It had taken awhile, after he pulled Akahana to him, for Shian to relax enough to find sleep for himself. He hadn’t slept so closely to someone since he’d been a child, and the little group of toddling friends had all curled together in heaps on the floor for their naps. It wasn’t that the pain of his injury was too great, or that he couldn’t find a comfortable position… it was merely that his mind was running in circles, refusing to allow him to rest. However, between the injury, and the effects of the medicinal tea she had made for him, he did rest more heavily than usual, once sleep claimed him. Enough so that when she woke and snuggled in closer, he never stirred, even when she placed a light kiss on his cheek. Instead, he merely sighed in his sleep and moved his arm to hold her more securely, without realizing he’d done so, and then slept on.



It wasn’t until morning, as light began to filter in through the trees, that his eyes opened slowly, and a low grunt showed that he’d just left behind an unpleasant scenario of his mind’s own creation. Still, the sound is very reserved, and he is able to immediately pull his mind into a more wakeful state, distancing himself quickly from his dreams. For a moment, he peers up into the sunlight - it was still fairly early morning, by the positioning of the shafts of light peeking between leaves, and his nose told him that it had rained overnight. That explained why he no longer heard the crackling of fire embers. Good thing his traveling clothes were oil treated, and slicked off water. But still, with the chill in the air, shouldn’t he be colder? That thought made him finally glance down at himself… and his eyes landed upon deep red hair, and the sight of his own arm, cradling a smaller, more delicate feminine form against himself. He jerked in surprise - and then let out a muffled yelp, as his instinctive movement disturbed his extremely offended backside

Everything was calm, everything was stillness. For the first time in many years Akahana was having a restful sleep, no nightmares plagued her mind, no guilt-filled dreams did she have with the images of eery single person she killed. She felt warm, comfortable and was lulled to rest by the sound of Shian’s heartbeat. No sounds out of the ordinary kept the peace and tranquility of their rest, there was the occasional chirping of birds, the sound of the water droplets after some rain, the sound of life as the day awakened all living beings. The sound of nearby water was soothing and she would have been content to stay there. It was a comfort she had never experienced, it was a trust she had never granted anyone before. She had become a strong woman and she had learned to fight but she had never been blessed with someone she could rely on, she trusted no one and she always looked after her shoulder. Now many would think that such level of independence, of being a lone wolf, was advantageous. Nevertheless, it had weakened her greatly to ignore her humanity overall and that resulted, as well, in her inability to socialise or even made her incredibly awkward at times and, more importantly, it made her a person who was always afraid, she feared reaching out to others and be rejected, she feared trusting and being back-stabbed, she feared appearing too uncouth. And so she veiled her problems and decided to ignore the elephant in the room. Of course that was not the best way to sole things but she did not know any better. As an assassin she did not expect to be given the chance to explore her humanity.

But now, her life took an unexpected turn. She was no longer in Tokyo and she was no longer an assassin. As soon as she offered her services to Shun and his kingdom she stopped being someone who took lives, and rather, she would fight to preserve them. And then there was the confusing part, so she had the freedom to choose and explore that humanity she had neglected all her life. And now, like the seeds in a dandelion they had come to life and were flying free and she did not know what to do with all these feelings. At times she felt something warm inside her, at others she felt her cheeks warm and considered the possibility of her being sick or something, none of those emotions did she recognise, none of them made her feel afraid, angry, scared. And she did not know how to deal with them, she tried experimenting and it had caused Shian to bring himself to harm. On top of that she caused trouble to the people who supported her in this kingdom. She was absolutely hopeless.

The stillness was disturbed by a sudden jerking movement and a yelp. All the warmth and calm she had been experiencing nearly disappeared entirely and her hand reached for a throwing knife within seconds. She woke up startled and looking around with knife at the ready she remembered the fire she had build, Shian breaking his backside and then him cuddling her at night after her terrible nightmare. Realising she had drawn a weapon and utterly confused she whispered, “Shian? What?…” they were not in danger and she did not sense any imminent threat. They had not slept much for they went to sleep quite late, and she was not a morning person, she put away her knife and still not feeling like person she muttered, “Get back to sleep, silly man.” She poked him on the side and then scooted closer to him feeling her sleepiness be much stronger than anything else and she placed her head back on his chest, her arm moving around him once more, “Teddy…” she whispered and then went back to sleep just like that. She snuggled against him and once again slept without any nightmares and this time without any dreams either, she had needed that rest. However, Akahana had been trained to not get much sleep and be up bright and early, so after a few more hours of rest she slowly opened her eyes.

She then remembered that scent, Shian’s. She remembered he had pulled her against him in the middle of the night, she assumed it had been due to the cold weather or her nightmares, or both and then he had jolted her awake but she had gone back to sleep. Remembering how she had reacted when he woke her up, the drawing of her weapon, the grumpy sleepy mumbling she blushed deeply. In fact, she could have sworn she had called him teddy, she was not sure he would knot what a teddy bear was but, still. She was so embarrassed she was not sure what to do. She took a deep breath to try and regain composure but to no avail. The embarrassment was too strong, would he think her an easy woman or one of those noble women he despised? She decided to ignore such thoughts and instead moved away gently even though her body wanted a full day of sleep and cuddles. She was not helping her case with these thoughts! She was not even sure how to speak to him if he had fallen to sleep again or if he had remained away for as long as she napped, “Good… good morning.” She finally had the courage to look at his face and then said, “Sorry about the poke.” She then asked out of curiosity, “Why did you startle me earlier?” She was not sure why he had jerked and she found herself blushing more just by thinking about it. She was beginning to feel annoyed at her own emotions, she wanted just to get up and run as far as her legs could take her.

But she could not leave Shian here, and she could not be so cowardly about this so she began picking her things back up. “Lets get you to the Palace, I’ll be sure to drop you before we arrive so your pride remains intact.” Talking about the things she had to do and getting ready to leave she found her calm returning to her enough so that she could tease him as she sometimes did whenever they were engaging in conversation. She smirked and then left no traces of them having spent the night there. The memory made her blush, the fact that she had dared kiss him once, no twice, made her blush even more. She then turned toward him and said, “You are aware of your injury and how terrible it is for you to walk in that condition, also if you want to heal faster you need to trust me. No one will see us and I’ll be sure to do as I promised.” She would drop him as soon as they left the forest as the back entrance of the Palace was very close to the forest.

