#nobutada

[madeleineengland]

Katsumoto's son [The last samurai]

[astoldbyaja]

The Pink Blossom

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[4ndrogynish]

don't talk to me i am sad over Nobutada's death in the Last Samurai and I can't even find a nice gifset of his role

[astoldbyaja]

The Pink Blossom Ch.1

Nathan and his former slave Grace are taken captive by Katsumoto and his samurai. As Nathan heals in Taka's home, Grace is watched in Ujio's. The tough samurai is not silent with his hatred for the American soldier, but he cannot fight the common curiosity that many have in the village upon getting to meet their first African. What starts as genuine curiosity turns into a deep love the two never thought possible, being from different worlds. This is Grace's story from being a prisoner to being loved by a samurai.

****Please note some racial slurs in this fic!!!****

“Stay close.” I remember him saying. War was no place for an African servant woman like me, but Nathan Algren kept me at his side from the Indian wars to the trouble that was going on in Japan.

There was a samurai led rebellion going on against Japan’s emperor, Meiji. Nathan’s old commanding officer, Colonel Bagely had found Nathan and asked him to help train the Imperial Japanese Army, for a Japanese businessman by the name of Omura, to stop this rebellion. I knew Nathan’s hatred for the colonel, but he needed the money and so he agreed. We were accompanied by his old friend sergeant Zebulon Grant and British translator Simon Graham.

Zebulon looked at me with indifference like most did, but Simon was a complete gentleman when speaking to me.

When Nathan’s wife died, Nathan lost everything, but his status as a soldier kept him going and I would not abandon him.

We were given lodging at an Inn. I didn’t leave unless Nathan was with me. It seemed my presence either made the local people curious or they were afraid of me. There are not many Africans in Japan. I recall Colonel Bagley making a snide remark about me being the only “nigger in all of Japan”. I brought Nathan some food and sat across from him.

“You’re worried.” I noted and he sighed heavily moving his fork about his food.

“These men know nothing about combat. They’re peasants, some of who have never even picked up or handled a weapon. It’s a shame.” he told.

“But with you here, they’ll learn.” I said trying to remain hopeful. Nathan shook his head.

“Not in time to go against Katsumoto.” he replied. I winced unable to understand the name.

“Katsuwho?” I asked. He grinned at me.

“Katsumoto. He is the leader of the samurai rebellion.” he replied.

“He is dangerous, like the Indians?” I asked. Nathan smiled warmly and moved his hand to rest atop of mine.

“Nothing will happen to you. Not while I’m alive.”

During training, Nathan was told the samurai were attacking one of the railroads owned by Omura. He protested that the men were not ready, but he was still commanded to prepare to fight.

Two horses were getting prepared for us both to ride out tomorrow.

“Are you sure I should go?” I asked. Nathan winced.

“Grace, I don’t want to take you, but I will not leave you here. I don’t know the Japanese ways or their views on freed slaves. You know our plan, if I fall in battle, you ride out of there, ride until you are away from the danger. Never stop.”

But now it was morning, and the fog was heavy as I was riding on the rear on my horse with Col. Bagley who was not pleased in the first place with me coming along. The forest is not yet awake yet. We should not be invading the nature. I could see Nathan up front as I was surrounded by Japanese men walking and looking about. They were afraid and so was I. I always tell myself, when Nathan brings me along on these endeavors that maybe I should stay behind somewhere safe, but there is nowhere safe for me without Nathan close by.

I always feared being put in chains again, and I saw Nathan as my only protector because he looked like the very people who enslaved me. My horse was moving along in stride, but something had spooked it, because it was not wanting to continue walking. Did it know danger was close? I looked forward toward Nathan to see him looking wary of the forest. He glanced back at me, and I gave a gentle stare to him. He then stopped the army and my chest tightened. Something was coming, the distant fog was angry and roared at us. Someone was coming. It was not the forest, but the enemy ahead coming at us.

Shadows of shapely ghosts charged toward us. I covered my mouth in shock and fear. They were like demons!

“Assume firing positions!” Nathan yelled.

The soldiers stood with their shaky guns pointed at the wave of people coming to kill them. I was told to wear black so I would blend in with the trees and not be spotted should I be separated from Nathan or any other familiar faces. My curls were pulled back in a neat bun and my gloves were as thick as the dark coat Nathan gave me that kept me warm and protected.

I myself had to be ready. I heard a single gunshot, and I was now being thrown from my horse. I yelled out as I hit the ground, my mind and vision hazy. I groaned hard as I looked up and men being stabbed and butchered like animals. The sea of demons rode through them smiting them.

I had managed to crawl over to a tree away from the battle it seemed. My heart was pounding and my hair was covering my face as I hugged this tree for comfort. I had never seen war up close before. Even during the Indian wars, I remained in a tent or home with other slaves. I even served a few of the generals who Nathan served under to better serve in his favor.

These men were indeed not ready to face combat. My eyes widened as I watched these… samurai stab into the men, cutting their throats and dismembering them. God protect me from this carnage! My body was convulsing in utter fear as I watched arrows fly through the air and puncture men. An arrow hit the tree I was at and I yelped and turned back around trying to catch my breath. I had to run. No, not yet I had to find Nathan!

 I was looking for him now in the bloodshed and as I did, I noticed one of them had rode up fast and speared Zebulon in the chest. My eyes widened and I screamed as he fell to the ground.

“GRANT!” I hear Nathan yell. I watched as a shadow in red dismounted his horse and approached the fallen man. He raised his sword high and my eyes widened as he plunged it deep into the man’s stomach. He let out a painful yell and I covered my mouth thinking I would vomit. My eyes moved wildly as I looked for Nathan and saw he was flung from his horse and surrounded by enemies. I cried out in pain for him.

I then saw one of the shadows coming at me with a sword raised and my eyes widened as I felt my heart jump from my chest. I got up and ran from the tree, holding my dress up as it was dirty and heavy from the mud I fell in.  

