Chapter 15

'...Wait for me, I'm coming...'

As Fuji walks down the ceremonial bridal pathway, she suddenly hears a voice echo within her heart. She turns her head suddenly and looks up, but there was nothing there. The tsumo-kakushi falls from her head but she doesn't even notice it, as her hands grip tightly to her small fan.

Was she imagining it or did she just hear Takamichi's voice?

No, it couldn't have been him...He's gone...

Blinking back tears, Fuji finds a court lady putting the white band back atop her head and the procession continues.

Ran, sitting beside the Queen and the Emperor, fidgets nervously as she knew Fuji was about to arrive in the room. She and Kougou look sympathetically at each other and then at the oblivious Emperor's joyful face, who in turn, was gazing at Eisen, who appeared to be extremely pale-even more than usual. Neither lady had the heart to disrupt the royal man's utter joy at finally being able to see his younger brother married and settled down, but they also didn't know if it they could stand seeing Eisen's face contorted in such a painful look as he was wearing now for much longer.

Ran just couldn't take any of it anymore and she quickly excuses herself from their presence. She just HAD to do something. She couldn't sit idly by and watch her best friend marry Eisen! It would wreck both their lives! Maybe she could cause a disturbance.

Ooh, Shimon! I can't believe you left me to deal with this on my own!!! When you get back, you're going to get it!!! Lord, give me strength!!!

Ran pushes through the crowds outside the palace, trying to get a breath of air. She certainly needed it. Amidst the crowd, she could hear many people mumbling about how unorthodox the ceremony was, since it was not being held at night. They could not understand why the Emperor was going against tradition, but of course, did not dare to question His Majesty.

But Ran knew why. She knew that the Emperor himself was feeling a bit unsure about the marriage and wanted to 'get it over with' as quickly as possible so that it would be all said and done and no one could object anymore.

Oooh, men! Why do they all want to rush into thing?! UGH! Shimon, I'm telling you, this is NOT helping you or your sex in my eyes.

Back inside the palace interior, Eisen was nearly fainting from the stress. He wanted to please his brother, but he also didn't want to marry Fuji! Yet, here he was. In ceremonial wedding garb, about ready to pledge himself to a girl he loved only as a friend. He was not ready for this and it showed.

Why, oh why, did I not just remain a monk? It would've been all so much simpler. sigh

Kougou simply couldn't contain herself any longer. She would burst if she didn't tell her husband the truth and set them all free. But, just as she opens her mouth to explain, the doors slide open and Fuji glides in, head bowed in reverence and duty.

The Emperor smiles at his wife, shrugging her off pleasantly, before escorting the 'orphaned' Fuji to her seat across from Eisen. Eisen tries to look comfortingly at his cousin, but finds her eyes distant, as though she was not there.

The serving girl brings in the ceremonial 3 cups of sake and places them before the couple. Fuji, knowing her cue, takes a cup, and the girl fills it in three motions. Once done, Fuji sips it, three times and then hands it back to the servant, who refills it, again in three motions, and brings the cup to Eisen.

Eisen looks at the proffered cup and gulps down a frog in his throat. This was it. He was getting married. And there was nothing that could be done to stop it.

Oh, why couldn't I have been stronger! Why am I such a weakling? Fuji is obviously unhappy and so am I...I don't love her! My heart belongs to...to another. But it's too late. It all doesn't matter anymore...

Eisen shakily accepts the cup and, like, Fuji, drinks it in three sips, though, through his nervousness, he almost gulped down the whole thing in one swallow.

I wish I was drunk...maybe it wouldn't hurt as much if I was...

The Emperor's smile broadens as he watches the servant fill the second cup, three pours, and offer it first to Eisen, who, in his turn, sips it in three, then returns it to the maiden, who refills it in three motions and brings it to Fuji, who likewise, sips the cup three times.

It was almost complete now, just one more filling of the cups and the pair would be officially married, by the tradition of the courts.

Eisen felt dizzy and he wasn't sure if it was the sake he was drinking nonstop or if he just was getting colder feet. He looks at his brother, about to object to this ceremony, when he sees the Emperor's overly happy face and recoils. He could never hurt his brother---and would rather take it on himself than do so. But what about Fuji? Could he involve her so deeply in this as well without a second thought?

His thoughts are interrupted as he watches the servant fill the final cup, in three swishes and hand it to Fuji, who, with a poignant hesitation, scrunches her eyes and drinks from the cup three times.

The servant takes the cup from her and refills it, one last time, in three pourings, and hands it to the groom, who accepts it with a shaky hand.

