Chapter 19 - The Oath

They could have just run off together, leaving everyone and everything behind...

But that wouldn't be right, at least not yet.

It wasn't as bad as Hikaru had thought; there were still many couples that seemed quite happy to be mated together at this year's ceremony. Obviously those people were meant to be, he decided. But after all that's happen, since the day that yellowhair or rather Claude showed up—everything changed. At first it was as if he came to tear them apart, Hikaru didn't want to lose his son and betray his gods. It seemed as if all hell hath fury if he were to do so. But the pain he was causing his family and his friends was even more painfully obvious.

It was time to change.

Even if it was ever so slowly, even if it did anger the gods…chief Nakano was ready to find out. He was ready to find out for the sake of his two sons, and that felt better than any brutal punishment that Gaia might deliver. Even Papa Uesugi was beginning to come around, see the light—although he did advise that it was time the Nakano clan went home.

Hikaru agreed.

They'd spent more than enough time on this land and the Nakano chief missed their true home north of here. He just thought to go tell his mate, when he saw Hiroshi and Claude returning, he sighed with thanks that his son hadn't run off just yet. When the Winchester chief stood before him, this time he bowed with hands clasped together, "May Gaia bless you."

K returned the sentiment and bowed back.

Hikaru nodded and said, "I know I can't take back things I've said or done…but I'm sorry Claude. I understand now that you meant no harm to us or to my son."

It wasn't easy to fess up to one's mistakes and K understood and simply said, "Thank you." He didn't know what else to say really, but he'd finally gained Hiro's father's trust. Inside he felt as if he'd completed the world's hardest mission! It had taken so long! Now he was thrilled that the Hikaru could accept him.

"Father," Hiro started, pleased beyond all means, "K and I have decided to go on a journey. I want to see the land, I want to learn new things…it calls to me," Hiro explained eagerly. "But one day I'll return, I promise I won't give up my place as chief. One day…I'll make you proud."

Hikaru sighed, he had a feeling this was coming, he nodded, "I know my son and you're right, every man should go and find himself in the world. I won't stop you, because I know you'll come back more of a man than I ever was."

A brilliant smile crossed Hiro's face. "Nah, you're becoming the man I only wish to be one day."

At that moment Hiro's mother returned to her mate's side. She glowed with happiness and said, "I think we've come to realize that our god's power is stronger than we can control. And I'm so glad that they brought you someone to love my son, someone that makes you happy."

Looking delighted, Hiro told his mother of his upcoming journey.

"Oh? So, you're off again so soon." She scoffed good-naturedly, "I'm not surprised, but I will miss you my son." Then she glanced at K, "I suspect you're going too? But what about your clan, your mate and baby—"

"—Megan?" answered K. "I know just the person or should I say people for the job," he said. "A couple days ago that girl I banished from our clan returned, you remember right? Well, she came back begging for forgiveness and for the fact she wants her proper rites with her selected mate. She wants to be blessed by Aurora herself, that really proves her loyalty to Her and to us. It's very noble of Reiji and I'm willing to give her and Bill a second chance. Ark will be put in charge of the clan while I'm gone, he's strong and also the father of my mate's baby. I love all three of them and I know Ark will lead fine." K looked down, casting his eyes at his fur boots and added, "I never really wanted to be clan leader yet. Aurora took my parents so suddenly and too soon and left me with the title. I respect it and I'm not running away from it…but…"

"…it's something you have to do, just as our Hiroshi should do the same. I understand that no one can keep your spirits apart," Cho finished for him.

Softly, K nodded.

Hiro touched K's arm gently after his speech and looked at his parents. "Mother, Father?" Hiro started nervously, feeling strange as if he were interrupting or something. He shifted his eyes sketchily at K oddly for a second.

K looked on curious, wondering what Hiro was thinking.

"What is it Hiroshi?" Hikaru urged.

"I-I…well, I want to become a member of the Winchester family. Not that I'm giving up my namesake but joining the two," he spoke in a rush. "I think a person can devote themselves to more than one belief." He took K's hand and asked, "If he will let me?"

Everyone, including K looked surprised. Hiro never mentioned this to him yet and K smiled wondrously. But then he gave Hikaru and Cho a nervous glance. He felt a bit put on the spot too. "Hiro…you know you're always welcome to my family," K said, "Judy even told me to offer that to you. But I think that's up to your family too." He looked over at Hikaru and Cho again.

