Naru held her close and cleared his throat. Loud and steady he addressed the crowd. Many of them gasped seeing him alive and well. “The Lord used the shadow fan of Yoshino to destroy the enemy, knowing it could take his life. He cared only of his family and the villagers he so loved. He is a hero, and will be celebrated as such.” Aya’s face turned up and some of the pain melted away. Her relief was the only reason behind his exaggerated words. “Your father was an honorable man.”
She swallowed, shaking her head. “He killed the invaders, but you are the one who brought us back.”
Naru wiped a tear from her emotional face. She didn’t need to know he was the one who caused everyone so much pain. “His actions were in ignorance. He didn’t have the training and understanding I do. He wanted to save you. He tried to save you. Let’s leave your mother and sister to believe the good deeds were all him. And you, too.”
EPILOGUE
Naru peppered his new wife’s neck and shoulder with kisses before slipping out of bed to the cool night air. He leanqed against a supporting beam and slid to sit on the polished, wooden walkway. The moon shone full in the distance, basking Yoshino’s shrine in its glow. He sipped on some water as he enjoyed the view.
He hadn’t seen Yoshino all day, but he knew she was close by. “Thanks for the butterflies at our wedding today,” he said to the shrine.
“It was as I agreed.”
Naru jumped, and pulled his barely-on kimono tighter. “Yoshino, what are you doing here?”
She sat next to him, dangling her feet off the side. “I had some questions for you, like why you let everyone believe that silly Lord was their savior? He only caused pain.” Her chin raised to the night sky. “If you had used the fan as I had specified then no one would have suffered.” She shot an annoyed look at him. “Where is the balance in that?”
Naru leaned back with a little smile to gaze at his wife. “That’s why. The balance goes to her. The honor of what they believe her father did lessens her grief. And so she is able to sleep at night.”
Yoshino huffed. “You are the one who should be praised. The only credit given to him should be that of an impatient fool.”
Naru smiled. “He loved his family. Love turns us all into fools.” He drank in his wife’s sleeping form, ready to crawl back into bed with her.
“Naru?” Yoshino grew quiet.
“Hmm?” Naru couldn’t believe the blush that lit up Yoshino’s fair cheeks.
“Was I a fool in your visions of the future?”
He pressed his lips together to keep from laughing. What brought this on? “Why do you worry about things that will never come true? You very clearly stated that you are not foolish enough to fall for a human.”
Yoshino sat very still, only her eyes moved to regard him. Then, she focused back on the scenery. “I thought the same thing, so I went to the Mushi Gardens. After spending time with Mushi like Tomo I was able to evoke a vision.”
Naru’s brows went up. “You went that far?”
Yoshino paid him no heed. “I’ve never been in love.”
After a time of loaded silence Naru figured he’d better press before she disappeared. “And did you see the future?”
She nodded. “The future has many outcomes. Many paths. I just wanted to see how many led to the future you saw.”
Naru forced himself straight-faced, though he was rolling in laughter on the inside. “And?”
“And most of them met with him.” Yoshino’s blush deepened. “His name is Kai.”
Naru finally let his smile show. “You found out more than I did. I just got scenes.” He struggled not to remember the details of the lovers…
“No, I didn’t. I only saw his face and a name.” She finally turned to look at Naru fully. “But you obviously saw much more. With your constant contact to Tomo, I would expect those visions would have been rather clear.”
Naru gulped.
“So. Was I a fool?” Yoshino’s brows dropped low.
How am I supposed to explain that when you’re in love, you don’t care if you act like a fool? He decided to come at the situation a different way. “I never saw you acting like a fool. I only saw a woman and a man with such adoration for each other that even I was jealous.” His voice dropped. “You would be willing to give your life for him.”
After staring at him long and hard, she let a peal of laughter out. Naru shook his head in amusement at her sudden outburst.
She wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. “I’m sorry, I just can’t comprehend any of those things.”
“You’re in denial.” Naru was thoroughly enjoying this. “One day you will be my great, great, great, add on several more great’s, granddaughter in law.”
Another round of laughter ensued at this realization. Naru joined her this time. Their bodies shook with mirth over and over until Aya woke.
“Naru?” She rubbed her eyes. “Is Yoshino telling you jokes out there?”
He stood and sighed away the silliness. “No. I was the one making the jokes.” He turned and bowed to his esteemed teacher. “Thank you for everything.”
She nodded back.
As he went back to his wife, Yoshino called out to him. “Make sure you take care of that fan. If my mate is human he will be weak. I want him to have it.”
Naru slid the door closed with a teasing grin. “I already knew that.”
References and Inspiration
I’m highly inspired by Japanese anime and manga. Here are a few of my favorites that I drew from to create the Shadow Fan Series. These creative men and women have my deepest respect.
MushiShi- by Yuki Urushibara. Anime by Funimation and ArtLand.
InuYasha- by Rumiko Takahashi. Anime by Viz media.
Nurarihyon No Mago (Nura: Rise Of The Yokai Clan)- by Hiroshi Shiibashi. Anime by Viz media.
KamiSama Kiss- by Julietta Suzuki. Anime by Funimation and Viz media
Shelley Martin taught kindergarten and ran cattle; once upon a time. She’s now a mother and wife, and loves living in North Idaho. Her imagination has always plagued her, the characters jumping into her head at some random song or thought. She started writing when she was ten, finishing her first short story when she was eleven. The paranormal has always fascinated her, and nothing draws her to the page more than the whisperings of fantastical creatures.
Other Titles by the Author:
WINGLESS
GARGOYLE
SPIRIT TRACKS
Coming Soon:
The second installment of the Shadow Fan Series:
KEEPER OF THE SHRINE
Visit the author at:
ShelleyMartinFiction.com
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Shadow Fan (The Shadow Fan Series #1) Page 5