Blossom's POV
It was night time, two lanterns were floating over me was I was lying back in my bed with a figure pinning me down, it was on top of me. At first I thought it might have been the Emperor Lord...I couldn't really make out the face but the shape was a lot smaller...unless the emperor wasn't as big as I thought he was.
"Hey...what are you doing? You can't." The words just cried out of my mouth. I have no idea what was going on, my body felt so hot and I was just so...uncomfortable...this had to be a dream right...the moon shined into my room but it wasn't enough to see who this person was on top of me and why wasn't I fighting back.
"Shush...don't ruin it by talking. I'm not-" He was untying my robe.
I should stop him...why am I not stopping him?
"Please...we shouldn't." I begged, I could barely breathe with him so close to my face.
I was just breathing heavily, and then...he lowered himself down to me. My heart was beating wildly into my ears, my stomach was tied in knots...his musk poured over my body and...inches away from my lips...
I sat up...breathing heavily, my face was burning red and I just looked around. I was in my room...it was morning...there was no one in my room and my Kimono robe was wrapped around me. I sighed in relief and covered my blanket with my face, embarrassed of the dream I had. It seemed so real...even the smell of that aromatic musk and the breath on my face.
Why am I having dreams like that...
I looked up and my lantern was floating over me.
"Good Morning Pinky, " I smiled at the lantern.
I turned my head, Kuro and Tar were sleeping in my bed, she was even sucking her thumb, how precious. Miyako was gone, I pulled the covers off me, getting up and opening the balcony door, letting some cool air blew into my room. I looked down at my ring...I'm a married woman now...
I just could hardly believe it, I looked down at the pendant and kissed it sweetly. I promise myself that I would kiss it every morning and every night until I found him and give it back to him. This pendant meant more to me than all the riches of the kingdom.
I sighed and just had to remember...that there was no other way...
I gasped and squealed quietly as I saw that yellow two tail fox was sleeping peacefully on another mat. So precious...I gently picked it up, it stretched and continued to sleep. It was so adorable...so precious and warm. I wondered how did it get into my room and where was Miyako. I love any kind of dogs, from strays to wolves and foxes are just too cute with those white bellies and that snout and whiskers.
As in cue, Bushi came floating in with a tray.
"Good morning Bushi." I greeted her, and then asked, "Have you seen Miyako?"
She didn't reply, all she did was look down at the fox.
"I know, isn't it just the cutest? I bet this is that little guy's shrine in the garden, isn't it?"
She nodded.
"Oh...he must be enchanted...one of those yokais?" I guess and she nodded. Suddenly the little guy woke up, it pulled out of my arms and run out of my room.
"Oh...don't go...please...Oh he's gone." I pouted, such pretty blue eyes too, "It was sleeping on Miyako's May thingy, maybe its one of her pets."
"It's a girl."I heard Kuro say, she was rubbing her eyes, yawning. Bushi floated to the ground and bowed, that's right...this little girl is Princess of the Spirits or something like that, "Bushi...where's my breakfast?"
Bushi bowed and pointed upwards.
"But I want it in here. Bushi...I want it here." She cried out.
"Hey...don't treat Bushi that way. She's my friend...and she 'willingly' serves me. I won't have her bullied."
Kuro pouted liking down at the ground, "But she's my subject first and I want breakfast here. Please Bushi."
Bushi bowed and floated up through the ceilings.
"Kuro-chan, don't be spoiled. Kuro-chan gets cranky in the mornings." Miyako was standing at the door, holding her wooden bucket and towels, "I hope my Lady Empress has a wonderful breakfast."
"Miyako...there you are, where were you? I saw the cutest yellow fox...did you see it?" I asked. Bushi came back, placing a bowl of sweet rice in front of Kuro and a piece of fish for Tar.
"Thank you." Kuro held her head up but stuck her tongue at me, "See I can be nice."
"Oh no...I didn't see anything."Miyako answered quickly, "We shall have a bath after you eat. I hope you're ready for your first day as Lady Empress and wearing the royal kimono gowns."
