Tengoku

by Rae D. Magdon

  "It should be." Kenta closed the baskets and came to stand beside her, offering a friendly grin. "Why, is that pack too heavy for you? I thought samurai were supposed to travel with all their worldly possessions?"

  "Hmph. I'd like to see you try to travel with all your worldly possessions, Kenta," she huffed with mock indignation. "Unless you can carry your entire house on your back."

  "You underestimate my strength, Kaede." Kenta gave his biceps a playful flex. "It leaves men staring and ladies sorely disappointed. Besides, I'd only have to carry half the house. My brother would take the rest."

  They looked over at Takeshi, who stood a short distance away. He was conversing with Imari and Lord Homura, but he didn't seem angry, merely focused. From his behavior, Kaede suspected that with Imari determined to leave, he had turned his attention from discouraging her to making her journey as safe and successful as possible.

  "Hibana-danna looks downright perky by his standards, doesn't he?" Kaede whispered under her breath, but her attention only lingered on Takeshi for a moment. As usual, her eyes drifted over to Imari and stayed there.

  Imari's sleek black hair was woven into its tight braid, and she wore well-made but practical travelling clothes, with her mon displayed on her chest as well as in the middle of her back. Kaede couldn't help but smile as she caught sight of the white lilies, and her own chest swelled with pride. They adorned her clothes as well, and she had to admit that it felt good to be wearing a mon again, even if it wasn't her family's.

  She was so lost in gazing at Imari she almost missed Kenta's response. "Don't let the constant frowning fool you. Takeshi can be funny if you give him the chance, although his humor's a bit dry for my taste."

  "Homura-dono told me the same thing," Kaede said. "Not about his humor, but that he has hidden depths. Hopefully, I'll get to see that blossom if I'm patient."

  "Speaking of patient, how long are we going to have to wait?" Kenta said, on the verge of a whine. "What are they even talking about over there?"

  As Kaede watched, Imari rushed into her father's arms, giving him a fierce hug. It was unusual, especially in such a public situation, but Kaede found herself strangely touched. The deep love between them was obvious, especially in what she could see of Lord Homura's smile from over Imari's shoulder. He held her as if he never wanted to let her go, but eventually, he took a step back, allowing her to stand on her own. Imari lifted her sleeve, probably to wipe away tears.

  She's lucky to have a father that loves and supports her so much. He must be worried about her, but he's letting her go on this quest anyway. I wonder what that's like, having someone who only wants the best for you without expecting anything in return.

  The sound of light panting distracted her from her envious thoughts, and she turned to see Rin standing beside her. I do have someone like that. She reached out to scratch the special spot behind Rin's ears. Rin might not be human, but I can always trust her.

  "We should be careful as we leave," Rin whispered, staring at the castle gates. "Hayate and Kaze are likely watching."

  "Probably, but I don't think they'll interfere." She nodded toward Imari and the Hibana brothers. She and Hayate were evenly matched, and he would be unlikely to come after her while she was accompanied by three other samurai.

  “What?” Kenta asked, trying to listen to the conversation. “Who won’t interfere?”

  Footsteps approached, and Kaede breathed a sigh of relief as Imari, Takeshi, and Lord Homura came to join them beside the horse. Kaede made a polite bow, and to her surprise, Lord Homura did the same—toward Rin.

  "You have honored me by staying in Mirai these past few days, Rin of the wolf-clan. It comforts me to know you will be accompanying my daughter on this journey, and your presence speaks well to your human companion."

  Rin inclined her head, fixing Lord Homura with a stare. "Your daughter has treated my friend well. As long as she travels with Kaede, she is under my protection."

  Imari bowed deeply, and Kaede shot Rin a grateful look. It was a generous thing to say, especially since Rin had been mistrustful of Imari at the beginning.

  "And you, Iori-san," Lord Homura said, turning toward her at last. "Serve my daughter well and keep her safe, and I will be proud to let you continue wearing my mon for as long as you wish."

  "Thank you, Homura-dono, for your faith in me," Kaede said. "I'll do my best to show I'm worthy of it."

