Disclaimer: I do not own Kakuriyo bed and breakfast for Spirits. All credit goes to the writer/creators of the show/manga

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Chapter Eight

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Maybe it was silly, but she was sad about leaving this master behind. Sure, she would see him very soon in her own time, but Mitsuhide would have to wait hundreds of years to see her, and that made leaving him hard.

She walked into their room, expecting to have to wait, but he was already there looking upset. "Hey, everything okay?"

"Yes. Nothing for you to worry about. Where were you?"

Whatever Ougon-douji wanted to talk to him about, made him upset. There was no doubt about that. "I…I'm leaving."

He looked at her, those crimson eyes shifting from frustration to sad. "Oh? So soon?" Was it possible for a heart to actually break? She'd only been in his life for a few days, but she'd been a light in his darkness.

"Yes, well…" she had to think on her feet. "My fiancé sent someone to find me and she has, so she's taking me home."

He grabbed her, pulling her to him. "Little bird. I always knew you would fly away. Stay." He whispered that last word, making her heart sink.

"I can't stay, but don't look at this as a goodbye. I promise I will see you again."

"You say that with such certainty." Was she part of his future? He wanted to ask but knew she would not reply or dodge the question.

She took his face in her hands. "That's because I am certain. We will meet again, and if you ever start to feel like your life doesn't matter, remember that there are people who are waiting for you. It might take you time to find them, but they are there. I promise."

"Right, because you know my future." He eyed her as she smiled and nodded. She seemed so sure, that he could only assume she told the truth about seeing the future or was from it.

"That's right, and while I can't say much, I can say this. You're future begins where you stand." Maybe she shouldn't have said that, but he seemed so lost that she had to say something.

"Wait," he said when she started for the door. He pulled a pouch out of his bag, pulling out a necklace. "If you're sure we will meet in the future, hold onto this until then."

Aoi stared down at the green stone that was the size of the tip of a man's thumb. "I can't take this," she said, flabbergasted.

"You can," he said as he put it around her neck. "And you will. Remember, you promised we'd see each other again. Return it to me."

Aoi smiled as she put a hand over the stone. "I will. I promise. She went to him, kissing him quickly on the lips. "Thank you for helping me, Mitsuhide."

He'd meant to let her walk out, but he found himself, grabbing her arm and pulling her back to him. He took her face in his hands and kissed her deeply. She seemed hesitant, but then she kissed him back with the same greedy need he kissed her with.

When they parted, they were both out of breath, and she laughed some. "How is it that I can't seem to keep my distance from you?"

"And still I can't convince you to stay?" He chuckled, kissing her once, twice, and a third time for good measure. "Take care, Little Bird."

She put her hand on his face for a moment. She missed him already and it was such a silly feeling considering she would be seeing him again soon. "You too, Mitsuhide."

He watched her leave and rubbed at his aching chest. He didn't know if he'd actually ever see her again, but he hoped so. He needed to believe that he would. Maybe she would never be his, but he'd rather have her in his life as a friend than nothing at all.

He looked around the room, a smile playing at his lips. Maybe she was right. Maybe his future began right where he stood. Looks like his business with Ougon-douji wasn't finished after all.

Aoi found princess Iso where moonflower once stood. Funny how its absence made her sad, though she knew it would one day exist.

"You have set him on the right path, Aoi Tsubaki. There's no need to worry for him."

"Thank you. I know it's silly, but I feel bad that he will have to wait so long for me and I will be seeing him soon."

Princess Iso smiled. "A heart as pure as yours is a rare find. Tell me, would you do me a favor?"

"Okay?" She replied apprehensively.

"I know Ranmaru gives you grief. I'm sad to see he takes the path that makes him harsh, but I think he needs your goodness. You don't have to keep him close, but if you could be a friend to him, that would make me breathe easier."

"How do you live? Knowing everything you know?" Aoi knew she wouldn't want to know the future like that. It would be a heavy burden.

"I don't know everything, but it's not always easy. I just have to trust that everything will be what's it's meant to be. Knowing you will exist in my son's lives is a comfort."

"You put a lot of faith in me."

"Well, I've seen you many times, dear. I know you're heart. Now, I will send you back to your time, and you will arrive in this very spot. When you get there, remember to take deep breaths. Time travel is hard on the human body, and you will be doing it twice in a short time."

"Okay," Aoi took a deep breathe now. She was so nervous. She'd wanted to be home for so long now, and now that it was in her reach, she felt so unsure. Not unsure that she wanted to go home, but unsure of how to feel. What would happen once she got there?

