A Different Life

by crosseyedbutterfly

AU that starts before the anime or manga. A forced engagment, random turtle demons, throw in some new characters, plus an explination of several people's pasts...well... guess you'll have to read it and see...CHAPTER 23 UP. Fini.

12. Randomosity

Hello all! Thank you for your many, many wonderful reviews as always. You guys make my day, you know that? I come back from class or a meal feeling tired or like I just want to take a nap and then I check my email and your comments perk me right up again. Glad to see you're all (for the most part) still pleased with my work, and I will continue to attempt to do so. And yes, I've seen what the new 'character-eating' systems at are doing to my pagebreaks, so I will make sure to put them in a form that won't be messed with. As always, Author's Notes are at the bottom, don't forget to check 'em out!

And now, without further ado, Chapter 12!

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The next morning began slowly enough, everyone collecting downstairs to eat in an unusually quiet atmosphere as those who'd been gone the night before began to trickle in gradually, and then getting dressed and waiting for their two 'testees' to appear.

The Toudai hopefuls met in the main room with looks of eager anticipation, hidden thoughts of a failure lurking in the backs of their minds but unmentioned for the moment. The rest of the residents gathered around them, all a little quieter than usual with even Su subdued as she clung to Motoko's back. This was Keitaro and Naru's big moment, and everyone was waiting with bated breath as to how it would fall out.

Keitaro glanced around, noting everyone's eyes on him as he took his wife's hand and headed out the front door. "This is it," he said softly, glancing at Naru who'd moved to his left with Motoko on his right. "Nervous?"

"Not a bit!" she stated steadily, glasses set firmly on the bridge of her nose and a confident look on her face. She waved to Haruka, who waved back from the tea house as she watched them leave. Catching the raised brow Kitsune gave her, she rolled her eyes. "Well...maybe a little...but I kicked the heck outta that test, there's no reason in the world I shouldn't have made it in!"

"You're pretty sure of yourself there," commented Kitsune as she linked arms with her long-time friend. "Whatcha gonna do if you don't make it?"

"Not even a possibility, not with the way my scores have been for the last year," laughed Naru, completely relaxed like she'd had the weight of the world lifted from her shoulders for the first time in months. "Toudai, here I come!"

Keitaro laughed along with the rest, though he remained silent otherwise.

"Relax," Motoko told him as his fingers tightened about her own. Boarding the train together, he just gave her a feeble smile in return and sat on the nearest empty bench as she stood beside him with Su still on her back chattering with Shinobu about her latest invention.

"I won't try for it again if I failed," Keitaro said suddenly as their destination came into view, bringing her hand to his cheek as bowed his head. "I really do mean that. Three years wasted is enough. I'll lower my sighs if I have to get the education I need."

Motoko didn't verbally reply, but merely nodded her understanding as she squeezed his hand. Getting up when their stop was called, the whole group exited together and began the short walk to the campus. Taking out his student I.D. tag, Keitaro memorized the number that had been assigned to him and strained for a look at the boards that would announce the select few who'd been accepted that year. O29867....029867...That was the number that decided everything, or so it seemed at that moment, that was his number.

Naru moved ahead the moment the gathered crowd came into view, some there already celebrating their success and others turning back miserably when they realized their numbers weren't present. Keitaro followed, though at a slower gait, and the rest stuck with him as they didn't lose him as easily in the crowds.

Coming to the board with his number in between the two listed at the top, he stopped. Scanning it, the rest held their breath as he slowly looked at each one carefully. 029856...029858...029863...029864...029867!!

Jumping up and doing a peace sign in the air out of pure joy, Keitaro cried, "I'M IN!!"

Grabbing Motoko's hands, he danced her around as Su tackled him as nearly hugged him to death. Laughing and crying at the same time, the entire group seemed to transform as congratulations, hugs, and slaps on the back were shared by all those around.

"It'll be nice having another friendly face on campus," commented Austin as he shook his hand, beaming with pride.

"Yeah, at least I'll know someone there too," replied Keitaro. "Where's Narusegawa-san, though? Find her, if I made it in she did for sure. Come on, dinner's on me tonight!"

"She won't be coming," said Kitsune suddenly, everyone quieting down with confused looks all around.

"Why not?!" replied Keitaro. "If she wants to bring some friends, let her, this is a huge celebration!"

"That's not it!" The foxy lady pointed to the boards, saying the last four words anyone ever expected to hear in conjecture to Naru. "She didn't make it."

"No way!" Keitaro spun around, searching the boards for Naru's number as he'd seen it enough at the top of the test scores at the practice exams and realized Kitsune was right. "But...that can't be right!" protested their manager, almost frantically. "She's always scored higher than me. I thought she was practically guaranteed..."

"There is never a complete guarantee until you have completed the final test," Motoko reminded him with a worried frown. "Perhaps we should look for her."

"No, you guys go on back to the Inn or wherever, I think I know where she is," said Kitsune with a wink.

"Are you sure?" inquired Shinobu tentatively.

"Yeah," she replied lightly. "Don't forget to save me some sake!"

"Wouldn't dream of doing otherwise," Keitaro called after her as she disappeared into the crowd. "Well guys, let's go home."

"I wanna go out to eat!" pouted Su from his back, pulling out her puppy dog eyes.

"You did say dinner was on you," added Ami quickly.

"Oh, alright. Beef bowl alright?"

Considering it was free, everyone agreed immediately. "Yeah!"

"Sure."

"Sounds good to me!"

"Food, yum!"

"Ok, let's go to Beef Bowl!"

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Naru sat at the bar of a noodle place near the campus, staring listlessly at the bowl of ramen she'd ordered. Her perfectly organized world had suddenly collapsed inn on itself and she had no idea where to go from here. Leaving a few bills on the counter after deciding she wasn't hungry, the crushed high school student shuffled her way along the street. Having absolutely no idea what to do with herself other than to avoid Hinata-sou as she'd already seen the elated look on Keitaro's face and knew he, of all people, made it in, she kept walking until she reached a train station with a sign that caught her eye.

Yokohama- Half Price Fare!

Reaching for her purse so she could board the next train out, that plan was dashed when she realized all her money was back at the Inn and all she had was enough change to get her back to Hinata-sou.

"Oh, that's just great..."

"Looking for this?"

Naru turned around to find Kitsune standing behind her, as foxy as every. "Hey! What are you doing here?" Snatching her upheld wallet from her friend's hand, she added, "And with this, too?!"

"Eh, the money I took so I could treat everyone to some fine sake tonight," admitted Kitsune.

"What!? It's my money!"

"Yeah, and it would've been in your honor and I would've made sure you got the most other than myself," replied the other resident with a shrug.

Naru face-faulted. "Kitsune..!"

"Anyways," plowed on the other girl as if she'd said nothing strange at all. "I thought you might need it now that you're gonna run away again."

"I do not run away!" protested Naru hotly with a blush.

"You do so," replied Kitsune teasingly as she began to tick off the times on her fingers. "You went back home for a few days to 'take a break' when Seta left out of the blue. You disappeared to the beach after you failed your first practice test before you got a tutor. You went to Osaka when your parents split up to see your relatives. It's just what you do when things get a little too hot to handle, you get away from it so you can deal with it on your own terms. I'm not condemning you for it, I was just stating the truth."

"Yeah, yeah..." The high school girl-turned ronin sighed, taking off her glasses to rub the bridge of her nose tiredly. "So, you're not gonna try to stop me or come with?"

"Me? Nah. I think you need the time off, personally, after all that work you've done," chuckled Kitsune. "A vacation will do you good. Just don't bring back any strange guys unless they're sexy, rich, and willing to be shared, ok?"

Naru snorted, though her look softened when she glanced at her best friend. "Yeah, I think I can do that. Tell the others I'm ok and I'll be back in a couple of days, alright?"

"Sure thing, just give me a call when you get to where you're going, ok? I won't say where you are to the other residents, but your parents will flip if they call and I can't tell them where to reach you. Probably blame me for it too, being the bad influence that I am." Kitsune turned back to the other station where the trains ran to Hinata-sou. She wasn't worried, Naru would return in a few days or weeks as good as new. All she hoped was Keitaro could be convinced to buy some fresh sake in light of the situation. A long evening of fine drunkenness...she could hardly wait!

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Naru got off the train at Yokohama, looking around a bit apprehensively as she wondered what she was going to do next. There were a couple tourist places she could visit, and she could always treat herself to a spa day or a manicure, pedicure and foot massage. But hearing the gulls screech overhead and smelling the salty tinge in the air, she knew the first place she wanted to go was the beach.

Taking a bus down to the dunes, it took her a minute to dump her bag and shoes upon the dry grass and roll up her pants before trotting down the sandy paths to the crashing waves below. The water chilled her bare feet, goose bumps appearing on her legs as she waded along the tide line. Seeing a young lady standing just a bit further out than she, Naru watched as she bent down slightly as if beckoning something towards her.

She was just about her own height, with long, thick dark brown hair that was loosely braided with two antennas that stuck up from the middle of her head. Wearing a white blouse, yellow-orange skirt and vest, Naru probably guessed her to be about her own age somewhere. She was pale and thin, but one thing you couldn't help but notice, male or female, was just how well-endowed she was. Feeling a little jealous, and embarrassed for staring, she was about to turn away when the stranger straightened up, turning to Naru with a bright smile on her face. "Hello there!"

"Er...hello." Naru waved hesitantly, blushing from being caught staring and taking a few steps closer out of politeness. "Sorry, I was just wondering what you were doing."

"Me? Ara! I'm just...eh..."

Naru sweat dropped as the girl suddenly froze as if someone hit the pause button on her. "Hey...you still there...?" The stranger seemed to be about to reply when she fell face-first into the knee-deep water, a small trail of bubbles being the only trace that she'd been there at all.

Panicking, the ronin-girl dove forwards and scrambled around, finding her new acquaintance's arm and quickly dragging her to the surface and the suddenly deserted shore. "Please be alive, please be alive, please be alive, I don't know CPR, please be alive..." Naru continued her babbling, pulling the soaked young woman as far out of the water as she could before laying her on the sand gently and kneeling beside her. "Oh, come on, please be alive..."

"Ara?" The young woman sat up, a slightly startled look on her face as she blinked and glanced around. "Oh my!"

"Are you alright?" gasped Naru as she felt herself heave a sigh of relief.

"Oh, you're the girl from earlier!" exclaimed her strange companion, breaking into another bright smile. "I'm Mutsumi Otohime, nice to meet you!"

