"Did you know it was all going to go so wrong for you?" - Pink Floyd

It was a rather chilly morning but the sun shone the brightest. Kazuya had gotten up earlier though, much earlier. Everyone was still sleeping while he woke up, went for a run, practiced his martial arts and did meditation before he took a bath and got dressed for whatever the day threw his way. This was his morning ritual, most days. He found that it helped him face the day with renewed energy and high spirits, besides the exercise helped him release tension and clear his head, for the most part. His uncle, Abe So-Lung, would soon come looking for him, as it was customary for them to have breakfast together in order to discuss the latest news and organise their busy and daily schedules. As the Ambassador for his clan and the Kingdom of Kutou, Kazuya needed to be up to date with all news, as trivial as some were, in order to help the kingdom to the best of his ability. The moment his uncle sent for him, he left his room and met him at the dinning room. A servant opened the soft door for him and he joined his uncle and knelt by the table. Abe So-lung seemed to be lost in tough but soon looked up when Kazuya joined him and nodded at him.

He nodded back and smiled, as they took a sip of their green tea and began to eat the food set for them, his uncle broke the companionable silence, “I trust you slept well.” Kazuya nodded but smiled at him to confirm his words. As he took another mouthful, his uncle cleared his throat and added, “I have received instructions from the Emperor regarding your role as Ambassador.” He showed him the letter with the royal seal and Kazuya eyed him waiting to hear what it was he was trying to tell him. Something did not add up, usually his uncle would not beat around the bush. What sort of news was he about to disclose?

Kazuya was not sure why but, his uncle’s body language seemed to indicate that he was not comfortable with the news he had to convey. He raised an eyebrow but knew better than to question him and force the information out of him, he would be greatly disrespectful to the man who brought him up as if he were his own son. And it was that appreciation and respect that enabled him to keep his cool. His eyes never left his uncle’s and just as he seemed to be taking a deep breath, he could not stop himself from saying, “Uncle, I know not the nature of your news but, have you not always said that it is best to face all kinds of news with a cool-levelled head? I am ready for whatever it is you have to say.” He hoped that conveying this message helped his uncle commit to delivering the orders, whatever these may be. Of course, a man like Kazuya could never be truly ready for news such as these…

Abe So-Lung sighed and turning to look at Kazuya he said, “Very well, the Emperor states that, due to your dealings as appointed Ambassador, your life will be constantly in danger, thus, a bodyguard will be sent who shall arrive anytime today.” He rubbed the sides of his forehead in anticipation to Kazuya’s reaction. He knew him better than anyone else, he was a strong and merciful man, he was wise and cunning… but he was as stubborn as a mule and his pride would become his undoing. And this was exactly what he feared when Kazuya’s facial expression changed from calm to anger within seconds of hearing his words. He slammed both palms on the table and muttered, “Is this some joke abasing our clan, uncle? We come from a line of samurai warriors and generals. I can protect myself, I don’t need anyone to babysit me.”

Anyone else would have been terrified at the anger, his uncle, however, laughed in irony and then said, “You think I do not know you Kazuya? I expected this reaction, but you must understand the Emperor does not doubts your skills to do your job and protect yourself.” Their eyes met and Kazuya’s anger seemed dissipated if only for a moment. “It is out of curtesy and respect to our clan that he offers one of his trusted bodyguards to keep you safe as you are indispensable for the future of our clan and the well being of al political relationships the kingdom has with any of its present and future allies. The whole nation depends on you.” Abe So-Lung then leaned forth and placed a hand on Kazuya’s shoulder before he added, “Besides, you and I both know that the enemy still breaths, still walks this earth. Do you not think it possible that he will learn of your whereabouts and political position as soon as you begin to oversee treaties and represent your clan and country?”

Kazuya leaned back in shock, in his anger he had forgotten to examine everything with the eyes of a tactician. His uncle truly was a wise and clear man, “Forgive me, uncle.” He looked down at his fists which had closed menacingly in the middle of their conversation. “Although, you know that there is nothing more I want but to face that monster and make him play for all the crimes he committed. I will go mull over what you have told me. Feel free to reply to the letter as you see fit. However, I am not sure if I will be willing to accept a bodyguard.”