They both looked over when a time fairy sprinted over. This time, it was not fleeting but allowed Aoi to get a good look. It was beautiful. The fairy was a rainbow of dark blues, greens, purples, and black. It was unlike anything she'd ever seen. The fairy was human-like, but a lot of the body was covered in what looked like feathers, but she wasn't sure they actually were.

"Oh, Thyme. I thank you for showing Aoi to me." Princess Iso said as the fairy went to her and seemingly gave her a hug. "Time fairies are seen as Oman's and dangerous, and while they sometimes can be, most are as kind as anyone else. Thyme saw you enter this time and helped you."

"Thank you," Aoi said with a smile. "I'm glad to have had your help. I'm not sure I would have ever thought of Princess Iso to help me."

The Fairy went to her, placing a hand on her forehead. Visions flashed before her mind so fast she couldn't see anything but a blur of color. Then the movement slowed, and she watched with curiosity.

It was the master from this time. She was sure of that. He and Masami were arguing. He stood, walking away.

"Where do you think you're going?" Masami called to him.

"I'm tired, Masami. Leave me be!"

"After all I've done for you? This is how you repay me?"

He turned toward her now, anger in his eyes. "After what you've done for me? You haven't done me any favors. I followed you down a dark path, one I'm not proud of. Don't sit there and act like our behavior has been okay. I'm sickened by the things that we've done."

She went to him. "Oh, kitten. Is your conscious catching up to you? Poor love."

He slapped away her hand, annoyed. "I was in pain, and your way of living seemed good for a while. But that's not me. I don't go around hurting others for sport. At least, I don't want to be that kind of Ayakashi."

"So what? You want to walk away? After all we've done? Who will take you in? Who will want to be your friend?"

"I have a lot of mending to do."

"You're foolish. No one will want a broken Ogre. I'll tell you what, I'll leave you be for a day or two. You can wander alone feeling sorry for your pathetic existence, and when I get back, we can continue being the only two people who care about the other."

He watched her go, shaking his head. "She might be right," he mumbled to himself. "After the things I've done? Who would accept me?"

He wandered around, not wanting to sit idle. It was lonely, but there was a comfort to being apart from Masami. She clouded his mind and heart with shadows and made him do things he wouldn't do otherwise. What he needed was a light. A beaker to guide him to better and brighter times.

He saw her out of the corner of his eye. He turned, looking up as the woman fell from the sky. An instant pull toward her had him moving before he'd given himself the go-ahead to do so. Light. Something in him told him that she was the light and he had to follow her.

The vision shifted and once again Aoi stood in front of Princess Iso and Thyme. She blinked away tears.

"You do not belong in this time, but you have saved an important soul from distractions. You have my blessing to return home." Thyme said with a smile.

"Thank you," Aoi replied though she was a bit confused. Did she need the time fairies blessing?

Princess Isa clapped her hands, slowly pulling them apart. Between her hands, a bright light formed, growing as she moved her hands apart. She shifted, moving the light towards Aoi. "Goodbye, Aoi. I'm glad we got to meet in person."

The trip to the past was painful and uncomfortable. This time she felt safe and warm, though there was an uncomfortable tugging on her skin as she moved through time. She felt like she was floating in the sunlight until her feet hit solid ground.

At that moment, the light dissipated, and the rest of her body it the ground. She fought rising nausea by taking the deep breaths Iso had advised. Home, she was home!

She shook her head, as it started to spin a little. Man. This was one killer headache. She rubbed her eye as she opened the other one and gasped. Where was she?

"Aoi!" Someone said, rushing over to her. The ayakashi hugged her, only deepening her confusion. "I'm so happy you've returned!" He helped her to her feet. We've all been so worried."

His brows pulled together at her confused expression. "What's wrong? Are you hurt? Do you need to lie down? I can carry you inside." Sasuke was worried. She looked afraid.

Aoi!" Oryo said as she and a few others ran to her.

She felt overwhelmed as they all surrounded her, welcoming her home and hugging her. "I um," she said, her confusion deepening. What was happening?

"Oh thank heavens!" Ginji said, all but shoving people aside to get to her. He pulled her close, resting his head on hers. "Aoi, thank goodness your okay." He nearly cried with the relief he felt. She was home. Finally.

He held her tightly. As if she were his and he was welcoming her home after a long time gone. She stood there, terrified. Who was he? What did he want from her? Why did they all seem to know her name?

"Back to work, everyone. We are open and still have guests. Oryo, set up a room for Aoi. Shizuna, get a bath ready. Something soothing. Akatsuki, get her something to eat. She's thin as paper. Sasuke, find the Master. He was headed west, tell him she's home."