Naru sweat-dropped, nodding politely though this young woman was confusing her beyond belief. "Very nice to meet you, Otohime-san," she replied. "I'm Naru Narusegawa."

"Please, just call me Mutsumi," giggled the woman happily. "Why are you all wet, Naru-chan?"

"Why?" The Hinata-honey gaped in disbelief. "You fainted, remember? I was walking towards you and the next thing I knew you were under the water!"

"Ara! Mm, how silly of me." Mutsumi smiled all the more. "I have anemic blood so I faint all the time in the strangest places. Thank you for helping me, though! You didn't happen to pick up my watermelon too, did you?"

"Watermelon?" Naru turned back towards the sea, spotting the large fruit lying there washed-up with the surf. "There it is, I'll go and get it."

"Would you? Thank you so much!"

Naru couldn't help but smile at her new friend's constant enthusiasm and unflappable cheer. Picking up the wet watermelon, she carefully carried it back and placed it in the bubbly girl's hands. There you go, safe and sound."

"Thank you! I don't know what I'd do if I lose Tama-chan! Her parents would be very displeased..."

"Tama-chan? You named your watermelons? Why?"

"No, silly, not the watermelon." Mutsumi giggled again, as if it was obvious. "Here, let me show you." She picked up the melon and dropped it over a rock beside them. The green fruit was neatly split in two, a small turtle popping out from inside as if it were an egg with nothing but the rind left over.

"...how the heck...?" Naru stared, smiling weakly when the little shelled creature shuffled towards her and tapped her hand with its flipper, grinning up at her. "Hello there, Tama-chan..."

"Myuh!" it replied sweetly.

"I think she likes you," commented Mutsumi with her ever-present smile.

"Well, I guess I like her too," replied Naru, giving the reptile a tentative pat on the head.

"Oh, you come here now. Have to get those fins flapping or you'll never get to flying at all," scolded Mutsumi kindly as she scooped up the turtle and began to bounce her gently upwards as she flapped her fins.

"Fly?" questioned Naru. "Turtles can't fly, they're not birds..." She trailed off as the small green and yellow turtle suddenly took flight, going around them a couple of times before landing on Mutsumi's head tiredly.

"Myuh!"

"That's alright," the buxom brunette assured the turtle. "You have to exercise those fins a lot before you can make really long flights."

"You can understand what it- I mean, she says?"

"Of course! Can't you?"

"Eh...no."

"Oh...oh well." Mutsumi smiled once again. "Good thing I'm here to translate for you!"

"Myuh! Myuh! Myuh!"

"That's right, Tama-chan, it is lunch time. Are you hungry?"

The turtle nodded. "Myuh!"

"Would you like to join us, Naru-chan?"

The Toudai-failure hesitated, then nodded with a smile. "Sure."

"Good! Come on, there's a good place right over here..."

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After a good dinner at Beef Bowl, everyone gathered in the main room downstairs to drink, play games and have a generally good time until the early hours of morning. By now Kitsune was fast asleep in one of the side chairs, a few empty bottles spread around her with a dribble of drool escaping her partially open lips. Shinobu sat curled up in the chair across from her, a blanket tucked in around her shoulders as she slept on sweetly. Su was next to Motoko on the couch, fast asleep as well with her arms warped about her as usually snuggled into her side. On the swordswoman's other side was her husband, his head resting in her lap and her hand intertwined with his on his chest.

"Looks like you guys are cozy enough," commented Haruka as she walked into the room, looking tired as she lit a slowly. "Where'd Ami and Austin disappear to?"

"Somewhere upstairs," she replied with a shrug. "Those two keep their own agenda most of the time."

"Yeah, I know. And Naru?"

"Out on a trip. Kitsune says she will return shortly, but I wish she would at least tell us where she is going when she leaves."

"She didn't take it that she failed well?"

"Not from what I understand. That is what worries me."

"That girl will be back, she always is."

"What are you doing up? Did something happen at the Tea Shop?" inquired Motoko quietly, careful not to wake either of the two using her as a human pillow at the moment.

"No, I had to wait until I closed shop to call Koshi and inform him that he passed as well," admitted Haruka with a shrug. "I just now got off the phone. Koshi's dad picked it up, which I didn't realize he was on the dig, and after relating the news to his son began to berate me for a very, very long time."

Motoko frowned. Haruka didn't let anyone talk down on her except Hina-san for the most part. "Um...why?"

"For not coming and seeing him or his wife and kids," she replied with a forced laugh. "It's been at least a decade since I went to that rock of theirs. It's a beautiful little island, and they're very nice people, I just haven't felt the need to go see them. I should've, Chiyo his wife went to the same high school as the rest of us, and was the Captain of the Combative Arts team my freshman year. We used to be very good friends."

"Things change, though," said Motoko, unsure of what else to say.

"Yeah, they do. Anyways, I'm off to sleep seeing as you all look rather settled in for the night." She rose, leaving the samurai woman alone to ponder her own thoughts in peace. And they mainly centered on what in the world that whole thing had been about...

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Naru woke early the next morning, finding herself in a strange room next to a young woman she vaguely recognized through her fuzzy vision. Groping for her glasses, everything came back in a rush as she spotted her student id on the table beside her. She'd failed to get into Toudai. Her, Naru Narusegawa, the top contender, had failed. The others at the Juku were going to laugh when they found out, long and hard as well. She'd been so sure of herself, though. The test hadn't been easy necessarily, but she'd thought she had known exactly what she was doing.

Jumping in surprise when something landed on her shoulder, she sighed when she spotted the green shell and smiled at Tama who waved a flipper back before flapping over to Mutsumi and tapping her in a an inquiring manner on the forehead. The young woman stirred, a warm smile gracing her lips before she even opened her eyes. Naru tried to imagine her new companion with anything but a smile or a puzzled expression and, much to her own surprise, couldn't.

"Good morning, Mutsumi-chan," greeted the young woman kindly when her odd friend sat up and shook the last few vestiges of sleep away with a petite yawn.

"Morning, Naru-chan!" came the perky reply. "Ara...did you sleep well?"

"Yeah, thanks." Once again, Naru was surprised and even unnerved under the moody thoughts from yesterday just how good she felt inside. Pushing aside such thoughts, she managed another smile. "What's your plans for today, Mutsumi-chan?"

"Me? Oh, I don't really know." Her smiled remained fixed in place, its brightness never diminishing a single iota. "Since I failed the Entrance Exam, I was just going to hang around for a few days, until Tama-chan is up for traveling, and head home."

"What?!" Naru paused in surprise. "How can you sit there and say that so calmly, 'I failed the Toudai Exams'. That's a whole years worth of studying wasted, for nothing!"

"Ara, I wouldn't say that," replied Mutsumi slowly, still smiling as she turned to be facing towards Naru. "It was a good experience at least, and each time I get a little further while taking the test. My first time I didn't even make it into the test room, I got so nervous I passed out right in the hallway and woke up in an ambulance outside. While that upset me a little bit at the time, I realized I just couldn't give up that easily."

"Wait, then this wasn't your first time?"

"Nope."

Feeling a little nosy, Naru still asked, "How many times have you failed??"

The young woman counted on her fingers. "One...two...three! Three times."

The new ronin's jaw dropped, disbelief obvious on her face as her companion looked back in all seriousness. Tama-chan was the first to break the elongated silence, myuhing impatiently as she tapped her stomach.

"Ara, are you hungry?" Mutsumi pulled the shelled creature into her lap, petting her head gently. "Just let me get dressed and we'll find some breakfast for you. Are you coming with us, Naru-chan?"

"Uh, sure, I'll come." Feeling at loose ends with the information she'd just absorbed, Naru stiffly began the process of cleaning herself up and getting dressed.

"So where are you from, Naru-chan?" asked Mutsumi inquisitively as she donned her own skirt, blouse and vest, all of which flattered her thin waist and round chest.

Envious of her companion's figure, Naru hedged around the question. "Oh, a small town just a few hours from here. You've probably never heard of it..."

"Is it in the direction of Tokyo?" prodded the cheerful young woman as she secured her hair back in a think braid. "My mother used to travel around in that area and lived in one town for many years on the kindness of an old woman there."

Naru, who was desperately attempting to formulate a reply with her scattered wits, was saved by Tama who flew in circles about them impatiently.

"Myuh! Myuh! Myuuuuh!!"

"You're a hungry little fellow today, aren't you?" scolded Mutsumi gently as he landed on her shoulder again. "Ara! You must've worked up quiet an appetite there."

"Myuh!"

"Yes...are you ready to go, Naru-chan?"

The young woman fixed her glasses on the bridge her nose, unable not to smile in return when faced with such infectious enthusiasm. "Yep, let's go!"

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Keitaro woke to find himself alone on the couch, which was not unusual since Motoko was still in the middle of her Competition season and trained near constantly. Kitsune was still in her chair from last night, but Su and Shinobu were gone as well and as he smelled the delicious aroma that permeated the house from their resident chef's cooking, he had a jolt of inspiration that made him smile. Racing upstairs to change real fast, he plotted his plan.

Motoko had just finished her final kata when the door to the roof opened, revealing Keitaro with a covered tray in hands.

"Morning!" he greeted her brightly, smiling as he set the tray down by the door, straightening up to run a hand through his mussed hair. "Sleep well?"

"Yes, thank you, but what are you doing awake?" Her eyes took on a teasing glint, though they also observed the tray. "I did not expect to see you awake before dinner."

"Yeah, well, it's a beautiful day and it's not often I get to share breakfast with my wife alone." He motioned to the tray inquiringly. "Hungry?"

She paused, though her stomachs grumbling belied her hesitation. "Yes," she admitted. "But...what is the occasion?"

"Everyone Take A Break day," he replied, flinging his arms out wide as he did. "It's a holiday I have now instated at Hinata-sou!"

"Take A Break day?" she replied, trying to suppress the smile that rose on her lips and failing. "What is it we're to take a break from?"

"Whatever you want," he replied with a shrug. "I have informed the other residents, or the ones that are awake, that I'm taking a break from being the Manager today. Shinobu is taking a break from cooking for the rest of the day after she finishes breakfast. Haruka is taking a break from the Tea House, but that was already planned, and Austin is going to take a break from being lazy and help Ami there all day today. Su and Sarah promised to take a break from breaking things period, just for today, and I left Kitsune with a note suggesting she take a break from drinking...but I don't think that's gonna happen."

"And now it is my turn to decide what I should take a break from," broke in Motoko gently. "The problem is...I truly cannot afford to take a break."