I gasped as she picked out a red one with gold theeads on the edges and white and pink flowers, "Miyako, nothings changed between us. I'm still Blossom. That's nice and all but, only if they're loose fitting."
"Well Bloss-chan, it's Fall, Kyotoro can be very cold this time of the year and loose fitting kimonos are for the Spring and Summer. And with winter coming...you must wear warmer clothes."
"You're right, I just...don't like to feel stuffy that's all."
"Well, it is your first day and these are more for royal engagements like feasts...I'll pick something else." Miyako scurried out of the room. Kuro was still eating and she stole my fish.
"You're gonna have to stop stealing my food, Princess." I pouted.
"Did someone say my name?" A voice said. Princess was standing at the door. She was wearing an actually pink and white dress.
"Actually I meant...Kuro, over here."I pointed at her, but Princess just blinked and tilted her head.
"Who?"
"She can't see me because she's not part of the household...and she has no magic, so she can't hear me either. I've been having pranking her like crazy." Kuro chuckled.
"Well, I must leave...I think I've overstayed my welcome." She said.
"No...Princess, you can stay as long as you want. I won't complain."
"I should go back home, but I'll keep in touch. I realized...as much as this would be nice to have, it's not what I want...or need. I know I sound like a hypocrite after saying you said marry the Emperor Lord, but...I kinda want love...and after meeting you, I think I'm gonna find it or at least be happy with myself."
"No...you're not being a hypocrite. You guys were right, there was nothing that could've been done, not without more time...and my Papa doesn't have that time...by the time I got home, he could be died and Kasey wouldve been on the streets. Plus I can help him more this way...but-" I looked down at my pendant, "I won't feel right until I see Brick and ask for his forgiveness."
"I'll write to you and you can come and visit. Who knows, my parents would probably be nicer to me if I say I'm friends with the Lady Empress herself. Oh...and it's Princess Morbucks of Turkstien, when you send me your letters."
"I'll write as well. Princess Morbucks of Turkistein. See ya...and please...come and visit me too. "I hugged her and she hugged back...and then she was gone.
Miyako came back, after the bath, I wore a pink short sleeve kimono with white petals all over it, with my hair tied in a pink bow and she draped a large dark red jacket over me. I put on my socks and getas, grabbing the keys and walking slowly down the hall.
"What's your first business as Lady Empress?" Miyako asked.
"Well, its simple...My family of course. How do I...get things done? Exactly?" I asked and she gave me a confused look. Kuro was floating over me and Tar was walking beside me, "Where I can give orders and stuff?"
"Like a throne room? I know where that is, Follow me." Kuro waved and floated ahead. I passed that dark hallway but I shrugged my shoulders, I wasn't really that courious and I had an important errand.
Kuro floated through a door which I unlocked with one of the keys. The throne room was large, there was a black rug stretched from the door to the thrones. There were golden dragons above the throne cushions and had a see through veil in their mouths and draped on both sides of the thrones. There were steps and the seats were cushions and in front of them was a dark brown short desk with ink and brush. There was a large crest of a dark wolf with a moon behind it.
"This is where I see him doing all that boring stuff." Kuro pointed, she gasped and floated towards a painting, "Look...he finally finished the painting of my Daddy. He got it right. I miss you Daddy." Kuro sniffed and quickly wiped a tear away.
Kuro floated in front of a painting of a large old man, with a large pointy noise and brushy gray beard, he wore a white robe with a red sash on his shoulder.
"That's your Papa?" I winced a little
"That's right, High Priest and King of the Tengu. I haven't seen him for...maybe 150 years. I miss him. I was his sweet plum. He called me that...he sent me Tar. I wish I could go back to Fuijimoto and see him." Kuro sighed sadly. She leaned against the painting and I swear I could see a tear.
"Well why-" I was interrupted by Miyako shaking her head.
"She can't...her shrine is here. She can't even leave this palace. I'll explain more later. But it's a very touchy topic, but last time a samurai asked her that, she wailed and cried for days." Miyako whispered, then she spoke louder, "Bloss-chan, this throne room is used for my public matters, like when My Lord has to settle a dispute. Come on, I'll show you where he settles the more...private stuff." She explained walked out of the room.