Where was I to go, what was I to do? I felt an enormous weight tackle me to the ground and I screamed as I was pinned to the ground, and I felt a cold blade at my throat. My throat would be slit and I would be left bleeding on the ground. I couldn’t even look for my friend- my protector.

I heard angry yelling and words, but I could not understand them. My brain rattled in my mind as I was suddenly forced on my feet and a firm grip clutched my scalp causing me to scream and take hold of the hand that held me. Now I didn’t hear hardly any screaming, and I looked around. For a moment all I saw were trees and I saw Nathan on the ground and I winced. He was hurt.

“Nathan!” I shouted and once more angry words were shouted at me, and I struggled against the grip that was going to pull my hair from my scalp. Now I was standing in front of a calm eyed man, his samurai uniform seemed to stand out more than the others. I was then forced to my knees and my head forced to look up at him. My face is wet from tears. He stared at me for a moment looking me over as if confused, but also bewildered by the sight of me. He then took some type of pouch and poured it over my face. I spluttered at the cool water that soaked into my dress. He ran his hand over my face, not hard, but with enough pressure as if trying to wipe something off me.

He looked at his gloved hand and then at me.

“You are…African.” he said in such a thick surprised accent, that I almost didn’t catch it. He spoke English. I just stared at him, and he just looked at me again. He shouted something at the man who held me, and now I was being forced up and away. What would they do to me? I turned and looked at Nathan to see two men were lifting him up and tying his hands. What would they do to him? I felt my wrists being placed together in front of me and I was being led to a black horse. More words were shouted at me, and I took the hint to get on its back. I kept my eyes on Nathan as he was very far from me. I sniffled and attempted to wipe my face, as I assumed we would be separated through this journey.

My horse did not move, and so I took the time to look at the battle field before me. There were bodies everywhere, and only one dead samurai, the samurai in red.

I noticed the samurai who spoke to me before standing in front of General Hasegawa who was on his knees with a sword in his hands. I had never spoken to him, but I had seen him before many times. The blade was pressed to his abdomen, and my eyes were fixated on the scene. The samurai raised his sword and seemed to be waiting. In seconds, the general thrust the blade into his own stomach and the samurai let out a powerful yell as his blade swiped across the general’s head and I yelped as I watched the elderly man’s head roll on the ground.

I have seen death among my people, so my stomach did not churn like it normally would, and I did not vomit. But seeing death in another country, would haunt me for quite the rest of my life.

Finally all the samurai were all together and the horses were moving. It was over. I could see Nathan in the middle of this long line, and I wondered if he was okay. He had bought me for his wife Sarah, and I was afraid of the horror this family would put me through, but if anything they were very kind to me. They did not hurt me even though they had the right to. Sarah taught me to read and write, and Nathan was supportive of her decision to teach me. This is why I cared for him.

I heard birds chirping all around me as well as our captives talking amongst each other. The forest is now awake. I looked up at the sky seeing nothing but clouds and the faces of the dead.

I then noticed something tugging on the hem of my dress and I looked down to see one of the samurai observing my dress. In reaction, I gasped and leaned back from his hold. Like that had any effect on this man. He held the dress up a little as if attempting to look under it, and I moved my feet a bit in duress.

“Don’t touch me!” I said with fear in my tone.

“Grace?” Nathan’s voice snaps my mind from any fear, and I looked up at him. He was hunched over a horse, and I leaned forward.

“I’m here.” I replied. Another Samurai shouted at me, and I remained quiet. Nathan looked at me with weak and tired eyes, and I gave a look of hope. I do not know how long we traveled in this never-ending forest. But I was hungry and tired. Another samurai, came up to the horse I was riding, and pulled me faster across the line. I was nervous now, as I knew something was going to be done to me. I passed Nathan and was at the head of the line. Now I was riding right beside the calm samurai as I call him. He was looking straight ahead and seemed to be enjoying the silent ride. Finally, his lips parted to speak.

“My name is Katsumoto. What is your name?” he asked, and I was still in aw for the fact he could speak good English. So this was the leader of the rebellion. I was staring at his peaceful features, until his eyes fell on me, and I jumped a bit forgetting that he had spoken to me.

“Grace.” I replied softly, and he blinked rapidly.

“Grace.” he said suddenly bowing his head at me. “I have never met an African before in my life. It is an honor to meet you.” I stared at him for a long moment wondering what I should say next. He sounded sincere in his words.

“Are you going to kill us?” I asked causing a samurai who was riding beside him to snort and laugh. Katsumoto gave a polite smile.

“No. I have other plans. You will be perfectly safe at my son’s village. My best warrior, Ujio will take care of you.” he informed motioning his head at a rough faced samurai behind him. His hair was perfectly combed back and flowing. I had never seen such a mane on a man before. He head a mustache and a neat shaven beard. He wore blue and grey armor with a yellow ring on the front, and he looked at me firmly and coldly, and honestly, he scared me. I remember seeing that ring. It belonged on the rider that pushed his horse into Nathan’s knocking him from his own horse. Now I looked back at Katsumoto.

“Your son’s village?” I asked. He nodded.

“In the mountains, yes. The snow is falling and the paths will be closed until the snow melts. You will remain there. You cannot escape.” he said quite calmly, yet there was a hint of command in his tone. I looked back at Nathan to see his weak eyes staring at me. “I hope we can have great conversations, you and I. I am most curious of you.”

I turned my head back around at his words and wondered what he meant by that. Soon we were riding into the mountains, and my eyes were moving everywhere they could. I have never really been in the mountains before. It was so nice and peaceful. Nathan and I kept our eyes on each other making sure neither were hurt by our captors, but Katsumoto seemed to keep his word. No one hurt us. When we stopped to rest the horses and eat, I was forced to sit down against a large rock, and I continued to look around for Nathan to see him also placed roughly against a tree. I needed to check his wounds.