"I know you haven't had much time to practice the way you've been helping me out around here," replied Keitaro quickly. "And I appreciate it, I really do! But...well, if you won't take off the whole day you'll at least enjoy breakfast with me, right?"

Half expecting her to refuse, he was delighted when she sighed with a nod. "Yes," she said slowly with a smile. "I should be able to afford to take breakfast with you at the very least." Thought it likely never showed to the others, Motoko had missed the quiet moments she had shared with Keitaro before, especially in these last few weeks with everything being so busy, and felt her resolve to practice and train all day slowly begin to crumble under a desire to be with her husband.

"Great! Come on, let's see what I was able scrounge together." They uncovered the tray and began to set out the bowls and dishes, uncovering the misou soup, freshly sliced fruit, and white rice still hot and steaming. Sitting side by side, Keitaro with his back to the wall and Motoko kneeling beside him, they dined together catching the last few seconds of the sunrise in a comfortable silence.

Observing his wife out of the corner of his eye, the young man noted the slight bags under Motoko's eyes and other signs of weariness his wife bore. As well as, for the first time ever, just how much Motoko ate. She was by no means a glutton, but he had a new appreciation for the physical energy she invested in her kendo as she proceeded to go back for seconds and even third helpings of their meal. Where she kept it all with her slim figure, he would never know.

Sipping the last of the soup politely, she noticed his gaze and paused momentarily after wiping her mouth. "Yes, Keitaro-kun?"

Blushing at being caught, her husband spied a drop of soup left on her cheek. "Oh, you missed a spot..." Motioning to his own face, he chuckled when she missed it again with a second wipe and reached over to get it himself. "There."

Quiet seemed to stretch between them as he looked into her eyes, neither one willing to break it as they leaned closer together...

"Keitaro!!!"

"Dorkus!!"

The quiet and mood was shattered by a charging Su and Sarah, bursting onto the roof and tackling their favorite toy who landed in a heap with them on top.

"Morning, Motoko-chan!" called Su as she jumped off Keitaro, leaving him to Sarah who put him in an effective (and painful) grappling pin.

"Good morning," replied Motoko as she rose, allowing the younger girl to cling to her back. "What are you two doing up here?"

"We want Keitaro to come play with us," explained Sarah calmly as she continued to pin down Keitaro despite his muffled cries and complaints.

Quirking her lips a little, Motoko tickled Sarah loose and helped Keitaro stand as well but not before Sarah had sat herself upon his shoulders. "I see."

"It'd be fun if you came too," added their blonde visitor. "You're both so busy all the time like Papa!"

"I think I could afford to spend today with you hooligans," replied Keitaro as Sarah bopped him on the head. "Hey, now..."

"What about you, Motoko-chan?" pressed Su, huggling her about the neck.

"Well, I..." The kendoist winced inwardly at how badly she felt she needed the training, but something about the hopeful looks both young girls and her husband were giving her tugged at the strings of her heart. Giving under the traitorous feeling that there was more to life than the perfection of her art, she smiled and nodded. "I shall come."

"Yeah!"

"Whoopee!!"

"So, what do you two want to do?" asked Keitaro as Sarah slid down to the ground, bending over to gather their breakfast dishes. "Go somewhere? Stay here?"

"Can we go to the park?" asked Su excitedly. "I wanna try out some new stuff!"

"Just so long as there is not even a possibility that it will explode," replied Motoko warningly. "You cannot damage the park property again, or they will ban all Hinata-sou residents permanently as they have threatened."

"They won't," promised Su as she and Sarah took off for her room down below.

"I thought you were going to practice all day," pointed out Keitaro lightly as he put the basket in one hand and took Motoko's with the other.

"Yes, but something more important came up."

"What was that?"

"A chance to make a memory." She smiled, a wry edge to her countenance. "At one time my greatest aspiration was to be listed as the greatest swordswoman ever in my family records. But now..." She trailed off, shrugging ever so slightly. "When I die, that will not matter. Not to the people I lived with, who I shared my time with. My sword, when I leave it behind, cannot perform in the same manner without me here no matter how many times I swing it. But another person can remember me so long as I give them a memory to remember me with."

Keitaro smiled, understanding completely. "Then let's go make a memory."

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Naru fished a few yen out of her purse, Mutsumi and Tama-chan seated at the restaurant table behind her splitting a melon for a mid-morning snack as the new ronin called Kitsune like she'd promised to. Hearing the foxy-lady's cell phone ring over the line, she grinned to herself as a groggy voice answered after awhile.

"'ello?"

"Hi, Kitsune," replied Naru with a chuckle. "Did I wake you up?"

"No, Su and Sarah have been at it for awhile. I'm just lying on the couch watching the races for today. How's the vacation going?"

"Pretty good. I met this really nice young woman who I'm going to walk around with today. She's a ronin too."

"Misery loves company, eh?"

"Well...not quite..." Naru looked back at the pair and got another bright smile. "Anyway, here is the number to the hotel where I'm staying."

"You know, I'm not sure how long you're going to need out there and all, but partying is just not quite the same without you around," put in Kitsune, sounding unusually serious as she did. "Everyone's a little worried about ya here, and I think it'd be a nice gesture if you came back in time for the Toudai ceremony-thingy on Tuesday."

Naru sucked in a deep breath, then nodded. "Alright. When is it?"

"Tuesday. Not that you have to make it to the ceremony itself but having you there that night would be nice. At least to show everyone you're alive and well."

"Yeah, well..." Remembering the number of times her new friend had failed brought a wry chuckle from the young woman. "I've realized my situation is far from the worst. If I'm not there that night, I promise I will be home by the next day, ok?"

"Alright, I'll let them know."

"Try not to drink too much, ok?"

"Yeah, and you take care of yourself. See you soon!"

"Bye."

Naru hung up the phone, going to sit back down with her new friends.

"Have a good talk with your friend?" asked Mutsumi brightly.

"Yeah, just had to get a few details settled came the light reply. "Are you two done?"

"Yep! What would you like to go se now, Naru-chan?"

Naru shrugged. "Whatever you want is fine with me."

"Myuh! Myuuuh!!"

"Really, Tama-chan? Then to the Melon Festival we go!"

Naru sweated, but followed them out into the bustling streets. It was going to be an interesting day, that was for sure.

::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::

Motoko and Keitaro followed the exuberant pair, one carrying a basket with food and the other a blanket for them to sit upon with their hands linked between them. It did not take them long to reach the park, and after they'd set the food and blanket aside in a safe niche, all four headed for the play ground next to them.

"Tag, you're it!" yelled Su as she whacked Sarah on the arm, taking off for the monkey bars a split second later.

"Oh, you asked for it now!" Sarah raced after her, threatening her jokingly.

"I wish I had energy like that again," said Keitaro as he sat himself in a swing, Motoko taking the one next to him. "To be able to run around for hours on end..."

"I think children are the ones found most often living life to the fullest," replied his wife quietly, a note of fondness ringing through it. "They embrace each sunrise as a new beginning and surrender at its setting only when they are too tired to carry on."

"Wow," sighed Keitaro with a smile. "I wish I had a way with words like you."

"But you are very good with words," she replied in surprise. "It is one of the ways you touch so many lives..."

"TAG! You're it!" Keitaro fell forwards out of the swing after Su kicked him in the back of the head.

"Ow!! Why don't you go get Sarah-chan instead?" suggested Keitaro with a wince as he rubbed the lump forming at the base of his skull.

"I can't, no tag backs!" replied Su innocently, not bothering to run. "So now you gotta get Sarah-chan or Motoko-chan!"

Looking at his wife, who have him a look stating that as long a he was in her sight he didn't have a chance, he shrugged and stood. "Alright...better start running, Sarah, here I come!"

"Try and die, dork! Does your head count with things I can't break?"

"Yes, it does!"

"Darn it..."

Su laughed and did a cartwheel as Sarah climbed onto the jungle gym, Keitaro determinedly close on her tail. "Haha! Keitaro's not gonna catch Sarah if he stays slow like that. She's a fast critter!"

"Yes, that she is," agreed Motoko as she rose gracefully, the younger girl immediately clambering onto her back and hugging her tightly around the neck.

"I'm glad you came," she whispered, Motoko able to feel the joy rolling off her in waves and knowing her loss was worth it.

"I am glad I came as well," she replied, reaching up to tweak her cheek gently. Feeling some one tap her arm as Su slid to the ground, she knew immediately it was Keitaro but was a little puzzled when Su stepped back even further, still smiling.

"Tag," said her husband with a teasing smile. "You're it, and no tag backs."

Everything coming together, she laughed. "Su...that wasn't very nice."

"It was the only way to make you it!" she replied with a grin. "Sorry!"

"You'd best get moving then," she informed the two younger girls who took off with a squeal. "Here I come!"

::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::

Naru followed Mutsumi around the city of Yokohama, Tama flying from shoulder to shoulder as she pleased and slowly gaining more strength in her flippers with practice. First had been the Melon Festival, but they hadn't tarried long when Tama-chan had 'declared' the melons to be in poor condition and Mutsumi had agreed whole-heartedly. Whatever the true reason was, Naru was glad, for the moment they left Mutsumi had fainted from the heat and they'd been able to get her in the shade to wait for her to wake more easily than if they'd been in the crowds at the Festival grounds.

Now, after lots of window shopping and another fainting spell, they were coming to a Farmer's Market on the edge of the town near the docks with supposedly the best fruits and vegetables to be found. Admiring the quaint wares sold there along with several delicious looking bins of produce, they were coming towards the far ends of it when Tama flew off suddenly towards the ships.

"Ara? Tama-chan, come back!" Mutsumi immediately went after her, calling her name.

"Mutsumi, wait up!" Naru followed, glasses slipping down her nose and all of their purchases looped over each arm banging against her legs as she tried to keep up. Rounding a corner they'd turned at, she stopped dead in her tracks at the sight of Mutsumi joyfully hugging a young man whose face she couldn't quite see with Tama-chan resting on his head. Turning around to give them a little privacy, she was stopped by Tama myuhing loudly, alerting the other two of her presence.

"Ara, you have to meet my new friend, Ko-kun!" gushed the exuberant young woman as she ran back to Naru and grabbed onto her arm. "She's been very sweet in sharing my vacation with me so I'm not alone!"

Tama myuhed again, a little disgruntled as she landed on her shoulder.

"Silly turtle, you know what I mean," replied Mutsumi gently.

"So, who's this friend?" said the male who was facing their backs, an amused note in his voice than was strangely familiar.

Deciding to bite the bullet, Naru turned around with a polite smile. "Hello, my name is...Koshi?!"

The said young man face-faulted. "Oh, you've got to be kidding me...!"