"Come on Kuro." I shouted, she came floated far behind me.
"Maybe there's a way to take her out of the Palace." I whispered to Miyako, I felt really bad for her. I haven't seen my Papa in days and I can barely stand it, I miss him so much. I couldn't imagine 150 years without seeing him.
"Well...there may be a way..." Miyako brought me to another door which I unlocked with a key. There was a desk and a chair, for a minute there, I thought I would never see one of those. I walked in and sat at the desk, there were royal decrees and papers with seals on them. Kuro floated beside me and Tar jumped on my lap.
I saw a cord, "I'm guessing this cord is for the guards too." When she nodded, I sighed as I was ready to begin my most important errand, finding a home for my family, "Kuro, could you please bring Buttercup here? I'm sure you know how to get her." I winked at her and she smiled, she darted out of the room and Tar was resting on my lap.
"Alright, Lady Empress, what shall we do?"
"Find a home for my family of course; But first...tell me about Kuro."
"Well, I think...I think Kuro was pulled from the Spirit World...that's what she told me...about 150 years ago by the Shogun's ancestors. They tried to summon the King of the Tengu to imprison him. I mean having something that powerful on your side, you would be unstoppable; but it went wrong and they got the next best thing and sealed her in a small shrine before they even knew what they got. They noticed that she...as a Zashiki Warashi, bring great fortune and prosperity and being a Zashiki Warashi-Hime was an added bonus. Zashiki Warashi are actually spirits of children who were greatly love, they're little trouble makers but Kuro-chan was created as one by her Daddy. She brought good spirits in her service and the service of the Shogun, she can transform into different spirits good or bad, and that's only the tip of what she can do. She can even make herself into a mortal for a short period of time. Because of her, the Shogun's family were spared of diseases, wealthy and hardly any died except from old age. Her spirit is tied with the shrine permanently, it can't be broken...and she can't leave far from it either. She has free roam of the Palace, except for the one room, the private room that none of us are allowed to go into.
"Why not smash the shrine?" I asked.
"It doesn't work...it just hurts her and then the shrine fixes itself back up after a whole. It has very powerful magic, it has to, in order to hold a Tengu Princess."
I felt saddened by this, but then I had an idea, "What if I take her Shrine with me? We could go for a ride and-"
"That won't be good. If someone stole the shrine, it could be bad news for us. My Lord doesn't believe in Luck, but she is a good luck spirit. Even if My Lord doesn't realize what he's done, when he took her shrine from the Shogun, they're defeat was at hand. Hirono hid it in the tower because she is very valuable."
"You said there may be a way."
"Well...it's something that Hirono-chan has thought of and The Duke has researched it. If Kuro-chan possesses a doll or better yet, a piece of the shrine doll, she may be able to leave for a short time. We haven't tried it yet...Kinda don't want to give her hopes up."
"Or...if she turned mortal, maybe she won't be bound-"
"Hey! YOU LITTLE BRAT! GIMME THAT!" A deep voice was shouting.
"So...where is a good place for my family!?" I said loudly enough, giving Miyako a nudge, it took her a few seconds to figure it out.
Miyako instantly pulled out a map, "Here Bloss-chan, there's Sauka Village, My Lord has suggested it to Kaoru-chan. If you take the direct route, it would only take you a few hours to see them." Miyako explained and Kuro had grabbed Fang, who was hissing and trying to bite her. Kaoru flew right after her and Kuro dropped Fang in her arms and flew behind me.
"You've stolen Fang for the last time!" She glared at her but then her eyes widened as she noticed me, "Oh...Blossom, or should I say Lady Empress?"
"Oh...Blossom is fine. I'm sorry about Kuro, I asked her to bring you here. I was wondering if you found something in Sauka Village yet?"
"Yes...I thought I remembered an old house that's on the outskirts so I flew there last night to check it out. My old man said that he could fix it up. My dad is the Daimyo of the Village."
"Fantastic, and how much...I know your Papa must be busy and I'm more than willing to pay for the work."
"I guess I could fly back and ask him, but-"
I pulled the cord in excitement and realized what she said, "But?"
