Summery:

When a friend from the past shows up at Tenjin-Ya it quickly becomes clear that the Master has no choice but to send Aoi back to the apparent realm or she will be met with the wrath of a powerful yokai, however, he is unaware that she is no safer in the apparent realm then she was in the hidden realm.

Aoi is hurt and confused by her sudden return to the apparent realm. Just as she starts to readjust to life without those she considered family and friends, she is kidnapped and held captive by a certain yokai and her troubles only begin there. Her one goal? Return to Tenjin-Ya and confront the Master. Why did he send her away, and just when she started to realize she was in love with him How could he cast her aside?

A/N: This story may contain triggers. one of the biggest ones is possible rape. please proceed with caution. Thank you and enjoy :)

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Disclaimer: I do not own Kakuriyo bed and breakfast for Spirits. All credit goes to the writer/creators of the show/manga

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Chapter one

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He'd seen her for the first time, walking down the path between the trees. She was a vision, something to behold. Her hair was long, way down past her bottom, and the color was a soft brown. He'd been drawn to her, so he'd followed her without much thought.

She'd spotted him, smiling with bashful amber eyes. "You're following me, she accused, shifting her basket of goods from one hip to the other. "I've never seen you here before," she added, cocking her head to the side a little.

"I'm from the northeast land. I've never been to these parts before." He replied, giving her a cocky smile. "May I accompany you?"

"Will you even take no for an answer?" She asked.

He laughed as he shook his head. "I can't make promises. You are simply beautiful, and I must know you."

"In that case," the woman said, handing him her basket. "You may be a mule. This gets heavy after a while."

"What is your name?" She asked, turning those quizzical eyes on him as they walked.

"You may call me Master."

She laughed, it was a wonderful sound that seemed to lighten the air around them. "Master huh? So then, you won't tell it to me?"

"I tell my name to no one," he replied with a shrug. "Do you care to share yours?"

"Katori." the woman said as she gathered her long hair, tying it together with ribbons. She didn't even seem put off that he asked for hers after he refused to give her his.

He'd stayed by her side from that moment on. She was an herbalist who traveled taking care of the sick. This was perfect for him since he was aimless. She'd taught him things he didn't know he didn't know. She taught him kindness and love. She was so good-natured and easy-going. He liked that about her.

So they traveled and got to know each other. They'd spend nights talking and laughing. The days were spent taking care of the sick and injured. She would tell him what she was doing and using to help them, and when they traveled back through places they'd been, he could see the results of her aid.

It took no time at all for him to fall for her. She was hard working and carefree. It was an attractive pair of traits. Add on her never-ending supply of laughter and kindness? Yeah, he'd fallen hard.

"Here," she said, handing him the fish. "We have quite the catch today."

"Yes," he replied with a laugh as he got the fire lit. "It took you no time at all."

Katori chuckled. "I'm just that good." she rung the water out of her hair as she watched him tend to the fire. He was gorgeous as he leaned over, topless, and shaggy black hair falling over his shoulders. She had made a comment once about liking long hair, and he hadn't cut it since. This made her feel giddy. "I love you."

Her words seemed to have surprised him. He looked over, wide-eyed. "You do?"

She smiled. "Yes. I do."

He stood, going to her. "I love you too."

He took her in his arms, placing a kiss on her lips. "I've loved you from the moment I saw you."

They made love by the fire later that night, sealing their love, and letting their passions be known.

For thirty years they lived like that. On the road and helping those in need. Her kindness knew no boundaries, and he was learning that kindness was something he could use to gain trust. Better kindness than fear. He had started to make plans. He wanted to open an inn, this way they could settle, and still help those in need.

Katori was never sure she could stay still, but seeing how the plans were not immediate, there was no need to worry over it much. He could wait for her to feel ready before starting anything, and she was coming around. They would lay awake at night, talking about the kinds of things they could offer and where it should be located.

Eventually, his plans seem to fall into his hands. He'd been saving for years, and a piece of land in the northeast was for sale, and as he stood, looking around all the land he could own, she smiled and nodded.

"This is it. This is where our inn should be." She said, taking his hand. "I'm ready."

With the land bought, he built them a little home, giving them shelter while everything else was in the works. So many things had to be done, things he hadn't even thought about until now.

