Shadow Part 2/5
Title: Shadow
Genre: Romance/Angst.
Pairing: TezuFuji. Slight ShiraiFuji.
Rating: PG-13.
Word Count: 3444
Summary: Feudal Japan AU. TezuxFuji. Slight ShiraixFuji. Because he was the Emperor's kagemusha, the Emperor's shadow, the Emperor's sacrifice. Because Tezuka was his samurai, his light, his protector. And because they loved.
Link to previous parts: | Part I: Dawn|
Disclaimer: This is fanfiction.
A/N: Thank you to everyone who read this! It means a lot to me that there are people who think this work is decent. >.< Here's part II!
Warning: Um....some nonsensical militaristic babble...
*****
Part II: Morning
~August, 1599, Kyoto~
“Here. It would have to be at this pass, right here. Ishida has some fifty-thousand strong. Tokugawa, on the other hand, has at least a total of seventy-five thousand, if not more. No - definitely more. The timing is crucial.” A hand hovered over the map, the finger settling on a gap between two mountains.
“From any militaristic standpoint, this battle is a complete defeat! It doesn't matter how many men we send to aid Ishida - Tokugawa has numbers that far surpass ours!” The floor shook as someone uncharacteristically slammed a hand down, trembling.
“Houjou-dono does bring up a valid point. Even if our secret alliance with Ishida remains undiscovered, and we do manage to send our men in, Tokugawa's army is much more solid than ours.” Another voice joined the fray.
“Indeed, however the simple fact remains that we have no other alternative. If Tokugawa were to succeed, the government would be all but demolished. Even if Tokugawa does not execute all the court officials, we would be nothing more than empty puppets in the hands of a tyrant. Houjou-dono, I understand your anger-”
“You understand nothing.” The man in question snarled. “I am the last daimyo that hasn't fallen under the influences of that...monster. No matter what Tokugawa Ieyasu does, I will not hand the Kanto region over! Even this city of Kyoto, your precious capital, is under his control! This...plan of yours is absurd!”
“Then what is it you propose?” A fourth voice.
“Let Ishida and Tokugawa battle it out. We will fight the remainder.” He huffed indignantly.
“A cowardly choice. And no doubt a stupid one. Tokugawa will triumph, and with all his adversaries wiped out, he will turn his attention on Kanto and destroy your home. After the last region of the empire falls, he will turn his attention to Kyoto, and seize control of the government. Even now, the capital is under the watchful eye of his men.”
“If our sovereign would travel to Kanto, to Edo, he would be safe and Tokugawa would-”
“Edo will fall sooner than Kyoto! Kyoto will remain-”
“Kyoto has already fallen! No official can even step outside the palace gates without-!”
“To make a journey from here to Edo is entirely-”
“Enough.” An exhausted yet firm voice commanded. The room suddenly quieted. A pregnant pause filled the room. Then, “Tezuka-dono,” the speaker dully tilted his head towards the only silent figure in the corner. “what do you propose?”
Tezuka took a deep breath, raising his head slightly. “We stick to the original plan. We will assemble in Edo and join Ishida's forces. If we take victory, the court will remain in power, though Ishida gets his desired prime position. If Tokugawa takes victory...” He adjusted his glasses. Nothing more was said.
'If Tokugawa were to emerge as the victor, Kyoto will burn.'
“Thank you, Tezuka-dono. Well then, that will be all. Meeting adjourned.”
“Your Majesty-”
“Adjourned.” The emperor emphasized.
The lords reluctantly obeyed, getting up and scuffling out the door. After the majority were outside, Tezuka picked up his katana as well and stood to leave.
“Wait, Tezuka-dono.”
The vassal stopped in his tracks, slowly turning to face the emperor.
Shiraishi-tennou sighed, before looking at the samurai. After waiting until the last of the footsteps disappeared down the hall, he continued. “Hojou-dono was, to some extent, correct. The emperor must leave Kyoto.” He then stopped short, cutting himself off. The sovereign then locked eyes with the brunette. “But I must remain.”
Tezuka paused, taking in the other's words. He frowned, then bowed. “I understand.”
He turned to leave, until he felt an iron grip clamped on his arm.
Tezuka glanced down to see the other piercing him with a cold hard gaze. “Take care of him.” The latter whispered in a low voice.
“I will.” No hesitation, no quiver.
Satisfied, Shiraishi sighed and let go.
Taking this as his cue to leave, Tezuka bowed once more in respect and exited.
As the door slid shut, Shiraishi pondered the last exchange just few seconds prior.
Love.
He laughed to himself. 'Even the infamous Tezuka Kunimitsu crumbles at the mention of Fuji Syuusuke...' His eyes softened. 'Those eyes are just like mine...' Because when he all but begged Tezuka to keep Fuji safe, he saw it, even if Tezuka himself did not: the fierce yet silent determination, a strong and impenetrable resolution, but at the same time, a vulnerability...the fear that he would one day fail.
