Chapter 7

Togetherness

Disclaimer: I don't own this series or any other series. I am just floating an idea. I am making no money, nor plan to, off this venture. If you think of suing me over this, then grow up.

I would like to first personally thank all of those reviewing my stories. I enjoy reading your comments, and try to correct the grammatical errors I miss with my final read-through as well as my spell checkers. The suggestions you all make will help make this story better for everyone to enjoy, as well as allow my to fix some plot holes I may unintentionally leave. If you find any, let me know, and I will correct them and repost the chapters.

I find that if I let thinks sit for a while in my head; I can play them out farther. Plus by trying and keeping my chapters between 2500 and 3000 words, it helps keep me from making the story slide out of control, turning a diamond to a pile of shit.

Please feel free to review, and make comments. If you find a spelling or wordage mistake, feel free to let me know. Thank you.

Also, please check out my other stories. I try to keep a constant level of dedication to all of them.

Words done in bold like this are the spoken words of the Hina sword.

Words like this are for the sword's inner monologue.

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Onii-san, you are so different. Motoko continued to stare at her brother as the made their way up the stairs to Hinatasou. From what she had heard from relatives and letters, her brother had been a kind, clumsy man. He spent every waking moment making certain all around him were happy, and sacrificed his own well being. He would do anything to help a friend; which had led to him getting married if Grandma Hina had told her correctly.

He had convinced this Motoko girl that she should try and defeat her sister again. Even Kanako had heard of Tsuruko, as anyone who had been in as many martial arts circles as she would have. Despite what her sister had believed, Tsuruko did not sacrifice her art when she married; in fact she found great strength in it. Kanako had faced her once at a tournament, and found out how strong the married woman was. Their fight had lasted for nearly half an hour, much to the amusement of the fans. In the end, Kanako had been defeated; a task no one had done before or since.

How her brother thought such a woman could be defeated by him and this Motoko was beyond her reason.

But now, her brother seemed different. She had heard he had broken his leg, but he was walking just fine, with a heavy backpack as well. He seemed more confident, and even carried a sword, though in his brief stint as a martial artist, she remembered he preferred to fight with kempo, not kendo. His outfit looked like he had been in a fight all day, littered with tears and missing patches. She looked into his eyes, and still saw the kindness she remembered as a kid, the joy of life was still there, but some sadness remained.

He still blames himself for what had happened. Do not worry onii-san; I will make it all better. I will help you feel good again.

None of them noticed that a dark skinned foreign girl had leapt out of the trees and landed on Keitaro's pack.

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"Kaolla's hungry, where are my bananas Keitaro?"

Keitaro looked over his shoulder at the foreign girl, a smile on his face. He reached for a bag and handed it to her, seeing her smile grow wide. "Ten pounds of bananas, just like I promised. After I introduce my sister, you want to have a talk little sister?"

Su's face showed a big smile. "Okies Keitaro, can we play later?"

"I don't know Su, I have to talk to everyone, but I'll see if I can fit it in. How about I meet you on the upper deck in about five minutes, OK?"

"Okies, see you there Keitaro!" With that, Kaolla, along with her bag of bananas, leapt from his backpack to the roof of the front porch, and jumped to the roof of Hinatasou, disappearing.

Despite seeing all of this, Kanako could only look at him and ask one thing. "Little sister?"

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"Hello, I'm back," called Keitaro.

Only Motoko and Mitsune came into the room. "Keitaro," called Mitsune, "already married a day and already bringing a mistress home."

Keitaro smiled, trying to answer quickly before Motoko would react; or overreact as the case may be, as she was already reaching for her non-existent sword. Good thing it's at the blacksmith's. "Nope, this is my sister, Kanako. Kanako, the one on the left is Motoko, my wife, and the one on the right is Mitsune."

"Nice to meet you." Kanako bowed. "This is my pet Kuro."

"Mew."

Motoko and Mitsune both acknowledged the girl, bowing slightly. It was then that Motoko noticed two things about Keitaro. One was that his cast was off, which wasn't due to happen for another two weeks. The second was that he had the Hina Sword strapped to his back. "Keitaro, why is the sword on your back, you know it's cursed?"

