Revelry and Fealty
By Saltwater Romance


Chapter Two


I heard the three of them calling after me, but my feet, on their own accord, led me out of their camp. Soon, the light from their lanterns and campfires was a distant thing.

Shoot. I left my purse with them.

No matter, I can make do.

Panting, I only slowed down once I was deep in the nearby forest.

Quick, Sumire, I thought to myself. I needed contingency plans. I'm stuck in the middle of a forest without food, water, weaponry. I grimaced. Why was I so hotheaded? I should've just accepted the offer to "rule the world" with Natsume. At least that way, I would've been provided with shelter. Argh, it was too late to regret it now.

I heard rustling. What kind of animals were in this forest? Were there any predators that are extinct in my world? Oh no. I'm way in over my head. What if I died by some unknown creature?

Maybe I should climb a tree and fall asleep there.

Just then, I heard the eerie chime of bells, and the sound of dry leaves crunching beneath someone's feet. I tensed, expecting the worst.

Remember, Sumire. The sweet spots to attack are the groin, the solar plexus, and the throat. I shuddered. If it came down to it, do I have the balls to gouge someone's eyes out? Ugh. Let's not get too ahead of myself. I'm sure it won't come to that. I hope.

A deep rumble almost had me leaping out of my skin, "Ah, what is a woman doing in the forest so late at night?"

A man with alabaster skin and dark features walked towards me. As he came closer, I noticed a scar in the shape of a cross underneath his left eye. Sinister.

But despite that mark… He was a Buddhist monk? He donned the robes of one.

"My name is Rei Serio, and I am a traveling monk. Maybe I can be of assistance to you?"

His appearance disturbed me to my very core. Unlike the others that I have met, there didn't seem to be even a vestige of humanity in him; it was like he was bathed in darkness. But I couldn't let him know that he scared me. That would only incite him to attack! I had to go about this like I would with a rabid animal. I smiled as brightly as I could muster, "Thank you, but no thank you. I'm doing fine."

Now that he was close enough for me to inspect him, I realized that he had the same silhouette as the one that attacked Natsume earlier.

I needed to get out of here!

After he took a long step towards me to gently place a hand on my shoulder, I inhaled sharply.

Don't let him know you know. Don't let him know that you're frightened. Just pretend that you both are normal travelers who happened to meet in this very dark forest. Don't hyperventilate! This forest only had bunny rabbits and squirrels and gumdrops and lollipops and gingerbread houses… Dear God, why was I now thinking about the witch from Hansel and Gretal? Stop, Sumire, stop!

"You should return home. Demons lurk in the forest at night."

Was that a threat?

"Thanks. Now, if you'll excuse me," I smiled before hurrying past him.

I tried to escape a group of weird menacing guys just to run into another one! With the exception of Yuu, it seemed like with each guy that I met, the more malicious they become. 'Fortune's favor' my ass. I had the worst luck in the history of the world, save for like mosquitoes and other equally short lived vile insects.

"Whoa! Slow down," an arm gripped my shoulder tightly.

"Huh?"

How did I not see him before? How did I not hear his horse before?

"Careful, you were about to barrel over the cliff."

I leaned closer to where I was heading. Oh. I guess I was about to.

Just another brush with death. No big deal.

I shuddered.

"Koko! I think found her!" he then called out. My head snapped up to look at him. His hair was a shade darker than Kokoro's and hung a bit lower. His eyes? I couldn't see them clearly; he was squinting even though it was nighttime.

I guess this man was in cahoots with Natsume as well. I tried to shake him off, but his fingers ended up digging into my shoulder. I heard the steps of another horse, and Kokoro came into view.

With a frown, he reproved, "You know that we spent the entire night searching the forest to find you!"

"Well, you didn't need to. It's not like I asked you to… So that's all on you," I growled; something about him irritated me. That tone sounded too much like my mother's.

"You dare to run from Lord Natsume with no reasonable explanation at all? How can you be so insolent?!"

Oh. That was why he annoyed me. Somehow I knew that a lecture was coming up—and I didn't even know him!

"For no reason?" I scoffed, "He asked me to 'rule the world by his side.' What kind of maniac would ask that?! What would a maniac like that do if I declined? Because let's be honest, only a maniac would even ask that in the first place! I had no choice, but to run!"

I felt the man gripping my shoulder shake from laughter, "You must be Sumire. There is no doubt that you are the woman who defied Lord Natsume."

