Jiro had a lingering desire to blow this off…especially in light of what had just happened. There were still some last minute details to wrap up back in the proverbial "world of humans". However, he knew it couldn't be that simple. Over 300 years ago he had "walked out" on the orders of the gods. He wasn't sure if they had intended it all along, if somehow he would have made the connection this time of how to break the pact with Shitakarahi and give Eiko her true power even without the events leading up to it, or if they had intended for him to do so this whole time and it was all part of a master design.
But any way he looked at it…he realized that a bit of "luck" had to have been on their side, and he guessed that it was a bit more than luck. Shitakarahi couldn't have gone to such elaborate lengths to plan for every contingency for so long only to throw all caution to the wind in his final moments. He had never been "honorable", and he could have annihilated Eiko instantly long before he was pushed to his own limit and made everything for nothing. Even not considering that, Satoru should have been in his cocoon a lot longer than he was, especially considering all of the power that he lost. And even barring that…Jiro had just happened to look at that ice wall in just the right way at just the right time back in the remains of the palace to see that there was something on the other side that could save Eiko. And he knew what all of that meant.
He had prayed for help, and the gods had granted it…which meant one other thing.
Even with his own power, it took Jiro some time to go back to Fuji. He could only fly so fast, and frankly he was ready to collapse and sleep for about three days (preferably in a bed with Eiko, but that was besides the point). Yet he still had energy "pushing him on" from the need to return. He had to help her out with "one last challenge" after all, and he intended to be present for it. He was asking a lot both from her and the Jido no Hogu-sha to try and "stall", but considering everything they had been through over the past few days, it was only a bit of a stretch.
After a time, he finally arrived at the mountain. The sun was rising by then, and had already cleared the horizon. Not exactly his favorite time of the day for "conversations", but he was happy to see that the old volcano was still frozen atop of it. He loved being in "natural snow" for a change rather than powder either Eiko or he made. Not that it wasn't "pleasant"…it just helped put him at ease.
With one last pass to the top, again riding the wind, he swept his body around and gently alit. He moved to put his staff over one shoulder "casually" as he always did…but in the end put it down at his side. For once, he didn't want to seem disrespectful. After a lengthy pause, he bowed down to one knee, keeping his head lowered.
Silence. The wind slowly blew by. He paused a moment, keeping his head low, waiting in the silence and solitude. After a time, he cracked a smile.
"…I suppose it's too much to ask that you let all of this happen just to have the 'little prideful frost kami' finally get on his knees before you, isn't it?"
More silence, before he snickered again and raised his head.
"I guess you could say I'm still getting used to this whole 'honorable respect with discipline' thing."
He held a moment, but then lowered his eyes and smiled a bit more.
"Oh, but she's not a human, remember? She's the Yuki no Megami. And me being the 'frost kami' that I am…maybe I am showing honor and respect by bowing to her. Anyway, I didn't come here to look for more opportunities to be disrespectful. Before I decide what exactly I want to say to you…I want to know. Why didn't you just tell me and her how to stop him thousands of years ago? That we had to get people to embrace her as a god and reject him?"
There was a long period of silence that Jiro remained there kneeling. The icy wind continued to whip by him. Some might find it harsh…he found it peaceful. Even wonderful. The cold feeling was so refreshing. He almost felt like he was being restored by letting it come around him. Yet after a while, he kept his head lower and smiled a bit more.
"…I suppose if you had told me that was the reason before this all started, I wouldn't have believed you myself. I was tempted to think the burden for all of this was on Eiko. That it was she who needed to embrace her real nature. But no…when I saw her on that hill looking down…and saw those people still screaming in fright of her even now…I realized all of her self-doubt and fear didn't set her apart…it just made her 'one of the norm'. And you're right. I wouldn't have noticed it otherwise. All her life I encouraged her mindset, in all of her lives. I taught her how to control it so that she wouldn't let others see it…never realizing I never got them to see what she was and how wonderful she could be. I selfishly 'kept her to myself'.
"It was the Jido no Hogu-sha who taught me the power that comes from helping others…that this world isn't just 'gods and mortals'. I think…no, I know that there were times even now I didn't really care if Eiko froze Arender-ken completely so long as I had a 'wintry paradise to play in'. And if Eiko had beaten Shitakarahi before, I know that's the sort of life I envisioned for us. So no…I couldn't just expect to run around ordering people to 'worship Eiko' or 'love Eiko' and expected to beat him that way. It wasn't enough just to know 'what to do'. We had to learn to embrace the Yuki no Megami starting from the perspective of distrust and hate…so that we could show everyone else the same way."
He grinned.
"So…teaching me to be more 'mature' too, eh? In that case…"
He trailed off a moment.
"…Does that mean that everything I did, including my rebellion, was 'planned for'? And that we can leave it at that?"
There was a period of silence…before his smile faded a little, his face growing a tad "sadder".
"…Can't blame a guy for trying…" He muttered. "No, I didn't forget what I said back when I desperately tried to keep her warm. I said if there was any price you demanded of me that I'd pay it. And that's the other reason I came up here."
He inhaled deeply, and slowly exhaled.
"…I'm ready for it."
There was a pause of silence during which Jiro heard no more than any other mortal would. But after a time, he began to hear a response. He couldn't help but snicker at first.
"A choice, huh? To think I used to knock you guys for not being 'generous'…"
Another pause, and he snickered again.
"Well, I'm already hating that option. I'm a little afraid of what's the second one."
More silence. He gave a laugh after a moment.
"Are you kidding? That one, of course. You guys have been watching me and her for thousands of years, right?"
His smile faltered a moment later when they began to respond. However, it didn't fade all together. When they spoke, Jiro got a faraway look in his eye. He hesitated, thinking about all he was hearing from them. Not only in his mind, but in his heart and soul. And when that happened, his smile nearly vanished again. It wasn't just words. It was thoughts…the life he had…everything about him that he enjoyed. He was quiet for a time once again.
In the end, he managed to smile again.
"…First time for everything, right?" He answered…a bit more quietly than he wanted. However…his thoughts were on Eiko. The beautiful lady he had "chased" on and off for thousands of years. Nothing else had mattered in the 300 year gaps. He had merely wanted to sleep and await her rebirth every time. He had no life aside from her and the Jido no Hogu-sha now. With that in mind, his resolve was strengthened. He knew…this was what he wanted more than anything. The alternative would only leave him feeling hollow until the end of time. He rose to his feet at that, and looked again to the sky with a smile.
"We'll make it work. Between a god and a kami, nothing's impossible, right?"
He turned and began to move off, reaching down only to pick up his staff.
He froze on hearing something that made him frown. In an instant, he wheeled back around.
"Hey, wait a second! That's too much!" He protested. "You're punishing her as well as me now!"
He stared at the sky silently a moment. As he did, his face slowly faded. It became a grimace…but also an understanding look as he slumped.
"I guess offspring between a god and a kami is something none of you are willing to risk, huh…" He muttered. "I don't suppose any of you could try and put yourselves in the shoes of a mortal daimyo who's a woman for a minute, could you? I've lived among them. I know how they judge. How they hate and condemn. How they look for things to latch onto. They accused her of being the spawn of a yuki-onna before she ever manifested her power…"
He sighed.