That same warrior, Ujio, approached me and I looked up at him leaning into the rock. From where I sat, he looked to be a giant. He tossed a bowl down to my feet and inside looked to be rice and some vegetables maybe. I looked up at him and he just looked down at me with the same indifferent look as the late Zebulon. He turned and left me. I ate in silence, noticing the food tasted like nothing. I noticed more of the samurai began to point and stare and touch their own faces.

I guess I was the first African they have ever seen. Would that play in my favor with these savage killers? After an hour we continued to move through the mountains. I was hurting my neck looking back at Nathan who seemed to be in a weakened trance.

Finally, we arrived at what looked like a village. My eyes went everywhere in curiosity, having never seen such fields. There were even mountains in the back. Katsumoto noticed this and watched me for a moment.

Nathan and I were taken from our horses. He was forced to the ground, and I was forced to stand. My hands were still bound, and I just stared at the samurai who surrounded us.

Katsumoto got off his horse and walked over to Nathan. Another younger man stood beside Katsumoto. He had an outfit of yellow hues with arrows on his back. Like all the samurai, he had long hair and fierce eyes.

“What is your name?” he asked Nathan who said nothing but stared at him with contempt. Ujio shouted something angrily and walked over to Nathan with his sword out. I thought he was going to kill him, but instead he let his blade fall calmly on Nathan’s neck. But my master was not afraid of death.

He had looked it in the eye too much. I remember holding him while he yelled and screamed at the pain he was in from killing all the Indians. He didn’t care about his life anymore. Katsumoto said something in his mother tongue, before telling Nathan what he told me. We would remain in his son’s village until the snow melts. He then began to walk away and the same man in yellow nodded.

“Jolly good.” he said before turning as well. Nathan was lifted off his feet and I was being pushed forward as we were led past some long wooden gates. I had seen them in books Nathan gave me when teaching me to read. It was like a doorway into another world for me. The rough samurai, Ujio came up to me, and grabbed the ropes that held my wrists together and he led me from the rest of the group. Fear overcame me, and I wondered what was to become of me in this samurai’s capture.

[astoldbyaja]

The Pink Blossom- Ch.28 - Final Chapter

We remained in hiding for a week trusting those who took care of us not to alert anyone about remaining samurai. Just because the emperor let us live, did not mean allies of Omura were not still out there trying to kill us. When Nathan could walk, I helped him dress in his uniform and watched the wagon take him into Tokyo. I knew Simon would make sure he was not harmed. As for Ujio, Nobutada and the rest of the samurai, we made our journey back into the mountains. I knew Nathan would return to me. I knew Emperor Meiji would do what was truly right for his people.

It was a slow ride due to everyone’s injuries, but with no one after us, it was a much-needed time for reflection for everyone and praying for those who did not return with us. Ujio and I rode side by side.

He rode tall and proud still, his wound healing as it should. He honestly acted as if he was not slowed down by it. The other cuts and bruises on his flesh would heal and he would be a new man in a matter of months.

Nobutada led his samurai into the mountains. He was now the lord of the village, and I knew soon Ujio would dedicate his life to protect him. The young lord looked back at us and he nodded at me. I merely smiled and bowed my head at him. I looked up at the sky for a moment. It was over, the killing and the bloodshed was over, for now at least…

9 months later

The sun was warm against my skin as I looked up at the sky. Cherry blossoms fell from the trees and were carried away by the wind. Children were playing out in the field, and I smiled as my hands were pressed to my back. The weight of my stomach fighting me some. I could see Higen and Magojiro amongst the group of kids. They saw me and yelled my name as they all ran up to me.

Before they looked at me curiously never before seeing someone like me. But now they cling to me when they are not with their mothers who now trusted me enough to help raise their kids.

I smiled and took their hands laughing as they all tried to tell me about their day at once. Now something catches their attention and they all run off. Higen pauses and looks back at me some with a smile, and I just smiled warmly at him. His little brother comes and takes his hand and runs with him as they wave at me. I wave in response and watch them happily. I rubbed my stomach gently as I did.

To the left side of the field I saw men, both old and young, training with wooden swords while men on the right side of the field were shooting arrows into straw targets.

“What are you doing on your feet!” I hear my loving husband’s voice boom, and I turn to see Ujio approaching looking at me with mild scolding eyes as he had a bucket of water in his hands. He was in his usual black robes, his hair in its top knot. “Taka says you need to be resting! My son will be here any day now and I will not have you falling or injuring yourself!”

Already he was taking my hand and gently guiding me back into the village. I gently laughed letting him guide me.

“You mean our daughter will be here soon!” I replied having changed my mind about the sex of our baby. He snorted some.

“You are carrying low you will be having my son and you said it yourself your family has boys first before a girl!” he argued. I smirked.

“And when we look between the legs and see she doesn’t have a thing like yours you’re going to feel very silly.” I said. He kept his hand in mine as we walked. He just shook his head smiling.

“Boy… girl, I don’t care. They will be ours.” he said with a firm nod looking at me. I waddled slowly and nodded at him in agreement.

“Yes, my husband, they will be.” I replied.

When we returned to the village months ago, we all mourned the loss of Lord Katsumoto and those who had fallen with him. Nobutada became the new lord of the village and together we all bowed in respect to him. And like this life went on. Everyone went on with perfecting the tasks they set out to do.

Taka was very sad for a long time due to losing her brother. But when Nathan and his horse came through the village entrance the village, she was happy again. The village was brought back to life. I remember watching he and Taka embrace lovingly before I took her place and hugged him. He had gotten through to Emperor Meiji. He had held Japan.

Lord Nobutada bowed to his toes and Nathan did the same. Ujio of course just watched with his arms crossed and gave a curt nod of respect to Nathan.

