"My lady," she said, leaning in to whisper closer to Imari's cheek, "would you indulge me? If it's all right with you, I'd like to look at the carts down that way." She gestured around the next bend, to a side street slightly less crowded than the main thoroughfare.
A wrinkle of confusion marred the middle of Imari's brow, but she nodded. "Of course, what were you hoping to find?"
Kaede didn't answer. Instead, she turned the corner, pausing and waiting. As she both expected and feared, the hooded man followed, ducking down the side street behind them. The new direction sent more sunlight spilling onto his face, and he came into clearer focus. Hayate. He's found me. A cold shiver of fear shot down Kaede's spine, but she placed herself between Imari and Hayate, hand hovering near her katana.
"Homura-dono, we need to return to the castle at once," she said in a low murmur. "What's the fastest way to get there?"
Imari frowned with concern. "I suppose we could go down to the end of this street and turn left to head back the way we came, but why? What's going on?"
"I promise I'll explain later," Kaede said. Hayate took a step toward her, and he reached for the grip of his sword as well. "Please, trust me. We need to go."
Imari started off down the street at a quick pace, and Kaede followed behind, only glancing back long enough to make sure Hayate wasn't in pursuit. Thankfully, her cousin didn't appear to be following them. The next time she looked over her shoulder, Hayate had melted into the crowd, disappearing from sight.
He made no further appearances, but Kaede didn't allow herself to relax until they arrived at the castle, with several guards at their backs. Once they were through the gates, she stole a look at Imari, who wore a decidedly nervous expression. "What happened back there, Kaede? Am I mistaken, or was that man in the hood following us?"
Kaede winced, then nodded. If Hayate has found me here, we need to leave as soon as possible. Assuming Imari still wants me to come with her. "Yes. Is there somewhere we can talk? I owe you an explanation, but I'd prefer to do it in private."
Chapter Eight
IMARI STOOD AWKWARDLY IN the middle of her bedroom, unsure what to do. Her first instinct was to watch Kaede pace the length of the painted wallscreen, but that didn't feel right. Kaede was obviously upset, and being stared at probably wouldn't help. Imari wanted to say something, to offer some kind of comfort, but she wasn't sure it would be welcome. Although Kaede had sworn an oath to her, they were still strangers. She knew almost nothing of Kaede's past, other than the samurai's extreme reluctance to discuss it. Whoever that man was, Kaede is afraid of him. She's moving like a hunted animal.
It was an apt comparison. Kaede's muscles were tense and her movements were short and jerking. At last, she came to a stop, squaring her shoulders and making eye contact. It was an intimate gesture, although not one Imari minded. She held the gaze, waiting patiently until Kaede finally spoke.
"That was my cousin back there. He's the reason I left home. Well, one of the reasons."
The room lapsed into silence until Imari realized Kaede needed a response. "You had some sort of disagreement?"
"If by 'disagreement', you mean 'wants to take me captive and possibly kill me,' then yes, we had a disagreement. But Hayate isn't my biggest problem." Kaede looked away as if in shame, striding over to the window and peering out over the courtyard below. "I was never close to my parents. They weren't cruel, but they never understood me either. Because of that distance, I spent a lot of time with my aunt. She was the mother I wished I'd had."
Kaede turned back, reaching up to touch her left cheek, and Imari's heart clenched. The pain swimming in Kaede's eyes was clearly visible in the late afternoon light; a glaring contrast to the playful, joking expression Imari had taken pleasure in over the past few days. Kaede looked away again, and Imari took a cautious step forward, until they were face to face again beside the window.
"Until she caused that?" Imari gestured at the scar.
"Yes," Kaede whispered. "It's a long story, but I caught her doing something dishonorable. When I realized she had been using me to further her own selfish goals, I ran. She must’ve sent Hayate to come after me. He's her adopted son, and my cousin." Her brows knitted together, and her face darkened. "The two of us were friends before, but now, his loyalties are obviously with her."