Abe So-Lung sighed and stood up slowly, “All I ask is that you consider the wish of this old man who had to burry all the family he had left, with the exception of one.” He gave him a meaningful look before he turned to leave adding, “If anything happened to you, it would be the end of the lineage, the clan would be n more and the centuries of samurai and generals that fought for their kingdom would have all been in vain…”

As he left Kazuya stood up and decided to go for a walk at the gardens. It was a beautiful day, after all. He sighed and ran a hand through his hair, his steps were slow so that he could take in the beauty of the gardens, the ponds and the nearby animals and hope that in such proximity with nature he could find peace and consider all he was told. If this so called bodyguard arrived he would be notified, surely, so for the time being he would try and calm down. The last thing he wanted as the Ambassador and representative of his clan was to appear a spoiled brat in the eyes of the bodyguard and, as a result, of the Emperor himself. Shun was a man who lied his people but, that did not mean he could to feel offended if his aid was not appreciated, particularly from the men he worked directly with.

He had to admit an extra pair of hands was near an unwelcome sight and having someone from the palace might help him have a better grasp of the situation in the court and the capital. Living in the countryside was nice and peaceful but it kept Kazuya slightly alienated form the rest of the kingdom and that resulted, unfortunately, on him learning things the last minute. For example, he had heard he should expect a bodyguard in three days, but, by the time the letter arrived, the three days had elapsed. So we wasn’t granted any time to get ready for such news nor the possibility of thinking of a strategy that could result in him politely reclining the offer of a bodyguard. He wondered if Emperor Shun had done this on purpose because he suspected he would not accept protection otherwise.

He looked up at the sky after a long walk and whistled, his friend Taka squeaked and flew around Kazuya before landing on his arm. He took out pieces of dead rat and fed his falcon friend. He then caressed his belly gently, enjoying the warmth and softness of the feathers. “Do you also think I’m being obstinate my friend?” He looked into his friend’s eyes and then smirked, “Perhaps I am, but I did not survive until now out of the benevolence of an Emperor, it was all struggles for me. And yet, here I am… an obstinate man.” He smirked and continued to pet his feathered friend.

Tsuki was annoyed. No, for the first time in her life, she was actually furious. With the Emperor. This had never happened before, and the Emperor had always honored her desire to stay near her brother. This usually sat them guarding the princesses, but sometimes it was visiting dignitaries. And on the rare occasion that they had different assignments, they were always in the same location. One did not leave the palace for anything longer than a day trip without both of them going. It was the way it had always been 0. and it was the way Tsuki liked it.

But now…now she was being sent away to guard some ambassador. She knew just the type. She had better things to do than guard some doddering old fool that was more interested in chasing his maids than in having a bodyguard. And even if this one wasn’t some lecherous old fool. He'd be the other usual type she’d come to expect in court - a young, ambitious man who wanted to marry for money and power, and wouldn’t trust someone sent to guard him for free, believing only the best guards were expensive. She wanted to beat those men in the head, andd point out that if she was good enough to guard the Emperor and his loved ones, she was good enough to guard a spoiled brat.

But she couldn’t say anything of the sort, it wasn’t her place. She had to remain Tsurou, the mostly quiet, dutiful, male guard, sent from the palace to guard this vrat.

Sometimes she suspected the emperor knew she was secretly a woman. He trusted her with tasks usually only assigned to the female guards, though she didn’t fret over how he had discovered when none save her twin brother and her best friend Yukina knew. Instead she had always just been grateful that he hadn’t drawn attention to the fact. But then, on days like today when she was given an assignment like this despite her respectful but urgent pleas for a different guard to be sent this far out…

Well, surely if he’d known she was a woman, he wouldn’t have sent her this far out alone to guard a man she had never met before.

She sighed and stopped her horse a short distance from the house. Slipping off the road, she made sure her disguise was fully in place, and her chest bindings were tight enough to hold. She had no idea when she’d be able to rewrap them, after now, and it was more important than ever that her secret hold. She didn’t know this man, but the amount of leverage he could gain from discovering hse was a woman was frightening. Sure, she wasn’t much by herself, but imagine the scandal that would come if the Emperor was discovered to have let someone in disguise so close to his own family.