Two months after our return, he and I married and celebrated together. A white kimono was made with pink cherry blossoms sewn into it. Taka argued with the other women who were trying to get me ready. My hair would not do what they wanted and they did not know how to prepare it, so Taka told them to get out and took over. She braided my hair down my back and rolled it up in a nice bun putting some long pins in it. Ujio was in a black and white kimono. I had never seen a man look as handsome as he. Nathan was behind him as Taka was behind me as Lord Nobutada married us. Ujio didn’t smile, but as we stared at each other, I could see the warmth in his face as he stared at me. I could see the warrior in him standing tall.

Wedding gifts were given as well as things needed for the baby which was greatly appreciated. Ujio and Nathan worked together to make a crib and somehow, they still managed to not see eye to eye on it. Taka and I would just stand there shaking our heads as they bickered like children. Nathan would give a heavy sigh and try and explain something to Ujio who just grunted and kept his arms crossed being stubborn, but the job got done.

Later on, that night, there were a few fires made outside as people gathered to eat and drink and talk about the past. I was sitting on the many different blankets in our room humming gently as Ujio lied on my lap. His eyes just stared at my bare stomach as my fingers gently grazed through his long locks. He looked so mesmerized by my stomach. I still was not entirely used to being so big.

“Am I fat?” I asked down to him, and he grinned some giving a mild laugh.

“You are big and beautiful as you carry my child.” he responded pressing his lips to my stomach and gently kissing the spot beside my navel. Good answer. I grinned before feeling the baby move inside me, and a small bump presses out on my stomach where Ujio’s lips were. His eyes widened some.

“He is strong, my son hears my voice. He is happy!” he said with glee as he gently raised his hands to gently caress my stomach. I kept smiling down at him as he gently spoke into my stomach. I would let him believe whatever he wished. He gently whispers a soft prayer into my stomach, and I smiled watching him now. He finally looks up at me and raises himself up finally sitting before me.

“Have you thought of any names?” he asked. I looked up some in thought before shaking my head.

“No. And we will need to think soon, he or she will be here soon. You have any thoughts?” I asked. He looked down at my stomach for a moment before tilting his head some.

“Hiroshi.” he replied. I tilted my head some in thought before looking down at my stomach.

“What do you think, little one? Hiroshi?” I asked, and he smiled and watched me do this. We placed our hands on my stomach to see what we could feel and when the baby kicked my stomach again we both looked up at each other and I nodded. “I think he likes that name… it brings him honor.”

He smiled and leaned into me kissing me passionately in response. I let my hands raise up to caress his face some. We let our lips linger against each other before slowly pulling back.

“I love you.” he says softly against me, and I smiled gently remembering the first time our gazes met, his serious and dangerous eyes meeting my submissive and fearful eyes. His cold gaze met mine, when Katsumoto “introduced” us when Nathan and I were first taken captive. Through time I watched as his rough exterior softened and broke as his eyes looked at me no longer as an enemy, but as a love he could not live without. I sighed with content letting our hands curl together.

“And I love you.” I responded as he nuzzled his forehead into mine. And together we welcomed Hiroshi into the world five days later and with his birth our two completely different worlds would forever be sealed together…

The End

[astoldbyaja]

The Pink Blossom- Ch.14

I don’t remember my hands moving through Ujio’s hair releasing his top knot causing his mane to flow down his body as he pushed deep and rough inside me. His lips trailed over my neck gently, and softly as feelings of pure bliss spread all over my body.

He fit so perfectly inside me, and his hands pawing at my breasts with possession drove me crazy. Our hips moved against one another and with each sharp thrust, I felt a jolt of pleasure build up in my pelvis thrust after thrust after thrust.

I wrapped my arms around his neck holding on to him as he pushed. Our eyes connected finally for a split second, and we couldn’t take our eyes off each other even as we knew our orbs were clouded with lust and pleasure. Slowly, his thrusts began to slow down, and he just stared down at me, his hair falling over his face and down my cheeks and shoulders. I tilted my head some lifting my hand to caress his cheek soothingly.

“What’s wrong?” I asked gently, and he gently leaned his cheek into my touch, and closed his eyes heavily. I could tell he was wanting to say something emotional, but that wasn’t who he was as a person. Yet I could tell for me, he was trying if only a little bit. “Ujio?”

He opened his eyes and looked down at me, and I just stared up at him with hopeful eyes as if telling him that he could talk to me.

“When the snow melts, you, and the soldier, will be set free… I want you to stay here with me.” he said, and I just stared up at him visibly stunned. I didn’t expect this especially from him and not during a moment like this. I never thought he would ask me of such a thing. I didn’t think he would want such a thing. Sure, we enjoyed each other’s bodies and company, but I never thought he would just flat out say it.

“Is- is that even up to me?” I asked, and he looked confused.

“Of course. Have I given you a reason to think you had no freedom here?” he asked slowly sitting up some and raising me so that I was sitting on his lap, his cock moving inside me slowly our bodies gently moving against each other to maintain an ounce of the small, delicious friction. I shivered, shaking my head some.

“Of course not, but Ujio, I do not think your village wants me here.” I responded and he shook his head, eyes showing strength.

“I want you here.” he said, and I looked down at his bare chest, running my fingers over every inch of his smooth skin as I moved lightly against him. My eyes closed, and I just took in his words. We had only known each other a short amount of time, but through this time, we learned about each other. He no longer saw me as just a slave woman as I once saw him as a savage. We were both wrong about the other. And him wanting me to stay, shows that he did not want me just physically.

It seemed fate wanted me here with Ujio. I wanted to be somewhere safe, I wanted a husband and a family. And it seems Ujio wants that for me as well. No mere lover would ever act the way Ujio acted when he saw Nathan and I together. His hurt was genuine and real which showed me, his feelings for me are genuine and real.

I opened my eyes slowly and looked up at him giving a soft nod.

“I want to stay here with you.” I replied, and I watched as a genuine smile spread across his lips. It was interesting to see, but it made me smile more, nonetheless. I leaned forward kissing him lovingly and softly, and he responded almost quickly.