Keitaro pulled the sword out of its sheath, holding it in front of him. He watched the fear appear on Motoko's face, remembering what the sword was truly capable of. He simply smiled. "It's OK Motoko, watch!" As he finished speaking, he began to push some power into the sword, bringing out a white glow. "We had a little chat this morning. The sword agreed to play nice, in exchange; I don't make it into a lawn ornament."

Not going to tell her we've been training all day?

Why? If we don't get any news from Tsuruko, what's the point? It will just get her hopes up, and dashed if we fail or Tsuruko gives us no chances. Best to let her know that you are no longer dangerous, and see where that leads.

Motoko approached careful, still fearful that the sword was merely playing a trick and that Keitaro was once again under its dark power. She moved her hand careful, touching the blade lightly. It doesn't feel dark anymore. In fact, it feels almost pure. "How did you do this Keitaro?"

Keitaro began to scratch his head. Better make this look good. If she asks too many questions now, it will look bad. "While we were talking, I discovered the sword was simply out of sync, so I corrected it with my own life force. Now it is the way it was meant to be, here, take it outside and try it."

Motoko stared at the sword, debating on whether or not to try it. Every fiber in her being wanted to test the sword, to see how its power would increase her own, but she pulled back. "Another time Keitaro, I need to finish helping Shinobu with dinner." She dashed out of the room, trying to keep herself from crying. I want to Keitaro, God knows that. But how can I? I am no longer a samurai, no longer fit to hold any blade of a warrior.

I guess we went too far. Keitaro placed the blade back in its sheath, a slight frown on his face.

She is still trying to accept herself now. One day, she will wield me just as you do. But for now, let her figure out who she is.

"Here Kitsune," Keitaro said as he handed her a bag with several bottles of sake in them. "I'm going to assume you need these tonight to try and help Naru."

Mitsune looked at the bottles, at first wondering how drunk she could get off these tonight. But hearing Keitaro, she remembered how her one attempt to get Naru to open up today (after trying to realign her back from Su's few minutes of cuddling) failed and ended up with Naru running away, crying. "Thanks Keitaro, I'll get her to talk to me, or pass out trying!" She made her usual fox grin before running the bottles to her room, making a mental note to drag Naru somewhere and if need be, force the alcohol down her throat. Who knows, she might end up so wasted, she'll throw herself at those two. A small evil laugh escaped her lips.

Keitaro paled a little bit, hearing the laugh, but placed it aside. "Come on, Kanako." Keitaro was holding out his hand. "I should show you to your room so you can get settled in before dinner. Plus, I have a date to keep."

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"Hey Kaolla!" Keitaro looked at the sun roof. There were still a few clothes on the line to dry, but nothing embarrassing that would have made his nose shoot blood. But right now, his attention was on the young foreign girl sitting on a small pile of banana peels, finishing off what appeared to be the last one.

"Hey Keitaro!" The young girl leaped with great speed, a foot headed for Keitaro's face.

Normally, Keitaro would have felt the impact on his face and been knocked down the stairs.

But today, Keitaro dodged the foot, missing it by mere centimeters. His hand grabbed the foot and directed its momentum straight up, sending Kaolla skyward for a few dozen feet, before falling down into Keitaro's arms. The young woman, rather than appear shocked that Keitaro had dodged her attack, looked like she was ready to scream in joy.

"Yeah!" she exclaimed. "Keitaro learned a new move. I'll have to make a new plan for next time." She then proceeded to rub her head against Keitaro's face. "I like this Keitaro; can we do it more often?"

The old Keitaro would have been embarrassed, silently looking around for one of the girls to see him, cause a commotion, and result with him being sent skyward or straight down into Hinatasou.

But once again, this was not the same old Keitaro. He had grown up in the last two days. "Sure Kaolla, whatever makes my little sister happy." He placed Kaolla on the ground, and sat beside her. The young girl simply lay against the landlord. I guess I should start this. "Kaolla, do you forgive me for this morning for placing you between Naru and Motoko?"

"Sure Keitaro, it was fun. She really blushed at the mommy comment." The girl continued to nuzzle herself into Keitaro's side.

"Kaolla, I won't leave you."

Su looked up at Keitaro, a big smile on her face. "Really!?"

"I promise, and you know how seriously I take a promise."

"Yeah, that's why you and mommy got married brother daddy."

