"You're not saying anything," Imari said, a small wrinkle marring her forehead.
"Yes," Kaede blurted out before Imari could worry any longer. "Yes, I'll marry you, but on one condition."
"Name it," Imari said breathlessly. "Anything you want."
"We wait a year." At Imari's look of confusion, Kaede explained herself. "We never got the chance to court each other properly. Those two months of getting to know each other at Mount Hongshan were wonderful. There wasn't any pressure to save the world—it was the two of us together. I want more of that. I don't want us to get married in a rush and cheat ourselves out of a courtship. Is that okay?"
Imari beamed. "It's more than okay. It's perfect."
With a long breath of relief, Kaede tucked her face into Imari's shoulder, pressing a kiss there. The gesture made Imari's muscles clench around her, and she began to stir again. "So…again?" she whispered, placing another kiss in the same spot and sucking briefly. "To celebrate our engagement?"
Imari lifted her weight up, tipping onto her back and bringing Kaede with her until their positions were reversed. "Of course. But this time, you get to set the pace."
***
Hayate watched the snow fall through the slats in his bedroom window, letting his mind drift. Kaze had curled up in the corner to sleep, leaving the room silent and giving him plenty of space to think.
The past week had been a whirlwind of change, but not all the developments had been bad. Through Imari, he had learned that Empress Tomoyo intended to make him the new daimyo of Yukimura. It was an awesome responsibility, one he had not expected to inherit for several years, if at all.
He still wanted the position, but not because it was a prize to be won. It was a heavy burden, one he wanted to carry for Setsuna's sake more than his own. Before her fall, she had been a wise and kind leader. Hayate only hoped he could carry on the way she would have if Kyuubi hadn't interfered. People depended on him, including Setsuna herself.
He planned to leave for Yukimura in the next few days once things in Asahina were more settled. While Lord Aozora would certainly do his best to take care of Setsuna, Hayate couldn't help worrying about her. He wanted to be there during her recovery, to help her if he could. Despite everything that had happened, she was still his mother.
A rap against his door interrupted his thoughts.
"Yukimura-dono? It's me, Hibana Kenta. Can I come in?"
A small smile tilted the corners of Hayate's lips. "Yes," he said, rising from his mat.
Kenta entered the room wearing his usual cheerful smile. He bowed briefly, and then immediately hurried over to crouch beside Kaze. When Kaze's tail started thumping against the floor, Kenta reached out to scratch his ears. "I was just going to ask you both if you wanted to come to dinner. I didn't see you at lunch, so I'm guessing you didn't have any."
Hayate felt a stab of guilt. He and Kenta had taken many of their meals together over the past few days, but he hadn't realized his company would be missed. "I'm sorry, Hibana-san. I was…lost in thought."
Kenta straightened up again, turning to face Hayate with a look of concern. "Is it about Yukimura-sama? From the second-hand news I've heard, Lord Aozora is taking good care of her."
"Yes, but I'm the one who should be taking care of her," Hayate said after a moment of hesitation. He wasn't quite sure why he trusted Kenta enough to discuss the subject with him, but it would be a relief to get some of his worries off his chest. A burden shared was a burden halved. "She took care of me for my entire life and asked for nothing in return but my love. I hope I can do the same for her."
Kenta seemed to understand. His expression softened, and when he spoke, it was more quietly than usual. "Takeshi and I lost our parents when we were young. Lord Homura took us in and trained us himself. We weren't his children, but he treated us like family. If he was in Lady Yukimura's situation, I know I’d want to help him."
"Do you plan to return to Mirai once the situation here is resolved?" Hayate asked. "I'm sure you must be eager to go back home." He could certainly empathize, although the thought left him a little bit sad as well.
"Yes, for a few weeks," Kenta said. "After that…well, I think I've gotten a taste for adventuring. Kaede and Imari will probably make a trip to the Northern Provinces to see Kaede's parents, and they've asked me to come along with them."
Hayate's brows rose in surprise. "And? What was your answer?"
"I said yes," Kenta said, his grin slightly sheepish. "That is, if you don't mind, Yukimura-dono."