Before Imari could think it through, she reached out. She touched Kaede's arm above the elbow, a light stroke of comfort. Kaede took in a soft gasp, but didn't protest the touch or step away. Instead, the worry lines she wore seemed to smooth out.
"Well, I'm not about to let some strange man in a hood snatch you away," Imari said, offering what she hoped was a reassuring smile. "I’ll send some guards to look for him.” At Kaede’s unhappy look, she offered another solution. “Or we can push forward the date of our departure, if you don’t want them involved. If we hurry, we could leave as early as tomorrow afternoon."
"Really? That's it?" Kaede said, with no small amount of surprise. "We're just going to leave early? You aren't going to demand more of an explanation, or scold me for keeping secrets, or free me from my oath?"
Imari shook her head. "Of course not, Iori-san. You aren't required to tell me every single detail of your life, although, I am curious about one thing, if you'll indulge me."
Kaede chewed at her lower lip. "That depends on the question. You can try me, my lady."
"What caused the rift between you and your parents? I don't mean to pry, but my father and I are close. I'm not sure I understand parents who don't love and support their children."
Instead of being offended, Kaede seemed relieved. Her shoulders relaxed and some of the lines in her face smoothed out. Imari wondered if, perhaps, she was more comfortable talking about her parents than her aunt and cousin, and filed the possibility away for later thought.
"The situation is a little awkward, but I guess it's something you should know anyway. And I feel like it's something I can tell you, considering our…earlier discussion." Kaede rubbed the nape of her neck, and Imari thought she caught a hint of a blush on the samurai's cheeks. "You see, I'm not just a lady of a different court. I’m also a lady of autumn.”
Imari’s eyes widened. She hadn't expected such a declaration, and her first instinct was to study Kaede more closely. True, she was tall, with narrow hips and slightly broad shoulders—a lean, wiry body type that, while unusual for a young woman, was quite captivating in its way. But her soft face held no hint of hair, and her kimono clearly concealed curves.
Well, I never would have guessed if she hadn't told me.
When Kaede cleared her throat, Imari stopped staring, realizing her silence could be considered rude. In the end, Kaede’s appearance wasn't hers to judge, however pleasing she found it. If Kaede said she was a woman, it was hardly anyone else’s place to decide whether she looked the part or not.
Kaede coughed awkwardly. "You know what I'm trying to say, right? Summer to winter, yang to yin. . . " Her voice trailed off, and she winced as if waiting for judgment.
“Yes, I understand. I'm sorry for staring, Iori-san,” Imari said, giving a short bow of apology. “I'm as pleased to be in your company as I was before you told me. More so, in fact. I'm glad you trust me.”
To Imari’s relief, Kaede grinned. “It's all right, Homura-dono. I'm used to people looking at me differently once they know. They always start by searching for a man underneath who isn't there, even the ones who mean well.”
A flush of shame scorched over Imari’s cheeks. That had indeed been her first instinct, and she wished she could take it back and try again. “I understand. I have no idea what it must be like to live in your season, but I'm used to stares and the judgment that comes along with them." She held up her left hand, letting the sleeve of her kimono slide down. "This often draws the wrong kind of attention. People see it instead of me."
"It feels good to talk about it. I suppose I prefer that most people can't tell by looking, but sometimes it's nice to be seen for who I re
ally am." Kaede gazed out the window once more, but this time, it didn't seem like she was trying to escape from the conversation. Her posture seemed a lot more relaxed, and she no longer looked like a mouse cowering beneath an owl's shadow. "Not just being a lady of autumn, either. All of it. I can talk to Rin, but it's nice to speak about my family to another human."
"Of course. But why would you being a lady of autumn upset your parents?" Imari asked, surprised by how upset the question made her. Her stomach simmered with anger on Kaede's behalf, particularly since she had never met her parents. "I hardly see how they could be disappointed in you. You're a fine samurai from what I've witnessed, and your connection with Rin is astounding. Surely they realize a daughter could bring their family honor just as well as a son?"
