I don't own Love Hina. Love Hina belongs to Ken Akamatsu. The story though is just a work of fiction. For all spelling and grammar mistakes I apologize in advance.

Legends

VIII

---

The atmosphere was suddenly heavy.

The first thing that Motoko noticed upon entering the great battlements of the imperial castle was the number of fully armed and armoured imperial samurais that lined the fortified walls. She has heard of the emperor's increasing army but she never thought it would be this… overwhelming.

Because after the Jokyu disturbance, the battle between the imperial loyalists led by the retired emperor Go-Toba and the Kamakura bakufu under the leadership of soon to become shogunate regent Yasutoki Hojo, the imperial family has been confined to the castle with a small number of retinues and an edict never to recruit more samurais. But after years of bitter divergence of liege lords of influential clans and daimyos of prosperous lands with the extremists Kamakura shogunate, the royal court has once again gained allegiance among the oppressed and the disagreeable, uniting them into one formidable army.

And with infamous generals like Seta Norieyasu and prominent clans like the Konnos and the Aoyomas, the shogunate never dared to challenge thegrowing threat and pushed the conflict between the Kamakura bakufu and the imperial family into a long standing stalemate.

That's why Motoko could understand the cold and intense glares she received from the imperial samurais, for there isn't a day the royal court didn't worry of a sudden attack by the Kamakura shogunate. Everyone was simply expecting the shogun to break the ice and charge the castle any time soon.

Motoko gripped her sword, trying her best not to stumble despite her obvious pain.

She decided to leave the comfort of her rickshaw, ignoring the worried looks her fellow travellers gave her, especially from her rickshaw puller, the worst than a beggar looking butextraordinary warrior named Keitaro.

Motoko hid her smile when Keitaro just stared at her for a moment when she stepped out of the rickshaw to walk and nodded with a disapproving frown before looking away.

I will not show weakness! Motoko thought as their party walked closer to the magnificent structure in the middle of the heavily guarded embattlements.

And upon stepping into the first gate that would lead deeper into the maze of paths and forts they were challenged by ten imperial samurais. Their faces grim and their hands on the hilt of their swords ready to strike at any body at any time.

A stocky old samurai with a scarred face that perpetuate an infernal snarl shouted, "Who are you and what business do you have with the imperial family?"

Shirai, who has led them and their fifty samurais, approached the older samurai and replied curtly, "We comewith the behest of the emperor and the advisor Narusegawa,"

At that moment, Naru stepped forward, her head held high glaring the ten challenging samurais.

Then moving as one, the challenging samuraisknelt on one knee with their right fist touching the ground and said, "Welcome back my lady…"

Naru ignored the samurais' recognition and walked gracefully towards the castle, the others following closely behind her.

Then chaos ensued.

With a practiced flow of movements, swords suddenly flashed into the darkening gate followed by a strong clang of metals that rang through the suddenly quiet surrounding.

Motoko wheeled around, her sword out of the sheath, trying to assess what was happening. Mitsune screamed with alarm, while Shinobu fainted and was caught by Kaolla who looked at the incident unfolding before them with great anxiety. Naru, forgetting all royal etiquette and protocols ran back, shouting, "Stop this… stop this right now!"

The challenging samurais have encircled a prey.

A prey who managed to block four swords with the hilt and blade of his short sword held by his right hand, while his left arm stretched just above his neck blocking another sword that was intended to cut his neck. Blood was flowing from his left arm, but his face showed neither fear nor pain.

Keitaro held the concerted surprise attack at bay.

Just barely.

"STOP THIS RIGHT NOW!" Naru shouted again as she approached the seemingly frozen engagement.

All the challenging samurais were stunned and there was a sign of recognition on their faces. They recognized the skills and bravery. And to see it upfront from a person they deemed lesser than dirt on the road was something they were not prepared for.

"I SAID STOP THIS RIGHT NOW! WITHDRAW YOUR SWORDS OR I WILL-"

"I do not mean to be rude my lady… but it is writtenin the halls of the imperial edict that any slaves or peasants who dare step past the first gate would face quick execution," The older samurai said calmly eyeing Keitaro with interest, his hands tucked behind him. The four remaining samurais were waiting for the order to draw their swords but they were confused as the others to see the capablities of their target.

