Imari's eyes widened. "What?" She cradled her left arm against her stomach, letting the sleeve of her kimono conceal the stump almost self-consciously. "But how did you—"
Bo gave her a mysterious smile. "People only search for Kurogane when they need miracles. And why else would you be going to Hongshan but to find them? I will give you a piece of knowledge, though, as an apology for startling you: finding the blacksmith will not be easy. Kurogane only reveals themselves to those who have proven themselves worthy."
Imari got over her shock and peppered their guide with questions. "What do you know about Kurogane? Can you tell us how to find him? Where around the mountain does he live?"
"Those are difficult questions that would take longer than I have to answer. Before we reach the end of our journey, I will give you some advice on finding Kurogane. But first, I have business to attend to, and you must purchase supplies for the journey. You will need to carry three days’ worth of food and water, and your horses must be left behind. Nothing grows in the middle of the Jade Sea. It's like walking on glass."
"Water, got it," Kenta chirped. "Anything else?"
Bo glanced at Kaede. "Be sure to bring a hat and mask," they said with a hint of a smile. "You'll need to protect your face from the sun. I will meet you at the Zhong An Inn tomorrow morning. Until then, farewell." Bowing low, Bo departed, heading back down the steps at a surprisingly fast pace for someone of their apparent age. They disappeared near the foot of the staircase, leaving the stunned party behind.
Once she got over her surprise, Kaede caught Imari's eye. "Do you think Bo overheard you teasing me earlier, or are they just really perceptive?" she asked, running her hand awkwardly through her hair. A few strands had slipped free of her topknot and clung to her forehead.
"I'm more interested in how they knew where we were staying," Takeshi muttered, his brow furrowed.
"Clever guesswork," Imari reassured him. "There weren't many suitable inns still up and running between here and the harbor. We're wearing nice clothes, even if they're a bit dusty at the bottom. That rules out the shabbier establishments. It was probably a well-reasoned deduction."
Still, Kaede wasn’t convinced. She found herself looking in the direction Bo had left, hoping to catch another glimpse of them. The short conversation with Bo had raised questions instead of providing answers, but one thing was certain: their guide seemed almost uncomfortably familiar with them.
***
"You're sure they came this way?" Hayate muttered. He peered around the edge of a decaying building, scanning the street beyond. From the alley, he had a perfect view of the buildings and people. The smell was of damp rubbish and rotting food, but he ignored the stench. His nose wasn't the one that mattered.
Beside him, one of the deeper shadows of the alleyway moved. "Positive," Kaze said, and Hayate caught a brief flash of white teeth as he spoke. "I'd recognize Rin's scent anywhere, not to mention Kaede's. We've finally caught up to them."
Hayate fought a scowl. Finally is right. The nose that never struggled to track game in the forest or sniff out missing people from the villages wasn't up to his usual standards. Over the past several weeks, Kaze had often complained of losing the trail, and although Hayate couldn't prove it, he suspected his companion occasionally led them in circles on purpose.
Maybe Rin is just clever at concealing Kaede's tracks. Or maybe Kaze doesn't want me to find them.
"No offense, old friend, but I'd like more reassurance than your sense of smell. I won't believe Kaede is here until I see her."
Kaze gave Hayate an inscrutable look, as if his bright yellow eyes could see right through the comment, but he didn't say anything. Hayate also waited in silence. There was little more to say. Either Kaze would come through, as he always had, or he would be left chasing yet another ghost.
Just as his hands began to clench into fists of frustration, Hayate saw movement. A group of four was coming down the street, and he pressed himself closer to the wall to avoid being seen. From his hiding place, he could make them out: two women and two men, wearing fine clothes with…Yes. The mon of Homura. And that red hair. It seems as if I've found you at last, cousin.
To his surprise, the expression on Kaede's face did not seem haunted, fearful, or tired. Instead, she seemed to be laughing at something her companion had said. Upon closer inspection, Hayate recognized her as well: beautiful dark hair, smooth but ample curves, and most telling of all, a missing hand. This was the woman he had seen with Kaede in Mirai, Lord Homura's daughter. So, this is what you have chosen to waste yourself on since leaving home. Not helping Setsuna, not using your powers for the greater good, but making a fool of yourself over a pretty face. Well, that ends now.