"…Could you please cut her just one break?"
Silence.
"Simple. I always want to be able to come running when she needs me."
There was a long pause of silence after that. When they did speak again…they did something that made Jiro grimace a bit…but not so much as what they said as what it meant. However, in the end, he swallowed a bit, and then gave a nod.
"…Agreed. How long do I get to tell her the situation?"
He sighed a moment later.
"Just have to make it a 'scenic route' trip then..."
Taking up his staff in both hands, he got ready to take off…but then paused and looked back.
"Eiko's going to need me one more time, but…before I head off, one more thing."
He smiled a bit.
"Thank you for helping her live this time."
With a flurry of snow, he was gone.
The reception in Kyoto wasn't exactly as "warm" as one might think once things began to calm down. Ironically, it might have worked out better if Eiko had just smiled gracefully, surrounded herself in a cloud of snow, and then vanished "as mysteriously as she arrived". And a part of her wanted to do that. But…she realized that now that Shitakarahi was gone, she was going to spend the bulk of her time living as a mortal again…as Queen Eiko of Arender-ken. And for the moment, she knew the case as it stood. Word had gone to the capitol about what she had done, via Nakamura. How she had brought down an unnatural winter on the country that had rapidly begun to expand outward and threatened to freeze all of Japan. And Nakamura, while he had ended up realizing that the murder was not her fault, had never passed on the truth about that matter. Nor did that change the fact she had brought the threatening winter. With that in mind, she reined in her power, removing the snow as the sun rose and leaving only her kimono of ice (for she was nude otherwise), and then came before the palace gates. The rest of the Jido-no-Hogu-sha were right behind her the whole way…save Jiro, ironically. He said he had to run off and do one more thing before he could be by her side. The others encouraged him to go. After all…they were down to 'mortal' opponents now, and weakened as they were they could probably handle things.
Soon after, Eiko turned herself in before the shogun and the emperor himself. Being an honorable woman, she said she wished to answer for her misdeeds in spite of what she had done.
There was a great deal of confusion for some time…and no small amount of disbelief when Eiko professed that she was the Yuki no Megami; an individual who was half-god, half-mortal. Few could dispute it, however, in light of the power they had both seen her wield as well as what she could do even now…although there was still no shortage of individuals, many of them holding high positions in court, who accused her of being a yuki-onna or an ice demon. Distrust and prejudice was not so easily cast aside. However, one thing was certain: the treachery of Itachitoko. He was drug in; a miserable, shivering, pathetic excuse of a man. The shogun, not willing to give the onmyoji the "honor" of seppaku, had actually petitioned the emperor to allow a special case of crucifixion for him although it was normally reserved for familial crimes. Barring that, slowly roasting him to death in the dungeons over an open flame would be nice and "ironic". But before it came to that, a confession was choked out of him. It wasn't hard. As vile and acidic as his tongue was in regards to Eiko, the truth was he was a coward at heart without his wicked power. He admitted to framing Eiko for the murder of Taguchi and his men, as well as coercing the now-deceased Hachiro, who had tried stealing Eiko's power to become a tyrant himself, into assisting them. The Jido-no-Hogu-sha themselves collaborated with the story…and while some court officials insisted that it was unheard of to take the word of yokai…the truth was the people of the city, even many within the palace, were still in awe of their saviors and talking about the beautiful Yuki no Megami who had delivered the capitol.
However, the fact that they didn't even bow to her humbly for insulting her honor by accusing her of the crime in the first place meant they still intended to pursue a 'harsh' penalty for the winter.
That, in turn, brought the matter to a little after midday. As the citizens of Kyoto went about the long task of rebuilding, there was a closed-door court in the main palace. It had never been so filled with soldiers and samurai, all of them staring at Lady Eiko and girt for war…seeming to think she would try something. The emperor was seated at his place, and the shogun at his side not far, even if, for all intensive purposes, it would be what the shogun would end up rendering saying that 'went'. And he was acting as the judge in these proceedings. As for Lady Eiko herself, still clad in shimmering ice, she was seated on her knees and at a distance, bowing her head to the ground.
"…And that is when I turned myself into your custody, my lord." She concluded her own story. "To sum up my defense, there is little I can say other than all that happened. I will not 'split hairs' over the law or ask you to completely ignore my crime in the face of my actions this morning. It is true that there is no law that prohibits my direct actions, but I am not so foolish or such a strict adherent to expect that I should 'be cleared' simply for that reason. The truth is I did cause harm to Arender-ken and to your kingdom. My father always said to value my honor and integrity above all else, just he always valued his honor and integrity before you above all else, my lord. Which is why I have come before you as I am now willingly. The only matter I ask you to consider is my reasoning for not turning myself into you sooner. I would have only caused more damage both to Arender-ken and to you, my lord. I had no choice but to impose exile on myself. Otherwise, I would have gladly turned myself in when the incident occurred."
The defense concluded, there was a moment of silence in the room. In truth, there were a few faces in the chamber sympathetic to the woman clad in ice before them, who were clear enough see the truth. However…Itachitoko and Hachiro had not been the "minority" in the kingdom. Even Nakamura didn't initially look on Eiko with trust and, even though he was more "even-minded", he had always thought Arender-ken would prosper far better under a male ruler than a female. That thinking dominated the court. In spite of seeing the wonders that had been performed, the very fact that Lady Eiko was literally wearing a garment of ice, and one could feel the cold radiating off of her…the thinking struck fears of the supernatural. Some in the court had been enamored by Eiko's winter and looked on the woman knowing that she was a power for good and not evil. Yet even some who had reached that conclusion felt twinges of other things inside them…hatred of witches…distrust of women with power…and unease at having a daimyo who was both a female and possessed sufficient power to overthrow the kingdom whenever she wanted…having to rely simply on her "good will" to ensure that did not happen. After all, this whole thing started because her will "shifted" to something negative.
The shogun turned eventually to the emperor, and the two exchanged a few looks and words almost silently. However, there weren't many passed in between them. Afterward, the shogun looked forward again and folded his hands.
"Lady Eiko, after hearing all of the testimony that has been presented, I do not think anyone here would still accuse you of the murder of Lord Taguchi or his men. Nor will there be any charges for the death of the dishonorable Lord Hachiro, who will be stripped of his titles and holdings and be assigned a grave among traitors. Nor would anyone deny the great service you have done today both to the kingdom as well as to myself and the emperor. A great many people in this city and this country owe you their lives."
He inhaled deeply and straightened himself.
"That said…your crimes cannot be overlooked; accidental or otherwise. The fact that you brought such a sharp winter down on Arender-ken that nearly expanded outside of the boundaries to the rest of the country may not have a legal precedent...but it did undeniable harm. Not only to others, but to your own people. There is no telling how great or widespread the after-effects of your early winter will be on the crops or on the rest of nature as a whole. Even with it over, the effects may be long lasting and widespread for everyone. To say nothing of the fact that, based on your testimony, you cannot ensure it will not happen again. And you did, in fact, attack other samurai and soldiers under my rule. Many of them were badly injured and crippled. As one of my vassals, you should have known better, even if trying to protect yourself. These things cannot be tolerated among those who serve the emperor, no matter the circumstance. As great a favor as you did, I do not want to set a precedent that so long as 'intentions were good' all forms of lawlessness are allowed."