"And you are? Someone who I am supposed to recognize?"

The squinty eyed man peered down at me, "That would have pleased me, but no. I suppose not."

Suddenly, without any effort, he lifted me up and placed me on his horse.

Yelping, "Hey, let me go!"

I collided against his hard chest. Turning around to fix him with a harsh glare, I caught a glimpse of his self-assured smirk, "Kitsuneme. Remember it well, Sumire."

Oh. How wonderful. Obviously, it's Kitsuneme. It's not like there was a limit to how many famous warlords a girl can meet in a night is there?

"Kitsu is the head of the noble clan of Oshu. He is one of the greatest allies of Lord Natsume."

If Kokoro thought that he was impressing me with this useless trivia, I had news for him, "Thank you both for the introduction, but can I be put down now?"

Ignoring me, Kitsuneme asked, "Could you settle down? You'll spook the horse."

"Does it matter? I'm pretty spooked myself," I grumbled.

"Come to think of it, you do look a little spooked," an impish smile.

Despite my comment, Kitsuneme slammed the reins down and cried out in order to quicken the pace of the horse. The speed of the animal forced me to cling onto Kitsuneme to prevent from falling.

"Don't lose her, Kitsu."

"Don't worry Koko," I could feel him smirking from behind me, "Hold on tight, Sumire."

I felt the energy sap right out of me; weariness seeping into my bones. After running into Rei Serio in the forest, I suppose that there were worse thingsand peoplethan Natsume and his men. I decided then and there to throw in my lot with them. This was my best chance for survival.

"Natsume has already departed the camp. He ordered you brought to him," Kokoro explained, clearly unhappy with that order.

"We need to ride fast if we're going to catch up. Don't fall off now," a teasing lilt to Kitsuneme's voice.

I tightened my grip as the horse began to gallop even faster. We rode the rest of the way in silence, and it wasn't until the sky pinkened in hue that we arrived at our destination. It was like a fortress, a castle, and a city all in one. It took my breath away.

"We have arrived, Sumire. This is the castle of Azuchi, the home of the Hyuuga forces," Kitsuneme gestured to our destination proudly.

I couldn't believe my eyes. This was the real castle of Azuchi! It was destroyed shortly after Natsume's death! I was witnessing this magnificent architecture firsthand! It was mind blowing. My inner geek and love of beauty held me transfixed at the scenery.

Snidely, Kokoro remarked, "Don't present yourself to Lord Natsume with that expression; you look like a gaping frog."

"Excuse me?!" I snapped, a bit unreasonably irascible from the sleepless hours and rough horseriding, "You look like an incompetent baboon all the time, but that doesn't stop you from sharing that look with others!"

"So you are a morning person," Kitsuneme laughed, diffusing the situation, "I'll keep that in mind."

"Could you let me go now that we've arrived?"

"I don't think I can," Kitsuneme purred, "I'm pretty happy with you."

Is he flirting with me? Oh man.

"Kitsu!" Kokoro exclaimed sharply, "Our Lord Natsume is interested in her. Remove your hands at once!"

I rolled my eyes and fought back a shudder. Don't remind me.

A lazy reply, "Why should I pay any mind to that? I like her too. Besides, great men do not prosper in the shadows of othersin battle, or in love."

I needed to throw up, "Listen here you two"

"Koko! Welcome back!" a multitude of sweet female voices cried out.

"Over here, Koko!"

"Oh Kitsu, you're as dashing as ever! Who is your friend?"

I then noticed a sea of waving and cheering women that had lined up outside the door, greeting the two men.

With a tsk, Kitsuneme commented in annoyance, "How do you always get such a warm welcome every time, Koko? Break a heart or two, will you?"

"Who do you take me for?" Kokoro raised an eyebrow before getting off his horse and heading towards the crowd of women.

"I told you there was no need to come to the door; what about your job?" he gently chided the nearest women to him.

"I finished earlier to come see you return home!"

Another woman, "Koko, are you planning to stay here for a while? I hope we will have some time to catch up over tea."

"Please don't wait for me. I will send a letter when I have the time," he flashed a charming smile.

"Of course! Take all the time you need!"

I couldn't help but gawk at this unknown creature before me. This… This charming, popular, anddare I say itsuave creature. Before I could close my mouth, "So he's a charming sweetheart and not an unfriendly ultra-stiff paranoiac?"

Kitsuneme shrugged, "This is how he normally is. I guess you're just special."