Completely obviously, to their reactions, Mutsumi plowed on. "Naru-chan, meet my best friend since I was very, very little, Koshi! Ko-kun, this is Naru, my new friend!"

"We've already met," coughed Koshi, taking a step back as a standard precaution. "What are you doing out in Yokohama? You should be back at Hinata with the rest celebrating your passing the test."

"Ara? Naru-chan is from Hinata-sou??"

"How'd you do on it?" interrupted Naru, ignoring both queries.

"I passed, just like you and Keitaro," he replied with a shrug.

"Ara? Silly Ko-kun," giggled Mutsumi. "Naru-chan is a ronin, like me!"

Naru felt her face heat up with shame as Koshi stared back in surprise.

"Oh," he said after a few strained moments of silence. "The freakishly smart and dorky girl didn't make it? Never say that one coming, I bet..."

smack

"Insensitive jerk!" yelled Naru angrily.

Koshi frowned, touching the red mark on his face. "Hey now, that really wasn't necessary...I was just stating the facts!"

"There's a like nicer ways of putting it," she growled back. "Baka!"

"Gees, don't have a cow..."

"Ara, it's so nice that you two get along so well!" put in Mutsumi, clapping her hands as she did. "Come have dinner with us, Ko-kun, it'll be like old times!"

Glancing at his watch, the young man shook his head. "Fraid not, Mutsumi-chan. I have to finish loading some supplies for Uncle and get back over to the island soon."

"Ara, did he make another discovery?"

"Yep, biggest one yet. We might have to rewrite Japanese history if he can prove its all real."

"He should go visit Ma and Papa some day when the work is light," said Mutsumi decisively. "Everyone loves it when he comes!"

"I'll be sure to pass on the message," Koshi assured her with a smile. "I have to go, but I'll see you soon, ok?"

"Alright, take care, Ko-kun!"

"You too, Mutsumi-chan! And safe travels for both of you back home!"

"He's such a nice guy," commented Mutsumi as she spotted a melon stand near by, immediately heading towards it and dragging Naru along. "Ara, let's go over here! Don't you think so, Naru-chan? And handsome too."

"Yeah," replied Naru through a clenched jaw, feeling her stomach fold itself in knots for some reason. "A real charmer..."

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Keitaro lay collapsed on the picnic blanket, Motoko serving a starving Sarah and Su their sandwiches and vegetables while he gained his second wind. They'd chased each other around the park for the better part of three hours in their game, and the Manager was more than glad for the break. The two blonde kids were a little winded, but he had a feeling that once they'd eaten and rested they'd be ready to go again. Envious of his wife, who appeared no more tired than if she'd gone on a long walk he watched her quietly as she took care of their two charges before turning to him.

"Tired?" she asked, a teasing sparkle in her eyes as she poured him some water and set a sandwich for him on a napkin.

"No, absolutely not," he replied with a grin, still breathing heavily. "I could probably...take on the world...if I had to."

"Relax and try to breathe more from your stomach than your chest," she advised him calmly, pulling out a sandwich for herself and biting into it neatly. "When you breathe shallowly, the only thing you gain is a racing heart, a dizzy head, and wasted energy."

Following her advice, Keitaro was surprised at how much more quickly he felt himself recover. Sitting up, he reached for his cup and drained it, quenching the thirst he'd worked up with all that running. "Aah, that is better. What's for lunch?"

"Egg salad sandwiches," replied his wife. "Carrots, celery, and dip."

"Sounds excellent!"

"Hey, dork, when is the initiation ceremony?" asked Sarah as she finished her sandwich, gulping the last of her water noisily.

"Ceremony for what?" replied Keitaro in confusion.

"For making it into Toudai, stupid!" she replied, smacking herself in the forehead. "Doh! It's a wonder you did, acting like that. Papa was asking so he and Koshi would make it back in time."

"Next Tuesday, sometime in the morning," he stated firmly. "So they should probably come in early that morning or the night before."

"Alright, I'll tell him."

"Excited?" inquired Motoko as Su and Sarah ran off again, this time with some mysterious package Su had carried all the way from the Inn.

"Very," he replied. "And nervous. I've never been up in front of that many people before in my life."

"Yes, but they will not be there to judge or test you," she reminded him. "But to congratulate you for already passing the tests set before you."

"I never thought about it that way," he admitted as he wiped his mouth, tossing his empty napkin and cup in with the rest of the trash. "You know, I-"

"SUCCESS!!"

The couple looked over to see Su zooming around holding onto what looked like a pair of bike handlebars attached to mini helicopter propellers.

Sweating, the Manager lay back, wondering why his residents couldn't be normal.

"You were saying?" asking Motoko, seating with her back to the tree beside him.

"Nothing," he replied with a chuckle as Su flew overhead, her legs flapping in the breeze. "Nothing at all."

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Naru sat with Mutsumi and Tama-chan, eating the fine spread set before them provided by the hotel they were staying at for a small fee. Mutsumi chatted away merrily about the many things they'd seen that day to Naru and Tama, who agreed or replied enthusiastically. However, the conversation came to a screeching halt with one single, innocent question.

"Tell me, Naru-chan," inquired Mutsumi. "What do you think of Ko-kun?

Pausing with her chopsticks halfway to her mouth, the new ronin stared back in surprise. "Well, I..." Trailing off, she set the utensils down. "Why do you ask?"

"Ara, I was just wondering what sort of friends you are," replied Mutsumi, still smiling innocently. "He's such a nice guy and I was so happy when we saw him today!"

Naru frowned, studying her hands. "Well, we're not exactly friends..."

Mutsumi gasped. "You mean you're his lover?!"

"What??! NO!!" Naru sat back down from having jumped up. "I mean no, no we'd never be together like that. He's just my manager's boss's nephew."

"So you don't really know him?" went on Mutsumi, seeming to relax as she did. "That's too bad, he's really a sweet heart when he wants to be."

Naru rolled her eyes, instances from their first meeting and then the train ride coming to mind. "I'm sure..."

"Ara...if you don't know him very well, why do you care what he thinks?"

"Who said I care what he thinks?"

"You avoided answering his questions until you knew whether or not he passed," pointed out Mutsumi with shocking clarity.

Naru face-faulted, wondering if the young woman's childishness was only a front. "Yeah, well..."

"You are a very silly girl sometimes, Naru-chan," stated Mutsumi, effectively changing the topic again in a way that made one wonder just who this strange girl was. "So full of opposites sometimes. Do you know when you must be home?"

"I promised Wednesday at the latest," she admitted. "But I could go earlier."

"Ara, that's perfect!" replied Mutsumi brightly. "Tama-chan and I must take our train back to a port on Tuesday to catch our boat. You should travel with us!"

"Oh, I dunno..." Naru shrugged uncertainly. "I may stay one more day..."

"But you mustn't! It's not safe for young women to wander about by themselves, even though I'm sure you're capable of taking care of yourself, Naru-chan." Mutsumi leaned forwards, touching Naru's arm gently and completely unaware of the irony there.

Says she who travels alone thought Naru to herself, though she nodded. "Alright."

"Wonderful! Ara...you live at Hinata-sou, right?"

Naru nodded. "Yep, I've lived there for a few years now. Why?"

"Tell me about it," coaxed the young woman with a dreamy smile. "My mother used to tell me tales of the wondrous things that happen there, and I dream of living there myself someday. What's it like?"

"Ok, I think I can do that." The young woman paused to collect her thoughts before she began. "Well, first of all, the main building is absolutely huge, with this long, wide stair case leading up to it from the street like steps up into heaven..."

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The days passed again, Time running its course before Tuesday morning was upon them and all that it brought with it.

Keitaro rushed about, more nervous than he'd ever been before, even while taking the test, in his life. Gulping down his coffee and trying to flatten his unruly hair, the ex-ronin stopped moving when a gentle set of hands pushed his own away from his face.

"You are only making it worse," his wife informed him teasingly as she straightened his tie and smoothed his collar and hair herself.

"Thanks," he said, giving her a kiss on the cheek. "You guys are coming, right?"

"We will be there," she promised with a nod. "Now go, before you are late."

He chuckled. "Yes, ma'am. See you there!" She waved as he disappeared down the steps, watching even after he was gone from sight.

"So, he's finally reached his dreams, hm?" commented Haruka as she appeared behind Motoko, the usual halo of smoke about her head without her apron for once.

"Yes, he has," replied Motoko, a touch of affection present in her voice. "It was an arduous battle, but he has bested his opponent in a way that all should be proud."

"You'd have said you were proud of him even if he'd failed," snorted Haruka, though there was a hint of approval in her voice. "Speaking of which...has Naru called?"

"She did, I believe she spoke with Kitsune," came the simple reply. "She plans to return soon. If not today, then sometime later this week, so Kitsune said."

"And she found someone to travel with her?"

"Yes, a ronin much like herself from what I was told."

"Well, don't you ladies look lovely today!"

thwap

Haruka put her fan away as the well-thwaped Seta chuckled and rubbed his head.

"Good morning, Seta-san," said Motoko politely, quite used to the pairs antics by now. Seeing the his kid close on their heals, she added. "And good morning to you too."

"Hey, I guess the loser finally made it in," said Sarah, looking a little pissed.

"Sarah-chan! Hiyas, you came!" Su launched herself from the house, dressed in a yellow sundress with red flowers on it.

"Yeah."

"Somethin' the matter?" asked Su quizzically when her companion didn't reply.

"He passed the test," replied Sarah sourly. "So...he's not really an idiot. Which means I can't really call him that anymore."

"So? That just means you'll have to think of new nicknames for him," replied Su with a devious grin. "Like monkey butt or even turtle head."

Motoko, who'd been listening in amusement, when white. "No, Su-chan," she cut in, her voice barely under control. "Do not call him...that."

"Why, I kinda like 'turtle head'," replied Sarah, a wicked grin on her face. "He kinda resembles one, the way he goes around, hiding his head so he don't offend folks..."

"Seta, take these two ahead and get the tickets for the train," ordered Haruka suddenly, practically shoving the confused trio down the first few steps as they obeyed. "You gonna be alright, or do you need to go destroy something in the back," she added aside to her niece, who was gripping the handle of her sword.

"I will be fine," came the faint reply. "It is not their fault, they are just children."

"The kitchen's clean, and the roast is set to go!" called Shinobu as she came scuttling outside. "Sorry to keep you all...where is everyone?"

