Chapter Six

I did not stay asleep long. About four and a half hours and I was up again, in the dojo. Makoto had barely changed. He still looked middle-aged, still stone-faced. However, there was a warmth to his expression. Though he did not smile, his eyes showed salutation as he welcomed me back to the dojo.

"It has been a long time, Osamu. Do you still remember our ways of combat and philosophy?" Makoto greeted.

I bowed in respect, relieved he still spoke the same. Sharp and to the point.

"Philosophy, yes. As for your ways of combat, that is why I am here. To see how well my muscle memory has held out."

He indicated with his head to the changing rooms. Pleased, I headed to the back, where I changed into kendo gear. I strapped the Black Tortoise brace to my left forearm, and then used the standard kendo brace for my right side.

For the remainder of the morning, I trained with Makoto, starting gently as I was not sure how my wrist would take to the different martial style, especially the weapons. Makoto was the same. He was strict and disciplined. He did not stand on ceremony and treated me as if I had never left, even though the last time I had seen him, he had been fighting along side Kenji when the assassins had infiltrated the castle.

It was refreshing to return to an old routine. Makoto remembered clearly my previous injuries, and so despite his strict discipline, he tested my capability as carefully as I did.

"You are stronger than you were," Makoto remarked at the end as I wiped the sweat from my face with a towel. "You can hold a katana again now."

I hummed in thought, feeling a slight throb in my wrist. "It still aches to hold a katana with two hands though, even with my brace."

Makoto glanced at my arm. "Your master gave this to you?"

I nodded. "I cannot fight at full capacity without it. It reinforces my wrist, basically providing the necessary support so I can use it like I used to before it was crippled. I think because the motions are different in using a katana, it is why my wrist aches now. But it isn't as bad as before. Perhaps with training and practice I will be able to wield one again?"

"Perhaps," Makoto agreed in his rumbling voice. "It is likely your muscles need time to remember the motions of our ways of combat again. The movements of the wrist will be different to how you have been fighting for the last ten years." We stopped at the dojo entrance. "Come back this evening and show me the styles you have mastered in the Middle Kingdom. It will give me a better idea on how to tailor your training to suit ours again."

I bowed my head with a nod. "Of course, Makoto-sensei."

He returned inside, and I headed for the baths to wash the sweat away. Even with the light exercise for the latter part of the morning, it was hot.

Kunlun's temperatures varied between freezing cold and a comfortable warmth of mid-spring. Due to its altitude, it never became too hot.

Therefore I found my body struggling with the heat today after the exercise. So a cool bath was refreshing, and I changed into pale cream coloured clothes. I chose men's clothing this time. It was more freeing to wear and allowed for greater air circulation.

For the afternoon, I spent it doing calligraphy and meditating. Both helped calm and focus my mind. Though while I meditated, I did start to think about where I could go to meditate for cultivation specifically. It had to be somewhere quiet and undisturbed.

Perhaps the lake of my origin was most fitting. But I would have to see first.

The calligraphy and meditation helped. Though I was relieved to have finally told Mitsuhide what had happened in my time period and discussed it, I did not want to think about the full scale of the task too much. It was overwhelming. And sometimes thinking of something too much made it worse. Sometimes, it was best to let the information sit so the subconscious could work through it, and I wondered if that was what Mitsuhide was doing, for I had not seen him at all during the day so far.

When the evening arrived, the temperature had cooled to a very comfortable warmth and I picked up my Chinese sword to take to the dojo. I was surprised to see it was not just Makoto at the dojo, but quite a few individuals, some guards which Makoto spoke to and I heard him instruct them to watch and learn from whatever adapted technique I might have. Some servants and maids huddled at the edges, eager to see something different. Mitsuhisa and Mitsuyasu talked between each other, and even Lady Akechi was there with them. The two cousins, Mitsutada and Mitsuharu looked as if they were arguing over something, or strongly debating.

"Why is everyone here at the dojo?" I asked Makoto when I reached him.

"They're intrigued to see the martial styles you have learnt and returned with," Makoto replied simply.

"What?" I said sharply. I spun around, my eyes flickering to them all. The guards nodded, the servants gasped and giggled, the cousins winked.

"Oh jeez, I wasn't expecting an audience," I muttered.

"You are more popular than our clan chief at the moment. You will have to accept it and put it aside," Makoto instructed.

Speaking of the chief, I noticed Mitsuhide was not amongst the curious and eager faces. Much to my surprise, I was relieved. If he had been watching, I was not sure I would have been able to focus. The nervousness would have been too great.

I shook my head at myself and turned back to Makoto. "Well, they can watch if they wish. But this is just training and practice, nothing more. I am not putting on a performance, therefore they should not expect as such."

"Of course." Makoto then said more loudly to the others, "I hope you heard that?"

Some of them who had been chatting look startled from their whispered conversations. "Heard what?" Some of them asked.

