'Cuz rainbows can't light up the sky, unless you let it rai~

Brick - What the (beep) are you doing?

BAAAH! Nothing! Definitely not singing a My Little Pony song! I was...uhhh...typing up the next chapter.

Boomer-...Last time on Green Maiden.

Butch - (smooth jazz plays)

BC - I should have read that webcomic! I really should have read it.

Blossom - And now back to Green Maiden.

The Hidden Morning Glory

She sat on the tatami mat, discarded sake bottles littering the floor like pieces of her heart. He went through with it. She thought, after making that wench run off to God knows where, Butch would have seen the truth through pain laden eyes. She thought that she could finally make him see her instead, see the pain she went through each time he wedded someone else.

But no, Butch bullheaded his way through the wedding and married that man stealing wench. Enraged, Brute shrieked and threw the table across the room. It crashed against the wall as she curled up and sobbed with a shrieking howl. Her heart felt like it was trembling under the strain of rejection.

"Last time you threw something like that, it was a clay pot...and it was aimed at my third wife." Her head whipped around.

He stood there like a dark god, staring down at her with an indifferent look and moonlight shining around him. "Butch," She whispered. A weak smile etched onto her face and she wiped at her eyes, smudging her kohl liner. She sat up and beckoned him towards her. "You came to me."

"Interesting way of phrasing it," Butch grunted. He looked at her, weeping on the ground. The morning sun hadn't even raised fully, leaving the sky a winter painting of orange-red and icy blue. He had arrived with Buttercup late at night and had laid his slumbering maiden to rest in her room before retreating to his own for a change in clothes. Their honeymoon had ended on a good note, with Butch getting a few more "cuddle" sessions in and actually being on the receiving end of a kiss for once, instead of having to ask to provide one.

Buttercup blushed endlessly as Butch crooned about how happy he was and how loved he felt.

They spent the bulk of winter, exploring the nearby towns and visiting the local yokai. They snuggled on the cold days and nights, talking about everything they could; old memories, funny stories, and opinions. They played games and sat in comfortable silence. It was like a well earned vacation.

But now his vacation is over.

He was back and had responsibilities.

This meant taking care of Brute.

"You've been avoiding me for a decade, Butch," she sighed. Butch sat in front of her. Brute had always been beautiful, even to him. Her pale, porcelain skin and soft lips, her own glistening green eyes, even the way her ears twitched at every tiny sound was enchanting. Brute could have any man she wanted, wrapped around her fingers.

But not Butch.

No matter what she did, for as long as she's known him, Butch seemed immune to her charms. He chased human women. He married human women. But he wouldn't spare a glance in her direction, even when they were on good terms. Ever since what happened with Boomer's family, though, his opinion of her and her family had soured like rotten sake. "No matter how many times I sent for you or begged you to visit me, you never acknowledged me."

"You know why that is," his cold tone stung her. She stared.

"You know I had nothing to do with what Brat did. I cried when I found out, I loved K-" Butch snarled, baring fangs at her.

"Never speak his name. You know the laws." Brute shut her mouth, frown prominent.

"You know how we were punished for Brat's crime. And you know what happened to her. Must you punish me more? To deny me your love, even your friendship is-"

"My punishment. But I have more pressing matters than your begging to be back in my inner circle." Butch glared, "what exactly were you doing in my territory? I thought I made it clear that I didn't want you nearby." Brute drew her fan across her eyes.

"I wanted to see you."

"I believe that," his tone made it clear that he didn't.

"You never see me and then you show up with a brand new bride...after the last one, I thought you would finally-" Butch hissed and stood up.

"Not another word." He moved to leave, but she grabbed a hold of his hakama. Butch hissed, but her claws gripping into the fabric as tears threatened to fall again. "Let go, you wench!"

"Why?! Why her?! Why the last twelve!? Why do you continuously do this to me?!" Butch stared down at her, "ever since we've met, I've admired you! That admiration grew to love! I would be totally and wholly dedicated to you, but you've denied me time and time again!" She sobbed, "I love you, Butch, more than my soul can even bear."