He watched as Kaede and Lady Homura disappeared into one of the buildings on the street, ducking further back into the alley as they entered through the front door. From what he had glimpsed, the place appeared to be an inn. "They're probably spending the night," he told Kaze, feeling his confidence grow. "Once night falls, we'll look for a way inside."
"I don't recommend it," Kaze said. "Sneaking into someone's bedroom in the middle of the night isn't the best way to start a conversation."
"This isn't a negotiation, Kaze," Hayate replied. "I’m here to bring Kaede back so she can finish what we all started. That’s all. Either she will see reason and come willingly, or I will bring her by force."
Kaze’s voice lifted from a growl to more of an urgent yelp, and his tail hung downwards with worry and concern. "Have you really thought this through? Kaede is every bit the warrior you are. If she doesn't want to go, you won't be able to make her. Even if you manage to drag her from the inn, how are you going to keep her under your control for the weeks it will take to return to Yukimura? And what about Rin? If we do take Kaede, my sister will try to stop us."
"Let me worry about Kaede. I know how to deal with her. Rin will be your concern." There was more Hayate wanted to say, but he thought better of it. He turned, resting his hand affectionately behind Kaze's tilted ears. "Thank you for tracking them, old friend. I knew I could trust you."
Kaze closed his eyes, and a little more of the light in the alley went out. "Yes," he said, but the hesitation at the word was obvious. Hayate could hear the sentence finish in his head, and it unsettled him more than he wanted to admit: But I'm not sure if I can trust you.
Chapter Twelve
"HEY, THIS IS PRETTY comfy," Kaede said, flopping back onto the futon the proprietor of the inn had laid out for her. It was one of two, and she had taken the one closer to the door before Imari could object. For once, she was thinking like Takeshi, putting herself between Imari and anyone who might enter the room.
Fortunately, if Imari noticed, she didn't seem to mind. She placed her pack beside the other futon and went over to investigate the closet instead. "Seems more than nice enough for one night," she said as she stuck her head in. "Better than sleeping out in the open, at any rate."
"I dunno." A grin spread across Kaede's face, and she placed her hands behind her head. "I kind of liked seeing the stars. It'll be strange to be back inside again. A lot safer, though."
"I'm sure Takeshi will be grateful for that." Imari stepped back from the closet, carrying a fresh green yukata draped over each arm. "Here." She tossed one in Kaede's direction, and Kaede sat up as it landed on her lap. "Change into something comfortable. I'll step behind the screen."
Kaede's face heated up, and she couldn't help following with her eyes as Imari slipped into one of the screened-off areas. Thanks to the warm glow of the paper lantern in the middle of the room, she could see a perfect silhouette even after Imari closed the door. She looked away, clearing her throat awkwardly.
"I was surprised you wanted to share a room with me," she said, stripping out of her own clothes. She went about the process as quickly as possible, setting the clean yukata on the table and shedding layers onto the floor to be gathered later. She had to admit, it would feel good to put on some fresh cl
othes for the night.
"Why?" Imari asked. The screen was still open a crack, enough for her voice to carry. Instinctively, Kaede turned toward the sound, and she felt a ticklish flutter in her stomach. Imari had also shed most of her clothes, and the shape of her shadow against the door was much different without her kimono and harder to look away from.
Kaede managed to look away. "I don't know," she said, trying to blink the image away. It stuck stubbornly in her brain, generous curves and surprisingly full breasts and things she was definitely not supposed to take notice of, especially since they belonged to her master. "I figured you'd want me to room with Takeshi and Kenta next door since we're all your bodyguards and all. Not because—"
"Good," Imari said, "because the thought never crossed my mind. Besides, is it so strange that I'd ask to share a room with you? I enjoy your company."
"I actually think Takeshi approves." Kaede busied herself by shrugging into her own yukata and fastening the sash, making sure to fold it extra tight to conceal as much skin as possible.