She then blushed lightly but then she moved to stand with her back toward him and then said, “Don’t you dare move, bare with it.” She could feel her whole face warm with embarrassment but she grabbed his right arm with her left hand and his right leg with her right arm and then leaning down she pulled his whole weight onto her back. She then made sure she had him secured and walked through the forest making sure to avoid areas where people would be in order to spare Shian any teasing. She was not sure why but she wanted to be extremely thoughtful with him. As soon as she could see the back entrance she gently put him down. She did her best not to feel embarrassed once more and instead she said, “It would be best if you rest for the day, I can bring you some more of that tea later if you like.” She looked into his honey eyes for a brief moment before she found herself smiling at him gently, he had been very kind keeping her company last night she felt she wanted to do something for him, she would go to the kitchens and make him the brew and also something from her world, she was more than certain she could improvise something with the ingredients in the Palace. “Thanks you for last night.” She blushed and then went back into the Palace hoping that doing something with her hands would help her control all these emotions, they truly were all over the place!

Her sudden movement beside him caused alarm that followed on the heels of the pain, though he was completely unaware that it had been his yelp that had inspired her movement. An equally-instinctive motion took his hand to his hip, heedless of the burn that the movement caused as he too drew steel, shoving himself half upright entirely in response to how startled Akahana was, and assuming there must be some threat. Soon enough though, both her senses and his own revealed that there was no danger at all, and he warily rested down once more, replacing his sword in its sheath. “I’m… sorry, I just didn’t-” He faltered, and glanced down, a little embarrassed. “I didn’t want you to think that I-” She put her weapon away then, and unceremoniously curled against him once more, effectively silencing him. Red locks mingled a little with his darker hair, and he stiffened for a spare second… but after a moment, he seemed to resolve a conflict in his mind, and he finally sighed, resting his chin on top of her head. “Goodnight, Akahana…”



A few hours later, despite Shian’s lack of intention to return to sleep, it is Akahana who stirs first, and the subtle movement brings his eyes open, though more calmly, this time, enough so that he is able to greet her in exchange. “Good morning.” Despite how awkward he still felt about this entire matter, he managed to sound admirably casual, and her question was answered very calmly and truthfully…at least, everything that he said was true. “I apologize… it was quite unintentional. I moved without thinking, and forgot my injury for a moment.” So saying, he braced himself against a tree trunk in order to get upright, suppressing a pained sound beneath a low grunt, and began stiffly setting his clothes to rights, speaking as he did so. “The Emperor will be expecting us, by nightfall. We should break camp, and- oh, no. I assure you, I am quite capable of-” She wasn’t really listening to him though, and despite all of his protests, in his current state, he couldn’t exactly prevent her from lifting him like a child, to carry on her back. He offered a few more protests as she walked, but at last seemed to realize that his dignity was suffering more from his protests than her carrying him, and so he endured the rest of the ride in silence, until at last they arrived at the rear entrance to the palace, and he sighed, relieved to be on his own two feet again.



It was then that she offered a bit more casual conversation, and startled him again. He’d expected her to be embarrassed, or perhaps angry that he’d taken advantage of her fear last night, and yet… she spoke not just acceptance, but gratitude. After a moment, she was rewarded with a slight, more genuine smile from him. “I… would like that. It is quite a useful tea.” Another pause, and then he brushed her hair gently with his fingers, unsure of why he’d done it. “You are most welcome, Akahana. I will… see you later on, I hope.”

“I’m… sorry, I just didn’t-I didn’t want you to think that I-”

Thinking about it now, Akahana realised that she found Shian rather endearing when he behaved in such a way, for someone so confident in his abilities he sure had quite a bashful side whenever he dealt with tings that were not included in his job description. And by going through all these emotions alongside him, and experiencing the memories of their time together. She was beginning to realise that she was like him in that aspect. Neither of them had much experience when it came to emotions that were not involved in their occupations, Shian was a guard and thus he had a better idea on some other emotions, but Akahana was an assassin and with that came more harm than good to her personal development. It made her smile for some reason although briefly and it also made her feel embarrassed herself. There was something about Shian though-she found trustworthy. If anyone else had been appointed her personal guard she would not have confided in them the way she did that night. She could not picture herself having this bond with Ryou or even Shun or her other Seishi. It could be that their temperaments were alike, that both them were brought up amidst the cruelties of war and violence or the fact that they were kindred spirits. She was not entirely sure but, looking back at everything that ensued since her arrival in Kutou, she was grateful to Seriyuu for granting her protection from Zuku and her life in Tokyo and for beckoning her into a land full of people who wished to keep her safe and offer her friendship. Up till now she had never known the real meaning of any of these human relationships and the different levels. It took trial and error to acclimatise herself to this way of life but she found true enjoyment from it. And she knew that the more time she spent here the more her resolve was strengthened, she would need be an assassin again and she would stay here and do everything at hand to do so.

Shian had been so understanding that night, she felt like a different person the moment she woke up. He had accepted her the way she was and did not think little of her for the life that was forced upon her childhood and youth. On top of that he had been sweet really, not that she would ever tell him in fear of upsetting his pride, but she could not see anyone else being comfortable with sleeping embracing an assassin and not only that, but doing so abasing all rules of propriety typical from this world and even her own. He had set it all aside in order to give her comfort, warmth, and a side to humanity she had not experienced before, even her mother never slept with her that way. It had felt so wonderful knowing she could lower her guard for the first time in her life, to feel someone else’s warmth and to share such moment of tenderness feeling his arms embrace her in such a way that she knew nothing could harm her and she wished to do the same for him. She knew she would not have allowed this had it been someone else, but with Shian, she truly did not mind. It scared her a little bit, as it would whenever you opened yourself to trust someone. There was always that doubt on the back of your head, but you worked against it every day and that was what she was planning to do. Akahana wanted to do as much for Shian as he did for her, in her own way. But she did not want to come across as a wanton or any of the ladies he had met at court so she would share her feelings with him through her actions and then perhaps she will eventually know what it was that she felt for him and if he had any such warm feelings toward her.

“Good morning.”

The fact that he spoke to her that morning relieved her, although most of her knew he had embraced her out of his own freewill, who was to know for sure that he did not mind when she cuddled abasing him after she woke up with a jolt? So his words confirmed that he had not minded and it helped her relax some and feel a bit less embarrassed. She was still grateful for everything he did and she knew that travelling with him would never be boring or tedious. She smiled softly for a moment and gave him room to get up and gather his thoughts, she dd not want to appear like a nagging person or stop him from moving around a bit despite his injury. She knew how unnerving it was being unable to carry out your every day activities due to an injury. However, Akahana always had to deal with her own injuries and Zuku was relentless, he never allowed her a single day off. So she was forced to recover while still carrying out her duties. It was consuming and it made injuries take much longer to heal. She did not want the acme to happen to Shian, she wanted him to recover as soon as possible as she knew how important his duties were for him and how devoted he was to the Emperor, he would not like being unable to carry out his duties a hundred percent due to an injury acquired because she decided to be bold with him. She blushed slightly remembering the kiss but she decided to busy herself with getting them ready to go.

“I apologize… it was quite unintentional. I moved without thinking, and forgot my injury for a moment.”

