Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha; this is only a fanfic.
Authors Notes: Hi everyone, new chapter and this story is finally about to end. I anticipate, maybe, another chapter or two.
Sorry all you Mir/San fans, since I lavished attentions to the couple last chapter, they play a minor part in this one. I have to finalize things for Akio, Rie and Mayura. I plan a one shot for each character on an original works site, a little later. You know how it is when you cannot let go of an idea. However, this is the last time they take precedence over our main characters.
Thanks to my anon. reviewer "lili" for the awesome review; it made my day… my month. Please read, enjoy and review.
Volume II
Kokai saki ni tatazu
(Repentance never comes first)
Chapter 25: Sins of the Mother
The sun broke over the horizon just as Akio tossed the body over the ravine. He and Rie stood a moment before turning for home. Walking side by side, both were silent and lost in their own thoughts. Akio stopped suddenly, but Rie continued walking.
"Don't dwell on it, Akio; it will only eat away at you," the old woman said.
After a moment's hesitation, he fell in step behind her. "It was nothing like I thought it would be," said Akio and walked with his head bent.
Rie stopped then and turned to face her grandson. "What did you expect?" she asked sharply, stopping him in his tracks.
"I don't… I don't know," he said. "I guess… I wanted to feel justified; maybe elated even, but I don't. I just feel numb."
"You feel no justification for killing that scum?" she spat. "That bastard killed your father… my son! He violated your mother; can you imagine what he would have done to Nari given the chance? Don't tell me you regret killing him?"
"No, Oba-sama… I don't regret it; someone had to stop him," he said quietly. "However, I took no pleasure in it." Rie did not respond and he dared not look at her. She must be disappointed in him. Theirs was a family tradition; they were affiliated with the most renowned shinobi clan.
He stood mutely before the woman who had trained him. How could he tell her that he never wanted to pick up another kunai that he never wanted to kill another human being?
"You took no pleasure in it?" Rie asked quietly.
"No," he said solemnly. "I'm sorry Oba-sama." The silence between them stretched and Akio found he still could not look at her.
"That's good," she said, abruptly turned on her heel and headed towards the teahouse. "You're no better at this than your father was."
Akio's head snapped up. Was that relief he heard in her voice? He looked at the back of the woman that had raised him as she walked ahead. His Oba… with the white hair and weathered face. The woman that, on a good day, could still give as good as she got and was deadly accurate with her kunai knives and star shurikens. She did not sound disappointed at all.
Hastening to catch up to her, he discovered there were many secrets this woman held, but she had never lied to him. Knowing this, he decided to ask a few long overdue questions.
"Are you saying my father had no liking for killing either?"
"It was one of our many arguments and the one that eventually led him away from me," she said sadly. "He refused to train; he kept saying he wanted a normal life, but I wouldn't listen and continued to pressure him."
Rie paused as she thought about the past, about the regrettable words spoken between her and her son. "So… he left," she continued. "He later joined Mototaka's regime, but only as a scout, not a soldier. He wanted no part of being a shinobi and I can see, neither do you."
Even thought she was right, Akio did not respond. He did not want to become a shinobi warrior. He had only trained to avenge his father; discovering Junnosuke's intentions towards his mother had only hardened his resolve.
He, like his father, had also joined the military; not as a soldier, but a scout. The only aspect of the trade he enjoyed was gathering information and tracking. He abhorred spying and secrecy, although he had kept secrets of his own.
"How many have you killed, Oba-sama," Akio asked suddenly. With her skills, years as a shinobi and her contacts she was quite revered in her trade. He had a sudden urge to know a little about Rie-sensei - the kunoichi ninja.
At first, he thought she would ignore the question, but she turned abruptly and looked him square in the eye.
"I've killed more than I'd care to count, Akio-san." She stood to her full height, her body language daring him to condemn her. "It was my way of life… and for the longest time, it was the only life I knew. Until… Takashi."
xXxXx
Miroku lay on his back, hands behind his head and stared at the ceiling. He had been that way for a while as he listened to the sounds from the next room. Sango had risen early to begin the morning meal and the children followed. He could hear Suiren's high-pitched prattle and Shun'ei's deeper tones as they talked with their mother.
"Is chichi-ue awake yet?" the little girl asked.
No… not yet." He heard Sango respond. "But… let him rest, all right. He was very busy… yesterday."
The monk chuckled to himself as he heard his wife hesitate. He was sure she meant to say 'last night'.
"Aren't we leaving today?" Shun'ei asked.
Although he did not display it, the boy seemed almost excited about leaving the home he had always known.