I rolled my eyes and Makoto shook his head. "Never mind," I said lightly anyway.

Makoto stepped back and I fell into stance, unsheathing my blade, and began my first sets of forms. As I swept through the movements, I felt its flow of energy fall in around me, like a river following its course and meandering between rocks in its path as smoothly as if they did not exist.

The sword swished, my body twirled, arms like clouds and legs as strong as mountains, yet moving as fleetingly as the wind between the strikes and spins and jumps.

Yesterday was the first day I had not spent any time practising, and falling back into this routine was as rejuvenating and liberating as standing atop a mountain to feel the wind howl against the body, strong enough to feel as if it could lift me into flight through the skies.

The people in the background fell away, their noise and chatter became silence, and only the breath of the blade accompanied the sound of my own breathing, as if blade and my body were one entity, one soul.

As I transited from one form to the other smoothly without a single break in the sequence, I was transported back into my memories of training in Kunlun. I could almost see the other disciples in the courtyard with me, as we practised together in perfect unison. I remembered when I first learnt the forms, and the First Disciple showed me the applications of the forms in actual combat. The awe over the beauty of the forms I felt, were still fresh now as they were back then.

They taught me many forms in Kunlun, the sword, the dual swords, sabre, glaive, spear, staff, fan and double daggers. Some of them I needed the Black Tortoise Brace for, others I did not. Here, I did not wear it for this particular form, as the left arm was used for balance and coordination, while the right was for direct offense and defence using the fluidity of the sword's form.

Despite my need for the brace, I did not want it to become apparent knowledge, lest it reveal to the world my obvious weakness. Therefore I transited through the sword forms I had mastered, as well as moving into the sabre forms despite the sword. The difference was in the wrist movement.

It was some time before I finished the demonstration self-practice. The audience had grown, and had been silent as they watched. It was only after I finished, the chatter erupted in amazement and awe upon having seen something so foreign and mesmerising. I was a little tired from the exercise, but I smiled slightly at the faces, because it was nice to see such a positive response from them. It meant a lot to me that they approved of whatever I did.

Makoto shooed them all away, including the Lords and Lady, leaving the two of us alone to fully discuss the training properly. He hummed in thought. "May I?" He asked, indicating my sword in my hand.

I nodded, handing it to him so he could feel its weight and balance. He swung it a few times with practiced swings.

"Remarkably, your forms require far more demand from the flexibility of the wrist. But it is one handed, hence why you can use these forms without much issue compared to our own," he noted. "Additionally, your forms possess far more movement, some could be considered unnecessary as there were many openings which could be exploited by a samurai, but it is in the movement which is designed to mesmerise your opponent, as quite clearly seen by our audience today, as well as this tassel. It serves as a distraction. There is no end to the motion, making it difficult to see where a movement begins and ends. The movements follow the concept of using an opponent's energy against them, for your attacks do not have so much force. They redirect and divert."

I nodded, unsurprised by Makoto's quick and accurate assessment. "Hence why relearning the forms of kendo will be quite difficult, I think, because there is more direct force in your strikes. The sword forms of the samurai are quicker and harder, with sharper transitions." It was why fighting against a samurai was so difficult. There was a reason why samurai were considered the best warriors in the world.

Makoto's stern expression was thoughtful. "Both martial styles possess their strengths and weaknesses. The fact we know both of yours will make it easier in tailoring your training." He returned my sword to me with respectful care. "I have seen what I needed to today. Come and see me in a few days and we will begin training to return your previous skills to you. I suggest we start with the ninjato and wakazashi again, for those are one-handed. We will work with your katana later and at a slower pace."

I bowed my head. "Thank you, Makoto-sensei."

I straightened, re-sheathing my sword.

"Osamu," he said as I was about to leave.

"Yes, sensei?"

"Your master trained you well."

I smile graced my lips at the mention of my master. "I owe him a great debt. He is a great man. As his disciple, I have to be worthy of his name."

Makoto grunted, but it was a sound of understanding and acceptance. He then nodded back to the castle, indicating I was done and could leave. And so I did, my mind feeling at peace after having been able to practice with my sword. It was as if I brought a sliver of Kunlun with me.

xxx

Mitsuhide stood atop one of the many mountains on the outskirts of Yomi. He could feel the static of the shrieking lightning from behind the clouds, illuminating the Underworld Kingdom in cold and sharp white light, tinged with blue in the eternal night. The light mingled with the green glow of the rivers of the Dead which meandered through the landscape.

Though he could feel Yomi as well as his own body, Mitsuhide enjoyed seeing the landscape of his domain with his own eyes as well, for there were some beauties and horrors which could only be comprehended through sight alone.

He spent a long time thinking on Aki's explanation. He used to consider himself very intelligent before his ascension, but he had come to a realisation last night that without his ascension and expansion of his mind, Aki's full explanation as well as Seeing what her world was like through her eyes would have been very difficult to grasp.