"Not at all," Hayate said, perhaps a little too quickly. His stomach did a nervous flip and warmth began to creep into his face. "You're welcome in Yukimura as well, you know, not just Aozora. I mean, I'm sure Kaede will want to check on how things are going there." His voice trailed off, and the two of them stared at each other in awkward silence.
To Hayate's surprise, it was Kaze who broke the stalemate. "Would the two of you just admit that you want to spend more time together? Honestly, Rin is right. Humans act so foolish when they're looking for a mate."
Hayate and Kenta shared a horrified look, but after a moment, they both burst out laughing. "I was hoping to visit Yukimura for a little while," Kenta said once he caught his breath, "but if I did, it would be to see you. I've enjoyed your company since we met.”
Hayate grinned. "Even the parts where we were almost killed?"
"Yes, even those parts," Kenta said. "And even the part where your wolf embarrassed us."
"I'm not his wolf," Kaze protested. "If anything, Hayate is my human. I picked him out."
"Then it seems both of us have excellent taste," Kenta said while Hayate groaned softly to himself. "So, Yukimura-dono? Will you let me trouble you for a while when I make my trip? Or is that too forward?"
Hayate smiled, feeling much lighter than he had in several days. "It's no trouble at all. In fact, the honor will be mine."
***
Kaede sat outside on the garden bench she had brushed clear of snow, drawing the crisp air deep into her lungs and staring up at the pale sky. It was bright and cheerful, as winter days went, but her skin prickled anyway and her stomach had twisted itself into knots.
Imari's father was due to arrive any minute and Kaede had no idea what to say. Lord Homura had always treated her with respect, even when he'd thought she was nothing but a ronin, but that didn't do much to ease her nerves. She had gone from being Imari's yojimbo to her prospective wife—and that made all the difference.
"Stop worrying about it, Kaede," Rin said from beside her feet. The wolf had curled up on top of them to keep them warm, although it wasn't really helping. She had rolled around in the clean garden snow upon venturing outside—one of the first times she'd managed the trip since the battle with Kyuubi—and now the top layer of her white fur was wet with melted snowflakes.
Kaede sighed, wiggling her wet toes inside of her tabi. Thanks to Rin's “protection,” her sandals hadn't done much to keep off the damp, raised as they were.
"I can't help it," she said to Rin. "Imari loves her father. She'll be so hurt if he disapproves."
"And who's to say he’ll disapprove?" Rin raised her head, giving Kaede a reproachful look. "You'll make a fine mate for Imari and would for anyone else."
Kaede smiled. "Things have changed a lot since Mirai, huh? Back then, you wouldn't stop warning me to have nothing to do with Imari."
"I think she deserves you." Rin turned her head, resting her chin on Kaede's knee and gazing up at her with soft eyes. "That's high enough praise."
Kaede reached down to scratch the matted fur between Rin's ears. "You always know just what to say, don't you?"
"I simply state the truth," Rin said. "I still say you humans could learn from us wolves on that subject."
The opening of the garden door several yards away interrupted their conversation. A thin, cloaked figure slipped past the screen and Kaede made to get up.
"Don't bother," Rin said, refusing to move from her comfortab
le place. "It's only Gin."
As the figure moved closer, Kaede saw Rin was right. Gin had indeed snuck into the garden, although she didn't seem surprised to find others there. "Aozora-dono," she said, approaching the bench and bowing briefly. "Glad I found you. I was about to slip out, and I figured I should give you a goodbye, at least."
Kaede's brow furrowed with concern. "You're leaving? Why? Surely the Empress hasn't ordered you to?"
"No, but I know better than to overstay my welcome," Gin said. "Toyotomi and Ishikawa don’t mix—there's just too much bloody history there—and Asahina isn't the place for a thief."
"A former thief," Kaede insisted. "I thought Empress Tomoyo pardoned you of your past crimes?"
Gin gave a genuine smile. "She did, and she promised to help rebuild Iga. I'm sure a lot of that was Homura-dono's doing. Please, tell her thank you for me."
"You should stay and tell her yourself," Kaede said, trying to convince Gin one last time. "I'm sure she wouldn't want you to leave yet."