Tragedy struck, putting a stop to everything. Katori grew sick, and nothing seemed to help. At first, it was just weakness and fatigue. But all too soon she would sleep for days and only be awake a few hours at a time. He did everything he could for her. Brought the best herbalist he could find. He tired magic of all kinds, and still he beloved was slipping away.

When she slipped away during the night, he felt numb. He was sick with loss and angry that she was taken from him. All his hopes and dreams included her. How could he go on without her? Lost, hurting, and uncertain, he put a stop to his inn and left the work unfinished. It would take hundreds of years for him to return and achieve his dream of opening the inn.

Aoi wiped at a tear as the master's voice trailed off. So rarely did he share details of his life with her, and this one made her hurt for him. When she had asked if he has ever been in love before, she hadn't expected a detailed answer.

"You cry for me?" he asked, though it wasn't really a question. He was surprised that she cried, and the fact that it was due to his tragic past made him feel…warm, and a little flustered.

"Of course I do," Aoi replied. "That's so horrible. There you were, ready to make a new start with the love of your life, and then she was taken from you, and all your dreams escaped you. It's so unfair."

"I did achieve my dreams, Aoi," Master said, looking around the room they were in. "My inn is one to behold, is it not?"

Aoi sniffed. "Yes, you're right."

He smiled, truly touched she would cry for him. "And what about you? Do you have any previous lovers?" He reached out, tucking a piece of fallen hair behind her ear.

Aoi laughed some. "Well, there was a boy when I was like five who said he loved me, but that stopped when the other boys teased him for holding my hand all the time. And there was Gija. I dated him for about a year, but he learned that I could see spirits and that was the end of that, which sucked considering I'd finally given in to him and had sex with him like a month before that…" She trailed off, blushing. She hadn't meant to say that! God, what was she thinking?

She risked a glance at him and was surprised to see he looked calm as always. Why did she feel bad? He had past lovers too, and his love was far deeper then what she had with Gija.

Jealousy rose in Master's chest, but he chuckled to hide it. "To run away due to something as silly as that. His loss I say."

Aoi shrugged. "I didn't love him. Not really. He was nice and we had fun together, but it didn't really hurt when he left. I was more hurt that he thought I was unlovable due to my ability, then I was that he left." And that she'd given him her virginity, but she wasn't going to tell the master that.

"He told you that?" Anger took over the jealousy.

Aoi laughed as she saw his shift in emotion. "Don't get upset on my account. I knew he wasn't the one. The one will love all of me."

He watched as she stood, going over to the door. "The rain has stopped," she said, looking back at him. "Will you walk me to Moonflower?"

It was getting late, but she wasn't ready to be without him yet. They had found themselves stuck up here due to the storm, and it had created the atmosphere of calm, allowing them to fall into this state where they ended up revealing a bit about their pasts. She'd been nervous when she asked him about his love life, expecting him to tell her to mind her business, but he'd told her. She was grateful.

"If that's what you wish," he replied, standing.

They started off without speaking. She felt an odd urge to take his hand but fought it. She didn't want to fall for him. She wanted to work off her debt and…And what?

"Aoi, are you happy here?" The Master asked as if he could hear her thoughts.

Aoi stopped walking as she looked up at him. The path they followed was lit by lanterns, and the way the light hit him made him look even more attractive than usual. "I am. I'm very happy." Her eyes met his, and for just a moment she was lost in his eyes. Those crimson red eyes that should frighten her were always so kind when he looked her way.

When she first came here he'd been so harsh she thought she hated him. He looked at her with contempt and anger. Those eyes hunted her dreams, making her wake with fear. However, that only lasted a short while. He wasn't what he seemed, and those eyes were now a source of comfort and warmth.

"I'm glad," he said, breaking their eye contact, and heading off again.

She followed, not wanting to get left behind. When she was first brought here all she wanted to do was work off her debt and go home. She still wanted to pay off her debt, but where was home? Yeah, she missed the apparent realm. There were things there that she wished she could do and places she would like to go. But…Everyone she loved was here. People, she would call family was here.

"Are you alright?"

Aoi looked around to find they were already in front of Moonflower. "Oh, I'm sorry. I was lost in thought."

"It's alright," he replied with a smile. "Do you wish me to stay? Tuck you in?" he teased.

"Absolutely not," Aoi replied with false annoyance. She smiled and shook her head as she stepped in. "Goodnight, Master."