Keitaro nearly face-faulted. In his mind, he could hear the Hina Sword laughing as hard as it could. I guess that makes you a redneck Keitaro.

Keitaro tried to ignore that comment, as well as the continued laughing of the Hina Sword. He kept his smile on Kaolla, wrapping his arm around her. "Kaolla, I know things seem weird, but I won't let you feel lonely. Just because Motoko and I are now together doesn't mean that we will love you any less. I just wanted to make certain you understood this; I just wanted to make certain that you are OK with what's going on. Is there anything bothering you Kaolla?"

"Nope, I just happy Keitaro and Motoko happy. Can I sleep with you guys tonight?"

The old Keitaro would have face-faulted, followed by releasing a river of blood from his nose.

The new Keitaro was no different in this respect.

Kaolla merely glomped onto the fallen landlord. "Should I take that as a yes?"

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Keitaro was now sitting inside the hot springs; a big sign on the door informed the others that he and his sister was in here, and not to disturb him. His sister sat at his side, wearing a small bathing suit, staring at her brother. He had just finished explaining the first duel between Motoko and Tsuruko, how Motoko had acted afterwards, her breaking down, Keitaro's support for her if she chose the way of the sword or the way of a woman, the training and follow-up battle, as well as the resultant marriage.

"Onii-san, does she make you happy?" It was a question Kanako didn't want the answer to, but she needed to know. She knew her brother was kind to a fault, as she had heard of the many instances from Grandma Hina of the girls "punishing" Keitaro for his accidents. In truth she wanted to kick them all out, and leave just herself and her brother to run the inn, like they had promised. But seeing how much Motoko had been affected by the battle, even her instant hatred of her seemed to mellow somewhat. Even I know what it is like to lose your seemingly perfect way of life. When Keitaro's parents sent me away to live with other family, it was the worst day of my life. They had seen how much I loved him. I guess they were afraid either I or both of us would act on it. My brother's support kept me going. I guess now it will keep Motoko going as well. I would never wish such a fate on a person, even a dishonorable wretch like her.

Keitaro had been staring down at the water. "I'm not worried about my happiness Kanako; I'm just worried about Motoko's happiness."

Keitaro looked up, as if trying to find the will to continue in the heavens. "I know she doesn't blame me for the loss, but I still feel like I failed her, like I failed to keep my word. I am the one who convinced her to fight again, told her that she could win. And what did my words, my support do for her; she ended up married to me, forever banished from her school, cast adrift into the world with only this place to call as home."

Kanako looked at her brother, tears in his eyes. She could tell how much he was hurt by this, how much responsibility he was assuming. "But you didn't answer my question onii-san. Does she make you happy?"

Keitaro looked at his sister, tears now falling freely from his face. "As long as she is happy, as long as she feels needed and loved, as long as she feels like living, then I am happy. I would do anything to make her happy again. That night, when she asked me if marriage to her would be so bad, I spent the entire night thinking about it. I had always thought Naru and I would eventually be together, even with all the beatings I took from her. But when I considered being with Motoko, I felt just as happy. But it wasn't something I had ever thought about before. I knew she cared for me, perhaps more than I'll ever know, but I didn't want her to end up with me like that, because she was forced to. If the fates would have wanted it, we would have. But for her to end up with me like that... I just wanted her to be happy, and I don't know if she can be with me, with it done the way it has been."

Kanako was crying now. Her brother actually cared for this woman, cared for her well being, and cared for her happiness. It was this quality of his that had made Kanako fall in love with him; his constant need to place someone else's happiness above his own. It was his heart that drew her to him, and after meeting the others that lived at Hinatasou, she suspected it was what drew them to him as well.

She wanted to be with him that way.

The others wanted to be with him that way.

But what did he want?

He only wanted the happiness of those around him. He wanted them all to be happy, no matter what the price was for him.

Could she let him have that? Could she let him stay married to that former samurai? "Onii-san, do you love her?"

Keitaro looked up at the sky, the sun beginning to set. "I really like her Kanako. Maybe love will come from that, when we are both ready. For now, I will support her. If she loves me, she will tell me when she is ready. If I love her, I will tell her only if it will make her happy. I do not wish to make it seem I am trying to force her love on me. I will honor her wishes, her desires. If I am not it, then I will be happy that she is. It is all I need."