"Oh, I'm sure I'll see her again," Gin said. "She's promised to check on the relief efforts to my village herself, since Mirai is so close by. But until then, I need to get back. My people need me, and I'd rather avoid Lord Homura's arrival, to be honest. I did try to kidnap and ransom his daughter. It’d be awkward. You know how it is."
That Kaede could relate to. "At least you're not marrying his daughter," she mumbled, although she grinned as well.
Gin snorted. "Marry Homura-dono? No thank you. I'll leave that to you, Kaede. Who knows what insane quest she'll drag you on next?"
"Hopefully one with more dragons and less foxes," Kaede said cheerfully. She finally managed to nudge Rin off her feet and stand, and once she did, she gave Gin a deep bow. "Thank you for everything you've done, Ishikawa-san. You're the most honorable thief I've ever had the pleasure of meeting."
"Honorable thief." Gin laughed softly to herself. "I like that. Until next time, Aozora-dono. I'm sure we'll see each other again." With one more bow of farewell, Gin slipped over to the far garden wall and out through one of the wooden doors. Kaede had no doubt she would blend easily into the crowd outside the fortress, and she also suspected the Empress's stable would be missing a horse soon.
"I'm sure she won't mind," she said to herself. "After everything that's happened, Gin's earned it as part of her reward."
"What are you talking about?" Rin asked.
Kaede shook her head. "Oh, nothing. I suppose we should go and find Imari, shouldn't we? She'd probably appreciate a hand to hold while she waits for her father."
Rin picked herself up out of the snow, shaking the flakes from her coat. "Very well. Lead the way."
Together, they left the garden and entered the castle again. There were few people in the hall during the middle part of the day. She headed to Imari's room, sliding back the screen to find her lover in her juban, fretting over her choice of kimono.
"Problems?" she asked, arching both eyebrows.
Imari sighed. "Always." She held up the dark crimson kimono she had chosen, holding it up to her front. "Does this say: I know I've been away on an adventure for half a year, but I'm fine, I promise?"
"While I respect your fashion choices, maybe you should just tell him that?" Kaede suggested. "I'm not sure your father speaks kimono."
Beside her, Rin huffed in approval.
"I know," Imari said. "So, should I show him my jian right away, or later? It's impressive, but then I'll have to tell him about how I used it to fight an evil nine-tailed fox spirit."
Kaede considered it. "Show him Wujian. I'm sure he's already heard bits and pieces of what happened."
"Or, I could tell him we're engaged first," Imari suggested slyly. "That might take his mind off the fact we all almost died."
"Oh no," Kaede said, shaking her head. "That's what I'm nervous about. Don't throw me under the horse's hooves to save yourself."
"I was going to tell him sooner rather than later." Imari approached her, taking her hand and giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Don't worry so much, Kaede. He's going to be so happy for me. For us. I love you, and that's all that matters to him."
Kaede let out a slow breath. "All right. I trust you. When is he arriving?"
Imari glanced over at the corner of the room, where an incense stick was burning. She looked mildly alarmed and hurried to put on her kimono. Without being asked, Kaede helped, straightening out edges and smoothing down folds. Finally came the katiganu, which Kaede placed upon Imari’s shoulders before circling around to admire the view. She placed a kiss at the nape of Imari's neck as she finished the bow.
"You look beautiful. This will be fine."
"I know. I'll be glad to see him. I've really missed him since I left home."
"I'm sure you have." After a pause, Kaede added, "Perhaps I'll follow your example and try to form a closer relationship with my own family. If there was ever a time to mend broken bridges, now would be one."
Imari glanced over her shoulder, giving Kaede a look of approval. "Good." She stepped away to grab her sword, tucking it securely into her obi. "Now, let's go see if my father has arrived. The messenger said his party would reach Asahina around midday."
They exited the castle and arrived at the fortress's front gates in time to see a good-sized group of samurai wearing the colors of Homura making their way up the mountain path. They were on horseback, but Kaede could still pick out Lord Homura in the middle of the group. With his mon displayed prominently across his kimono, he was instantly recognizable.