Everyone scrambled to do as asked. Aoi pulled away. He was beaming at her, though his eyes held anger. Why was he angry? Well, did ayakashi need a reason to be angry?

"The master will be so happy to have you home."

"What?" Who was this master? "I'm sorry, but I'm confused. Why am I here? Who are you?"

Ginji paled some. "Do you not remember? You are at Tenjin-ya. You're home."

She looked around them. There was a building with a shingle on it that read moonflower, but she didn't know it. "Where exactly is Tenjin ya?"

"In the hidden realm."

She nodded. She'd suspect as much, though that only brought her more questions. "Where's my grandpa?"

Ginji closed his eyes a moment. "Aoi, what is the last thing you remember?"

She thought about it. What was the last thing she remembered? As she thought, she felt like she was missing something. Something important. "I. I think I remember making breakfast this morning. I was running late for class, and I was telling grandpa that I would be home late because I was going shopping after school…but anything after that is a big blank."

"Aoi…Your grandfather died."

"Wha-." She felt sick as she rocked on her feet. She went down, causing the unknown yokai to rush over to her, and kneel before her. "I don't understand."

"Her food will be ready short… Hey, what's wrong?"

"She will be eating in moonflower, and I don't want her to have any company."

"Hey, we've all missed her too, you can't keep her to yourself."

"Oryo, just do as I ask. I'll explain later."

"Whatever," she said, leaving them be.

"I think we have a lot to discuss. Why don't I help get you settled, and we can talk?"

She trusted him. It was odd. She couldn't remember who he was, but his touch was somehow familiar, and she was comforted by him being there. "Okay."

She sat there in shock. How could she not remember the last two years of her life? And her grandfather used her to cover his debt! How could he do that? How could someone agree to that? This master must not be great either.

She looked at Ginji who was waiting patiently. He said she'd liked the master though. That while she wasn't okay with marrying him because of some debt, she'd been working the debt off and becoming close to the master anyway. That was strange to her. Why on earth would she ever allow herself to do that?

Ginji was apparently important to her too. He often helped her run this place. Moonflower. She ran a restaurant. She never thought she'd have that kind of opportunity.

She sighed as she buried her face in her hands. "This is just crazy. How could I forget a whole life?"

"I think it can be an effect of time travel. Princess Iso said something about it once. She said humans have a greater chance of memory loss, but I feel like she also said it should return in time."

"Ginji," a Voice said, having them both turn their heads.

Ginji stood. "Master, I'm glad you've received the news, however…"

"Worry not. I've been informed of Aoi's memory loss." Sad eyes looked from Ginji to her. He wanted so badly to hold her, he ached with the need, but he didn't want to frighten her.

Aoi stood as well feeling confused. She had no idea who the man before her was, yet she had an odd urge to cry. "You're the ogre I'm supposed to marry?"

The master smiled slightly. "I see you've filled her in."

"Some, Master. Just the basics." He didn't tell her about being kidnapped. Or anything about Masami. Why give her scary thoughts?

The master drew closer and then the jewel around her neck fought his eyes, they widened in shock. "May I?" He asked, not waiting for an answer before picking up the gem.

"What is it? Why do you look like that?" He seemed baffled.

Could it be? But…how? How had he not realized before now? He took her in. She was thinner then she used to be. Her eyes dulled and that smile she used to sport was nowhere to be found. Her hair was longer too and with the fading bruises…yes. He could see it now. He was sure of it. She was the woman he'd called little bird. The one he was sure was sent to him to put him on this path. All along, it was her. The memory suddenly seemed so clear he felt a bit overwhelmed by it.

"Forgive me," he said, letting the gem fall back to her chest. "I realize this might not mean much, but I am so happy you're home and safe."

"Wait," she said as he began to leave. "I…I don't understand why? Ginji told me about my grandfather. How he used me to pay off his debt. But what kind of man allows this? What about what I want? I'm involved I'll have you know!" Okay, she knew that whatever she had with her guy friend was nothing that would last, but still. "or…I was." She added after she realized how much time Ginji had said passed.

"Do not worry," the master said, pulling out a hair stick. "You still have time to try and pay off the debt. You have until the flower falls off."

She stiffened some as he put the hair stick in her hair. He drew back, and there was such kindness in his eyes it touched her. She hadn't expected that. Had he fallen for her? Surely she meant something to deserve that look of adoration.

"Right. I forgot I work in this place to pay you back." All this information was making her head hurt some.

"I'll leave you now. Ginji, please make sure she's settled."

"Yes, master."

"What is it?" Ginji asked later that night. The master sat by the door, looking down at moonflower who's windows have been dark for hours.

