Boushin sighed as he kicked his horse and galloped up to his fatherBoushin
sighed as he kicked his horse and galloped up to his father. "The troops are
under control, as are the prisoners." Hotohori nodded. "How close are we to the
next village?" "About half a day's journey… but you know we can't go into the
city with our troops" He nodded. "We'll stop here to rest and eat. We need to go
over plans as well so you may give orders to make camp here for tonight. How's
our water supply?" "We're fine for another three days." Hotohori signaled for
Boushin and two other captains to tell the others about their plans. After two
hours, the men had secured the camp and it was 9:00 AM. The prince pushed back a
tent flap and went to speak with his father, who was studying a map. He bowed.
"Your Highness." He said in greeting to his father, even in wartime continuing
to practice the proper court etiquette. "Son, I have a favor to ask of you" the
emperor turned to face him. "Yes?" he asked curiously. Hotohori sat back and
wiped his brow. "Go into town and see if there are any messages. If anything's
happened at the palace, your mother knows to send one of the palace guards that
knows our path to tell me immediately." He nodded. "Yes, father." then bowed and
turned to leave.
Once out of the tent he signaled to his cousin. "Hey Shinyuu! We're going into
town" He looked up. "Ok, let me get my horse." And so they were off. The town
was about four hours away, but since it was only the two men, they got there by
noon. Boushin felt all eyes in the city turn towards him. It was a border city…
not completely Konan but not Kutou either. Boushin dismounted and searched for a
house possibly belonging to a regent his father had sent to rule the town.
Finally he decided to leave his horse with Shinyuu and knock on the door of the
largest, most elaborate house he had seen in the village.
A short, husky man answered the door. He didn't even reach Boushin's chest in
height, and stood back as to see him better. "May I… help you?" Boushin nodded.
"I am prince Boushin of Konan. My father requests to know if any messengers from
our city have come here with any important news." The man immediately bowed and
opened the door wider signaling for Boushin to enter. "Your highness, forgive
me, I did not know who you were. I am the regent of this town, Mishuku Kai "
Boushin smiled and motioned to Shinyuu. "This is my cousin, Shinyuu" The man
smiled and called out to him, "Come, please, you are also welcome in my home"
Boushin walked in and looked around. The house was not very fancy, but it was
all he could expect from a village this far from Konan. He then asked the man
again. "About the messages…" Mr. Mishuku nodded. "Yes, there has been a letter
dropped off here for the emperor and prince." Boushin's eyes widened. "Please,
may I have it?" He waddled over to a cabinet and reached in for a box. After
opening it he took out what seemed to be a scrap of paper and handed it to him.
Boushin read it aloud, basically so Shinyuu could hear it. " It's in Mom's
handwriting… it says '… Son, you are needed back at court. Your wife…' then it's
blurred! I can't read it! Then it says, '…ill, needs you to be there with her.'
And that's it!!" Shinyuu leaned over and made sure he was telling the truth.
"Gods Boushin, what are you going to do?" "I'm going back!" "But your father!"
Boushin gave his cousin a "let finish this outside look", thanked the man, and
shut the door behind him.
"I have to go back, Shinyuu! What if she's deathly ill? I have to know!" his
voice was cracking with worry and tears were welling up in his eyes. "Boushin,
it's a four day journey on horseback!" "No, it's a four day journey with the
infantry lagging behind. I can make it in at least two without stopping more
than once!" Shinyuu, knowing he could do nothing to dissuade his headstrong
cousin, sighed and removed the saddlebag from his horse. "At least stop at the
market and get some food. There's plenty of money in there." Boushin surrounded
his cousin with a hug. "Show Dad the note. He'll understand. Take care." And he
mounted his horse to head for market. After buying what he needed at lightning's
speed, he started towards Konan.