Hikaru didn't know what to say about that. It was natural to feel like blurting out 'No!', but it wasn't his place. Hiro was a grown man now, "I guess it's time you made your own decisions. Will you live with them son? Because I have decided it's time for the Nakano's to return home. We won't be so close to the Winchesters anymore…I miss my home son."

K raised his brows.

"Father, I would very much like to live with them. K and I could live at both from time to time…I too miss my place by the river," Hiro explained.

"Oh, Hiroshi, you've grown up so much," his mother gushed and hugged her son. "Please take care of my boy," she insisted of K.

"He has the guidance of Aurora to watch over him, and me," K said sternly.

Hikaru laughed just then and said, "Enough of this politics, let's enjoy the gathering and sit by the fire. I hear Shuichi singing somewhere let's go and listen, and Claude can tell me the entire wolf and the mammoth story in detail. I want to hear such an astounding tale!" The chief looked up at K, "Have I ever told you that you speak our language very well now…very well."

The chief turned to walk and Hiro and K broke into grins. Taking each other's hand, they followed.

By morning everyone had partied themselves out dancing and singing. Ark had even brought some of the drink he'd served at the hunting ceremony, and easily by the end of the night many were taking pleasures in each other. Even a few Nakano's and Uesugi's tested out a few Winchester's and vice versa…

Let's just say it was a grand night.

Curled up under a heavy warm bear fur, Hiro stretched and yawned lazily. He snuggled up behind K and buried his face into his soft yellow hair, purring contentedly and letting a hand paw around K's smooth body, mindlessly letting it wander. It brushed over the ridged expanse of K's chest, where Hiro stopped to trace his fingertips over nipples until they turned hard. Then he meandered down K's side, along the slight dip of his waist and over a manly hip bone. Mmm, K had such a tight body and Hiro loved touching it, especially like this. He let his hand roam down over K's bottom, pressing softly with the pads of his fingertips over the delectable curve where ass met leg. A little further to the middle and he brushed a tip over K's scrotum and slid a finger up gingerly between his cheeks. Once near the pert opening, Hiro very gently slipped in a finger, probing all while still lazily lying next to K.

K didn't open his eyes as he felt a hand caressing him idly, it went all over. He lay there as if dreaming a lovely wet dream, letting his body be touched by the most delicate fingers. Mmm, he couldn't stand it anymore as Hiro's finger massaged his sensitive walls; he reached back and guided Hiro's hand over to the front between his legs to tantalize an erection Hiro had created. They slept naked under the covers in his lodge in the Winchester camp. Thankfully Judy and Megan were in Ark's lodge. So they had the entire little home to themselves to frolic in. Half asleep, K sighed as Hiro continued to touch him, rubbing softly and fingers inching all the way down to his sac. K swallowed thickly as that hand held his entire package, the heat was sensational.

But he still hadn't opened his eyes. He wanted to relish the lazy morning, the stress free expedition. No estranged to-be mates or haughty fathers, no person's trying to murder him or worry over a best friend and his mate's baby…it was all over. Then a pair of damp lips pressed to the back of his neck and travelled along the slope of his shoulder.

K sighed again.

His body was becoming alive and it was getting harder to fend off sleep, his cock felt the ache as it hardened in Hiro's steady hand. He moaned a little and craned his head back hoping to find rosy lips to kiss.

Hiro couldn't stop his exploration and he couldn't keep his eyes closed any longer. His body yearned for sexual pleasure with his spirit mate. Last night they'd been to busy having fun, although he didn't participate in any sex. He and K were busy dancing it up with the gang and talking about their upcoming journey, a few even asked to come along. But now K was all his and he emphasized that with a nice squeeze to K's genitals. It made the man groan deeply and he took K's mouth as he leaned back. With eyes still drowsy looking they joined lips as Hiro began to stroke K. Hiro felt K's moan wisp past his face and he licked out, wetting the blonde's mouth with his tongue.

Shifting positions and lying on his back, K got a full view of Hiro's pretty face looking down at him. The man's right hand let go his cock and swam up his body, over his skin and rest his head in the nook of K's arm.

"You're finally awake my spirit mate," Hiro whispered, flexing his own hard on against K's hip.

With a languid smile, K rose up to peck Hiro's lips that were beckoning him, "I am waking up to a wonderful dream," he murmured across those lips.

