CHAPTER SEVEN

"I'm sorry, the hem of my clothes got muddy." Hinata felt like he had done something wrong to Tadashi; his new caretaker, when they got home after the stroll around the Village.

"Oh, it's quite alright. Tobio-sama asked us to prepare clothes for you. We already had it waiting in Tobio-sama's room. Would you like to have a bath before dinner?" Tadashi smiled and followed the redhead towards the room.

"Ah, I would like to rest a while. Where's Tobio-sama? Since we landed I haven't seen him?" Shouyo looked everywhere, but there was no sign of the Tengu he spoke of.

"Oh, During these times, Tobio-sama might be at the Miitary Training grounds. He's sort of a hands on General. Even at peaceful times as such, we have to be trained." Tadashi opened the bedroom door for Shouyo and let the redhead go in first. Shouyo did so and slouched on the ground.

"Wah!" he said and rubbed his shoulders and neck. They were flying for a long time and his position strained his neck. He wondered if Tobio was okay, considering he was a man, not a girl. Even though he's quite small, he might be heavy.

"Should I give you something to drink?" Tadashi was fixing Shouyo's futon and a change of clothes so the redhead can rest. He was prepared to change the man's clothes and Shouyo was used to helpers taking care of him.

That said, the man already stood up and outstretched his arms so Tadashi can removed the outer Kimono, leaving the nagajuban* on.

Shouyo frowned and looked at the Kimono. It was lovely, and it was a shame that it was muddy. He knew cleaning it was difficult.

"Would you like to slip another one? Or are you going to sleep with your Nagajuban on?" Tadashi asked.

"Ah, well then I'll sleep like this. I overexerted myself, my fever might come back and that would be a problem." Shouyo scratched his face and smiled. He's a bit more comfortable with Tadashi, though Ittetsu was nice too. Maybe because Tadashi is close to his age, Shouyo thought.

"Alright. There's water on your side if needed. Kei, your guard, is with Tobio-sama, but I won't be far away." he bowed and left Shouyo for himself.

"Thank you."

When he was finally alone, Shouyo sat up and held his stomach. Since the flight, he hasn't been the same. His heart was beating loudly, and his breath was erratic. Was it all because they were high up and the adrenalin rushed to his head? No, it'd be convenient to think it was, Shouyo thought. But he had his rest, it's been few minutes since he had calmed down from the hype.

He learned earlier that Tobio was his new servant, an inopportune happening for him. He is currently engaged with his childhood friend, and was set to be married this fall. He wondered the authenticity of what Tobio had said to him.

How can a contract form between them? Shouyo pondered. But despite all, he can't explain his attachment to the Tengu. He thought that if it's really the contract, how terrifying the thing is. The Chief was right to fear this bond between them. For many ambitious men may use this to their leverage. Good thing he has no ambitioun like so.

"Ahh, Mou!" Hinata exasperated.

"Something wrong?"

Shouyo's lamenting was disrupted when he saw Tobio come inside the room. The said Tengu was removing his long sword. Kei - the golden haired Tengu, followed Tobio behind and the two seemed to be discussing something of importance.

"Nothing. Are you busy?" Shouyo can't help but be curious, he wondered how Military affairs worked – and to know a Young General like Tobio was something he can't let pass him by.

Tobio and Kei looked at him and they both diverted their gaze elsewhere.

"How suspicious! What is it?" Shouyo removed his covers and stood up and both Tengus noticed how he's wearing just his inner Kimono.

"Excuse me for a moment, just call me if you need anything. I'll be outside." Kei said and bowed to Tobio. No matter how much of a ruffian he was, he still knew when to be discreet.

Tobio then palmed his face and slid it down. "...You know, Kei was not a servant. He's a Military Captain. You shouldn't wear something indecent and show it in front of him." Tobio pressed Shouyo's head.

"Ow. Ow. It hurts.. I'm sorry!" Shouyo then recalled what he did wrong and felt shy. Tobio was right, ordinarily, even if you're a man, royalties don't show themselves dressing up like this.

Tobio saw that Shouyo finally understood what he meant and removed his clasped on the said man. "..so, you were resting? Feeling okay?" he asked the redhead.

"Yes. It was just a preventive measure since I over exerted myself earlier."

"Good plan. Now go rest some more. I have some things I need to take care off. I'll be here for dinner, but I have to leave soon after that." Tobio went behind the changing divider and removed his Hakama. Shouyo saw him placed the clothes on top of a dresser.

When the Tengu was finished, he went out without a word and Shouyo thought the Tobio's world was so different from his. This time of the day, he usually enjoys tea and reading for pleasure. Only his mornings were busy, but that too, cannot be compared to the responsibilities the Tengu hold.