"Goodnight, Aoi. Sweet dreams."

She watched him go, wishing she didn't feel so confused. She was falling for him. There was just no denying it. He made her feel safe and happy. He was kind, gentle, and caring. Never did he make her feel like she was unwanted. But she didn't want to marry someone who had made that deal with her grandpa. It wasn't right.

The next day started out like any other. Moonflower was bursting with people and laughter. She loved days like this. It filled her with pride to have a full house.

She smiled as a woman walked in. She was gorgeous! Tall and lean. Her face looked like it had been carved by the gods. To top of her pretty blue eyes and multicolored hair that was miles long, she had the cutest set of cat ears. "Good afternoon," Aoi greeted.

The woman sat, looking at her with a sort of malice. "You're the Ogre bride?" her voice held that seductive draw woman like her tended to have.

Aoi wanted to sigh. She really disliked being called that. "So I'm told," she said with a smile. "Would you like something to drink as you…" Aoi looked over at the clashing noise that cut her off. Oryo, stood there, dishes at her feet, and shock on her face. She said nothing as she ran off.

"Hey! Oryo!"Aoi called after her. Not only was she concerned, but she'd also made a mess. She turned her attention back to her guest. "Sorry about that."

"Matcha tea, please, and I would like to try your most popular meal."

Why did she sound so mad, Aoi wondered as she cleaned up the dishes. She threw them away before making the tea.

"I'll take that," Ginji said as he approached her. "Sorry for taking so long."

"No problem. Hey, did you see Oryo on your way here? She was giving me a hand, but suddenly freaked out and ran away."

"I did, she looked worried."

"Hmm." Aoi handed him the tea. "Table three."

She watched Ginji as he smiled and did some small talk with the women. It made her feel a little silly as the woman touched his hand. Who did she think she was? Okay, she thought as she turned away. Ginji wasn't hers, and to be envious over looks was just plain vain. She was being silly.

She shook her head and got to work. She had guests to cook for after all.

Aoi was putting the women's food down in front of her when Oryo returned with the master. Oryo did look worried, while the Master seemed emotionless. "Master?"

"Good afternoon, Aoi," he greeted. "Masami, how unexpected it is of you to visit."

"Oh, Master, it's been too long, has it not?" She said as she batted her eyes. "Please, join me! I insist."

"How dare…" Oryo had started, but Master waved his hand and silenced her. "I would be happy too. Oryo, thank you for informing me of our guest. Aoi, I'll have whatever it is she's having."

"Ye…yes of course." She went to prepare another plate, looking over a Ginji who joined her.

"Table four is raving about the roman, and Table one said they've never tasted anything like the beef stew. Hey, you okay?"

"What? Yeah, I'm okay. Have you met her before? Masami?"

Ginji looked to where the Master and the Yokai he assumed was Masami sat. "No, I don't recall her. Why?"

"Just curious," Aoi said, putting on a smile.

"Here you are," Aoi said, putting his plate down. "Let me know if you need anything else, master. I'd be happy to get you anything you need."

"Awe, aren't we an obedient puppy?" Masami cooed.

"Excuse me?" Aoi replied, insulted.

"Please," Master said, taking Aoi's hand. "Forgive Masami. She can be rather blunt. This is all I need, Aoi."

She walked away, understanding she was excused. She spent the rest of the day pretending that the Master didn't seem like he was having a good time with Masami. She also told herself it was unfair to be upset with her just because she was insanely beautiful. It was petty and unfair. But something about her also made her uneasy.

She was relieved when Masami left, but sad because Master left with her, without a word to her. Usually, he would never leave without a goodbye. Ugh, this was dumb. He was allowed to talk to whoever he wanted too. She had no right to feel this way. Especially when she didn't intend to marry him anyway.

"Okay, you have to tell me what's wrong," Ginji said as they cleaned up. It was getting late, so she excepted his offer to help. Most of the time she would do it on her own.

"Do you think Masami is pretty?"

"Hmm? Oh, the one Master was dining with?" He seemed to think about it a moment. "Sure, she's pretty, but she seems rather rude to me. Why?"

"No reason." Aoi shrugged, getting back to sweeping.

