A/N: I would have had this out earlier, but I had to find a book on herbal and natural medicine-found both obviously-and so here you go.

I don't own anything.


When Norihito was one year old, he was walking and they were living in the mountains. When he was two, he was talking and they were living in the plains. When he was three, his mother gave birth to his baby sister Hiroko and they had moved back to a forest. By the time he was five years old, Norihito was more comfortable playing with the teenage Fusasaki than he was the child near his age, the son of Noriko and Takeda Tetsuya (he was a year younger than him and named Yoshitsune).

But Fusasaki didn't always play with the five year old boy, his eye catching Asano Tetsuya more and more often. At fifteen, he was considered a man, and spent more and more time chasing Asano than playing with Norihito. And the younger boy couldn't understand why! She was a girl. And girls were disgusting.

His mother once told him that just before she gave birth to him, Fusasaki had spent all his time playing with someone six years older than him before making friends with those his age. "So," she had said, "you shouldn't worry, you'll make friends soon enough." Norihito had thought best not to point out that the only one close his age was Yoshitsune and he didn't want to play with the babies. But Hiroko didn't count because she was his sister. Which was why he was playing with her that day.

Norihito was tickling his sister, watching her giggle and smiling himself. His aunt had claimed her to be her student once she was old enough, and his father's friend Takara had declared her to be her student so there was a small battle going on between them.

"Aunt Yoshiko asked mama if she could kidnap you to keep you away from Takara to teach you, Hiroko," he said, holding her hands and waving them about. "But I'll keep you safe. Like Tadamichi keeps daddy safe." His mother was just a ways away, speaking to Mihito quietly. They talked a lot recently, but it didn't really matter to Norihito, because he had Fusasaki, Yoshitsune, and Hiroko to play with, so who did it matter who his mother was talking to?

"Norihito!" his mother was calling. He looked up, and seeing her waving him over, he helped his sister to her feet and let her stumble over to their mother. "Norihito, Mihito and I were just speaking about Kagetoki."

Norihito nodded. Everyone knew about Kagetoki. His son was sixteen, just a few months older than Fusasaki, but he had no wife and his son was basically taking care of him. He had fallen into a river and nearly drowned. Miki had saved him, but he had trouble functioning since then. "What about him?"

"Well, you know how we've told you that you were born in an old Temple?" he nodded again. "The brothers there have offered to provide a home for people like Kagetoki and we were thinking we'd go with him there. Would you tell your friends?"

"Sure." And she smiled at him before he rushed off.


"Fusasaki!" Norihito cried, rushing up to where the teen was sitting with his friends.

"Hey!" he called back, holding out an arm in greeting. "What's the rush?" (Once, Fusasaki had been lectured for using contractions in his speech, but how was he to blame when everyone else in the land they ran into used them too?)

"Mama told me to tell all of you that we're going to take Kagetoki to the place I was born."

"We're going back to the temple?" asked Asano. "We haven't been there since we were nine years old!"

"Ten years old for some of us," put in Yoshinaka. "But why are we taking my father there?"

"I don't know," said Norihito. "Mama just told me to tell you and Yoshitsune." And the boy ran off.

"He's a good kid," said Fusasaki.

"I only wonder why he wants to spend time with us and not…say…Haruma. He's closer to Norihito's age."

"Well Fusasaki declared himself Norihito's protector since the day he was born," said Kagechika, getting to his feet. "I think it sort of works both ways."

"I'm going to go tell my parents," said Asano. "Noriko is going to want some warning." Asano had tried to think of Noriko as her mother, but was unable to, remembering so well her own mother. Most of them, those with second marriage parents, had the same issue.

And so Yoshinaka went to where his father was being looked over again by Miki for signs of improvement, Asano went to where her parents would likely be talking, and Fusasaki went to tell Takara.

"Father?" called Yoshinaka, approaching where his father was. He was gazing up towards the tops of the trees, but dragged his attention to his son. His attempt to stand didn't fare too well, either. "How are you?"

