Author's Note: Hello again, everyone! Well, it appears as though you survived the first chapter. So now we move ahead. This chapter, I think, is a little bit longer than the previous chapter. But I hope it doesn't bore you too much. As always, please continue to read and give critical reviews.

One day in the year of the fox,
came a time remembered well.
When the strong young man,
of the rising sun,
heard the tolling of the great black bell.
One day in the year of the fox,
when the bell began to ring,
meant the time for the one,
to go to the temple of the king—

"Temple of the King"—Rainbow

Life in Japan

Chapter II

Since that cold—but happy—January day in 1919, two years have passed. Anastasia and Kurando made arrangements to live in their own home. And arrangements were made for Alexei as well. Alexei prayed his desire for a home, so he could have a place to receive Yoshiko Kawashima. His prayers were met with looks by Kurando, and giggles by Anastasia. It was also at this time that Anastasia discovered she was with child—possibly since December of the previous year. The child was born on 03 August 1921, a healthy baby boy. The boy was blessed with the hair and eyes of Kurando; and the cheeks, nose, and mouth of Anastasia. Anastasia and Kurando agreed to name the child, Nicholas—after Anastasia's father. But the child would affectionately by referred to as, 'Nicky,' the affectionate name of Anastasia's father.

And now the year is 1923. On a particular day in July, Anastasia, Kurando, almost two-year-old Nicky, and Alexei visited Naniwa, Yoshiko, and Blanca in Tokyo. Nicky brought out joy in the adults. Dressed as a traditional Japanese baby, Anastasia placed the toddler on Blanca's back. Although age was catching up to the wolf, Blanca was happy to allow Anastasia and Kurando's baby a ride—while Anastasia held her hands at Nicky's sides to steady him.

The adults laughed.

Nicky giggled.

And once Blanca was finished, he licked the boy's face.

Nicky's giggles became squeals. He hugged Blanca, and toddled over to his father.

At this moment, Alexei excused himself from Yoshiko, and turned to Anastasia. "Sis?"

"Yes?"

"Can I see you about something?" Anastasia gestured for Anastasia to move from the crowd.

"Sure."

Anastasia followed Alexei to the hallway.

"Sis, can you take me shopping?"

Anastasia gasped. "Alexei?!"

"Well, can you?"

"Of course! Of course! But you realize that we must catch our train in a few hours?"

Alexei chuckled. "That's why I think now's a good time to take me. Otherwise, I'd be following you all over the city!"

Anastasia giggled. "What're you looking for anyway?"

"I-I can't tell you that, until we arrive in the business district of Tokyo."

Anastasia nodded. "All right. Well, let me ask you this. Can I take Nicky with me?"

Alexei placed his chin between his thumb and first finger. "I suppose so. I just hope he doesn't say anything."

"Say anything?"

"Yeah. You'll know what I'm talking about later."

"Well, I can keep it a secret from Nicky."

Alexei nodded. "Good. But, I'm curious, how come he can't stay with Kurando?"

Again, Anastasia giggled. "Kurando's not one for changing diapers."

Alexei chuckled. He too could not see his mentor changing his son's diapers. "Well then, shall we go?"

When Anastasia, carrying Nicky, and Alexei arrived in the business district of Tokyo, Anastasia asked her brother, "What're you looking for, Alexei?" while she pulled her hair free from Nicky's grasp.

"I'm looking for a ring."

Anastasia gave her brother a look. "A ring?"

Alexei nodded. "For Yoshiko."

Anastasia gasped. "Alexi!"

"I want you to help me pick one out. You'd know more about that stuff better than I would, Sis."

It would have been impractical, due to the time restraints—and that Nicky could become impatient, for Anastasia and Alexei to visit all the jewelers in Tokyo. Therefore, they kept their shopping to Nihonbashi. Unlike the days when his family ruled Russia, the youngest child of the tsar had to be conservative with his money. But his sister helped him pick out a beautiful, and affordable, engagement ring.

"When're you going to give it to Yoshiko?" asked Anastasia, while she placed a pacifier in her son's mouth.

"When we get back. I'm going to motion Yoshiko away from everyone, and ask her."

Anastasia nodded. "Sounds good! I'll help keep Kurando and Naniwa away."

"…Sis?"

"Yes, Alexei?"

"What do you think Mom and Dad would've thought of Yoshiko?"

"Hmm?" Anastasia kissed her son's cheek. "I think they'd be shocked."

"Shocked?"

Anastasia nodded. "Yes, we both fell in love with people from Japan…Sometimes, I wonder what Mother and Daddy would've thought about Nicky."

Alexei laughed. "Oh my God, they'd love him! They'd bounce him on their laps all the time, and Dad would love the fact that he's named after him."

Anastasia smiled. "That reminds me of them with you."

Alexei did not respond to that comment. Instead, he changed the subject. "You know, it's kind of queer how Dad approved your proposal to marry Kurando, yet he didn't force him to convert to Christianity."

"That's probably because Kurando told Daddy that he wouldn't force me to convert to his religion…But, in regards to Yoshiko, I think that Mother and Daddy would find her to be pretty."

Alexei smiled. "Yeah…today's a day that I thought about them though."

"Obviously."

