[Fic] Kokoro no bodyguard - Chapter 2
Title: Kokoro no Bodyguard
Author: theblackheat
Pairing(s): Akanishi/Kamenashi
Rating: still PG later NC-17
Genre: Historical, Fantasy, Romantic, Drama, AU
Beta by: Ka-chan, and big thanks for giving me this beautiful idea that can't let me sleep :P XD
Disclaimer: I don't own the guys only the plot.
Summary: “Kamenashi Kazuya, You will abandon everything from now on, your ancestors, your possession, your rights and your life to serve your new daimyou(1) Akanishi Jin, from Akanishi clan until your last heartbeat?” Kame raised his gaze up from the floor in all submission to the tall and majestic young man in front of him in the deep purple sokutai(2) made of the finest silk. His dark long hair was held up and hid under a black kanmuri(3) like the aristocrats wear it and making his cheekbones more visible. It caused the young man hold his breath for a short time when those deep brown eyes fall on him and pinned him to the ground. The samurai gulped hardly and breathed out the words before he bent down and kissed his lord’s sword.
“On my oath”
Warning: Despit this is a historical fanfic, most of the names/places are only figment of my imagination! Character's death! (but I don't tell whose ;P)
Author Note: (1) lord (2) is complex attire only worn by courtiers, aristocrats and the emperor at the court in Japan. Part of a sokutai are the shaku, a flat ritual baton or scepter (3) and a hat called kanmuri
Prologue // Chapter 1
- Chapter 2 -
Akanishi Jin was the first son of the Hyougo prefecture’s daimyou. He had three younger sisters and two brothers but after he turned eighteen, he followed his father, who spent most of his time in Kyoto. The Akanishi clan was connected to the Emperor Go-Toba and like this the daimyou had to take his role in the politics.
In Kamakura was the Shogunate’s capital, which was a military dictatorship in Japan. The Houjou clan was the family who controlled the hereditary title of the regent of the Kamakura Shogunate. Houjou Yoshitoki the second regent was busy with establishing his power and produce an heir, while the emperor became a figurehead. The shougun forced Go-Toba to abdicate and abandon the whole leadership of Japan. The whole imperialist policy heated up the conflicts between the clans as well.
Jin, as an heir of the Akanishi clan, had to learn not just leading of the prefecture but also deal with politics. The daimyou took him to the assemblies and guide the young man through the diplomatic relation of the empire. Jin was only twenty-one but already had the skill to control the clan’s estates. The politics didn’t draw him as much as his father would have liked him to be, but he followed the daimyou’s words and stood by his side. When suddenly his father sent him home to the castle alone, a huge stone fell from his shoulder.
Kyoto was indeed a beautiful place and much more buzzing than Himeji, but beyond some friends who he liked to go out with, there was nothing more that could hold him back from putting his feet on the next ship dock and sail back to his hometown. After he got the order to move back to Himeji, the young man sent a letter home and packed his belongings together to leave Kyoto as soon as possible.
Two weeks later his ship came into land and his heart was filled with happiness being able to see his beloved mother, sisters and brothers. Family meant more to him than any other treasure. He was grown up in love and peace between the huge stonewalls of Himeji. After he was able to get a view at the dynasty and even in the field of politics, he longed to go back to the castle. All that difficult meshes of intrigue and the depressing situation between the emperor and the shougun caused an uneasy feeling inside him and against the whole ruling class. In the end he was able to let it behind. The only regret he felt he had to leave his father as well.
...
“Take care my son and present my regards to your precious mother.” the older man smiled at his son tenderly before he sent Jin off. The daimyou was a smart man with well-build body, only the little wrinkles in the corners of his eyes could tell, that he was getting in his mature age. But for Jin he was the strongest and the most handsome landlord in the world. His ideal.
“Don’t worry.” Jin rubbed his father’s hand which took a strong hold on the young man’s shoulder. “I’ve got a good training and we have the best army at home. No one dare to put a finger on me.”