  "I'm sure you will," Imari said, giving her a big smile. "All right, enough goodbyes. We should get moving before the sun rises." She mounted her horse, using her good hand and part of her other forearm to steady herself. It wasn’t the most graceful motion, but Kaede couldn’t help being impressed…until Imari started to slip. Fortunately, she landed back on her feet.

  Kaede sidled up to her. “Need a…um. Need any help?”

  Imari snorted, but when she turned she was smiling. “You were going to say ‘need a hand,’ weren’t you?”

  Kaede grinned sheepishly. “Only by accident. But do you need a lift?”

  “No, I’ve got it.”

  On her next attempt, Imari was more successful. She swung up and onto the horse and settled herself into place without any further difficulties. “Thanks, though. I might need to take you up on it at some point.”

  “Any time.” Kaede managed to settle on her own horse without too much trouble, although she noticed it giving Rin nervous glances. It seemed to know she was a spirit and not a real wolf, but Rin’s presence unsettled it nonetheless, and Kaede had to tug the reins to keep it from backing up.

  With one more gesture of farewell to Lord Homura, Imari started toward the gates that led from the enclosed samurai community to the rest of the city. To Kaede’s relief, Lord Homura’s guards had cleared the way so they could leave in relative privacy.

  "So, Imari, you know which way we’re going, right?" Kenta asked as they made their way through the city. It was still early morning, so the streets were sparsely populated, with only a few vendors setting up their carts and the occasional sleepy watchman.

  "Don't call her by her given name, Kenta," Takeshi said, with a look of disapproval. "Just because we aren't in the presence of Lord Homura anymore doesn't mean you can—"

  "Takeshi," Imari said. "I know respect is important to you, but this trip will get tedious fast if we stick with formal etiquette the entire way. As long as we’re on the road, you and Kenta should call me by my given name. That goes for you too, Kaede."

  Kaede's eyes widened. She hadn’t expected for Imari to give her such permission in front of the Hibana brothers. "Me? Well, my lady…Imari…I'm flattered. If that's what you wish."

  "It is.” Imari smiled, and the sky overhead seemed even brighter.

  Takeshi sighed, but after a moment, he grinned as well. "All right, Imari, you win. I'll try to restrain myself."

  "Good. And to answer your question, Kenta, yes. I know where we’re going. I haven’t been staying in the library just to avoid you and your brother, you know."

  She and Kenta picked up what sounded like a friendly, chattering conversation after that, but Kaede didn't pay much attention. Instead, she scanned her surroundings, making sure none of the people they passed were watching too closely. They attracted a few stares as they exited the city, but none that set her on edge.

  No sign of Hayate. I wonder if he's waiting outside, or if he doesn't know we're leaving? Just in case, she kept her hand near the grip of her katana. She was responsible for Imari's safety now, and she wouldn't be taken by surprise again.

  ***

  Kaede raised her chin, letting the sunshine wash over her face. It was past midday but still warm, with only a faint breeze to relieve them of the heat. Still, she didn't mind the light coat of sweat that broke across her forehead. It was a nice change from the snow of the northern mountains.

  Her companions were less comfortable. Takeshi’s temples glistened, and Kenta kept wiping his face with his sleeve. It helped that all four of them were on horseba
ck. Kaede wasn’t sure how they would be able to carry all their supplies otherwise, but Imari didn't look much happier for it. It was obvious from her wincing expression that her backside was getting sore.

  I hope she brought comfortable sandals. Kaede glanced at Imari's dangling feet. If she plans on walking a little later to spare her rear, her feet will pay the price.

  Unfortunately, Imari noticed her looking. "Is something amusing to you, Kaede-san?" she asked with a wry smirk. "Or are my sandals fascinating for some secret reason that has escaped me?"

  Kaede's face flushed, and she suspected it wasn't merely because of the heat. "Just gazing aimlessly. Your feet happened to be in the way." She sighed, turning into what little breeze there was. "It's a pretty view. The landscape, I mean. Not your feet."