"Keitaro had to leave, and Sarah, Seta, and Su just went ahead to buy the tickets," replied Haruka. "You're not late, we're still waiting on one-"

A loud, desperate, "NOOOO!!" cut off the rest of Haruka's statement, all of them peering back inside to see a broken Kitsune lying on the couch already reaching for a fresh bottle of sake left out. "Ahh...that's my whole month's rent...he was a sure win!"

"Come on, get up," said Haruka gruffly as she pulled the bottle out of reach. "You said you'd go, and so you are. Besides, the sake is for the party afterwards."

"And I can have it when we get back? For no charge?"

"Yes."

"Alright, I'm coming..."

"Be sure to replace Kitsune's hoard after she gets a little tipsy with ginger ale again," murmured Motoko as they started down the front stairs.

"Auu, you don't think she's going to be that bad, do you?"

"If you wish to let her go and find out, I will not be the one mopping up the mess in the morning," coughed Motoko quietly, Shinobu's eyes widening considerably.

"Ok, just let me know when."

"It shall be done."

It was not long before they caught up the rest and boarded the train, heading towards Toudai and Keitaro's dream come true.

::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::

Naru sat silently on the train, Mutsumi beside her and as bubbly as ever as she watched the country side pass by through the window across from them.

"Don't you love the spring?" she sighed as Tama, who was sitting between them, myuhed in agreement. "It's so pretty with all the flowers, and it's when you start planning seeds for the melons! I hope my family remembers to plant enough to feed all of us this year, we ran out after Christmas two years ago and it was just awful!"

"I bet." Her answering was terse, and her companion glanced over in confusion.

"Is something wrong, Naru-chan?"

"No, everything is fine." Her voice sounded dead even to herself.

The Okinawan made and amused face at the obviously fake smile she got in reply. "Well, should there be a problem, I'm here to listen," she giggled.

After fiddling with her glasses for a few minutes and looking down to see Tama staring up at her expectantly, Naru sighed in defeat. "I'm afraid of the welcome I might get back at Hinata," she admitted quietly. "Its not that they wouldn't let me live there anymore, or refuse to be my friends, it's just... I mean Koshi and Keitaro got in, and I didn't, which wasn't supposed to happen. If they gloat over it, I'll be pissed but all I'd have to do then is smack them and they're too nice to do that anyways. If they pitied me and tried to help I think I'll kill myself... And what if they just ignore it and treat it like it doesn't even matter that I was gone?"

"You said you didn't want their pity," pointed out Mutsumi, sounding unusually wise. "And you don't want their help or them to ignore you...what do you want?"

"Wish I know..."

Mutsumi looked at her, smiling. "I know what I want."

Naru met her eyes, curious. "What's that?"

"To get into Toudai and find my true love!" The smile upon the Okinawan's face was bright enough to have lit the whole train and then some.

"Well, that's good that you know what you want," replied Naru flatly. "I'm glad."

"I know you're not pleased with how you did, but if you fail you should try again," reasoned Mutsumi with a shrug. "It's not until you quit trying that you truly fail."

The conductor's voice came on overhead, Mutsumi standing as it was her station.

"Well, I guess this is goodbye for now," she said cheerfully. "But I know we'll be meeting up again soon!"

"Take care, and have a safe trip home!" replied Naru, giving Tama a fond pat on the head before she flew after Mutsumi. Waving, she watched the odd pair disappear into the crowds with a sigh. Now she was alone, which is what she'd originally wanted during this trip, and now that she was...she wanted someone with her again. Deciding to get back to the Inn as quickly as possible, no matter what the consequences of having failed the test may be, she settled back into her seat for the rest of the ride. She couldn't wait to get back home.

::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::

A dark force stirred restlessly.

"Patience, friend."

Calm and soothing was the voice, and so the darkness was still. Yet it trembled deep with in with a righteous anger.

"Yes, yes...you have been denied your fill. But I still require your cooperation."

Crooning, coaxing. Again, the darkness went still, this time with the air of an attentive listener.

"Very good, my dearest. I need you to use your cunning this time. And your power."

The darkness stirred, but in a query this time.

"Yes, you will have time. Now listen, love, for you know that I of any love you best. Here is what we must do..."

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Keitaro fidgeted nervously the whole time to Toudai, adjusting his tie or his cuffs again and again until he stepped onto the platform of his destination. Getting a friendly clap on the shoulder, he looked up to see Koshi standing beside him in a suit and tie.

"Hey, Keitaro! Congratulations."

"Yeah, same to you," replied the jumpy young man with a quick nod. "How's the work going with your Uncle?"

"Great, I think he's made his biggest discovery yet," he said in an easy manner. "C'mon, let's get ourselves over to the campus before they decide to start without us, k?"

Keitaro chuckled nervously, keeping up with his quick strides along the crowded side walks. "Yeah, that might be a good thing to do."

Talking in a friendly manner, they reached the campus before they knew it, walking through the archway at the front entrance side by side.

"By my name I have to go over by the entrance to the left," commented Koshi as he read the signs with directions for new students.

"Do you see the ones for me?" inquired Keitaro before he spotted it himself. "Oh, never mind, I'm over by the monument with the construction work. Coming to dinner?"

"Afterwards? Heck yeah. Uncle said Shinobu had a special dinner planned, and after weeks of ramen noodles I wouldn't miss it for the world. See ya then!"

"Sure thing!" Keitaro waved one last time before facing his destination and walking towards the students milling about by that spot confidently.

Pausing at the foot of the monument, he read over the name plate before looking upwards at the four gargantuan gargoyles that sat on its upper most ledges like guardians facing each cardinal direction. Staring at the one directly above him in particular, he paused when its eyes seemed to gleam a soulless black. Almost convincing himself it was just a trick of the light, he narrowed his gaze further and was about to look away when its twisted maw transformed into a sneering leer and there was a loud crack in the background. Not realizing what was happening right away, it suddenly clicked that the giant statue was rapidly closing in on him from above. Flinging himself out of the way, Keitaro didn't even have time to yell out a warning for there was a sharp pain at the back of his head and then everything went black.

::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::

The darkness pulsed weakly.

"Oh yes, love, I know...but you have done well indeed. Just rest now, rest until I call for you again."

Again it stirred in compliance.

"As promised, your time will soon come. Grow strong, love, for your hour approaches when you shall strike..."

::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::

Naru found the lights at the Inn shinning in a warm fashion when she arrived at the bottom of the steps. However, as she climbed those steps it was not the sounds of a joyous celebration, but of the TV and the occasional word of conversation that reached her ears. Wondering if it was Wednesday and she'd just lost track of time, she knocked on the front door was in for another surprise.

"Koshi!" she said. "Wait, what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be back at the dig??"

"Hey, nice to see you too," he replied wryly. "The ceremony was today, and so I stayed for dinner, but due to a change in plans I'll be here even longer than that. See-"

"Naru-chan?" Ami appeared in the doorway, shooing Koshi to the side as she did. "Come on it, we've missed you!"

"What's going on?" asked Naru as she removed her shoes and hat, seeing Su, Shinobu, and Sarah curled up on the couch watching TV quietly. "What about the party?"

"That's what I was going to tell you," explained Koshi quietly. "There was an accident, and Keitaro, well..."

"He's not dead, is he?" inquired Naru with a frown.

"No, just hospitalized," replied Ami. "Let's take this into the kitchen, alright? Austin's reheating leftovers from lunch, and you're probably famished."

"Where's everyone else?"

"Kitsune's in her room, and Haruka's going to the hospital."

"Have a seat," said Ami as they gathered around the table, setting cups out for everyone and a fresh pot of tea. "Alright, so here's what we know for sure..."

::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::

Haruka walked into the hospital room to find her nephew still out cold in his bed and Motoko beside him holding his hand with her eyes closed. She stirred as the familiar presence entered the room, though. "Haruka-san...?"

"I brought you something to keep you busy," replied the elder woman as she dropped a beat-up leather bound book and a pen in her lap. "You used to be really good, and I always thought it'd be a good idea if you started it up again."

"You know about my writings?" came the surprised reply.

"Hina-san read them," admitted Haruka as she pulled up a chair beside her niece. "And then would tell me about them, sometimes quoting entire passages in that uncanny way of hers."

"They were always hidden or locked away," said the young woman uncertainly. "I never knew Hina-san went through my personal possessions..."

"Yeah, well, it's her weird way of figuring out what goes on in you girls heads."

"Do you try to do that?"

"Figure you out? Hell no." Haruka gave a bark of a laugh. "I can't figure out myself have the time, so I don't think I'll try picking any of you apart. You gonna stay?"

"At least until he wakes up. I...they are not sure if he will remember what happened." Motoko frowned. "It is best to have a person he trusts here when he wakes."

"Hungry? You've been here without food since after breakfast."

"No thank you, the nurse brought me a bagel awhile ago."

"Then I'll be heading home. There are clothes over there in the bag by the door for both of you and call when he wakes or he can come home, alright?"

"Of course."

"See you later, then."

Motoko nodded, watching as her elder rose and walked out the door into the darkening night. "Good night, oba-san." She leaned back, one hand running over the leather journal almost tenderly as she picked it up carefully. She could tell you its contents without looking, for it was the only one of her stories that she never finished.

A bet. That had been how it started. A bet with Kitsune that she could write a love plot in one of her stories with ease. Her pride had blinded her to the fact that she was likely the least-learned people when it came to love, and as such she had never written again after attempting this...monstrosity. Still, perhaps it was long since time for her to take up her pen and try once more...

Turning to a blank page, she spread it flat before beginning to write with words that flowed from within just as they had a few years ago. Hours passed unnoticed as she became absorbed in her document, and it wasn't until sometime around midnight that she stopped as she fell asleep bending over the leather bound book.

Dawn came, and as light began to filter into the room falling over Keitaro's eyes he stirred. Blinking unsteadily, the ex-ronin lay there in a state of disorientation until his eyes fell on his broken leg suspended in the air and it all came back in a rush.

The eyes...the smirk...and then...!

Trying to move as quietly as possible, his attempt to reach the glass of water on the bedside table to slake his raging thirst fell short and the resulting shock of pain from jerking his leg was enough to bring black spots to his vision.

"Ah! Oh, ow, gees...this is not good..."

"Keitaro-kun?" His wife reached over him, putting the glass in his hands as she woke quickly. "You finally woke up. Are you alright?"

"Just...sore. How long have I been out?" The water was nearly gone by now, and Motoko refilled the glass accordingly.

"Since yesterday morning and through the night."

"All the way through the night...?" Keitaro shook his head, amazed. "Wow, and you stayed here the whole time?"