However, he did grasp it. It was a shock, there was no denying. There were many things he Saw which had been a shock. Aki's world was a shock, its technology was mind blowing and its geopolitics were absurd. The only thing which made sense was her family. It was the only stable thing Mitsuhide could See in that world. Their stability in the background kept Aki's thoughts and perceptions stable, which in turn allowed Mitsuhide to fully grasp the difference in situation without being overwhelmed by it.

It was how Aki survived, he realised, since she was brought to his world and his time. The Akechi family were a stability when all else made little sense.

The similarities were strikingly ironic.

Two sides of the same coin, he thought.

Mitsuhide understood better now the fear Aki felt at the back of her mind, for he too carried the same. The memory of the explosions of the nuclear bombs was imprinted at the forefront of his mind, unable to shake it away as he comprehended the scale and power of such a weapon. And then the fear grew as he multiplied the power of the bomb by many, to match the number of world powers on the board from Aki's time period.

Somehow, sharing her Sight had enabled him to also share in her educational and academic upbringing, including the science involved. It was not as clear in his mind as before when she Saw through her eyes. It was a haze now, as if he was trying to remember a dream which was hazy along the edges. However, the conceptual understanding was there now, and with it, he thought. He thought deeply, zipping through the next five hundred years and back in his mind, connecting Aki's existing dots, and then trying to calculate new dots. New paths to be drawn, to be walked.

None were clear, and there were too many possibilities to take into account, to fully map out. However, it helped. Aki had already done the ground work, preparing and considering the new imperial line when Mitsuhide rejected Hiroko as a prospective bride. Their granddaughter was to become an Empress. But that future did not exist now.

Aki did not know who would take the place of the human imperial line if it was not Mitsuhide's and Hiroko's granddaughter. However, Mitsuhide knew, for it would still be of his blood, but mixed with Aki's.

She knew many things, more than he could know. But there were some things she was not aware of. Some things she had not Seen yet, and one such future was their daughter and son.

Indeed, the Superiors were correct. Aki's Sight would light the way, and it was Mitsuhide's duty to ensure its execution, its fulfilment. She could not do any of this alone, for as she had said many times and as he had now seen from her memories, Aki was a normal girl. Mitsuhide on the other hand was the one with the power and influence to make things happen.

She was their eyes. And he was their sword.

It was three days before Mitsuhide returned to the mortal realm. It was midday, with not a cloud in the sky.

"Cousin!" Mitsutada exclaimed from somewhere behind.

Mitsuhide turned around, still holding a few scrolls in his hands, one of which he was midway through reading from Inabayama.

"You missed it, cousin," Mitsutada said excitedly.

"Missed what?" Mitsuhide asked, still slightly distracted.

"Osamu. She's been going through the martial styles she learnt from the Middle Kingdom, and I think Makoto is re-tailoring her training to use our weapons again. But you should have seen it. I've never been so hypnotised in my life!"

"Oh," Mitsuhide said, understanding what his younger cousin was talking about now. "Indeed their martial styles are incredibly beautiful, more like a dance."

Though mention of reintegrating back into Japanese martial arts reminded Mitsuhide of Aki's crippled wrist.

"To what extent were Hai Ting's injuries during her last battle? I have Seen the battle, but I do not know the exact nature of the injuries nor their severity," Baihu asked as they sat in a small, private pavilion.

"The lower lobe of her left lung has collapsed entirely," Mitsuhide said, feeling a sting come to his words despite his efforts. Remembering what happened that day was painful to him in more ways than one. "The arrow wound was severe and it impacted on her ability to breathe since. She has recovered well, but she did become out of breath very quickly afterwards," Mitsuhide continued, taking the tea from the First Disciple with thanks. The First Disciple served his master, then bowed and left. Mitsuhide liked the First Disciple. He was incredibly honourable, noble, but with a kind air, exactly as one would expect from a good older brother.

"And what of her wrist?"

"Distal radius and ulna shattered into multiple fragments," Mitsuhide stated, staying as factual as possible to avoid bringing emotion into his voice. "Omi-no-Kata realigned them as best to her abilities within human limitations. But with so many multiple fractures, her wrist never healed fully. When she resumed her training, we focused her training on the wakazashi and ninjato."

Baihu nodded. "One-handed weapons, I see."

"Indeed. We also provided a brace. With a brace, it supported the fragility of the wrist so she was able to utilise it better in combat. But the brace could only do so much. The ache was always there."

Baihu sipped the tea, and then his eyes grazed the elegant brush strokes of paint along the sides of the cup, depicting reeds from a river bank.

"I think I can do something about that," Baihu eventually announced. "The Black Tortoise God, Xuanwu, is one of my brothers, and he owes me a favour. A brace made from his shell will serve Hai Ting well."

