Nodding, Akio was happy to hear a noise at the end of the room. One of the servants was letting them know that the banquet hall was ready. They followed the servants down more hallways and into a large space. Kiso and Akio were seated next to Kuninaka at the head table. The scribe had appeared and was busy creating a document that would bestow the title of shogun on Akio once the emperor approved. As the document was finished and both men signed their names, a large commotion erupted from the hallway.
“Ah,” Kuninaka said with a frown, “the daughters arrive.”
A set of double doors opened wide and a stream of girls began to flow in. Each took a seat at the other table, all eyes on Akio. Some of the girls were much older than he was, easily in their mid-twenties; others were young, some as young as ten. He looked over all of them as they came into the room. All were pretty, some were beautiful. But not one of them caught his eye
Until she arrived.
One of the last daughters to enter the room, her beauty was beyond anything Akio had ever seen. She smiled sweetly at him and then immediately looked down, as if too shy to keep his gaze. Sitting down at the far end of the table, he had a hard time watching her through all of the other girls. But before he could do anything about it, Kuninaka began the parade of girls in front of him. One by one the girls stood up, came to the table in front of Akio, bowed and introduced themselves. It was obvious that the older ones were desperate for a marriage proposal, especially to someone who would keep them in a high position that they were used to.
He smiled and said hello to each one as they approached, but he was only interested in one of them. When it finally came time for her to step up, it seemed as if the moment of anticipation was going to last forever. Finally, he learned her name: Sakurai Seki.
Seki was eighteen, a year older than he was, but he didn't care. He was immediately taken with her, and everyone around them knew it. She blushed as she introduced herself and bowed to him. Kiso elbowed him under the table as Seki moved away and he continued to watch her, not even bothering to hide it from the next approaching girl. He regained his composure and finished being introduced to the remaining girls and then somehow managed to eat his dinner.
Later that evening, there was a knock at the door to his room. Chikakane was waiting for him when he opened. “So, have you decided who you would like to speak with tomorrow?” he inquired.
Akio blushed and Chikakane smiled. “I'll take that as a yes,” Chikakane said. “So, which ones?”
“Just one,” Akio said. “Seki.”
Chikakane was a bit surprised. “Just one? You don't want to speak to a few of them first? You know, appear that you are truly trying to determine the best one for the position?”
Akio's face wrinkled in anger. “Listen,” he told the other man, “I'm already being forced to marry a woman back home who I hate. I refuse to do that again just for appearances. If I am to marry another, I want it to be on my own terms. I will meet with Seki. If, for some reason, that does not work out, I will meet with others.”
“As you wish. I shall deliver the message now and have Seki meet you within the hour in the north gardens.” Chikakane nodded and bowed, then turned and headed back up the hallway.
As he closed the door, Akio was brimming with excitement. He could not wait to be alone with Seki and to speak with her. He had instantly felt a connection with her when he saw her, and that only was cemented when she stood before him at the table. He brushed off his dress clothes. Then, he straightened his hair and his sword. Heading out of his room, he was quickly escorted by Kiso and a couple of the shogun's guards who showed them where the north gardens were. Akio found a bench and sat down, Kiso beside him.
“Are you sure you want to get another wife?” Kiso asked with a laugh. “You don't even have one yet and you're already miserable about it.”
He laughed. “Well, this time, at least I get to choose.”
Kiso was quiet. “Two wives already. Wow. I'm glad I didn't...” She stopped mid-thought. He knew what she was going to say and he was glad that she didn't finish. It still hurt him just the same.
“Yeah,” he said. “Me too.” She moved uncomfortably next to him.
Before the mood could go further south, a noise caught his attention. Seki and two hand maidens were approaching where he sat. He quickly stood and greeted her, then he shooed away the maidens and Kiso. Kiso's eyes were full of hurt, but Akio could concentrate on nothing but Seki.
Up close, like this, Akio was so taken with her splendor that it was hard for him to even speak. Seki blushed and sat down on the bench.
“I am happy you asked for me,” she said in a melodic voice.
“I could only see your face in the entire room,” he admitted to her as he sat next to her. “I'm not sure what it is, but I feel a connection with you, a spark. I hope that you feel the same way.”
She smiled a huge, brilliant smile. “I do,” she said and took his hand. “There is something about you, something that I can't put my finger on...” She paused. “Oh, you'll think I'm stupid.” She turned her face slightly away from his at the idea that was spinning in her head.
“I'll never think you're stupid,” he assured her. “Tell me.”
“I feel as if we are meant for each other.”
His heart swelled like no other time in his life. She looked up into his eyes and it was as if the world stood still for them both. Everything was perfect. He couldn't ask for a better moment. Even though they had only spoken a few words to each other, he couldn't help himself. He leaned forward and lightly kissed her on the lips. She closed her eyes. And as their lips parted, he knew, deep inside, that she was the one. She would be the love of his life, the one that he would love above all others.
“Marry me, Seki,” he whispered.
“Yes,” she replied, throwing her arms around his neck and kissing his cheeks. “Yes, I will.”
Several feet away, Kiso stood watch. Her back to the couple, she still overheard everything going on behind her. Tears flowed freely down her face.