"They were never cruel about it," Kaede said, a little wistfully. "They didn't shout or cast me out, and they only made slight efforts to dissuade me. But they didn't understand, either. When some of the forest spirits softened my body's changes as a favor, my parents grew nervous. Afraid, I suppose, that the change would harm me or I would come to regret it. But my aunt was happy for me. I was a confused child when I went to her, but she taught me how to be a woman. At least, I thought she did."
Another cloud covered Kaede's face, and Imari gave her arm another soft nudge. "Thank you for telling me, Iori-san. The trust you've placed in me is an honor. In fact…” A thoughtful expression crossed Imari’s face, then she nodded to herself. “I would like you to follow me. There is something I’d like to show you."
"The honor is mine, my lady. And please." The sunbeam of Kaede's smile broke through again, making her look much more like her usual self. "I would love it if you used my given name. If you don't think it's too improper."
Imari smiled back, unable to contain her grin. "I don't think it's improper at all, Kaede."
***
"I don't mean to pry," Kaede said as the two of them crossed over the garden bridge, "but I'm curious. Where are we going?"
Imari smiled, surprised Kaede had lasted this long without asking. Although Kaede could be reserved sometimes, Imari sensed in her new friend a strong streak of curiosity—one that mirrored her own.
"A little further," she promised. "We won't need to go far beyond the castle."
She continued, leading Kaede through the garden where they had first performed kata together and toward the far wall. At first glance, it was smooth and unbroken, but Imari knew where to look. She brushed aside some of the decorative hanging vines, revealing a small wooden door with a metal handle.
"It's well-hidden. I didn't notice this the other times we practiced in the gardens," Kaede said in surprise. Still, a worried wrinkle marred her forehead. "It is a weakness, though. Aren't you afraid someone from the city could sneak in? Someone like my cousin?"
Imari shook her head. "This door doesn't lead back into the city. It goes out into the mountains behind Mirai. Here, let me show you." She unbolted the door, letting it swing outward and passing through. Kaede followed close behind—close enough for Imari to feel a warm puff of breath beside her ear. She didn't mind, although she stepped to the side as soon as she could give Kaede a chance to come through after her.
The door led out onto a short, steep path that climbed the foot of the mountain. It was rocky, showing few signs of travel or human disturbance other than the short lantern-capped poles lining its sides, but Imari knew the best places to put her feet. She climbed up the uneven surface, looking back once to make sure Kaede followed. "Come on. It's not far up."
After a few yards, the path turned a corner, disappearing behind a rocky outcropping. Imari stopped once she reached it, waiting for Kaede. Before them was a small shrine, only a few meters high. It stood on four posts, with a steep roof to keep out the rain, and the mountain's stone made the floor. The red torii gate leading through to the entrance cast a midday shadow across the ground, and behind it sat two statues, both in the shape of foxes with their tails curled around their haunches. They were cast in iron, which had grown darker with weather, and each had a red yodarekake tied around their necks.
"This is what I wanted to show you," Imari said. "I had this shrine built a few years ago, and I've taken care of it ever since."
Kaede spent several long moments examining the shrine. A smile crossed her face, and she seemed much more relaxed. "I see why you aren't worried about someone breaking in this way. They'd probably upset the yokai the shrine is for." She looked over at the guardian statues. "You made it for the kitsune, didn’t you? Or are the foxes an artistic choice?"
"Good guess," Imari said. "You do know a lot about spirits. Not that I ever doubted."
Kaede gestured around at the mountain. "This is a good place for foxes. They usually like forests, but a mountain offers plenty of places for them to hide too. But why?"
Instead of answering, Imari led Kaede further into the shrine itself. She paused to dip her hands in the small pool beside the entrance, and then removed her shoes, passing respectfully around the gate instead of through.
The shrine's interior was well tended. Four straw ropes hung with paper streamers stretched in a square around the simple wooden altar, and a few plates with fried tofu wrapped in leaves were placed upon it as an offering. Once Kaede had entered too, Imari spoke in a whisper. "I built this shrine because the fox spirits saved my life. I was checking in on a mining expedition in the mountain. We gather all our own metal for the products we produce. We made sure to get permission from the yokai who lived here before taking anything, and we all got along."