Kiori sighed. It had been seven months since the note had been delivered, and
there was still no sign of Boushin or the messenger they had sent out. Houki had
tried to support her as best she could, but Kiori longed for her husband. Not
only that, she longed for her parents as well. Chihei had finally convinced
Tasuki to take her to see his parents… a journey at least two weeks away. They
had left before the war, and were most likely enjoying themselves knowing that
the palace was the safest place Kiori could be… Despite the fact that they were
unaware of her condition. She took up her book and started to read again as
Houki entered the room. "Are you feeling alright?" She looked up. "Yes Majesty,
I'm fine. He's just been kicking so hard…" she said softly, rubbing her
protruding belly. The girl was very pregnant. At 8 and half months along, she
was wondering if her husband was even safe.
Houki nodded and sat down beside her. Kiori looked to her mother-in-law and
almost burst into tears. "What if they're not alright!?! I won't know what to
do! Houki, I'm so scared!" The empress gave her a strong embrace. Kiori was not
one to be scared. Yes, war was the one thing that really gave her goose bumps…
but giving birth was a completely different story. She was frightened that her
child might never have the chance to see it's father, even though the rumors
said that the war was as good as over, she still was frightened. Houki smiled
and stood up. "Come, Kiori. It's time for you to go to bed."
She nodded. "I think I'll sleep in my quarters tonight, majesty. Yana's in the
next room in case something happens, and… and the room reminds me of Boushin."
Houki gave her a hug. "Don't worry, dear. Everything's going to be fine." Kiori
was happy to see her room again. She had been staying in the room across from
the empress, but at this point was anxious to be back in the place she thought
of as home. Yana was knitting in the sitting room, which had been made into her
room for the time being, so Kiori quietly changed into a nightdress and climbed
into bed.
She was cold at first. The sheets and comforter made her shiver. After a few
minutes she warmed up, though, and grabbed the pillow beside her. Bringing it to
her face, she inhaled the scent of her husband, who had not been there for so
long. She felt tears again spring to her eyes, but she forced them away. Kiori
was a strong woman, and she wasn't going to let her negative emotions take over.
Finally she was able to drift off to sleep, holding the pillow close and
dreaming of the day Boushin would come back to her.
He was cold. So cold that the sweat coming from his brow froze as it hit his
cheek. The prince knew how close he was to Konan; he had ridden out this far
before. He was galloping, forcing his horse to go as fast as it possibly could.
He saw the lights of the town in the distance and kicked harder. The wind hit
his face like ice, but he ignored it and kept on going. After twenty minutes of
strenuous riding, he knew his horse was about to collapse. He spotted the house
of a market tender and knocked vigorously on the door. The man opened it with
hesitation.
"Who's there??" Boushin blinked. "The prince. I need you to tend to my horse.
He's too tired to go on and I have to get back to the palace." He quickly bowed.
"Yes your highness. Right away." Boushin thanked the man and ran full speed
towards his destination. Boushin ran all the way to the front gate of the palace
where a guard stopped him. "Who's there??? State your name and rank or I'll
kill!" Boushin blinked. "Prince Boushin of Konan, and I demand you let me
through! It's my palace!" The guard immediately fell to the ground. "Forgive me,
sire. Please, pass through with my apology." Boushin didn't even hesitate to run
through the gate and through the courtyard. He noticed that no torches were lit,
but he thankfully knew the palace like the back of his hand. He stopped right
before the door to his quarters. Saying a quick prayer to Suzaku, he pushed the
door open.
Kiori was lying asleep in a ball on the bed. She wasn't sleeping very well, but
that had been the case ever since the war had begun. The room was only
illuminated by the moonlight coming in through the windows, and now the door.
Boushin let out a sigh of relief when he saw that Kiori was there and breathing.
He knew if it was too serious she would be with a doctor or at least his mother.
"Kiori…" he called, loud enough to wake her up without waking up anyone else in
the palace. She didn't move. "Kiori…" he sat down on the bed beside her and
touched her shoulder. She shifted. "Uhhh… five more minutes your majesty"
Boushin leaned down and kissed her ear. "You won't even wake up for me?"
Kiori immediately stirred, her arms flying around his neck. "Boushin!!!" She set
out to kiss him, but was stopped by her extraordinarily pregnant belly. She
smiled and shrugged. Boushin's eyes were the size of golf balls. He thought she
was ill, not… not pregnant! "I see you got the note." She whispered. He nodded.