“You know, you are my heir. The next daimyou if I…”
“AND there are Akiyuki and Katsushi after me. Anyway! Believe me nothing will happen. Please don’t worry so much. After you finish and they let you leave already, hurry home with the next ship.”
“Jin, as my first born you have to take care of the land and the clan. I leave everything to you my son. Have a good wind and send me a letter after you got home.”
“I’ll take control until that.” Jin promised and they parted from each other with heavy heart.
The daimyou was indeed a strong willed man, but if it went on his children or wife he became every time softer. Jin hugged his father shortly who only cleared his throat pressing the emotions behind, which were building up inside the father’s heart. Only his owner knew how deep those feelings were actually under the surface. Maybe the first son was the only one who could catch something from it though the landlord was busy with hiding them properly.
...
Akanishi in his letter had ordered a small group of guards to the port, which will escort him on the way home. Only when they had been approaching the land he set a plan on that contained a tricky misguidance. One of his guards going to wear the formal heir-clothes, while Akanishi a simple guard dress and was attending to join to the escort members. The other men who traveled with him will care about the packages. He wanted to ride home as fast as it was possible. The clothes and other things he carried with himself from Kyoto could wait.
When Jin got off the sailor ship and stepped to the samurais his eyes stopped on a small figure waiting on the line of the escort. His brown hair was tied up and like the other samurais, he was wearing the same uniform what showed he belonged to the guard of the daimyou. Maybe the guy was still a young practitioner, but after he had asked for ten well-trained guards it was strange to see him there. What was he doing there at all? Only that question crossed his mind when his attention was called by a tall man next to the slim figure, who greeted him in all submission.
“Welcome home my lord. I’m Takeda Fukushima. We hope you had a pleasant voyage. Please let us guard you to the castle my lord.”
Before the man called Takeda could lead him to a horse which was apparently prepared for the heir, Jin stopped him and handed out his first commands.
“I’m going next to the best of you. Tell me who the strongest samurai is who will give company on the way back to my home.”
Eight pair of dark orbs glued on him a little bit shocked and an awkward silence fell onto the group. Jin didn’t know what had happened to them while his mood was still bright from the excitement of the homecoming. When Takeda broke the keen atmosphere and named the young and small figure in front of him, Jin’s eyebrows run up on his forehead in surprise.
The best samurai from the army of his father, of the great daimyou of Hyougo prefecture is a… girl?
“Don’t trifle with me Takeda, he is… is he?” he started with a faint laughter, but the tall samurai repeated with even much determination.
“He is the best among us my lord. I humbly report you that Kamenashi Kazuya was proved that he is your perfect security member.”
“So… Kamenashi?”
Kazuya felt he will faint in front of the heir in shame. He knew that he has to prove his disposition to everyone, but it seemed even the son of the daimyou was able to see him as a weakness, a woman imitation. He got his all strength together and sank down on one knee, facing the ground.
“Yes, my lord. I’m Kamenashi Kazuya, one of your guard members. Please let me escort you back to the castle.” the words came out of his mouth on a high and weird tone he had never heard from himself before.
Akanishi was still standing perplexed when the fragile figure rose to his feet and took a short glance at Jin embarrassed. He looked indeed young and his features were closer to woman than man. Jin was stunned how this small body could protect another and bigger one like him? He was not as strongly built, but at least taller than Kamenashi. He knew his men wouldn’t joke on him like this; they wouldn’t dare, so he stopped starring at the young guy, who seemed to feel more uncomfortable with every minute.
“Hmm… then… lead me… Kamenashi”
Kazuya took a deep bow again and hurried to the horses with the heir in his back. Jin’s guard who was wearing the formal clothes was led to the steed, which was prepared to the first born, while Akanishi got another one and the owner of the animal stood behind with the heir's bellongings. After everyone was ready the men swing into their straddles finally and rode away from the port quickly.
