Heloo guys, thanks again for the wonderful reviews. Sorry this chapter is late, but I got a bee sting on my hand! 00 I'm allergic to bee stings- danm you bee's! Anyways, enjoy the chapter, and keep the cookies and brownies coming ( love that combo) )

Chapter Twenty Five: The new Magistrate

Mizu was smiling up at the sun, saying his hello to his father. There wasn't a cloud in sight for miles. He had the best view over looking the town. The village men had drowned the burning palace, it was nothing more than charred wood and ashes. Though they worked for Kao's government, the rebels gave the solider's a proper burial, complete with their apologies and wishes to their children and wives. There was a new light that covered the town, a healthy cheer they had not experienced since Magistrate Satoru, Mizu's father, was in power.

Mizu turned to the town and walked over to the edge of the hill to see the rejuvenated homes. The people had scattered everywhere, happily greeting everyone. This was the best day of his life.

"Mizu?" Aki smiled coming behind him. He turned to his adopted mother and smiled. He looked a lot like his father, with a strong jaw and handsome dimples, he had aged over night into a brave young man.

"We did it ma." He smiled. His father's soul was at peace now, and Mizu could look at the people in the town with a smile. He didn't have to hide anymore from Kao, or his men, he was free. Aki gave him a small hug, looking rather sad. There was a lot of emotional things she had to witness in the last 24 hours, but now she was relaxing.

"Will you leave now?" She asked in a small voice. Mizu opened his eyes, still hugging the old woman. He had no intention of ever leaving them.

"Mizu-san! Mizu-san!" called out a rebel messenger as he peeked out of the forest into vision. Aki moved aside as Mizu asked the man what was wrong.

"Mizu-san, the town's people have decided to name you the new magistrate, in honor of the late magistrate Satoru-sama, your father." The man gracefully bowed to Mizu. It was only fitting that Mizu took the place of his dead father, and continued on to be the Lord to rule over the town, fairly like his father had done before Kao murdered him. Aki smiled at Mizu.

"The towns people want me?" Mizu asked unsure if he heard the messenger right.

"Mizu-san, you created the rebel gang when no man had the courage to stand up. You gave us hope, gave us confidence and will to get back our home. Your father was a strong leader, and you are too Mizu-san." The man was older than Mizu, but paid good respects to him.

"But wouldn't it be better to appoint and older and wiser Lord to rule over the town?" Mizu asked. He blushed feeling very happy with himself, the people trusted him and wanted him to lead them.

"Nobody will give us more fairness and proper guidance Mizu-san. Don't let your age be the judge of your character." The man smiled. Mizu was humbled by his words and gladly accepted the position. He was taking after his father, and vowed to be a good and fair lord. The messenger bowed and leapt back into the forest, to alert the town of the new magistrate. Aki proudly hugged him, she was too happy to see Mizu take after his father, and become the new magistrate. He would indeed be a good humble lord, listening to all his subjects.

"Do you think I can do it ma?" Mizu asked smiling down at her. A few tears came down her eyes, as she squinted, her happiness could not be contained. She was so proud of her son.

"Son, you will do wonderful." She hugged him tightly.

"Don't worry ma, I won't ever leave you." Mizu smiled. He was determined to rebuild the palace, to the humble house it was before Kao set his foot into it. He would also re-construct the school Kao tore down because he needed a larger plot of land. But in the mean time, he would continue to live with Aki and Shiro. However, the old couple had been living in the same house since they married, would they leave this place for a home in the town. Mizu decided it would be something he would discuss with his parents later. Right now, he had to go down to the town and talk to his people. He was nervous, and a bit worried. He was still wondering if an older man was better for the job. But that was something he would discuss with the town.

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Jin had accompanied the old couple to their restaurant, which they had not been back to for a few days. Aki and Shiro had to clean up the place and throw away some of the rotten ingredients. Jin than followed Mizu to the black palace, where his rebel men waited for him. There was still the 13 rebel men who perished they had to bury. Mizu stood over the bodies, and knelt down. The men crowded around him, as did Jin. They made a small prayer and Mizu thanked them all for their loyalty and courage. It was a touching moment, he didn't feel the absence of his father, because he now had a extended family of fathers. Men who took to his side, and joined his team to weed out Kao. He had not felt this content in a long time.