"Yeah… but I guess the part the ink blurred out was the part saying that you
were… that you were…" he couldn't get the words out. "With child?" she asked
softly. His mouth curved into a smiled as he touched her stomach. "When… when
did you? I mean, how long…" She laughed and answered what she thought he was
asking. "Your mother said that I could give birth anywhere from now to a month
away."
Boushin was still in disbelief. "I've missed so much…. I wish I could have been
here. I should have been here, Kiori." He brushed a lock of hair out of her
face. She looked up at him for a few moments, acknowledging the fact that he was
really there. After she finally accepted that fact her hand reached out to
caress his face. She drew back when she felt how cold it was. "Boushin! You're
going to get sick like that!" He blinked and realized that he was, in fact,
quite cold. Kiori lifted herself out of bed. Her husband grabbed her arm.
"Should you really be up?" She looked back at him and laughed. "I'm pregnant,
not confined to my bed by illness, now get into bed or you'll freeze!"
Kiori lit the fire in her oven, and then lit two candles to illuminate the room.
After putting some water on to boil, she grabbed a large quilt and dragged it
over to him. "Now put this around you." He did as he was told. Kiori fixed some
tea then ran back over, handed it to him, and got in bed. "Tell about where
you've been Boushin." He smiled. "Its really not interesting… war isn't
interesting." She nodded. "Then just tell me a story. I missed hearing your
voice." He pulled her closer to him as she snuggled up against his chest.
"Well…." He began a story about an old man they had met along the way that had
tipped them off on a location of the Kutou. By this time she was asleep,
breathing softly against him. He kissed her forehead and was soon asleep as
well.
The next morning Boushin woke up at five, surprised to find his arms around a
warm, soft body. Suddenly the events of the night before flashed through his
eyes, and he felt his wife shift in his arms. He smiled and gently caressed her
shoulder. Kiori yawned and scrunched up her nose. "Come on Yana, it can't be
time for breakfast yet…" Boushin sat up and cradled her in his arms. "Do you
honestly mistake me for your maidservant Kiori?" Her eyes blinked open. "B…
Boushin? So it wasn't a dream!" He nodded. "I have to go see my mother, though.
You stay here and get a little more rest. It's to early for you to get up." She
sighed. "Alright… but hurry back. You're staying with me all day." After giving
her a tender kiss, he walked out to see his mother.
Houki had heard the night before that her son had returned, but had not wanted
to disturb he and his wife. She was preparing tea where he was led in by one of
her maids. Boushin instantly bowed and remained on one knee. "Your highness.
Suzaku alone has lead me back to you." The empress smiled. "Ah, Boushin. Come,
get up and give your mother a hug. He grinned and embraced her, kissing her
cheek. "How is everything, son? Your father, and the troops… I trust they are
safe?" He nodded. "Yes, Ma. We would have been home in a month or two anyways.
The war is as good as ours, all we need is for Kutou to sign some documents for
peace, and we'll let their captive's go." She patted him on the arm.
"And how was your wife last night? She's been so worried you wouldn't be home in
time, and we were just a week ago allowed to alert her parents of her condition,
but they're days away form here." He blinked. "You mean she's only had you this
entire time? I thought at least Chihei would… Kiori's been through a lot then."
Houki poured him some tea and took a sip of hers before stating, "Yes. She
certainly has." After the two had a very brief conversation summarizing the
entire war, Boushin felt that he needed to be back with Kiori. After stopping by
and picking up some breakfast for them both, he headed back to their room.
As the next two weeks went by, the entire palace waited on any signs of Kiori's
labor beginning. They were all extra careful when around her and acted like they
had to talk in a whisper. Boushin knew this annoyed her. The third day after she
was supposed the have given birth, a letter came to her from her parents. She
grabbed it from Boushin and almost ripped it in two. "We're on our way." She
read to him. He smiled and kissed her on the cheek. "They'll be here in time. I
know they will."