"Tadashi? Are you there?" Shouyo called out and there was a knock on the door.

"I'm here, do you need something?" Tadashi didn't open the door, he was only kneeling outside the room.

"There's something I need to ask. Can you take me to Tsukishima-san?"

"Eh?"


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"You want me to teach you Kyujutsu? Why me?" Kei looked down on the said man - and Shouyo isn't going to back down. He wanted to learn, and while he's still here, he knew he had to do something. Since in the palace, he's not allowed to learn the art of the bow, he might as well learn it here.

"I don't know if it's the air around the mountains, but maybe you need the Village Doctor to check up on your head as well." Kei added.

"Not that! I just think I shouldn't waste my time idle in the room." Shouyo pouted and looked up to the tall Tengu.

"Tobio-sama will decide if he'll allow you to practice, you still need rest." Kei felt like the little man was staring him down to submission and he didn't like it. He wasn't in the mood, nor the position to decline him. Truth be told, he just thought teaching the weakly looking man was bothersome.

"I can teach you, if Tobio-sama allow us. I'm a kyudojin." Tadashi was shy, but even if the emotion showed on his face, he still managed to offer his help to the redhead.

"Really?" Shouyo's eyes beamed at the man with admiration.

"He's not just a practitioner. He's an expert. He's a kyudoka afterall. Though he's also good with spears, quite frankly." Kei said, and with the praise leaving his mouth, Tadashi blushed profusedly. Though, the taller Tengu just wanted to pass the responsibility to Tadashi.

"Wow, I didn't know that! Okay, let's ask Tobio-sama later." Shouyo happily said. ".. Will you help us too?" last one was asked to Kei and said Tengu shook his head.

"My expertise are hand to hand combat, close range fighting – and defense. I don't think I can be of much help with the bow, though I can use it. Learning from the expert is still the best way to learn, if you ask me."

"Tsukishima! I was looking everywhere for you! Come!" Tobio looked like he just got out of the baths, for the towel was still hung around his neck. He was holding a piece of paper and was studying it carefully with a scowl, when he was walking around the mansion.

"Hai." the blond Tengu answered boredly.

"Ah! Tobio-sama!" Shouyo walked towards the raven haired, briskly. He was just outside his, or rather, Tobio's room, where the three of them discussed the art of bow.

"I thought you said you were going to rest?" Tobio asked, his face wore an annoyed expression for which Shouyo was taken aback.

"I was just asking something from Tsukishima-san and Tadashi.. Hey, can you - "

"I'm sorry. Excuse me for a second. Tsukishima, call the first guard on site and wait for me at the interrogation chamber." the last one was said to Tsukishima, effectively reminding Shouyo that he was an unwelcome guest, or more like, someone who needed to know their place.

He had a sad smile afterwards, and Tadashi caught the Prince's expression.

"What is it that you were saying?" Tobio asked.

The Prince however, shook his head and smiled at him,. "..Nothing. Do your best today. I think I'll borrow something to read to Ittetsu-san. He offered that to me earlier, I might as well check that out."

Tsukishima and Tadashi looked at the Prince, questioning why he didn't ask what he wanted to ask Tobio earlier. They both thought the man was considerate, despite his stature. Somehow they both had a change of heart towards the human. Unlike the Tengus, it seemed like this particular human placed his wants and needs last.

"Tadashi, bring him to Ittetsu. Don't wander too far." With that, Tobio and Tsukishima left.


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"Are we having dinner in front of your family as well?" Shouyo was dressed and groomed by Tadashi and Ittetsu, while Tobio already dressed himself and was waiting for the man to finish up. He had his wings out, for he was warming it up, he said so. For whatever reason, Shouyo was curious.

He did ask Ittetsu about it, but the man just smiled at him and answered vaguely. Tobio is a General, and this title required him to oversee some defensive points in and out of the mountain. The night time is scary, who knows if there are ambushes waiting for them, so stretching out the wing was a normal thing to do.

Shouyo felt like the answer was rehearsed. It felt too stiff, and unnatural. His hunch was saying there's definitely something wrong with tension. Cause Tobio was dressed differently today.

The tengu was wearing a Yamabushi Priest clothing, only there was no inner robe. His clothes were open, baring the Tengu's neck and chest. It was black, with linings of red in it, his obi was also red; striking and highlighting the priest clothes more. Rabbit's tails were adorned at the chest, and the maroon sash linings gave the seemingly full black clothes a level of intimidation to it.

The Tengu's Kote and Han Kote were also black, with silk straps of gold to fasten it firmly on the Tengu's arms. From the look of it, Tobio was dressed for a battle, not a surveillance, like Ittetsu said to him. Shouyo then felt worried for him. He knew the Tengu was skilled enough to handle everything, even so, he can't be much older than the redhead was – for that, Shouyo thought the danger the Tengu might face was enormous, for someone as young as he is.