"I'm fine," he whispered. "But keep your voice down, or else the demons will get us."

"Demons?" whispered Yoshinaka.

"Yes. They are everywhere, you see."

"Oh, I'll keep quiet then. But Nasu might have to be told that." Kagetoki nodded, probably not remembering who was even talking to him. That was the painful part for Yoshinaka.

"Yoshinaka," called a voice. He turned to see their leader, Akihito, coming towards him. "Have you heard? We're—"

"Taking my father to the Temple so that he'll be safe, yes."

"Shh!" put in Kagetoki.

"Kagetoki is hallucinating demons," whispered Miki. "It's best to keep your voice down."

"Ah, I see," whispered Akihito. "I'm sorry, I didn't see the demons, Kagetoki. I'll stay quiet."

Yoshinaka was pained to see his father that way-just three days ago he had refused to leave his dwelling because he thought giant invisible mushrooms would kill him! Yet, he knew the Brothers of the Temple of the Harp were quite capable of taking care of his father until he recovered-and he would by all the gods and spirits!


It was a slow trip, as there was a military encampment they had to go around by at least a mile, but eventually they made it to the Temple of the Harp. It was night, the moon's light filling the ravine below with silver light. It was a warm summer night, and Yoshinaka had convinced his father that the stars were keeping the demons at bay and weren't beacons set to show them where, so they all slept with no cover, opting to stare at the stars until they fell asleep. It kept Kagetoki happy and content.

Akihito and Michiko lay next to each other, their children asleep on their shared mat just two paces away. They were the last to fall asleep, as usual, for they shared the first watch.

"You know," whispered Akihito, his wife using his shoulder as a pillow, "according to some of the legends I've heard, the stars were created by the moon when she wept at being separated from the sun."

"Because the gods knew that there has to be duality in the world," whispered back Michiko, nuzzling his neck sleepily. "I have spent a fair amount of time with the ladies in town."

"If I ever had to separated from you, my love, I should weep as much as the moon. Though my tears would hold no cold fire to light the skies with." Michiko smiled and soon fell asleep on his shoulder, her hand brushing his military tattoos. She was his treasure, and while he had been worried to take her into the wilderness, Michiko had grown nearly so callous as the women in the old military. Takara and Michiko were on equal standing, now.

Just on the other side of the small "camp", Asano Tetsuya was lying awake, unknown to all who might see her. Her father was holding Noriko close, her little half-blooded brother lying next to her, snoring quietly. She loved her family, but she missed her mother. It had been five years, but that horrible pageant sometimes gave her nightmares yet. How the king's throat was a fountain of blood, how the queen's scream sounded…and her own mothers at her death.

Steering her mind away from that path of thought, she turned instead to what they were going to be doing come morning. Could it truly be so morally correct to simply leave a man here? True, the brothers promised asylum, but to leave him there and to leave…it didn't sit right with her. But brothers of temples across the entire empire were known for their knowledge of healing so he should be fine, yet…

Such debates were for the morning, she decided. She could talk to one of the brothers about it. And so she let the waves of sleep carry her gently out to the ocean of dreams.


When the morning came, Kong Zĭ went to the courtyard, looking up at the sky. So many changes in the last five years and not a single whisper about those who had stayed with them. He missed them, especially young Fusasaki-bless the boy. He wondered how the baby Norihito was getting on, and if any had (though he hated to admit it) died. He was now twenty one, at least from three days ago, and never felt more like an adult. Now he was taken seriously and his own concerns taken seriously when came the debate to go down into that tunnel in the mountains or not.

He heard a clamoring by the cliff entrance and immediately went to it, peering over carefully, he saw those he last saw five years ago. Happily, he grabbed the rope and dropped it down. He felt the tug indicating a safe harness and began to pull.

It took a half an hour with many pulling each other up, but at last the last of them, Akihito, were up. There were more children, some no older than four and…was that who he thought it was?