"Brute..."

"Please, I have no issues being a second wife or a mistress, just please-!"

"Brute!" His sharp tone silenced her as he yanked his clothes away from her grip. "Stay away from my territory, Black, and my wife. The next time I have to come down here, it won't be just to talk." Butch stalked out of the room. Brute cried out for him, but he ignored her. A few yards from her estate he stopped and leaned against one of the peach trees. His mind took him to a time when they were younger, back in his home town of China. When he and Brute would play with her sisters, running along the trees full of peaches and cherries and apples. He remembered days in their younger years, where Brute was the only one he could relate to.

But that time has passed. That time is gone and dead with the pain of the last decade. Butch stood up and shot a flame of fire onto his arm, letting it engulf him and his thoughts. His relationship with Brute will never be the same, but his relationship with Buttercup will make up for that.

As the dragon landed on his palace steps and transformed back, he was greeted with a squeal and two black blurs barreling into him like bats out of Hell. "Brother! You're back! I missed you sooooo much!"

"NYARP!"

"What'dya bring me!?"

"MRUYP!"

"Is that all I'm good for then? Gifts?" He laughed as he held Black. Tar crawled up his back and sat on his head while someone laughed. Buttercup walked from the doors, an impish grin on her face. "You didn't-"

"I may have eluded to you bringing them a new toy."

"Buttercup, that was supposed to be a surprise."

"Well, they were very surprised to know about their new toy."

Butch laughed and began trekking up the steps, pushing Brute and their complicated relationship to the back of his mind.

The mushy grass stuck to her sandals with the same tenacity of the mud. The wind pushed at the shawl covering her face and head. She carried the basket on her hip, clutching it so that it didn't fly away with the ravaging winds. The trees rustled, casting the shadows of skeletal branches along her path. The howls of the spring storm about to set upon her temporary home away from home.

Or was it her hideaway lair, since she was hiding from everyone she ever knew.

The small town she had been hiding away at came into view, with it's tiny people and lack of economical reach. This made it easy to hide and even easier for her to hide her most valuable possession. The one thing she will use to rectify past mistakes and bring her family back together. The thought put an eerie smile on her face as she reached the edge of the town. She immediately wiped the smile off for a softer one and tightened her shawl.

"Ms. Miyasho! There you are!" She turned to see a young man run up to her with an excited sparkle in her eyes. He was handsome, to say the least. His brown eyes sparkled like diamonds and he had a great laugh that can be heard for miles. Long ago, she would have fallen in love with him. She would have charmed him purposefully and maybe, by now, she would have him following her like a lost puppy on their way to her father's house for him to ask for her hand and his blessing. She would have pleaded with her father to let her marry him, to see that he was the one.

But that was long ago.

He grinned at her, "I've been looking for you everywhere." He handed over a small basket, filled with Chinese bread. The steam still rose from them like smoke. She resisted the urge to glare at the memory of smoke.

"They look amazing."

"My mother made them just an hour ago. Still warm. I," he blushed, "wanted to share them with you." She smiled gently, taking the buns from him.

"Thank you, Daichi. This was sweet of you," Daichi laughed. The wind whipped around them. She looked around, "I needed this."

"Of course," they were silent for a moment longer.

"Daichi,"

"Listen, I get it." He looked to the side, "you're not ready...I can wait...but...my family's going to start asking soon."

"Daichi, we've only known each other for this past winter."

"And I've never even seen where you live. For a while, I thought you were a yuki-onna...until we kissed." She snorted.

"You kissed me even though you thought I was a yuki-onna?" He shrugged.

"I'm a good man, not a smart one. Besides, how could I resist a girl like you?" She blushed. "Ms. Miyasho, I'm in love with you. I've never been more sure of anything in my life." He took her hands, "can't I at least meet your family? You said you're travelling with your uncle and stopped for the winter, right? He could at least put in a good word with your father and-"

"Daichi, please." She kissed his hands, "I...I can't...my family won't allow it."