Mitsuhide's eyes widened. "The shell of the Black Tortoise God is legendary. None can pierce his hide."

Baihu smiled a knowing smile to himself, but did not expand. "It will serve Hai Ting well and enable her to practice with both arms as freely as before," he said instead. "However, it will take time for her to adjust to the brace and vice versa. And even with the brace, her wrist will need to become used to the movements of the styles across our lands. She will still feel the ache, but it will be greatly reduced. A vast improvement compared to her normal state."

"Wait, you've seen it before?" Mitsutada asked, snapping Mitsuhide back to the present.

Mitsuhide pulled his attention away from the scroll and looked at his cousin with a knowing stare. "I spent a great deal of time in Kunlun. Of course I have seen the styles she uses."

Mitsutada's expression scrunched with envy. "Lucky bastard," he grumbled under his breath.

Mitsuhide raised a questioning eyebrow. "I'm a lucky bastard, am I?"

Mitsutada sighed miserably. "Yes. We are surrounded by outstanding women. You have Osamu, Mitsuharu has Nou. Who do I have?"

Mitsutada's comment then reminded Mitsuhide of a ten year old promise which he had not had the time to mention, and likewise Aki had not mentioned it either.

Seeing Mitsutada's envy, Mitsuhide moved the rest of the scrolls to his arm and with a free hand, he placed it on his cousin's shoulder. "Mitsutada. You are still young with lots and lots of time. I am nearly thirty now and still unmarried, and I have been in love with the same woman for twenty years but I have yet to get a clear answer out of her. Therefore, my cousin, do not worry and do not fret. Good things come to those who wait. Do not be impatient."

"Oh," Mitsutada breathed, eyes widening slightly. "You are very patient, cousin. I don't know if I could be like that."

The corners of Mitsuhide's lips turned up with a wry smile. "You will be just like your father then."

Mitsutada scowled and Mitsuhide chuckled. "Come on. I could do with help answering these requests. It will help take your mind off heart affairs."

Mitsutada sighed. "Very well." And as they walked to Mitsuhide's quarters and office, Mitsuhide talked to him about the requests and how he wanted them answered and why. Mitsutada and the other cousin were in a fortunate position where they did not have so much responsibility, especially when Mitsuhide was their age. However, it was good for them to know the roles nonetheless.

xxx

I sat in Chiyo's home. It was modest house, they all were, and wonderfully cosy. She had married a chef, Haroto, and moved into his family home, and from my impression, he was a happy man with a hearty outlook on life. They had three children, a girl of seven, another girl of five, and a boy of two, all of whom ran around me in excitement as they played.

There was another boy as well, of ten, who had come with Ichirou and his wife, Aimi. There were a lot of people, all crammed into a small space, but there was a lot of food to go around and the air was buzzing with chatter and laughter. Though I had seen them on my first official day back, it was one of the many fleeting greetings mingled with everyone else's. Here though, I could finally see them properly, and they could speak to me freely with all the joy and laughter in the world.

Finally I was able to catch up with my two closest friends, and I was amazed to see them married and settled down. Of course, it was normal. But somehow it still came as a surprise to me, and I was ever so happy for them, to see Chiyo and Ichirou settle so well. And as we spoke, it was as if we had never been apart.

But indeed we had been apart for many years, and there were many stories to tell about what had happened in that time.

We all talked all afternoon, had dinner, and it was into the early hours of the night when the gathered reunion had to come to an end so the children could go to bed.

"It has been so good to see you again, Osamu-san, and to catch up again, like old times," Chiyo said dreamily from the front of the house. She held her son in her arms, as he was sleeping and drooling slightly, while Haroto had taken the daughters and I could hear him somewhere in the background asking the girls to carry the dishes to the kitchen to be washed.

"It has been very good to see you as well, Chiyo. And I cannot express how happy I am to see you have married such a good man."

Chiyo blushed and looked down. "He treats me extremely well. I couldn't have asked for a better husband."

"I think he's luckier in that he has you," I whispered with a wink, and she giggled lightly.

"Do come to see me often. I have missed your company more than you can imagine. While praying at your shrine has helped, it is not the same as speaking to you and seeing you in person."

My smile faltered. This shrine. The Akechi had warned me about it, but I did not realise it was so popular amongst the locals of the town and surrounding land. It was now considered a holy area, and people often visited to pay homage.

"I will always be around to visit," I assured her. "And remember, I am your friend first, not an Akechi Lady or lake deity."

She sighed happily. "Our door will always be open. Haroto has been so excited to meet you, and I am sure he will enjoy talks with you in future, especially regarding foreign cooking styles. He and Yue Lao are good friends, you know?"

I tilted my head with a surprised grin. "That's actually quite lovely to hear."

"They can talk about food and tea all day!" She exclaimed, and we laughed.

"They are both experts in their fields," I agreed. "I still need to see Yue Lao at some point. But do tell your husband his cooking is the best I've had. You might see me more often than you expect because of it!"