She shook her head and looked up at the bright morning Sun. “Stay with me, Taiyo. I have a feeling this is going to go sour very quickly…”

Sure she was as ready as she could be, she walked with her horse the short distance to the house. A servant came to take charge of her horse, and ask her business there. “I am Tsurou Meisai. I was sent by the great Emperor, Shun Tutai to serve as personal guard to Ambassador Abe. Could you please show me to him so that I may make my introductions and begin seeing to my duties?” As always, her voice was soft and pitched a bit deeper to sound more masculin. It did nothing for her shorter stature, and she was teased by other guards for being such a short man, but she had proven her skills time and time again, and eventually the teasing had stopped. with the wat she was feeling this morning, her luck would be that this stupid Ambassador would start the teasing up all over again…

"Right this way, sir." The seventh turned and started walking toward a well kept garden. Tsuki had to try hard not to roll her eyes. Didn't this person realize she was no superior? She was essentially a servant, the same as him, only she was a servant with a very specific job. Turning a corner, she was able to see further into the gardens, and spotted a handsome young man with a hawk. She paused for just a moment, tilting her head slightly. He seemed to be good with the bird, which earned him a few points in her book. Animals were always good judges of character. Still, the fact that he was good with animals didn't mean he wasn't still a brat.

Kazuya was lost in thought as he caressed and smiled at his feathered friend with gentle eyes, with affection. He did not have much left from his family after that raid but what he had he appreciated tenfold. He never considered himself someone who did not appreciate others but the incidents in his past made him more reserved and weary of strangers. Who could blame him? He was so young when it happened and he lost so much, now he looked after the remnants of his clan with zealousness and wishes to protect it to whatever end and did not want to allow some guard sent by the Emperor to stop him from carrying out his duty as the man who would inherit the duty to lead his clan once his uncle passed. And, honestly, he hopes he would not have to in a while yet. He was his last family. If he lost his uncle he would have nothing, no one else close to him and that was a terrifying thought.

He could still see the faces of his family, friends…. His people as they were mercilessly slaughtered and much worse. He knew who did it, knew the demon’s name and yet his uncle had always told him to never focus his life on revenge. That meant, he had to live his life to the best of his ability. And Kazuya obliged because he loved his uncle and did not want to appear as an unappreciative brat. But, should destiny place that demon within arms reach, he would not hesitate. He would kill him. Not only for all the malice he committed, for he knew he was not the only victim. Beings like Yu would never stop and many more would suffer. And so, Kazuya would be the wall Yu would never manage to climb, he would stop him for the sake of his people and the safety of those who lived.

His thoughts brought him back to the present as his friend twitched slightly as if to turn to look at something it had not seen there before. Kazuya had sensed the guard as he approached but had not said anything. “You really have keen senses don’t you?” He smirked and gave his feathered friend a treat and a pat and watched it enjoy the treat with a smile before he turned to look at the new commer.

So this was his guard? He was much shorter than Kazuya, rather lean and he did not look older than Kazuya, in fact he was most definitely older than his guard. He nearly laughed, why did the Emperor appoint him a bodyguard that looked more like he needed protecting rather than the other way around? He looked like the little brother he had never had.

On top of that, he was rude. He stood there silently staring at Kazuya and did not introduce himself. What type of manners did they teach them at the capital? He wondered. Still, he was here and an imperial order could not be revoked or ignored for it would tarnish his family honour and the house of Abe did not survive near-annihilation to be labelled rude and ignorant. Taka examined the soldier with great interest trying to find out his ulterior motives or if he should protect his master from the likes of him. But he was soothed when Kazuya caressed its back. The last thing he wanted was for the soldier to be sent back home because Taka could not restrain himself.

The light shone on his blue eyes filled with determination, despite his imperfections Kazuya prided himself in being a man his men, heck even his people, could follow to whatever end. Despite his personality at times he truly cared about his people, contrary to what anyone might think of a nobleman’s son. “Tsurou Meisai, I assume? So the Emperor sent a kid.” He smirked for a moment before allowing Aka the freedom to fly away only to perch on a tree close to Tsurou. Kazuya rubbed the back of his head while still addressing the kid, “Pay Aka no heed, it’s always curious whenever new people are about, even though I told him not to do that.” He approached Aka and petted it once more with a smile before he said, “You have arrived quite early, have you slept or eaten anything?”