"Thank you all." Mizu stuttered unable to control his emotions. Mizu and Jin helped to bury the perished rebel men, and went to their homes to say their condolences and sympathies. He saw their wives, mothers and children cry, missing their father, it ached to see them loose someone they loved. So at the final house, he made a promise, that all of the widow's and children and parents who suffered the loss would be taken care of. It was his first act, and for him there was no better place to start, then to compensate the families of the men who died trying to kill Kao. Jin saw something in Mizu he had not seen before, a certain mature fair elegance. A true confidence to do what was best for the town. Jin knew right away that Mizu would be a honorable leader, who would sacrifice himself for the benefit of his people, who would aid and take care of those in need; who would listen. Jin smiled. Mizu was young, but grew up suddenly.

"Jin?" Mizu interrupted Jin's silent thoughts. He stopped and turned to Mizu, who was looking at him with the most thankful expression.

"Arigato… For everything." Mizu smiled. Jin nodded.

"Hmm." He said in response.

"As promised, your payment." He handed over a pouch full of money. Jin looked around to the town, it would take a lot of money to re-build the school and there was certainly a lot of women who suffered the loss of a husband. Jin pushed Mizu's hand back to his chest gently. Mizu looked at him confused.

"Jin, is the money not enough to compensate you?" He asked, worried. Jin smiled.

"This town needs more. I already got my payment." He turned away and started to walk off back to the crisp palace. Mizu stood there for a moment, admiring Jin, he was more than he gave him credit for, he was a man of good ethics and honor. Mizu decided at that very moment, that he would mold himself in Jin's image.

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Aki and Shiro had opened their restaurant, the sun hit all the dark corners, lighting the place up. It felt like ages since they stepped foot in their humble store. They went straight to cleaning after standing there for a long while admiring the different feeling. No longer would their food be stained by Kao's men, they would be in a safe place, where people could finally come and enjoy their cooking.

"Shiro, we made a lot of money from Kao." Aki smiled sweeping the kitchen and Shiro threw away the rotten shrimp. He smiled to himself stopping for a second. It was where the money should go, the best place for it.

"I agree." He turned to his wife. They would give the money back to the town, to invest, to rebuild their streets, to encourage more trading between villages and towns. The town was already a bustling market place for fresh fruits and seafood, and even the Shogonate's men bought their crabs and prawns. But with a little more effort, they could make this place the center for the entire country. Shiro wanted to give back to his town, after such a long struggle, it was the only right thing to do. Aki stepped outside and saw a few of her old friends, that she had not seen in a long while. They were all so happy to see each other.

"When I open the restaurant, please come in and eat" Aki enthusiastically said waving good bye to them as they went to the market. It felt good to invite her friends and everyone to the restaurant, it had been a long time since people came in to eat. Shiro was just as happy, the restaurant would finally go back to the way it was, a place where people sat and enjoyed themselves with friends and family. Everything was going back to the way it should be. He was glad that things went the way they did, because in the end the town was freed and he got a few more additions to his family.

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Mugen was feeling better. He sat up after a long nap. His head was no longer hurting and nor did his body ache. He sucked in a large helping of air before letting out a breath. He looked outside to the sun briefly before getting up. The medicine was helping. He slid open the door and looked around, but no one was there.

"Huh?" He sighed looking around the place confused. He wondered where everyone went. He went to the bath area and splashed his face with cool water, but decided to take a bath while he was there. He was relaxed, and enjoyed the feel of the water submerging him. He wondered where Fuu had ran off to, she could not have gone anywhere alone. He started to get a bit annoyed and worried now that he thought more about it. He was out of the tub when Fuu stepped in. Her eyes bulged open her face burned red as Mugen stood completely naked in front of her. Mugen grinned seeing her holding on to her towel tightly as she spun around. Her kimono was still on, and that bothered him.

"Gomen! I thought you were asleep!" she shouted embarrassed out of her mind. She had never seen a man's body look like that before. She had seen him one other time, when they were on their journey, but this time she got a full close up view of all the parts she wasn't supposed to see.