"I've been meaning to ask the two of you." Sango's voice had gone low, but Miroku could still hear. "How do you feel about leaving here, about leaving Rie, Akio and your friends?"
In the next room, Miroku held his breath. He was so intent on protecting them and returning home with his family, he had not considered that he was uprooting them. Last night, Sango had spoken of their life with Akio and Rie. The children were raised in this village and had friends here. He felt selfish, but he knew they could not stay.
"It's all right, haha-ue," Suiren giggled. "If we ride Kirara we can come back and visit anytime we want."
"That's true," Shun'ei added. "Last night chichi-ue told us about his duties and of master Mushin's temple. I want to meet the man that taught my father everything; I want to meet everyone he told us about."
"We have finally found our father…" Shun'ei began.
"We're not letting him get away!" Suiren finished.
He heard Sango laugh and say, "Oh my… it seems you two have already made up your minds. Then it is settled. I hope your father knows what he's in for," Sango laughed again.
The monk sighed in relief, smiled up the beams overhead and sent a silent prayer to Kami. He knew what he was in for… and could not have been happier. With Sango and the children, his life was now complete.
"Come on," he heard his wife again. "Let's practice before your father wakes up. We won't be able to while traveling."
Miroku continued to lay there as he heard the children and their mother moving about. His body was still recovering from the nights activities. He marveled that Sango managed to rise with ease and practice. She had always been the first to wake after their lovemaking and it never interfered with her practicing. He actually thought it enriched her performance.
Just a while longer, he said to himself, and he would join her. Closing his eyes, he snuggled deeper under the covers.
"Eee-ya!" Suiren's shriek pierced the air.
"Houshitou!" This preceded the sound of Shun'ei's whirling rings.
Miroku's eyes snapped open and he sat straight up. It couldn't be! Reaching for the washbasin and his robes, he hastened to make himself presentable.
With shakujou in hand, the monk stepped onto the engawa and could only smile at the sight before him. He saw that Sango had made temporary repairs to the Tessen and was now fending off the twins' attacks. He should have known that any children of Sango's would be skilled. Taking a seat, Miroku thought that Kohaku would be pleased. The taijiya would have two more miniature demon slayers to train; his own niece and nephew at that.
xXxXx
Hajime had waited all night and had not heard one word from Junnosuke. He felt bad about Mayura, but he had come too far for his schemes to be ruined. When the scout had informed him of the courtesan's liaison with the monk, he had felt betrayed. At least he had not trusted her enough to reveal all of his plans.
Deciding to stay at camp, Hajime felt it would be easier to make contact with Junnosuke rather than staying in the village. He avoided the brothel, as Mayura's disappearance would cause suspicion. His presence here would also serve as his alibi.
As Mayura had called out to him last night, he had experienced a fleeting pang of guilt for her distress. He knew what Junnosuke was capable of doing. Hajime had seen the results of the scouts' handiwork and it was not pleasant. The thought of Mayura's soft skin marred and manipulated repulsed him, but he could do nothing. Stepping from the tent, he stopped the first person he encountered.
"Ryo-san," Hajime addressed the foot soldier, "has anyone seen Junnosuke-san this morning?"
"No, sir… I haven't, but I can ask around," the young man spoke.
"Don't bother," Hajime returned. "He should arrive soon." Picking up his empty flask, he turned down the path that led to the river. Not wanting to call attention to himself, he thought it best to be patient. It would not be the first time Junnosuke had kept him waiting.
Arriving at the river, the daimyo bent to fill his flask with water and thought about the monk, Miroku. How could one man just show up and waylay his carefully made plans? He was tired of the responsibility of the small village he maintained. It was his greatest desire to align himself with the more powerful daimyo of the large cities.
As Hajime stood, he noticed a group of soldiers gathering further down stream. Curious, he headed towards the men surrounding something in the water. As he approached, the men parted to let him through.
A roll of woven straw was the first thing the daimyo noticed. Walking to the head, he peered into the opening and into the lifeless eyes of Junnosuke.
Although stunned, Hajime's face was void of expression as one of the men bent to examine the body. Instead of remorse, he was only bothered at the unwanted attention this would cause.
"Multiple stab wounds," the soldier probing the body said. "Looks like punctures from a kunai."
A ninja's weapon. Junnosuke's past must have finally caught up with him. He knew of the scouts' obsession with challenging and besting the skilled fighters. It appeared, based on the fatal wounds that he had met with someone just as bloodthirsty as he was. However, this was only a temporary setback, thought Hajime. His mind worked furiously as he tried to think of a way to use this to his advantage.