The baby was a week late. Kiori was nervous and worried and excited… but she
wanted her mother. The empress had done all right, but what she needed the most
was to have Chihei by her side. One evening, Kiori was sitting by the fire
reading, and having some tea when she spilt it all over herself… or so she
thought. Feeling a sharp pain echo throughout her body, she yelled as loud as
she could, "BOUSHIN!!!" The prince, who had been getting himself some sake, ran
into the room, glanced down at her, and immediately scooped her up into his arms
and set her down on the bed. "Kiori… should I go get the Mitsukake?" she nodded
quickly and then collapsed against the pillows.
Boushin thanked Suzaku that Mitsukake had stayed behind at the palace, even if
it did mean his father and the troops were without his talent. The troops had
doctors to tend to them, and Hotohori knew that if Mitsukake came along, he
would be compelled to use his healing powers more than he could handle. The
prince didn't bother to knock, and entered the hospice almost collapsing.
"MITSUKAKE! Kiori---" he was cut off by the doctor, putting his hand silently on
his shoulder, telling him without words to calm down. Houki was alerted by
Mitsukake's assistant, and met them in the prince's chambers minutes later.
Kiori was seriously in pain. She had been having agonizing contractions for
quite a while, and wanted more than anything to go to bed. Finally, Mitsukake
instructed Boushin to take her on a walk, to see if that might induce labor.
Boushin had no clue how that would help, but decided that he might just be
better of taking the doctor's advice. Kiori was leaning on Boushin and walking
very slowly when they heard noise coming from the palace gate. The prince took
in a breath of air. "The war's over." Kiori looked up at him. "You mean they're
back? That's great!" He nodded. They walked for about 10 seconds more when there
was a completely audible… and very familiar shouting from the other side of the
palace. "WHAT DO YOU MEAN MY DAUGHTER IS GIVING BIRTH??!!??" Boushin blinked. "I
think your father's home." You could hear footsteps running from the hospice and
finally Chihei came into view. "Kiori!" She ran over to her daughter and hugged
her as if she were a porcelain doll. "Why the hell didn't you send for us??"
Kiori would have answered, but instead she grabbed Boushin and winced. Tasuki,
coming around the corner as fast as he could, scooped her up and kissed her
forehead. "How's my girl?" A large sweatdrop appeared on Chihei's forehead.
"She's about to have a baby, ya idiot." Tasuki's eyes grew wide as he headed
towards the hospice at light's speed.
Boushin sighed as he sipped his sake. It had been 10 hours since they had forced
him out of the room. Tasuki was sitting beside him, jabbering on about something
or another… most likely telling a story that Boushin didn't care about, nor have
the maturity to hear. Finally, after multiple screams and yelling like bloody
hell, Chihei cracked the door open. "Boushin, I think you might want to come in
here." Tasuki got up as well, but Chihei stopped him. "Let them have some time
alone" The red headed seishi grumbled some curse and gave his wife a hug. "So,
I'm a grandpa? I'm not old enough for that. We're not that old, are we?" She
shook her head. "Not in the least."
Boushin stepped into the room. His heart was beating 100 miles an hour as he
glanced at his wife. She had tears in her eyes. In her arms was a beautiful
baby… all you could see from the blanket around the child was a head of
jet-black hair. The hair was a symbol of the royal line. She looked at her
husband with loving eyes. He came around beside the bed and kneeled so that he
was eye level with her. Looking into the eyes of his newborn child, he heard his
wife utter in a voice almost impossible to hear, "You have an heir." The prince
touched the child's head softly. "I have a son? I… I'm a father…" Not being able
to hold back any longer, she let the tears flow. After about five minutes,
Tasuki and Chihei entered. Kiori, honestly, just wanted to sleep. She did so for
about ten minutes, when Houki woke her up.
"Are you going to sleep knowing that you're son has no name?" she asked quietly.
Boushin smiled down at her. "Well Kiori… It's up to you. I have no idea."
Kiori's eyes softened when she saw Boushin holding their son. "I think….