Eisen looks into the cup before he drinks and sees his reflection waving through the liquid. It was a shallow and weak face that gazed back at him and he could not bear to look at it anymore.

With a swift motion, he brings the cup to his lips, sipping it once, then twice...

The Emperor, with each sip from his brother, unconsciously rises from his seat, getting more and more excited that it was about to happen. His lonely brother was about to be married!

CRASH!!!!!!!!

First, just outside the rooms, a loud crashing noise could be heard as the Emperor creases his brows at the disturbance that could disrupt this great moment for him, as he and the Queen stand from their position.

"Hey! You rich snobby folks! Get outta the way!! Crazy man in love comin' through!!!!!" Tengu's raucous voice could be hear amidst the din of commotion and Eisen and Fuji look first at the door and then each other, wondering if perhaps, they had been saved.

But by who?

SLAM!!!!!!

"Wait! Please don't continue this wedding!"

As soon as Takamichi rushes into the room, Fuji's eyes dilate. She thinks she's dreaming as she lets her fan fall to the floor so her hands could cover her tiny lips on her shocked face. Eisen, too, could not believe what was happening before his eyes, though he was most grateful for any postponement to this unhappy wedding.

"Just who do you think you are?! Barging in on the Emperor, interrupting a royal wedding!! I should have you beheaded for this treason!" The Emperor's ire was up and there was no stopping him. He was angry. He had come THIS close to the completion of the wedding and now THIS happens!

"Your Majesty, please, let's hear him out." Kougou gently touches the Emperor's arm and pleads for Takamichi's case. She instinctively had a feeling that this young man just might be the one who could help them all. At least, she certainly hoped so.

"Argh, very well, my dear. For your sake. But right after he speaks, I want him sent off to the prisons!" Very fair minded, the Emperor crosses his arms over his chest.

Takamichi bows on one knee before the Emperor before continuing on.

"Your Majesty, I am Fujiwara no Takamichi, the Vice Minister of Affairs and, though I know I'm not worthy, I've come to beg for Princess Fuji's hand in marriage."

With that abrupt statement, the Emperor's arms drop and a horrified look crosses his eyes.

Nooooooo!!! This can't happen!

Outside, Ran sees a motley crue racing towards the palace interior and strains her eyes to make out who it could be.

Shimon!!!!

She immediately recognizes her fiance and runs out to meet him.

"Shimon!!!"

"Ran!!! Are we too late?!! Did Takamichi-san make it!!?!!" She rushes into his arms, crying openly on his chest.

"Yech! Women always cry when a level-head is needed most!" Inori can't help but comment to Sephel, who shrugs, not wanting to take either side in this eternal debate.

"HEY! I heard that! UGH! Men! I was just saying how the world would be such a nicer place if there were no men in it!" Immediately, the tears cease and her attitude is all business and toughness again.

"Ah, but little princess, I think you would find that you miss us more than you would know." An unmistakable, flirty voice creeps into Ran's ears as the aqua-haired Tomomasa comes into view.

"Tomomasa-san!! What? What happened to you all?! Why are you wet?! Where is Takamichi?! Did you find him?! Is he dead? Is he alive?! It's too late either way, you know! They're probably done with it by now!" Ran runs one thought into another as words race out of her mouth without thought.

"Another female trait emerges from this one---lack of continuity." Yasuaki appears from behind with that charming tidbit of information.

"AHHHHH!!! Are you all here to insult me?! Just tell me what's going on before I explode!!!!" Ran was fed up.

"Ran-dono, Tengu and Takamichi-dono went on ahead. They should have reached the palace well before us. Are they not here?" Yorihisa's calm, curt voice reaches through the veil of anger in Ran.

"Yorihisa-san! Thank God! I have no idea! I left the ceremony a few moments ago, but I didn't see either Takamichi-san or that Kotengu! Do you think they got lost?"

"Knowing Kotengu, I wouldn't doubt it." Inori's oh-so-helpful retort comes.

"Ignore him. He's just bitter because Tengu got the better of him." Shimon's sweet voice addresses Ran, while he uncharacteristically gives Inori a death glare.

"We have no time to chat. Lady Chuuguu, allow me." Tomomasa reaches to take Chuuguu from Yorihisa's arms. "I will get in there and I will stop that marriage no matter what." With that, Tomomasa runs with the hesitant girl in his arms towards the inner chambers of the imperial palace, hoping that he was not too late.