Kaede swallowed nervously, but Imari grinned and bounced beside her. "He's never going to believe everything I've done when I tell him."
"I still don't believe everything we've done," Kaede said.
A pair of guards opened the gates, and Lord Homura’s party entered. As soon as he caught sight of them, he pulled his horse to the side, dismounting and offering the reins to one of his men. "Imari," he murmured, hurrying over to them at a brisk pace.
To the surprise of several onlookers—but not Kaede—Imari didn't give her father a respectful bow. Instead, she threw her arms around him, hugging his neck. He seemed a little surprised, too, but he returned the gesture, ignoring the whispers.
Kaede smiled. It was sweet that Imari was so affectionate with her father, even in public. She waited until the embrace ended and the two of them made their bows before stepping forward to join them.
"And what prompted such an enthusiastic greeting?" Lord Homura asked Imari. "You act as if you thought you might never see me again." Imari gave a guilty wince, and Lord Homura's eyes widened. "It seems you have a lot to tell me."
"I do, Father, but don't worry." Imari reached back, taking Kaede's hand with her own and pulling her forward. "It’s a story the Moon will smile upon."
The End
Glossary of Terms and Places
Kimono: every-day clothing; differentiates in material and cut to show status.
Hakama: skirt-like garment worn over the kimono by samurai.
Kataginu: sleeveless jacket with wide shoulders worn by samurai for formal occasions.
Kamishimo: formal samurai attire that includes a kimono, hakama and kataginu.
Tatsuki: a white cord used to keep the sleeves of one’s kimono up and out of the way.
Karo: trusted advisers to the daimyo.
Bushido: the philosophy and mindset of the samurai, the code of conduct.
Akatsuki Teikoku: the Empire of the Dawn, the most eastern country on Tengoku; ruled by the Empress through the individual daimyo-landlords and shogun military leaders.
Kingdom of Tsun’i: ancient kingdom to the west of the Jade Sea; ruled by the Twin Kings and guarded by the Iron Golems.
Kingdom of Xiangsai: a younger kingdom to the south of Tsun’i and Akatsuki; ruled by the mysterious Jheong dynasty, mistrustful of outsiders and fiercely protective of its lands.
Jade Sea: a massive inland sea that had been turned to jade in a cataclysm some hundred years before.<
br />
Yin: a dying city on the shore of the Jade Sea that once was a thriving center of trade.
Mirai: the crown jewel of Homura province, known for its hot springs as well as steel and textile manufacturers.
Mount Aka: “Red Mountain”, see Hongshan.
Hongshan: the mysterious mountain on the borders of Tsun’i, surrounded by the rumors of dragons.
Taiseito: a city in the shadow of the Northern Mountains, capital of Aozora province.
Kousetsu: a city in the far north, capital of Yukimura province.
River Go: a massive river that flows through Tsun’i from north to south-west, known as the Lifeblood of Tsun’i.
Hyewang: a Tsun’i city at the north most tip of the Jade Sea, important trade and travel center between Tsun’i and Akatsuki.
Asahina: a mountain fortress, place where the shogun meet to share information and celebrate their victories.
Seinarukyo: the Imperial City, Akatsuki Teikoku capital from which the Empress and her court rules, impenetrable in two hundred years.
Irori: a sunken, square hearth mainly used for heat and cooking.
Katana: two-handed long sword of the samurai; it is curved and slender, with a single edge.
Saya: lacquered wooden scabbard.
Wakizashi: a shorter companion sword to the katana.
Daishō: the pairing of katana and wakizashi, symbol of the samurai class.
Daimyo: powerful, hereditary feudal lords who rule over large provinces.
Yokai: supernatural spirits. In Tengoku, they are typically large, sentient animals.
Ki: energy within living things. Can be translated to mean “breath” or “air”.
Yari: a straight-headed spear.
Kote: gauntlets
Mon: family and ruling clan crest, displayed on banners, clothing and armor.
Ronin: a samurai with no lord or master, “one who wanders”.
Yamayuri: mountain lily, famous for its striking white-golden colored blooms.
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