"Nevermind...I mean it rarely happens but..."Kaoru walked over towards by my side and Kuro flew high in the air, just in case she tried to grab her, and she pointed at the map, "My village sort of gets floods...during the fall and the spring, its to empty and refill the rice paddy fields, problem is...it could take a lot longer to build a Flood Guard around the house and underneath it, and you would want that."
"Hmmmm...what about the Yokai?"
"Well...the house is still close to the village and there are seals, so the harmful ones can't get in, unless invited...and because most of the villagers or Elfin or faunas, the yokai rarely bother us. I mean we get a lot of those flashing spirits like the Butt-eye monster one."
"Those are funny." Kuro laughed heavily, "It would be great if I could one of those here."
"Can they live in the house still, while work is being done?"
"Yeah."
Miyako opened a drawer and pointed down, these were pouches, "Here's some money."
"Yes...here. For your father and the work on the house." I just gave her a whole bag.
Her eyes widened, "Blossom, no way. My Dad would do this out of the kindness of his heart and to prove that he's still strong."
"But Winter will be here, you can buy food or wool. Plus, I own you one. I know you're busy and I greatly appreciate it. I want this matter settled right away. I need you to go now and tell him, please." I begged her. She sighed and nodded.
"I'll get you back next time, brat." She stuck her tongue at Kuro. She opened the window, grabbing Fang and the bag and flew out as the two Samurais came in.
"My Lady, what is the matter?" The first one pulled out his sword, ready to fight.
"Nothing serious...Gentlemen, I have a very very important task for you. I need you to get my family from Asheia and bring them to Sauka Village."
"From where?" The first Samurai looked at me confused.
I face palmed my forehead, "You don't know where that is do you...I don't even know where it's at from here...Wait Belle, Belle's animal spirits would know. Kuro, one last favor, please get Belle and you can have my mid morning snack."
"Really? YAHHOOOO!" Kuro swirled in the air and flew through the walls.
"I need to write a note, how do I do that with a brush thing?" I growled in frustration.
"I'll do it for you." Miyako volunteered.
"Thank you, let's make it simple: that all three...including the Maid...and Bessie are asked to come to Kyotoro, with a home in the Sauka Village by Lady Empress Blossom...with Love." I giggled. She rolled the scroll for me and sealed it with red wax and handed to the Second Samurai who blushed at her and that's when Chihiro bust through the door in excitement. The Samurais jumped in fear of this yokai.
"Cousin Blossy, Kuro told me...and I have the perfect animal spirit, you may use one of my hawkies." She giggled in pure joy as she whistled and a beautiful brown hawk flew through the window, "Hawkie, always sends you money, he knows it better like anyone else. Oh...I need to make lots of food for the trip."
"Belle, I need you to send a note to my family, they need to be prepared to pack."
Another larger hawk came flying in, but this one was bright blue, "Horus. Mommy's fastest messenger. I'm suppose to send him back to her too, but she never said when and it couldn't hurt if he sent one more message." Chihiro clapped and giggled in pure delight.
I was getting excited, this was really happening. Miyako wrote the note for me and attracted it to Horus, who flew straight out the window.
"Gentlemen...now you'll have no trouble. I would very much like you to escort my family to Sauka Village. The Hawk should be able to guide you."
"On our Honor as your Samurai, failure isn't an option, Lady Empress. We shall take a carriage and leave as soon as possible."
"I just wish I could go with you, but that's out of the question, isn't it? I'm just worried that Papa won't budge or you might run into trouble. Asheia isn't as accepting as it is here."
"Well, I can go." Miyako offered, "As your Lady-in-waiting, it's an honor for me to go, with me, there will be no trouble with the Asheians."
I...I ...couldn't believe what I was hearing, I was so hesitate, "But...But...Miyako."
"My lady, you'll have Hirono-chan, she's very nice once you get to know her and very powerful...and I'll only be gone for a few days."
"Oh...but-Thank You Miyako, here's money for the trip and whatever is left over, you can split it among yourselves. Just please...please...I want my family to be safe. Miyako, could you please tell Brianna...that she'll be my lady in waiting, if it's not a bother."