On their way Kazuya tried to calm himself down and concentrate on his task, but the mere present of the landlord’s son made his thoughts messed up. He had been surprised, confused and humiliated in such a short time, that he didn’t know how to handle Akanishi who was riding next to him in silence and time to time peeked at the young samurai. He made a false first impression to the heir, that was true, but after they left the port Akanishi didn’t put any malicious remark to him on their way back. That was somewhat positive… at least.
Akanishi stole short looks at the young man next to him and was digesting the information he had just got from Takeda. The boy had a martial bearing and his face expressed all his focus was on his duty. Jin had to admit that Kamenashi seemed more purposeful in the saddle of the black horse. It must have been his own horse, because the man and the animal moved in such a synchrony. After a while he couldn’t hold himself back anymore and cleared his throat, before asking his questions torturing his mind.
“Ano, Kamenashi… how long have you been serving in my father’s army?”
The deep voice hit Kazuya’s ears and he almost missed the rhythm that Ryuukage paced. He didn’t dare to turn his head aside but answered with the highest respect.
“It’s more than one year, my lord.”
“So… you look so young. How old are you actually?”
“Nineteen, my lord.”
“Oh, that’s really young for a samurai. Though I wouldn’t guess you are.”
“The head of the guards and the training master might ensure you my lord, that I’ve passed all the trainings to be able to join the daimyou’s guard. You may ask about it my lord as soon as we arrive into the castle.” Kazuya’s voice became harsh as they touched the topic again.
“Oh, I’m sure you did. Don’t take me wrong.”
“You don’t have to be worried my lord, I’m capable to protect you.”
“Un… “Jin was baffled how the younger man acted. Firmly taking any punches that hurting his pride like a real man, a real samurai. Without hesitation and even backing out; his hands didn’t show they were trembling. That made Akanishi even more curious and tried to keep the conversation up “so, you have a great horse. It seems it’s a well-mannered specimen.”
“Yes. Ryuu no Kage is a unique one. I did know it in the first minute when I saw it.” Kazuya patted the steed’s neck kindly what made not only the animal a little peaceful but his owner as well.
“A unique name to a unique horse.” Jin commented while the tension eased up somewhat between the two riders. “I’m thinking on buying a great one too, because I will spend more time at home from now on. I should connect the breeder of your Ryuu no Kage.”
Their little conversation was interrupted when a third someone rode next to him on his other side and Takeda’s voice cut the air.
“Is the horse to your liking my lord?”
“Yes, thank you.”
“Can I do something for your comfort my lord? We can take a little break if you feel like to.” the cheerful voice started to annoy Jin and he didn’t want anything more than dig his feet into the animal under him and fasten the rhythm leaving Bigoted-san behind.
“No, thank you Takeda. I had some talking with Kamenashi when you disturbed us.”
“Oh, my deepest apology, but Kameanshi is not good at discourses. May I offer you my presence to have a pleasant conversation my lord?” Take didn’t give up and didn't intend to leave Kazuya alone with the son of the diamyou. He knew the young samurai more than anyone and he already noticed the sign of frustration in the air around Kazuya.
Akanishi didn’t ask the tall man to continue and didn’t encourage him by answering. They were just riding next each other while Takeda’s mouth was pouring the words without a break. Jin’s thoughts were still around the fragile samurai on his left. It has never happened that a young man - who was not even twenty years old - could join to the highly-qualified group of guards that served the daimyou. He must have passed all the trainings to be chosen, no doubts. The question that bothered the heir was rather ‘Why?’. Why does such a young boy and apparently with a body not built for fighting want to serve the landlord?