Unknown to the two in the hot springs, a third figure was at the doorway to the sun-roof on the second floor of Hinatasou, listening in to the conversation, a tear falling down her face. I really like you too, Keitaro. I am thankful it was you I was stuck with.

With that, Motoko headed back towards the kitchen to finish prepping dinner.

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"Shinobu, can I talk to you a minute?"

Shinobu turned to see Keitaro, wearing his usual clothes, a blue sweater and tan pants. He looked refreshed from his bath. The only difference she could see in him from the way he looked last week was that he had a sword strapped to his back. Shinobu instantly blushed. "Sure sempai, how can I help?"

"Shinobu, how is Motoko doing?"

Shinobu looked at him, trying to phrase her words right as well as keep her blushing under control. "She did well sempai, I think she is feeling better. She even helped me cook dinner, so make certain you compliment her cooking." I already know sempai loves my cooking, but he asked me to help Motoko-sempai, and I will. I will make sempai happy, even if I can't be with him now.

"Thank you Shinobu, you'd better return before they miss you."

"Thank you sempai and good luck."

As Keitaro watched Shinobu return to the kitchen, the Hina Sword began to speak again. You know she loves you.

I know. But it wouldn't work out between us, plus I'm married now.

She will always love you; the power of any first crush nearly makes it impossible to do otherwise.

I am her friend, a brother, nothing more. I will support her always. In time, she will love another. I will always have a place in her heart. That is the way it should be, just as it is with my sister.

Be honest, did you ever... You know...

Keitaro quickly headed for the bathroom, trying to keep anymore blood from flying out of his nose.

Thought so.

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Dinner had gone better than the night beforehand. Everyone had since moved on a bit.

Kaolla was eating a massive amount of food as usual, now that Keitaro had assured her that she would not be alone, as well as neglecting to tell her either that she may or may not sleep in the bed with Keitaro or Motoko, as well as tell Motoko what Su's request was. It was something he would have to wait for tonight after dinner.

Kitsune was eating her meal slowly, trying to match pace with Naru so she could offer Naru a drink after dinner using the bottles of sake Keitaro had bought for the purpose. Apparently, her attempt to get Naru to open up had ended poorly, and was hoping that alcohol would help her friend unwind enough to talk to her about Keitaro and Motoko's marriage.

Naru was staying in the conversation, just barely though. She saw that Keitaro and Motoko were sitting together, and was trying her best not to cry out and proclaim that Keitaro was hers, unsure at the moment whether it was because she in truth didn't like the pervert; something her feelings yesterday told her to be untrue, or because she knew from his letter that he was with Motoko now.

Shinobu was trying to stay in the conversation as well, not wanting to seem left out. She had tried to get the others to praise Motoko's cooking, but she felt in the end, the praises were not nearly enough. She had been glad that Keitaro had followed her advice, and had watched as Motoko blushed. Sempai, I hope you can make her happy.

Kanako simple sat while eating, participating in the conversation at such a level that made it seem that Naru was running at the mouth. She was spending her time watching the other girls, trying to figure out where they stood with Keitaro, as well as if any of them might try and break up his marriage. I better put myself in that column, as well as that Naru girl. She keeps sneaking looks at the two, and if either of them is blushing, she seems to get a little bit sadder. I'll have to keep an eye on her.

Motoko was making little conversation as well. She seemed to glow slightly when Keitaro complemented her on her meal, which she immediately directed towards Shinobu, saying if it wasn't for her, the meal wouldn't be half as good as it was now. She was however, acting more comfortable in front of Keitaro, seeming to have regained some of her strength, but the sadness from the fiasco yesterday was still in her eyes as it played through her mind.

Keitaro however, despite being the center of the conversation, was also busy with his own thoughts. I talked to Shinobu, and she seems OK. I can't believe I missed the fact she had a crush on me for long. Su seems to be back to herself, but I have to remember to talk to Motoko, and warn her that Su may slip into our room tonight for the comfort of her family. Kitsune is going to talk to Naru, so at least I'll have a heads up tomorrow about how well she is taking things. That just leaves Motoko, my wife.

That word still seems wrong, as if this is just a joke, as if it's not even real.

But it is real, we really are married.

What do you plan to do?

I need to talk with her, to make certain she just isn't wearing a mask in front of everyone, including me.


Do you know how she feels?