Eiko swallowed a bit, but said nothing. Fear was beginning to creep into her again, although she managed to keep it under control this time. She slowly straightened up from her bow back into a sitting kneel, folded her hands in front of her, and met gazes with the Shogun. His look wasn't too pitying or warm. It wasn't harsh either…but she knew what this had to mean.
"Therefore, I recommend to the emperor that you be given neither incarceration, torture, nor death as punishment…but that you immediately have your rank stripped and bestowed upon Lady Akiko, and you yourself be exiled from Ja-"
The doors to the back of the chamber shifted. At once, everyone turned, Eiko and the shogun included. The guards began to go for their weapons even as it cracked enough to reveal the form of Jiro, looking cleaned up after the last battle but still with injuries bound, smiling and walking in. However, he did pause in the threshold long enough to drop into a one-legged kneel.
"Forgive me, my lords, for being so late to the proceedings. I'm glad I came here to give my own testimony before judgment was passed."
However, neither the guards nor the nobles gathered were happy to see him. The shogun raised a hand to indicate for them to remove him, while he spoke out critically. "This is a conclusion to private proceedings and it is an imperial offense for an out-"
He cut off at that…for the doors opened the rest of the way, pushing back the guards who were there by sheer force. On one door was the massive Jolly Bear, not looking very "jolly" at the moment, and the other was the Ghost Hare, doing it one handed while he threw his kunai up and down in the other. Flanking Jiro on either side was the glowing Sand Moth and the fluttering Tooth Dragon, neither of them looking too friendly either. Jiro, on his part, smiled innocently as he rose.
"Surely the emperor would like to hear the testimony of all parties involved before passing along a just verdict." He said with a shrug.
The presence of the Jido-no-Hogu-sha was a veiled threat, obviously. None of those present knew they could do anything to stop them. And even if they couldn't fight their way out of an entire palace filled with hundreds of soldiers, that meant little to those in the room with them. Even those who grasped their weapons swallowed and sweat at the thought of drawing them. After a few moments of tension, the shogun looked to the emperor. He too showed a hint of unease, but gave a single nod. The guards backed off, releasing their weapons, and the five were allowed to enter, although the Jido-no-Hogu-sha only went just inside and let Jiro walk in further. Eiko, the whole time, was transfixed on him, wondering what he was going to say.
"Thank you, my lord." The Laughing Frost stated as he entered. "I'll be brief in exchange for you sparing your time." He advanced until he was at Eiko's side, and then dropped to a kneel next to her. Only when he did that did Eiko, hiding a bit of red, remembered herself and turned fully to the shogun again. He didn't look to her at this time, but focused his own attention on the emperor.
"As the rest of my companions have, no doubt, already given you more of a full account of the items that 'matter', I'll shift my focus a bit." He began. "I'll start by saying that I respect your choices. I respect that you have a law of the land that has both a code of honor and doesn't make exceptions on whims. An ordered society needs that, after all. And you know me…I am not human. Neither am I yokai. I am a kami. Yet I have respect for both you and for the shogun this day because Lady Eiko is showing you respect. You should know without a doubt that there is no greater noble in your service present in this room or anywhere in Japan more devoted, more dutiful, or more honorable than Lady Eiko.
"It is because this noblewoman is so humble and honorable that she isn't speaking in her defense more proudly, no doubt to boast of what she is. But you should know full well from any honest report that such things are true. How she's rendered justice faithfully for these past seven years and increased the wealth while uplifting the poor in Arender-ken. How she's used both cleverness as well as wisdom to ensure the prosperity of her kingdom and peace in that region. How she has never said a word against you or the shogun. On the contrary…" He looked to the shogun. "At what point ever did Lady Eiko fail to give you all of the honor and fealty that her father gave you and more besides? It is true that she did cause injury to your men, but not one lost their lives at her hand. That dishonor goes to the court onmyoji who worked as hard as he could to poison the heart and mind of Lord Nakamura, an honorable samurai in your service who gave his life without hesitation to save both myself and Lady Eiko, and who, before dying, declared her completely innocent of any wrongdoing in spite of having personally felt her cold and power. And can you really hate her for those injuries? If any men have been permanently hurt, you can rest assured that Lady Eiko will make good on whatever deficiencies or crippling injuries they have sustained from her own funds. But can you condemn her for the crime itself? My lord, how many wars have you been in where your foes who rose up against you lost arms or eyes, and were expected to make peace with you afterward? Did you owe them any recompense? Did the emperor owe any to you or your men when you were injured for his sake? Was it not rather part of your duty? An effect of defending yourself?"
He gestured to Eiko. "If you need further proof of the faithfulness and honor of Lady Eiko, what more do you need than seeing her humbly on her knees before you right now? You know full well, each and every one of you, that Lady Eiko is a god. I can see some of you are scared even now to be in her presence…not out of awe or respect or reverence as you would be before any other god…but out of distrust and fear. Yet is any of that fear justified? Her ladyship not only has fully humbled herself before you, but each and every one of you saw what she did to preserve and defend Kyoto, at the risk of her own life, last night. Some of you I can see recognize both her greatness as well as her gentleness because of this. But to those of you who don't…" He paused a bit her, dropping his tone a little. "Look outside. Go through the streets. See how many hundreds…how many thousands…are rejoicing in the wake of the Yuki no Megami. How they're praising her and loving her. How they see winter as a thing of beauty and a blessing from her hand now. How thankful they are that she came and defended them from the demon and saved this city and likely the entire country."
His tone dropped a little more.
"…Are you really going to chastise her for this? Punish her? Make everyone out there feel that the shogun repays those who risk their lives in his service and prove their honor and faithfulness with condemnation and exile? With good and not evil?" His eyes narrowed a bit. "And are you planning on doing so secretly, in this shut-up room, not even letting all in the castle know of such things…like she was a thief or murderer? After all, when I came in and immediately began to ask everyone I saw in the castle about where Lady Eiko's trial would be held, so many were surprised that she was even still here…"
Now, the faces in the room changed. Some were rather angry…but most were uneasy looking. It had been true that there had been an attempt to "exclude" the public. Some of the nobles claimed it was so that they wouldn't have biased decisions, as the people had seen only Eiko's gifts and not the accidental winter in Arender-ken, although it was more than clear that they were truly doing so out of fear and sexual prejudice to ensure the decision would be biased in their favor. Now, however, that knowledge was being made public…and soon rumors would spread like wildfire throughout both the castle and the surrounding city that the savior and benevolent snow goddess that had come to Kyoto's rescue was being treated like a criminal herself. No one, not the emperor or the shogun, wanted to hear that.