He nearly startled her when he spoke, she had been so focused on her thoughts she forgot everything else. She turned to look at him as he spoke and heard his honest words. She was glad he spoke his feelings and did not hesitate in telling her without beating around the bush. She nodded to his words and said as if to measure him, “It is understandable to forget one’s injuries and then wince at the pain.” She still felt terrible that he had gotten injured but she would do her best to nurse him back to health. She knew that he would most likely avoid going to the infirmary and carry out his duties so it was up to her to ensure he rested and took something that helped him recover. She considered asking for a warm bath to be sent to her room and Shian's, individually, so that she could cleanse herself and relax and so that Shian’s body could be exposed to the heat, she would probably ask one of the maids to put some special healing salts she had. She had to look for them in her belongings. She suspected the first thing Shain would do was report back to the Emperor, so she would request his bath to be brought to his bedroom later so that the water would not get cold. She would take her bath as soon as she reached her rooms and then she would make him some more of that tea and the treats shew as planning on making for him.

When he mentioned the Emperor would expect them by nightfall she realised the more treason to look more presentable. She knew he would oppose her carrying him, but she did no budge. She was probably being a bit stubborn but she knew what injuries of that nature could do if you moved too much and in the forest there was a big chance he could injure himself further, besides she was a strong woman, piously not as strong as him, but she could carry him. It wasn’t the first time she had to carry someone, her job was rather hard a times as Zuku abused of his power and forced her to do his that at times had resulted in her getting injured. This was something she wished to do for him, to encourage his recovery. The moment he stopped protecting and simply allowed her to carry him she smiled to herself, so he had finally accepted the fact that it was best to sae his energies for when they reached the Palace. Good… That would certainly make things easier for the both of them, besides she wanted to focus so that she would not step in the wrong place and cause him any discomfort. She noticed he was relieved that she was allowing him to walk into the Palace on his own two feet. From one soldier to another, she knew she could not harm his pride in such a way, she did not have the heart and she knew how he felt.

”I… would like that. It is quite a useful tea.”

As she walked back into the Palace and did not look back her cheeks turned a hint of vermilion as she thought back on their last exchanges. She remembered how much she had blushed when he had given her a smile she had never seen before and it has been all for her. And the fact that he wanted to drink that tea once more it made her so happy. She had smiled back and had promised to make him the tea and with that resolution she would ensure to make it extra special and the treats would definitely be the icing on the cake. She was not sure why she had felt so excited about making these little things for Shian in order to bring him comfort and make him happy, but it did and she would bask on this feeling for as long as it lasted. “I will also be asking for baths to be rent to our rooms separately, it will be good for your injury to relax some. Even if you do not usually partake in such.” She realised she had been a bit shy when she had spoken and was probably rambling at the end of that sentence. But Shian had not seemed to mind. What was he doing to her? Her emotions just surfaced at the same time and took hold of her and she dd not know what to do with all of them.

”You are most welcome, Akahana. I will… see you later on, I hope.”

As soon as she reached her rooms she spotted a maid, she requested the baths to be drawn for them and she also found the healing salts and asked for them to be applied to both baths, that way the maids would only think that she wanted the both of them to be well rested for the meeting with the Emperor later on and they would not suspect anything about Shian’s injury. She decided she would do her best to protect his pride as much as possible. Unless Shun had had a vision of what transpired but just thinking about it made her head shake in embarrassment she sure hoped she was wrong! At the moment Shian’s final words echoed in her mind, and as the maids brought her bath to her room she walked toward the balcony. She needed to clear her head but their last scene together replayed itself in her mind and she found her cheeks an intense tone of vermilion. He had spoken with such a gentle voice, and then, she remembered him caressing her hair and she closed her eyes remembering how surprised and at the same time touched she had felt, her scarlet eyes sparkled with fire and she looked deeply into his eyes for a moment feeling her cheeks blush. “I will” She promised and to seal her words she had leaned up for a brief moment to kiss his cheek briefly and almost unnoticeably before she turned to leave.

As soon as the maids left she undressed and got in the bath. She placed a hand on her racing heart and then busied herself in washing her body and hair in order to recover the reins of her feelings. She closed her eyes for a brief moment and yet she could not stop that warm feeling from resurfacing and making her smile gently. Maybe allowing herself the time to experience and understand each feeling would help her be more human. She had to ensure not to let them all out at once though. And so, after she ensured she was clean she got out of the bath, she did not want to take too long as she wanted to make that tea and treats for Shian. She put on some clean clothes and did her best to dry her long red hair before she had the maids comb it to there was a pigtail crowning the top of her hair and the rest fell graciously behind her shoulders. Her fringe was fixed the usual way and she then made her way to the kitchen feeling a little bit hungry, but first tings first. She had to make sure she found all the ingredients she needed for the tea and the cookies.

She blushed deeply while she asked the chiefs for the ingredients and if it would be okay for her to use their kitchens. She did not seem to mind so she got to work. She first decided to boil the herbs for the tea while she worked on the mix for her cookies. Luckily she found some walnuts so she broke them into tiny pieces and mixed them with the flour, butter and a tiny bit of dark chocolate she found, she did not use too much of it just in case and instead added a bit of toffee she improvised with the ingredients at her disposal. She added the remaining ingredients and then moulded the batter into chunky cookies. She placed them in the oven and had enough time to finish preparing the tea and pouring it tiny a teapot for Shian and have a bit of food herself.

She cleaned up and ensured she left everything as spotless as she had seen it. Once everything was ready she put everything on a tray she carried. She blushed softly and hoped she would not bump into anyone, if she did show s not sure what she would do. Of course her prayers were not heard and as she turned a corner Fumiko was walking in order to run an errand. She noticed Akahana and smiled at her and was about to greet her when she picked up the smell of freshly baked goods and tea and she raised an eyebrow, “Akahana-sama, there is no need for you to do the job of a maid, shall I have one of the maids carry that for you? I confess that looks amazing and smells delicious, I did not know the chiefs had learned a new recipe.” As soon as Fumiko was about to reach out for one Akahana took a step back blushing deeply, “That won’t be necessary, I needed the exercise and did not have much to do. It is very light and I have no problem carrying this myself.”

Fumiko looked into her eyes for a moment noticing the embarrassment and the colour of her cheeks and smiled, “Oh… Did you make these?” That only made Akahana feel shyer and blush deeply, “Please don’t tease me.” She looked down and Fumiko laughed silently.

“Imagine if it had been Ryou who found you instead of me.” She winked at Akahana and then said, “Send my best regards to the royal guard who will be spoiled rotten with these treats.” Akahana’s face looked darker than her scarlet eyes by now, if that was even possible and her eyes opened widely. “I… what?!” Fumiko laughed softly but nodded at her and before she turned to leave and pretend she had not seen the red-haired woman sneaking to please a certain guard Akahana said, “Fumiko-sama, what exactly do you… It’s not what you think I…” Feeling her heart about to leap from he chest she abruptly continue on her way to Shian’s chambers muttering, “I don’t have to listen to this…”

Fumiko laughed softly and then looked at one of her hands, she had managed to steal a biscuit when she teased Akahana. It had not been out of malice but she was curious to taste what the Miko could make and what the food from her world would taste like. She hid it in a handkerchief and then walked back to do water it was she had to. She had to admit, it had bee endearing to tease the Miko, she had the most adorable blushing face.