"What do we do, Hajime Asano-sama?" one of the troops asked. "Any thoughts on who could have done this?"
Instantly an idea formed in his head. Smirking inwardly, the daimyo responded. "There's a possibility…" Hajime paused for effect. "Gather some men and go onto the village. Find the monk… the one called Miroku. Bring him here for questioning."
The men shot puzzled glances to each other; they remembered the monks' eloquent speech from the last Gekokujo meeting. Why would the daimyo think he was responsible? However, they were not about to disobey orders.
Hajmie watched the men dispatch. There had to be a way to fix this before the next meeting, he thought. It might be a good idea to try to locate Mayura, if she was still alive, just to tie up any loose ends.
However, he first needed Miroku brought before him for questioning and, if he had his way, execution.
xXxXx
Both women stayed up all night, each worried for the two people they had left alone with a mad man. Mayura sat across from Nari who was nursing a cup of cold tea. The longer they waited the less conversation exchanged, as each woman's thoughts drifted back to the reason they waited. Suddenly, Nari pushed away from the table, stood and then bolted to the opening. Pushing back the shoji, she was snatched forward into a warm embrace and lifted from her feet.
Akio held her tight against him and then set her gently on her feet, but did not let go. Leaning back, Nari searched his eyes.
"Are you all right?"
She communicated silently. He nodded yes, but Nari did not think that was quite true. Aloud she asked, "Are you injured?"
He shook his head no. "Please, Nari, attend to Oba-sama's wound," he asked. "I'm fine." He saw her hesitate. Lifting his hand, he slid his fingers into her short tousled hair and tilted her head back. Looking into her large brown eyes full of love for him, he knew he would be all right. This woman would help him get through this.
Lowering his head, he kissed her slow and with feeling. Finally coming up for air, he looked down on her again. "Oba's outside," he said and escorted her to the open shoji. "Take care of her; I need to speak with my mother… alone."
"Of course," Nari smiled dazedly at her intended before stepping outside.
Mayura had stood also as the young woman reached the door. However, seeing her son step through the entrance, unharmed, had her flopping back in her seat in relief. She had been so worried.
Her relief was short-lived as she tensed at the thought of facing her son. She tried to recall everything Nari had said, but she could not. She watched in agitation as Akio spoke soothing words to his fiancée and kissed her softly.
A small smile appeared on Mayura's lips; it seemed that Akio was a gentle soul, like his father. Looking down at her hands, the older woman remembered the young man that had made her believe in life again. Takashi… the man that had shown her what real love was.
"Mother…"
Slowly lifting her head, Mayura could see that Akio had come to the table and had crouched in front of her. As she raised her head, she looked directly into his eyes. She could only stare and remember the child she had held in her arms only a few hours before giving him away.
"You have… my eyes," she blurted out and then feeling embarrassed by her outburst, lowered her head again.
Cupping her face in his hands, Akio laughed softly and tilted her head forcing her to look at him. "Since meeting you, mother, I've thought so too."
Looking into the face of her child, no… he was not a child, but a man; soon to be married with children of his own. He would be a better parent than she would. He would never abandon his child. She was sure of it.
Mayura did not realize the tears pouring down her cheeks as she stared at he son. Her life, Takashi's death, her lonely pregnancy and the choices she had made weighed heavily upon her. Trembling with emotion she yelled, "Why… why did you look for me? What were you thinking? What purpose will it serve?"
"It's not meant to serve a purpose, haha-ue," Akio's voice crooned. "I wanted to meet the woman who gave me life. Is that too much to ask?"
"I'm… I'm not a normal mother, Akio-kun," Mayura whimpered and turned away.
"What's normal?" He smiled that endearing smile as he stroked her hair. "My father said you were beautiful," he said as he turned her to face him gain. "He said you had a smile that could melt the coldest heart. My father said…" he continued, "you had a sarcastic wit and a sharp mind and he loved you with his whole heart."
"How could that be, Akio?" Mayura said through her tears. "Your father died before you were born."
"From his words, mother," he said and pulled a parchment from his keso. Placing it in her hands, he squeezed them gently before standing and stepping away. "This was meant for you; father's last letter. I found it in the belongings that Oba had retrieved when I was young. After finding this…" he indicated the letter. "… I knew I had to find you."
"I'm sorry you are just receiving his final words to you, but… well, here it is."
She inhaled sharply as her son bent and placed a kiss to her cheek. Mayura stared down at the parchment in her hands and looked up as she heard Akio's words before he left the room.