Jin’s eyes followed the young man when that trotted in front of him while their group has crossed a narrow passing-place through the river. His look could burn holes into the small back covered with the black kimono. Despite the many layers of clothing that contained some ticker material too, Kamenashi Kazuya’s slenderness was below average. His features were not only young but also feminine. The eyebrows that arched in an unbelievable angle were the same chestnut-brown color that the long hair he has worn tide up. He looked beautiful, too beautiful to live a life of a samurai which was indeed dangerous, hard and in most of the case short.
Meantime Kamenashi regained his calmness and focused all of his attention on the task he had gotten. Just as in his work he learnt how to close the disturbing elements out. First priority was to escort the daimyou’s son back into the castle in safety. Though he was in aware of Akanishi’s wandering eyes which were scanning him from head to toe and he could guess what was going on the heir’s mind, but Kazuya had to set that irritating thought apart as well. He knew Takeda too to be able to say the latter was on to take Akanishi’s mind off of him. Nearly with more or less success.
Two hours later the riding group reached the town’s east bridge what arched above the first moat that surrounded the whole city. The guards standing there welcomed them with deep bows and cleared their way from the people. Meantime more and more residents came to greet the heir making the horsemen difficult to get out of them. After the local guards dispersed the crowd Akanishi and his escort stepped inside the borders and were lead through the main square.
“Hmm, … nothing changed.” ran out of Jin’s mouth with a deep sigh. It felt if he had left only a few days not three years ago. The buildings were all familiar to him, even the huge dojo(1) lying in front of the castle’s foot. That was the place he always sneaked out to watch the training samurais of his father. The sword fighting tempted the heir even back in his childhood. He has had personal mentors to teach him, but he was not allowed to train in the dojo where the guards.
“Open the gates for the heir!” a deep voice cut the air when the small group arrived in front of the Hishi-gate of the Himeji castle.
Soon more and more voices echoed the ‘open the gates’ part from the narrow loopholes along the high stone walls until the huge wooden doors were flung open with loud squeaking. One of the guards rode forward and led them through the smaller gates. They were passing by the Sangoku-moat, the first and second bailey on the way that got more and more pitched until they reached the third water-wall. That was the last protecting wall around the main building of the castle. The daimyou with his family, the whole household and their servants were living there.
As soon as Akanishi arrived with his escort in front of the stairs of the castle he jumped off of his horse and run to his mother who was standing already on the top of the stairs impatiently.
“Mother, I’ve missed you so much.” Jin hugged the small woman happily and lifted her up from the ground.
“Jin! Oh, thanks for the Gods you are here already. Haha Jin… my son… put me … haha Jin put me down right now!” The wife of the daimyou laughed in joy and tightened her grip around her son’s neck. She was dying to meet her first born and has been waiting for too long.
“I’ve headed home to see you, my mother. I wanted to give you my father’s greeting on the first place. The packages can wait.” the young man’s smile spread over his face watching the beloved woman who looked back adoring at him when a group of children attacked them with loud screams.
“Jin! Jin! Jin is back!”
The two younger brother - Akiyuki was twelve while Katsushi only nine years old - climbed on the two sides of Akanishi Jin while the sisters, who were older than Akiyuki , hugged him only shyly.
“Yes, I’m already back you bandits. Let me go inside. I’ve a long voyage behind me.”
The noisy group of the landlord’s family slowly disappeared inside the castle while the escort guards led the horses into the stalls to take the halters off. Kazuya was a little taken aback after he watched the whole scene. He was not used to see something like that inside the huge and cold stonewalls. Expression of pure emotions. It made his heart sore thinking about his own mother. Would he ever be able to meet her again?
Ryuukage turned his head to the side claiming for attention. It was like the horse could read in the young man’s thoughts and always acted before Kazuya could sink deeper into the mud of depression. The samurai patted the forehead of the black animal and continued brushing its shine hair. He finished his task for today and that was fine. Step by step he can reach the next level and soon, if he works hard he can reach the appreciation that will make his mother proud of him. He promised to do so, and he didn’t want anything better than a pair of welcoming arms around him and an adoring mother-heart that beats for him.