"Besides…" Jiro went on. "Would exile truly be the best course of action? If you banish Lady Eiko from Japan, no matter where you send her, no matter how far…you can rest assured that many of those people who saw the power she wielded and partook in some of the wonders of last night will follow. Artisans, farmers, warriors, merchants…who would not want to live in a nation founded by a benevolent goddess? Surely, you've seen that she has more than enough power to keep her people safe from all threats. What country could withstand a winter that she could unleash? What navy could pass through a sea of ice that she could generate? What army could stand against a force of invincible ice warriors that she could build? Why…any country in the world that had the power of the Yuki no Megami on their side would be safe from all threats…" Again, his tone dropped. "…and any country foolish enough to oppose it would meet a swift, cold end."
Now people were really tensing…Eiko included. She looked a bit nervous at what Jiro was saying. However, the frost kami knew better. The people who were really getting nervous were the nobles. It seemed they were still mistaking Eiko for an average woman in some regards. But they should know better…namely that they were dealing with a god and they should never forget that. The anxiety they had of her was only leading them to prejudice, distrust, and a bit of irritation. Now…Jiro was pushing it up to the realm of fear and reverence. He smiled a bit more as he went on.
"Also…while I don't feel this should have any bearing on any verdict, but I just felt like contributing…my respect for this kingdom only extends as far as its respect for Lady Eiko…as does the rest of the Jido-no-Hogu-sha's. While we are, by right, now free of any criminal prosecution and innocent of any crimes against this kingdom, per our agreement with Lord Nakamura...I should make it known that we owe loyalty only to Lady Eiko, and only through that do we owe loyalty to the empire, although our only crime before now was rooting out injustice and oppression that the shogun did not do on his own…just as Lady Eiko has done with the corrupted onmyoji."
The shogun tensed at this, his face turning to a bit of anger.
"Should this empire turn against Lady Eiko, I will renounce any loyalty I have to it as well as will the rest of my companions…" He smiled a bit more craftily. "…And we will all see this as confirmation that this empire does indeed take those who love and respect it more than anyone and does with them as it pleases out of fear and ignorance. Such an empire is corrupt and dishonorable to its core…and will have us as its eternal enemies."
There was more anger at this from around the room, but not one dared say a word. After all…the Jido-no-Hogu-sha were in the room right there and now, and, thanks to public opinion, had managed to walk right into this chamber without resistance. They didn't dare anger them here.
Jiro "lightened up" after that, and then turned his head a bit.
"So please, my lords…in spite of Lady Eiko's honor and your well-established justice system…this whole thing has been rather 'unconventional' to begin with. I mean, is there really any law against 'bringing winter' to Japan? Do you think you could make an exception just this once in light of everything she's done for the kingdom?"
Silence from the room, but no one was as focused as "straight" as they were before. Even the shogun, for all of his anger at some of the thinly veiled threats, couldn't put on too brave of a face. Instead he exhaled slowly, and turned and looked to the emperor. He wasn't much better. As he looked around through the chamber, he saw that most of the nobles before who had been in favor of inflicting the sentence on Eiko had gone silent, even a bit wan. No one raised any more objections or tried to contradict the words.
Finally, the shogun exhaled, seemingly in a bit of defeat, and looked back to Eiko.
"Please don't ever do anything like that again…" Eiko said, still shaking a bit, but smiling as well.
"Just ensuring justice was done." Jiro casually answered, crossing his staff behind his head as he walked. "I mean, for goodness sakes…you can't really feel you deserved any punishment after everything you've been through and everything you've done, Eiko. Or that what you did didn't 'negate' it. Come on." He gave a shrug. "They should have given you a horse or a litter while they were at it to take you back to Arender-ken."
"No thanks. After so long being shut up in my chambers, I like stretching my legs."
"Yeah, well…" Takeshi spoke up. "See if you're still saying that in two or three days. You do know it's going to be a while before we get back to Arender-ken, right?"
"That's alright too. I like being up and out of the castle for a change."
After hearing Jiro's "testimony", the emperor and shogun agreed: there would be no sentence for Eiko. Instead, the emperor bestowed one of the empire's highest honors for her great service to the kingdom. However, that ceremony was private. And though everyone gave the official greetings, it seemed Jiro's last speech had spared Eiko receiving punishment at the expense of earning a bit more distrust and chagrin from the higher ups. But that meant little to her so long as she was safe to return to Arender-ken and was still the vassal of the shogun. After all, Arender-ken had gotten on peacefully for many years without needing imperial intervention, and would continue to do so now.
The greeting outside was far more warm and welcome. Numerous children who had received gifts as well as families who had their fields saved by the combination of Eiko's power and that of the Jido-no-Hogu-sha came out to greet them and celebrate them. Many knelt before Eiko while the younger generation asked for more displays of power, and she obliged them by creating a few flurries and small "ice houses" for them to play with until they melted. Some were even building shrine statues and emblems for Eiko, clearly intending to erect temples in her honor, but she refused this sort of praise, calling herself a human like the rest of them. A few offered gifts to her as signs of appreciation, which she accepted as to not seem ungrateful…although she honestly didn't know what to do with them. After all, getting back to Arender-ken was still a problem. In spite of being honored in the royal court for her service, in their eagerness to not associate with her more than they had to, the emperor hadn't given her any sort of royal escort or transportation. They would have to walk all the way back to Arender-ken on foot. Of course, Eiko had a host of powers to make the journey faster, but she didn't want to just "create life at random". The Snow Tenko that she had made alone were filling her with worry, now that the threat of Shitakarahi was gone, that they wouldn't be accepted by the other Tenko, or even that some might be angry with her. As a result it looked like this trip would take a while, and Nobuyuki was left with "baggage duty" of all the "presents".
After walking until the sun was low in the sky and beginning to set, the group had finally reached the outside of town and were back to the fields. Many were still burned, but there was a bountiful harvest piled up in wagons nearby to tide the people over until they regrew. Eiko thanked Takeshi for that, but he admitted that it was also her and everyone else who had helped. By filling the people of Kyoto with hope in their darkest hour, an effort that had required all of them working together, his power was able to fill the burned fields with food. Indeed…all of them had come together to help Eiko win a victory this time, not just Jiro, even ignoring what they had contributed directly.
Finally, at this point, Takara took off into the air and began to flutter.
"I'll fly on ahead to Arender-ken and reassure Akiko everything's alright, then I'll have her send some horses to get us back faster." She said. "It'll still probably take a few days, though."
"Better hurry up and get moving then, eh?" Nobuyuki answered. "Just don't eat all of the pastries before I get back, alright? I hate to think we're living off the land while you have the castle storeroom all to yourself, eh?"
Takara frowned a bit, but her look indicated she knew this was just humor. A moment later, she took off into the sky, fluttered around, and then began to fly much faster than the others were moving back to the north once again.
The Jolly Bear stretched a bit, cracking his back and neck as he finished tucking the last of the gifts into a large pack on his back. "Phew…speaking of which, I had best find something to eat myself. My appetite has done nothing but grow since we left Arender-ken, and those imperial types weren't even kind enough to offer us a bowl of rice. Heh…that's why I don't care to deal with them, although I wish some of the gifts they gave Eiko were less trinkets and more food. Those onigiri were so small they didn't stick with me… I'll be back when we settle in for the night."