"Fusasaki?" he asked. The handsome young man grinned.

"You actually recognized me!" he laughed.

"Well, five years doesn't change your absurdly pointed nose!" The young man and the monk spoke fondly with each other, the young children staring on in amazement. How did they know each other?

"Kong Zĭ, it is wonderful to see you again," said Akihito, "but may we see Father Lăozĭ?"

"Oh…Father Lăozĭ is dead." A hush descended on them all. "He passed into the realm of the spirits three years ago. He caught a cold in winter and it settled in his chest. We saw him off with all rights of a Father of a Temple. We have appointed Yìjìng as the Father of the Temple."

"Then perhaps we may speak to Father Yìjìng?" asked Takara. The young monk nodded, and turned to fetch him.

"Who was Father Lăozĭ?" asked Norihito. Hiroko nodded.

"He used to be in charge of this place," said Yoshiko, picking up the little girl. "He was a wonderful man. Extremely spiritual, taught us the meditative songs they sing here during prayer. He even blessed and cleansed the room you were born in himself, Norihito."

When Father Yìjìng arrived, he went to Akihito and bowed. Akihito bowed back. "What do we have to owe for this arrival? We have not seen or heard of you these past five years!"

"Well quite recently Kagetoki fell into the river. He, according to Miki, actually drowned. That is, water in the lungs. But she managed to save him, which we are ever grateful for, but he has…had problems ever since."

"What sort of problems?"

"Hallucinations, trouble focusing, and memory loss," listed Yoshinaka. "Recently his arm has started spasming, too."

"I see. Father Lăozĭ promised you asylum and so I will honor that promise. Kagetoki may stay with us until such a time that he has recovered or his life has ended."

"What?" demanded Asano. Everyone turned to her. "That's…barbaric! You're just going to house him until he dies or somehow gets better? Are we so heartless all of a sudden?"

"Asano…" tried her father.

"No! I don't care that the rest of you can stay behind so easily, I am staying!"

"Asano, please, think—" tried Fusasaki.

"I have thought, Fusasaki. I couldn't sleep for most of the night thinking about it. I am staying here and I will help whoever you decide isn't worth your time!"

Miki smiled and went to the young woman (declared such at thirteen with her first blood), taking her hands and saying, "You have the heart of a Healer to feel that way."

"Don't you mean physician?"

"No. Physicians think of the human body as being receptive to any and all illness. A Healer believes that the body is a magical thing and only needs a little help to be in perfect order."

"Are you a healer?"

"I always have been." Miki smiled and turned to Father Yìjìng. "Teach her how to heal. She'll be invaluable." He smiled and nodded. Kagetoki had wandered off, Yoshinaka going after him.

"If you would all stay…?" he suggested. At the affirmative, he went to tell the other Brothers.


"He loved you, you know," said Brother Ninshō, walking with Asano. He was showing her the area at the top of the cliff they were in.

"Who, Brother Ninshō?" she asked politely.

"Fusasaki Fujiwara. I could see it in his face when they left. He loved you and didn't want you to stay."

"How could you tell?" there was a blush on her face, and the monk smiled.

"I was the youngest of ten children. I know love when I see it. Now, let's leave this behind for today, shall we? Today is a beautiful day!" and Asano smiled.

Her father had been unwilling to let his daughter from his first wife stay behind, but Noriko had managed to convince him. And now Asano was wandering the hidden pocket meadows in the mountains the Temple was settled in. Smaller than the majestic and overwhelming mountains to the east, but still enough that she had never heard of the meadows here before.

"Are we going to enjoy the day or are you going to teach me about medicine?"

"Not medicine, Asano. Healing. Now, a test." Asano pulled a face. Ninshō's tests were always the hardest. "What is that patch over there?" he gestured to a patch of taller plants.

"Knitbone," she replied. "Used for broken bones, sores, bruises, and other such things. Poultices are good for burns."

"Very good. And what are you standing in?" she looked down.