*****
“Onii-chan! Try some! I made it this morning.” A young girl of sixteen exuberantly stuffed a plate of food into Kawamura's hands. Reluctant to try the steaming food on a day as hot as this, the older sibling picked up a gyoza. He bit into it slowly, careful not to let it burn his mouth.
His eyes widened in surprise at the vivid flavor filling up his mouth. “Mayuri-chan! This is really good!”
His sister beamed. “Isn't it?” She took the plate and set it down on a table. “I have to learn how to cook properly so I can make a good wife for Takeru-kun, don't I?” She said with a content smile.
Kawamura grinned, patting his sister's head. “I'm sure you'll do great. Which reminds me...” He trailed off as he pulled out something from behind his back and dropped it in Mayuri's hand. “For you.”
Mayuri stared at the small pouch in her hands. It took her a moment to register what it was. “Onii-chan...this...” Tears stung her eyes.
Kawamura smiled. “A little bonus.”
The next thing he knew, he was tackled to the floor in a monstrous hug. He could barely make out the muffled words of his sister buried in his shirt. “Arigatou, onii-chan! You're working so hard and...sniff...”
“Maa, maa...Mayuri-chan. You're making my shirt all wet!” He chuckled, rubbing his sister's back as she refused to relinquish her hold. “It's all because of Fuji-sama, though.” He added as an afterthought.
At this, his sister stopped crying and pulled away abruptly, staring straight at him. “Fuji-sama? The one you're serving, right?” A nod. “He's really nice, isn't he...” She recomposed herself, sitting back on the floor with her feet tucked properly underneath her.
The older Kawamura nodded. “Fuji-sama is really kind. I would daresay he's paying for half your wedding almost!” He laughed, making it a joke.
Mayuri smiled. “Well, then. I suppose I just have to invite the kind and noble Fuji-sama to my wedding, don't you suppose? It's only right!”
Her brother just sheepishly grinned and scratched the back of his head. “Well...yes. But Fuji-sama is very busy, Mayuri, and people of the court don't just come and visit-”
clap!
Mayuri clapped her hands together. “Well, then! That's decided! Onii-chan! It's up to you to get Fuji-sama to my wedding ok?”
Kawamura blinked. “Eh? Mayuri-chan, that-”
Happy and satisfied with this, Mayuri stood up. “Well, I have lots of work to do. Don't forget to invite him!” And that was the last thing Kawamura heard before his sister disappeared out the door.
“Ehhh??? Mayuri-chan!” He called out futilely after her. Sighing, he sat there for a few moments more, before standing up to find his father.
*****
“Hah!” His little arms swung the kendo stick down with solidity. He raised the kendo stick for another stroke. “Hah!” Step. Another swing. “Hah!”
“Kuu-chan?”
“Hah!” He dropped his stance and relaxed. Turning around to find the source of the voice, the eight-year old son of Lord Tezuka Kuniharu spoke, “Shuu?” He frowned as his training was interrupted, and found himself face to face with a smiling boy.
“Shh! Ne, Kuu-chan? Come closer for a bit...” The blue-eyed boy grinned happily, hinting something secret. Tezuka let his eyes travel down to his friend's palms, which were heavily clenched around something. The taller boy reluctantly moved close, keeping a wary eye on the other's hands.
“Hold out your hand.”
Tezuka blinked. “What-?”
Fuji smiled knowingly. “It's fine! Just hold out your hand.”
Tezuka did as he was told. He felt something drop in his hand. Curious, he waited as the other boy removed his hand. In his palms were now an array of colorful objects. He looked up at his friend to see him pop one of them into his mouth.
“It's candy, Kuu-chan.” Syuusuke stated, as if the other didn't know.
When the other showed no response, the honey-blonde took one of the pieces in Tezuka's hands, unwrapped it, “Say 'ahh', Kuu-chan!” He chirped while acting out the 'ahh'.
“Eh?” Was Tezuka's only response. And before he could say anything else, a sharp and explosive sensation of strawberry filled his tastes. It was sweet and carried a tinge of sourness, to which Tezuka grimaced a bit. Still...he liked it.
He could hear Fuji snickering. “Your face is funny!”
He frowned as the other teased him relentlessly. “No it's not, Shuu!” He moved to stop the other from snickering. Placing the rest of the candy in his sleeves, he now used both hands to grab the other boy.
Gradually, the stifled giggling subsided. “Did you like it?” Fuji asked gently.
Tezuka blinked. Did he like it? The sweet yet somewhat sourly taste? “Yeah...”
Fuji beamed. “Good! Because I have lots more!”