The burly man gave one last stretch before taking off, already transforming into bear form. The ground thundered and shook in no time as he dropped to all fours, and soon ran into the nearest forest, his pack bouncing up and down as he did.
"Just the four of us to keep each other company, eh?" Takeshi asked rhetorically. He cast a glance to Satoru. "And only three of us to make conversation."
The Sand Moth let out a jingle with a grimace on his face.
"Sheesh, your new body is sure foul mouthed…" The Ghost Hare answered. "Anyway…I'm inclined to agree. Those nobles could have learned a thing or two from the people in who to show some appreciation to. The least they could have done is given us some food for the trip…"
"They'll be plenty of food and celebration back in Arender-ken." Eiko reassured. "I'm going to be throwing the first festival I've done in ages… I'm sure Akiko will be ecstatic. I'd like to make it last a whole month, but…I think I'll settle for a week for now. You four can have the best rooms in the palace that are still intact. There should be some of my father's best sake in the cellar that escaped the damage…"
"Um, my lady?"
Eiko was cut off in the middle of her plans, and looked to Takeshi. He scratched his head a bit and looked a little uncomfortable.
"…Mind if we settle for the feast and one night of rest? We'll head out afterward."
The daimyo blinked in puzzlement. "…Don't be ridiculous. You're welcome to stay in Arender-ken as long as you like. Forever, if you want. I owe you all so much, as does my sister. Anything you want, I'll be more than happy to give it to you."
Takeshi grimaced a bit. By now, however, Satoru was starting to look a bit uncomfortable as well.
"That's very kind of you, my lady…but really, we'll settle for just having a nice feast and a bed for the night…and maybe the freedom to come visit for another feast whenever we drop by the country."
Satoru gave a jingle as he gestured a bit with his arms.
The hare-eared man gestured to him. "He said that we'd understand if you think we can't speak for Nobuyuki and Takara, but the same goes for them."
This only confused Eiko more, causing her to actually slow. "I…I don't understand…"
Jiro placed a hand on her shoulder, causing her to turn to him. He smiled at her, although it was a bit wistful.
"You're thinking like a human, Eiko, not a yokai." He answered. "Sure, we all like having a warm, soft bed once in a while and plenty of nice food…but that's really not how yokai 'live'. They're wild. They're free. They're one with the natural world. Trying to live among humans, well…it's a little like you when you were living up in the ice palace with the snow oni. You knew deep down inside the whole time that you 'didn't belong there'. You belonged in Arender-ken with the company of your sister, your subjects, and the 'world of men'."
"The kenshusei's got a point." Takeshi chimed in. "Living in a palace…surrounded by humans and their society… It's a 'nice place to visit'…maybe even have a 'vacation' once in a while…but it's not the kind of individuals we are. That's why we roam place to place, through forests and mountains as well as cities and towns. As yokai, we come and go 'between worlds'. We may not be fully 'at home in ours', but we aren't fully 'at home' here either."
Satoru looked a bit regretful as he jingled a bit more.
"And he's got a point too." Takeshi went on. "Everyone in Arender-ken knows you're the Yuki no Megami now. I got a good feeling most of them will accept that or embrace it…but not everyone. You don't need us hanging around making everything else 'stranger' for everything."
Eiko didn't look comforted by that. On the contrary, Jiro could actually feel the air around her grow chilly as she bowed her head and looked forward.
Jiro snickered. "Aw, come on, Eiko. Don't tell me you're getting all mushy and soft on this grouchy sack of-"
"You five are the first people outside of my family who ever saw who I really was…and you thought it was something beautiful rather than something horrible."
Immediately, the frost kami went silent. Takeshi himself looked more uncomfortable, as Satoru winced a bit. They looked to her as she looked back up to them.
"I…thought that after everything that happened…we weren't just partners or 'yokai serving a daimyo'…that we were friends."
Takeshi looked almost cut to the quick. "Well…sure, of course we are, my lady. It's not like this will be goodbye forever."
Satoru began to 'protest' with jingles of his own.
"Yeah, like Satoru says. We'll visit every time we're near. And furthermore…" The Ghost Hare drew himself up a bit. "…We meant what Jiro said when he spoke for us back there. We all agreed. Anyone ever gives you any trouble again, even if it's the shogun, we'll be there. I won't say we're your 'vassals', but…well…" He gave a shrug. "It's what friends do."
Satoru gave a nod in acquiescence.
Eiko held a moment, but she seemed to understand. She was an intelligent woman, after all, and understood that, as close and dear as the Jido-no-Hogu-sha had become to her, they were still yokai. They had to be true to themselves, just as she had learned to be true to herself. After a while, she managed a smile and a small nod.
"Alright…but I'll hold you to that." She answered, before beginning to turn back to Jiro. "Looks like we'll just have to make sure there's a room always ready for them, won't we?"
Jiro smiled back at her…but Eiko's own smile immediately began to fade. The look he gave her wasn't his normal mirthful and fun-loving expression. It was more…whitewashed. Plastered. Fake. She saw that while he was smiling on the outside…there was a sadness inside his eyes. And seeing that began to make her rather uneasy. The silence that lasted behind it didn't help either. She opened her mouth to question this…
The Laughing Frost looked away and gestured ahead. "Isn't that a great view of the mountains? Eiko, what do you say we go over and take it in? The sun will only be against them for so long."
The daimyo was still for a moment on hearing this. Her own heart began to feel fear and unease again. Jiro looked back to her with the same smile…and the same sadness in his eyes. She knew he had to tell her something. And in spite of all of their reasons to rejoice, she realized she wasn't going to like it. After a moment, she swallowed and nodded. Soon after, she took Jiro's hand and let him lead her onward.
Eiko normally would have loved nothing better than to be where she was right now: seated on a fallen log, gazing upward at the mountain range in the distance with a beautiful sun slowly lowering behind it, and nice and close to her true love. Yet even Jiro's movements betrayed his smile, slow as they were, lacking his usual "spring" in his step. His posture as he sat down on the log and crossed his staff in front of him the way he always did seemed to be a bit of a strain or a stretch. Her anxiety grew, chilling the air about them, as she folded her hands in front of her and kept her eyes on him.
He didn't look to her once the entire time. He merely gazed up at the sky, staff braced across him, and then to the mountains.
"…They're beautiful, aren't they?" He said after a time. "They really do make you feel peaceful. As much as I love snowy clouds…I think I like clear winters when you can see the sun slowly setting even more."
Eiko stared silently back.
"Jiro…"
"Come on, Eiko. Don't they look nice?"
"Jiro, what's wrong? Why are you acting like this?"
The frost kami continued to smile as he looked to the heavens, but he didn't move. He simply sat there and stared. Slowly, he inhaled and exhaled. His eyes closed as he bowed his head.
"...I'm really no good at these things, am I?" He said to himself, before turning to Eiko. His smile faded. "Eiko…when I saved you back in that frozen cave, I didn't tell you how I found the hot spring."
The snow goddess said nothing, only focused on him more intently as he spoke.