I only know what you know at the time we were connected. I can't read her mind, just the way you view her through objective eyes. But be strong Keitaro, she needs you to be. She was never one to rely on anyone. Now she must, and is afraid she will stumble and fall.

I'll try. I just hope I can keep my foot out of my mouth.

The dinner finished, but at a much later time than yesterday, showing to all that it was a more comfortable day than yesterday. Keitaro and Motoko helped clear the table as Shinobu began to work on the dishes. Su ran off, hoping to construct a new invention quickly so her and Keitaro-daddy could play, while Kitsune dragged Naru upstairs to begin drinking and hopefully get her friend to open back up before her inner demons came out with a violent physical vengeance, with Keitaro the most likely and usual target. Kanako simply went to her room, trying to figure out what was all going on. She took Kuro with her, and picked up the flying turtle Tama-chan as well, hoping to get the turtle to tell her what the real secrets each of the residents were holding.

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"Motoko, what's the matter?"

Keitaro had taken Motoko outside after having cleared the table. She was a little hesitant, but still followed. They sat down on one of the benches, far enough away from the Hinatasou to hopefully avoid any eavesdroppers.

"What do you mean Keitaro, I'm fine." She looked at him with her eyes closed, her mouth in a smile, hoping to fool him.

She is wearing a mask. "Motoko, I still see the sadness in your eyes. I know you're in pain. Please tell me why?" He emphasized his support for her by taking her hand in his, not wishing to push her too far by placing his arm around her.

Motoko stared at the ground, trying to decide whether to tell him of her problems, or stay insisting she was fine and storm off. But where would I run to. My room is HIS room. He wants to help me, so why am I so hesitant to ask for his help. If it wasn't for him, I would have killed myself the first time Ane-ue defeated me. I would never have tried for the second time; I would have simply drifted around, miserable, probably ending up like Kitsune, or worse.

So why can't I trust him? He isn't just a man, he's my husband.

My...husband.

"I'm sorry Keitaro. It's still a little difficult to believe this has all happened to us. I mean, this time last month, I was using a secret attack and launching you into the air for doing something perverted. Now look at us. We are married, I am no longer a warrior, and you, apparently do to either your quick healing or magic, have gotten the full use out of your leg."

Keitaro smiled, rubbing his former broken leg. "The sword fixed it, as a way of partially apologizing for its part in what happened."

He looked towards Motoko, trying to maintain a smile, but saw that she wasn't paying attention. Her eyes appeared to be barely holding back the tears. I hate to do this, but I have to risk it. He leaned closer to her, placing his arm around her as he did on the train and on the sofa last night. Please don't take this as a perverted act. "Motoko, I will not think any less of you if you talk to me, but I will not force you to talk either. If you are in pain, I just want you to know I am always ready to listen, to try and make you feel better."

It was all it took for Motoko to break down and begin crying again. She buried her face in his chest, both of his arms wrapping around her. Why? Why is he being so kind to me? Why is he staying with me? Why?!

What does he see in me worth redeeming?

I am no longer a warrior. I don't know how to be a woman.

So why is he still with me? Why does he insist on helping me?

"Motoko, I don't want you to feel sad."

She looked at him, a smile still on his face. "Why? Why are you still with me? Why are you so kind to me?"

Keitaro wiped some of the tears away from her face. "Because you need me, because I want to, because I blame myself somewhat for our battle. I do care for you Motoko, I don't know if it is love, but I do care for you. I will not abandon you, I will not forsake you, and I will always be there for you. I believe in you Motoko. You are not alone."

He won't leave me. He believes in me.

Motoko then did something that surprised her, perhaps more than it did Keitaro. She pulled herself up and kissed her husband.

But like all things dealing with romance involving a girl of Hinatasou or involving Keitaro, something had to intervene.

"Brother Daddy, it's time to play!"

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If I messed anything up, then let me know including typos.

Any suggestions on how I should continue the story or improve it would also be accepted.

Also, if you have any suggestions for how this should go, let me know. My own imagination, while vast, always enjoys a new thought. Also, catch me if you don't think I am making the characters true to form, or a way to make them better.

Author note: If anyone would like to start their own stories, but need some ideas, let me know. I am thinking of making a story post of nothing but ideas. Let me know if anyone is interested when you post reviews. Thank you.