Once Akahana reached Shian’s rooms she had managed to regain composure albeit she still felt somewhat shy and silly. She looked at the tray with the tea and treats and then after taking a deep breath she knocked on the door and waited. She hoped she had given him enough time to do whatever he needed doing and was ready for the visit. The last thing she wanted was for Ryou or Shun to find her as well.

Thank you for last night.

Why did you startle me earlier?

Get back to sleep, silly man.

…that child now has the option and wisdom to choose for herself…

I will...

For the third time, Shian set aside ink and paper, sighing in frustration. In lieu of the verbal report that Shun had refused to allow him to give, thanks to the injury, the dutiful soldier had seated himself awkwardly at the desk in his private quarters - a fluffy cushion beneath his behind to help ease discomfort - and had determined that he would issue a written report, to prove to the physician and the Emperor both that he was in fine enough shape to perform his duties. Of course, his current distraction had nothing to due with the pain of his injury, and more to do with the thoughts that echoed through his mind, over and over, which all of his militaristic discipline had been unable to quash. Laying the task aside half finished, he got to his feet, moving stiffly to the window and looking out.

His privilege in being Shun's personal guard showed in the quality of his quarters - the furnishings were simple, but well made, and the wood shone with the oil of frequent polishing by the cleaning staff. Chairs were complemented with soft cushions and supportive armrests, and the paper and ink on the dark wooden table were of thick, fine quality. Just out of sight of the door, partially separated from the workspace by a small wall, there lay a sleeping area, and the bed there was soft and supple, with thick, finely sewn bedding. It was the same coloring and pattern as any of the other soldiers of the palace, done in a simple rendition of the royal livery, but the materials were finer, and the wood in the fireplace opposite it fragrant and sweet. Likewise, the view greeting Shian when he turned his eyes out the window was an enviable one, giving him a complete vista of the city below, and the trees beyond, which was lit by the deep oranges and reds of the sun as it began to sink toward the horizon. But though his eyes lay upon it, he did not see its beauty. His gaze flew past it, to the horizon and beyond until the bright colors melded with his own thoughts, surrendering to the distraction of a vision of dark red hair, and a warmth beside him as he'd slept. 

I do not wish to go back to my world.

Had she meant it...? Yes, from her description, her life had not been happy there... cruel and abusive, in fact, were the words he'd have used. He could hardly blame her if she did not wish to return to that life, but surely as Miko, she could use the wishes she would be given in order to change her fate? To defeat the man who had so manipulated and used her, and set herself up with a secure future? Would that not be preferable, to leaving her entire world behind? It was a question he'd never asked himself before, and he couldn't truly put a finger on why he asked it now, but it drove him to distraction, guiding him to pace away from the window again, fingers toying with his belt knife, in a curious habit he had whenever he was thinking deeply, which no one but those closest to him would recognize. For himself, he could not imagine leaving his entire world behind, not even if-

A tap sounded, pulling him out of his reverie with a start. Lacking any servant to answer the door for him - at his own insistence, for his position entitled him to one - he frowned a little at the annoyance of having his thoughts interrupted, but cleared it from his face as he turned toward the door. His movements remained stiff and slow, yet he was able to open it of his own accord, and, upon seeing a familiar face there, step back to allow entrance. "Akahana...? I thought you'd be at supper, or perhaps in bed, after last night. Come in."

Once she knocked on the door there was no turning back and Akahana knew that. She also knew that her body begged her to just run away and not expose herself to any more embarrassment, would Shian be annoyed that she was visiting him again after what had transpired? Would he think it silly that she came to see him in his room? Well, he was injured so she thought she could do that out of consideration. No, he would not be upset with her when he had been so gentle with her that morning when they parted ways. She still remembered his smile, the softness of his voice and when he moved a lock of hair from her face. No anger had been visible in his eyes and that gave her the courage to stay and wait for him to open the door. She had brought him a warm towel to help alleviate the pain on the back and the tea should also do wonders and help him sleep that night. She wondered if he would like the cookies though, she had taken a risk by making sweets and she did not know if he liked sweets but well, she sensed he actually had a weakness for sweets. How did she know that? She was not certain but she was about to put her theory to the test. She ensured everything was in place while she waited trying to ignore her nerves and the dread of having anyone else spot her with a tray for Shian. How strange it felt to be a bit embarrassed and unsure of herself when she was a skilled warrior, she was intelligent and enjoyed a good book but her social skills had been hampered by the harsh upbringing she experienced. And yet, it had to be said, she had made friends in this world he had been transported to and now, she was practising her social skills far more than she ever would have thought possible back at her world. She smiled gently and then heard steps approaching knowing who it was due to the slowness.

Even though many would say it had not been her fault, she still felt bad for what happened after that kiss, a light shade of pink decorated her cheeks when she realised she did not regret doing that. Was it strange that she thought so? Despite what happened after… She would do it all over again and she still did not understand the reasons, after all, she had neer done that before, it had felt right and she had neer felt the urge to… and yet she followed such fancies. Perhaps she had read too many books or perhaps she had lied a very lonely life, but even back in Tokyo she had never met anyone who inspired all these emotions in her as ShiaShiann did, she was an assassin, yes, but that did not stop her from bumping into people, meet people, be surrounded by persons and yet, that had never happened. She wondered if he had been thinking about her during the time they had parted ways. She smiled at her thoughts, her mind had been busy doing all sorts of things but she had to admit that did not stop her thoughts from pursuing a certain topic that made her heart rate increase and cheeks feel warmer than usual, a matter regarding a certain bodyguard. What were all these emotions he evoked? And was he in the same situation as her? Were they in a pickle or was this something to feel happy about? She could not answer the questions but still, she would keep on following this path and hope that she will come to find the answers that she sought with avid curiosity.

"Akahana...? I thought you'd be at supper, or perhaps in bed, after last night. Come in."