"You know, I like your beauty better," Ginji said a bit shyly. He could guess why she was asking, and he hoped he didn't make her uncomfortable by saying this. "Maybe some people might disagree, but your beauty surpasses hers. She's got nothing on you."

Aoi blushed as she looked away. "Thank you," she said, smiling.

"I mean it." He said, taking her hand and placing a kiss on her knuckles. "Truly."

Aoi laughed now. "Okay. I believe you. Now let's get this place cleaned up."

"I have to hand it to you, This place is amazing," Masami said as she sauntered around the Master's office. "It's even better than it was the last time I was here."

"Why are you here?" Master asked crossing his arms. Masami only brought disaster when she showed up in his life. Had been that way since they were young.

"Why am I here? Oh kitten," She went to him, rubbing against him much like a cat might. She let out a little moan, hoping to get a rise out of him. "I heard about your bride and I had to see for myself." She kissed his cheek before whispering in his ear. "She's nothing to look at."

Aoi was the only woman he could see. To him, she was everything to look at, he thought as he pushed her away, and sat. "How long do you plan on staying?"

Her smile was devious as she draped herself against his back. "You know, it is unsafe for you to keep her here and not marry her. She is so incredibly vulnerable due to her status. You can't keep others from showing up to either eat her or try to take her as their own. Sadly rumor is, she doesn't wish to marry you."

Master grabbed Masami's wrist, tightly squeezing it. "You dare threaten me?"

She laughed. "Oh, don't you worry, kitten. It's not you who will end up dead. Your pretty little cook will meet her doom, one way or another. Think about all she's been through already? Let it be known that her title, bride to be, is just a front, and you'll have ayakashi breaking down your doors to get at her."

She grabbed his chin, forcing him to look at her. She put on a grin just before kissing him and making his office door open with her mind. A small gasped had both of them pulling away. "Oh dear, we've been caught," Masami said, in mock horror.

"I'm sorry," Aoi said her voice barely above a whisper. "Excuse me," she added before running away.

"Wait!" Master called after her. He stood to follow her, but Masami grabbed his arm.

"What do you want from me?" he growled getting more than a little upset. She knew Aoi was out there. That's why she made the damn door open.

"I'm keeping my promise, Master. Simply keeping my promise." She hugged him before going to the door. "You have two choices to keep that little human safe. You can make her marry you, which no doubt she'd hate you for, or send her back to where she belongs. Otherwise, you will see her dead."

Aoi would never admit that she cried herself to sleep, but she did. She felt so silly as she did it too. She had no intention of being his bride, so why should it matter who he kissed? Still, she cried herself to sleep, only to be woken a few hours later to a thunderstorm.

At first, she tried to will herself back to sleep. She was really tired and Moonflower would be open tomorrow. However, the thunder was persistent, and she couldn't take just lying there any longer, letting the anxiety build. So she decided she would bake some fresh bread for tomorrow.

She opened the door that led to the main part of the restaurant and nearly jumped out of her skin. "What are you doing here?" she asked the master, as she prayed her eyes weren't as puffy as she felt like they were.

He looked at her from the stool, with sad eyes. "I often come here when it storms."

Aoi, who was making her way behind the counter paused. He did? She usually did her best to try to sleep, so she supposed he could have. "Why?"

"I worry about you. I know storms make you uneasy."

He sounded so genuine, and that just pissed her off. "Well, you don't have to worry about me. I'm fine."

"Why did you come to my rooms?" He chose to ignore her anger. He couldn't blame her for being angry.

"I couldn't sleep so I made a bento. I know that sometimes you have late nights so I thought I'd surprise you." She felt foolish saying it out loud. No…it was the fact that she'd wanted to see him that made her feel foolish. She couldn't compare to Masami. Not in any way.

"How thoughtful. I would like the bento if you still have it."

She looked at him with mixed emotions. "I'll have to heat it up."

"No, I'll eat it as is." He held out his hand, so she pulled it from the fridge and gave it to him.

She busied herself with getting the ingredients for the bread ready as he ate. She glanced at him every so often, feeling as though something about him seemed off.

She couldn't bring herself to ask. Maybe she was afraid to hear the answer, but she also knew that she was too angry to be nice. Even if she didn't have a right to be.

"That was as good as always, thank you."

She turned to him and felt a ping of unease. He looked so sad. Did he feel bad for kissing her? Or was he only sad he got caught? "Who is she?" wait? She'd meant to say thank you!

