Summary: Every legend, fairy tale, and folk lore has to start somewhere with a true story hidden behind the lies, the facts are hidden between the lines. Every samurai must have his day, and every emperor must fall…Kakashi x Sakura
A/N: This story hit me while I was watching Jane and the Dragon with my little sister, I started thinking about early Japan with samurais and this story was born, it's AU, so you know (Well I guess it was a little obvious). So, please enjoy!
~xxx~
"Father, will you tell me the story of the emperor that lost his title?"
Hatake Sakumo looked down at his son, "The story your mother used to tell you?"
The boy nodded, "Yes, Father."
The older man smiled at his son, "I don't think I recall it as well as your mother."
Kakashi shrugged, "That's fine, it might do me some good to hear it from another's point of view."
"Well, there was a man, an emperor, a long time ago; he wasn't known for his great leadership skills, as he liked to think, but more for his selfishness. His father had taught him long ago, that the people never respected a selfish man and that he could be over thrown if he wasn't conscious to his actions. The man didn't listen, and his greed consumed him. He took money from the poor, and food from the hungry without a second thought." Sakumo gave a light laugh, "That is until he met Hideko."
Kakashi nodded, "She was a peasant's daughter, right?"
Sakumo nodded with a wide smile, "Yes, and the Emperor had never beheld such a beautiful woman in all his time, so he decided that he would make Hideko his bride." The older Samurai paused for a moment, "Hideko despised the emperor, and everything about him. She wanted a man that was generous and a man that genuinely cared about the well being of her family, and herself. When the emperor learned this news, he was furious, and demanded that Hideko be his bride, and against the wishes of her leader, she refused still, and swore to never say yes to him until the emperor could prove that he was capable of being human, and caring."
The boy smiled, his favorite part was coming up. He just hoped his father didn't ruin it.
"So the emperor, with the full support of his closest friend, earnestly gave his title of Emperor to his long time companion and chef, saying that if giving up his life of greed for a life of happiness could not win Hideko's heart, then he had no reason to live at all." Sakumo smiled at his son's eagerness, "When Hideko learned of this news she went to the emperor, and told him that she could not love him, for she loved another, and never believed that he would give up everything to be with her. So the old emperor, heart broken asked one last favor of the new emperor. That Hideko be with the man she loved, no matter the cost, and he ended his request by slaying himself in the main hall, with a smile on his face, because it was then that he realized the unrequited love was the downfall of most great men."
Kakashi nodded, "Do you think it true, Father?"
"Do I think what true?"
"That unrequited love is the downfall of most great men?"
Sakumo thought about it for a second, "Not of most great men, but more or less, powerful men."
Kakashi scratched the back of his head sheepishly, "So what about true love?"
"That my son is the fall of all great men."
Kakashi found that hard to believe, but respected his father's words as he silenced his tongue and the rude response that would have followed it.
"What do you know of the culture where we're going?"
"I've heard some things here and there, but haven't directly studied it yet." Kakashi's hand ran through his disheveled silver mane before scratching at the back of his neck, a nervous twitch he'd developed during training.
He didn't like being put on the spot, not even by his father; some Samurai he was going to make.
"Ah, well, The Land of Waves has a very special one. They're very traditional, and many of their women become Geisha, while the others work along side the men on their farms and plantations in the fields. The women are what it's really known for, and then their mild weather and the rain, but rumor has it that the Land of Waves is home to some of the most, if not, the most beautiful women in all of Japan."
Kakashi nodded accepting the information, "So they have the most beautiful Geisha and Warriors, as well?"
"Yes."
Kakashi looked up again, "Pray tell, does the rumor hold true?"
Sakumo looked down at his son, "From my experiences, it does."
They continued walking, sharing stories and bickering about their opinions of different matters of the Royal Court. Kakashi couldn't help but try and imagine the women his father spoke of, he knew it was immoral to do so, but as his father had said many a time in his defense: He is young, he will learn, for now, let him experience the life of the boy he is.
Kakashi said after moments of silence, "Father?"
"Yes, Kakashi?"