They simply didn't expect Keitaroto defend himself.

"HE IS NOT A SLAVE HE IS-"

"He's a retinue… my retinue…" Motoko joined the confrontation, her sword dangerously high, daring everybody to make the situation worst.

The older samurai raised an eyebrow.

Then he grunted and nodded.

The swords were withdrawn and sheathed.

Keitaro kept his blade on his right hand.

"I can let him live but I won't let him inside the sacred halls of the imperial family… I simply cannot let the halls befouled by a dog that he is…"

"What-" Motoko shook with anger and was about to slay the older samurai when Keitaro cheerfully answered.

"Fine with me!"

"WHAT?" This time Motoko directed her attention towards Keitaro with an incredulous bewildered look.

"As I told you before… I have no intention at seeing the emperor at the moment… I think it would be best if you all meet him now… it would be dark soon," Keitaro said with a smile while tending the deep wound on his left arm.

"But-"

"We better go…" Naru said as she grabbed Motoko's hand and literally dragged her towards the castle.

That idiot!

---

"That idiot! He shouldn't have let that old samurai insult him like that! It's as if he didn't do anything for us! FOR KAMI'S SAKE HE SAVED ALL OF US! That idiot! That-" Mitsune fumed, looking back at Keitaro's form as they walked closer towards the castle doors.

"That idiot just saved us again," Naru said grudgingly.

"What do you mean by that?"

"He knew that he won't be allowed inside the castle but we are bound by honour to fight to show that he has the right. We hired him which means he's one of our retinues now… and because he let that insult pass he saved us time and unnecessary bloodshed…" Naru answered, learning to respect the young man, with a growing sense of affection she could not control.

"That's right… by sacrificing his honour and self-worth in the eyes of the samurais, he freed us the obligation to draw blood for the insult that would be directed to us if he thought otherwise. It was a…" Motoko gave Keitaro a fleeting look before facing forward again, "… very wise decision… he's much more intelligent than we give him credit for…"

"Idiot…" Mitsune mumbled.

"Sempai…" Shinobu whispered in her sleep as she was carried by Haitani.

"Alright everyone… remember who you are and what your clan has taught you about meeting the emperor of Japan!" Shirai announced as he pushed the massive heavily painted wooden door open, "HERE WE GO!"

---

Kameyama, the emperor of Japan, land of the Gods, stood by the window and watched the wide stretch of trees.

Like the other emperors who came before him, he was chosen to take the prestigious seat at a very young age. He was chosen because of what flows in his blood, the royalty that went back to the very first rulers of ancient Japan. He was nothing more than a figure head for the generals, advisors and imperial council, consisted of older relatives and past emperors.

But not tonight.

Tonight he would face his advisors and generals with courage and passion that was uncommon and unexpected from him. It was written that the sons of heaven should never mingle with mortals' worries and politics. He would break that rule.

Tonight he would make a decision that would save Japan from a real threat. A threat that was dismissed by the members of the royal courts especially the house officials who thought that such was non-existent and does not warrant attention.

A sigh.

A shadow loomed from the corner of the dark room that has the window open, letting the crimson light flow inside as the sun sets behind the mountains.

"You know I will always follow any thing that you request… and you know that I believe you… but ten thousand samurais sent away from the castle without the approval of the imperial council would require a very lengthy explanation,"

"Do not worry too much Seta-san… my proof is coming… soon," Kameyama calmly answered.

Then the doors opened.

"Your highness, I have a samurai who wants to give you a personal message from the Aoyoma clan," a servant announced then let two figures inside the vast room.

Seta raised an eyebrow and grunted.

The visitors knelt on the floor and said, "Your highness… my name is Motoko Aoyoma from the Aoyoma clan… I bring you a personal message from the head of our clan... Tsuruko Aoyoma,"

"Tsuruko? The mighty warrior of the southern village?" Seta faced the emperor and bowed, "I apologize for doubting you your highness… I should be with my men now… we will reach Aoyoma's village in four days. I hope that this would give my men a reasonable amount of action that they crave for a long time,"

"Make it in three days Seta-san and you will find yourself deep in it… otherwise…"

Seta smiled and proceeded towards the door but as he passed Motoko's kneeling form he whispered, "It's nice to see you again Motoko-chan, you have grown into a beautiful warrior just like your elder sister," then he left.