"Oh that will make him very happy. Nothing makes him more happy than seeing people enjoy his cooking," she said with contentment.

Her son shifted in her arms and I smiled softly. "I will let you go. You have beautiful children, Chiyo. I hope I can be a good aunt to them."

"You are their new best friend, I think. They didn't leave you alone all night. You look exhausted! But good practice for when you have children of your own."

"Ah, well I will have to get married first," I said absent-mindedly, still thinking of Chiyo's two daughters as they fought for my attention. It reminded me of Hiroko's two sisters, and I wondered how all three of them were doing now.

"And when will that be? Have you got a date?"

"Pardon?"

"Have you got a date yet?"

I looked at her, dubiously dismayed. "What date? I'm not getting married."

She looked at me, confused, then glanced about her and leaned closer. "I was under the impression from Ichirou that perhaps you and Lord Akechi were already betrothed. Is that wrong?"

I blinked, staring at her. I remembered his confession, and I remembered asking him why the following day. I remembered the promise I made to him in that I would have an answer in ten years time, and I also recalled his own promise, of his heart not changing no matter how much time would pass.

I had not thought to look on it as a betrothal, even though it was somewhat of an already long-term promise which could indeed be interpreted as such – now that I did think about it. I was too afraid to assume anything, especially now I had returned. My feelings had actually grown. But Mitsuhide's could have cooled.

"Osamu-san?"

I shook the stupor from my head and cleared my throat. Also leaning closer, I said quietly, "I um . . . what did Ichirou say?"

Chiyo looked surprised, before her expression quickly softened. "Oh Osamu-san. In this sense you have not changed, and it is most innocent. You are still so dense!"

I sighed. "I am just one woman of many. I have my feelings for our Lord. Who cannot? I dare not assume now I may be the only one in his own heart. A lot can change in ten years."

Chiyo clicked her tongue and tutted. "Perhaps I can give you a little advice this time. Listen to your heart. Because your heart has never failed you, hm?"

I did not have anything to say, and she smiled brightly and looked towards to the castle. "Go on. It is getting late. You might still dress like a man but I will be very worried if you stay out late. The town is safer than it ever has been, but there is still the chance of drunks about."

I chuckled. "Yes, alright. I will make my way back. Thank you again for today."

She bowed and I returned the gesture, and as I left, she called out after me, "Don't forget what I said!"

I waved back. "I won't!"

Chiyo lingered by the front veranda until I had rounded the street corner, and I finally heard her slide the front screen shut.

I gentle smile remained on my lips as I began to walk in the lulling temperature of the early summer night. I loved Chiyo like a sister, and to see her so well brought me a joy and relief I was not expecting. She made a perfect wife and mother, in the same way Ichirou made a remarkably good husband and father to his own family. I never thought I would see the day he would become both. But low and behold, he had done it, without losing any of his old goofiness and foolhardiness.

Seeing their children show interest and fascination in me was heart-warming beyond compare. And I envied Chiyo and Ichirou.

Even in my teens, I knew I wanted to one day get married, settle down and have children. Coming to Muromachi Japan punctured my dream like a pin popping a balloon, and I had accepted it in the end, though it was hard. However, the knowing and fact I had friends to lean upon and be my family in this time period, was enough to fill the void of my desire.

Despite telling myself it was fine, I could not deny the knowledge that if I were to get married in this time period, no one would meet my expectations unless it was Mitsuhide himself. I had never loved him before. After all, I came when he had still been a child. And even as he grew and matured into adulthood, I remained indifferent, and viewed our bond as something akin to a unique platonic relationship between two best friends, as Lord and retainer.

I never realised, nor accepted the fact he had become a man until the day he saved my life. And it was on that day I realised I loved him. It was on that day I realised he felt the same, and had done for years.

To think his feelings might have changed, caused my chest to tighten with fear. It could have happened. Not all could wait ten years for an answer.

However, I had promised him an answer, and perhaps Chiyo was right, I should follow my heart and say my answer, regardless of whether things had changed or not. Because then it showed I kept my word. It proved to myself that I had courage in the most frightening of territory – the heart.

I ended up by the lake, my feet having taken me in the opposite direction while I thought. The lake was illuminated by the light of a waning crescent moon. The rock face of the raised land to the side reflected the pale light, and every time I looked upon the rock face, I thought of the day I arrived in this world.

On the closest side to the town, where the water met the rock face, indeed a shrine had been set up beneath the shade of the overhanging willows. Offerings had been left, small bowls of fruit, bundles of sweets wrapped in cloth and tied prettily with string. An incense stick was still burning, but was coming to the end of its life.

The water was still, barely a ripple touching its black surface which shone silver depending on the angle at which one looked upon it. I left the shrine, walking along the lake's perimeter to the other side, where I sat down beneath another willow, watching the water.