"Read it, mother… read and you will understand what my father saw and what I see in you."
xXxXx
Suiren was fast and her movements were like fluid as water. However, she was impulsive and lacked strategy. Shun'ei was not a quick as his sister, but his attacks were accurate and precise. Whatever the boy aimed at, he hit and he had power behind it.
Watching the two spar with their mother, Miroku could tell that with proper training they would someday exceed their mother's skills. When they attacked separately, Sango could handle them with ease; however, once the children attacked together she had a harder time and had to focus.
Suiren was defense and Shun'ei was offense. He noticed his daughter was always the first to attack while his son laid in wait and countered his mother. Suiren's speed and Shun'ei's meticulousness, together, made them a formidable duo.
Another thing Miroku noticed was how his son shielded his sister from any blows. Although he realized this was a natural and instinctive act, Miroku knew his daughter could not learn properly that way. This was something Kohaku had explained to him years ago. Sango's father had never coddled them, the taijiya told him.
"Ane-ue was treated like any other member of the team, actually, father made her work harder than the men. By her being a woman, he said; she would always be the first attacked because she would be perceived as the most vulnerable."
Remembering Kohaku's words, the monk picked up his shakujou, stood and approached the trio. He waited for an opening in their fight before speaking as not to distract anyone.
"Excellent!" Miroku clapped his hands. "However, two on one is a bit unfair. Do you mind if I join in?"
The children stared wide-eyed at their father, then looked to each other and then to their mother. Sango stood with her arms crossed, not saying a word. Finally, Shun'ei stepped forward and bowed to Miroku.
"Uh… are you sure, chichi-ue?" the boy asked. "As mother says, Suiren and I have yet to learn control. We would not want to hurt you, sir."
Before Miroku could assure his son on his competency, his daughter moved forward.
"I'll fight you, chichi-ue!" the little girls eyes gleamed with excitement.
"Suiren…" Shun'ei admonished.
"Aw… come on, nii-chan," she smiled. "We can at least beat one of our parents."
"You'll pay for that young lady," Miroku tried to scold, but could not keep the laughter from his voice. "To make it easy on you," said the monk, "…I'll get rid of my staff."
Embedding the shakujou in the ground, Miroku slowly advanced on his daughter. He noticed she was not intimidated at all; she had Sango's fighting spirit. He stopped and watched Suiren fall into her battle stance.
Shun'ei looked warily towards his mother again. Sango only gave a reassuring smile, but stayed silent. The children had a surprise in store, they would soon find out their father was no pushover.
As Miroku expected, Suiren attacked first. He had surmised her quickness, but not her agility. Suiren did not lack strategy, she simply thought on her feet. He deftly dodged her attacks, but kept careful watch on the swift motions of her hands, arms and legs.
His daughter breathed heavily as she finally backed away. Miroku thought I was more from anger than exertion.
"Ooh… no fair, chichi-ue," the child cried. "You're supposed to fight back!"
"I'll fight back when you hit something," he smiled gently at her. "I'll let you take a rest… Shun'ei, if you please."
His father's evasive tactics stunned the boy. His movements were smooth and unhurried and he was impressed that he was able to dodge his sister's attacks. He knew better than anyone did how fast she was, even he could not keep up with her.
Shun'ei's face was impassive as he turned to his father. Silently he surveyed the man before him; the more time spent together the more intriguing he found him. Seeing Suiren's unsuccessful attempts barehanded, he decided to use his rings and held them up for his father's approval.
"All right," Miroku acknowledged and walked over to retrieve his shakujou. "Weapons it is."
The two circled each other warily, each sizing up the other. Miroku realized his son's patience rivaled his. If they were ever going to fight, he would have to make the first move.
"Are you two going to fight or what?" Suiren shouted from beside her mother. "Argh! What's taking them so long?"
Sango reached down and gently tugged a ponytail. "They both have the same mindset, Suire-chan, you know how your brother is. He won't strike until he is assured a hit."
Lifting the shakujou, Miroku twirled it overhead and launched his attack. His son jumped into the path of his downward thrust, crossing his arms over with rings in hand and attempted to cut through the base of the staff. As Shun'ei struck out, he heard the ping of metal and realized the shakujou was made of steel and not wood as he thought.
Pushing back with both feet, he was able to maneuver from under the heavy weight of the staff and slid back a few paces out of reach.
Miorku gave the shakujou another twirl with one hand and smiled at his sons' astonished expression. "There should always be a second phase to your plan Shun'ei; remember that," the monk said.
The boy could only nod. He knew from impact that the staff was extremely heavy; his father must be very strong to wield it with one hand. He understood now, how he was able to fight alongside his mother and the hanyou in the battle with the one called Naraku. His chest puffed up with pride; his father was no mere monk.