"Are they as beautiful as mother?" His mother was as beautiful as they came, in Kakashi's eyes. She was a hard worker, small, and could hold her own defense if need be. He loved the way she smelt, and how soft her golden hair was. When he took his bride, he hoped she was like his mother.
Sakumo chuckled, the noise rumbling from deep within his chest before the deep bass of his voice replaced it, "No, my son. I fear there is no woman in mine eyes as beautiful as your mother."
That made sense; Kakashi knew his father was most loyal to his mother. She was the love of his life, a rare earth-bound angel his father had once claimed. It left Kakashi to wonder, had his parents arranged his marriage at birth, would he have been as happy with that girl as his father was with his arranged bride? Probably not.
"Father, I've been meaning to ask; when I take my bride, what is the proper why to do so? Beauty, Intelligence, Diligence?"
"Take your bride? Son, who has you so worried over it so young?" The older Samurai inquired, wondering what had gotten into his boy all of a sudden.
"Captain Minato, father. He recently wedded Uzumaki Kushina from lower Konoha. He's not that much older than myself, and I became curious of it. He said nothing, I just wondered. Lady Kushina seems to be of all traits."
"She is indeed, is she not?" Sakumo nodded, "I understand, then what you are asking. Kakashi, your mother and I didn't arrange your marriage out of your own sake. You need to marry a woman out of love, and acceptance of all she is. While looks and intelligence help a little, it's all in the heart son. That's the person you would give your life for, boy. You'll understand it one day."
Kakashi sighed, "Is it immoral of me to not want that kind of commitment, Father?"
"Kakashi, your life is your life. Forget regret, or you'll miss out on everything."
~xxx~
The thundering of horse hooves could be heard in the far distance; a sign that the imperial party was close approaching, returning from a trip they'd taken to the Land of Waves to ease the Empress' sickness.
The Lady, she'd become pale, her sun-kissed skin lacking its usual lustrous glow, and she'd developed a terrible cough. The emperor had seen no other way to heal her of her illness, than to take her from the hot climate of the Land of Fire to a milder place.
Now the Imperial Samurai waited at the gates of the palace to greet their leaders in joyous return.
The samurai adjusted their helmets and adjusted their posture erect as their masters crested the hill in the horse drawn imperial carriage doused in gold and red satin trimmings; the imperial colors. The Samurai each dropped to one knee in respect as the palace gates were opened and allowed the carriage through.
When the gates were closed, they stood as one and reported to their chambers to await order from the newly returned emperor.
Helmets were removed and set aside in the leisure room, and the men went about their own doings. The captain removed his helmet last and tossed it on his cot, knowing he'd need it soon.
He returned from his quarters to find many of his men looking over scrolls, and mail they'd received from loved ones in the Imperial village, just south of the palace. He envied them and their families; most of the men had chosen to join the Warrior ranks, while the rest had inherited their titles from fathers before them.
The captain sighed, and sat at the hand-carved cherry wood table, sliding his current project from its center. He looked over the dainty fan he'd used as a canvas, and smiled inwardly.
He uncapped the paint he had available, and started to paint again, with slow and easy, curving brush strokes. He paid no mind to the mindless chatter of his platoon and lost himself in his work. The brush was like an extension of him, or so people had said.
He let the sound of the door to the leisure room slamming shut slip by him physically but he noted the noise and continued with his art.
"Hark here, boys" the Second in Command, Shiranui Genma called out, "I come barring gifts from our lord in the form of words."
"You mean in the form of pointless banter?" One of the lower ranked guards said, getting a rise out of most of the younger men.
Genma rolled his eyes, "I mean, I was talking with one of the sentries that accompanied them. Do you know the rumors of the Land of Waves?"
He waited for the answer he knew he was going to get from his captain and the older sentries. Blue eyes shot up from underneath a screen of long gray lashes, and Genma smiled in knowing, ignoring the questions from the less knowledgeable of the group.
"It seems our good Captain Kakashi knows! Pray tell, captain, what of the rumors do you know?"