"Not so keen on the shrine?" A voice said from the side.

I turned my head, to find Yue Lao walking towards me. In the moonlight, a sense of the ethereal enveloped him, and his grin brought one of my own to my face. I knelt before him and clasped my hands.

"Yue Lao," I greeted. "Allow me to greet you again as my fuller self, and to thank you formally for rescuing me from Oda Nobuhide ten years ago."

"Ah. I am not one for ceremony, but I know you will insist. Therefore you are welcome, and I accept your kow tow."

I bowed to him with genuine relief and he took my arm, making me rise again. "Come on, one kow tow is enough," he said dismissively. "So tell me, Hai Ting. What do you think of your shrine? The people made it about a month after you disappeared on your 'pilgrimage'," he mused, stroking his beard and gazing out across the lake to where the shrine lay somewhere beneath the shade of the opposing trees.

I took a deep breath. "I must say, I am very surprised. Honoured of course, but not sure what to do about it. They are going to expect miracles from someone who cannot perform any."

"Most things you do are considered a miracle to them," he remarked. "And I do not think it will change any time soon."

I pulled my dark gaze away from the shrine and back to Yue Lao. "Well, nevermind about the shrine. How have you been? Of course, I have seen you numerous times at Kunlun, but that was the Matchmaker God. How is Yue Lao, the old traveller and merchant?"

He sat down, and I sat down with him. "How about we enjoy some peach wine with some peaches as we catch up, eh?" He said first as he placed his bag in front of him. Yue Lao pulled out a bottle of wine, two cups, and another small bag of peaches.

I laughed. "You have come prepared."

"Of course!" He exclaimed.

He poured out the small cups, and we toasted. "To your successful ascension. May you pass your future trials in the same way."

We drank, and the warmth of the spirit spread through my body. It had a fire, like all spirits did. But this was smooth and did not burn as it went down, and had the most delicate taste of peaches to soften it even more.

"I would have a head full of white hair if it all went the same way in the future trials," I commented, touching my head. "By the way, did you brew this brew?"

"I did indeed! Do you like it? It is one of Baihu's favourites."

"I think I like this one best as well," I agreed.

Yue Lao poured out another, and then sat back with a hearty sigh. "It has been a reasonable ten years. Made quite a lot of friends here. I never would have expected them to be so friendly. The Japanese are not usually so friendly to outsiders, you know?"

"I know," I said simply.

"But I do think a lot of their friendliness has come down to Mitsuhide. He is quite an outstanding young man. I even taught him to speak and read fluently in Putonghua."

I raised an eyebrow. "I didn't know that."

"He hasn't spoken to you in Mandarin yet?" Yue Lao looked surprised.

I shook my head. "No. Maybe he's a bit shy with the pronunciation? The again, he was never too shy when experimenting with English. Although, he was younger at the time."

"Perhaps. As we get older, we grow more confident in some ways and more timid in others. Though I find it quite hard to imagine Mitsuhide timid in anything really." He handed me a peach. "Anyhow, now that you have returned, there is no reason for me to stay here now."

My head whipped to him sharply, my eyes asking when my voice could not, as I had just taken a bite out of the peach.

"Don't look so surprised, Hai Ting," Yue Lao chided kindly. "I stayed more as a good faith exchange. While you were in Kunlun, I filled in the role here of teaching Mitsuhide of our culture, as well as to reassure him you would indeed return one day."

"Surely Mitsuhide is more trusting than that," I asked in disbelief.

"Oh he is. He told me to leave a few times. He knew Baihu would keep his word, despite its impossibility. But I stayed anyway. I enjoy his company, and though he never said it, I think he enjoyed mine as well, especially our talks. We spent many an evening debating philosophy."

I exhaled in relief. "That is more like it." My expression then fell. "But what about me? What about my chance to have philosophical debates with you? I mean, yes, we had plenty in Kunlun, but it is not the same."

Yue Lao patted my knee. "Ah, my dear Hai Ting, but it is the same, because you are still the same person. And besides, I have my own duties I must attend to. I have fulfilled my required role here, and now must return back to the Middle Kingdom."

I looked down at my peach. He was right. He was not of this land and though his influence spread as far as here, his home and main duty was back to the motherland.

My heart squeezed with bittersweet warmth. Bitter because I had just been reunited with an old friend whom was now leaving. And warmth because though I was sad to hear he will leave, I had a feeling our friendship would continue. It was one which would last.

"You will see me in Kunlun when I come to visit you there in the future," Yue Lao assured me, as if he sensed the same line of thought I had.

I sighed. "Well, in that case, I am glad I could see you before you left," I said, and I raised my glass. "A toast, to all the good you have done to help both Mitsuhide and myself."

Yue Lao raised his cup, we clinked, and drank again. He exhaled heartily. "So let us not talk of departures and goodbyes. Let us talk of other things! Like – oh, wait, I have to quickly ask you something. How are you feeling, since the trial?" He asked, his voice turning curious and serious at the same time, and dropping in tone so it was quieter.