"Alright, you two, that's enough," Sango's voice interrupted. "I think we should prepare to leave."
Suiren ran over to her brother and the two began an intense conversation; both shooting looks over at their father.
"You surprised them," Sango said straightening the front of her husband's attire. "They did not expect a warrior beneath these robes."
"Do you think I intimidated them a little?" the monk asked.
Sango leaned back and looked into Miroku's eyes with a smirk. "Unfortunately… no," said the taijiya. "Prepare for sneak attacks from your daughter as she does not accept defeat gracefully and Shun'ei… he will constantly request to spar until his thirst for knowledge is quenched. Either way…" Sango raised an eyebrow. "They will not stop until they beat you."
"That means we sharpen our skills." Miroku said and pulled is wife against him.
"We'd better!" Sango laughed.
xXxXx
If Tsuneo thought Miroku was bad, he was nothing compared to Yoshio-sama. Did the senior monk have any virtues at all? He smoked, drank sake, gambled and Kami knows what else. The young monk's faith had been called into question more in the last few days, than all of his life.
As he headed back to the small village, he was sure of one thing, he would not be joining the Negoro-gumi. As his horse was prepared to return to the village, the senior monk had said the life of a warrior monk was not for him. Tsuneo was told he too instilled with temple discipline. Although Miroku was a bit untraditional, the monk still maintained certain standards of his faith.
Tsuneo had to admit that he was confused. Yoshio-sama did not have the answers he sought and neither did any of the monks of the Negoro-gumi. They all seemed to have the same ideas; they were more interested in using war to uphold their faith. Therefore, he decided to return to Miroku.
The older monk had fought many battles, but he still sought peace and showed concern for the less fortunate. The villagers certainly trusted and looked up to him. Tsuneo had decided to speak with Miroku once more before making decisions regarding his future. He had also planned to be present, hopefully, for the last Gekokujo meeting and Tokugawa's arrival to reveal Hajime's scheme.
Sheltered at the temple all these years, Tsuneo was ignorant to the outside world. He was stunned on hearing how a high official could use the military and the monks to pursue his personal gains. Hajime's deception and his attempt to bribe Miroku by using a courtesan was truly disturbing. Especially when he had used someone as pretty as Lady Fujiko.
Although he knew, he should not be thinking about the young woman, Tsuneo remembered her soft hands, musical laugh and her beautiful, but knowing eyes. For one so young, even she was more versed in the world than he was.
Looking up at the sun, Tsuneo could see it was late morning. He would head to the teahouse first and then to Sango-sensei's abode later. Turning his horse in that direction, he spotted a military encampment through the trees.
There was a lot of activity down there. A small group was arming themselves and from the formation, Tsuneo knew they were about to take someone into custody. Not seeing any fellow monks amongst them, the young monk continued ahead.
xXxXx
Folding the parchment, Mayura closed her eyes and placed Takashi's words over her heart. With a sigh, she exulted in his thoughts of her and their brief, but unforgettable time together.
Akio was right. Takashi had reached out to her from beyond the grave, cleansing her soul and giving her inner peace. He wrote the same as he spoke, with integrity and passion.
Sitting where her son left her, Mayura kept her eyes closed, as visions of her lost and only loved filled her memory. Takashi…
They met on a crisp autumn morning in one of the southern provinces. She was a low rank courtesan and traveled with a road brothel. It was customary to be assigned to any passing soldiers able to pay for a night's pleasure.
Put on display like cattle, Mayura remembered the greedy, lustful stares of the soldiers as they were looked over.
The young courtesan tried to shrink back amongst her peers, however, being a head taller than the others made that difficult. She was always noticed first, although not always chosen, which was fine with her. A year of this life and she still acted like a novice.
Considered plain compared to the other girls, Mayura thought her only asset was a pair of generous breast. Breast she tried to keep hidden. She usually wore a larger hadagi or loosely tied obi so the material did not cling to her form.
Standing with her head lowered, she subtly looked from under her lashes and scanned the crowd of foot soldiers. Out of uniform, the men looked unkempt and Mayura recoiled at the thought coupling with them. Shrinking further to the rear of the group, she tried to conceal herself and that was when she noticed him.
He stood apart from the others. Holding the reins of his horse, she found him watching her with amusement. She could only stare wide-eyed at the handsome soldier. He was tall… taller than she was; his hair was dark and pulled back into a short high ponytail.