Old pain welled up inside Imari as she explained, and she resisted the temptation to rub the stump of her missing hand with her good one. "I'd been near the entrance to the tunnels many times before to see how the miners were doing. It pleased them to see the daimyo's daughter taking an interest in their work. It reminded them what they were doing was important, but I picked a bad day to visit. There was a cave-in. Half the miners died. The other half fled." Imari looked over to Kaede, waiting for a reaction, but the samurai gave none. She simply listened with an open expression.
Imari took a deep breath to continue. Telling the story wasn’t easy, even all these years later. If she wasn’t careful, she found herself drifting back into the darkness. Back to dust clogging her lungs. Back to the panicked sweat soaking through her clothes and the tears that had streaked down her face, leaving her trembling and cold. Back to the pain that stretched the seconds into hours.
"I ended up trapped with my arm pinned under a big boulder. I drifted in and out of consciousness for a while thanks to the pain and shock. When I came to, it was dark. No one was left to help me. I screamed for what felt like hours with no answer. At least, until the foxes came."
She paused, letting out a soft breath. Thinking of the foxes was comforting. Their warm tongues had licked her tears and their white-tipped tails had been just about all she could see through the dim and despair.
"There were three of them. One stayed by my side to tell me it would be all right. The other two…well, it sounds disgusting, but they bit through my wrist until I was free and breathed fire over the wound. I don’t remember what happened afterwards, but they must have carried me out to the rescue team trying to make their way up the mountain. Without them, I would’ve died."
There was a long silence after the story ended. All Imari could hear was the soft hiss of the wind rustling the paper strips above her.
"I see now why you weren't afraid of Rin," Kaede said after a while, "and why you're not afraid of the yokai like so many are. You learned spirits can be good."
Imari nodded. "If it weren't for them, I wouldn't be here."
Kaede stepped toward her, standing by her side and gazing at the statues near the small altar. "Well, I'm glad you're here, Homura-dono. And I'm glad you told me. You must have been strong to survive something like that."
"Thank you," Imari said. "For listening. And for saying kind things."
They drifted into silence aga
in, but this time, it was a comfortable one. She stood contentedly at Kaede's side for several minutes, thinking about everything and nothing. With some sadness, she realized this was probably the last time she would see the shrine for several months. Although her stays weren't usually long, she visited regularly, especially when she tired of the library.
Her thoughts and feelings settled once more as she bowed deeply twice before the altar. She breathed out, closed her eyes, slowly put her arms together, resting her injured one against the bottom of her palm, and bowed again. This was all she could do instead of the required clap. I want to come back here again. With a new hand, and with Kaede as well. Ancestors, that's what I wish.
She opened her eyes just in time to see and hear Kaede doing the same. Two bows, two claps, one bow. Kaede grinned softly, a little embarrassed, and Imari couldn't help wondering what she'd wished for. She knew it wouldn't be polite to ask. They left the shrine together, retrieving their shoes, passing between the guardian statues, and once more circling the gate. As they descended toward the garden again, Imari spoke. "So, are we even now? A story for a story."
"Friends don't need to be even, my lady," Kaede said. "But yes, we are."
Imari smiled. She wasn’t against that possibility one bit.
Chapter Nine
THE NEXT MORNING BROUGHT clear skies and plenty of warm sun. It was perfect traveling weather for which Kaede was grateful. After being on the run in the cold mountains of Yukimura, riding across the hills would be a pleasant change. Rin seemed to be enjoying the weather too. The white wolf sat in a large sunny patch beside the gate, watching their party prepare with casual interest.
"Is that everything?" Kaede asked Kenta, gesturing toward the small wicker baskets on either side of the stocky brown horses. All their communal supplies were stored inside, and each member of their party carried a pack as well, with a tatami mat rolled up on top for sleeping. Thanks to the new clothes and supplies Imari had bought for her, Kaede’s bag was considerably heavier than it had been before entering Mirai.
Tengoku Page 9