"I've missed her. I've craved her company, wanted to see her smile. So many times I wanted to hear her voice." He took a puff of his kiseru. "Now she is here, safe and I can't be close to her because she is afraid."

"Her memories will likely return in time, master. I wouldn't worry about that. However, I do understand what you mean."

He knew little, Master thought as he smoked. That gem. He knew it, though it had been centuries since he'd last laid eyes on it. He was certain she was the woman he'd once known as Little Bird. He felt foolish for not realizing this sooner. Though to be fair, that time in his life most things seemed a bit hazy, or they had. Suddenly his memory of her seemed so clear.

"She's become so thin. The bruising, the marks on her. I know he hurt her, but to see it? It infuriates me." He had to fight back the flames that sparked on his skin. Thinking back, he'd seen her naked once. It had struck him how marked her skin had been and even then he'd been annoyed with the person who would leave marks on her. Now? That feeling was pure rage. Raiju dared to leave her skin black and blue, and he would pay. Oh god, the whipping marks. She'd been whipped.

"Me as well." Ginji looked down at moonflower now. He was so angry he hardly knew what to do with that anger. Raiju fled and was currently mia, but if he ever ran into the bastard he would end him with his own two hands. With that thought, he looked at the master. No. He had no right. Aoi was the master's bride after all. He laid claim to end Raiju's life.

Master stood. "I will keep watch over her tonight. I do not want her ever left unattended. He's still out there, and I will not risk her life again."

"Yes. Sasuke is on it as well. He and all the guards know to keep special attention to her."

"Ginji…" He was going to say that he loved her. He was going to tell him that he couldn't lose her again and that he would do anything to keep her safe. However, he couldn't say the words. No matter how true they were. He hadn't told anyone he loves them since Katori. Nor as he admitted loving someone to anyone else. "Thank you for all that you do."

"It's my job, and I care for her too."

That he knew. A few times it occurred to him that Aoi might find Ginji the preferable mate. He'd almost asked her once but chickened out. He truly didn't want to know the answer. "See you in the morning, Ginji."

Aoi woke with a gasp. Her nightmare was nothing but a bunch of muddled images she couldn't understand and an overwhelming sense of fear. She sat up, looking around the unfamiliar room.

For just a moment, she was confused as to where she was, but it took no time at all for her brain to remind her of everything that had happened before going to bed. She looked over when Chibi walked over to her.

"Is it time to rise already?" he asked, rubbing his eyes.

She smiled at him. At least there was one familiar being to help with the sense of uncertainty she was feeling. "Not yet. Go back to sleep."

"All right," he said with a yawn before plopping down on his belly.

Aoi chuckled lightly as she rose. Maybe some tea would help settle her, and given that she was in a restaurant she was sure to have some. Or so she hoped.

She opened the door and was startled slightly by the Master, who was sitting at the bar. He looked over at her, and as his crimson eyes met hers there was a mixture of fear and…what? What was this other feeling she felt?

"Can't sleep?" he asked, looking back down at whatever he was reading.

Aoi wondered behind the bar. "I slept some," she replied as she opened a cabinet. When there was no tea, she opened the one next to it and smiled. She'd figured she put it in one of these. "Would you like some tea?"

He smiled, making her heart flutter, and that annoyed her. This ogre wants to make her his bride because she's collateral. Why would she react this way? She glanced at him as discreetly as she could while making the tea. He was handsome. She could give him that. Yeah, the horns are strange and those nails of his could use a cut, but while his eyes sported a color that was usually associated with evil, they were surprisingly kind.

"Is there something you wish to say?" he asked, coy.

"Huh?" she said, turning beat red. She hadn't realized she was staring. "Oh, um." she shook her head. "Forgive me. I guess I'm just a little out of it."

"That's understandable. Aoi, you do not have to be afraid of me. I will not hurt you."

She nodded as she poured. "I know. I'm not sure how I know, but I do." she smiled as she handed him his cup.

She sipped her tea as she looked around. Yes, she was sure she ran this kitchen. Everything was where she would put it. There was no doubt about that. She picked up a book that turned out to be her planner. It had grocery lists, notes, recipes, and other ideas in it.

"That's a really cool idea," she spoke out loud.

"Sorry?" Master asked.

"I wrote down how to make a dish more ayakashi friendly. I think I was right." She had to laugh now. "That statement makes me sound a little crazy."

He laughed too. "It's alright. Given your current state, ill overlook it."

"Thank you," she replied, still smiling.

She explored the kitchen a little more. "Oh this is really pretty," she said, picking up a pink bowl. It reminded her of cut glass bowls at home, but this was different somehow.