I snorted incredulously, "He's nice to everyone except for me? I'm the very opposite of special."

"It goes both ways," another shrug, "There aren't many women who do not fall into Koko's arms at first sight."

Then he gave me a curious glance, "So who are you really?"

Me? I'm just a normal personat least by my standards.

As Kitsuneme got closer to me, I stiffened, but then

"Welcome back Lord Kokoro, Lord Kitsuneme," the sweet voice of Yuu called out to us. Standing in the shadows next to him was a young man with silver hair ruffled like a wild beast.

Upon seeing Yuu and the young man, Kitsuneme turned to me and smiled, "Even Youichi came out to say hi. That's rare."

"Youichi? As in Youichi Hijiri?"

"Yeah," Kitsuneme gestured to the young man, "He's right there; he's the sourpuss next to Yuu. You should take this opportunity to say hi."

He made it sound like seeing Youichi was like catching the sight of a unicorn.

Anyway, Kitsuneme lifted me off of the horse and led me through Kokoro's throng of admirers. We then stopped at the gate where Yuu and Youichi waited.

"I've been expecting your arrival, Lady Sumire," Yuu's smile was infectious; I could've sworn I saw the flowers in our vicinity bloom just then.

I had to warn Yuu though, "I don't have anything else to say to Natsume"

"She looks pitiful," Youichi interrupted with a rude comment and a disapproving frown, "You're Sumire?"

"What if I am?"

I was definitely on the defense now. A girl couldn't get a break could she?

Without a reply, Youichi kept his ice cold eyes fixed on me. Was the last unifier of Japan really such a little snot? He was pretty like a doll, but that only made his choleric attitude worse somehow.

"Youichi, that's no way to greet someone," Kokoro came from behind us with an admonishment, "Can't you give them a smile at least?"

Who was this man? Where did he come from? Because this is not the Kokoro that I've come to know.

"Can he though?" Kitsuneme snorted in disbelief, "I'm not sure I've ever seen him do it."

Then to Youichi, "What does your smile even look like?"

"Why is that important?" the younger man snapped.

"Don't be unsociable. You need to let loose. Learn to smile and laugh," Kokoro urged.

Seriously. Was he just now replaced by an alien? Or maybe he suffered from bipolarism or maybe a multiple personality disorder? Because who is this foreign creature?

"I'll help. Koko, you take his left." there was that teasing lilt in Kitsuneme's voice as both men slowly approached Youichi.

"S-stop it! You're both just so annoying!"

Scrunching his face up, Youichi scrambled out from under Kokoro and Kitsuneme's tickling grasps. They all seem quite friendly with one another. Yuu took one look at my bemusement and explained, "Like Lord Kitsuneme, Lord Youichi is also allies with Lord Natsume. He came at once, hearing the news of the assassination attempt."

"So that's why this is the hotspot of all the famous warlords."

Though, truth be told, I was more shocked about Kokoro's whiplash personality.

Clapping his hands to get the attention the others, Yuu called out, "Everyone? Shall we save the happy reunion until after our new arrivals get some rest?"

"Save yourself, Yuu. I'm not remotely happy about any of this." Youichi groused.

"Oh. My apologies," ignoring the venom in Youichi's tone, "Then let's simply not stand around and go talk inside."

Ushering me along, Yuu happily informed me, "Lady Sumire, the room you'll be staying in has already been prepared. Please, get some rest."

Inside the castle, he led me through winding corridors before we came across a spacious and comfortable looking room, "Lady Sumire, this room is yours to use as you like. I hope it is enough for you."

It was there that I saw a familiar black bag laying neatly by the futon. Touched that they even retrieved it from the camp, "It's more than enough. Thank you for keeping my purse and giving it back to me."

"Of course."

"And please, just call me Sumire."

"But you're a lady! And Lord Natsume's savior. I couldn't possibly," Yuu protested sweetly.

"Please," I pleaded; conversations with Yuu were like a breath of fresh air, "It's fine. Really. I'm not used to titles and fancy treatment. I would prefer Sumire."

"Then I will agree on the condition that you stay as familiar with me. Is that all right, Sumire?" Yuu tested out the informality and then smiled, a lock of his hair falling over his eye.

"That's perfect, Yuu," I had to reciprocate that sweet expression.

I wonder how he preserved his sweetness among all of these domineering and rude guys!

"Thank you. Now, take your leisure. Someone will come to fetch you soon."