"That's nice," Imari said, in a tone that suggested she didn't much care. She let out a low sigh, and once more, Kaede couldn't help turning. This time, she found herself staring even longer than before. Imari had removed her hair from its braid, letting it flow around her shoulders, and even though she only had a silhouette to go on, Kaede felt a tug deep in her gut.
"Look, I haven't meant to make things awkward between you two the past few weeks," she mumbled, trying to change the subject.
Imari stepped out from behind the screen, and despite the nervousness Kaede felt, she smiled. Somehow, Imari looked even lovelier with her hair down in a simple yukata than she did in her fine kimonos. "You haven't, but please, let's talk about something besides Takeshi and Kenta."
"Like what?" Kaede said, unsure whether she was nervous or excited to hear what Imari had in mind.
"Like this." Imari returned to her pack and rummaged through it for a moment, fishing out a sizeable scroll. She then headed over to the table in the middle of the room, and Kaede followed, taking one of the cushioned seats. While Imari spread the scroll across the table, Kaede stretched her legs all the way out beneath it.
"The map?"
Imari nodded. "Yes. Look how far we've already come." She trailed her finger from a dot near the middle of the map down and to the west. "This is where the bandits tried to rob us," she said, tapping against a small patch of loops that looked like trees.
"It looks so small," Kaede said, shaking her head. "But we spent at least two days in that forest."
"And here." Imari continued following their path, stopping at the edge of what was clearly the Jade Sea. "This is where we are now."
Kaede studied the spot beside Imari's fingertip. "I see why Yin is the way it is. There's nothing else nearby."
Imari nodded, her voice tinged with obvious regret. "It's sad, isn't it? It must have been beautiful once. A little bit of Akatsuki Teikoku and Tsun'i mixing together everywhere you look. There aren't any other cities like it."
"No," Kaede said, her mind wandering back to earlier in the day, "but you do have to admit, it still holds some interesting people."
Imari laughed. "You're talking about Bo. They were quite interesting. I just hope they meant it when they said they could give me advice on finding Kurogane."
"You will. You've come this far already, haven't you? You've fought bandits, explored a ghost city, and hired a strange and mysterious guide for ten circles less than they quoted you." Without really thinking about it, Kaede placed her hand on top of Imari's, giving it a light squeeze. It was soft and warm beneath hers, so soft and warm that Kaede realized what she had done and began to second-guess herself.
Imari's hand turned beneath hers, facing up so they could link fingers briefly. Instantly, Kaede relaxed. "If those are the most exciting things that happen to us, I'll be fine with that."
"You liar," Kaede laughed. "You wanted an adventure, and you're getting one. Don't try to pretend otherwise."
"All right, all right. I did want at least one adventure to brag about before I took my father's place as daimyo. So far, it's been worth it." Her dark eyes took on an inquisitive look, asking a question, and Kaede returned it.
"For me, too. These past few weeks have helped clear my head. It's nice to be going toward something instead of running away."
"I think it's a sign of inner strength, searching for purpose so quickly after you were forced to leave home." The edge of Imari’s thumb ran along the side of Kaede's palm, and a pleasant shiver raced down her spine. "It can't have been easy. But here you are: helping me and making new friends instead of hiding. You're a survivor, Kaede. It's admirable."
The corners of Kaede's cheeks grew warm, but she resisted the temptation to keep her eyes on the map. Instead, she took a risk and gazed into Imari's to show her sincerity. "Thank you. That means a lot, especially coming from you."
"I'm only telling the truth." Imari released her hand, turning back to the scroll. "Just a little further to go," she said, tapping the lonely mountain on the other side of the Jade Sea. "The distance looks so short here, but it won't be easy to cross."
"Easy? Probably not," Kaede said. "But impossible? No way. I know the five of us can do it."
"I don't have any doubts." Imari folded up the scroll, standing up and tucking it beneath her arm. "But for now, we need a good night's sleep. We don't know how early Bo will show up tomorrow."