Danyuu." Boushin looked down at his son. "Danyuu… I think it suits you nicely…"
AUTHORS NOTE: Well, I'll have the next chapter up soon!
sighed as he kicked his horse and galloped up to his father. "The troops are
under control, as are the prisoners." Hotohori nodded. "How close are we to the
next village?" "About half a day's journey… but you know we can't go into the
city with our troops" He nodded. "We'll stop here to rest and eat. We need to go
over plans as well so you may give orders to make camp here for tonight. How's
our water supply?" "We're fine for another three days." Hotohori signaled for
Boushin and two other captains to tell the others about their plans. After two
hours, the men had secured the camp and it was 9:00 AM. The prince pushed back a
tent flap and went to speak with his father, who was studying a map. He bowed.
"Your Highness." He said in greeting to his father, even in wartime continuing
to practice the proper court etiquette. "Son, I have a favor to ask of you" the
emperor turned to face him. "Yes?" he asked curiously. Hotohori sat back and
wiped his brow. "Go into town and see if there are any messages. If anything's
happened at the palace, your mother knows to send one of the palace guards that
knows our path to tell me immediately." He nodded. "Yes, father." then bowed and
turned to leave.
Once out of the tent he signaled to his cousin. "Hey Shinyuu! We're going into
town" He looked up. "Ok, let me get my horse." And so they were off. The town
was about four hours away, but since it was only the two men, they got there by
noon. Boushin felt all eyes in the city turn towards him. It was a border city…
not completely Konan but not Kutou either. Boushin dismounted and searched for a
house possibly belonging to a regent his father had sent to rule the town.
Finally he decided to leave his horse with Shinyuu and knock on the door of the
largest, most elaborate house he had seen in the village.
A short, husky man answered the door. He didn't even reach Boushin's chest in
height, and stood back as to see him better. "May I… help you?" Boushin nodded.
"I am prince Boushin of Konan. My father requests to know if any messengers from
our city have come here with any important news." The man immediately bowed and
opened the door wider signaling for Boushin to enter. "Your highness, forgive
me, I did not know who you were. I am the regent of this town, Mishuku Kai "
Boushin smiled and motioned to Shinyuu. "This is my cousin, Shinyuu" The man
smiled and called out to him, "Come, please, you are also welcome in my home"
Boushin walked in and looked around. The house was not very fancy, but it was
all he could expect from a village this far from Konan. He then asked the man
again. "About the messages…" Mr. Mishuku nodded. "Yes, there has been a letter
dropped off here for the emperor and prince." Boushin's eyes widened. "Please,
may I have it?" He waddled over to a cabinet and reached in for a box. After
opening it he took out what seemed to be a scrap of paper and handed it to him.
Boushin read it aloud, basically so Shinyuu could hear it. " It's in Mom's
handwriting… it says '… Son, you are needed back at court. Your wife…' then it's
blurred! I can't read it! Then it says, '…ill, needs you to be there with her.'
And that's it!!" Shinyuu leaned over and made sure he was telling the truth.
"Gods Boushin, what are you going to do?" "I'm going back!" "But your father!"
Boushin gave his cousin a "let finish this outside look", thanked the man, and
shut the door behind him.
"I have to go back, Shinyuu! What if she's deathly ill? I have to know!" his
voice was cracking with worry and tears were welling up in his eyes. "Boushin,
it's a four day journey on horseback!" "No, it's a four day journey with the
infantry lagging behind. I can make it in at least two without stopping more
than once!" Shinyuu, knowing he could do nothing to dissuade his headstrong
cousin, sighed and removed the saddlebag from his horse. "At least stop at the
market and get some food. There's plenty of money in there." Boushin surrounded
his cousin with a hug. "Show Dad the note. He'll understand. Take care." And he
mounted his horse to head for market. After buying what he needed at lightning's
speed, he started towards Konan.