Smiling politely, Yuu left the room and closed the door behind him. I sank to the floor and rifled through the contents of my purse before me. It seemed like they left my purse untouched. Thank you, God! Finding what I was looking for, I let out a long sigh. I bit into the chocolate bar that I had luckily stashed away. Remembering the time before landing in this current situation, I wondered about Hotaru. Crease lines marred my forehead. Surely, if she came with me, one of the warlords would've found her by now.

I hope she's okay.

Or… Maybe this is a prolonged dream, and I'm in a coma. In which case... I better hope that I'm okay.

A knock on the door broke me from my musings. Then a familiar face appeared in the opening, though it was not a pleasant one.

"I see you weren't able to get away from Natsume after all," Mochiage smirked, "That's too bad; I was rooting for you."

Huh. I didn't expect that.

Mochiage informed me, "He's calling for you. Natsume, that is. He wants to see you."

"Okay."

Mochiage said no more and turned to go. I followed after him quickly. He betrayed Natsume in the history I know and arranged the assassination at Hinno-ji. However, the person I saw attacking Natsume was different. That doesn't let Mochiage off the hook though nor did it settle my unease around him. I dragged my feet behind him, forcing myself to walk to this unwanted audience.

Deep in the castle, we came to a stop in front of a wall of gorgeously painted screens. As they opened

"You've kept me waiting, Sumire."

The deep baritone of Natsume's voice greeted me as I fought the urge to roll my eyes at his self-righteousness. I didn't know anyone who was more full of themselves than this guy.

"Um I'm sorry?"

Natsume Hyuuga sat alone on the dais. The power of his presence filled the room. Forming rows on either side of him were Kokoro, Yuu, Kitsuneme, and Youichi. Mochiage quietly joined them.

Some of the country's strongest warriors and infamous conquerors all in one room. This is really something.

"Don't just stand there. Approach me," he demanded with a frown.

"... All right…"

Steeling my nerves, I approached the crimson eyed man and kneeled.

"Henceforth, you will reside in this castle and give your service to me."

"And if I say no?"

"You can't," his eyes were brutal. He smiled, but there was no warmth.

This was my best shot for staying alive until I can figure out why I was even here in the first place.

"And how exactly am I to serve you?"

"However you like."

"Um what?" my eyes widened in shock.

Natsume took my wrist, drawing me nearer. His fingers, I noticed, were elegantly long.

"Your only duty is to stay nearby. That is all that I need of you," he had a domineering smirk on his face, "You will be my lucky charm as I unify this nation and all that lies beyond."

"You want me around because I'm lucky?"

"Yes and have no fear. You shall be known as a princess from afar and will be treated as such. Spend your days on makeup or cards and games if it suits you. I don't care. As long as you come when I tell you to," his gaze hardened.

"And how am I supposed to survive with no money?" I arched my eyebrow.

"It'll be provided. Don't fret."

Oh. I already know how this will play out. My face twisted in disgust. Even in the 16th century, I could sense that this 'gift' had strings attached. When a guy pays for your stuff, it's not out of the goodness of his heart; he will expect and demand certain things from you. Whether it's of sexual nature or not, you will no longer have anatomy over yourself. Having been there and done that, I vigorously shook my head, "No."

I wanted as much as my freedom as possible. There was no way I was going to let Natsume have that sense of ownership over me.

"What?" he gave me a look of true bafflement.

"I would prefer to work for a wage," I clarified, "I would rather have a job than to sit around and be waited on hand and foot."

"I respect that," Kitsuneme nodded his approval, "A woman after my own heart."

"So be it. Then I appoint you as my chatelaine."

That easy huh?

"What an excellent idea. Sumire, I'll provide you with all the support you need to get started," Yuu encouraged me sweetly.

"How could this waif possibly be any use?" Youichi sniggered.

"It's Lord Natsume's decision. So, hold your tongue Youichi," Kokoro rebuked, "Though only time will tell if we can even trust her."

"Who says that you have to? Just keep an eye on her. You're good at that, right?" Mochiage challenged Kokoro, his disdain unmasked. I guess Kokoro kept Mochiage on a short leash.

"Then it's decided. Work hard and prove your worth to me, Sumire."

I let them talk without interrupting, chewing on my bottom lip. Hopefully, I'll have some time to look into why I was sent here. I could feel Natsume watching me with that wicked smile across his face. How long will I have to put up with this?

No matter, I'll survive my time here and make it back to the present!