"Generally I feel fine," I told him, matching the lower tone while I continuing to eat my peach. "My mind feels . . . bigger. Not sure how else to put it. And I feel more connected to nature. But Shifu warned me to be careful with using my ability, at least up until the next trial." I was careful with my wording. As even though the area was safe, I still wanted some precautions in place. The assassination and kidnapping attempts left somewhat of a subconscious, post-traumatic scar at the back of my mind.

Yue Lao nodded in thought as he chewed his mouthful. "Did he tell you what to expect if you used it without the aid of your treasure?" He asked, matching the careful choice of words.

I shook my head. "No. He was not sure. All he knew was the ability would hurt me. He just did not know how."

Yue Lao poured more wine. "I would recommend testing it."

"Now? But Shifu said –,"

"Not now," Yue Lao said. "But it would be worth you trying it to see what the result is. It would be wise to know what your weakness is, so you will not be caught out in the future if it did happen at the wrong time."

"Oh," I breathed, suddenly understanding. The memory of my battle against the giant flashed into my mind. It was during the battle I realised the cost of using the Sight, and I realised at the worst time, as it had been my downfall.

"I recommend testing it in a safe environment. One which is well protected," Yue Lao advised.

I could not help but feel a shudder of dread. My chest tightened, my heart rate quickened. My breathing sharpened and my palms turned sweaty. "Being drained of energy is bad enough. And the nosebleeds had been such a hassle," I murmured. "But knowing the cost may be greater because the trial has weakened my body makes it even worse."

"It is frightening, not knowing. But it is worse finding out at the most inconvenient time," Yue Lao said. "We can be as prepared as we can possibly be. But sometimes all the preparation in the world cannot prepare us for something unexpected." He took another bite from his peach and as he ate, I watched the ripples from the end of the willow's leaves trailing in the water of the lake's edge. "Have someone with you, when you try."

I looked to him, hopefully. He grinned and shook his head. "No, not me."

I frowned. "Why not?"

"Because I need to be going, remember?" He chided. "I was going to suggest Mitsuhide."

I shook my head. "He is busy, and has a lot on his mind. None of us have seen him for three days straight so I imagine he is busy with Yomi. Besides, I don't want to bother him with this."

He tutted under his breath. "What's wrong with you, Hai Ting?" He asked but with a knowing raise of his eyebrow, and cuffed me around the head lightly. "You think I tied a red string to you and him for fun?"

I peered at him. "You what? You tied a red string on him too?"

Yue Lao rolled his eyes. "So dense."

I sighed, straightening my hair from where he cuffed it. "I am not dense. I just don't know what to do in that sense. I will sort it out myself at some point. I admit, asking him to sit in while I use the ability without the treasure will be a good idea. But I don't want to worry him any more than I already have."

Yue Lao clicked his tongue. "My dear, he has grown considerably in the last ten years. He was strong already when you left. And he is stronger now. The beauty however of being a God is our mental capacity. We can process information far better than others. So whatever you told him when you returned, I am sure he is dealing with it just fine. Or have you suddenly decided to avoid him because you have realised you are both adults and he has both caught you up and overtaken you in maturity? You have no excuse now."

I smiled thinly at him. "You are a mean old man."

He smirked. "I have nothing else to say in that regard. Now, changing topic, have you met Haroto, Chiyo's husband?"

I sighed and nodded. I needed to process a few things in my mind as well, so a change in topic was welcome. "Yes," I said. "I met with them this evening."

"Lovely family," Yue Lao noted strongly. "I want you to give these to him." He handed me a medium sized box. "A little present for him. The box has varying spices and teas from the Middle Kingdom he can use in his cooking and drinks."

I opened the box, and there were two boxes inside, which I gathered one had tea and one had spices. I picked up one of them and smelt the outside. The faint whiff of peppercorns tickled my nose and I sneezed.

"Sichuan peppers," I exclaimed as I sniffed. "Good choice! Does he like the peppercorns. Chinese cooking has many chillies and peppers compared to Japanese cooking."

"That's why I like Haroto!" Yue Lao said enthusiastically. "He is one of the rare few in the Land of the Rising Sun who likes the chillies and peppers. He can handle the heat and its bite."

I smiled, putting the box away. "Why not give the box to him yourself?"

"Ah, I have to be away before the sun rises."

"And you spend your last evening here with me. I am honoured, Yue Lao."

He raised his cup. "To friendships. May they last long."

We chatted, drank and ate late into the night, and indeed we talked about food, debated philosophy, and chatted about Kunlun and its disciples. We still talked as Yue Lao walked me back to the castle. Few people were out and about, but those who were, were either patrols or people who had worked extremely late or rose extremely early for their next shift.