"Of course, and it won't be a bother. Just think you'll hear her singing and playing her music and have her company. Just don't let her intimidate you or be hard on herself. Oh...and...this rarely happens but just in case if it does...If her hair turns black all the way, you must get out of there, use this seal and place it in a door and hide in that room." Miyako gave me a paper seal with wild ink writing, "Kuro-chan, I'm depending on you to keep her safe, so no pranking. I'll see you soon." Miyako hugged me and walked out.
Kuro floated over me, "So, what else do you want to do?"
"Why don't we go explore this palace, I bet you know all the rooms."
Kuro laughed in joy, she picked up Tar from my lap and floated down the hall. I followed her, while holding the keys, passing that lone door again, I stopped and looked down. It was really weird...I thought I could hear whispers.
"Huh..."I walked down the hallway to this weird black door.
"Get out." The whispering continued...it sounded like more than one voice.
"Get out...monster...monster..." The whispering sounded like hissing. I lifted the onyx key, it flashing in my hand.
"Monster...monster...Monster..."The whispers were sounding louder.
I wonder...perhaps he has monsters...or yokai in there, maybe dangerous ones. I backed away and rushed out of there. I don't want to see any of those. I rushed down the hall and turned a corner, I stopped to realize that I was lost. I opened a door when I heard feet running. Some more of the spirits were running across a floor, with a cloth in their hands and cleaning the floor.
They stopped to look at me.
I waved, slightly embarrassed, "Oh...hi...my name is Blossom."
They bowed to the ground.
"Oh no...please don't do that. I wasn't trying to interrupt you guys...ah...I just got lost and I lost Kuro too...could one of you please tell me where the garden is?"
Normal POV
A few hours later
Hirono sighed and scolded Kuro, "How could you lose the Lady Empress?"
"She was right behind me." Kuro cried out, still holding Tar.
"Fantastic, Bubbles has just left and I've already lost the Lady Empress." Hirono hunched over, some of the samurais who were sitting in a room, playing Mah Jongg, looked at as she stood at the door.
Blossom was sitting at one of the tables, crying out "MAH JONNG!"
The samurais at her table groaned in defeat, Blossom scooped up at the satchel of coins to herself and chuckled, "I still don't know what I did...but I've won again." She stuck her tongue at playfully.
"Madam, how do you keep beating us!" The first one cried.
"SHE HAS CLEANED ME OUT!"
Blossom chuckled again, her hair turned fiery reddish pink, the samurais sighed lovingly at her and her beauty.
"Lady Empress!" Hirono cried out, the samurai's head turned to see another great beauty who graciously showed her cleavage. She walked over towards her and bowed, "Lady Empress, please forgive me."
"Wait...this is the Lady Empress? Of course...the hair...We are sorry, we didn't know." One of them cried out, all of them bowed, ashamed that they didn't know they were in the presence of royalty.
"No..no...guys please...it's no big deal...at least I know now that you weren't holding out on me. Brianna, get up, it was my fault. I got distracted and lost. The spirits in that big room guided me here, I don't know why...I said the garden. These nice men have been letting me play this game...and I've been winning. Look at all the coins I've won."
Hirono sat up, her chest bounced and the men around the table blushed and gasped, looking at this exotic beauty but she ignored their stares and drooling, they wouldn't dare touch her.
"Well then, we should be going..."
"Awww... I kinda wanted to play again."
"NNNNNOOOOO! TAKE HER AWAY! PLEASE!" The men cried out.
"C'mon Lady Empress, "Hirono pulled her up to her feet. Blossom was still the small pouches in her hands.
"But I can't take their money."
"They'll see it as a great shame if you give it back, just keep the damn coins and lets get out of here."
"Alright...we'll play again some time soon." Blossom waved and Kuro picked up some of the titles and dropped them on a man's head.
"You've missed your mid morning snack...of course...someone ate it." Hirono looked up at Kuro who was eating a piece of Green tea cake that she was hiding.
"She said it's mine...for my services." She burped and munched some more.
"Now it's time for lunch."