Shian opened the door and she was truly glad, she did not want to run into Ryou or Shun, her heart would be unable to take any more teasing. In all honesty, she had neer expected Fumiko to tease her so. Who would ever expect such a thing from a lady that looked so shy and modest. But she would get back at her, the time would come when she would return the tease and then she would be blushing and panicking. She walked into the room and as soon as Shian closed the door she felt shyer. She noticed a half written report, could it be he had also been struggling to focus? No, surely she was giving herself too much credit. She placed the tray gently on the table ensuring not to disturb the paper he had been working on and then turned to smile softly at him. “Good evening Shian, I’m sorry, I hope I did not come at a bad time.” She felt her cheeks turn a soft tone of vermilion as she offered him a hot towel, “This should help with the pain and swelling. I thought it might be good to bring you the tea I promised early in the morning.” She looked down a bit embarrassed, “As it helps reduce inflammation and you said it helped with the pain.” This was proving to be harder for her than expected, “It did not feel right to just go to sleep without doing that much for you.” She then nodded to the tray and added, “I… I also made you sweets from my world. I initially followed the recipe when I discovered it but I soon added touches of my own and I managed to find most of the ingredients so the taste should be nearly identical.” Her eyes met his and gleamed like red gems, “These are called cookies, but the ones I made have a touch of dark chocolate, walnut and toffee. Fumiko-sama tried to steal some but I did not let her.” She was not sure why she repealed that last bit but there was no taking it back now and she was sure she must have quite the blush as her eyes did not leave his.

Would he think it silly that she had gone through all that trouble just to make him sweets from her world? She gently began to pour him some of the tea and placed a cookie next to the cup on the tea plate and then said, “Would you like to sit on the chair or would you be more comfortable on the bed?” She realised that now she was talking and trying to help him get comfortable not only out of consideration for the man who risked his life every day to keep her safe, but also because she felt shy and did not know what to do with herself. She did take a gentle breath in order to calm her heart and try to look less nervous and shy, it was then that she noticed the moon was beginning to grace the earth with her own pale and silver light. So many times she had been out fulfilling a task for Zuku or running an errand and, although she had felt the light on her back and had at times eyed it gently, now she had the time and the best company to look at the moon as it stood above them on the sky, she could even see some stars, “Beautiful, isn't it?” She felt more at peace now as the pale glow gave her skin an ethereal glow, the sky always soothed her nerves, she turned to smile at Shian.

He immediately shook his head, denying the necessity for her apology. "No, it isn't a bad time. I was attempting to write my report about the borders we crossed on our journey, but-" He shook his head, and his eyes drifted from hers, going back to the view outside. "I am finding it difficult to focus, this evening." He avoided her eyes as he spoke, and though in another man it might have indicated an annoyance with her intrusion, those who knew him were aware that he often found others… distracting, when he wanted to sort out his thoughts. After a moment of staring out of the window though, he turned his gaze to hers once more, and his eyes were clearer. "I am much more inclined to intellectual pursuits and stimulating conversation in the early hours of the day. I'm afraid that, in the evening, you might not find me as amusing." A small, self-deprecating smile accompanied that comment, but he brightened a bit at the sight of the tray, and the hot towel. "I am glad you remembered. That tea you make is… quite effective. Wish I'd had some, during the border skirmishes, a few years ago." His eyes finally warmed and relaxed - talking of work made him feel more comfortable. "I was just sixteen then… an ordinary soldier, at the time. Slipped up, and got myself nearly hamstrung. Medicinal teas aren't exactly the easiest things to come by, on the front lines, when supplies are cut off by enemy blockades."

Her question got his attention though, and though it was harder to see on his dark skin, a little blush crept into his features. "The chair will be fine… it's not the first time I've had an injury like this one." He took the towel from her, and moved a little stiffly to the chair, placing it behind him, and settling back with a grateful sigh. The cookies puzzled him though. "Cookies? They look like dumplings, but… somehow, I don't think they are much like them, in other respects." The ingredients she mentioned interested him though, and so he took one and popped a bite experimentally in his mouth. Almost at once, his eyes brightened. "Hmm!" He did not have time to say more before her eyes moved to his view of both the night sky, and the city below, prompting a reply. "Kutou is quite lovely at night, bathed in moonbeams." He hesitated then, because he'd noticed just now that Kutou wasn't the only thing that was pretty, in the moonlight. He cleared his throat, forcefully shifting his eyes away from her, and back toward the view. It was only then that he went on, and very cautiously. "Perhaps, one day, I will have opportunity to show you."

Akahana was a little bit hesitant toward coming to see Shian especially when it was nighttime and he probably had a lot to do after their trip but she had been concerned about the pain from his injury and she felt she wanted to show her gratitude by offering him baked goods. She had never baked for someone before, this was the first time and she was a little bit worried he might not like the cookies. She was probably fretting over nothing but when someone else’s expectations were at hand, well, she was a bit doubtful of her own abilities. Having lived a secluded and tormented life, it had prevented her from interacting with others the way she now found herself interacting with Sian and everyone else in Kutou and although it was a fantastic feeling like a breeze of fresh air, she also knew that whenever she did something more human, like baking cookies, she would be worried the first time in case anything went wrong. She nearly smirked at herself, everything would be probably fine but that zero point one percent in her mind was nagging at her somewhat.

”No, it isn't a bad time. I was attempting to write my report about the borders we crossed on our journey, but-I am finding it difficult to focus, this evening."

She smiled up at him feeling a bit more settled and finding his company reassuring. She then thought for a moment, “I sometimes find it easier to focus after having some tea and treats because we spend a long time trying to force our mind so that we can centre on the matter at hand. It is easy to forget that you recently got injured and that we just returned from a long trip. Besides, thoughts can be difficult to order if we are distracted. Maybe you will find it easier to do first thing in the morning, after you have rested and allowed your mind to clear up.” Those were things that usually helped her and she hoped that if at all he would find some understanding in her words and perhaps something useful in them. She did notice that his eyes had a light of their own in the evening, as if they sparkled with the moonlight like fireflies at night and that was truly charming. Not that she would voice her thoughts, she would be too embarrassed afterward.

"I am much more inclined to intellectual pursuits and stimulating conversation in the early hours of the day. I'm afraid that, in the evening, you might not find me as amusing."

Akahana chuckled silently, “I do not believe there is a single living person who can engage in such conversations twenty-four hours a day. And if there is, they cannot be real. I personally notice a decline as nighttime follows so you don’t have to worry about something like that. It all comes down to whether the company you are in is enjoyable enough to also sit in silence and reverie.” She saw the way his mood improved when he noticed the tray with the cookies and the tea and she smiled slightly affectionately at him before she moved back to sit on the bed with her legs dangling slightly in order to make herself comfortable and be able to speak more freely with him as she sat right in front of him.

"I am glad you remembered. That tea you make is… quite effective. Wish I'd had some, during the border skirmishes, a few years ago… I was just sixteen then… an ordinary soldier, at the time. Slipped up, and got myself nearly hamstrung. Medicinal teas aren't exactly the easiest things to come by, on the front lines, when supplies are cut off by enemy blockades."