"I think I need to change my woven sandals. Please wait a moment and we'll head to supper." Tobio said, inspecting his foot again.

Ittetsu heard Shouyo sighing – knowing full well that the man was concerned for the Tengu.

"Don't worry about him. He always dresses like this, or something similar, when he fulfills his duties. He leads them after all. Don't you think dressing for the part is important too?" Ittetsu comforted the man and patted his back, indicating they were all done dressing him up.

"Yes. I guess you are right." Shouyo felt ashamed for his actions. Why was he concerned anyways? It's not like he can help the Tengu even if he want to.


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"We would like to apologize for our behavior earlier! We don't know how we can correct ourselves, but please accept our sincerest apology!"

The very same Tengus who tried to attack Shouyo earlier, were bowing their heads low, and asking for his forgiveness. It seemed like they received a heavy warning from the Chief, and Tobio himself. Although truth be told, Shouyo wouldn't want anything to do with them again, he just simply cannot avoid them, if he's going to stay here for a while.

"No. Please raise your heads, you were just doing what you thought best. To take action to save To- Jirou-sama was admirable."

When all was said and done, the main Family; the Chief, Ichirou and Jirou, dined with Shouyo on the table.

It was a tranquil meal. There was nothing to exchange conversations with, so Shouyo focused on what was served in front of him. Again, his emotions are mixed with overwhelming happiness. The food was presented like an art, humble as it was. It was just a serving of meat, one tiny bowl of vegetables, bowl of rice he was more than welcome to ask for another serving, a dark reddish brown miso soup (akamiso) ; different from what he usually have at the palace, which is paler in color, or Shiromiso (white miso).

The menu also included some greens and berries he'd seen only on books he'd read before. Curiously taking one tiny bite of it, the man's face lightened up with a smile on his face.

"Delicious!" he exclaimed and the older brother – Ichirou laughed and snorted.

"Hey!" The Chief asked the Tengu to be on his best behavior, but Ichirou continued to struggle keeping his laughter in.

"Heh. How cute is this human, hm? Is this why Tobio-chan is so fond of him?" Ichirou teased, yet for some reason, Tobio ignored him and focused on eating.

Ichirou then kept his mouth shut, still with a sly smirk on his face. He and the Chief knew what Tobio was about to do, and they both awed dumbstruck when Tobio asked for permission.

Ichirou had a hunch that this contract between his brother and Shouyo had nothing to do with the fact that his brother was so into the little guy. Call it an expert observation, since he's a flirty, romantic – pleasure seeking Tengu, he thought Tobio was simply falling for the lonely Prince. He amused himself thinking it might be so.

Then again, he wasn't in his shoes and he was happy this was the case. He wondered what would his aid do if it was.

Iwa-chan will definitely kill me. Ichirou agreed to himself and felt chills down his spine.


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Shouyo was looking at the spear Tobio was about to bring to his night 'business' he needed to settle with. He felt worried, yet again.

"Don't look like that, it's common that I do this. We're fortifying the lands and our boarders." Tobio said.

"Neh, Tobio-sama, this doesn't have to do with my problems, right? You're not hiding something from me? And we haven't heard from the messenger you sent to tell my brother I am okay..." Shouyo said, a little impatient because no one was telling him anything.

Tobio was startled, he stopped what he was doing and walked towards the inquisitive man and head chopped him.

"What're you doing?! Baka! That hurt!" Shouyo grabbed the Tengu's arm and bit it. Luckily for him the Tengu wasn't in the mood to argue to the man, so he grabbed the redhead's hands and hold it tightly, brought them up near his chest.

"Wha-what is it?" Shouyo tried to free himself off the Tengu's hold, but was deemed futile. He can't even take a step back even if he wanted to.

"Shouyo, I'm sure you're uncomfortable here, compared to the palace you were in. I'm sorry if I can't always accompany you. You have to endure for a while. I promise you, you're safe here." Tobio was speaking using polite language, looking really serious. His dark blue eyes stared at the man, making Shouyo uncomfortable, the new kind of discomfort – the one that makes the pit of his stomach flutters.

The redhead's face flushed, his breathing became erratic. "..I'm also concerned for my retainers. I hope I have a chance to know they were safe." Shouyo said, his hands were turning sweaty, because Tobio still pressed his hands near the Tengu's chest, as if the raven haired Tengu wanted him to feel the said Tengu's heartbeat.

"I'm going now. Be good and wait for me." Tobio, though reluctant, freed Shouyo from his touch.

"Uhn." Nodded Shouyo, still red from their close proximity. He was near the Tengu many times, yet he still can't get over the fact that he still felt nervous when he's with him. He knew this was also causing him stress.