"Gomen!" She shouted again, taking off, but before she could get too far away, Mugen grabbed her arm. She stiffened, paralyzed and worried as he rested his chin on her shoulder. There was a long silence, as Fuu anticipated his next move. Her heart dived into her stomach, her mind packed up and left. She could feel his hot breath against her neck, and it was doing something to her that she really liked. Mugen grinned.

"..Boo.." He whispered. Fuu cringed in her skin and ran off to her room. It shouldn't have scared her, but it did. The strange part was that she found it funny and playful. Mugen smirked wrapping a towel around his waist and headed off to her direction. She sat in the middle of the room on her futon, getting her heart beat back. Momo-san jumped up to greet her, she smiled at him feeling like she had done something naughty.

'That was so cute…'She thought. Mugen was being playful with her, and she liked it. He had never done something like that before. Mugen didn't knock on the door, he just slid it open and walked in, forcing Fuu to stiffen again. She sat there on her futon blushing madly as he knelt down in front of her. Fuu gasped when he pushed her gently down on her back. She was flushed and confused, but at the same time in the back of her mind, she knew what he was hinting.

"Mugen-" He cut her off with a strong kiss, holding her down with his weight. She blushed and squirmed a little feeling hot. Something happened to her, her mind and body stopped fighting, instead she responded. He moved his hands from her wrists and placed them under her head, lifting her lips closer to him. Balancing himself on a knee, her held her in place, passionately kissing her. He was getting really hot, he was with Fuu, not just some girl from the brothel; not just anybody. He heard her moan slightly when he gently massaged the small of her back. He let her lips go and started to suck on her neck. Fuu opened her eyes feeling a strange pain in her neck that she liked. She held on to his shoulders, as if trying to push him back, but he moved closer to her body, pinning her to him. She wasn't scared, but rather flushed by the suddenness.

"Mugen, you shouldn't move around, you should be resting." She whispered. Her eyes glassed over, foggy from the new sensation churning in her stomach. It was exciting and new, especially to be with him. Mugen groaned tightening his grip on her waist and pulling her body into his. She could feel a hard lump pushing against her lower stomach, and blushed bloody red when she realized what he was planning. She liked the idea of him wanting her, felt good for him to need her; but at the same time she worried that someone would come home and catch them.

"Mugen, someone might come home." She nervously smiled finally able to push the hungry man off. He moaned with a grin feeling a huge loss of warmth.

"I don't care." He smirked crawling to her balled body. Fuu panicked and nervously continued to smile at him as he inched closer to her.

"Ah Mugen, wait." She hysterically smiled waving her hand in front of his face. He grabbed the hand and pulled her down back on the ground.

"I waited too long, I'm not gonna wait anymore." He whispered. His eyes were soft and caring, she could tell he really loved her. She blushed again, trying to push him away as he stared down at her. She looked beautiful blushing, and it turned him wild knowing that she wanted him back but was resisting. He couldn't control his rational thought. What Jin said about Fuu being young tip toed into his mind, and as he continued to pin her down with his weight and gaze, Fuu became very uncomfortable. He smirked at her anxious expression, he could see the slight panic in her eyes. She was a virgin, and there was no hiding it. He moved down pushing his lips on her, holding her in place as he assaulted her. She didn't fight too much, she meant to, but she couldn't get her body to stop him. She enjoyed the feel he stirred in her, her own need starting to rise.

Suddenly the door slid open with Mizu calling out for Fuu. His mouth dropped, his eyes wide open in hurt. He stepped back unable to hold his expression. It hurt so much to see Mugen over top of her kissing her. Fuu twitched and squirmed out from under Mugen feeling horribly embarrassed. She was red and moved away from Mugen as he cracked his neck in annoyance seeing Mizu and Jin staring at him. Jin's eyes were closed but his eyebrow twitched unpleasantly, he didn't like what Mugen was about to do with Fuu.