She smiled warmly at his words and then pictured him as he narrated the story, her eyes softened as she imagined a sixteen-year-old Shian in the middle of a battle. And then thought that perhaps she could suggest training a few people in the arts of shinobido so that they can have spies and persons who could intercept messages in the event of a battle. Albeit, they lived in times of peace you never knew when that could be useful and she would also probably speak with Shun about helping out with some healing as she was quite proficient with herbology as she always had to look after her own wounds back at her world. Zuku never allowed a doctor to look at her. Her eyes softened as she looked at Shian and said, “I’m glad it has been effective with the pain, should you ever need to march on you won't be alone this time, and I’m quite sneaky so no blockades would catch me.” She jested. But it was something to consider, helping out with her knowledge on herbology. She then added interest in learning more about him, “Did you find it hard adapting to fighting in a war at such a young age? I’m aware you received training and grew up alongside Shun-kun, but you were still quite young.” She then smiled, “There must have been a lot of camaraderie between soldiers.”

"The chair will be fine… it's not the first time I've had an injury like this one."

She noticed the blush and it somewhat made her blush as well, but she looked away for a moment as he settled and it looked like the idea of the towel had also helped. She was glad. “Was that one of your battle injuries?” She teased although her cheeks were still a hint of pink.

"Cookies? They look like dumplings, but… somehow, I don't think they are much like them, in other respects… Hmm!"

“Yes, they are called cookies and if you cover them in a container of sorts they should last you for a couple of weeks at most.” Akahana watched as Shian examined one of the cookies and then took a bite thoroughly enjoying them and it made her laugh softly. Her eyes sparkled with mirth but there was also tenderness and affection combined. She was truly glad he had enjoyed them so. “I’m so glad you like them, I guess that means you do have a sweet tooth.” It was endearing to watch him enjoy the treats as mucha s he did and her chest felt warm by the experience. She noticed some crumbs on his lip and slowly got up and ran her finger along his lip and cheek removing the crumbs. Her eyes sparkled with the moonlight and she smiled warmly at him. “You are adorable when you eat something you like, like you are doing now. It makes me want to bake things from my world to make you smile like that.” She blushed lightly and fought the urge to kiss his lips, last time she did that he got injured. The last thing she wanted was to cause him any more pain.

"Kutou is quite lovely at night, bathed in moonbeams."

She felt his eyes on her and noticed the sudden change in the way he was looking at her and it made her feel embarrassed, she would rather not assume what it had meant, lest she misinterpret him. But she pictured the city at night and considered she would like to see it for herself and then draw her own conclusions on the matter.

"Perhaps, one day, I will have opportunity to show you."

When he spoke again she looked up at him with a gentle smile, “I would like that, very much.” She had to stop herself from considering that in her world that was pretty much the way a person would ask another out on a date but she thought that perhaps in this world things were a little bit differently, if not then they had just agreed to go on a date and that made her feel a bit embarrassed.

He finished the cookie with relish, and after considering for a moment, almost shyly reached for a second, allowing the conversation to drift on more casually. “The likelihood of my ever seeing frontlines again is quite remote. Shun has no interest in making war with other countries, unless he discovers that they are oppressing the disadvantaged, in some way. During the rule of previous Emperors, we had quite a war-mongering reputation, but that has eased over the years… and as it is, our military is largely a defensive force, now.” He polished off the second cookie as he spoke, and reached for the tea, beginning to sip it slowly. “I am much more suited to my current occupation, anyway. Many soldiers occupy their station for the length of their lives, and it is an honorable profession… but Shun would not hear of my remaining a common soldier. Made up some formal, Imperial-sounding nonsense about my knowing the palace and its routines better than any guard he could hire, and having value for his life beyond just the Emperor.” A smirk. “When I finally stopped laughing, he asked if I’d take on my current role.” Another chuckle. “No, the only reason I would ever see a battlefield again would be if Shun were to ride… and even if his mother would hear of it, Chisaka would beat him unconscious before she’d allow it.” He chuckled, thinking of his friends. “Saved his life, when we were kids, and she often says that she’s not having him get himself killed doing something stupid.”



The talk of his friends had eased him too, until he was a little closer to the man that had held and comforted her, last night. His posture in the chair was more relaxed, and tiny lines around the corners of his eyes faded some. The pen and paper lay forgotten on the table before him, and the frown that took his features at the tease was mild, and more confused than anything. “Sweet tooth…?” He spoke the phrase as though it was a foreign concept to him, but before he could inquire further, she had risen and crossed to him. Fingers brushed lightly over his face, and his heart raced a little faster, in his chest. She said… something. Someone was… adorable? Caught in the sensation of her touch, feathery and gentle on his face, he could not force his mind to produce any sensible response to her comment, or even truly absorb what she was talking about. The only thing that really registered was that he was staring at her, and he swallowed instinctively. Idiot… say something, at least. She’s going to think- But what she was going to think never completed itself in his mind, because of its own accord, one hand reached for a fistful of red hair, tugging her gently down for a kiss, which was a little fiercer and went on a bit longer than the one they’d shared in the forest, last night. It took several long seconds before he seemed to realize what he’d done, and then pulled away with a gasp, releasing his collection of crimson locks. “Um… I- uhhh…” His blush had darkened, and after a moment he shoved himself upright, fastening his teeth into his lower lip to suppress a sound of stiff soreness, and crossed the room to the window, in order to stare out it, his back to her. It was another long wait before he spoke again. “I apparently don’t respond well to that tea. It’s a shame… it does its job well. But it evidently makes my actions unreliable. I… apologize.”

“The likelihood of my ever seeing frontlines again is quite remote. Shun has no interest in making war with other countries, unless he discovers that they are oppressing the disadvantaged, in some way. During the rule of previous Emperors, we had quite a war-mongering reputation, but that has eased over the years… and as it is, our military is largely a defensive force, now.”

Akahana could not stop herself from smiling at the way he ate one cookie and shyly moved to grab a second one and started eating it. She was so glad that he had liked them that much, maybe she would make it a regular habit to bake food in Kutou, it was relaxing and she truly enjoyed it. She had brought a lid on the tray so that the cookies could hold for a few days so that he could enjoy them at his own pace. While there were no additives in the food she was more than capable of preserving the food without anything that could harm people. It was one of the things she truly liked about being in Kutou now. She heard him speak and he was much more relaxed and it pleased her to know he could relax in her company. She nodded at what he said, “War should always be the last resort, I come from a land that wages war whenever the occasion arises, it is good to know that these lands are peaceful.” She could not stop herself from thinking that was a very Shun thing to do. “I confess I can imagine Shun making all the edicts and laws in order to stop war from being a constant thing.” She was shocked to hear that Kutou had been a war-mongering Kingdom with how peaceful it was now but she could not stop herself from remarking, “I’m sure Ni-san had a lot to do in that regard.” She laughed softly and decided she would comment something to make Shian laugh at it. “The other day we were having a conversation, we were both sitting on a bench, at some point he bent his elbows on his knees and rested his chin on his hands, I nearly laughed, he reminded me so much of all those old Emperors with long white beards and a lot of wisdom in their minds.” She had wanted to tease him but, perhaps she would do so eventually. Any sister liked to tease her brother right?