All eyes seemed to slam in his direction and Kakashi sighed, "Rumor has told that the Land of Waves is home to most beautiful of Women, and from my own experiences, that rumor holds true." He rested the brush in its silk and bamboo casing figuring he'd be stuck in conversation until it was time for patrol.
Uchiha Sasuke held his hand up for silence from the bickering around the room, "Are you saying you've been, or you've met the women?"
"I accompanied my father once to the city. We stayed in one of the houses, so I met a few."
Genma clicked his tongue, "You lucky rat, in a house full of girls so young. It's probably the first time he saluted a woman, huh, guys?"
Kakashi shook his head and wondered why he'd appointed Genma as his Second in the first place. He meant well jokingly, Kakashi knew, but some jokes he didn't care for, and that was one of them.
"Well at least I can salute ne?" Kakashi retorted, "Now all get to your quarters or you will all be working sentry duty for the next fortnight, is that clear?"
The men jumped in fear of being the last one in the room and being assigned to sentry duty for attendance to the prince. The boy was born sickly and was now a spoiled teenager with an attitude that his parents seemed not to mind. Kakashi was the only person known to have talked back to a member of the imperial family without immanent punishment.
It made his men quiver in their boots.
Genma shook his head and sat across the table from Kakashi, "Our lord requests your presence, Captain. It's not of urgency, but he'd like to see you some time tonight."
Kakashi smiled at his friend, "Fun, fun; shall I fetch my helmet now?" he asked with mild amusement in his voice.
"You aren't waiting a millennium to answer the call? All this talk of beautiful woman has gone to your head, my friend. Pray tell, was that when you lost the shy unconfident you? I've heard those women are quite persuasive…"
"And I've heard Shiranui Genma loves sentry duty to Prince Aiko." Kakashi answered with a snicker.
Genma shook his head, the loose tendrils of sand colored hair falling in front of his face, "You must be ill in the head."
"If only you knew."
~xxx~
Kakashi strode into the throne room, admiring the golden décor and the red silk that clung to the walls. The way it sparkled and shone in the bright orange glow of the setting sun, made visible by the open ceiling, mesmerized him. He wasn't as ditzy as some of his men, but he could be held accountable for admiring and being jealous the riches of the imperial family.
Kakashi held his head high as he progressed down the main throne room; he dropped to his knee when he came before the Emperor.
"Rise, Hatake-san." Echoed the cold, monotone voice of his lord. Kakashi shuddered as he rose.
"You sent for me, my lord?" Kakashi tried to sound meek in his question but found himself only asking in a bitter tone.
"Yes, yes. I require an escort posse back to the land of waves, tonight." Lord Hakiru sat in his throne, with one leg throne over the side, his hand waving with each word.
Was this really the leader of Japan?
Kakashi nodded, "I shall ready my men."
Emperor Hakiru waved off the declaration, "No. I request only a four man team. Only I will be returning, to bring back a bride for my son. I trust you will pick only your most qualified men?"
"Of course, my lord."
Kakashi held his tongue. He'd spoken out once, his father at the ready in his defense. His father no longer stood by his side to protect the out of control, rebellious side of Kakashi. Most men took honor in an escort; Kakashi only took dread and immoral reason.
Hakiru smiled fakely, his lips curving into a smile that more resembled a snarl. "Good. Now, on the matter of the woman. I'm requesting you as her personal guard."
"Yes, my lord. Is that all?"
"Hmm. For now, now get out of my sight. You're just as homely looking as your father."
Kakashi could taste the blood in his mouth as he kept his mouth shut using his teeth against his tongue. He nodded in respect to his master, turned on his heal, and left fuming with anger at the ill mention of his father.
Who was Lord Hakiru to speak ill of the man who died while protecting the empire? He was scum, as were his offspring. Kakashi strode down the main hall, angry words echoing through his mind. Who was lord Hakiru to speak so lowly of his men? A lousy leader and a bad man.