Normal POV

Nathan was close to the village, before suddenly stopping and looking down with sudden realization. He just left his only friend with a hostile samurai who basically wants them dead. Had he lost his mind!

He looked up with a frown before turning around and moving back into the forest. He didn’t care, he had to go and make sure Grace was safe and make sure Ujio didn’t hurt her. Nathan knew he had tested a boundary with him earlier and paid a painful price for it, but he would not let Grace suffer because of him. He was going to go and bring her back.

It didn’t take him long to return, before he heard a familiar cry. He paused in his stride, his eyebrows pushing together in confusion as he heard the familiar moaning and panting. Nathan looked down in thought before slowly moving toward some bushes that lead to the spring.

They hid him enough so he could see through. He knew the familiar sounds but wanted to confirm them himself. He moved some branches from his vision and paused in movement. He couldn’t believe it. He couldn’t stop watching. There she was.

His friend grinding her hips and taking in pleasure from the man who just badly wounded not too ago. He just stared and watched as Grace gasped and moaned as she rode Ujio hard and fast, his hands lifting up to grope her breasts.

Their hair blew gently with the wind, and they didn’t seem bothered by the forest around them. Nathan just watched, his mind trying to tell him that Grace was being attacked, forced onto her hands and knees, and taken from behind by the rough and silent samurai, but he could not lie to himself. She was there willing and Nathan knew she was enjoying herself. He watched the samurai lean his body over hers, grabbing her neck possessively, and her eyes closed in utter pleasure as he kissed and bit and even licked her neck.

They were like wild animals, and Nathan did not know how to handle the sight. Since he bought Grace, he had been the only one to ever touch her in such a sensual way, to make love to her in ways she’d feel safe. In some way, Nathan thought he would be the only one to have her until he left her in the northern states.

Ujio lifted his head up now, his eyes meeting Nathan, and Nathan jerked back a bit not expecting to even be seen.

But Ujio was a trained killer, he had learned such stealth that nothing ever surprised him. He knew Nathan was watching and Ujio wanted him to. His eyes were dominant and hard as they stared up at the American. Ujio wanted him to know that with each thrust, that Grace was his now and forever. Every moan she made, every sound of pleasure that escaped her sweet lips was now because of him. Any good feeling she should be feeling from a lover, a protector, would be because of him.

Ujio’s eyes were also lethal and ready to kill, a clear sign that if Nathan even thought about interfering now or later on down the road, then he would heavily regret it. Nathan had no idea of what to do, but he could tell Ujio was telling him to leave. The samurai knew how to instill fear and power even when having sex, so Nathan looked down closing his eyes some before leaving. Ujio just stared at the spot for a moment before closing his eyes and going back to kiss his new love.

Grace’s POV

Once Ujio and I reached our climax together, we collapsed onto his robes and just lied there panting heavily. I lied my face on his chest and listened to his heartbeat move from fast to steady. It was nice. His hand gently rubbed my back and sides.

“Have you ever been in love?” I asked, and there was a low chuckle.

“I have not… when I took on the role of a samurai and devoted myself to my lord, I did not have time for love or a family. My job is to protect and fight for him.” he said, and I was quiet feeling a bit foolish for asking. “What about you? Did you ever love someone? The American?” he still spoke of Nathan with such hatred. I shook my head.

“No. I was seen as too used I guess. And as for Nathan we were just…” I wasn’t even sure of how to answer. “protecting each other. I have a love for him because he has shown me freedom and respect as a human being when no one else did. I was attached to him.” I now rubbed his chest and looked up at him.

“But now I feel more attached to you.” I replied, and he just looked down at me and nodded.

“He caught us.” he said. Now my chest tightened and my eyebrows pushed together in fear.

“What do you mean?” I asked. He just nodded.

“A few minutes ago, he saw us together.” he said. I looked down, my mind filled with immediate questions, and my first instinct was to get up and go to him and try and explain to him, but I did not move from my resting position. I was too comfortable with Ujio, and I looked up at him, and I could tell he was trying to figure out what I would do. I blinked in mild realization, and I just nodded.

“So, he caught us.” I replied, and I just looked up at him.

“What will you do now?” he asked. I could tell he was wanting to see if I would immediately jump up and go run to Nathan and try to explain to him what happened like my initial thought was. I knew he was not used to such feelings and so, I could tell he was wanting me to do something that would destroy his trust forever so he could go back into his hard shell and never look at me the way he was looking at me now. I shrugged.

“For now… I will enjoy your heartbeat.” I said, and we smiled softly before I rested my head on his chest again. Ujio just stroked my hair in reply, and we enjoyed the rest of the day together.

[astoldbyaja]

The Pink Blossom- Ch.22

After an hour, I was escorted to my horse, and I was helped onto it. Now I just waited and waiting hurt more than anything right now. The anticipation. I heard gunshots, numerous gunshots in the distance. I jumped a bit looking around wondering what had happened. A part of me wanted to ride down there and help anyway I could, but I knew I would just get in the way. I held the reins tight in my hands wondering what was happening, and now at the end of the hill, I saw numerous people running toward us, and I was a bit tense thinking they were soldiers, but instead, I saw Nathan and Katsumoto. Beside them was Ujio and Nobutada, and I smiled wide happy that most of them had returned. They mounted their horses, and together we rode off into the night. War would definitely come.

We did not stop until we neared the mountains, knowing we would not be followed. A fire was made, and everyone was around it. I smiled at Katsumoto and Nobutada as I gave them gentle hugs, that surprised them. For I had never hugged them before.

“I am glad you are both safe.” I replied feeling my body quivering a bit. Katsumoto noticed and smiled back at me.