The guards at the front gate opened the gates for me, and there I turned to Yue Lao. I clasped my hands and kow towed to him again from where I stood. "Until next time then," I said with finalisation, my heart feeling heavy, yet warm at the same time.

He took my shoulder and squeezed it comfortingly. "I will never be too far away. I will see you there," he said, keeping his words vague and careful for the guards who stood within earshot.

"So you are leaving then," a third voice said. "I am very sad to see it is finally happening. I had hoped it would not be so soon."

Yue Lao looked over my shoulder with a welcoming expression and I turned around, surprised to see it was Mitsuhide who approached, arms folded before him and buried deep within his sleeves. A humble, welcoming presence wafted from him.

He must have come back today while I was with Chiyo, I thought, feeling my heart beat a little faster upon seeing him, but also feeling a thread of relief to see him again. It was almost as if I could not feel entirely relaxed unless he was nearby. It was the same in Kunlun. When Baihu had gone to other Heavens, I had always felt nervous and uneasy. It was only when he was back, that I felt completely safe again.

"Indeed, I am, Mitsuhide-sama," he said with finalisation. "I have fulfilled my role here, and with Hai Ting returned, I can go back to my duties. I can rest easy knowing she is in good hands."

"I can look after myself," I argued softly.

The two men just smiled a knowing smile between each other. I looked down with a shake of my head. "Maybe I would fare better if I just stuck around normal people," I emphasised the normal.

"Oh, no, no, no, we can't have that," Yue Lao said quickly. "Things will be far too dull otherwise. You belong right here." He let go of my shoulder and stepped back, and then turned to Mitsuhide. "Well, young Mitsuhide-sama. I take my leave. But you know where to find me if you need me."

Mitsuhide nodded. "Thank you, Yue Lao, for everything," he said with honesty and bowed with respect.

Yue Lao bowed in return with a mild and happy grin. "Oh, by the way, Hai Ting, don't forget to ask him."

Mitsuhide straightened, looking slightly confused. "Ask me what?"

I pressed my lips into a thin line. "Something very simple on your part, but very complicated on mine."

"Oh?"

I approached Yue Lao again and leaned closer. "Yue Lao, did it not occur to you that maybe I don't want to experiment with it just yet?" I said quietly, and worried. "The previous experiences have not been pleasant without the item in hand." It brought a tightness of anxiety to my abdomen just thinking about it.

Yue Lao returned my gaze. His own expression was concerned, but it was stern as well. "Which is why it is important you do it soon. Your return has not gone unnoticed by unfriendly parties. The sooner you find out, the better."

I sighed heavily and pressed my hands to my eyes. I felt Mitsuhide's hand lightly on my back and I glanced up at him. He looked puzzled and worried. He was too good a man to keep anything in the dark. I felt I could pour my entire heart out to him.

"No secrets," I reminded myself under my breath. "Very well then. I will tell you later." Mitsuhide held my gaze for a moment, before the sharpness vanished and he nodded, turning back to Yue Lao, as I did.

"Safe travels, Yue Lao," Mitsuhide grasped Yue Lao's shoulder, and Yue Lao grasped his in return, as old friends.

"And you take care of yourself, Mitsuhide-sama."

They let go, and I watched Yue Lao turn away and walk back towards the town, whistling an old love song from a traditional Chinese opera.

My shoulders sank as he disappeared beyond sight. "I am going to miss him," I said grimly.

"As will I," Mitsuhide seconded.

The guards shut the gate and I turned back to the castle with Mitsuhide. "It is nice to see you back," I said softly. "I imagine you had a lot to think about." His disappearances had not changed, and I knew better than to ask where he had been, for it was always Yomi and not all castle personnel were privy to the secret of their Lords. The only one who was supernatural in the castle had always been me in the eyes of the guards and servants. It was perhaps for the best, to keep any suspicion and attention from the Lords.

He chuckled slightly. "A lot to think about is an understatement. But it is fine."

I peered at him. "Are you sure?" I could not help but feel a little guilty. He had a clan and province to govern, in addition to the ruling of Yomi. My own revelation of our future task would be like another mountain to carry upon his shoulders.

His eyes flickered down to me. "I am sure," he assured. He did not look tired at all despite the late hour, same as the night we spoke last. I wondered if he still needed to sleep. Oni seldom slept, but they still needed sleep every few days. They could just go far longer without. But with Mitsuhide's ascension, I was not sure if it was still the same or if he required even less of it? I had not had a chance to ask him about his ascension. We had not actually spoken much at all, as our only real conversation had been regarding our combined future task. Very little had been said about anything else. No time.

Now that he was back, there were multiple things I wanted to say, but I was also sleepy as well, and sure enough, I had not realised Mitsuhide had walked me to my quarters until he came to a stop.

Therefore I decided; bed first, talk afterwards.

A/N: A nice easy-going chapter for the holidays :) Merry Christmas folks!