  "It's a bunch of hills," Takeshi pointed out. "The same hills we've been riding along all day. Before that there were rice fields. And before that some more hills. I’ll be happy when we get to that forest up ahead."

  Kaede glanced ahead. If she looked closely, she could see a smudge of what looked like trees on the horizon. Part of her was disappointed. The forest reminded her uncomfortably of home, while the hills were new and different. "Maybe it’s monotonous to you, but I'm from the north. No hills there, just mountains and forests. No rice fields either, our winters are too cold. Until a few weeks ago, all this was new to me."

  Takeshi seemed somewhat chastened, because he dipped his head. "I suppose I shouldn't take it for granted simply because I see it every day."

  Kaede nodded back, but not before Kenta jumped into the conversation. Unlike his brother, he was full of good cheer. "You're from up north, huh? Whereabouts?”

  After a brief inward debate, Kaede decided on a tastefully edited version of the truth. She had to tell the Hibana brothers something about herself if they were going spend the next several weeks together. Kenta was harmless, and perhaps it would go a small way toward easing Takeshi's mistrust. "I've lived in several provinces, including Yukimura and Aozora. And since we're talking about my past, I suppose I should explain something else."

  "You don't need to," Imari said, giving Takeshi and Kenta a pointed look that told them not to press. "Only if you're comfortable."

  Kaede smiled, grateful for the out. "I appreciate that, Imari." She ignored the twitch at the corner of Takeshi's eye as she used the given name, especially since Imari's face lit up with approval. "But it's all right. I was going to tell them some of what I told you the other day."

  "Are you sure you want to ruin the mystery?" Kenta teased, aiming his usual wide grin in her direction. "A good-looking samurai with a shrouded past, you're probably very successful with the ladies."

  “Good looking?” Kaede rolled her eyes. "Pfft. And trust me, my past isn't romantic, just depressing. I was close to my aunt back home, but the two of us had a disagreement. I chose to leave before the situation escalated."

  "Your aunt?" Takeshi's brow furrowed with concern. "And what did your parents think when the two of you fell out? Did they side with her?"

  "They didn't side with anyone. I didn’t tell them. My parents and I aren't close."

  The Hibana brothers looked at her curiously. Kaede hesitated, feeling the usual spike of fear. She doubted Kenta would think differently of her, and Takeshi would be far too polite to say anything rude, but revealing herself always came with some risk. There were those who didn’t approve, though they were in the minority, and more still who had no idea who ladies of autumn and gentlemen of spring were despite their presence in some of the old legends.

  At Imari's encouraging glance, Kaede took a deep breath and gathered her courage. "I'm a lady of autumn,” she explained, hoping they would know what she meant. “My parents didn’t know how to feel about that."

  She needn’t have worried. Takeshi didn't look surprised. He simply gave Kaede a subtle nod of what she assumed was acceptance. Kenta's reaction was more pronounced. His eyebrows lifted almost to his hairline, and his jaw dropped a little. "Really? I never would’ve guessed! You look—wait, that's rude to say, isn't it?"

  "A little," Kaede said, without any sting in her tone. Kenta's statement was clumsy, but not ill intentioned. "Not all of us look a certain way, but I know you didn't mean any harm. So, that's it. My big secret." Just not the one that got a dozen Yukimura samurai killed.

  "I'm sorry.” Kenta turned on Imari. “You knew about this, didn't you?”

  "Yes," Imari said.

  "And you didn't think to tell me?"

  Imari shrugged. "It wasn't my place to tell."

  "Okay, okay," Kenta said, although he continued pouting a little. "But why were your parents upset about it, Kaede?"

  Kaede pressed her lips together, rolling them in a little to lick the edges. "All parents make plans for their children. They can't help it. Their plans for me weren't what I wanted. In their eyes, they've lost something."

  "They didn't lose anything," Takeshi said, surprising Kaede with his vehemence. "They never had a son to begin with. It was their mistake to assume."

  "I was thinking more of their vision for my future. They weren't prepared for it to change so drastically. " Kaede gave him a hesitant smile. "But thank you." Their eyes met and an understanding passed between them.