"Masami…I grew up with her. She was always by my side when we were young. I broke things off with her and went my own way. Then I met Katori. However, as you know that bliss was short-lived and after she died I was so alone that I reached out to an old friend."

He hadn't planned on telling her this, but it seemed as though he had too. "I spent the next several years with Masami as she led me down a path I do not care to admit I was ever on. I would still be on that path if I hadn't run into a woman who saved my life."

"What woman? And what does this have to do with her being here now?" And why was he kissing her?

"I don't know her name. I never called her by it. She was with me for only a short while. I've lived many years and I'm sad to say that over time I have only a blurry memory of her, but I know she put me back on the right path. The one that led me to owning my inn."

"Seems like there's a lot of woman in your past." Yes, she knew she wasn't being fair. She hated that she felt this way.

"Masami is an old friend who I wish would stay in the past, but she shows up from time to time. Aoi, that kiss meant nothing."

Aoi, who had been leaning on the counter, drawn to him as he'd spoke, moved away then. "I don't care who you kiss."

"Aoi," he said, moving around the counter and gently grabbing her arm because she was walking away. The thunder boomed, and he had to admire her for hardly reacting to it. He knew how much it affected her.

"I'm serious. You can kiss whoever you want!" She pulled her arm from his grip. "It's not like I plan on marrying you. I don't have any claim."

"Please," he said as he grabbed her hand. I can see that it's bothering you. Please, if you have no claim on me then why does it bother you?"

"Because you claimed me!" she yelled, then wished she hadn't. "When you have someone as pretty as her, how can you want someone like me? Or am I just…" she was going to ask if she was nothing more than part of the deal he made, but she didn't want to know the answer. Maybe she wasn't as indifferent as she'd like to believe.

Master pulled her to him, nuzzling her neck. She was too shocked to move, allowing him to hold her longer than he thought he'd get to. "You are more special to me then she could ever be. You are all I see," he whispered in a low voice, giving her butterflies. He kissed the side on her neck before pulling away.

Aoi looked at him in surprise as she covered the spot where he kissed. Part of her wanted to yell at him for invading her space, but his words and kiss weren't exactly unwelcome.

"Thank you for the food, Aoi," Master said, before leaving.

She stood there, watching him go. She felt sick with foreboding. Somehow, this felt like a goodbye. His eyes carried sorrow, something she'd never seen before. She shook her head. No, surely she was just overthinking. Why would he be saying bye? She wasn't finished paying her debt. So he wasn't saying bye. Right?

Master sat looking out the window, eyes wide as he thought of all the horrors Masami could and would have in store for Aoi. Her threat wasn't an empty one, and she was well-liked among ayakashi. They would believe her if she said he had no intention of making Aoi his wife. This would indeed lead to unimaginable trouble for Aoi.

He stood, pacing. He wouldn't allow harm to come to her. No, she was far too precious for that. He'd vowed years ago to keep her safe and do anything he could to make her happy. What was he going to do? He wouldn't force her to marry him. Not now. Not after all this time. He was…Before he'd wanted to marry her to save her. To make sure she was taken care of.

But now he loved her and forcing her to marry him was no longer something he could do. He could give her the choice, tell her that if she wanted to stay here she had to marry him. Otherwise, she'd have to go back to the apparent realm.

No. He didn't want to do that either. He didn't want her to marry him because she could either do that or leave. He wanted her to marry him because she wanted to. Because she'd fallen for him, too. Maybe it was a foolish feeling, but that's what he wanted. So then… What choice did he really have but to send her away?

He thought about how close he'd come to kissing her tonight. How he wanted to hold her and tell her he loved her beyond anything. He wanted to tell her it meant so much to him that her seeing him kiss Masami upset her. Not because he wanted her upset, but because it meant that she wasn't so indifferent.

Her will was strong, and he knew she didn't want to marry him. He would honor that. He'd hoped with enough time that she'd change her mind, but they were out of time. He was a powerful Yokai, but he couldn't be there at all hours of the day to be sure she was safe, and if she became a target, she would eventually be hurt.

So he would send her away. No matter how it hurt him. No matter how much he would miss her. This he could do for her. Keeping her safe was his mission.

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I hope you all enjoyed the chapter. Reviews and comments are greatly appreciated. Thanks :D