***
The following morning, the shogun made the announcement to the entire city that his daughter, Seki, would marry Akio the next day. A massive wedding was set up immediately. It was also announced that as soon as they were wed, Akio would be recommended as shogun to the emperor. This brought a collective gasp from the crowd, followed by some angry yells from some of the men. However, a few harsh words from the shogun calmed them down and threatened them into compliance.
Akio was nervous. He had been ruling his own lands, sure, but he had always lived there, everyone knew him. He'd been trained for that. He'd never been trained to be shogun. After the announcement, he and Kuninaka sat quietly on the balcony, watching the preparations take place below them. He voiced his concern to the elder man.
“What if I'm not ready to be shogun?” Akio asked. “What will happen?”
The older man laughed lightly. “You are ready, Akio. I am not crazy. I did not choose you just out of thin air.” He waved his hand out over the view around them. “Do you see everything out there, Akio?” The young man nodded. “All of that, everything you see, and beyond, will be under your rule. Under your protection. You must find a balance between ruling and life that will allow you to be happy. That is the key. Allow your daimyos to rule their own areas as they see fit – unless they are bad rulers. And you will know who is bad and who is good. Just follow your heart and your gut in such matters.” A coughing fit stopped his words of wisdom for a moment. Akio asked if he was all right and if there was anything he could do. The older man shooed away his questions and told him he was fine.
“Tomorrow, you marry my daughter,” the older man continued. “However, I know that you are headed to find the men who killed your father.” He paused and turned to face Akio. “Seki shall stay here until you return.”
“I would not assume that she would come on this journey,” Akio said.
“Good. I
never want my daughter placed in danger of any sort. Do you understand that?” he said, and Akio agreed. “I also have a question for you before tomorrow. Do you plan to stay in your city or do you plan to move here, to live in this compound?”
“I... I am not sure,” he answered honestly. “I have not given it thought yet, as this is all happening rather quickly.”
“That is understandable.” He once again looked out over the city around them. “I would request that you come here, to my compound, to rule. There are reasons for this, Akio, as I mentioned earlier. This city is better fortified and better fit for an army – which you will need. It is also where the shogun have always ruled from. There is a rich history here. The people who live here are accustomed to living under the shogun and not a daimyo. I would request that you rule from here for your own protection and the state of mind of the people.”
Akio nodded. “I understand,” he said. “Then, what do I do with my family's lands? I have no heir to take them over yet.”
“You can do with them what you like,” Kuninaka said. “You may keep them under your rule or you may appoint another to rule for you there. You may appoint a temporary ruler until you have an heir to appoint there. It does not matter when you are shogun. You are the ruler, your word is law.”
The full weight of everything finally set into Akio's mind. “I need to send word home to my mother about this.”
“I assumed so.” Kuninaka motioned to one of the servants and had them bring in a scribe to take a letter. Akio quickly summed up what was happening and that he was to be married and be recommended as shogun tomorrow. He asked for his mother to continue with the wedding plans with Arima Saru as intended, but to delay them slightly. He also made sure to mention that he understood her family would not be happy about this but left that statement a bit open ended. Once the letter was penned and the ink was dry, a rider was dispatched to his home to deliver it. He wondered what his mother would say and how she would react to the news.
After the scribe had left, Kuninaka stood up slowly. “I shall now retire to my quarters,” he said, stretching. “It is tough getting this old.” He had a bitter smile. “Tomorrow, son, you shall become so much more than you already are.” He patted Akio on the shoulder and headed inside, leaving Akio alone on the porch, watching the workers below and musing about that last sentence.
***
Fate and Karma had been gone for two days and Ratnakar was starting to get worried. All Furi would tell him was that they were searching for a better location, but she would not say for what. As mad as he got about this secrecy, Furi was able to make him forget all about it. They had made love several times since that first time, and each time was more powerful than the last. Ratnakar was worried he was falling for her.
A commotion at the front of the property drew a knock on his door. Kujo entered and told Ratnakar that he was needed at the front immediately. Ratnakar grabbed his sword and followed Kujo through the house and out into the front yard toward the small gate. At the gate stood Atagi and a few of his men, demanding to be let onto the property. The guards at the gate were standing firm.
Ratnakar approached and Atagi was surprised. “I had heard that it was you leading this band of rag tag misfits,” Atagi said, “but I didn't believe it until now.” He tried to look past Ratnakar into the property. “I have heard rumors she is here. I wish to see her. Now.”
“I have no idea who you are speaking about,” Ratnakar said.
“Of course you do, boy,” Atagi said, emphasis on the 'boy', which caused the men with him to laugh. “Now, if you will not let us in nicely, we will force our way inside, and then this can be one of my many homes.”
Ratnakar went red with rage. “Come on then,” he told the man, adopting a defensive stance as he pulled out his sword.
Atagi grinned, along with the men around him. And all of a sudden, they charged the guards at the gates, who calculatedly swung the gates open so that the intruders ended up stumbling inside slightly instead of crashing into the gates as expected. Within seconds, the guards and those with Ratnakar were upon their adversaries, swords meeting in a fury of sound. One of the guards was locked in serious combat with a much larger man. It only took a few seconds of fighting before Ratnakar looked up and saw his friend losing his battle. The larger man charged at him, knocking him to the ground. Before the young man could get up, the other drove his sword deep into his gut, twisting the sword as it bit into the dirt below. There was nothing anyone could do as the young man bled to death right there in the dusty shadow of the gates.