Chapter 03>>>
(1) training place
Author: theblackheat
Pairing(s): Akanishi/Kamenashi
Rating: still PG later NC-17
Genre: Historical, Fantasy, Romantic, Drama, AU
Beta by: Ka-chan, and big thanks for giving me this beautiful idea that can't let me sleep :P XD
Disclaimer: I don't own the guys only the plot.
Summary: “Kamenashi Kazuya, You will abandon everything from now on, your ancestors, your possession, your rights and your life to serve your new daimyou(1) Akanishi Jin, from Akanishi clan until your last heartbeat?” Kame raised his gaze up from the floor in all submission to the tall and majestic young man in front of him in the deep purple sokutai(2) made of the finest silk. His dark long hair was held up and hid under a black kanmuri(3) like the aristocrats wear it and making his cheekbones more visible. It caused the young man hold his breath for a short time when those deep brown eyes fall on him and pinned him to the ground. The samurai gulped hardly and breathed out the words before he bent down and kissed his lord’s sword.
“On my oath”
Warning: Despit this is a historical fanfic, most of the names/places are only figment of my imagination! Character's death! (but I don't tell whose ;P)
Author Note: (1) lord (2) is complex attire only worn by courtiers, aristocrats and the emperor at the court in Japan. Part of a sokutai are the shaku, a flat ritual baton or scepter (3) and a hat called kanmuri
Prologue // Chapter 1
- Chapter 2 -
Akanishi Jin was the first son of the Hyougo prefecture’s daimyou. He had three younger sisters and two brothers but after he turned eighteen, he followed his father, who spent most of his time in Kyoto. The Akanishi clan was connected to the Emperor Go-Toba and like this the daimyou had to take his role in the politics.
In Kamakura was the Shogunate’s capital, which was a military dictatorship in Japan. The Houjou clan was the family who controlled the hereditary title of the regent of the Kamakura Shogunate. Houjou Yoshitoki the second regent was busy with establishing his power and produce an heir, while the emperor became a figurehead. The shougun forced Go-Toba to abdicate and abandon the whole leadership of Japan. The whole imperialist policy heated up the conflicts between the clans as well.
Jin, as an heir of the Akanishi clan, had to learn not just leading of the prefecture but also deal with politics. The daimyou took him to the assemblies and guide the young man through the diplomatic relation of the empire. Jin was only twenty-one but already had the skill to control the clan’s estates. The politics didn’t draw him as much as his father would have liked him to be, but he followed the daimyou’s words and stood by his side. When suddenly his father sent him home to the castle alone, a huge stone fell from his shoulder.
Kyoto was indeed a beautiful place and much more buzzing than Himeji, but beyond some friends who he liked to go out with, there was nothing more that could hold him back from putting his feet on the next ship dock and sail back to his hometown. After he got the order to move back to Himeji, the young man sent a letter home and packed his belongings together to leave Kyoto as soon as possible.
Two weeks later his ship came into land and his heart was filled with happiness being able to see his beloved mother, sisters and brothers. Family meant more to him than any other treasure. He was grown up in love and peace between the huge stonewalls of Himeji. After he was able to get a view at the dynasty and even in the field of politics, he longed to go back to the castle. All that difficult meshes of intrigue and the depressing situation between the emperor and the shougun caused an uneasy feeling inside him and against the whole ruling class. In the end he was able to let it behind. The only regret he felt he had to leave his father as well.
...
“Take care my son and present my regards to your precious mother.” the older man smiled at his son tenderly before he sent Jin off. The daimyou was a smart man with well-build body, only the little wrinkles in the corners of his eyes could tell, that he was getting in his mature age. But for Jin he was the strongest and the most handsome landlord in the world. His ideal.
“Don’t worry.” Jin rubbed his father’s hand which took a strong hold on the young man’s shoulder. “I’ve got a good training and we have the best army at home. No one dare to put a finger on me.”