“And I am glad you are safe.” he said. We all bowed to each other before separating from them so they and Nathan could speak. I had wandered off just a bit from the others so I could be alone. I let my body lean against a tree as I began to remember what happened back at the inn. I closed my eyes and looked down covering my mouth with my hand feeling as if I would just become undone. But I managed to hold it in and inhale some. Ever since I was with Nathan, no one ever bothered me. They could never get close enough. And back there I felt as if I was just as weak as I was back on the plantation. And then it took just one attack to bring the memories back inside me.

And then I think of Ujio’s strength and bravery. It is so easy for him to kill. His way of life seems much more complicated than mine. Maybe I should have taken the emperor’s offer and lived in his palace. If Nathan had just left me here, I would be safe with him… until his life ends, and I’d be in a horrible position again. I scoffed at the thought. I didn’t want to be anywhere Ujio wasn’t.

“Grasuh.” I hear him call, and I noticed I had actually began to walk off in thought. I stopped and turned to Ujio to see him moving over to me and he took my and softly. “You shouldn’t be walking off on your own.” He was right. I was so out of it.

“I’m sorry. Tonight, has just been so hectic.” I replied as he pulled me closer to him.

“Everything will be alright.” he replied, and I shook my head some.

“Will it?” I asked. “There will surely be a battle… and you’re going to go off into it and- and I don’t know if you’re even going to come back.” I replied feeling my eyes water, and he shook his head now shushing me gently.

“You cannot think of that. You must be strong. No matter what happens, if I die, it would be a good death knowing that you are safe.” he said. I just stared up at him for a moment looking away some.

“It’s so easy for you, to just accept that death is the outcome.” I replied.

“Just because I accept that death is an outcome, does not mean it is easy. Ever since you came into my life, I fear that every battle I am in will be the last, because I have someone even more important than my lord to protect. I feel that death means failure to you.” he explained, and I looked back up at him not expecting his answer. I sighed softly and just let my fingers move across his chest softly.

“Maybe we should not think about the upcoming battles… maybe we should just think about tonight.” I replied moving my fingers across the buttons of my dress and unbuttoning them slowly. Ujio exhaled softly as my dress began to fall to my feet. In seconds, he kissed me hard, and I wrapped my arms around him and the cut on my bottom lip hurt from earlier, but right now it was a good pain.

Ujio lifted me up off the ground, so I was out of the dress. He sat me on the side of my dress, his tongue already moving into mouth combining with mine. He moved to remove his blue robes, and I let my hand comb through his hair slowly releasing his top knot. His hair flowed over his bare chest as is clothes slipped down his body. We pulled at the rest of each other’s garments until we were completely naked.

Ujio broke the kiss for a split second and took my hand and began to lead me into the forest. Without question I followed him. I’d follow him anywhere. We didn’t go too far, just far enough to not be heard. There was nothing but grass and field.

Ujio kissed me once more, his growls causing me to gasp in excitement. He moved down to the soft grass first and I followed. I lied atop of his chest and found his lips again. He smiled against my lips curling his fingers into my hand and used his tongue yet again to fight for dominance. I had never expected so much fire to burn inside me and between my legs and so quickly. With his other hand, Ujio moved to the top of my head and gently felt the top of my head. I thought he was petting me at first, until I realized he was slowly removing the pins that kept my hair in place and as it began to fall, I moved back just inches from his face now as now both of us were undone in every way, shape, and form. His hair looked like the mane of a male lion. His lips twitched into a soft snarl as we kissed each other even harder now, his hands gripping my hips and suddenly turning our bodies so that he was on top of me. I felt his hair now falling over me, and oddly enough I couldn’t think of anything else. I wouldn’t.

Ujio stared down at me for a moment and I stared up at him and smiled as he smiled down at me. I let my fingers run through his hair gently.

“Anata wa watashi no monodesu.” I spoke gently never breaking eye contact with him. He gave a low chuckle and leaned down kissing the tip of my nose.

“Ima kara soshite tsugi no jinsei e.” he promised, and I smiled and pulled him into me kissing him passionately. The heat rose within seconds, and I spread my legs for him showing I was already ready for him.

He settled between my legs, and I feel him push into me, my tight walls expanding causing us both to gasp out in total bliss. He wasted no time and began to thrust fast and hard inside me. I moaned out feeling his shaft send tremors of pleasure into my body. My head fell back, and I felt Ujio’s lips trailing down my neck kissing and licking all over the sensitive parts of my flesh. My legs immediately locked up around his hips, his hands finding their way to my breasts, and he pawed at them firmly, but not too aggressively. Our bodies moved together on the grass, and not even the blades cut our bodies as we moved with mild aggression.

Ujio’s hand moved under my leg to pull it closer over his body, and I wrapped my arms around his shoulders. Everything felt so perfect, and I moaned out feeling that certain spot inside me being gently pushed.

Ujio felt it however and pushed harder and faster against that spot. I trembled with pleasure feeling my hands scrape down his back, and I bit his bottom lip in response causing him to growl out lowly. He sat up suddenly and grabbed me lifting me up so now I was sitting atop of his lap and holding onto him for mild leverage. His hands slid down my body and took hold of my hips and he began to slowly move them against his own as he moved his hips upward. I panted softly moving my hips with his eyes, and I feel his tongue lick right up my lips causing me to gasp sharply. My hands ran down his strong chest, moving across every scar he had, and our foreheads pressed together and everything seemed so heightened and so intense. His growls, his grunts, it all fueled me. To think I could make such sounds come from his lips made me go crazy. My eyes closed, my head fell back, and I gripped his shoulders so I could grind my hips harder against his. I let my body fall into deep pleasure, and the look on Ujio’s face told me he enjoyed it too. His face buried itself into my neck, and he bit down on my jugular and I hummed in bliss.