Just because he did not see the need in having a bodyguard follow him everywhere did not mean he did not care for his well-being. Once he came to serve under the Abe clan he had to be treated like one of his own. He looked at the kid, not sure how helpful he would be and even though he could already tell there was some inhibited tension in the boy there was little either of them could do but over the Emperor, “What weapons and martial arts do you specialise on?”

He did not wish for a bodyguard but he would not say no to a sparring buddy if they ever had the time to. He usually spared with his uncle whenever he was free or one of his main soldiers so it would be nice to have someone more available. And hopefully he would be quite skilled because he liked challenges.

"Tsurou Meisai, I assume? So the Emperor sent a kid. Pay Aka no heed, it’s always curious whenever new people are about, even though I told him not to do that. You have arrived quite early, have you slept or eaten anything?”

Tsuki gave a small bow when addressed. “Yes, sir, I am Tsurou. I apologize for not speaking up sooner. but you seemed to be thinking over something, and I did not wish to intrude. She felt her jaw twitch slightly when he called her a kid. What gave him the right? “With respect, sir. I am not a child, I am twenty-five years of age, and prior to being sent here, I was one of the personal guards to the Princesses.” She tried to calm her annoyance when he turned his thoughts to more practical matters. “Thank you for your kind offer, Sir, but I am well rested and fed.‘ It’s a multiple day trip here from the Palace, so rather than arriving late last night, I thought it would be best to set out from my inn first thing this morning and arrive ready for my day’s work.” After a moment, she looked up at the hawk, and finally gave a small smile. “If I may be so bold…I quite like animals, so the beautiful creature does not concern me. It reminds me of a baby fox that my brother and I looked after as children. The mother was killed, and the poor thing would’ve starved if we hadn’t taken it in for the winter.” She was surprised that she brought up this memory. It was the sort of absent thing she and her brother would recall fondly, but that most of the people she guarded would have no interest in.

“What weapons and martial arts do you specialise on?”

Of course he would question her skills. She tried not to sigh. Would he have been half as interested if her brother had been sent? He clearly didn’t think she was up to the job. Still, she would just work hard to prove him wrong. She’d done it time and time again at the Palace already. “My main weapon is my bow and arrows, but I’m also skilled with swordplay. I can grapple some, but I’ve discovered that my stature isn’t well suited to close hand-to-hand combat with larger opponents. In a pinch I do have a short blade that I can use." She lifted her chin a fraction, expression determined. “But I assure you that I have trained hard to ensure the safety of my charges. No matter the opponent, I have never yet had a charge receive so much as a scratch.” She forced some of the tension from her posture. "I will be happy to submit to any tests that you see fit in order to prove my skill."

She wasn't sure what it was about this man, but she felt pushed to prove she had every right to be there that her brother would have. Yes, she was shorter and smaller built, and yes, she was a woman - not that he knew that - but she was still a professionally trained guard, and if she was good enough to guard the Princesses, she was good enough to guard this man.

“Yes, sir, I am Tsurou. I apologize for not speaking up sooner. But you seemed to be thinking over something, and I did not wish to intrude.”

So he noticed? He nearly felt embarrassed hearing that his new guard picked up on this habit of his. Truth be told, despite how hard he worked all these years to make life for his people better and as his uncle would have it, forget about what happened. The more time passed the more he got a feeling that his past would catch up with him one way or another. You could not run away from the past, especially a past stained by so much loss and despair. Something in the eyes of Tsurou made him think that, for a moment, he might have also experienced something in the past. It was one of those things that Kazuya could tell because he had experienced it and tried to push it away and leave it behind. So far it was an unsuccessful endeavour but that did not mean he would die up on his pursuit to recovering and making his family proud of the man he had become. Abe So-Lung was the reason that Kazuya could see beyond his thirst for revenge and take up the duty to protect his clan and whoever needed his aid. That did not mean, however, that if he came across these enemies and also saw them about to commit a treacherous act that he would not stand strong and confront them. He would kill them if he had to for no more darkness would come for their treacherous deeds.