Mayura realized she was staring when the foot soldier bowed slightly to her, turned and walked away with his horse. The young courtesan was sure that she was blushing, but she could not help herself. The sound of the boisterous group called an end to the display and snapped her back to reality. They would not know until that night, which were chosen.
The owner of the traveling brothel, Madame Yuri, would come later to prepare the girls for the evenings activities. This part Mayura hated also… the waiting. Any girl not chosen was beaten. This was not public knowledge, of course, but the courtesans knew all too well.
It was rumored that Madame Yuri was once a well sought after Asobimi. However, years of pampering had widened her girth and her constant love of sake had marred her features. Using the young courtesans, the woman tried to recapture the lifestyle she had once been accustomed.
Later that evening, the woman came for the chosen girls and Mayura was among them. They were bathed, perfumed, faces powdered and dressed in the simplest kimono. Madame Yuri then escorted them to the tents of their purchasers. All were sent except Mayura.
"Some people have strange taste," the older woman muttered as her plump body walked her through the trees and towards the river. "Don't put on none of fancy airs, girl," Madame Yuri scolded. "If we make a profit here, I'll let the lot of you have a short break before moving on to the next village." She always made that promise, but it was never kept. The only breaks given were the ones forced upon them.
As they approached the river, Mayura caught sight of her client. It was the young man with the horse. Surprise had her stumbling over her own feet; he was the last person she expected to see. Surely, this man had no need for a courtesan; he would have no trouble getting a woman's attentions.
He sat on a blanket close to the water, but stood as he heard them arrive. Mayura lowered her eyes as the bag of coins was exchanged. She kept her head low and heard Madame Yuri as she turned back to the camp, the coins ringing happily in her hands.
"Would you like to sit down?"
"What…" Mayura's head jerked up. "Uh… yes, thank you."
She was as skittish as a cat, but her movements were graceful as she sat before the fire. She could feel him watching, but he made no move towards her. The silence stretched between them.
"We… ah… should get started, Yuri-sama will be back soon," she told him. "No disrespect, sir, but not much time is allowed on a foot soldiers salary."
"That's okay," the young man responded with a shrug of his shoulders. "I'm not a soldier."
Mayura looked at him fully then. "You're not?"
"No… I'm a scout."
"Oh…"
More silence.
Finally, the man got up and dipped a towel into the river. Wringing the excess water, he returned to his seat and handed it to her.
"Would you like to get rid of that powder on your face?" he asked.
"Why?" she asked in return. "Is something wrong with it?"
"No… you just look better without it," he said with a smile.
Mayura was torn between being offended and laughing aloud at his candor. She decided to laugh as she took the towel from him and began to remove the powder. The courtesan had to admit, this was an unusual encounter. Face free of rogues and powders, Mayura finally turned and shyly returned the towel.
"That's better," the young man told her. "I guess we should introduce ourselves. I am Takashi; what is your name?"
"Mayura."
"Mayura…" He tested the name on his tongue and then smiled. "That is a name as beautiful as its owner."
"I'm not… it's not necessary to say such things, you have already purchased my services. There is no way I could refuse you, sir."
"I say it because it's true," he corrected. "And… you have every right to refuse my attentions, if you like."
"Believe me, Mayura-san, I have had enough falsehoods in my life, I make a habit of never indulging in them."
Hearing the pain in his voice, Mayura turned to him fully. "That's very wise; Takashi-san; I find it admirable that you even try."
They sat, talked and gradually Mayura relaxed. Takashi never made a move towards her; they simply discussed any subject that came to mind. It was way into the middle of the night when they heard Madam Yuri's footsteps returning for her.
Takashi rose to his feet as the old woman approached. Reaching down, he took Mayura's hand and pulled her up.
"Time is up, young man," Madam Yuri said unnecessarily.
Nodding to the woman, Takashi then turned to Mayura. "I would like to see you again, Mayura-san. Would it be acceptable that we meet here again tonight?"
Mayura's eyes widened. They had only talked; the man did not get his moneys worth from their encounter. Why would he want her to return?
As if reading her mind, Takashi responded. "I have enjoyed our time together; would you consider it, Lady Mayura?"
Lady… he called her lady. No one had ever said that to her and he was also asking 'her' permission to see her again. Habit had her turn to Madame Yuri, who normally made these decisions. Before the woman could open her mouth, Takashi gently titled her face to look at him.
"I'm not asking her," he indicated Madame Yuri, "I'm asking you. Would you like to spend more time with me?"
"Yes!" Mayura gushed and her cheeks stained crimson. The smile he gave her showed he was pleased by her answer and he seemed relieved as well. After a gentle squeeze, he released her hand and handed her over to Madam Yuri.