Kakashi stomped back into his quarters as he retrieved his nap-sack. He tossed his bag onto his bed and packed only a few extra clothing items along with his father's white-marble sword, extra rations, and the scroll painting he'd started almost a week ago. He figured it would take a while for the lord to pick his chosen woman, and he needed something to keep him busy.
Kakashi turned his head towards his sliding door when he heard the wood grains sliding against eachother, "Genma, just the man I wanted to see. I need you to gather your nap-sack, and have Itachi and Gai do the same, please."
"We got a job?"
"Duh." Kakashi rolled his eyes, "Escort duty."
"Shit." Genma growled, "We'll be ready in five."
Kakashi nodded and watched as Genma left his quarters to fetch the two others accompanying them on the journey. They were his closest friends, and most trusted men, more loyal to Kakashi than the emperor. The platoon had their own hierarchy within that of the empire; and each man showed respect to the other, no matter the distaste. And like a young Kakashi, some of the newer men had yet to learn the consequences of foul mouthing elders.
Kakashi looked back at his room before sighed and sliding the door shut, nap-sack thrown over his shoulder. He walked down the short hallway into the lounge, happy to see his three requested men ready to go.
"Captain," Genma drawled, "Where exactly are we going?"
Kakashi shrugged, "Land of Waves."
Genma pumped his fist into the air, while the other men silently glanced at eachother.
"Forgive me, sir, but wouldn't another man be more suited for the journey, someone beside me?" Itachi rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed by his question.
Kakashi raised an eyebrow, "Why? You're one of my most elite."
He shifted nervously back and forth, "It's a simple escort; I'd prefer not to do it."
Gai threw his arms over Itachi's shoulders, "Our good friend Itachi-san is just experiencing some youthful encouragement to stay for the festival this weekend."
Kakashi's other brow rose as he spoke with a laugh, "A woman, perhaps?"
"Yes."
Genma snickered to himself, "You lucky kid."
Kakashi ran his tongue along the inside of his bottom teeth, irritated. "Look, I don't want to go anymore than you do, Itachi-san and granted, I don't have a woman waiting for me but I do have my reasons, so I'd consider it an honor that you were chosen over other more capable men, and just get the job done."
Itachi smiled at his long time friend, "Thanks."
Kakashi nodded, "Yeah, now let's go. Wouldn't want to leave Yuki-chan waiting too long for you, would we?"
"The power of youth will guide his strength through this endeavor."
"Will you cut that power of youth shit out?" Genma hissed, "Its creepy."
Kakashi rolled his eyes as they left the lounge quarters. "If we're going to argue over the power of youth again, might I remind you that the last night we had this discussion we all agreed that it's not the power behind it, it's the motion."
Itachi shook his head, his cheeks flushing red again. "Captain. How perverse of you."
"It was you that came to that conclusion last time, was it not, Itachi-san?" Genma drawled with a laugh.
Kakashi smiled as Itachi turned his head away, refusing to answer Genma's question. He reached out and ruffled the younger man's hair, "You'll get used to him."
"I hope so."
The rest of their walk was silent, even as they mounted up on their horses. Kakashi knew that most of his men despised escort duty. He included.
Genma looked up as the palace guardsmen walked out, leading the emperor's white horses with said man atop one. On the other horse rode prince Aiko, dressed in full regalia. Genma bowed his head to Kakashi.
Kakashi bit back a curse, and settled for grinding his teeth with anger as he shot Genma a look of utter displeasure. Genma tried offering his captain a weak grin, but it didn't seem to do the job.
Hakiru waved his hand about, "Let's go, I hope to get their before night fall. My son is going to be picking out his bride, so that he may take the thrown."
This time, Kakashi's shot downward. He watched the gravel beneath their steeds feet crunch with each step as he thought back to the story his mother and father had told him so long ago. The one about the emperor that had lost his title, and for a moment, Kakashi thought that Hakiru didn't deserve his crown in the first place.
With a sigh, Kakashi took the lead. It'd be nice to see the city again, he told himself. Maybe this time around he'd find his beautiful woman- the one woman he'd be happy to give his life. Or maybe it'd just prove that what his father had was a one-time, honest to goodness true love.