Kiori sighed. It had been seven months since the note had been delivered, and
there was still no sign of Boushin or the messenger they had sent out. Houki had
tried to support her as best she could, but Kiori longed for her husband. Not
only that, she longed for her parents as well. Chihei had finally convinced
Tasuki to take her to see his parents… a journey at least two weeks away. They
had left before the war, and were most likely enjoying themselves knowing that
the palace was the safest place Kiori could be… Despite the fact that they were
unaware of her condition. She took up her book and started to read again as
Houki entered the room. "Are you feeling alright?" She looked up. "Yes Majesty,
I'm fine. He's just been kicking so hard…" she said softly, rubbing her
protruding belly. The girl was very pregnant. At 8 and half months along, she
was wondering if her husband was even safe.
Houki nodded and sat down beside her. Kiori looked to her mother-in-law and
almost burst into tears. "What if they're not alright!?! I won't know what to
do! Houki, I'm so scared!" The empress gave her a strong embrace. Kiori was not
one to be scared. Yes, war was the one thing that really gave her goose bumps…
but giving birth was a completely different story. She was frightened that her
child might never have the chance to see it's father, even though the rumors
said that the war was as good as over, she still was frightened. Houki smiled
and stood up. "Come, Kiori. It's time for you to go to bed."
She nodded. "I think I'll sleep in my quarters tonight, majesty. Yana's in the
next room in case something happens, and… and the room reminds me of Boushin."
Houki gave her a hug. "Don't worry, dear. Everything's going to be fine." Kiori
was happy to see her room again. She had been staying in the room across from
the empress, but at this point was anxious to be back in the place she thought
of as home. Yana was knitting in the sitting room, which had been made into her
room for the time being, so Kiori quietly changed into a nightdress and climbed
into bed.
She was cold at first. The sheets and comforter made her shiver. After a few
minutes she warmed up, though, and grabbed the pillow beside her. Bringing it to
her face, she inhaled the scent of her husband, who had not been there for so
long. She felt tears again spring to her eyes, but she forced them away. Kiori
was a strong woman, and she wasn't going to let her negative emotions take over.
Finally she was able to drift off to sleep, holding the pillow close and
dreaming of the day Boushin would come back to her.
He was cold. So cold that the sweat coming from his brow froze as it hit his
cheek. The prince knew how close he was to Konan; he had ridden out this far
before. He was galloping, forcing his horse to go as fast as it possibly could.
He saw the lights of the town in the distance and kicked harder. The wind hit
his face like ice, but he ignored it and kept on going. After twenty minutes of
strenuous riding, he knew his horse was about to collapse. He spotted the house
of a market tender and knocked vigorously on the door. The man opened it with
hesitation.
"Who's there??" Boushin blinked. "The prince. I need you to tend to my horse.
He's too tired to go on and I have to get back to the palace." He quickly bowed.
"Yes your highness. Right away." Boushin thanked the man and ran full speed
towards his destination. Boushin ran all the way to the front gate of the palace
where a guard stopped him. "Who's there??? State your name and rank or I'll
kill!" Boushin blinked. "Prince Boushin of Konan, and I demand you let me
through! It's my palace!" The guard immediately fell to the ground. "Forgive me,
sire. Please, pass through with my apology." Boushin didn't even hesitate to run
through the gate and through the courtyard. He noticed that no torches were lit,
but he thankfully knew the palace like the back of his hand. He stopped right
before the door to his quarters. Saying a quick prayer to Suzaku, he pushed the
door open.
Kiori was lying asleep in a ball on the bed. She wasn't sleeping very well, but
that had been the case ever since the war had begun. The room was only
illuminated by the moonlight coming in through the windows, and now the door.
Boushin let out a sigh of relief when he saw that Kiori was there and breathing.
He knew if it was too serious she would be with a doctor or at least his mother.
"Kiori…" he called, loud enough to wake her up without waking up anyone else in
the palace. She didn't move. "Kiori…" he sat down on the bed beside her and
touched her shoulder. She shifted. "Uhhh… five more minutes your majesty"
Boushin leaned down and kissed her ear. "You won't even wake up for me?"
Kiori immediately stirred, her arms flying around his neck. "Boushin!!!" She set
out to kiss him, but was stopped by her extraordinarily pregnant belly. She
smiled and shrugged. Boushin's eyes were the size of golf balls. He thought she
was ill, not… not pregnant! "I see you got the note." She whispered. He nodded.