"Oh what's that, I think I hear my name being called out from outside, in the forest FAR away from here." Fuu hysterically giggled and took off leaving Mizu watching her body disappear in the corner. His heart fell, he was so sad to see her under Mugen accepting him, welcoming him.

"Oy what's the big idea messing up the mood?" Mugen barked scratching his chest as he sprawled leisurely on Fuu's bed. Mizu stomped in.

"What the hell are you thinking! You can't just go around and do something like that to her!" Mizu shouted angrily. He was upset, more than he ever knew possible. Mugen didn't like his tone, he straightened out to face him.

"Who the fuck made you responsible for her?" He growled back. Mizu blushed feeling trapped. He had no position to be yelling on her behave, and judging from the way she willingly lay under him, she had no objections. But he didn't want her to be with Mugen, he wanted her to be with him.

"It doesn't matter. Don't you have any decency? She needs to be with someone who will honor her, give her a good name and home, NOT somebody who will use her body and throw her to the side." Mugen shot up, ready to punch Mizu in the face, and Mizu could feel the madness emitting off his body, luckily Jin stepped in Mugen's way forcing him to stop inches away.

"This is no place. Mizu, please leave." Jin said in a soft but stern voice. He didn't want blood to be shed so soon after they had killed so many. Mizu nodded no and bit his lower lip, struggling with his anger.

"NO. He needs to hear this, he needs to understand this." Mizu shouted.

"Oy, leave." Jin said again slightly turning his head. Mugen's expression went dark.

"You can't provide her with a home and name Mugen, you don't deserve somebody like her. Fuu-chan needs to be loved, not taken advantage of and left. I am the more suitable-"

"That's enough. Show me your respect and leave." Jin assertively said. Mizu stepped back, he didn't want to leave, he wanted to chew Mugen out, but staying there would mean he was disrespecting Jin's request. He owed too much to Jin to disobey him. He grunted and sharply left the room. Mugen was very irritated, and had he had his sword, he would not have hesitated to cut him open.

"What the fuck is this?" Mugen barked boring a hole in Jin's head. Jin sighed and looked to Mugen.

"What were you thinking?" He asked. Mugen looked surprised that Jin even had to ask such a question. But at the same time he was embarrassed to admit that he loved Fuu, wanted her to be with him, wanted a home and life with her.

"I don't have to answer to anyone." Mugen smirked. Jin's expression calmed a little. He already knew that Mugen loved Fuu, but he was concerned that this type of relationship would leave her heartbroken. Mugen looked away annoyed that Jin was looking at him like that, like he knew that he was in love with Fuu.

"Oy what's your problem?" He shouted at Jin.

"If you love her, say it." Jin closed his eyes. His body language was calm and easy going, he didn't want to make it look like he was judging Mugen or asking him to marry her. Mugen scrounged his nose, not wanting to admit nothing to nobody.

"Mugen, she's still young. If you do this, she'll be heartbroken if you leave-"

"WHO THE FUCK SAID I WAS GOING TO LEAVE HER!" Mugen sharply interrupted. He was mad that everyone thought he was some type of pimp, who would take Fuu's body and than leave. That was never his intention. He wanted to be with her. He thought that Jin could see that. Jin knew what Mugens' attention was, he was merely forcing him to say it out loud, so that Mugen could realize himself. Mugen did realize it, how desperately he loved her.

"You should alteast wait till you're healed." Jin smiled and left Mugen standing baffled in the room. He couldn't figure out how Jin always knew. How he could sense it all. But this meant that Fuu felt the same for him, Jin would have told him that she was not interested if she wasn't. Mugen smiled to himself. He would wait, but when he was healed, he would not wait again. He closed his eyes, remembering the feel of her in his arms. But Jin was right, Fuu would need something more solid to know that he was committed to her, not just a simple kiss or affectionate hug; he needed to prove himself to her. And most of all, he needed to kick Mizu out of the picture.

'What if that little bastard makes her fall for him?' He thought jealously. He was getting mad all over again. He couldn't let that happen.

There you guys go. LOL I really am soo sooo sooooo evil! But I promise that the lemon is coming, AND the secret of the monk will be revealed. So if you forgot the stuff that happened in the first few chapters, go back and read. LOL