"Yes, of course," she replied steadily. "I have been here since we got the call that you were stable and could be visited. The ambulance was just taking you away when we arrived, and we followed to the hospital. You were not the only one injured, only the one who sustained the most injury."

"Thank you for staying," he said sincerely as he took her hand in his own and squeezed it gently. "Have they said when I might go home?"

"The doctor said it depend upon your condition when you woke," she explained. "And he will be here to check on you this morning. From what I can see, your usual abilities have come through..." She reached over to gently run a hand along the back of his head, both the gash and the bump gone. "All that leaves is your leg, which can heal at home just as well as it would here. You should be home today."

"There are ways to speed heal bones, right?"

"Yes, but I do not know the technique," replied his wife hesitantly. "And that would call for a visit home to my family..."

"And that would not be a good idea," finished Keitaro with an understanding nod. "That's fine, it'll just have to heal the old fashioned way. With time."

"Good morning, you two," said a familiar voice from the door, both turning to see Dr. Nori standing there with a clipboard. "Haruka requested her nephew be switched to my care due to 'familial issues', and so I am here."

"Because you would not question anomalies in the usual healing patterns," guessed Motoko with a smile. "That was a wise choice."

"So I said, as well." The doctor nodded briefly. "Now, let's get you checked over so you can get home. How's that sound?"

Keitaro smiled. "That sounds great."

"Good. Now, give me your hand and we'll start with your pulse..."

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"Master?"

The servant appears before his overload, kneeling in respect.

"What news do you bring me?"

"Good news, Master."

The Master laughs.

"That he is dead?"

"No, Master. That he lives, with proof that his plan works. At least at the moment."

"How so...?"

"The demon is in place, with the occupants completely unaware of it. Soon his plan will come together, for the final piece is about to fall in place."

"Is he sure it will work?"

"In his own words 'as sure as any of the others were' when speaking with a colleague."

"Very well...continue to watch him. And if it fails, it still costs him his life."

"As you wish, Master..."

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Keitaro was soon home again and, on doctor's orders, assigned bed rest for a week before he was allowed on his feet again. The time passed quickly, though, and before they knew it he was up hobbling about taking over his job as Manager once more. The weather was nice, and everyone was in a generally good mood. Sarah was still living among them with the absence of her Papa and Koshi on the dig, but even she was behaving and not jumping on Keitaro so his leg could heal faster. (In her words: A fixed toy is better than a broken toy, so I can wait.) Ami and Austin were in and out as they pleased, no one questioning their presence or absence anymore as it may be. Naru, after a short break, began to study again with renewed vigor to score even higher on the practice tests and, of course, get into Toudai a year from then. Motoko, going between her kendo practice and writing in what little free time she had, was unfortunately not seen much after Keitaro was up and walking again, but summer was soon and things would slow down then. Kitsune, of course, was drinking, betting, and working some job none of others ever saw her do actual work for as always, and life just went on for her.

Keitaro and Motoko had talked a great deal over the incident surrounding the fall of the gargoyle off the top of the monument, but even visiting the sight of the accident and studying the evidence for themselves revealed nothing. Having at first connected it with the sword, Motoko had gone through the trouble of inspecting it personally one fine day. She'd even fully drawn it, finding it to be heavier than the blade she used now, and rather exquisitely made and beautifully preserved, but past that it was nothing but an ordinary blade in her vision. With no further reason to be suspicious of it, it had remained on Keitaro's office wall as before.

Yes, besides Keitaro's broken leg and the fact that things were picking up school wise with the end of the spring semester in sight, everything was fine until one lovely spring day...

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The darkness pulsed eagerly.

"Yes, love, yes, soon."

It stirred, almost like a dog chasing its tail.

"Yes, be joyful love, for soon you shall be free! You have been very good for me, and deserve the chance you shall be given."

It stilled, content. The darkness waited for its Masters call as he had commanded.

"That is it, love, soon...just be patient a few days further...and it will end."

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Keitaro hobbled up the steps to the Inn with a book bag of needed groceries on his back, an unusually happy smile on his face as he took a deep breath of the early summer breeze. Coming to the top, he slowed down as he saw Motoko hurrying towards him, opening his arms wide to give her a hug.

"Motoko-chan! Hey...is, something wrong?"

She held him close around the neck, whispering in his ear and he felt the hands on his shoulders shaking. "Keitaro. My sister is here."

"Wait, what?!" Keitaro pulled her back, looking her right in the eye as she stared back with a hint of real fear in her eyes. "Here? Now? As in inside as we speak?!"

Her tiny nod and wide eyes were nearly enough to make him grab her hand and run away as quickly as possible. However, when it was said and done, that would accomplish nothing other than ticking off her sister as Tsuruko could probably track them anywhere. Gathering all his courage, he formed it into what he hoped was a will of steel and put his free arm firmly about his wife's waist.

"We'd best go greet her, right?" he said, giving her a reassuring nod.

"Keitaro, we have not, you know..." She trailed off, meeting his eyes briefly with a blush. "If she finds out, she will most likely attack you, and in your condition..."

"Everything will be fine," he murmured quietly as he reached for the door, giving her a quick kiss as he did. "What's she going to do, make us prove it? Let's just go see what she wants and play it from there, ok?"

"Yes, you are right," she sighed, giving him a weak smile as she helped him in.

Everyone was seated in the main room when they entered, Shinobu politely serving tea to everyone with Tsuruko on one of the couch and Kitsune at the other. Haruka leaned on the back of the chair Naru sat in, Sarah and Su seated at her feet looking a little puzzled as to why they had to be there. Ami and Austin had claimed the loveseat between the chairs and the couch, talking quietly in English between themselves.

"Ah, there you two are," said Tsuruko warmly when she spotted them, standing to bow as Keitaro and Motoko did the same. "You are looking well for one who was so recently so grievously injured, brother in law."

"Thank you," replied Keitaro, flushing slightly as he thumped along around the chairs and took his favorite overstuffed one nearest to the couch. Motoko followed and perched herself on the arm beside him, their hands still clasped between them for looks as much as for their mutual comfort. "You look good too. What brings you to our home?"

"Does one truly need a reason to visit ones family?" said Tsuruko with an air of innocence. "So tell me, Keitaro, is my sister performing well for you or shall some additional lessons be required to satisfy you? There are some Aoyama techniques I am sure she could master and then utilize rather quickly..."

Kitsune choked on her sake in surprise, Keitaro going stiff as a board as Haruka's eye twitched and Shinobu face faulted and went swirly-eyed in shock. Motoko and Naru turned the same bright tomato red, and Sarah and Su just sat there in confusion. Ami and Austin were shocked speechless.

"Perform what?" asked the young American. "Her chores?"

"Sister!" cried Motoko sharply, partially in embarrassment and the rest in anger. "Such a topic is not appropriate in our present company!"

Tsuruko glanced at her shocked audience, Shinobu in particular, and giggled audaciously. "Oh, the poor dear...well, she would have had to learn of the birds and the bees sometime."

"If you would excuse me," coughed Haruka as she rose, grabbing Shinobu by the collar and dragging her into the kitchen. "Su, Sarah, go play somewhere else." The pair ran off quickly, more interested in Su's latest invention than this conversation. "Ami, Austin, you should probably go get back to work. Naru, Kitsune, if you'd come with me."

"What?!" protested Kitsune, a large smirk on her face. "This is just getting good!"

"I said NOW Kitsune."

The foxy lady sighed, languidly hoisting herself from the sofa. "Alright, don't get your panties in a twist..."

"That was rather convenient, wasn't it?" chuckled Tsuruko as she picked up her tea, sipping it calmly. Motoko and Keitaro traded nervous looks, though his wife's was only noticeable in the tightness of her mouth and pale skin.

"I see you finally replaced your blade," commented their visitor lightly, her hosts relieved at the change in topic. "Is it worthy of a warrior of your caliber?"

"It is worthier of even Masters greater than I," replied Motoko firmly, drawing it partially from its sheath and offering the handle to her sister. "Try it for yourself."

"Very well." Tsuruko took of it firmly in hand and unsheathed it completely, scrutinizing the blade itself before giving it a few experimental swings. Finding it greatly to her liking indeed, she looked over it once more before handing it back with an approving nod. "A worthy blade indeed. How did you come across it?"

"It was a gift, from my husband," came the simple reply.

The smile on Tsuruko's face grew slightly. "Was it now? I see you also wear a right were there was none present at your wedding. Another gift of his, I presume?"

"Yes, it was. He is very kind and generous in his attentions."

That same smile suddenly grew a sly edge, as if it had been offered the opening of a lifetime. "And does this trait of his also extend to his bedtime activities?" Her eyes narrowed suddenly. "It would be an unforgivable insult if he lacked in even place...."

"Of course," replied her traitorous tongue quickly before she could stop herself. "How could you think otherwise, sister? He is quite manly when he wishes to be."

Tsuruko absorbed that with a raised brow as Keitaro looked up at his wife, giving her a confused look when he thought their visitor wasn't looking as she looked back sheepishly. "Then you have completed your duties and completed them well?" she asked them in a point-blank fashion, pinning them there with her piercing gaze.

"Yes," said Keitaro far more steadily than he thought possible, looking her straight in the eye as if the will of steel he'd tried to form was suddenly appearing.

"Wonderful!" sighed Tsuruko, becoming light and pleasant once more. "I am sure that in light of your growing affections, and so I may have proof to carry back to the elders you would not mind sharing a kiss for me?"

Keitaro relaxed inside with relief. A kiss? That was very easily managed. Leaning over without replying, he caught his wife's elbow and tugged her down to where he was sitting. Her silky, raven hair brushed against his face tantalizingly, her lips eagerly meeting as they'd hardly had two waking minutes together in what seemed like months. Breaking apart when they recalled that they still had an audience, Keitaro cleared his throat as Tsuruko regarded them in amusement, both young people blushing a little.

"I hope you will think it a breach in manners if I request to stay for the night," she commented, her scarily impenetrable smiling mask back in place.

"No, we should have offered, please excuse our own lapse," replied Motoko swiftly as she rose from her seat. "Stay and enjoy your tea while I prepare a room."

"Wait up and let me help you," said Keitaro as he struggled to his feet, settling a crutch on his left side. "I moved the extra sheets and blankets when reorganizing things."

The pair disappeared down the hall, their visitor's eyes following them even after they could no longer be seen.

"So."

Tsuruko glanced back at Kitsune, who was settling herself into the chair next to the one Motoko and Keitaro had just vacated. Setting a full bottle of warmed sake on the table between them, she produced two cups and set those down as well.

"Care for a drink?" offered the foxy lady, pouring herself one.