...and to his horror, out of nowhere, Fuji produced a whole bag of strawberry candy.
“Tezuka-saan!~” Someone sung. He looked up from his position of sitting on the porch to find his childhood friend walking towards him, a fan elegantly rustling the silky brown hair. “What are you thinking about?” Fuji inquired cheerfully as he snapped his fan shut and sat down next to Tezuka, dangling his feet over the edge of the walkway.
“Hn.” Tezuka offered. He diverted his mind to the scenery before him, to the koi in the pond, the luscious vivid green, the calming wind...
“Here you go.” A hand intruded his personal bubble, holding something out under his chin. He took the small offering, observing it. “Ah...arigatou...”
Fuji smiled. “Strawberry candy. If I remember correctly, it was your favorite.”
Tezuka gave a small nod. “Ah....”
The kagemusha seemed content on staring at Tezuka, waiting for the other to pop the treat into his mouth. Of course, Tezuka being Tezuka, was not about to perform such a childish act. Giggling, Fuji grabbed the sweet from the former's hands and unwrapped it himself.
“You eat it Tezuka-san. In case you've forgotten. Here. Say 'ahh!'!”
Taken aback, Tezuka shot out his hand to prevent the other from bombarding him. “Fu-!"
...and once more, the sensation of sweetness flooded his senses. Only this time, there was a faint trace of pinewood acquainted with it. His tongue felt something soft. He looked up at Fuji to see the other had frozen, sapphire eyes wide open with surprise. He was then surprised to find his right hand grasping Fuji's wrist, with the other's finger in his mouth. Pinewood. 'So that's where it's coming from...'
And being entirely uncharacteristic, Tezuka let the faint trace of pinewood linger in his mouth, and only very gradually did he release it. Carefully, he pulled the sandy-haired youth's hand down, his hazel eyes never leaving vivid blue.
Fuji's shock had worn off by now, and the man was now smiling. Without a word, he slowly replaced his finger with his lips, soft gentle petals gracing coarse dry lips. Fuji moved closer, turning both their bodies and cupped the samurai's cheeks. Tezuka conceded, letting his composure drop and allowing Fuji to kiss him gently, hungrily, passionately.
Fuji continued his ministrations with a sense of art. Their kiss was like a dance, as Fuji's tongue moved elegantly around his. A one-sided dance, it seemed, as Fuji desperately explored his mouth.
Then, as if a sudden desire inflamed his body, Tezuka seized control. His eyes snapped open, and he nipped at Fuji's bottom lip, eliciting an enticing gasp from the smaller man. He could feel Fuji's arms around him, hanging on, the other's cold fingers leaving a tingling sensation on the nape of his neck. His lips soon moved away and onto something more daring, more forbidden. He began planting gentle butterfly kisses along the kagemusha's neck and collarbone, receiving great pleasure in the small moans that emitted from the other.
Gasp. “Mitsu!” A fierce and passionate, whispering cry. Eyes snapped open, revealing alluring orbs of deep blue. More kisses, more fervor, more intensity. Another gasp of exhiliration. “Kuu-chan!”
And Tezuka stopped.
As if suddenly awoken from a nightmare, the samurai shot away and turned aside. Panting heavily, Tezuka attempted to collect himself. Beside him, a confused Fuji was awakening from the haze. Blue orbs searched questioningly in dark hazel ones. Yet the vassal remained keen on ignoring the other man.
“Mitsu...”
With no response, Fuji sighed and backed away, facing the garden once more. He straightened out his yukata, pulling up the collar. He knew Tezuka had something on his mind, and was waiting for the latter to clear things out. He would be patient.
“We're leaving for Edo tonight.” Deep baritone cut through the silence.
Fuji blinked, surprised at the quickness. “Ah....I see.”
“...”
“Well, then. I suppose I should get packing, ne?” Fuji smiled gently. Without giving Tezuka a chance to respond, the honey-blonde stood up to walk away. And out of the blue, the older youth's hand reached out and grabbed the other's wrist, causing him to stop and turn in mild surprise.
Fuji glanced at Tezuka to find the latter staring at his hand. Following his path of vision to the thin line of red running across the back of his hand, he gently removed his hand from Tezuka's hold. “It's just a cut, Tezuka-san.” He smiled, appreciating the other's small gesture of concern.
Tezuka nodded slowly, his mind seemingly focusing elsewhere. “Ah...”
Fuji lingered for a moment longer, then turned to leave.
“Ah, Fuji-”
Fuji halted in his steps, and patiently turned around.
“...yudan sezu ni ikou...” The young vassal murmured softly.
His charge smiled at him, 'Hai, hai...Tezuka-san...', and left.
Tezuka was left alone to his thoughts once more. Running a hand through his chestnut hair, he recalled a distant memory, brought to lucid surface just few moments prior.