"You're new at this; aren't you?" the older courtesan asked as she led her charge away.
"Yes." Takashi's response was clipped.
"Take my advice and don't fancy yourself in love," Madame Yuri said. "It would be wasted on a woman like her."
"The path I walk is my own, therefore, your advice is unnecessary," Takashi retorted as he turned away and then glanced back. "Ja ne, Mayura-san!" He waved and was gone.
That was how it began. They met every night for the duration of their stay. They talked, laughed, played like children, but were never intimate. Although, Mayura enjoyed being with him, she wondered why he never initiated the act. It was their last night together that she asked him.
"Is that what you would like to do, Mayura-chan?" He was stretched out on his back, looking up at the moon.
"No!" she squawked and blushed. She watched, horrified, as Takashi sat up and looked at her. "I mean… oh… I don't know. I just know I don't want to ruin what we have now. We are friends; aren't we, Takashi?"
"Yes, Mayura-chan, and we always will be, but I can't deny that desire you. However, it must be your choice. I'm here whenever you're ready."
"I'm ready," Mayura said breathlessly.
She never returned to Madame Yuri. She and Takashi left the encampment that night. Whatever arrangements made between Takashi and Madame Yuri, Mayura did not know. For months, they lived together, happily, before she discovered her pregnancy.
Takashi was ecstatic and smothered her with attention. He would fall asleep at her back with his arm curved protectively around her belly. Mayura thought she had finally found happiness until he was called away on a scouting expedition.
Her loved one never returned and doubt filled the pregnant Mayura. Was Takashi happy with her? Was there someone else? However, nothing prepared her for the truth. Days following his return date, one of Mototaka's men came to inform her that Takashi had been killed.
Hearing the shoji open and close with a snap, Mayura slowly returned to the present. Clasping the parchment tighter, she turned thinking it was Akio. Instead, she came face to face with Rie... Takashi's mother, Akio's grandmother and the person who had accosted her while shopping the day before.
Pulling her into the small alleyway, the old woman had inquired about Hajime's scout, Junnosuke. Mayura took pleasure in withholding the information until Rie explained why she wanted to know. Still evasive, the old woman mentioning that Sango's estranged husband, Miroku, had arrived with the daimyo's entourage, had Mayura's eyes widening. She then realized the mistake she was about to make.
As always, Rie's mouth was set in stern lines as the two women glared at each other. Although she now knew who she was, Mayura's response was the same each time they encountered each other. With a toss of her head, she pursed her lips.
"It's just you; what do you want?"
xXxXx
"Do you think it's a good idea to leave those two alone together?" Nari asked her fiancé and looked anxiously around to the teahouse.
"Stop worrying," Akio said calmly. "They have no choice but to learn to deal with each other. They are both very important to me and I won't be forced to chose between them. We will all live together in peace."
"Well… we may live together, but with those two I'm sure it won't be peaceful." Nari said and cast another glance behind her. Rie-sama was a formidable old woman, but Lady Mayura was not easily intimidated. On the occasions when the two met, sparks always flew and Nari was well aware of the animosity between the two even before secrets were revealed.
With a sigh, the young woman turned again to her fiancé. "Are you sure you're all right, Akio?"
He smiled tenderly at her. "I'm all right as long as you're with me, Nari-chan."
Her eyes were bright as she leaned towards her intended and captured his lips in a sweet kiss. So engrossed with each other, they jumped apart at the high-pitched voice.
"Get a room; would ya!" Suiren shouted to the young couple.
"Suiren!" Sango snapped.
Miroku stood next to his wife trying to contain his laughter until Sango elbowed him soundly.
"What?" Suiren turned to her mother with a baffled expression. "I heard Inuyasha-sama say it to you two the other day."
Sango blushed to the roots of her hair. "You are 'not' to repeat anything Inuyasha says; do you understand?" Her mother said through clenched teeth.
"But…" the child began.
"No 'buts' young lady, now behave yourself." Sango admonished before turning back to her friends. "Sorry about that," she apologized.
Akio stood, pulling Nari with him, and looked to the family before him. Everyone looked happy, he noticed. Sango was simply glowing and it was not from anger. The monk had a look of contentment and Suiren, although reprimanded by her mother, was grinning like a Siamese cat. Only Shun'ei seemed out of sorts.
The boys' eyes fluctuated between the Akio and the teahouse. Knowing the child's ability to key into tense situations, he stepped forward. Was it really that bad in there between his mother and grandmother? However, before Akio could utter an explanation, Shun'ei spoke.
"Is Mayura-chan all right, Akio-sama?"