"Yes, please," came the friendly reply. Kitsune did so, knowing behind that easy, open smile she was being watched like a hawk and acted accordingly. Working with Tsuruko had its risks, but if she played her cards right, the rewards were well worth it.

"Are you staying long?" inquired Kitsune, sticking to conversational topics and letting her 'opponent' make the first move.

"Only for the night," replied the elder samurai woman. Without breaking her façade, she went one. "I believe I shall not require your services, wily Kitsune."

"Oh, really?"

"Yes, I promised not to buy information any longer last time I was here, and I do keep my word. However..." Kitsune's ears perked up at that last word, something about it firmly catching her attention. "Should you wish to make a trade with a 'friend' of mine, she's willing to give you a nice box set of fine sake if you will fill out this survey."

A heavy packet of paper was left on the living room table, Tsuruko rising and leaving the room after its appearance. She had scarcely stepped outside for a breath of fresh air, though, when Haruka was beside her smoking as usual.

"I don't know what you're up to," commented the Urashima elder in a flat manner. "But you need to knock it off."

"It is Aoyama family business," replied Tsuruko in a friendly manner. "Nothing more, 'Ruka-chan. Do not concern yourself with it."

"They are not just Aoyama's, 'Ruko-chan," came the growled reply. "Urashima's have a vested interest there as well. Hina-san left specific orders for those two, and I'm sure you know what those are."

"The balance won't be disturbed, merely...pushed towards the desired end," came the cold reply. "As said before, it is nothing for you to concern yourself with."

"I am not the one that will be answering to Hina, then."

Turning, the Urashima woman walked back to her tea house with Tsuruko watching her every step of the way. They had never gotten along before, and it appeared this family joining had changed nothing. They respected each other, and that was it. Smirking, she headed back inside. Now she must get to work.

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Kitsune locked herself in her bedroom with the packet of paper, flipping through the first few pages and finding the usual questions of her age, race, gender and drinking habits that most drinking surveys entailed. A middle section that certainly didn't match the original patterns of the questions before it caught her attention, though, and it was there that she began to seriously answer the questions rather than slapping down the first thing that came to mind. From what she could see it ran from there to the end, and thus marked the section that probably be removed before given back to the survey giver.

Pulling over an open bottle beside her bed, she sipped it lightly as she carefully turned over the questions in her mind.

Are there any couples living within your residents not including yourself?

Yes. Kitsune checked the appropriate box.

Are any of those couples married?

Yes. Again, a no-brainer. She checked it and moved on.

Was that marriage arranged or self-chosen?

Arranged. Kitsune smirked. She was getting sake for this? It was easy as hell!

If arranged, do they seem comfortable together?

Yes .Comfortable enough to share a bed every night...

How intimate are they together?

Here Kitsune paused. This brought to mind the questions she'd continued to ask from the first time Ami had suggested it all those times ago. Yes, she knew they'd gotten close to having sex but she wasn't sure if they'd ever gone all the way. After wasting the next few questions after the first set on that particular topic, she'd instead branched off into details with which to embarrass the couple with later on. It had been awhile since she'd asked, but...she settled for halfway. Somewhat.

Are they intimate in public?

Occasionally. She'd caught them when they thought no one was looking a few times before, kisses good bye, a hug that was more than a warm greeting. But it wasn't anything hot and heavy, not what she considered as such anyways.

Are they known for any heavy sexual activity?

Not really. Try no sexual activity at all. Considering the two hadn't had five minutes together in public and alone for something close to months, she doubted they'd had much time in private either. Yeah, she'd managed to wriggle the few times they'd had together out of the samurai girl, and though she thought the one at New Years was absolutely hilarious, it certainly didn't take place every night. And that which had happened was barely counted as sexual activity. Adding in the margin the odds that both were still virgins and the fact that one (since she'd sneaked a peak at the journal when she noticed Motoko writing in it again) wrote more sexual actions that she actual physically completed, she went on.

Is there any chance the female of the marriage would be expecting?

Hell no. That one was easy enough. Motoko? Be pregnant? No way that was happening in the next few years. In fact, if it did she'd give up sake and she added that in the comments section.

Closing it after making sure she'd answered the first half as well, though certainly not half as seriously as the last, Kitsune rose gracefully and slipped out into the hall. Tsuruko's room was right down from her own, and it was under her door that she slipped the thick packet before rejoining the rest. Her duty was done, all she had to do now was wait and watch the show that was about to start.

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Keitaro fixed dinner that night, Motoko assisting him as the other residents entertained her sister in the main room. Haruka was no where to be seen, and Ami and Austin had excused themselves for the evening, so there were only eight setting at the table and it felt a little empty after being stuffed in at the table together for so long.

"She's planning something," Motoko murmured quietly while settling out the last few chopsticks, trading looks with Keitaro as he sliced and skinned vegetables by the skin.

"Well, we'll face it together whatever she cooks up," he replied firmly, giving her a reassuring nod. "Would you taking the rice off for me? It's a little bit of a stretch..." He trailed off apologetically, his wife complying immediately in understanding. "You know Tsuruko better than I do, what do you think she's planning?"

"You can never tell," she admitted in a low voice. "She is unpredictable."

"She has to have some sort of pattern that she starts with, though," pointed out Keitaro. "What, based on past experiences, might she do?"

"She is likely using her cunning to lure us to place where she wishes us to be."

"A trap?" Keitaro paled.

"Perhaps." Motoko frowned. "Especially if she detects our foul play..."

"She's can't demand things from us, can she?"

"She is my elder, and holds a great deal of influence over the council," she murmured with a note of fear in her voice. "And that does not even include the fact that she will beat me in any physical battle. I am afraid that, indeed, she can."

Dinner itself was a loud affair, most everyone present used to Tsuruko showing up at odd intervals enough not to be bothered. Su and Sarah were arguing over some cliff hanger in a cartoon they watched, and Shinobu sat between them trying desperately to calm them down before it came to throwing food. Naru and Kitsune spoke with Tsuruko, continuing their discussion of the travel systems in Japan, Motoko and Keitaro occasionally putting in a comment of their own on the side. Bantering back in forth, the couple began to relax with the good food and companionship. However, the predator had not finished toying with her prey and it was now that she laid her next trap.

"I see you still have the hot springs open," commented Tsuruko, everyone concentrating on her sans the three younger residents. "Is it usable?"

"Quite, it is kept in excellent condition for the tenants use," replied Motoko.

"It's a lot of work," added Keitaro with a smile. "But I think it's a nice perk for everyone."

"Then everyone makes use of it regularly?"

"All the girls, yes."

Tsuruko raised her brows slowly. "Only the girls?"

"The dividing wall was removed upon turning the Inn into an all-girls dormitory," explained Motoko, Naru and Kitsune who'd been around during that time nodding in agreement. "Up until recently there has never been a reason to replace it."

"Not that it matters," put in her husband with a shrug. "Austin and I make use of the full bathroom upstairs, the arrangement is one that pleases everyone."

"Which do you use most often, Motoko-chan?"

"The hot springs, of course," came the puzzled reply. "It is what is appropriate."

"Then you have never made use of the hot springs together??" Kitsune smirked as Keitaro and Motoko both blushed, their three younger residents thankfully obvious to it.

"What?! The girls use that, we don't want him in there with her doing nasty stuff!" protested Naru, her own flush a mix of anger and embarrassment.

"Your opinion hardly counts, you do not own the establishment," shot Tsuruko, effectively silencing the younger girl. "Keitaro...?"

"No," he answered tightly. "It is the woman's bath, as Narusegawa said, and we don't bend the rules for our own use."

"I'm sure they wouldn't mind bending the rules once, hm?" Tsuruko looked around the table, giving Naru a hard stare and everyone else a coaxing one.

"I guess not..." Naru gave in hesitantly.

"Go for it!" Kitsune's smirk grew even more.

"Go for what?" asked Sarah, just now coming into the conversation.

"You wouldn't mind taking your baths upstairs tonight, would you three?" replied Kitsune, being unusually accommodating for her. "Austin's not here, and Keitaro's not using it tonight."

"Nope."

"I prefer showers, anyways."

"Auu, no, not at all."

"Excellent! After dinner, then, the hot springs shall be reserved for the Urashima's." Her trap had been sprung, now to make sure her prey didn't escape.

"That is really not necessary, sister," started Motoko. "We do not mind..."

"You do not appreciate my gift?" Tsuruko's eyes narrowed dangerously.

"No, we do, really," replied Keitaro swiftly. "It's just...we..." Giving up when he realized there was no other alternative without offending her, he finished quickly, "Are please to accept such a gift from you."

And so they were caught.

"Wonderful! I shall go make the arrangements, and you are welcome there whenever you are ready to begin your time!" The young woman rose, disappearing somewhere else into the house after bowing once.

Motoko pushed back her plate and rose, suddenly having lost her appetite. "I shall see you in the springs, Keitaro."

"Uh, sure."

Heading for her room, she wondered what else her sister might be planning. Why must she always show at the worst possible moment? Things had been comfortable before, and she had a feeling it was about to end.

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"You aren't helping her, are you?"

Kitsune looked up from her spot on the couch to find Naru towering over her.

"Help who?" she replied innocently, raising her sake as if in a toast.

"You're not helping things any," her friend informed her harshly.

"Says who? I was very helpful at dinner, wasn't it?"

"You know what I mean!"

"Don't worry about it Naru-chan, nothing's gonna happen," sighed Kitsune as she rolled her eyes. "Tsuruko will bark around a little more, prove some point, and leave."

"I'm not sure about that, though..."

"Oh, and now you're an expert on Aoyama's? Well, when you've figured out why Motoko's still a virgin after having been married for over half a year come and talk to me."

"Well...I...is she?"

"I think so."

Naru frowned. "I...not that I think about that, but half a year...? One would assume by now..."

"I know. However, I must get back to my drink and this program, so if you'll excuse me..." Kitsune turned away, Naru moving to head upstairs as a shadow in the background suddenly moved away. Tsuruko moved towards the stairs as well, intent upon her sister's room. She just had to be sure...

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Motoko waited tensely at the edge of the hot springs, letting her legs dangle in the hot water as she flexed her toes nervously as she'd already washed and was waiting for Keitaro. This had certainly had not been part of her plan to fool Tsuruko, but in this twist she knew her sister had sensed the perfect life they'd presented her had some false fronts in it.

"Er...Motoko-chan?" She turned quickly to see Keitaro standing timidly in the doorway, one hand holding his bucket and the other holding up the towel around his waist. Looking away at their unusual states of undress, both young adults blushed as he stammered out an apology. "S-sorry! I won't look, I'll just stay facing this way..."