"Garlic plant! This is good for colds, keeping wounds from festering, abscesses, asthma, and lots more!"

"True. Now look around. What do you see?"

"Blackberries, that's good for diarrhea and the vinegar will hydrate someone with a fever. Marigold up there? That's good for the skin, sprains and stopping bleeding."

"And on that ridge?"

"Ginseng! That can be used for nearly everything! It helps stress, gives energy…" she trailed off with a blush before muttering, "and helps improve male potency…"

Ninshō outright laughed, saying, "As a Healer, Asano, you have entered an oath of celibacy, same as us. No man in his right mind would touch you. And no man that will enter your care, either!" Asano smiled.

They spent the rest of the day there, climbing the surrounding mountains and carefully helping each other down to where some plants were growing, Asano asking questions and such. When the sun began to sink, they headed back, holding freshly gathered plants.

"Will we be continuing this sort of thing tomorrow?" she asked.

"No, because you need to prescribe Kagetoki his treatment."

"Me? W-What about you? You know more!"

"Yes, but this is a step forward in your independency. It's been a month since you and Kagetoki came here. You are his caretaker now." She bit her lip, wrapping her arms around herself. She didn't know if she could do it…but she would try.

The night came and she retired to the room she had to herself-propriety and all that. But it seemed empty. She was used to hearing Yoshitsune snore next to her, to be able to look and see her father holding her second mother against him as they slept. And now she was as alone as she was when she was nine years old and had her own room back at the palace. She hated thinking of that time. It was just too painful-all the death, and the fear that seemed to clutch at everyone's very being.

She was fourteen. Why was she to decide the treatment for a man who needed a more experienced hand?


It never failed to amaze Michiko, how in the span of five short years she had given birth to two beautiful children and the tyrant Shi Huangdi had become beloved by his Empire and was the sire of three children. There were well stabilized and flourishing schools for the breeding of scholar-gentlemen, and the Empress Zetian had improved the conditions of the orphanages and schools amazingly.

And yet, she could not help but hate them. They had killed her friends and new family! They had taken everything they knew and declared themselves masters of it! How dare they?

She had spoken with Akihito about it, but he said that they should focus on staying alive, and not try to achieve regicide as they had done. But Michiko was known for passion among their small band-when she knew what she wanted she saw it to the end with no care for the means. If her son was hungry, she caught and killed a rabbit, more than she had ever been able to do before.

Forcing herself to calm, Michiko turned her attention instead to Fusasaki, who was learning from Tamako how to handle a spear and Mihito and Yoshiko walking past, hands clasped. She smiled at her sister and her suitor-for that was what they were.

In the five years since Mihito had broken her apathetic shell, the two had become close friends, and in the past two years, had begun to court. She liked that there was some tradition left. True, she and Akihito had experienced a type of love that was rare-a type that bloomed the instant the sun touched it, but to see her sister engage in such a courtship and teach all the girls and young women the art of baton dancing, it warmed Michiko's heart.

As she watched, however, Mihito kissed her hand and bid her farewell, approaching where she and Akihito were sitting with the children, pointing out constellations in the skies. She watched confusedly as he grew closer. "And do you see that one? That one is…" Akihito was saying, before trailing off to see Mihito before them. "Good evening, Mihito."

"Good evening," he said. "I was wondering if I might speak with you both."

"Of course, Mihito," said Michiko. "You may always speak with us."

"…Alone." The two leaders met eyes, but Norihito merely looked at him, took Hiroko and went to find Yoshitsune to tell the same stories he had just been told-from the moon weeping tears of cold fire to how the wise scholars and their king were placed in the heavens to watch over all below and record.

"What is it you wished to speak with us about?"

"It is in regards to your sister."

"What of Yoshiko?" asked Akihito, immediately alert. Mihito, to him, had always been a careful guardian of his sister-from shielding her during the awful pageant with his own body to making certain that she never grew so apathetic again while she mourned-and to see him act so nervous…something had to be wrong.