  "What did Rin think about it? And where is she, by the way?" Kenta squinted, glancing over the hills and swiveling his head from side to side. "She was here a few minutes ago."

  "Oh, she does that," Kaede said unconcerned. "She's probably scouting ahead." Or helping to cover our trail so Hayate and Kaze will have a harder time following us. "She'll turn up eventually. Anyway, yokai don’t think about gender the same way humans do. It’s barely relevant to them. Some choose not to have one at all."

  “So, she didn’t care?” Kenta asked.

  Kaede shook her head. "Only for my happiness and comfort. In fact, she was kind enough to ask her mother for a favor. It's how I got these." She tugged at her top, clearing her throat awkwardly.

  "You're saying a spirit wolf gave you breasts?" Kenta snickered. "That's one I haven't heard before."

  "A pool with transformative powers, actually, and that's enough discussion of my body for one day, thank you," Kaede mumbled, regretting her openness just a little. “It’s making me uncomfortable.”

  Kenta held up his hands in surrender. "Okay, okay. I'm not going to interrogate you or anything, but you did bring it up."

  "He's right, Kaede-san," Imari said, smirking. "You did bring it up first." Her eyes wandered to the area in question, and Kaede's face flushed even hotter than the sun beating down above them.

  To her immense relief, Takeshi cleared his throat, causing Imari to look away from her chest. "Right. So, what did you and your aunt argue about, Kaede? It must have been bad if it made you feel you had to leave home."

  Kaede's mood darkened. She didn’t mind the curiosity about her gender, but the probing into her past felt like an invasion of privacy. She prepared to dismiss the question, but the sound of rustling from beyond the crest of the next hill made her pause. They had come to the edge of the forest at last, and though the trees offered some shelter from the sun, she suspected they were also an excellent hiding place. She shot her companions a warning glance, holding up her hand for silence.

  Footsteps somewhere nearby. Rin? She doubted it. Rin could move across any landscape like a ghost despite her glaring white pelt, and she wouldn’t have hesitated to rejoin the group. Whoever or whatever was waiting for them in the forest didn't want to be seen or heard, but they weren't doing a good job of concealing themselves. Kaede's hand drifted toward the hilt of her katana, and beside her, she saw the Hibana brothers make the same motion. She didn’t have much experience fighting on horseback, but if danger was lurking nearby, she didn’t have much of a choice.

  "I'm sure there's no need for daishō," Imari said, but she spoke in a low voice that wouldn't carry, and her eyes revealed her worry.

  "I hope you're right, my lady." Kaede glance
d at Imari, silently asking for instructions. “But maybe we should stay mounted, just in case?”

  “I’m not sure we should,” Kenta said, frowning. “The path gets narrower here. We should probably lead the horses through two at a time so they don’t feel boxed in.”

  Takeshi sighed. “Perhaps the hills weren’t so bad after all.”

  “What do you think, Imari?” Kaede asked. “Should we go on?”

  Imari frowned in thought, but eventually nodded. “What else can we do? We can’t go all the way around. This is the only path. We’ll have to stay alert.” She dismounted from her horse, taking the reins in her good hand and leading it toward the trees.

  Together, the four of them entered the forest, Kaede in the lead, Imari behind her, and Takeshi and Kenta bringing up the rear. The road was wide enough to ride down, but far narrower than the plains they had left behind, with trees closing in on either side. She shuddered as a long branch snagged against one of her sleeves, reminding her all too clearly of the night she had left home. Then, it had almost felt like the trees were alive, trying to drag her back.

  The rustling came again, and Kaede whipped her head around, searching for what had made the noise. It didn’t take her long. Her eyes caught a slip of shadow here, a flash of metal there. As she approached, a medium-sized group emerged from the depths of the forest to block the middle of the road. There were five at first count, all carrying weapons. Two wielded swords, two spears, and one giant bear of a man carried a tree trunk pretending to be a mace against his broad shoulder. He was larger even than Kenta, and Kaede braced her feet a little firmer on the ground. One hit from that monstrosity would be enough to send any normal person flying—assuming they weren't impaled first.