"Don't you two worry!" called Tsuruko suddenly from inside the changing room. "The springs are booked and yours for the night, so take your time! Tata!" Then came the sound of the door slamming shut and something like a dead bolt sliding into place, and all went silent.

"Eh..." Keitaro took a stool, facing away as he'd promised with a plastic bag taped around his leg to protect his cast from the water. Dousing himself with cold water, his wife slipped into the hot spring silently and sat a little ways away letting the heat sooth her tense muscles as she watched her husband out of the corner of her eye. Even with the time he'd been forced to take off due to his leg he'd maintained a fairly trim physique, with well-rounded muscles and a light tan from when he washed the hot spring nearly daily. Unconsciously graceful until he tried to focus on something too much and fumbled it with his nerves, her eyes lingered on his hands as they lathered soap through his hair gently. They were rough and calloused, but from honest work of building walls and repairing the holes in their beloved Inn. Shivering at the memory of those same hands on her skin, she pushed it away with a blush. Now was not the time for daydreams.

Coming back to the present he splashed the final bucket over his head with a shake of his head, he then stood and hobbled over to the edge of the springs to set aside his crutches and lower himself in as carefully as he could with a wince.

"Ow...it's a little hotter than I remember," he commented in a conversational tone, trying to make the tension between them lessen.

"One gets used to it quickly," she replied, edging a little closer as she did though he still had his back to her. "Look, Keitaro-kun..."

"No," he said quite simply, though it was not unkind in the way he spoke. "It's not your fault, and I won't have you apologizing for this." He turned slightly, making sure he met her eyes and held them as he continued. "We've gone this far, we'll play it to the end...together." He seated himself tentatively beside her, surprised when she curled up at his side with her knees hugged to her chest.

"You can not forever borrow blame that is not yours," she said, the teasing tone in her voice falling flat. "We both know that I am the one that started the chain of lies we now find ourselves wrapped in, both in today when I first told her...you know, and then in the very beginning when I should have done my duty to family and you soon after our marriage."

"No, that's not true." Keitaro put an arm around her, keeping his eyes facing out over the water as she leaned on him, smelling her wet hair in a way that made him suddenly feel the stirrings down by his belly. Blinking in surprise at how quickly he was at a full salute, he sheepishly moved his other hand to try and keep it covered. "I...uh... the choice was yours. I don't mind waiting...really..."

"You lie," she told him simply, blushing though she remained where she was. "Your body belies otherwise."

"Well...maybe I can't control that from happening," replied Keitaro with a cough, scratching the back of his head as he did. "But that's just like I can't help it that I find you...sexually appealing... That doesn't mean that I'm not willing to wait as long as you are."

"And if I told you to take me here and now?"

Keitaro blushed, forcing the bulge between his legs down again. "Well...I mean, I'm not going to object, but...are you sure it would be because it's what you want or because your sister is scaring you into your duty?" He was a little taken aback when something warm and wet struck his bare chest, looking down to see his wife crying silently. "Motoko-chan...?"

"I never meant to bring such shame upon your family name," she whispered. "It seems I have developed a habit of backing myself into corners that I cannot get out of."

"No, that's ok, if you want we can go and tell your sister the truth in the morning," offered Keitaro. "And accept whatever punishment she thinks it merits together."

"She likely already knows," replied Motoko, shaking her head as she did. "There is almost no way...not by now, with all that she has observed in our lives. And once she confirms her suspicions, she will demand a reason as to why."

"Regardless of if she does or doesn't, we'll handle what happens as it comes," he replied reassuringly, rubbing her back comfortingly as he did. "It...hm?" He glanced back, having bumped into a rough line that he hadn't realized was there.

"My scar," she said simply as he glanced back by his hand, seeing the top of the pink line over the top of her towel. "The first one."

"It looks deeper than the first." He ran a finger along that which did so, tracing it through the towel past where it was no longer visible to where it ended towards the middle of her back.

"It was," she admitted softly, stiffening at his touch. She had never allowed anyone to do so since the day it was finally healed. Yet, it didn't feel wrong to let Keitaro examine the mark she had born for Shoji's insane wrath all those years ago, in fact it felt right for him to do so and learn more about herself in the process. "It was not infected though, and took less time to heal."

"Does the speed-healing always leave a scar?"

"Unfortunately in almost all cases, yes. It is something about the excelled growth of cells unable to conform completely in the short time given."

"Oh." Silence hung between them for awhile, Keitaro turning his gaze back out over the water as Motoko continued to rest in his partial embrace. Thinking in the back of his mind, he decided he didn't mind staying here like this until the other residents had gone to sleep for the night when the sound of the doors practically being ripped from its hinges tore through the still night air and both young adults scrambled to their feet in astonishment.

"You lied to me," came the sing-songy sound of Tsuruko's voice, an eerie smile on her face as her eyes glowed with an inner fire. "Not even just once but many times over! Cowards! Fools! Thinking you could play me so...you have shamed both your families with your deceit! An outsider, yes, I might have expected such behavior, but my own sister...!"

"There's no shame in trying to protect someone from an unjust punishment!" replied Keitaro, putting up a show of bravery as he took a step closer. "Who are..."

"Silence! Do not take me so lightly, brother in law, I would yet fulfill my one and only promise to you should I find it necessary!"

The managed closed his mouth slowly, his hands discreetly moving to cover his manhood though he remained in front of Motoko as if in defiance.

"The council sent me with orders that should I have found you have not completed your duties, you would be punished as thus. An heir must be produced within the next 10 months."

"And if we refuse?" replied Keitaro firmly. "We're not ready to be parents yet!"

"Should you not comply that promise of mine will suddenly become a reality." Tsuruko's voice was dead serious, and Keitaro felt himself pale beneath his efforts to appear unmoved by her threats. "Thus the council has spoken. I am surprised, Motoko, letting him provide the defense instead of yourself, and he is the one that is injured. Then again, such a weakness could easily be explained by this." She produced the leather-bound journal.

"The council does not run my life, and you are not one to judge it!" Motoko moved forwards swiftly, taking up her blade beside the towels. "And you may go back and tell them as such! There were no requirements given upon my marriage to Keitaro, and there will be none now!"

"Do not draw unless you are willing to accept the consequences of that action for both of you," warned Tsuruko, a hint of amusement in her voice as though she expected immediate compliance with her words.

If the fact her sister then drew her blade fully and held it towards her surprised her, she did not show it. "I challenge the Council's decision!"

"If that is what you wish." Tsuruko sheathed her blade, turning away as she did. "I shall be waiting in the back at dawn! Oh, and Motoko-chan?" She brought out a clear small glass bottle of a blue powder, and picked up the journal again. "I shall be holding these until you have won."

Motoko's jaw dropped, real fury showing on her face. "That was very low..."

"What just happened?" asked Keitaro when they were alone again. "And what was that blue stuff?"

"I have challenged the Council's ruling," she explained tensely as she sheathed her sword roughly, slamming the last few inches back in nearly as hard as she could. "And so, the one we have to battle to have it overturned is her."

"So we'll be going against your sister. What are the terms of the fight?" he inquired, absorbing calmly this with a nod.

"We'll find out in the morning."

"And the blue stuff?"

"A...contraceptive. Once you turn 16 it is given to you, and you are to take a pinch dissolved in water every day." She blushed heavily. "It is a low move for her to take it for, if you miss a single day you cannot 'enjoy' another without risk of pregnancy for a month after your missed day."

"...that is low." Keitaro shook his head slowly. "We've got a big day tomorrow, right? Best go get some sleep, then."

Motoko helped him out of the springs, getting him to his crutches and standing before she let go. "Thank you, for accepting this as you have."

Keitaro nodded, giving her hand a squeeze as they headed into the changing room. "What else would I do? I told you I'd be by your side, and so I will."

::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::&::

If you're all mad at stopping it there, look at how LONG this chapter is before you complain, ok? We're clocking in at 32 pages before I added in the spaces, and afterwards we're at 45. That's a lot of typing, ok?

Thank you for your reviews as always, here are the replies to those who requested/need it/had questions/ etc. Love and Peace!!

Authors Notes:

#1. Glad you all liked the data sheet! And yes, I feel safe in putting that up, because as a female if I can't laugh at my gender for something like that that in some cases is true than I am a sad human being indeed.

#2. Koshi/Naru pairing? We shall see. The other alternative should be obvious, but I dunno. That's one of those things that just popped into the plot at the last second and I'll play with it as we go. If you have a preference, let if be known and perhaps it will sway my opinion. But only perhaps!

#3. Bows slightly Again, your praises are too much. Still, I'm glad you are all enjoying the story so much thus far and hope to continually please you in the future.

#4. I apologize for the scene-change things from last chapter! Some of my dividers got messed up due to 's new system, and as soon as I have time I'll go back and repost the chapters with new ones that won't be deleted. However, a weekend when I have NOTHING else better to do is not currently on the schedule so it might be awhile.

#5. Ok, so, this chapter explained a little more about the sword, right? It's not the same sort of thing as it was in the manga so bear with me here! In fact, if any of you have read the manga this will not be exactly like that section! Actually, a great deal of it will be changed so beware!! Again, to the sword, all shall be explained very soon.

#6. Yes, Mutsumi is now officially in the story, so don't ask when she's going to appear anymore! All that shall earn you is a smack on the back of the head for being a numbskull. Anyways, reduced roll, I know, but she'll be back, and very soon indeed.

#7. Thank you to those of you who understand why a fan fic writer can not always stay that way forever. It was very much appreciated. For those of you that can't, I'm sorry, but I do have to make a life for myself outside of doing this for your pleasure, alright? Love Hina's not the center of my world, so get over it.

#8.Again, I promise, this story WILL NOT be abandoned! I'd kill myself before that happened, I wanna see what happens at the end...

#9. The reason for the change in tense and style with the turtle clan is simply because I got bored doing the same thing again and again. So, purely in the spirit of creativity, it's different every couple times. Or something like that. It makes for an interesting section, right?

#10. Thank you for saying OC's are not evil!! Besides, it is an AU and things aren't going to be exactly like it would be in the anime or manga. If you're expecting everyone to follow into those normal patterns, you're going to be disappointed.

Wow, those are some short Author's notes for me...anyways, be nice readers and review!!! Oh, and no shout out this week guys, I'm just in a very...chocolaty mood. : )

Crosseyedbutterfly

"Coffee, chocolate, and men have one important thing in common: they are all better rich!"

-unknown