat.
Nobunaga could not sleep. The air in the tenshu was thick and hot and still. The night sky above, clouded and heavy, as if conspiring to keep the darkness as sweltering as the day. He shifted disconsolately on his futon, until he finally gave up on the notion and went to stand on his balcony.Â
There wasnât enough breeze to even stir his hair, but just being out here made him feel a little better. His thoughts spun through the events of the day, the concerns of his growing empire, and finally, with some anticipation, landed on the chatelaine. Sheâd been avoiding him of late. He knew it. Afraid of what another game of go might cause her to yield.Â
He smiled, thinking of her saucy responses to him. When she forgot to be nervous, she was deeply amusing. And more. There was something about his lucky charm that made him feel peaceful. That was what he wanted right now.Â
Nobunaga sent a servant scurrying to fetch her.Â
She came up the stairs with a reluctant gait. He could almost hear the resistance to his summons in every step. And the first words out of her mouth as she entered his room were defiant. âDo you have any idea what time it is?â
âNo. Do you?â He glanced at her over his shoulder. She stood in the dimlit room, as distant as she could get from his balcony perch.Â
âWell . . . not exactly, no. But itâs really late. Or early. Anyway, thatâs not the point! I was sleeping and you sent someone to wake me up! They had me dress in a hurry and run up here and - and thereâs not even an emergency.â She ran her fingers through her hair, suddenly all nerves again, the anger bleeding out of her.Â
Nobunaga felt an uncharacteristic guilt over waking her like that. She must have been worried to get such a vague, urgent message. But he shunted that emotion away and gave no sign of it in his expression. âCome here.â
She took a few steps in his direction, then paused. âYou arenât planning to play go, are you? Because Iâm way too tired for that.â
âNo. No games tonight.â He looked back out over the town, listening to her slow steps.Â
The chatelaine stopped at the railing, more than an armslength away. âWell, good.â Then her head snapped up at some sudden thought. âI hope you arenât under the impression Iâm going to warm your bed either. I thought we were clear on that.â
âWarm my bed?â Nobunaga chuckled. âOn a night like this, I think it is quite hot enough.âÂ
âThen . . . what do you want?â
Just you, he thought, his carnelian eyes turning toward her. He took in her lovely profile, the wisps of loose hair that clung to her neck and stuck to her cheek. âSit.â
Her jaw clenched. âI am not some pet you can order around, mister warlord.â
He grinned. Ah that fire of hers. âFireball, sit. Please.â
She seemed to debate whether or not the courtesy was enough. Apparently the yes vote won out as she sat down and leaned her back against the railing. âThereâs a little bit of a breeze up here at least. I think itâs cooler than my room.â
âIs it?â He turned toward her. She was wearing a hastily tied kimono, thin enough that it was almost opaque had there been any light to shine through it. Her bare legs stuck out the bottom, showing his conquered territory up to her silken thigh. But he didnât feel lust for her tonight - or not much - just a satisfaction that she was here.
The chatelaine nodded.Â
Nobunaga lowered himself to the floor near her.
âUmm. What are you doing?â She eyed him the way she might a strange dog, one that was equally likely to bite as to wag his tail.
He grinned. âJust be still. I am not conquering new territory tonight. And then he laid down, settling his head on those lovely thighs. âYou will be my pillow.â
The chatelaine shifted a bit under him, clearly uncomfortable with the idea. âI donât think I like this. Wouldnât you rather have a real pillow? I can get one for you.â
âNo. Now be quiet.â He shut his eyes and let himself relax into her presence. Her soft skin, the slight sweet floral scent of her perfume, and the sound of her breath and heart beat eased his tension. âTalk to me,â he mumbled.
âWhat?â
âTell me about your work. Your day. Anything you like.â He kept his eyes closed, cheek pressed to her leg. It was comfortable there, despite the heat. Perhaps it was just the softness of her. The gentleness that she carried with her everywhere she went.