"I could convince them. I know my family's not the most prestigious, but you'd be safe and-" This hurt her. She wanted to love him, she could feel the love growing in her heart. She could envision a life with him, happily married in this tiny town. She could see her swelling with a third child as she chased young ones around their yard while he worked at his family's shop, selling woodwork. She could see them kissing in the night, whispering loving words and promises. Long ago, she would have jumped onto him for that proposal and dragged him home.

But that was long ago.

"I have to go, before my uncle finds out that I'm gone." She turned and began walking back to her temporary home. Daichi stared after her longingly before calling out.

"I'll wait for you here," she looked at him. He smiled, "whatever you're hiding, whatever you're doing...it doesn't mean anything...I'll still be here, waiting for you." She looked at him, standing there like the forbidden fruit of Eden. Her salvation, her saving grace...Daichi could be what she needed to heal, after months of turmoil and rage. Daichi could be her heaven.

She never thought it was possible. After what happened and her family was ripped apart, she lost all thought of light being within the world. The screams still echoed in her head, the tears still streamed down her face at night. That wench with her cried too, sometimes for her...sometimes for herself...and sometimes for her sister. She could still feel the rush of blood against her cracked knuckles from punching her in the face. Then she met Daichi, in this tiny town in the woods. Daichi, who always wore a big smile on his face and rushed to greet the new girl in town when he spotted her in the market during the first days of winter. Daichi who tracked her down on her way back to the shack she had been staying with warm food and blankets, offering to let her stay with his family while she squatted her with her travelling "uncle". Daichi, who kissed her so sweetly under the moonlight after admitting that he was in love with her.

She smiled, "and I'll be back." Then she turned and left. She walked until she came to the point in this broken path where she turned into the woods that bode ill for those who walked them. She walked over upturned roots and climbed over rotting logs and stumps. The wind seemed to bit here, growling as it sensed the dimming of happiness in her soul and growing sinister plots. She glanced up to see her horse still tied to the shed, squared away from the wind and ran and snow in the front of the shed. She poured him some fresh water and left some oats for him to eat before moving to the back of the shed. There, nestled between the bags of rice and bundles of grain, sat Shirogane Himeko.

Her mouth was stuffed and gagged with clothe and her hands were bound behind her back. Her feet were tied in front of her. Dirt and mud caked her face and hair, with dry tear trails going down her cheeks and snot trails down her nose. Rose knelt in front of her, placing the basket next to her. Eyes dead, she stared straight at Himeko. Himeko shook in fear.

The last few months had been hell for her. After Rose knocked her out cold, she dragged her onto the cart and covered her with rice, grains, and other items that she sold along the trip. She had gone down the path towards the mountains, where the dragon was said to have lived. She had been stuffed into different shacks and jostled about, scared into remaining quiet unless she wanted Rose to get angry again. She had gotten upset once when Himeko had tried to talk her down, return her back to the village.

Rose's tantrum had ended with Himeko receiving another black eye and being gagged for the remainder of the trip.

Except, as Rose fed her.

"Evening, Himeko...I am now allowed to call you that, right? I mean," Rose pulled out some Chinese bread and a bit of rice. "You know that boy I told you about, Daichi? He says that he wants to marry me. We've only known each other these past few months, but I think he might be the one." She yanked the clothe from Himeko's mouth. Himeko gasped and coughed, spitting out the sawdust collected on the clothe. "Eat."

"Rose, ple-"

"Are you not hungry?" Rose's voice turned icy in its sweetness as she held the Chinese bun a little farther. Himeko followed it and took it in her mouth. She munched on the thing while Rose watched. "I'm gonna make it back here and marry Daichi while my sister watches. You're going to be my bartering tool." Himeko whimpered slightly while Rose took her own bun and began eating, chatting like they were old friends sharing a basket of steamy buns.