"Sleep. Right." Kaede stood as well, tugging the overlapping part of her yukata a little further open. She knew it was improper, but she needed to let a little more air in. For some reason, she felt unusually warm even though the sun had set and the room was cool. She returned to her futon as Imari retrieved the basin of water and clean cloths set out for them.
"You don't have to wait for me, you know," Imari said, carrying the bowl over so they both could use it. "I'm sure you want to clean up too." She dipped one of the cloths into the water, but instead of bringing it to her own face, she wiped the cool fabric across Kaede’s forehead. Kaede’s eyes widened, but she allowed the intimate action, holding still as Imari brought the cloth down the side of her cheek—the left one, with the slashing scars beneath her eye. "These don't still hurt, do they?"
Kaede shook her head. "Not anymore. I'm getting used to them. They still surprise me whenever I catch a glimpse of my reflection, though."
"I like them," Imari replied.
"So you've said before. I'll take your word for it." Kaede gently plucked the cloth from Imari's hand and finished scrubbing her face, partially to break the tension, and partially because her heart hammered so hard her ears thundered with it. Imari's face was incredibly close to hers, and Kaede didn't want to think about how if she leaned in a few more centimeters, she could kiss her.
Thankfully, or perhaps disappointingly, Imari didn't try for more intimacy. Instead, she picked up the other cloth and began washing her own face. Kaede stole a few glances, amazed at how such a simple action could capture her attention so thoroughly. How does she make something as simple as washing her face look beautiful? Or maybe that's just the way she is. Everything she does is beautiful.
"Kaede?"
"Huh?" She blinked, only to realize Imari was smirking at her.
"Is something wrong? You're staring at me like I have two heads."
Kaede sighed, draping the wet cloth over the back of her neck. "It's nothing. Just tired."
Imari didn't seem convinced, but she didn't say anything. She did, however, keep smiling as she finished washing up. Kaede stole a few more glances, committing each glimpse to memory until the light in the middle of the red paper lantern finally went out.
***
Despite the darkness, sleep didn’t come easily. Kaede tossed and turned long after the lantern went out, unable to find a comfortable position. Her body ached with exhaustion, but her mind continued to race, jumping from one thought to the next. She thought of the hills and forests she had already c
rossed, the wide green expanse of the Jade Sea, and the snowcapped mountains of home. She thought of Imari's beautiful face, but whenever she tried to focus on the details, it sharpened into memories of Setsuna and Hayate.
Even though she hadn't seen him in several weeks, she knew her cousin still followed her. It was an eerie feeling more than anything else, a churning in her gut she couldn't dismiss. Hayate had never been the type to give up, especially where she was concerned. Her presence only seemed to make him more determined.
With a heavy breath, she sat up and rolled her shoulders. She knew where her thoughts would wander next if she remained in bed, and she had no desire to remember what the corpses of Setsuna's soldiers looked like bleeding out into the snow. If she wasn't going to sleep, there was no reason for her to stay in bed, shifting and sighing and possibly waking her companion.
Before she left, Kaede glanced over at Imari. Her eyes were closed, but her brow seemed drawn as if in concentration. Dreaming? Kaede wondered, watching Imari's eyes dart beneath their lids. Well, I hope yours are more peaceful than mine. For a moment, the corners of Imari's lips pulled up, as if she had heard the thought. The wrinkles on her face smoothed out, and she gave a low moan.
Satisfied, Kaede crossed the mat and, ignoring the set of guest slippers by the door, toed into her sandals instead. Then, she hesitated. After a little thought, she decided to take Mizu-no-Hamon. She doubted she would need her sword, but with the way the past few weeks had gone, it was better to be safe than sorry. Besides, if she had to leave the room for her own sanity, she could at least put the time to good use. A quick patrol around the inn would help ensure Imari’s safety and her own peace of mind.
Removing the blade from its resting place, she tucked it against her side and slipped silently out into the hallway. She hesitated, glancing back over her shoulder, but sighed and continued after a moment of silence. Imari would be safe with Takeshi and Kenta in the room next door. She left the second floor behind, only sparing a brief glance to make sure the Hibana brothers’ door was open a crack.
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