He looked at Tsurou for a moment before he said, “Think nothing of it.” He then approached him until he stood in front of him, he truly was a short man, he towered her him it was rather comical, “There is no need to be formal in the house of Abe, my people address me as Kazuya, unless in the presence of the Emperor of Kutou or his ministers or on a formal occasion, feel free to address me by my birth name. I assume you would not mind me doing so as well, unless you rather I address you formally. I’m fine with water you prefer, I rather you feel comfortable in your new role.” In all honesty he was not fond at all of formalities, it created a bridge between him and the people and he did not feel deserving of such, he would much rather stand with his people for they supported him as he grew into the ma he was now. Eery-day folk paved the path he followed and though Abe So-Lung brought him up as his own son, he owed much to his people and he would always remind himself of this, least he forgot.

Something changed in his countenance, he could sense it as easily as the way the wind changes of route as it floats about him. He had a keen sense, after all, he needed to in order to lead this clan. The day would come when his uncle would want him to take his place, although he hoped it would not be anytime soon, he enjoyed spending time with Abe So-Lung and was not looking forward to the day he would not have his counsel for he spoke of his desire to move to the palace for a little while to spend time with the Emperor and his family once he retired. He would always return, for this was his home, yet Kazuya was not ready to be alone just yet. The kid was angry although he did his best to hide it, but his snappy answer gave all the proof he needed. Kazuya smirked at the audacity of this guard.

“With respect, sir. I am not a child, I am twenty-five years of age, and prior to being sent here, I was one of the personal guards to the Princesses.”

He had… Quite the tongue. He took out a letter and shaking it lightly he said, “I’m very aware of it, I did receive a report about you as soon as I was notified of your coming here.” He put it away as he added, “You were noted as quite the… outspoken person.” He smirked and then leaned his back against the tree Taka was perched on and examined the young solder for a moment, “I believe it is one of the reasons Abe So-Lung requested your services. It appears the old man believes I can at times be rather… crass in conversation.” He hoped that his explained a little bit how he did not wish to offend the kid but rather show a part of his personality he denied for the most part. He was blunt and he knew it but who would accept such trait of their own persona?

“Thank you for your kind offer, Sir, but I am well rested and fed. It’s a multiple day trip here from the Palace, so rather than arriving late last night, I thought it would be best to set out from my inn first thing this morning and arrive ready for my day’s work.”

Kazuya looked at Tsurou allowing him to speak, most people would find it strange for a man of his upbringing to have conversations with his guards but he was used to being approachable with everyone in the clan, in fact, if anyone asked about Kazuya the people in the city and nearby villages would deny such for their wish to protect him. They admired and respected the young man so much they would gladly sacrifice their lives for him, for the young man who stood up on the aches of their clan and led them to the happy life they now led regardless of the losses he suffered and how young he was then. And so, Kazuya was glad that the soldier was open for conversation, the last thing he wanted was a silent shadow following him around. It would make him uneasy. He could tell this soldier was smart and seemed to have planned his trip well. He was impressed. “I see, you planed your trip well.” A maid was passing by when she spotted Kazuya, she smiled warmly and said, “Kazuya-kun, always up before anyone else.”

Kazuya did not expect this conversation in front of Tsurou and he rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment, “Kie-san, make sure you rest well. There is no need to get up so early.” She smiled and bowed her head in greeting, “The stories I could tell of when Kazuya-fun was a young boy.” His eyes nearly expanded in a panic but he looked away in embarrassment, “Kie-san has been with the family for generations, and she never changes.” He smirked as the elder lady laughed softly, she knew he was no longer a small boy so the ‘kun’ she sneaked in all the time was a bit unnerving but she did it on purpose. She lied teasing him after all. But she did it out of fondness and he could not oppose her, she was family after all. She smiled at Tsurou and said, “Welcome young lad, your room has been sorted for you next to Kazuya’s as you will be his personal guard it made sense for us to arrange it thus, if anything is not to your liking please come find me.”

Kazuya smiled fondly at the old maid, in the absence of his parents she had been the closest thing to a family along with Abe So-Lung he had. “Thank you Kie-san, you might still be on time to have one of Lu-san’s pastries, they were fresh made this morning.” He smiled as she bowed and excused herself but she walked much quicker toward the kitchen. He could not stop himself form laughing softly, everyone loved his backed goods but the pastries, people got up early just so they would get to have one. Looking at Tsurou for a moment he handed him a pastry packed up. “I was not sure if you would have eaten anything, besides, it is one of the best things you can eat in this area. Feel free to keep it for a snack later or if you get hungry.” He might as well give him the pastry and then let him decide when to have it.