Back at Mukyo-An, Anastasia did her best to keep Alexei and Yoshiko alone. Time, however, was not an ally for Alexi. Inside, Kurando was informing Anastasia that they should leave. And to stall her husband, Anastasia asked if a photograph could be taken of Nicky riding Blanca.
"Our time is short, Yoshiko," Alexi said, while he ran his fingers through Yoshiko's beautiful dark hair.

Yoshiko locked her dark eyes, with Alexei's blue eyes. "I wish you didn't have to leave."

"So do I. But on this day, it's extremely important that I return with Anastasia to the village."

"Yes, I know."

"But," Alexei reached into his pocket, "before I go, I want to give you this." Alexei handed Yoshiko the small box.

Yoshiko was stunned.

"Go on, open it."

Yoshiko did as Alexei requested. Inside was a small golden ring, with a single diamond. Yoshiko gasped.

"If you say 'yes' to the question I'm about to ask you, you'll never have to worry about me leaving you again. Would you be my princess, Yoshiko?"

"Y-yes!" Yoshiko said, while she embraced and kissed Alexei.

Alexei smiled, held Yoshiko close, and ran his fingers through her hair. "Then let's go tell everyone."

When Alexei and Yoshiko re-entered the Kawashima residence, they witnessed the photograph between Nicky, Anastasia, and Blanca. But once Kurando noticed Alexei's return, he informed him, "Alexei, it's time to go."

The former tsarevich nodded. "I know, Kurando. But I had some important business to take care of with Yoshiko."

"Oh? And what business was that?" asked Naniwa.

"Well, I could tell you…But I think it would be easier if Yoshiko showed you. Would you show them what I gave you, Yoshiko?"

Yoshiko flashed the ring Alexei presented to her.

Kurando and Naniwa gasped.

Anastasia smiled, while she slowly moved to the back to change Nicky.

"And when I asked her a particular question," continued Alexei, "how did you answer, Yoshiko?"

Yoshiko smiled. "I answered with a 'yes.'"

Anastasia smiled increased, while she carried Nicky away.

The look on Kurando's face had not changed.

And Naniwa Kawashima crossed his arms, and looked at the floor.

The change in Naniwa worried Alexei. He wondered if Yoshiko's father would not give himself and Yoshiko his blessing.

Naniwa returned to Alexei and his daughter. "Hm, well, I must say that are a far cry from that fourteen-year-old boy that arrived in Japan five years ago. Under Kurando's tutelage, and your royal upbringing, you have turned into a fine young man. Therefore," he placed a hand on Alexei and Yoshiko's shoulder, "I give the two of you my blessing."

Yoshiko giggled and wrapped her arms around Alexei. "Thank you, Daddy!" And then she kissed Alexei's cheek.

Alexei smiled, and patted one of Yoshiko's hands. "Yes, thank you, Lord Kawashima." And he bowed before him.

"Congratulations, Alexei!" Anastasia said, when she returned with Nicky. And turning to Nicky, she informed him, "Give Alexei and Yoshiko a hug."

The toddler did as his mother requested.

And once Nicky was finished, Anastasia hugged her younger brother—and kissed his cheek, before she hugged her future sister-in-law.

Kurando, Anastasia—with Nicky, and Alexei returned to Igunami Village at dusk, and entered Anastasia and Kurando's home.

"Alexei," Anastasia began, "will you get the portrait of Daddy?"

"Sure."

In the master bedroom, the portrait of Tsar Nicholas II hanged beside an icon of Christ and a picture of Nicky on Anastasia's side of the bed. Alexei removed the portrait, and placed it in the master room. Waiting for him was his sister, with five candles; and Kurando, who held Nicky. The candles were purchased in China. Four of the five were religious: Christ, the Virgin, St. Andrew, and St. Nicholas. But the fifth held a picture of the last tsar and his family. Kurando purchased it, when he was over in China about a year ago.

Anastasia lit one candle. Kurando lit one candle. Baby Nicky, held by his father, lit one candle. Alexei lit one candle. And Anastasia and Alexei together lit the candle with the picture of them together with their parents and sisters.

"Grant them eternal rest, O Lord," began Anastasia.

"Remember them, as you did your servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob," added Alexei.

"Remember them, as you did Moses in the wilderness."

"Remember them, as you did your servant, David."

"Remember them, as you did the thief with you on the cross."

"Remember them, as you did the Blessed Mother and the apostles."

"Remember them, as you did the martyrs of your Church."

And both concluded with, "Amen."

"Blessed Mary, the Theotokas, pray for us," Anastasia said.

"St. Andrew, pray for us," added Alexei.

"St. Nicholas, pray for us."

"All holy men and women, pray for us."

Again, the two closed with, "Amen."

After the prayers concluded, Alexei and Anastasia blew out the candles.

"It's hard to believe that it has been exactly five years, since that day," Alexei said.

Anastasia nodded. "I know. And it's too bad that I can't really show Nicky more pictures, than what we have. The Bolsheviks have all our belongings!"

"Show me what?" Nicky asked, around his thumb.

The look on her son's face made Anastasia smile. "Grandma and Grandpa, baby!" She took Nicky from his father, and showed him the picture of his family. "Here's your grandma and grandpa, baby. And here's Mommy. And here's your uncle, Alexei. Wasn't he cute? And here's…"