“You know, you are my heir. The next daimyou if I…”
“AND there are Akiyuki and Katsushi after me. Anyway! Believe me nothing will happen. Please don’t worry so much. After you finish and they let you leave already, hurry home with the next ship.”
“Jin, as my first born you have to take care of the land and the clan. I leave everything to you my son. Have a good wind and send me a letter after you got home.”
“I’ll take control until that.” Jin promised and they parted from each other with heavy heart.
The daimyou was indeed a strong willed man, but if it went on his children or wife he became every time softer. Jin hugged his father shortly who only cleared his throat pressing the emotions behind, which were building up inside the father’s heart. Only his owner knew how deep those feelings were actually under the surface. Maybe the first son was the only one who could catch something from it though the landlord was busy with hiding them properly.
...
Akanishi in his letter had ordered a small group of guards to the port, which will escort him on the way home. Only when they had been approaching the land he set a plan on that contained a tricky misguidance. One of his guards going to wear the formal heir-clothes, while Akanishi a simple guard dress and was attending to join to the escort members. The other men who traveled with him will care about the packages. He wanted to ride home as fast as it was possible. The clothes and other things he carried with himself from Kyoto could wait.
When Jin got off the sailor ship and stepped to the samurais his eyes stopped on a small figure waiting on the line of the escort. His brown hair was tied up and like the other samurais, he was wearing the same uniform what showed he belonged to the guard of the daimyou. Maybe the guy was still a young practitioner, but after he had asked for ten well-trained guards it was strange to see him there. What was he doing there at all? Only that question crossed his mind when his attention was called by a tall man next to the slim figure, who greeted him in all submission.
“Welcome home my lord. I’m Takeda Fukushima. We hope you had a pleasant voyage. Please let us guard you to the castle my lord.”
Before the man called Takeda could lead him to a horse which was apparently prepared for the heir, Jin stopped him and handed out his first commands.
“I’m going next to the best of you. Tell me who the strongest samurai is who will give company on the way back to my home.”
Eight pair of dark orbs glued on him a little bit shocked and an awkward silence fell onto the group. Jin didn’t know what had happened to them while his mood was still bright from the excitement of the homecoming. When Takeda broke the keen atmosphere and named the young and small figure in front of him, Jin’s eyebrows run up on his forehead in surprise.
The best samurai from the army of his father, of the great daimyou of Hyougo prefecture is a… girl?
“Don’t trifle with me Takeda, he is… is he?” he started with a faint laughter, but the tall samurai repeated with even much determination.
“He is the best among us my lord. I humbly report you that Kamenashi Kazuya was proved that he is your perfect security member.”
“So… Kamenashi?”
Kazuya felt he will faint in front of the heir in shame. He knew that he has to prove his disposition to everyone, but it seemed even the son of the daimyou was able to see him as a weakness, a woman imitation. He got his all strength together and sank down on one knee, facing the ground.
“Yes, my lord. I’m Kamenashi Kazuya, one of your guard members. Please let me escort you back to the castle.” the words came out of his mouth on a high and weird tone he had never heard from himself before.
Akanishi was still standing perplexed when the fragile figure rose to his feet and took a short glance at Jin embarrassed. He looked indeed young and his features were closer to woman than man. Jin was stunned how this small body could protect another and bigger one like him? He was not as strongly built, but at least taller than Kamenashi. He knew his men wouldn’t joke on him like this; they wouldn’t dare, so he stopped starring at the young guy, who seemed to feel more uncomfortable with every minute.
“Hmm… then… lead me… Kamenashi”
Kazuya took a deep bow again and hurried to the horses with the heir in his back. Jin’s guard who was wearing the formal clothes was led to the steed, which was prepared to the first born, while Akanishi got another one and the owner of the animal stood behind with the heir's bellongings. After everyone was ready the men swing into their straddles finally and rode away from the port quickly.