"You never cease to amaze me, Shun'ei-san," Akio laughed. "Yes… Lady Mayura is fine. She's talking with Oba right now."
Hearing that Sango and Miroku stepped forward and made eye contact with Akio, both questioning with their eyes. The young man acknowledged and gave a sign that they would speak later, when the children were absent.
The group moved to take a seat on a couple of the large benches outside of the teahouse. Hearing the sound of horse hoofs, Akio approached the lone horse and rider to inform them the teahouse would be closed today. He looked up planning to give directions to the next location and saw the smiling face of Tsuneo.
xXxXx
The air was thick with tension as the two women faced off. Rie sat on one of the tables across from where Mayura was seated. Neither spoke.
Rie looked over at the woman Takashi had chosen. She remembered being stunned by the news that her son had been seeing a courtesan. She, of course, knew that all young men had their urges; however, it was not acceptable to live with one as you would a wife.
The shinobi had kept Rie informed of Takashi's movements and his joining the military. She had heard of the young woman that had caught his eye and thought it was only a passing fancy. She could not have been more wrong.
Although she abhorred what her son was doing, Rie was sure he would come home once he came to his senses.
The day Takashi returned home, she was elated even though she did not show it. However, he had not returned to stay and train, he had come to ask her to look after the woman called Mayura while he was away. He explained that the woman he fell in love with was pregnant with his child and he did not want her to be alone.
Rie's eyes closed briefly, as she relived the bitter, angry words exchanged between them. She had accused him hiding behind a 'well worn' kimono instead of fulfilling the duties to his clan.
He had accused her of trying to mold him into her image, of trying to force him to become another bloodthirsty assassin… like her.
So incensed by his judgment of her, to this day, Rie recalled the parting words that sealed their fate…
"Don't think, Takashi, that producing a child makes you man enough to come here and insult me," Rie spat. "Tell me…" She continued with a gleam in her eye. "Are you sure the child is yours?"
Instead of anger or lashing out, Takashi stood completely still. Rie watched as his shoulders slumped in defeat and for a second, she felt triumphant.
Her son turned to her, eyes void of expression, and bowed. "Thank you, mother, for hearing me out. I will take up no more of your time."
There was a note of finality in his voice and Rie responded to it. She hurried behind as he turned to leave. Instead of pleading with him to stay or an apology, she allowed the bitterness to resurface.
"You'll be back," she said to his back. "You and the child will be welcome, but not that… that fallen woman!"
Takashi turned at the open shoji and looked at his mother with pity. Had she known that the next words would be her sons last, Rie would have given anything to recall her bitter torrent.
"I will never return here," Takashi announced. "The mother I know no longer exist, therefore, my child will not know you."
"The fallen woman of whom you speak has only shown me love, but I would not expect a woman such as you to understand that. A woman whose is known to the shinobi as 'Kamakiri'.
Returning to the present, Rie flinched at the name. Kamakiri… the praying mantis. The name she was once proud of as a promising kunoichi now filled her with despair. It was a name she had threatened the other shinobi never to repeat, especially in front of Akio. She was now simply Rie. As if this alone could wash away, the misdeeds attached to her code name.
Since Takashi's death, Rie had spent many years in regret and trying to atone for her sins in life. When informed of Mayura's conceiving at the monastery and looking for suitable parents to adopt the child, she traveled there to collect her grandson. When she arrived, she concealed her identity as she convinced the nuns that, despite her advanced years, she was quite capable of caring for the child. That was the first time she had laid eyes on Mayura.
The woman laid on the futon and although exhausted and weary from labor and childbirth, she was stunning. However, just seeing the wretched woman Takashi fell for hardened Rie's heart. When she left the monastery later with Akio, it was not for love of her son's child, but a desire to raise him in a manner against his father's wishes.
As time went by and Akio grew, Rie's heart softened. Finding his father's letter was the turning point in their relationship. The boy demanded to find his mother. As Rie sat and remembered her parting with Takashi, she finally relented.
Once word was received that Mayura was found working in a brothel in the Northern Province, the boy was anxious to go. Although she explained to a young Akio what that profession meant, he was persistent. They packed their belongings and headed north.
En route, they came upon an injured Sango and their journey was delayed. Taking care of the misplaced demon slayer was the first step in Rie's self-healing. Assisting with Sango's pregnancy and the birth of the twins was the final phase in her becoming human.
Now… sitting across from Mayura, the woman her son had loved, Rie did not know how to ask for forgiveness. Although her fierce expression belied it, she wanted to reach out to the woman before her, but… she did not know how to let the healing begin.
To be continued…