First Loss

The day Aoi had dreaded finally came on a cool autumn day. The day that she would lose some men, or in this case, some boys.

It had been a team led by Mikazuki, which included Hirano, whose body had already reverted back to his original sword form by the time the team had returned to the citadel. Akita, who had been wounded mortally, died later after she tried desperately to save him until the boy himself told her that it was all right to let him go. "Thank you, Aoi-neesan. It was a honor to serve you!"

"Thank you for your service." She hugged him. For the sake of everyone, she kept herself calm. The remaining children, in mourning but also wanted to cheer their master up, made her breakfast. She ate it, though she was in a mood the rest of the day.

"Master", Mikazuki had caught up to her later that evening. Another team, led by Kasen, was due to return any second. "I'm sorry."

"For what? You did your best."

"If it makes you feel better, they fought with all of their might." The oldest sword put an arm around his master.

"Those kids are taking this well…" Tears fell down her face but she wiped them off. "I knew this would be a possibility. I knew that this would happen sooner or later…"

"But it still hurts. I understand."

"I guess you would, huh." Aoi realized that the man next to her had probably seen more bloodshed and heartache then she would in a thousand lifetimes. "I'm sorry, Mikazuki-San. I should be more prepared."

"You're human. It's okay to feel like you do. I don't wish to die myself anytime soon, as I enjoy living here with you and the others."

She leaned against him. "You really are a grandpa."

"I'd like to be more, hahaha…"

"Hahaha…"

####

When she reached the kitchen, the tantou children, along with Namazuo and Honebami, were making something. "Ooooh?" She asked. "Are you guys making something?"

"We wanted to cheer you up!" Midare began. "Here…its toast!"

"And eggs!" Namazuo gave her another plate full of yellow goop.

"Thank you." She hugged them, "I should be comforting you guys though."

"They died doing what they loved to do most." Ichigo had been close, monitoring the children. "We are truly grateful that you acknowledged them as soldiers."

She was touched and speechless. She sat down and said, "let's eat then!"

"They wanted to do this, by the way" Ichigo continued, "I made sure they were careful."

The food was…something left to be desired. However Aoi appreciated the gesture…and it had made her feel better. Later, as she took inventory of the resources that the expedition team returned, Kasen came to check in on her.

"Are you all right?" He gently held her. "I heard about the tantous. How unfortunate."

"I'm okay. Better even." She smiled. "The kids took it better than I did. Even Ichigo."

"It is the nature of war though." They began to walk back.

"I know. Still doesn't make it any better." They went inside to Aoi's office. "I really hate the fact that children are involved in this, even though they're tsukyogami."

"I know…" he kissed her on the top of her head. "I'd be saddened if it was O-Sayo. But, Aoi-sama…this is what it is. Wouldn't it better just to live in the moment?" Then, "oh! I think I got inspired!"

"Really…" Much to her surprise, he kissed her deeply. He beamed.

"Go write." She kissed him back tenderly. "My resident poet."

"Ah…but, my dearest master…you are my muse." He nuzzled her ear. "It can wait. "

They went to a private room, where no one could bother them, as they showered each other with kisses and touches while the uchigatana straddled her as he savored her.