On their way Kazuya tried to calm himself down and concentrate on his task, but the mere present of the landlord’s son made his thoughts messed up. He had been surprised, confused and humiliated in such a short time, that he didn’t know how to handle Akanishi who was riding next to him in silence and time to time peeked at the young samurai. He made a false first impression to the heir, that was true, but after they left the port Akanishi didn’t put any malicious remark to him on their way back. That was somewhat positive… at least.
Akanishi stole short looks at the young man next to him and was digesting the information he had just got from Takeda. The boy had a martial bearing and his face expressed all his focus was on his duty. Jin had to admit that Kamenashi seemed more purposeful in the saddle of the black horse. It must have been his own horse, because the man and the animal moved in such a synchrony. After a while he couldn’t hold himself back anymore and cleared his throat, before asking his questions torturing his mind.
“Ano, Kamenashi… how long have you been serving in my father’s army?”
The deep voice hit Kazuya’s ears and he almost missed the rhythm that Ryuukage paced. He didn’t dare to turn his head aside but answered with the highest respect.
“It’s more than one year, my lord.”
“So… you look so young. How old are you actually?”
“Nineteen, my lord.”
“Oh, that’s really young for a samurai. Though I wouldn’t guess you are.”
“The head of the guards and the training master might ensure you my lord, that I’ve passed all the trainings to be able to join the daimyou’s guard. You may ask about it my lord as soon as we arrive into the castle.” Kazuya’s voice became harsh as they touched the topic again.
“Oh, I’m sure you did. Don’t take me wrong.”
“You don’t have to be worried my lord, I’m capable to protect you.”
“Un… “Jin was baffled how the younger man acted. Firmly taking any punches that hurting his pride like a real man, a real samurai. Without hesitation and even backing out; his hands didn’t show they were trembling. That made Akanishi even more curious and tried to keep the conversation up “so, you have a great horse. It seems it’s a well-mannered specimen.”
“Yes. Ryuu no Kage is a unique one. I did know it in the first minute when I saw it.” Kazuya patted the steed’s neck kindly what made not only the animal a little peaceful but his owner as well.
“A unique name to a unique horse.” Jin commented while the tension eased up somewhat between the two riders. “I’m thinking on buying a great one too, because I will spend more time at home from now on. I should connect the breeder of your Ryuu no Kage.”
Their little conversation was interrupted when a third someone rode next to him on his other side and Takeda’s voice cut the air.
“Is the horse to your liking my lord?”
“Yes, thank you.”
“Can I do something for your comfort my lord? We can take a little break if you feel like to.” the cheerful voice started to annoy Jin and he didn’t want anything more than dig his feet into the animal under him and fasten the rhythm leaving Bigoted-san behind.
“No, thank you Takeda. I had some talking with Kamenashi when you disturbed us.”
“Oh, my deepest apology, but Kameanshi is not good at discourses. May I offer you my presence to have a pleasant conversation my lord?” Take didn’t give up and didn't intend to leave Kazuya alone with the son of the diamyou. He knew the young samurai more than anyone and he already noticed the sign of frustration in the air around Kazuya.
Akanishi didn’t ask the tall man to continue and didn’t encourage him by answering. They were just riding next each other while Takeda’s mouth was pouring the words without a break. Jin’s thoughts were still around the fragile samurai on his left. It has never happened that a young man - who was not even twenty years old - could join to the highly-qualified group of guards that served the daimyou. He must have passed all the trainings to be chosen, no doubts. The question that bothered the heir was rather ‘Why?’. Why does such a young boy and apparently with a body not built for fighting want to serve the landlord?
Jin’s eyes followed the young man when that trotted in front of him while their group has crossed a narrow passing-place through the river. His look could burn holes into the small back covered with the black kimono. Despite the many layers of clothing that contained some ticker material too, Kamenashi Kazuya’s slenderness was below average. His features were not only young but also feminine. The eyebrows that arched in an unbelievable angle were the same chestnut-brown color that the long hair he has worn tide up. He looked beautiful, too beautiful to live a life of a samurai which was indeed dangerous, hard and in most of the case short.