Motoko blushed.

Fora moment nobody spoke.

"Now tell me Aoyoma-san… where is this message?" The emperor asked.

Motoko slowly stood and handed the roll of parchment with a ceremonious bow.

The emperor nodded then gestured towards the door, "I want you to walk with me to another hall where the advisors and other generals are currently waiting… I presume that you have… a proof with you?"

Motoko nodded and raised her hand towards her cloaked companion.

The emperor mused and said, "Interesting… shall we go then? We don't have much time…"

---

Keitaro was sitting on a rock close to the first gate. He managed to stop the bleeding in his left arm and with an amused smile he looked around and observed the five gloomy samurais guarding him.

Then he shook his head to display his lack of concern and kept himself busy.

Then all of a sudden a pain shot right through his head as he reeled off the rock and fell heavily on the dusty ground.

Looking up through the blinding stars of pain, he found himselfstaring at a little girl with a big rock held firmly by her little hands, with a smirk etched across her face.

For a moment, Keitaro shivered.

"Er… didn't your mother tell you that it's not nice to throw big rocksat strangers?" Keitaro mumbled.

"Who are you to tell me what my mother said?" The girl said with a defiant tone and threw the big rockat Keitaro hitting him squarely on the face.

"OW!"

"What are you doing Sara-chan?"

Keitaro looked up again and found another youngster standing before him. This time it was a boy. He looked as young as Shinobu.

"I'm just teaching this slave over here the art of catching a rock," The little girl named Sara answered with a huff.

"Don't be silly… there is no such thing as an art of catching a rock?"

The samurais who watched the whole scene laughed with amusement as the two child went on arguing.

Keitaro composed himself and retied the loosened clothing he has on his left arm.

"Is that you uncle Keitaro?"

"Huh?"

Looking down Keitaro realised that he was looking at a familiar face, the kind smiling face of the boy. His eyes glittering with excitement and happiness. The body was trying hard not to jump with glee in front of the samurais.

"Is that really you uncle Keitaro?"

Keitaro knelt and smiled, "How are you Uda-kun?"

The boy smiled even wider, "It is you uncle Keitaro!"

"You've grown taller…" Keitaro brushed the boy's hair, "How is the future emperor of Japan doing?"

"I'm okay… so… are you planning to stay with us for good now?"

"Er… well… your uncle and I have a lot to talk about… but well… I don't want to disturb him now… so…"

"You know this slave?" the little girl interjected with the same defiant tone, "I can't believe you're talking to a filthy slave like him…"

The boy almost screamed with dignity, "Don't talk to him like that! He's not a slave… he's a prince!"

---

They called her Lady Yuki.

She stood at the helm of the massive wooden ship giving the captain instructions every now and then. The darkness of the sea did nothing to stop their voyage or her accurate bearings. And soon enough they could see several dots of light that indicate shelters. It indicates that land was not far ahead.

They would soon land on Japan.

And it's all because of Lady Yuki.

The only woman on board the ship filled with ferocious warriors of mixed origins, Koreans, Chinese and Mongolians.

But like her name, Lady Yuki was the most dangerous and most ruthless warrior among them.

Men feared her. The Mongolian emperor worshipped her.

Her face was covered with brown cloth, her body underneath a long robe that hid two long swords that she was widely known for. No one could gauge her mood except for her cold brown eyes that rumour said could kill any living man.

She was a menace on her own.

For she has hatred colder than the deep pit of the sea and vengeance that even the heavens could not stop.

And with her were the Mongols.

The Mongols were coming.

"I'm coming home Mother Hina…your prodigal daughter has finally arrived!"

Hei there guys and gals! How's it going? I hope everybody have a slight idea of what's going on. I presented enough clues for you to just imagine what this story is all about! Well… just hang around longer and you'll see what I mean!

I'd like to extend my deep appreciation to those who are kind enough to leave a note and express what they think of the story. I hope you stay long enough to see what would happen. Thank you again!

Catch u later! Cheers!

nivremous