“I am much more suited to my current occupation, anyway. Many soldiers occupy their station for the length of their lives, and it is an honorable profession… but Shun would not hear of my remaining a common soldier. Made up some formal, Imperial-sounding nonsense about my knowing the palace and its routines better than any guard he could hire, and having value for his life beyond just the Emperor… When I finally stopped laughing, he asked if I’d take on my current role.”

Shian’s laughter was contagious and Akahana joined in easily imagining the scene, “I hope it was not a long speech.” She could see why he would think that being a soldier was an honourable profession and she respected that. Soldiers could do great or terrible things depending on their own choices and those of their leaders, but both Shun and Shian were men with well reinforced values and honour. And now Akahana had the chance to join their cause and abandon the dark life she had led until she was brought into this world. “I’m glad that you accepted the position, it has allowed you to be close to those you hold dear and…” She blushed lightly and looked away shyly, “It enabled our meeting.” Would he think her silly for coming up with those words? No, surely if he disliked her company he would not have been more like he was with his most trusted friends. He was honestly enjoying her company and she remembered what their interactions had been like since she arrived in Kutou and that reinforced her belief that they enjoyed each other’s company. She watched Shian finish the second cookie and smiled fondly at him, “I’m so glad you have liked them, sometimes when I bake I worry they might not be great on my first try.” She said bashfully and played with the ends of her hair thinking it was probably a silly thing to think but, she liked to make him smile with her baking and she realised she wanted to try and make something with chocolate for Chi-chan, after all she was learning from her and the lonely friendship that had bloomed between the two ladies, she knew she would be thrilled to have something made of chocolate baked by her friend.

“No, the only reason I would ever see a battlefield again would be if Shun were to ride… and even if his mother would hear of it, Chisaka would beat him unconscious before she’d allow it… Saved his life, when we were kids, and she often says that she’s not having him get himself killed doing something stupid.”

Akahana smirked, “That sounds like something Chi-chan would say.” She then thought for a moment and said, “War is a foolish endeavour that costs many lives and what person likes to see their loved ones taken to the fields only to never come back?” She had read many books about history and the pain of those who lost it all because of war touched her deeply. She knew what it was like to be completely alone in the world at the mercy of its darkness and did not wish that on anyone else, least of all her new family in Kutou. She knew that she was a warrior but if she were not, she would not like her loved ones going into battle alone. She looked out the window for a long moment. If Zuku ever found the means to sneak into this world and try to take over, it might lead to such an event, would she be able to stop it or present it on time? She had to keep her eyes peeled.

“Sweet tooth…?”

She giggled softly, a lovely sound like the singing of little bells before she said, “It is a phrase from my world, it describes a person who likes deserts… sweet food in general…” She found she was unable to keep talking when she noticed the way he was looking at her. She felt her cheeks a soft tone of vermillion and she swallowed silently feeling as if his eyes sparkled like fireflies in the night and all the emotions she had tried to bottle up once more after the night before slowly made their way out once more. For a moment she debated whether to move away or stay in place, had it been too bold of her to remove the crumbs? No sooner was she slowly pulling back from the trance than she felt his hand grab some of her hair and pull her for their lips to touch. The passion and the kiss itself surprised her and her eyes opened wide for a brief moment before she leaned forward and welcomed the kiss with her eyes closed. It felt as if a burden had been lifted from her shoulders when she realised that Shian had been struggling with his emotions just as she had.

“Um… I- uhhh…”

She was still surprised to say the least, but not in a bad way. She had thought she had been pushing her own feelings but, could it be he had been experiencing the same struggles with his own? She remembered her earlier conversation with Shun and it seemed to strengthen her resolve. She stood up and watched him walk toward the window for a moment allowing him the time to calm down after panicking about kissing her.

“I apparently don’t respond well to that tea. It’s a shame… it does its job well. But it evidently makes my actions unreliable. I… apologize.”

Akahana watched him for a moment but then smiled, she laughed silently at his excuse. “Oh Shian.” She coerced the cookies with the lid, he could easily lift it and grab some more should he wish to. She then walked toward him and placed a hand on his shoulder, “Shian, do you remember when I kissed you last night? I was experiencing the same mixture of emotions and my body acted upon it. You are the same as me, unsure of what it is you are feeling. But you know it is not a bad feeling. It's just different.” She looked into his eyes and moved to stand in front of him, she gently placed a hand on his chest where the heart was, “It is your heart dictating the path to follow, there is nothing to apologise for.”

She kept her scarlet eyes examining his for a moment as she added, “I was uncertain as to what I was feeling I… I could neer really get close to others as I grew up. But then, all the time we have spent together, the conversations, the joyful moments, even the embarrassing ones, have all found their way into my heart.” She brought her other hand up to caress his cheek, “Maybe that is where our feelings are leading us to. To open up to things we have not experienced before and not fight back.” She looked into his eyes for a moment longer before she got on her tiptoes and claimed his lips once more slowly running her arms around his neck. She knew that life was full of risks but something in the words Shun shared with her that morning changed her outlook and she decided to risk it all in order to be true to herself and be honest with Shian. If he did not feel the same then she would back down knowing she did not hide her emotions from… yes, from the man she loved.

The golden eyes did not return to her, even when he felt small, battle-roughened fingers cup the back of his shoulder, touch gentle and warm. His gaze remained on the slumbering village below, seeking out its million tiny familiarities as reassurance against the uncertainty of his mind. He knew Kutou as intimately as many men would know a lover, every curve and shadow etched in his mind, but warm and inviting, rather than as cold stone. It lent steadiness to his voice as he continued. “Dark, pain, and fear are not the least understandable explanations for impulsive decisions… but they are no excuse, just the same.” That was a whispered response, delivered regretfully, but with a note of iron underneath that indicated his belief in the statement, with every fiber of his being. “Last night was an impulse, for both of us… and I am not as convinced as you are that there is no harm in it.”

”You are the same as me, unsure of what it is you are feeling. But you know it is not a bad feeling. It's just different.” She looked into his eyes and moved to stand in front of him, she gently placed a hand on his chest where the heart was, “It is your heart dictating the path to follow, there is nothing to apologise for.”