"Nothing is wrong, if that is what you worry of. I merely…you understand that for the past two years we have been courting?"

Michiko grew increasingly happy as he spoke, but she merely nodded and said, "It has not escaped our notice."

"And you must know that I care most ardently about her."

"Indeed," said Akihito.

"I wished, in the…absence of your parents, that I may ask you for your sister's hand in marriage." Michiko smiled broadly, pressing her hands to her heart most delightedly. Akihito looked at the man evenly.

"You know that I love my sister dearly. That I would only do what would make her happy."

"Of c—"

"And I have seen over the past two years that being with you…makes her happy. Therefore, I am content in allowing this." Mihito grinned. "But know this. If she is at all unhappy with her marriage to you, should she choose it, then I will beat you to death with a small rock."

"Akihito," admonished Michiko. "Kishi would never marry someone she would not be eternally happy with if not content. If it matters, I approve as well."

"Many thanks!" said the former general breathlessly, his face alive with joy.


It was the next day that Mihito asked Yoshiko, while the two walked in one of the hidden meadows of the forest. There was a spring there and it was Yoshiko's favorite places. Besides, it was only a day's journey to the Temple of the Harp, and with the new oath they had been sworn to visit (Asano had made her parents promise to visit more often than once every five years and everyone had taken an oath on it) they would have to let the woman know. It had been three months since they left, but the forest was enough to keep them safe for all that time.

"Yoshiko, I need to tell you something," said Mihito, as they walked hand in hand.

"What is it?" asked the ex-princess.

"I love you. Very much. You know this. I used to stumble over my words when we first began courting," he said, looking away as she giggled at the memory. "You are now twenty seven years old, and many would consider you too old and cast you to the life of a spinster. And yet I find you ever more lovely.

"I will not delve into why I find you such, I say it every chance I receive, but I will instead ask you one question." He sank to one knee, and bowed, the very picture of humility. "Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" and when he looked up she was crying, and when he stood to brush the tears away, she threw herself into his arms, crying,

"Yes! Oh yes! A thousand times, yes!" and she kissed him. They had kissed before, yes, but only fleeting ones. This kiss, however, seemed to be the real reply to his proposal. And it was every bit as enthusiastic as her spoken acceptance. "Oh we will have to tell everyone! Perhaps we can catch a stag and have a party! That would be wonderful…"

"My dear, you are planning a bit ahead of yourself, are you not? We are not at court anymore. If any party is to happen, it will be quite modest, I fear. None so large as you are no doubt planning."

Yoshiko giggled to herself and took his hand, holding it tight between her own, very near skipping back to where they lived, such was her delight. Upon their return, she pulled away and swept up little Hiroko with a laugh, spinning her around and saying, "Your aunt is going to be married, little pupil!" the toddler laughed with her, apparently not grasping the situation entirely.

Mihito followed behind with a laugh as she ran to her siblings and declared the news to them. He had loved her boisterous nature for some time. It had been suppressed in their former lives, but now it had free reign over her entire life.

Yoshiko's good friend, Yoshimi Ashikawa (former Duchess by birth), had squealed and the two had grasped arms and jumped up and down in a giggling circle. It seemed to be a theme, and when she told Takara, the woman had smiled and hugged her tight.

Of course, Yoshiko had always been able to infect her emotions on others, so it really came as a surprise to anyone.


A/N: Well, here we are with another chapter.

What Kagetoki has is Cerebral Hypoxia, a disorder caused by the brain being deprived of oxygen. Hallucinations, muscle spasms, and loss of memory are all symptoms, as is coma in worse cases. Hallucinations aren't always visual, either. They can be being convinced of something-like hearing your name being called or that demons are listening or the like.

Also, Yoshimi Ashikawa is a Japanese actress. She has been in "1 Liter of Tears" if anyone's interested. You can see it on Mysoju dot com.

Also, knitbone is comfrey and that plant is medically amazing. Read up on it, you'll be amazed.