Buttercup's eyes snapped open and she gasped for air. The sun was just barely beginning to rise from the horizon, but her heart banged against her chest like a war drum. She stared out the window of her room. Once they returned from their trip, Butch let her return to her own room while he slept in his. Another attempt to show her that she had nothing to fear from him regarding their relationship. Black had latched onto her the moment they returned and demanded that she let her sleep over like she promised.

Case in point, the little dragoness was asleep on her bed, snuggled into her side and snoring away quietly. Buttercup gulped, her lips and throat dry. She had never had such a nightmare before. She had dreamed of darkness and a sickening shadow that filled her senses with rot and disease. She fingered the scars on her abdomen, shivering at the memory of being ripped open by that beast. She was distracted previously by all the things concerning the wedding and Butch and the story behind Reina and all. But now, there was no looming ceremony on the horizon and Butch was no longer keeping secrets, answering questions of his past over breakfast. Buttercup's mind was now free to go over everything that happened to her so far and that meant running into memories of the basilisk.

It's putrid breathe and gaze were the only things that she remembered the most clearly as everything else was buried beneath a haze of pain.

Buttercup still shivered at the thought of it. Is this what it was like, fighting within a real battle? Would she freeze under that creature's gaze again, not from it's putrefying power, but from fear? Buttercup grit her teeth, she couldn't stand this feeling. She couldn't stand feeling helpless, even against monsters. Suddenly, an idea popped in her head. "I got it!"

"Ehhhhhh?" Buttercup covered her mouth at Black's whine as the dragoness rubbed her eyes and glared at Buttercup, "Big Sister, it's too early..."

"Actually, it'll be breakfast time in an a bit. And you have to go get ready."

"We need to have breakfast in the afternoon, then." Buttercup snickered before she roused Tar at the end of the bed and got ready. Black wasn't the only one who was going to be shocked this morning, she thought. A promise that was made good on when she and Black were finishing breakfast an hour and a half later with Butch. He was staring at her, tea cup spilling out his green tea as Black eyed her in shock, their irises thin like blades of grass as they mentally processed her "request".

Okay, it was a demand.

A demand that even Tar was hesitant to answer.

"You want to WHAT?!"

"I want you to teach me how to fight dragons."

"Oh, okay, I thought that's what I heard. Black, I need you to have the doctor summoned here because Buttercup has succumbed to madness."

"I'll go get the rope to tie her while I'm at it."

"No! No ropes and no doctors! I do mean it, though, Butch. I want you to teach me how to fight a dragon." Butch rubbed his temples, feeling the oncoming headache.

"Why on earth would you want to learn that? I thought we were doing okay, why do you already want to try and kill me?"

"Butch, if I wanted to kill you, why would I reveal my plan like this?"

"Because I wouldn't expect it?"

"Butch, please be serious."

"I am, are you?"

"Yes!"

"Seriously though, why would you want to learn to fight dragons?" Buttercup crossed her arms and smirked deviously. "I am not going to like this answer..."

"If I can fight and beat a dragon, I can fight and beat a basilisk."

"I was right."

"You know, I'll just go and get those iron chains you used to imprison those ogres, Big Brother."

"Good idea." Buttercup rolled her eyes and got up, walking up to her now slightly put out husband. Butch had been working nonstop since they got back two days ago. She had learned while alone with him that he had so many more responsibilities than the draconian ones. He was a shogun, after all. He had to approve new laws and taxes to be imposed on his villages, investigate crimes and punish criminals, he also had to monitor trade and agricultural disputes, and so much more. It was amazing that he even made time to sit with her and Black for meals. It also explained why she rarely saw him during the day as he was holed up in his room, at his desk being attended to by vassals and servants that she had never even seen. Butch seemed to work to keep his work out of his private housing, where she was. Once, while on her trip, she had asked if Butch had ever meant the Emperor.

Butch had said he did, once, but not since then. She didn't ask much more because, by the look on his face, it was not a pleasant meeting. She didn't want him to worry about protecting her too. She took his hand, forcing him to turn his luminescent eyes on her. "Butch, calm down and listen." He glared, but didn't say anything. "I only want to learn how to fight dragons so that I can properly protect myself and Black. That's all."