“If I may be so bold…I quite like animals, so the beautiful creature does not concern me. It reminds me of a baby fox that my brother and I looked after as children. The mother was killed, and the poor thing would’ve starved if we hadn’t taken it in for the winter.”

He was a bit surprised at first about the story Tsurou told him, in fact he had to stop himself as he was about to address him as ‘madam’. He blinked, perhaps it had been the fact that this was not the kind of story men would be discussing even if it were a childhood memory, there was something about what he had just told him that made him not uneasy but rather… unsure. He could not put his finger on it but, for now, he would ignore it and consider it at a later time. He was surprised that the young man had fondness for animals. He extended his arm for Taka to perch on it and he caressed its stomach, “Be nice…” The bird screeched as if in complaint but it then allowed Kazuya to gently extend his arm in case Tsurou wished to caress his feathered friend.

He then looked at Tsurou as he said, “You will like this region for we protect most animals, we only hunt the old and are in good terms with the forest spirits. I personally know of some of their clan leaders but my uncle has met them, he sometimes visits them or they visit here. And I’m proud of such allegiance, albeit not many know of it and I would appreciate it if you kept it between us. I have it on good authority that forest spirits are in danger currently, some people capture them for treacherous reasons.” His eyes flashed in anger for a moment, but they softened when he looked back at Taka, “Did you release the fox kit when he got older? It is strange you telling me of this, as my friend here, I found him as well when he was injured and very young, we both were… I nursed it back to health but it decide dit wanted to stay. Which please me for I could not lose another friend…” Noticing the slip he cleared his throat and allowed Taka to fly away and go hunting. If he needed him he would whistle.

“My main weapon is my bow and arrows, but I’m also skilled with swordplay. I can grapple some, but I’ve discovered that my stature isn’t well suited to close hand-to-hand combat with larger opponents. In a pinch I do have a short blade that I can use… But I assure you that I have trained hard to ensure the safety of my charges. No matter the opponent, I have never yet had a charge receive so much as a scratch… I will be happy to submit to any tests that you see fit in order to prove my skill.”

He was about to lead Tsurou to the stables to show him the horse he would be given to use should he need to then he stoped on his tracks a bit surprised at the outburst. He did enjoy teasing others but he had asked merely to learn of what the young man’s capabilities were. He could not stop from smirking but he regained composure and decided to take it one phrase at a time, “I shall take into account your main skills in ranged combat. It suits me actually as I’m a proficient close-combatant with twin blades or katana. We should arrange our filing to take that into account for it would be advantageous taking enemies by surprise thinking they only have to deal with blades.” To the question of him testing his bodyguard, he would not do something so insulting when he was recommended by the Emperor, “I could not do something so thoughtless, it would show weakness of character to question an Emperor’s choice even if the person chosen is a kid.” He stood right in front of Tsurou and extended a hand to receive one of his swords or knives waiting for him to place the weapon on the palm of his hand, he held it for a moment looking down at Tsurou and then said formally, “I, Kazuya Abe, of the Abe clan, take you as the blade that will ensure my safety. I leave my life in your capable hands.” He then gently returned the blade to Tsurou.

He was not sure hat doe him to accept having a guard when he had been so opposed to it but, perhaps it would not be such a bad experience after all. He guided him to the stables and right next to his black stallion was a shorter chestnut mare, she was slightly smaller and slimmer but she was one of their fastest horses second only to his own stallion. Turning to look at Tsurou as he chuckled when the mare nuzzled him as he greeted her, “This is Akari, she is our second fastest horse, she is gentle and intuitive it will also make ranged fighting easier for you.” He then moved away gently allowing Tsurou to familiarise himself with the mare while he walked over to Kuragari and he embraced the stallion as it neigh happy to see him, “Hello old boy. Are you ready to go for a trot?” He gave him a piece of apple and the horse munched happily. Turning to Tsurou he said, “As long as it's okay with you,” After all, if his guard was tired he did not want to risk him getting hurt.