"Yeah… but I guess the part the ink blurred out was the part saying that you
were… that you were…" he couldn't get the words out. "With child?" she asked
softly. His mouth curved into a smiled as he touched her stomach. "When… when
did you? I mean, how long…" She laughed and answered what she thought he was
asking. "Your mother said that I could give birth anywhere from now to a month
away."
Boushin was still in disbelief. "I've missed so much…. I wish I could have been
here. I should have been here, Kiori." He brushed a lock of hair out of her
face. She looked up at him for a few moments, acknowledging the fact that he was
really there. After she finally accepted that fact her hand reached out to
caress his face. She drew back when she felt how cold it was. "Boushin! You're
going to get sick like that!" He blinked and realized that he was, in fact,
quite cold. Kiori lifted herself out of bed. Her husband grabbed her arm.
"Should you really be up?" She looked back at him and laughed. "I'm pregnant,
not confined to my bed by illness, now get into bed or you'll freeze!"
Kiori lit the fire in her oven, and then lit two candles to illuminate the room.
After putting some water on to boil, she grabbed a large quilt and dragged it
over to him. "Now put this around you." He did as he was told. Kiori fixed some
tea then ran back over, handed it to him, and got in bed. "Tell about where
you've been Boushin." He smiled. "Its really not interesting… war isn't
interesting." She nodded. "Then just tell me a story. I missed hearing your
voice." He pulled her closer to him as she snuggled up against his chest.
"Well…." He began a story about an old man they had met along the way that had
tipped them off on a location of the Kutou. By this time she was asleep,
breathing softly against him. He kissed her forehead and was soon asleep as
well.
The next morning Boushin woke up at five, surprised to find his arms around a
warm, soft body. Suddenly the events of the night before flashed through his
eyes, and he felt his wife shift in his arms. He smiled and gently caressed her
shoulder. Kiori yawned and scrunched up her nose. "Come on Yana, it can't be
time for breakfast yet…" Boushin sat up and cradled her in his arms. "Do you
honestly mistake me for your maidservant Kiori?" Her eyes blinked open. "B…
Boushin? So it wasn't a dream!" He nodded. "I have to go see my mother, though.
You stay here and get a little more rest. It's to early for you to get up." She
sighed. "Alright… but hurry back. You're staying with me all day." After giving
her a tender kiss, he walked out to see his mother.
Houki had heard the night before that her son had returned, but had not wanted
to disturb he and his wife. She was preparing tea where he was led in by one of
her maids. Boushin instantly bowed and remained on one knee. "Your highness.
Suzaku alone has lead me back to you." The empress smiled. "Ah, Boushin. Come,
get up and give your mother a hug. He grinned and embraced her, kissing her
cheek. "How is everything, son? Your father, and the troops… I trust they are
safe?" He nodded. "Yes, Ma. We would have been home in a month or two anyways.
The war is as good as ours, all we need is for Kutou to sign some documents for
peace, and we'll let their captive's go." She patted him on the arm.
"And how was your wife last night? She's been so worried you wouldn't be home in
time, and we were just a week ago allowed to alert her parents of her condition,
but they're days away form here." He blinked. "You mean she's only had you this
entire time? I thought at least Chihei would… Kiori's been through a lot then."
Houki poured him some tea and took a sip of hers before stating, "Yes. She
certainly has." After the two had a very brief conversation summarizing the
entire war, Boushin felt that he needed to be back with Kiori. After stopping by
and picking up some breakfast for them both, he headed back to their room.
As the next two weeks went by, the entire palace waited on any signs of Kiori's
labor beginning. They were all extra careful when around her and acted like they
had to talk in a whisper. Boushin knew this annoyed her. The third day after she
was supposed the have given birth, a letter came to her from her parents. She
grabbed it from Boushin and almost ripped it in two. "We're on our way." She
read to him. He smiled and kissed her on the cheek. "They'll be here in time. I
know they will."