His arms now locked around my back, and he firmly pressed me into his chest and soon it truly felt like we were one. After a few more seconds he lifted me up and lied me on my back once more entering me and thrusting harder and violently. I knew he was close. I was close too. I gripped his arms hard and felt the pleasure hitting the top of that imaginary ceiling in my head. Both of our moans grew higher and weaker as I felt overwhelming pleasure shoot up inside me and in seconds, I feel Ujio release everything inside me. We shiver hard against one another and Ujio holds me close as he slowly rides out the pleasure inside me.

I panted hard and fast feeling my walls pulsing from the pleasure and I look up at him for a moment as he kisses me slowly. We laid together in the grass until we both had the energy to move again. We found our clothes and got dressed and moved back to our people and curled up together by the fire and passed out. We awoke early and continued our journey into the mountains. Once we returned, I was embraced by the children once again and even their mothers came to welcome me and the other samurai back. But I knew this happy reunion could not last forever. Nathan walked up beside me, and I looked at him.

“We must prepare.” he said, and I turned to him and looked him over.

“You are going to fight.” I concluded and he nodded slowly.

“And this time, you cannot follow me.” he said, and I winced at his words for they hurt a lot. There was never a place I couldn’t go with Nathan, but I guess this time our journey together was over. I nodded slowly in understanding.

“Then you had better come back.” I replied gently, and he nodded giving a soft smile.

“When have I not?” he asked humorously. I tried to laugh, but it was a weak one at that. We knew how serious this was, and I knew this could be the end of our journey together.

----

Author's notes

Ima kara soshite tsugi no jinsei e - from now into the next life

[astoldbyaja]

The Pink Blossom- Ch.13

I returned to Taka and told her what was discussed with Katsumoto. I could still see the sadness in her eyes from the loss of her husband.

 I was familiar with housework, but she didn’t tell me to do anything in doors. She showed me what the women did outside. She washed and folded clothes and showed me how they prepared food for the rest of the village.

A lot of the other women seemed to tolerate my presence when with Taka. They would stare at my face or my hair. When I saw Aika, the woman who struck me, I knew she was the reason why a few other women still looked unsure of me.

But I expected as such. I was used to such stares. After I had helped carry some buckets of water and then some robes to Taka’s home, I waited for her to give me something else to do, but instead she shook her head and smiled at the door.

“You have done plenty today. Please enjoy the rest of the day. I will tell my brother of how much you have helped.” she said.

I was now unsure of what to do now. Instead of heading back to Ujio’s lodge, I walked through the village again letting my eyes roam the vast and mysterious forest that surrounded the village.

I had never seen such beauty before if anything forests were used for hiding from those who wished to harm runaway slaves.

I shook my head of the thoughts and decided maybe it was time to take a walk there. I started to walk to the other end of the village and that’s when I noticed Aika, the pig face woman standing with some other girls sneering and clearly looking at me. I frowned thinking I should say something. That’s when I noticed they were holding their noses and wiping their hands in front of their faces.

It didn’t take me no time to know they were saying I smelled. I wanted to say something, but I was not foolish. I looked down at myself and realized I was sweaty and probably did smell. I just glared at them and began to march off toward the springs. As I closed in on it, I removed my kimono, and the rest of my garments, and once I was naked, I got right into the water and just engulfed myself in its heat letting out a bubbly scream as I did so. My hair unraveled in the water, and once I needed to breathe, I rose from the water and gasped, my hair covering my face some. I spit out some of the water that got into my mouth and heard a hard snap. I turned and looked over my shoulders to see Nathan standing there with a soft smile. I tensed and covered myself in shock.

“Nathan!” I said turning from him. He chuckled.

“Since when did you ever get shy when naked in front of me?” he asked now casually removing his kimono? He wasn’t in his uniform, I noticed. I stuttered some now hearing his question.

“Y-you just scared me is all.” I replied watching as he was now removing the rest of his robes. I stuttered to get the words out, but now he was naked in front of me, his scars from war showing. He just smiled handsomely in response.

I was asking myself why I was so nervous as he began to move toward the water. Oh no he was not going to get in! I moved back and just stared at him as he submerged into the water until his lower body was all the way into the water.

“I didn’t mean to.” he said, and now began to move beside me. Now we were just sitting there looking around at the forest around us, and I didn’t like the awkwardness that was surrounding us so slowly I just rested my head on his shoulder a sign nothing had changed between us.

“You were right to suggest sending me to one of the northern states.” I replied lightly. He sighed and leaned his head atop of mine.

“You know I don’t want anything to happen to you. This world right now, it’s not safe for those who don’t look like me. We’ve both witnessed that. I wish things were different- better, but we still have a lot of work to do. But at least you can be safe somewhere else, you can have more people to protect you than just me. I want to get you far away from men like fucking Bagley.” he said with disgust at his name. I leaned up to look at him.

“Has he expressed want of me?” I asked. He nodded.

“He’s offered me money for you. I tell him you are free woman, and that who you decide to lie with is up to you, and if anyone tried to force themselves on you, I would castrate them.” he said firmly. I had many emotions on my face as he spoke, then I smiled at his threat and shook my head.

“Oh Nathan.” I said with a gentle laugh. As I looked down at the water, I realized maybe I should tell him about Ujio and I. Although I do not know if Ujio’s claim on me is just sexual or not. I looked up at Nathan facing him now.

“What if I stayed here?” I asked. Nathan looked at me taken aback.

“Stay here?” he asked. I nodded.

“It’s safe in the mountains. There are no other Americans and I think Katsumoto wouldn’t mind me staying here being the only African he has ever met.” I replied. He watched me closely now.

“A certain silent and angry looking samurai wouldn’t be the reason for this would it?” he asked. I gave a gentle frown, immediately waved him off and standing up.

“I am thinking of my safety and future while you’re thinking of physical actions.” I replied. Immediately he took my hand.

“Okay, you’re right I’m sorry. You’re a free woman and whatever you decide, I’ll support.” he said. I found myself smiling, and he pulled me into a tight embrace. I was happy that we were okay now. I wrapped my arms around him holding him to me for a bit.