“Kuu-chan? Practicing again?” The smiling boy walked up to him.
Tezuka spared him a quick glance before refocusing on striking the dummy. “I have to. Otherwise I can't protect you.” Smack.
The younger boy froze. His eyes opened. “Protect me?”
Tezuka stopped. He rotated to meet Fuji's eyes. Then, mustering all his fervor and determination, he declared, “It is my duty to protect Fuji-sama! The emperor said so.” Fuji stared at him for a few seconds more before bursting out into laughter.
“You're so old-fashioned, Kuu-chan!”
Tezuka blushed, feeling the rush of blood into his cheeks. He meant it! Fuji was his friend, and since the emperor had ordered Tezuka to be Fuji's protector...he would be more than glad to do so! “Shuu! Stop laughing! You're always laughing at me!”
At this, the laughing immediately ceased.
“Arigatou na.”
And Tezuka found himself unable to move at the sight of the sincere smile on Fuji's face.
~
A week later, an urgent messenger came pummeling through the palace gates. “The young lord has fallen from a horse and broken his leg!”
Tezuka wasn't sure what happened next. At that time, they were still living in a palace detached from from the main Imperial court. While he and Fuji were told they were to serve the future emperor, they had never actually done anything up until now. He never even saw the young lord before.
Tezuka wasn't sure what happened next, but...
...he would never forget the fear and pain that resided in his Fuji's eyes.
Because there had been an assassination attempt on the young lord's life.
Because there would be another attempt.
Because the young lord had broken his right leg...
...Shuu would have to suffer the same fate.
“Kuu-chan...” Fuji's voice trembled as the adults dragged him away. “Kuu-chan...!” His cries soon became lost in the sea of voices surrounding him. He could continuously hear his name being cried until they disappeared inside the compound. Tezuka tried to move, tried to follow, but he was vaguely aware of his mother ushering him away. It was only after a minute or so that Tezuka was finally jostled from his trance.
Pushing his mother away, he ran towards where he last saw the men turning. He ran down corridors, around corners, past posts, past people, towards the voices.
Panting as he finally stopped outside of the room where the voices were coming from, he peered through the slit of the slightly open door.
“Kuu-chan...” He saw his friend whimpering on the floor, with someone holding him. He wanted to respond, wanted to say something...and at that moment their eyes locked.
Then he heard the most heart-wrenching scream.
There was a horrifying crack as someone broke Fuji's fragile bones, just where the young lord received his injuries. Fuji screamed once, then clamped his mouth shut, biting his lip and bravely trying to endure it, refusing to emit another sound. He was breathing heavily, sweating profusely...
...and this whole time he did not break eye contact with Tezuka.
“Kuu-chan...” He whispered softly, smiling, before going limp.
Kuu-chan...
And just a few moments ago, in the heat of passion, he heard it again in Fuji's voice. The blissful, agonizing pain. The tortured yet ecstatic tone.
Fuji was hurting inside again.
He bravely put up a front and smile, but Tezuka knew.
The way he had called his name, desperate yet hopeful and trusting, showed it. He had hoped Tezuka would take him away from reality, elope with him from the mundane, and let everything else fall away.
Yet that's why Tezuka couldn't continue. Not when reality was so harshly close on them.
He thought back to his earlier conversation with the emperor.
“The emperor must leave Kyoto...but I must remain.”
Fuji would have to travel to Edo in the emperor's place, distracting Tokugawa in any way possible. While their previous missions and tasks were rather simple and relatively safe, a long journey to Kyoto was not. Especially on the eve of war.
And not for the first time in his life, Tezuka wished his friend never had to pick up the burden of a kagemusha.
End Part II: Morning
Continue to Part III: Noon...
*****
A/N: Aw...childhood TezuFuji! 'Kuu-chan' actually came from Sukisho. I think it is the most adorable nickname ever. The way Sunao called Sora that was absolutely adorable, so I can imagine Fuji doing the same!
Um...I've never written military babble before, so....the first part probably doesn't make a lot of sense? Ah....let's just pretend they're all smart people? Lol.
And the whole breaking leg part. It was kind of sort of in the manga I'm basing this off of? In the manga, someone came in announcing the young lord had fallen off his horse and broken his leg, but instead of assuming that the kagemusha would be required to go do something in his place, for some reason my mind told me that he had to break his leg as well...
...ah I'm not sure which interpretation is correct. Probably the former actually. In any case....poor Fuji...
Historical Inaccuracies:
1) Hojou's region of Kanto fell in 1590, rather than ten years later :)
2) There was no secret alliance between Ishida and the government (Or none that would be recorded)
3) I'm not sure peasants really had weddings at all...probably a small celebration is all.
Well then, thanks for reading! Till the next installment...