Atagi sidestepped another guard and came for Ratnakar, as another of his accomplices took up the fight behind him. But the 'boy' was faster than Atagi remembered. Much faster. Ratnakar felt something slip deep inside his mind; he felt the overwhelming presence of Tux'els, and centuries of battle training came awake. He quickly sidestepped and ducked as Atagi drove toward him, sword in front. Then, he bashed Atagi on the back of the knees, causing Atagi to go stumbling away toward a face full of dirt. At that moment, inside Ratnakar’s head, Tux'els took over.
Ratnakar looked back, over his shoulder, as his direct opponent got to his feet, coughing and sputtering. As Atagi turned around, Ratnakar could read the anger on his face like a twisted mask. Atagi pulled his sword at the ready and made his move toward Ratnakar. Ratnakar spun on his heels, half standing, and caught the larger man square in the gut with a well-placed kick. Atagi doubled over, coughing while trying to regain his breath.
“Oh, it's like that, is it?” Atagi laughed through the pain. “I see someone has been training you.” He shook his head, an amused smile coming over his face. “Furi, I assume?”
Ratnakar didn't respond. Instead, he took up a different defensive position as he faced Atagi. The older man looked him up and down for a moment. Then Ratnakar noticed his eyes slightly shift to his left, and he instinctively knew there was someone coming up behind him.
He ducked and rotated to the right, out of the way of the attacker. As he did so, he saw another one of his guards lying dead behind him on the ground. Saddened and pissed off now, Ratnakar made one swift move that pulled his body around behind the other man. He drove the dark dragon deep through the man from the back, the tip of the blade peeking out through the man's bellybutton and clothing, as deep red blood spread all over. Ratnakar allowed the anger to take over and he twisted the blade as it still lay inside the other man's bowels.
The intruder let out a screech, and Ratnakar felt himself speaking words he wasn't familiar with. As he did so, he felt the man's life force drain out and be pulled into the sword. Tux'els surged inside his mind with even more power. He looked up into the eyes of a surprised Atagi.
Atagi's head lifted as he reconsidered the young man in front of him. Obviously, he had both underestimated Ratnakar’s skills and overestimated not bringing more people with him. He raised an eyebrow as Ratnakar stood in front of him, sword at the ready, looking every bit the seasoned fighter. “Boy,” he said, “I simply want to see her.”
Ratnakar shook his head. “No.”
“Seriously? You want more to die over this?” He lowered his voice. “You want to die over this?”
A wickedly insane smile crept over the young man's face, causing a serious icy chill to spread up Atagi's spine. Ratnakar did not say another word; he simply stood there, daring him to move.
Three, two, one… Bursting with all the power he could summon, Atagi lunged toward Ratnakar. But once again, Ratnakar was too fast for him as he stepped to the side and struck Atagi in the kidney with the base of his sword. Atagi grunted in pain and clutched his side, but he couldn’t stop just now. Gritting his teeth, Atagi came at the boy again, with a downward diagonal stroke this time around. He still didn't as much as graze Ratnakar. Instead, once again, Atagi was stunned to see the boy evade his attack and smack him on the back of the skull with the flat part of his sword – as if he were toying with him.
This enraged
Atagi beyond belief and he paused to consider the best way to deal with this little devil. Ratnakar stood facing him, a slightly amused smile on his face. But before Atagi could decide on his next attack, Ratnakar rushed in with a move of his own, catching him off guard. He leaped toward Atagi so fast that the other man had no time to react. Ratnakar drove the butt of the fire soul into his adversary's throat, and Atagi dropped to his knees, sputtering for breath. Then, Ratnakar was behind him, delivering a solid kick to Atagi's lower back, sending him face first into the dirt once more.
Atagi knew that if he didn't get up, this kid would be the end of him. He rolled quickly to his back and reached for his sword.
But it was no longer at his side. Ratnakar had kicked it away, out of his reach. As he looked up, Ratnakar moved over him, both hands on his dark sword, the tip poised at Atagi's neck.
“What will it be?” Ratnakar asked. “Do you want to die here like a dog?”
Atagi gave the order for his men to stop fighting. They dropped their weapons and looked uneasy as the remaining guards took up positions around them, disarming them immediately. Other men came from the side and front of the house after hearing the commotion and took up defensive positions around the group of attackers.
“I came to you – repeatedly – for your training,” Ratnakar said to Atagi, showing his teeth as he spat the words. “Each time, you refused me. You belittled me. You laughed at me. Never once did you really consider my request.” He paced the ground in small steps, never giving up his advantage point as he spoke to the man lying in the dirt in front of him. The fury in Atagi's eyes was enough to burn straight through steel.
“I... I didn't think you would be anything more than a street rat,” Atagi said back to him, showing his defiance.
Samurai 2.0 - Destiny: A Harem Fantasy Adventure Page 13