But a sharp yelling in another language caused us both to jump and turn. Standing a slight distance from the springs was a very angry Ujio. I felt I was seeing the devil in his eyes, and I felt a deep fear over take me, and Nathan stood from the water and faced him keeping my body shielded from Ujio as if not wanting him to see any part of him.

“Hey, haven’t you ever heard of privacy?” he snapped, and Ujio’s hand was on his sword gripping it hard. I gasped at the action. Nathan just stared down at his hand on his weapon. “Are you going to defy your lord’s order and kill us for being naked together?”

Ujio’s eyes darkened at his words, and I saw his chest was swelling up and going down. He then glanced down at me, and it was quick, but I could see the look of betrayal on his face, and it was covered by anger again. He was not actually angry, he was hurt. He thinks Nathan and I were being intimate like I had told him we had been in the past. I placed my hand on Nathan’s shoulder.

“Nathan, you should go.” I warned. Nathan glanced back at me as if I was insane.

“What, not a chance. I’m not leaving you alone with this guy.” he said. I squeezed his shoulder glaring up at him.

“For once Nathan, do what I say and go! He can’t hurt either of us without disobeying his lord. I am sure he wants to make sure we aren’t conspiring to hurt his people or Katsumoto.” I explained.

“Then I can tell him that.” he said with a glare looking at Ujio who’s upper lip was twitching now as if he was doing his best to hold in his anger.

“While naked? He has a sword Nathan.” I said slowly. “Let me talk to him. He will believe me over an American “swine” like you.” Nathan looked at me as if unsure, but from looking in my eyes, he just winced and slowly nodded.

“Go he won’t hurt me.” I assured him, and Nathan just glared at Ujio before stepping out of the springs carefully. Ujio just looked at him over with pure disgust. Nathan gathered his kimono and somehow managed to make it around Ujio without getting cut. I could see in Nathan’s eyes that he didn’t want to leave me at all, but we were both powerless, so he was going to have to let me get us out of trouble this time. Once he was gone, Ujio’s hand shook as he removed his hand from his sword. I saw it shaking even more when Nathan merely passed him. His eyes finally looked at me, the anger growing.

“You dishonor me.” he spat. My eyes widened at his words, and he shook his head as I stepped out of the water and got dressed. “I should have known you would use trickery to try to make me drop my defenses so you and your dog could trade information!” I shook my head at his words. We both knew that wasn't true!

He angrily moved closer to me spitting something in his language until he was right in front of the springs.

“Ujio it’s not-”

“I should have known you were just a dog acting upon command of that swine!” he said viciously, and now my breath got caught in my lungs from his insult, and I couldn’t stop my hand from smacking him dead in the face. He didn’t flinch like I thought, but he was genuinely stunned.

“How dare you! I was going to tell him about us you idiot- baka!” I yelled hitting him against his chest lightly with both my fists, which didn’t move him. Now he came up and caught my hands holding them out. “I had no ill intentions with you, and I was not going to lay with him!”

“Why should I believe you! Why should I EVER believe anything you say!” he shouted. And even though, I was sure he wasn’t use to ever expressing such emotion, I could hear in his voice, that he was in pain. He was very hurt at the assumption that, Nathan and I were going to just sleep together. I shook my head quickly.

“Because I planned to make the man who only ever cared for me hate me for lying with you just so he knew that I had lain with someone he saw as an enemy.” I said my eyes watering and my tone cracked. He continued to hold my wrists firmly, but not enough to hurt me even though he was angry. He was still being considerate of me. He was now staring all over my face, trying to read my eyes. He wanted to believe I was lying, but I could tell his angry mask was breaking.

Out of the corner of my eyes, I could see his hand coming up, and I just closed my eyes feeling tears stream down my face. I don’t know what I was expecting, maybe for him to hit me like I have been hit before in the past. But the pain didn’t happen. I just felt his fingers lightly wiping the tears away, and I couldn’t look at him. His fingers lightly gripped my cheek and moved my face back to him. I could see the vulnerability in his eyes now.

“I’m sorry.” he said leaning into me, and I was still hesitant until he slowly pecked my lips.

“I’m sorry, I said such things. I just saw you with him and remembered that he has taken you, and I only saw hatred and anger and fear that you never truly wanted me.” he said sternly, although I could tell he was trying to be gentle. I could see he was feeling embarrassed by admitting this and he looked away.

He was really good at being angry. I raised my hands to gently take his now, and he looked at me with uncertainty.

“Ujio… I do not desire the American in the way… I desire you.” I said honestly, moving to kiss his fingers. He winced and shook his head moving to take my hands in his.

“And I desire no one in the way I desire you. I will never question your feelings for me again.” he said. I smiled warmly up at him.

“Good. What are you even doing out here?” I asked. Ujio gave a gentle scowl of embarrassment.

“I had seen you coming out here and then the American followed… I thought-”

“We were conspiring.” I concluded reminding him of his accusations. He nodded.

“I feel great shame for this. Gomen'nasai.” he said. I smiled and just leaned forward kissing him and pulling him into me. He responded by wrapping his arms around me and embracing me hard.

“I know how you can make it up to me.” I said against his lips as I began to move my hand beneath his own robes and gently palmed at his groin. I could feel him come to life at my touch, but he stopped me looking almost shy.

“Here in the forest?” he asked unsure. I looked up at him.

“Are you afraid?” I teased, and now he looked at me, almost excited about being challenged. He grunted and began to remove his robes himself sprawling them out onto the ground before picking me up and spinning me down on top of them, his lips capturing mine with such dominance. He lied atop of me and bit my bottom lip already causing a moan to escape me.

“I am never afraid as long as you are with me.” he said. I smiled warmly at his words, and I nodded raising my hand to caress his cheek.

“And I feel safe when I am with you.” I replied. Finally, a warm smile spread across his cheek before he leaned down to kiss me, only this time it was filled with passion and need.