Her hand found his chest, and he restrained a flinch, laying his own palm over top of it in order to channel the instinct to move away. “My head, I trust in all things. I am no scholar, but the decisions it makes are honest, clear, and supported by facts and knowledge. The heart… is more willing to deceive.” He sighed, and cleared his throat. “The facts that I trust - that I know to be true - are thus: one, I am a common man, born into squalor and pulled from it into a life of unmerited privilege. I have skill with sword, bow, and my own hands that never fails me, and with which I have maintained my position within that privilege. With those skills, I have the ability to secure the continuation of my own life, and that of those whom I care for, against all opposers short of Seriyuu himself.” That was spoken with assurance, in one long breath, after which he took another and released it slowly through his nose before continuing, sounding less certain with every word. “Two… you are a woman, of common enough birth like myself, I suppose, based upon what you’ve told me. Pulled from a life of security into one of uncertainty in a world… as distant, separate, and alien to mine as can be possibly imagined, and from there… into my world, which for all the beautiful complexities and simplicities that bring my love to it, is not your own.” His eyes finally found hers again, when she pulled up to kiss him once more. It was returned with equal fervor, hands trailing her back without hesitation… but almost with a hint of regret, and he sighed more heavily. “Three: you are the Seriyuu no Miko. The savior of our world, brought here from foreign lands, foreign times… to ensure the continued existence of myself, those I love, and… well, everything.” He shook his head. “Those facts tell me that whatever irrational impulse my heart presents to me is not more significant than the fate of a world, and everyone upon it.”

“Dark, pain, and fear are not the least understandable explanations for impulsive decisions… but they are no excuse, just the same.”

She could easily notice the concern, the darkness and the regret embedded in his voice as he whispered something that she could not deny was a reality but he failed to see the other side of the coin. It was true that both had given in to the feelings they felt for one another but that did not mean they would be irresponsible about the situation. Akahana certainly wouldn’t and she knew that Shian would never sacrifice his home and his people so they were not in as much danger as he thought they were. Then again, she could not deny she understood his weariness as none of them had ever been in love before. But that was what they were together for, to help each other become a better version of themselves and stay true to Kutou and ensure its protection.

“Last night was an impulse, for both of us… and I am not as convinced as you are that there is no harm in it.”

She shook her head for a moment and then said, “I do not believe that the kiss we shared last night and the one we just had were mere impulses. I have never given into impulses even when my life depended on it and I know you well enough to be aware that you are not a man who would risk everything on an impulse. You know this is something we both feel in our hearts, our minds can easily justify a connection between two persons.”

She then thought for a moment before she added, “There is no life waiting for me back in my world, only death. I have lived in hell for many years and I’m not planning to ever go back to that life, I would rather be a servant in Kutou than a slave back in my world. Furthermore, the only people I have ever come to love live right here. I would never sacrifice this my home and the people I care for, I am as committed to my duty as you are, however, I love you Shian.” She placed a hand on his cheek, “I strongly believe I can accomplish my duty and still love you without this affecting my determination. On the contrary, I’m even more convinced that I wish to ensure the well-being of Kutou and everyone who lives here. I believe Seriyuu brought me here to help the nation but he also brought us together, that is not something that can simply be dismissed.”

“My head, I trust in all things. I am no scholar, but the decisions it makes are honest, clear, and supported by facts and knowledge. The heart… is more willing to deceive.”

She felt his hand move to cover her own and her eyes did not move away from his amber eyes. She felt reassured that he had not moved away. She wanted to understand him and for him to understand her as this was something she was not willing to dismiss so quickly. Once the door closed she would not get another chance and there was no telling what might happen tomorrow. For all she knew Zuku could have found a way to break into this world and was closer to her than she could think. She truly only had the present to focus on otherwise she would worry non stop about Zuku finding her and most probably killing her like he killed all others who tried to escape him. “The mind might grant you arguments but don’t you think you also have a right to listen to your heart and compromise? I believe that what we have is one of those once in a lifetime experiences where you come across your soulmate but if you let it go, it’s lost forever.”

“The facts that I trust - that I know to be true - are thus: one, I am a common man, born into squalor and pulled from it into a life of unmerited privilege. I have skill with sword, bow, and my own hands that never fails me, and with which I have maintained my position within that privilege. With those skills, I have the ability to secure the continuation of my own life, and that of those whom I care for, against all opposers short of Seriyuu himself.”

“You fail to mention that such determination would never allow you to break your vows to protect this Kingdom, the people you love and your well-earned reputation and I have full confidence the same applies to me. We are not teenagers in unexplored lands. We are two full-grown adults forced into a life not of our choosing but that has made us aware of the things and people we value in life and the need to protect them.” As such his first argument proved her point more than defied it.

“Two… you are a woman, of common enough birth like myself, I suppose, based upon what you’ve told me. Pulled from a life of security into one of uncertainty in a world… as distant, separate, and alien to mine as can be possibly imagined, and from there… into my world, which for all the beautiful complexities and simplicities that bring my love to it, is not your own.”

His words pierced her heart slightly and she looked down for a moment, in her heart and mind she held no love for the world she came from, it had brought her pain and suffering and forced her to do terrible things she had been completely alone. No, she never considered it her world, “No, this world is my home, here I can make a difference, help the people and feel like a real living person. Here I can choose a different life from the one forced upon me by the poverty of my birth and the immaturity of my mother. Kutou is the one place I ever felt I belonged and my own world is as alien to me as it would be to you.” This was not only something she felt in her heart but her mind reinforced such determination, she had absolutely nothing waiting for her in her world besides more pain and suffering before she begged for a death that would never come. Zuku would torment her until she drew her last breath and that thought alone was enough for her hand to grasp the clothing that covered his chest in an attempt to restrain the tears in her eyes and the negative emotions that had resurfaced in her attempt to explain why she held no love for her world.

“Three: you are the Seriyuu no Miko. The savior of our world, brought here from foreign lands, foreign times… to ensure the continued existence of myself, those I love, and… well, everything. Those facts tell me that whatever irrational impulse my heart presents to me is not more significant than the fate of a world, and everyone upon it.”

She looked into his eyes for a long moment and she finally said, “If it were a mere irrational impulse we would not be standing here, like this, tonight. I do not believe that the tender feelings of love that have taken shape in our hearts are of an impure nature that would sacrifice a kingdom we both love. On the contrary, this bond between us makes us stronger, more determined and better prepared to defend it when the time comes. Because you, like myself, are part of this world. That same love I feel for you prompts me to fulfil my destiny with more devotion. And, thus, it compliments the reasons we fight to protect Kutou and I’m hopeful that, through the will of Seriyuu, we were meant to find one another and come together, once the unknown enemy is defeated, and live a happy life.” She ran a hand through his cheek, “The heart and mind compliment each other, I do not believe that the feelings of love we share will hinder our duty in any way.”

She then slowly took a step back and added, “However, if you believe that this is a hindrance to your duty or you feel uncomfortable in any way hearing my confession then I will gladly step down and set you free from any bond we have created. I don’t want to bring pain and suffering to your life.” And also, she did not wish to impose her feelings onto him, after all, he already had much to worry about and she did not want to become a burden for him, not after all he did for her. She owed so much to Shian, to Kutou and Seriyuu, she did not want to let them down. And she did not wish for anything to eclipse their duty toward their friends, after all, Kutou granted her a home and its people accepted her despite her being an assassin back in Japan.