"I can protect you, there's no need."

"Butch, does Blossom make Brick fight for her?"

"Sometimes, she...I see where you're going with this." Butch sighed. "...you think fighting monsters is easy, then?"

"Can't be that much different than fighting wild animals or people."

"Ha..."

THWACK!

"OOPH!" The air ejected out of Buttercup's lungs as she felt them collapse. She had been at this for hours and this was just number thirty-five of the last thirty four times that she had been thrown over a few meters away. Her sword and fan sat abandoned by the side lines as Butch's soldiers and vassals watched in confusion as Butch stood in the middle of the training area with his new wife.

Were they touring the battle grounds, with Butch showing off his own military might, like any other high bred newlywed couple?

No, of course not.

Butch stood, in human, form, teaching Buttercup how to fight a dragon. Well, a dragon in his human form. And so far, all she had managed to learn was that Butch was a powerhouse in a sparring match. Buttercup wasn't sure she wanted to know what kind of power he has when he was in a real battle.

Said dragon stood in the middle of the field, his stance visibly relaxed. She knew better, though. His eyes tracked her movements like a hawk, predicting every possible move and every way he could counter it. She had tried dodging, he just stepped back into her space. She tried kicks, he ducked or blocked them. She tried punching, he used her momentum against her. She had got in a few hits, but as of right now, he was better than she was.

Butch stretched his arms and Buttercup pointedly ignored how his muscles rippled when he did that. The jerk hadn't even worked up a sweat. He grinned at her, "ready to take a break, Joji?"

"No! Again!" She rushed him again, foolishly, she knew. Her feet pounded at the ground as she grappled him around the waist, knocking him down. Butch didn't even blink, rolling using her momentum. He slipped his arms beneath the two of them, and suddenly she was flung forward and on her back. "OOMPH!" The wind was knocked out of her again. "How did you even do that?"

"Reflexes? Combat experience from centuries of being a dragon?" He smirked and sat up. "Wanna try again?"

"YES!" She flipped onto her stomach and launched forward, pushing against his back. Butch didn't budge. In fact, he pulled his legs up and put his head on his hand. She grunted and continued to push, pull, hit, anything to get him down.

Nothing.

Finally, after three hours of this, she gave up. Butch looked back at her, an eyebrow raised. "Done now?"

"...You must think you're so great." He turned and smiled.

"Yes, I do...but that's not your problem here." He pulled her up and she sat in front of him. She looked around. By now, most of the soldiers and vassals had returned to their training or their tasks. The sun was beginning to set. Buttercup blinked. Had they been at this all day? No wonder she was so tired. Butch smiled. "Look, Buttercup, if you're going to fight dragons and basilisks, strength is not gonna help you. Even Black in her dragon form will be able to beat you in that. You'll have to work on speed, agility, and cunning." Butch stood and suddenly erupted into flames, shifting to his dragon form. His large shadow towered over her and he looked her directly in the eye. "While I'm like this, a small thing like you is much more difficult to hit."

"But...I've seen you tear into men in this form easily."

"That's different. They generally aren't thinking clearly. Fear clouds judgement. Running around in a confused circle while others do the exact same thing makes you much easier to pick off then most people realize. That's another thing you'll need to learn, keeping calm when facing something as large as me...or even larger." He sat down. "By outsmarting and outmaneuvering a larger opponent, you'll become stronger."

"So, what you're saying is...dragons aren't indestructible?" Butch snorted, smoke flushing from his nostrils.

"Whatever gave you the idea that we were? We're strong, that's undeniable, but even the best armor has its' weak spots. You've got grit, Joji, so we'll teach you how to fight dragons...but first...you're going to learn to fight Ogres."

Hey, Rose, aren't you worried about the possible repurcussions of you kidnapping a woman in a higher class than you?

Rose - Please, this is Ancient Japan. Kidnapping happened constantly.

...N...you know what...? Nevermind.

BC - Next time on Green Maiden, I get to learn how to fight monsters!