"The fact is I didn't find it on my own. For the first time in years...maybe ever...I prayed to the gods I serve. I apologized for my disobedience and I promised them anything…if they would only help me save your life. After doing so, I found the hot spring by an act that had to have been divine intervention. The reason I left right after Shitakarahi was defeated was to speak with them about this, and what price they demanded of me."
The woman was more uneasy then ever on hearing that, but she stayed calm. "…And what price did they demand?"
Jiro slowly inhaled and exhaled.
"…Eiko, I love you. I love you more than my own life, my power, or my immortality, and I would surrender it all to be with you. There's nothing that makes me happier than spending the rest of our lives together." He paused and sighed. "…But you are a god. Maybe only half a god, but you're still divine. And I'm a kami. For a god to 'be with' a kami…that's the sort of thing they can't just 'overlook'. They gave me a choice. The first option was that I leave you forever."
The woman looked so fearful flakes of snow actually began to fall. She opened her mouth to speak…when Jiro placed his fingers over it and smiled softly at her.
"Come on." He teased quietly. "You didn't think I went through all that to ever pick that option, did you? No…I picked the second choice."
He slowly pulled his hand away, but Eiko still looked anxious. "What…was the second choice?"
Jiro's smile faded again. He slowly exhaled.
"…I get to be with you, but only three months out of every year."
In spite of how much better this was than the first choice, Eiko still looked anxious. However, before she could protest, Jiro reached out and placed his hand on her shoulder and spoke again.
"That wasn't all. I've been given a yokai's life span. I'm no longer eternal like a kami. I can die and die for good. There's more than that besides…but before you protest these conditions, you need to understand it's the only way they'd allow me to be with you. If I said no…well…they're gods. They have a way of 'visiting calamity' on people like us if we try and go behind their backs. But what Takeshi said back there is true too. You're half human, Eiko, so you're at home at a palace or in Arender-ken. But I'm a kami. I long for the natural world…for freedom. A part of me wishes it was still you living in that ice palace, free to do whatever you want whenever you want.
"I want to be by your side forever, Eiko…and I swear three months out of every year I will be. To me, the world and all that is in it is next to you. I'm happy being anywhere so long as it's with you. But I can't 'dwell in the world of men' for an entire year by their command or by my own nature. I know I have little right to tell you to take on this 'burden'…and I'll understand if you say no because they're not making it easy on us…but I swear if you accept I'll make every night of the three months out of every year be like a lifetime."
The daimyo calmed a bit on hearing these words. The truth was, as painful as it was…it could have been a lot worse than three months out of the year. She understood the reasoning. And in spite of the fact that her soul was aching at the thought of being parted from Jiro yet again after realizing he was truly the one for her…she could accept what he was saying. She hated it, but she did and realized that, in spite of this, one out of every four days of her life was time to have many wonderful moments. Yet she also caught on what he said as well…
"…What do you mean by 'burden'?"
Jiro's look went sour again…darker than ever. He nearly turned his head away, barely able to keep meeting her gaze. For the first time, he grew fearful. This, in turn, made Eiko more anxious.
"…Jiro, what's wrong?"
The frost kami swallowed.
"Eiko…are you sure you would like to be with me out of everyone else in the world?"
Now the woman was truly surprised. She blinked in astonishment a moment, before reaching out and touching his cheek.
"Jiro…what sort of question is that? I love you. You're the only one I've ever loved and will ever love. You feel like you're a part of me already. I want to be by your side no matter what. If I can be, I'll do whatever it takes to be with you."
The frost kami merely stared silently back as he slowly withdrew his hand from her shoulder.
"…Even give up your future happiness?"
Again, the woman was confused by this, but Jiro slowly exhaled as he explained.
"I told you, Eiko…we're a god and a kami. They're willing to let us be together three months out of the year…and even allowed 'extra' for when I need to come to your aid. They'll let us do whatever we want during that time. Everything except one thing…"
His look grew sadder.
"So long as you're with me, they will never let the offspring of a god and a kami come into this world. You'll be barren so long as we're together."
The woman actually let out a small gasp. Her own hand went rigid and recoiled. "What…?"
"We can't have children together, Eiko." Jiro sadly continued. "We're allowed to…you know…as much as we want, but it will never end up in pregnancy. You can keep making more individuals like Osamu, but…we won't ever be able to have a child of our own."
Eiko held a moment, her face troubled now, but after a time she began to shake her head. "It…it doesn't matter. We can still be together. We can-"
"Eiko…" Jiro cut off as he turned his head away and sighed. "…You're saying that now. But you'll be a virgin queen. You'll have no legacy save who Akiko gives birth to. Ten years from now you'll see her with one child or two or three…and you'll see all sorts of mothers all around you who with strong, happy children of their own. Twenty years from now you'll see them growing into fine young ladies and men, and you'll look at yourself and think back to today…and you'll realize it's too late. You should have said no then. I'll be robbing you of your greatest possible happiness, Eiko. I'll be robbing you of your own unborn children. And for what? To only even see me for three months out of a year? To not even be able to be seen in public places with me without people looking at you with odd looks at why you're with this pale young mysterious man, your own vassal, who only appears for one season out of the year? You've already had to face so much hate, Eiko. Do you really want more along with not having any-"
Before Jiro could say another word, the woman threw her arms around him, turned his head back to her, and silenced him with a kiss.
It wasn't a short one either. It was long and deep. Jiro looked stunned at first as he saw her do this…but over time, as he watched the fair daimyo, eyes closed yet tears running down her cheeks, hug him tightly and continue to kiss him…his own eyes began to issue forth tears of their own. His arms raised and wrapped around her, pulling her tight as he returned it just as strongly.
After a while, both of them parted enough to rest their heads on each other's shoulder, and continued to hold tight as both began to cry.
"I don't know what I'll be in ten years, Jiro… I don't know what I'll be in twenty… All I know is I need you right now." Eiko managed to speak in between tears. "You can't expect me to go on if I say no right now. I've loved you for thousands of years, Jiro…and I'll love you for thousands and thousands more. Finally we have a chance to be together and free of fear and pain. Please…please don't ask me to give you up now…" She hugged more tightly and fiercely. "Please…"
Jiro, his own eyes freely flowing, hugged her tighter. "I won't…I won't…"
"I love you, Jiro…"
"I love, you, Eiko…"
The two didn't say anymore. They only continued to cry and hug. But even without saying a word, they both knew the truth. It didn't matter what was imposed on them. It didn't matter how difficult it would be. They were together now, and they weren't going to be separated again. No matter what hardships lay ahead, be they from society or the world or from anything else…no matter what they'd have to go through to build their own family…or what challenges the years would bring, endlessly taunting them with 'what might have been'…they'd face them.
And just as they had before…they would triumph over them.