"Takamichi-dono!" Eisen can't help but happily call out his friend's name. He was glad to know that he was not only safe, but that he wanted to marry Fuji and could save her now!

Fuji's eyes widen at Takamichi's words and her breath stops as he stands and walks towards her with his heart full in his eyes. With one movement, he gathers up the fan which she had dropped and presses it into her small hand.

"Princess Fuji, I love you. I know I am not good enough for you, but I can offer you all my devotion and my heart, soul and love. You are the sunshine that can never be overshadowed, never be extinguished. I believe that only two people in this universe can truly belong to each other and I know that you are the only one for me."

"...Takamichi-dono..." Fuji was overcome with sheer happiness. The man she was in love with, loved her as well! Everything he said echoed in her own heart, her own soul. Tears of joy well in her eyes now and Eisen looks at her with gladness.

Again, light seemed to overcome the darkness but it was just a sparkle for a moment, as the Emperor's voice rings out loudly in the room.

"I forbid it! Fuji is Eisen's bride and they will finish the ceremony. Take this man away at once!" The Emperor was not easily driven to anger, but he had planned and planned and planned for Eisen's wedding to go smoothly and here was some upstart ruining everything!

"Please, Your Majesty...Darling. Can't you see they're in love? Will you really destroy a bond as deep as theirs is?" Kougou's gentle voice pervades the Emperor's senses but he had his heart set on his little brother's marriage still and stiffens his lip.

"Kougou, I'm not as heartless as you suspect, but what about Eisen? Did you even give a thought as to his feelings on the matter? He's in love with Fuji, too, you know."

" Gasp "

All heads turn towards the sound of shock just uttered by a newcomer. Standing just ovtside the doorway, was a very wet and dripping General Tomomasa, carrying in a young woman with purple hair, and plain clothes. He gently lets her down to her feet. She too, was sopping and having heard the Emperor's last sentence, hangs her head with tears in her lovely eyes.

"Tomomasa!! What is the meaning of this?!" The Emperor could stand for no more abuse to his kind nature. "Why are you in that unkempt state, coming in here uninvited?! And why have you brought that--that girl in here as well?!"

Certainly, she was barely recognizable, with her short cropped hair and plain attire, but the moment Eisen clapped eyes upon her, he knew.

It's you...

"...Chuu...guu...?" Eisen stutters out her name as he rushes towards her, catching her before she could fall from the shock of hearing that he was in love with Fuji.

"Chuuguu?!" Kougou's eyes fill now with tears too as she grasps her husband's arm for support. Her 'daughter' was here! She had returned! How she wanted to embrace her, hold her again!

Tomomasa, wily assessing the situation correctly, realized some manipulation would be required here for everyone's benefit.

Kneeling, wet and dirty, Tomomasa addresses the Emperor.

"Your Majesty, forgive me. We had found the Lady Chuuguu and thought that you would want to see her at once. We...ah...came through a rice field to take a short cut to the palace, so as not to lose one minute's time in reaching here. I knew that the Emperor, Prince Eisen and the Queen would be overjoyed in seeing the lady again."

"Yes, but...right now?! In the middle of Eisen's wedd--"

"Ah, is the wedding taking place NOW? Really? Why, I had NO idea...Forgive me, Your Majesty." Tomomasa had no qualms about stretching the truth a bit when it came down to the wire or debasing himself, either way.

Takamichi with Fuji at his side, watches Tomomasa's charade play out. Both see a familiar twinkle in the older man's eyes and Takamichi is certain the foxy General gave a quick wink of assurance aside at him, even as he speaks to the Emperor.

"Chuuguu, are you all right? Please, speak to me!" Eisen was desperate. Here was the girl he WAS in love with, but she had lapsed into silence and would not even look into his eyes as she looks away from him although he cradles her in his arms.

"Chuuguu, dear, where have you been? I've been so worried about you. Why did you leave us?" Kougou could not control her emotions any longer and rushes over to the young woman, stroking her wet and messy hair.

"I---I..." Chuuguu starts to speak. "Your Majesty, can you find it in your heart to forgive me? I've been an ungrateful wretch, leaving you like that, and if you choose to discard me, I would not blame you." Chuuguu addresses the Queen directly, feeling that she owed it to her 'mother' to speak to her first.

"My darling Chuuguu!! You are back and you are safe!" Kougou hugs her tightly. "That is all that matters!"

"...Prince...Eisen...I---" Chuuguu blushes deeply, not knowing how to address the one she loved, in fear of not knowing how he felt about her now.