The baby was a week late. Kiori was nervous and worried and excited… but she
wanted her mother. The empress had done all right, but what she needed the most
was to have Chihei by her side. One evening, Kiori was sitting by the fire
reading, and having some tea when she spilt it all over herself… or so she
thought. Feeling a sharp pain echo throughout her body, she yelled as loud as
she could, "BOUSHIN!!!" The prince, who had been getting himself some sake, ran
into the room, glanced down at her, and immediately scooped her up into his arms
and set her down on the bed. "Kiori… should I go get the Mitsukake?" she nodded
quickly and then collapsed against the pillows.
Boushin thanked Suzaku that Mitsukake had stayed behind at the palace, even if
it did mean his father and the troops were without his talent. The troops had
doctors to tend to them, and Hotohori knew that if Mitsukake came along, he
would be compelled to use his healing powers more than he could handle. The
prince didn't bother to knock, and entered the hospice almost collapsing.
"MITSUKAKE! Kiori---" he was cut off by the doctor, putting his hand silently on
his shoulder, telling him without words to calm down. Houki was alerted by
Mitsukake's assistant, and met them in the prince's chambers minutes later.
Kiori was seriously in pain. She had been having agonizing contractions for
quite a while, and wanted more than anything to go to bed. Finally, Mitsukake
instructed Boushin to take her on a walk, to see if that might induce labor.
Boushin had no clue how that would help, but decided that he might just be
better of taking the doctor's advice. Kiori was leaning on Boushin and walking
very slowly when they heard noise coming from the palace gate. The prince took
in a breath of air. "The war's over." Kiori looked up at him. "You mean they're
back? That's great!" He nodded. They walked for about 10 seconds more when there
was a completely audible… and very familiar shouting from the other side of the
palace. "WHAT DO YOU MEAN MY DAUGHTER IS GIVING BIRTH??!!??" Boushin blinked. "I
think your father's home." You could hear footsteps running from the hospice and
finally Chihei came into view. "Kiori!" She ran over to her daughter and hugged
her as if she were a porcelain doll. "Why the hell didn't you send for us??"
Kiori would have answered, but instead she grabbed Boushin and winced. Tasuki,
coming around the corner as fast as he could, scooped her up and kissed her
forehead. "How's my girl?" A large sweatdrop appeared on Chihei's forehead.
"She's about to have a baby, ya idiot." Tasuki's eyes grew wide as he headed
towards the hospice at light's speed.
Boushin sighed as he sipped his sake. It had been 10 hours since they had forced
him out of the room. Tasuki was sitting beside him, jabbering on about something
or another… most likely telling a story that Boushin didn't care about, nor have
the maturity to hear. Finally, after multiple screams and yelling like bloody
hell, Chihei cracked the door open. "Boushin, I think you might want to come in
here." Tasuki got up as well, but Chihei stopped him. "Let them have some time
alone" The red headed seishi grumbled some curse and gave his wife a hug. "So,
I'm a grandpa? I'm not old enough for that. We're not that old, are we?" She
shook her head. "Not in the least."
Boushin stepped into the room. His heart was beating 100 miles an hour as he
glanced at his wife. She had tears in her eyes. In her arms was a beautiful
baby… all you could see from the blanket around the child was a head of
jet-black hair. The hair was a symbol of the royal line. She looked at her
husband with loving eyes. He came around beside the bed and kneeled so that he
was eye level with her. Looking into the eyes of his newborn child, he heard his
wife utter in a voice almost impossible to hear, "You have an heir." The prince
touched the child's head softly. "I have a son? I… I'm a father…" Not being able
to hold back any longer, she let the tears flow. After about five minutes,
Tasuki and Chihei entered. Kiori, honestly, just wanted to sleep. She did so for
about ten minutes, when Houki woke her up.
"Are you going to sleep knowing that you're son has no name?" she asked quietly.
Boushin smiled down at her. "Well Kiori… It's up to you. I have no idea."
Kiori's eyes softened when she saw Boushin holding their son. "I think….
Danyuu." Boushin looked down at his son. "Danyuu… I think it suits you nicely…"
AUTHORS NOTE: Well, I'll have the next chapter up soon!