The group ended up "taking their time" getting back to Arender-ken, even when, only two days later, Takara returned with horses for them. Part of the deal was that Jiro would be allowed all the time to "take Eiko home", provided he didn't waste time or try to "cheat" the gods out of this. So, a ten-day journey resulted during which they spent a long time touring the country and only making a little progress each day. The less-used roads through remote villages was their path. As a result, they encountered two groups of bandits along the way. The first tried to ambush them and were taught a prompt lesson by the Jido-no-Hogu-sha. However…the second group was menacing a village; extorting tribute from them. For this one, Eiko insisted on helping. Wrapped in a 'mantle of winter' when she visited icy fury upon them, accenting the power of the Jido-no-Hogu-sha, the people were in total awe of both them and her. They were sent them away with praise and jubilation. Eiko was blushing hard from how "fun" that had been, and Nobuyuki lamented how they couldn't have her in the group as a "sixth member". At any rate, the word soon spread through that village and the neighboring one about the wandering "snow goddess" and her "yokai servants" who came to the aid of people in need. It seemed Eiko's way of making her power "beautiful" had, in turn, changed the hearts and minds of some of the people to favor the Jido-no-Hogu-sha more as well.
Of course, the others could tell that this trip, as stretched as it was, had a note of bittersweetness to it…and not just because there would be a parting at the end of it. Eiko and Jiro were together at all times…always walking side by side, always sitting together…always strolling through the woods with each other every time they found a place to camp. Yet although they were always next to each other when they slept, they weren't able to engage in any more "intimacy". As much as they wanted to, there were "privacy" issues on the road. In the end, they promised to make it all count during their three month period together. The gods had allowed them to pick which months, but…there was no contest, obviously. They chose the entire season of winter. They even ended up getting a bit more for that when it was explained to the others. The Jido-no-Hogu-sha were powerful but, like any individual, didn't like wandering in the snow and cold during the winter months. It was agreed that if they felt the need to have shelter during the winter for a few days or even weeks, they would join Jiro at Arender-ken Castle and reside there until they felt more up to journeying about. This made Eiko happier, knowing that she'd have a chance to see her friends more often.
On finally arriving in Arender-ken…Akiko was already out and running into her sister's arms, hugging her fiercely. As it turned out, a day hadn't gone by where the young noblewoman hadn't made five different attempts to leave the castle and go meet with the others, but was barred from doing so due to being the only member of the royal family still present. Jiro had to admit…she would have been fun. As it was, she had already prepared a massive celebration to welcome Eiko home. It turned out the younger sister had perpetuated the tale of how she defeated Hachiro and saved the kingdom, along with the help of Osamu. Although he looked a bit 'icy', he still passed perfectly for a human and so his word was taken. And now that she came bearing the emperor's signet of doing a great service to him, bringing honor to herself and her fiefdom, the people rejoiced in her return. Of course…no doubt what helped it was the Jido-no-Hogu-sha running through the kingdom spreading their "special gifts" to help repair any damage she had done and leave the country better off than before. It was easy to start...thanks to Akiko's overwhelming innocent and child-like spirit radiating like a blazing fire. Once her effects had gotten things started, it was like setting the whole country's hearts ablaze, soon filling them with enough joy to bring plenty into the kingdom.
The celebration in the castle was open to all, and it didn't take the people long to adjust to the Jido-no-Hogu-sha, remarkably enough. On hearing that they were assistants of the queen, and on seeing the effects they left in their wake, the children were flocking to them, and they ended up bringing the parents around with them. True to her word, the old sake was brought out. And why not? The kingdom would not find better cause to celebrate. There was music, food, and revelry late into the night, now with Eiko freely joining in. She even showed some of her power off to enable the children who had attended to play in fields of snow, and she and Jiro personally demonstrated to everyone how to properly glide on an icy floor, even if she had to give Akiko a bit of a gentle "push" to join in and Osamu had to "take the initiative" to get them all together.
Eiko stayed up later than she ever had. She didn't want to go to sleep. She didn't want the day to end. At one point, she withdrew with Jiro to the same balcony that had started everything. Akiko wanted to know what they were talking about or saying, but the only time she checked was at one point she passed by and looked through the crack in the door, she saw the two kissing. She left them be after that. At length, the queen's eyes grew heavy and she was unable to keep awake. When that happened, in spite of raising some eyebrows, Jiro took her around the waist and personally led her into her bedchambers, long since unused but kept clean by Akiko, placed her inside her bed, drew the covers around her, and gave her one final kiss goodnight.
She awoke late the next day…and found the Jido-no-Hogu-sha and Jiro were already gone. At first, she thought she had overslept and missed their departure, but the truth was none had seen them go. The rooms that had been prepared for them were all made up, but slightly different to indicate they had used them but had cleaned them and departed long before dawn. There was no trail either. They seemed to have vanished from Arender-ken without a trace.
For about three days, Eiko was quiet and despondent. She again sealed herself in her room and brooded silently. However, Akiko frequently came to her and encouraged her, and, over time, her words sank in. The queen realized that she had much to be thankful for. She had mastery of her power and acceptance from her people and others. She had her kingdom and her wonderful sister, and a faithful companion and friend in Osamu (who, in spite of being a kami, said he would like to be a "town winter spirit" and elected to remain in the castle). Taking heart from that, Eiko rose again and resumed her position as daimyo.
In spite of the winter that had ravaged it, Arender-ken was soon more prosperous than ever. Word soon spread far and wide of Eiko, not only in terms of her power, but also her grace, wisdom, and beauty. Now that she was no longer restrained with hiding herself, she enacted her policies and laws with more force. Where before she had been frightened and nervous, she was bold and decisive now. To her people, she gave an air of benevolence and "godly power", granting feelings of happiness and safety. To those who opposed her, she was cold, calculating, and sharp as the deadliest ice; both shrewd as well as unafraid. It wasn't long before the country was both open to nobles who wished to see the castle and the lands, but also having cowed and humbled all potential threats to Eiko's rule. Where before she had seemed to be a mistake or a "fluke", she now held the throne securely. And with that in mind, the country made back all that it had lost and then even more, reducing the land to the lowest poverty level in the domain of the emperor while bringing in the most tribute to the empire with plenty to spare. That was to say nothing of how the land regrew green and beautiful in spite of the deadly winter. Even the shogun could not argue with that, especially since they were able to contribute more than any other fiefdom. No threats were seen on the horizon from the empire that Eiko served under, and peace reigned.
Often did Eiko appear to her people with the intention of bringing joy and happiness by showing off her power for festivals or just to entertain the children. She needed no bodyguards…not with her power. Yet often when she had time, she spent it with her sister, trying to make up for the many years apart. There were reports of times when there was no royal or official business that the two noblewomen would run through the castle like children. But it was nothing that troubled the sisters. They had a lot of "lost time" to catch up, after all. To the best of her ability, Eiko was done living her life being fearful and miserable. She would look to the future with hope and happiness now.
And every day, which did indeed seem to pass slowly, that she looked outside…she managed to feel hope there too. She knew he was out there…counting the days just as she was…and hoping that she was happy during all the time in between.
It may have only been the first day of winter tomorrow, but the land was "getting a head start".
Normally it was unusual for Arender-ken to see snow this early. It was cold, to be sure, and the harvest season had long since come and gone. But there would be gray skies and cold, murky days for some time before the first flakes began to fall. Not so today. Rather, thick fluffy flakes were drifting down in great snowy curtains already, covering the world with a fresh white blanket. As it was late in the day, everyone was already inside, fires lit, and watching as the last bit of light faded while the world filled with snow. Although, in Arender-ken, there was a bit more hope and expectation. The snow seemed gentle now…peaceful…serene… It was impossible to look at it and think of it as something cold, deadly, or troublimg. Rather, it was almost like seeing Lady Eiko herself pass through the town…something beautiful and gentle smiling softly as she wandered about from street to street. Almost every child in the domain was watching with rapt attention as the beautiful flakes fell.