Meantime Kamenashi regained his calmness and focused all of his attention on the task he had gotten. Just as in his work he learnt how to close the disturbing elements out. First priority was to escort the daimyou’s son back into the castle in safety. Though he was in aware of Akanishi’s wandering eyes which were scanning him from head to toe and he could guess what was going on the heir’s mind, but Kazuya had to set that irritating thought apart as well. He knew Takeda too to be able to say the latter was on to take Akanishi’s mind off of him. Nearly with more or less success.
Two hours later the riding group reached the town’s east bridge what arched above the first moat that surrounded the whole city. The guards standing there welcomed them with deep bows and cleared their way from the people. Meantime more and more residents came to greet the heir making the horsemen difficult to get out of them. After the local guards dispersed the crowd Akanishi and his escort stepped inside the borders and were lead through the main square.
“Hmm, … nothing changed.” ran out of Jin’s mouth with a deep sigh. It felt if he had left only a few days not three years ago. The buildings were all familiar to him, even the huge dojo(1) lying in front of the castle’s foot. That was the place he always sneaked out to watch the training samurais of his father. The sword fighting tempted the heir even back in his childhood. He has had personal mentors to teach him, but he was not allowed to train in the dojo where the guards.
“Open the gates for the heir!” a deep voice cut the air when the small group arrived in front of the Hishi-gate of the Himeji castle.
Soon more and more voices echoed the ‘open the gates’ part from the narrow loopholes along the high stone walls until the huge wooden doors were flung open with loud squeaking. One of the guards rode forward and led them through the smaller gates. They were passing by the Sangoku-moat, the first and second bailey on the way that got more and more pitched until they reached the third water-wall. That was the last protecting wall around the main building of the castle. The daimyou with his family, the whole household and their servants were living there.
As soon as Akanishi arrived with his escort in front of the stairs of the castle he jumped off of his horse and run to his mother who was standing already on the top of the stairs impatiently.
“Mother, I’ve missed you so much.” Jin hugged the small woman happily and lifted her up from the ground.
“Jin! Oh, thanks for the Gods you are here already. Haha Jin… my son… put me … haha Jin put me down right now!” The wife of the daimyou laughed in joy and tightened her grip around her son’s neck. She was dying to meet her first born and has been waiting for too long.
“I’ve headed home to see you, my mother. I wanted to give you my father’s greeting on the first place. The packages can wait.” the young man’s smile spread over his face watching the beloved woman who looked back adoring at him when a group of children attacked them with loud screams.
“Jin! Jin! Jin is back!”
The two younger brother - Akiyuki was twelve while Katsushi only nine years old - climbed on the two sides of Akanishi Jin while the sisters, who were older than Akiyuki , hugged him only shyly.
“Yes, I’m already back you bandits. Let me go inside. I’ve a long voyage behind me.”
The noisy group of the landlord’s family slowly disappeared inside the castle while the escort guards led the horses into the stalls to take the halters off. Kazuya was a little taken aback after he watched the whole scene. He was not used to see something like that inside the huge and cold stonewalls. Expression of pure emotions. It made his heart sore thinking about his own mother. Would he ever be able to meet her again?
Ryuukage turned his head to the side claiming for attention. It was like the horse could read in the young man’s thoughts and always acted before Kazuya could sink deeper into the mud of depression. The samurai patted the forehead of the black animal and continued brushing its shine hair. He finished his task for today and that was fine. Step by step he can reach the next level and soon, if he works hard he can reach the appreciation that will make his mother proud of him. He promised to do so, and he didn’t want anything better than a pair of welcoming arms around him and an adoring mother-heart that beats for him.
Chapter 03>>>
(1) training place