The chatelaine sighed and after a moment, began to talk. She told him about her day. The work she did, the things she saw, people she met. There was so much joy in it. He fell still, his restlessness retreating. And with his stillness, she too let go of her worry.Â
Nobunaga felt himself drifting into an empty, peaceful darkness. A place where his ambitions did not reach. A place where his burdens did not exist.Â
As he let himself sink into that space, he felt her cool fingers brush his hair back from his face. âYou know, like this youâre much cuter,â the chatelaine said softly. There was warm affection in her voice and in her touch.Â
His last thought before the darkness took him was of her. How precious sheâd become to him. Love, his dream-self whispered, though waking he would have denied it.
Hello! Congratulations on 1 thousand subscribers!!!!
It's marvellous to have been following you for years and see your blog grow more each day ( ^ - ^ )
To celebrate, could I get Masamune, Taste đž? Thank you so so much in advance, I can't wait to see what you'll come up with--it'll be amazing, that's for sure ;)
I wish you all the love and success, take care!
Aww you are too sweet! And wow! It has been years since I started posting. Time flies. So here is approx. 500 words of Masamune getting some tasty morsel :D
Masamune smiled as he looked across the table at his love. He felt a surge of warmth at her smile, the sparkle in her eyes. The relationship they had still felt unreal to him, as if it might evaporate in the blink of an eye. He was a man of sudden passion, the brief tempest of a summer storm. And he still felt those powerful movements of his heart, but only for this one precious woman.
She blushed and looked away from him, as shy now as the first time heâd kissed her. âDinner is good,â she said, trying to mask with some small talk.
He grinned. âWhatâs the matter, kitten? Your cheeks are red.â
âNothing!â She took another bite.
âLass . . .â Masamuneâs voice held a note of playful warning.Â
âYou know what.â She tried for a stern look, but only managed to look adorably flustered.
He took her free hand and lightly played his fingers over her palm. A teasing, tickling touch. His one eye brow rose.
She sighed. âYou are impossible. Sitting there looking like you want to eat me up instead of dinner . . . and then teasing me when I blush!â
âHm. I hadnât considered eating you instead of dinner. More like a dessert. Itâs an idea though. Sweets first?â He lifted her hand to his lips and nipped her fingertips.
âMasamune!â She laughed and squealed at the attention.Â
He loved the way she laughed, her silly pretend struggling as he teased her. She was all of his favorite things. âYou canât object to your own suggestion, lass.â
âIt wasnât a - a suggestion!â Her giggles ruined any pretense of outrage. âIâm trying to eat dinner, you know?â
âDinner can wait.â His blue eye burned with a hunger for other things, and he knew she knew it.Â
Her expression shifted to understanding that he wasnât just teasing now. âOh. Well. Yes. It will still be here in an hour.â
âAn hour? You wound me, kitten.â He grinned and stood. âAn hourâs barely long enough to get a taste. I want time to enjoy the every dish.â
âThereâs more than one dish?â
Masamune helped her up. âOh yeah. Thereâs . . . at least five. Six.â He pretended to count, his fingers trailing over her neck, her breasts, hips, and every other part he could reach.Â
She laughed breathlessly. âYou are ridiculous. You canât tell me my arm tastes different than my shoulder.â
âI guess Iâll have to sample each bit and give you a review.â He picked her up and kissed her, a slow, heated melding of their lips and tongues. As he drew away for a breath, he said, âA complex blend of sake and innate sweetness. Definitely more a dessert dish than a starter.â
Her eyes widened and she slapped his arm. âHey!âÂ
Masamune caught her hand and suckled her wrist just below the palm, letting his teeth draw lightly over her skin. âMmmm now here is a rich flavor. Notes of salt, a slight bitter floral aftertaste. Beneath that . . . essence of beautiful woman.â
âEssence of - seriously? Now youâre really just teasing.âÂ
âKitten, I have not begun to tease. You still have your clothes on, afterall.â His smile was wide and full of wicked promise. âAnd I am completely serious about you. I love the way you taste. The way you smell. The way you feel.â He squeezed her gently. âEverything about you makes me love you more.â
She had no reply to that, other than to kiss him again. And Masamune was fine with that reply.