"Oh, Chuuguu. It's 'Eisen' remember? Just call me 'Eisen' as you used to do when we were children." Eisen searches her eyes---eyes he had gazed into for too long. "I've...missed you."

The Emperor watches all this in frustration.

"But what about the wedding?! I won't rest until Eisen is happily married to---"

"Now, now, now, Your Majesty." Tomomasa, sidles up to the Emperor and with his most winning smile, engages the man in a 'secret' side chat."Perhaps it'd be best if you switched the brides around a little. Look at Prince Eisen. Which lady do you think he wishes to marry? Hmmm? To me, it does appear as though he'd rather have Lady Chuuguu as his wife. Just see how he's gazing into her eyes. Seems like LOVE to me...Hmmm, don't you think it would be a lovely idea if Prince Eisen would marry Lady Chuuguu? Why, the people will love that angle. Think of it---'Childhood sweetheart returns after 5 years and the Prince still loves her!' Why, that will endear your family in the people's hearts even more than now."

The Emperor turns Tomomasa's hushed words over in his head, pondering the new thoughts just put into it. "We--ll, yes, I suppose that COULD be a good thing..."

"Of course, Your Majesty. I must say, I'm always in awe of your perception. And your idea to have the Prince marry his former fiancee AND true love amidst public approval, is nothing short of brilliant. Why, I wish I'd thought of it myself." Tomomasa's smile curls as he knew he had caught the Emperor and put him in the driver's seat.

"Ha ha, yes, isn't that the truth! I'm glad I decided to stop this wedding before it was too late!" The Emperor claps Tomomasa on the back. "Good, good!" When his hand comes off the General's back wet and slimy, his face contorts a bit in disgust.

"Er, well, Your Majesty..." Tomomasa searches himself for a dry area to rip off so the Emperor could clean his hand, but to no avail.

"Here, please use this, Your Majesty." Takamichi offers the Emperor Fuji's tsumo-kakushi, which he removes from her head with a warm smile.

"Takamichi-dono!" Fuji was shocked at his forwardness.

"Princess Fuji, that ancient tradition is to cover a woman's 'horns of jealousy', is it not? It's something that doesn't suit you at all. You are a perfect angel and I am the one who should wear that cover, if anyone should! Can you forgive me for being a fool?"

Fuji once again covers her mouth with her hands as she shakes her head. "No, Takamichi-dono, you were never a fool. You could never be anything but wise and kind and gentle."

Takamichi gazes at her with love in his eyes and she returns the look wholeheartedly.

Elsewhere in the small room, another pair of lovers find solace in each other's eyes.

"Chuuguu, will you---?"

Chuuguu nods assent at Eisen's silent request. She knew what he meant and was overcome with emotion to find that the one she had always loved, still loved and wanted her.

"Yes, Eisen, I will."

"The gardens have been waiting for your return...Now, they will bloom again as they once did, when you were there among them." Eisen looks down and smiles shyly at his new bride who leans her head against his shoulder.

Kougou looks on in pleasure as her 'daughter' seemed to finally find happiness and with Eisen as had been originally planned!

"Well, then, if that's all settled, why don't we have a double wedding? What a wonderful idea! I think that would be a perfect ending to this whole matter! You there--girl! Refill the cups and bring 3 more!" The Emperor was once more his happy, jovial self and his bellowing laughter rang out throughout the palace rooms. "With all this sake, Eisen's certainly going to be happy tonight!"

"...Your Majesty!!! hiccough " Eisen's face turns beet red at the reference, the already overload of alcohol in his system doing a number on his normally unsteady gait. But Chuuguu would be there to support the delicate prince from now on.

Tomomasa watches, with a newfound peace in his soul, as his most treasured possession, his now fully grown little daughter, gazes up adoringly at Takamichi, who wraps her in his arms, laying his head atop hers.

"You did it, Takamichi. I knew you would."

As the new pairs of lovers embrace, lost and enraptured in each other and in knowing they had finally found their destiny that they had been chasing, Tomomasa wanders away from the room, outside, to gaze at the bright moonlight which was just now starting to rise in the evening skies.

"And for you, Houtaru...Our daughter will be happy. So rest easy---she is in good hands now."

Tomomasa closes his eyes and breathes deeply. He can feel the love that they had once waft over him, through him, reverberating into his soul.

You have always been with me. Always. And through eternity, you are my love--my soul. I can still hear your voice calling and I will wait for the day when we will meet again---that wondrous, glorious day, when our eyes meet again...

This is my eternal vow.

...Houtaru...

Fin.