"You like it?" Master asked, looking at her with questioning eyes.

"I do. It's really pretty."

"I'm glad," he replied and smiled when she looked at him. "Yes, I got it for you."

"And I let you?" that didn't sound like her.

"Well, you told me not too, but you were thankful when you received it anyway."

And that did sound like her. "Well, in that case, thank you again."

"You're very welcome."

She couldn't help but smile as she wandered around. She might not remember him, but she was still here and underneath the shock and memory loss, she was still her. "Are you looking for anything in particular?"

"No. Just looking. If I'm going to be running a restaurant tomorrow I need to know what I have on hand and where everything is. Supply is low." she paused when he looked at her with surprise and humor. "What?"

"Aoi, you've been gone nearly a year and a half. We haven't been able to restock Moonflower yet, so you won't be able to open tomorrow."

"Oh." she felt a little silly. She hadn't known she was gone that long. "Where was I?"

Master took a deep breath. "I sent you back to the apparent realm to protect you. Then you were kidnapped by a thunder beast god, and he held you captive for months from what I understand. After you escaped, Masami sent you to the past. Masami was the person I wanted to protect you from. Sort of. Then you managed to get yourself back here, but your memories were not intact."

She blinked at him as she digested that. "Ginji left a lot of that out and I was too out of it to question him on what he did say." She walked around the counter and sat on the stool next to his. "I was held captive? Is that what all these bruises and marks are from?" she's noticed the bruising, most of them were on the mend, and some marks that looked like old cuts. What had this thunder god done to her?

"According to Ami, a doctor friend who alerted me to your whereabouts, yes. Though I believe you got some of them whilst in the past." Yes, they did have quite the adventure together.

She said nothing for a moment. There really wasn't a lot to say. She felt like she was living in some kind of bizarre alternate life or something. It was crazy that she couldn't remember.

"My grandpa, you knew him well?"

Surprisingly, the master's expression softened. "Yes. He was a bastard of a man, and I really cared for him. He was crazy and impulsive, but he was also kind and had a way about him that made everyone either love or hate him.

"Yeah. That sounds like grandpa." she sighed. "I can't believe he used me to pay off his debt. Who does that?"

"I'm sorry for my part in that. Sort of." He chuckled when she eyed him. "What I mean is, I'm sorry the deal offended you, but I'm not sorry that you are here."

She nodded, unsure of how to respond. This man was a complete stranger to her, and yet she felt completely at ease with him. It was like her emotions remembered the connection while her brain didn't. It was odd. Really odd. "I guess I will just have to accept that as an apology. Besides, you can't be all that bad. You are letting me work off the debt. And you gave me that pretty bowl."

He chuckled. "You forgive me because I gave you a pretty bowl?"

"Don't laugh at me! I can't really forgive you for an action I don't remember. I'm just saying if your nice, you can't be all bad."

She turned her face from him like a child. She loved it when he laughed. The sound comforted her.

"Forgive me. I'll do my best not to laugh at you. I'm just glad that talking with you isn't as strange as I thought it would be. You are still you. Even without all your memories."

She looked at him, taken by surprise. He was sincere. She was certain of it. "Are we close? Did I…" she trailed off. She was going to ask if she'd fallen for him, because this feeling in her chest felt a little like love, though she couldn't imagine allowing herself to fall for him.

"I think we were getting closer."

She nodded. This was so confusing. How long would she be without her memories? What if they never returned? She couldn't even remember how her own grandfather had died. She folded her arms on the counter and rested her head on them. She was so incredibly tired, but she didn't want to say so because he might leave and somehow that idea terrified her. That feeling annoyed her.

"You're tired. You should get some rest."

"No, I'm fine," she replied with a yawn. She remembered hearing him chuckle, then at some point after she drifted off to sleep.

She felt light. She knew that she'd fallen asleep at the bar, and she remembered protesting some when the Master carried her to the bed, but that was some time ago. She was sure of that. SO why did she feel so light?

She felt a shift and soon she stood in a room that she didn't know at least she didn't think she knew. The sound of someone singing called her to a door and when she peered in, she saw him. The Master sat in a chair, holding a baby as he sang.

An overwhelming feeling of warmth washed over her as she took in the sight. She leaned against the door frame as she smiled. It was such a sweet sight, and she didn't want to alert either of them of her presence so she could watch and listen just a little longer.

The scene shifted and her eyes opened quickly. The fair named Thyme had its small hands on either side of her face. "Worry not, Aoi. I have returned your memories to you." The fairy kissed her forehead, and she remembered everything.

…

I hope you all enjoyed the chapter. Reviews and comments are greatly appreciated. Thanks :D