And on the upper level of the castle, wearing a thick winter kimono and cape herself, stood Eiko, watching the snow fall down as well.
A soft smile was on her face. In spite of the coldness in her room, she had never felt such warmth in her heart.
"Eiko…?"
The woman looked away from the snowy landscape and back into her chamber. She saw Akiko walking in, fully bundled up, even more so than Eiko. She smiled a bit as she exhaled a breath of frosty air, before walking into the room and up to the window as well. She knew her sister wouldn't mind the cold at all, and so had taken the precaution of getting fully dressed before going into the same room as her. Yet as she neared her, she couldn't help but be a bit confused.
"You're wearing winter clothes? I thought you didn't get cold."
"I don't." She answered. "But…you know…kind of helps me 'fit in'. I'll probably change into my 'special' kimono before he gets here."
Akiko smiled back as she got near her sister. "Everything's ready for him. I even helped cook up the story about how he's a samurai in your service who spends nine months out of the year on duty, but while he's here he's your personal bodyguard. It should help explain why he always spends so much time around you." She smiled a bit more. "To be honest, it'll be fun to see Jiro again. You think the others will come with him?"
Eiko shook her head. "I don't know."
The younger sister crossed her arms and pouted a bit as she looked outside. "You said they could visit whenever they wanted, but I haven't seen them yet… It seems like it's been years since last summer too."
"They didn't forget, Akiko." The older sister reassured. "Trust me, they'll come when they're ready."
The woman exhaled, but seemed to take this as an explanation. She continued to stare out the window a moment. After a time, Eiko turned and looked as well. Smiling a bit more, she nudged in closer to her sister until they were touching. At that point, she showed the real reason she liked dressing in winter clothes…as she lifted up her cape and put it around Akiko and herself, pulling her younger sister in closer. In turn, she looked to her and smiled for a moment, before looking back out to the snow.
"…It really is beautiful." She said after a moment. "Are you…?"
Eiko shook her head. "No, not this time. It's an early winter this year, at least in Arender-ken."
Akiko hesitated. "You think-"
"The country will be just fine." Eiko answered. "I can make sure no severe blizzards or storms ravage the country, and we ended up having such a good year we have no danger of running out of food."
"That's not what I meant." Akiko answered. "You think maybe…just maybe…" She risked a small smile. "…This is the gods giving you a little 'something back'?"
The older sister hesitated a moment, but then smiled and chuckled. "I don't know. When it comes to winter, I'm the one who's supposed to be 'in charge'. Maybe I'm doing this without even knowing it. But…maybe you're right. Maybe it's a good sign."
Akiko smiled. "I'm sure it is." She looked back out and enjoyed the snowfall for a few more minutes, just two sisters sharing a moment. But as the sun set and darkness fell over the land, beginning to hide the snow, she leaned back and stretched.
"Well…I need to go see if Osamu's staying awake. He wanted to stay up along with me until Jiro gets here, but I don't think he can keep his eyes open much longer." She looked to Eiko again. "You're staying up until midnight too, aren't you?"
Eiko let out a small laugh. "Of course. I couldn't sleep now if I wanted to."
"In that case…I'll make sure none of the castle staff 'come into the room without knocking' tonight." Akiko said with a wink, before turning and beginning to head for the door leading out of the room. "I can't wait for all the fun we'll have tomorrow…" She went on as she reached the entrance and slid it aside. "…Maybe I can invite that one guy from the mountains who's always selling loads of snow he brings down. He's not so bad looking when you get past the smell of that stag he's always with…"
The daimyo caught the tail end of this and turned her head in puzzlement. "Wait…what?"
It was too late, however. Akiko had already slid the door shut and was leaving. Eiko held a moment, but then simply smiled and turned back to the window.
The hours slowly passed. Night fell and it grew colder, but Eiko had long since made sure her room was insulated from the rest of the castle. Rather than grow cooler herself, she merely stripped her outer clothes and clad herself in her beautiful, shimmering kimono of ice. After that, she looked out to the falling snow and waited.
As midnight neared, the snow slowly ceased. The clouds lifted, and beyond it was a sky open, clear, and brilliant. The moon beamed down in all of its full glory, and yet somehow one could still make out the stars around it. It seemed impossible…but the effect illuminated the world below, looking crisp, clean, and perfect under a layer of fresh snow.
The Yuki no Megami, her own icy dress glittering in the moonlight, looked out and waited a bit longer…before exactly what she expected to happen happened.
He didn't come in through the window. His arms gently slid around her from behind as he leaned in and kissed her gently on the cheek. She simply nestled slowly into it.
"Not surprised at all?" Jiro asked quietly. "Not even a little jump?"
Eiko, on her part, merely smiled as she leaned into the embrace. "Somehow I knew you'd sneak in behind me no matter where I looked."
"Looks like your soul remembers things even when your memory doesn't."
Eiko didn't answer. She simply turned around, wrapped her own arms around Jiro as he pulled her in closer, and both shared a very deep, long kiss they had been longing for ever since the night of the festival. Eiko wasn't sure how long they kissed exactly. Time didn't seem to have any meaning…which was why she saw no reason to break it. At long last, Jiro was back…and now she wished time would freeze forever right here and now.
While still sharing the kiss, Jiro's arms moved down and around and gently scooped her up without any effort. They continued to kiss a little longer before finally breaking, although both continued to look longingly at each other as Jiro turned away from the window and back into the room. Soon he began to carry her inside.
As they did, Eiko gestured "off-handedly" with one finger to make a small wintry gale form in the room, pushing the doors to the balcony shut, and then coated key points with ice to make sure they wouldn't open again. She did the same to the door to the room in spite of Akiko's promises.
She and Jiro would be needing their privacy for a long time.
THE END
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Ok...I threw in a Kristoff allusion at the end. So sue me. :P
Now...a confession. I wish I could say that this story is 100% original and came just from the fires of my own brain, but it's not. The truth of the matter is this entire story was inspired by a piece of fanart I found on deviant art. I saw the picture and figured I had to write a story to go with it. Now...I'm aware the artist who made the picture is writing their own story, and I didn't read a word of it because I wanted mine to be original. Anyway, for credit where credit is due, here is BlueStorm-Studio's beautiful piece of art. And yes, this is how I envision Jiro and Eiko look like in the story.
art/Jack-Frost-and-Elsa-HISAME-434323023
I want to thank everyone for being such faithful readers, I hope you enjoyed this, AND...if you would like more of my pitiful attempts at romance, I suggest you read my take on the Fairy Tales "King Grizzlebeard" and "The Magic Heart".
Lastly, to field some questions in advance, the thought has entered my head to do a sequel that would feature a Japanese twist on Kristoff, Sven, and Pitch Black, but I need a really good idea first or it'll end up being sequelitis.
See you next time!