With that, Tobio opened his wings wide, and flew. It seemed that there were a few Tengus with him, Tsukishima included.

"Wow, that's the first time I saw Jirou-chan that serious. Heck, that's the first time I even saw him saying goodbye to someone." Ichirou was fanning himself, approaching the Prince slowly.

"Re-really?" Shouyo was shy, he didn't knew someone saw them. Well of course it was inevitable, since they were saying goodbye's at their bedroom door.

"Hm. Chibi, I overheard you wanted to learn Archery? Want this Oniisan to help you?" Ichirou leaned closer, and Shouyo sensed something was off. He was feeling something, wrong with this Tengu, and his instincts told him to stay away.

"No..No. It's fine. Anyways, I have to go. Good evening."

"Heh." Ichirou watched as the said man walked towards the kitchen where Tadashi and Ittetsu was. A smirk still present on his face.

He fanned himself some more before he turned around himself and looked at the sky where his brother was.


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"Get some water!"

"The wound isn't so deep, but Tsukishima's in much worst condition!"

"Call the Village Doctor, quickly!'

"The blankets go here, what're you spacing out for?!"

"Iwa-chan! Go get help from the Nursery. The women can help tend some of the light wounds!"

Shouyo was in deep sleep when he heard the flurry of hurried footsteps. He sat straight up and removed his covers, opening the bedroom door in a slam, Shouyo saw panicked faces running towards the room at the end of the hallway.

"What?! What happened?!" he asked but no one answered him, for they were all in a hurry. He then saw the Chief followed by Ittetsu, walking in a hurried pace as well. He knew not to ask and followed them too.

What he saw at the end of the hallway is something he hadn't prepared himself. The smell of iron was present in the air, to the point of almost choking them.

There was blood stained clothes and blankets discarded at the side of the hallway. All of them were soaked through.

What caught his eyes were the black with red lining priest clothes together with the disposed clothes and blankets.

"No!" gasped Shouyo, he was pushed a few times for he was hindering the entrance way, he walked slowly and saw the paled Tobio on the floor, grunting in pain as his stomach wound gaped, being tended by the Doctor who saw him earlier.

"What?" Shouyo has no voice, he wanted to ask what happened, how did this happened, but no words formed.

He knelt, held Tobio's hand and the Tengu near them let him be. They were a bit relief that the Prince was alive. If it's true that these two have a connection, and their lives were truly counted as one - him breathing was a sign Tobio will make it, too.

"It was, an ambush." Tsukishima spoke, he coughed a bit of blood right after and the Tengus near him forced him to stay laying down.

"Tsukki!" cried the freckled faced Tengu.

"What ambush?!" The Chief asked, already pressing his hand on his son's wound.

"It was... Crown...Prince.." Tsukishima tried his best to utter these words, before he fell unconscious.

Shouyo paled some more, ghastly white, he felt dizzy, the medicine and the smell of blood was making him queasy.

What's more, the information given to them was too much. So it was indeed for his sake, and this was all his fault.

"My brother? .. Why?" Shouyo looked down on Tobio and his chest ached.

Tobio then opened his eyes and reached out for the redhead and yanked him close, surprising everyone.

With what power he had left, Tobio planted a kiss on the startled Prince.

"..Won't.. return..you..Stay..with.. me.." Tobio said soon as their lips parted.

He collapsed on the floor with a satisfied looked on his face, while the others were left staring at the Prince, wondering what'd happened.


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A/n:

Nagajuban (長襦袢)

A kimono-shaped robe worn by both men and women beneath the main outer garment. Since silk kimono are delicate and difficult to clean, the nagajuban helps to keep the outer kimono clean by preventing contact with the wearer's skin. Only the collar edge of the nagajuban shows from beneath the outer kimono. Many nagajuban have removable collars, to allow them to be changed to match the outer garment, and to be easily washed without washing the entire garment. While the most formal type ofnagajuban are white, they are often as beautifully ornate and patterned as the outer kimono. Since men's kimono are usually fairly subdued in pattern and color, the nagajuban allows for discreetly wearing very striking designs and colors

Kyūjutsu (弓術) ("art of archery")

kyūdōjin (弓道人) kyudo practitioners , experts in Kyudo are referred to as kyūdōka

~ See Yamabushi Priest Clothing for referrence.

Kote and Han Kote armoured glove like sleeves which extended to the shoulder or han kote (kote gauntlets) which covered the forearms. Kote were made from cloth covered with iron plates of various size and shape, connected by chain armor (kusari).

~inspiration for Tengu Tobio's clothes can be found on deviant art, the artist name is Inami and the art title is MM-Persona-Tengu

~Thanks to my betareader Latha ^^