Hiro only made a content sound in his throat and licked his hand generously, wetting it thoroughly so he could moisten his cock. He did so, flicking the head of his penis over K's hip, "Turn on your side again," he demanded in a tender way.

Pulses of desire swelled between K's legs and he did as Hiro asked. He returned to his side previously, knowing that Hiro would take him this morning. Purring, he felt Hiro sidled down a bit to get the best position to take him. "Slow and gentle…" K insisted, wanting to attain that sweetness that they'd created this morning.

Reaching up, Hiro nipped at K's ear and guided the tip of his length into the tight opening. Hearing K release that initial entry sigh, he spoke into the ear next to his lips, "Only if you promise to take me hard next." He enjoyed a little sweet and sour, a little hot and cold…rough and gentle.

They had all the time in the world to pleasure how they wanted. Hiro wanted both at the same time if he could have it.

He pressed all his length deep inside the heated entrance and simply held it there, enjoying the squeeze on his cock, the warmth. Hiro also noted K's breathing, it having reached a faster pitch, his brows knotted together from sensation. Oh, he loved to see his spirit mate in this disposition; he also loved how on top he felt reducing this large man into submission.

"You love me so much I can feel it inside of me when I look at you," Hiro revealed poetically as he began to stroke steadily, moaning at the inrush of divine taction.

Airy moans mixed with blissful sighs, K replied naughtily, "You love me so much that I can feel it when you're inside of me."

Hiro chuckled.

The heat building under the blankets fueled the wonderful dance passionately. For Hiro this wasn't just an ordinary fuck; it was a gesture of love. And the position gave for ultimate closeness; he could feel every part of K pressed against him. But he also longed to kiss his lips and it was as if K read his mind when he pulled away, Hiro's throbbing erection abandoned. Instead K shuffled around a bit guiding him to straddle on top, wetting his own hand and his cock.

"I want to see your beautiful face Hiro and kiss your mouth while you cry out," K explained, reaching down and helping Hiro lower himself easily onto him.

Purr, Hiro didn't mind if they switched, now he got to face his lover too. K's hard penis filled him quickly; it made Hiro quiver with pain and pleasure. But he relaxed in seconds, his body quickly enveloped the organ, making K a part of him now.

Together they both reached out and pulled each other to kiss once more. Bringing Hiro down to him, K opened up to let his tongue play. It swirled along with Hiro's, saliva dribbling down his chin over their wet kisses. Hiro still hadn't started a motion, so K thrust his hips and began to gently rock up into him.

Hiro sat there steady as K took control and thrust into him feeling K's abdominals flexing underneath him. He cried out into K's mouth, breaking their kisses and clinging onto his neck.

They clung to each other as K buried himself in Hiro, the rustling of furs shifting at a higher tempo. The lovemaking was still sweet, but the building urges inside of them felt exactly opposite. Driven internally to expel, soft moans became pitched mewls of lust. Hiro began to meet with K's thrusts, his lips searching for purchase along the blonde's neck. He sucked and nipped as if each divine stroke caused his mouth to react.

"Unn, Hiro…" K groaned in rapture, Hiro's bites slightly registering pain. It was hard to keep the soft rhythm with Hiro wakening his drive. He was close and K thrust a little harder up into Hiro, causing him to bounce forward with every stroke.

"Ooooh….K. Ahhh yeah…"

Hiro knew his lover was close to release and it made his own erection throb against K's belly. He closed his eyes and curled his top lip a touch as the rush of fluid travelled and built pressure. Even as K plunged into him his hips flexed a bit, grinding his need forth.

As if sensual song were being sung, both gave into the blinding release…bodies shuddering and damp with perspiration.

K's eyes fluttered closed as he felt the last twitches of his cock inside Hiro. And he couldn't fail to notice the pulsing sensation against his lower belly as his lover jet hot fluid there. Mmm, he let his head fall back and his cock slip out; he wrapped his arms around his sweet spirit mate and embraced him. "Life has to be so trying before there is happiness and peace…or so it seems huh?"

Murmuring in his throat, Hiro held K back. Yes, K was right…they'd been through so much trial and error before they were allowed this freedom. It was too bad his father took so long to come to his senses…but that was life. He was happy as well for Yuki and Shuichi. It brought a smile to his face as he lay on top of his lover quietly catching his breath. "It's trying, but look how far we've come? And I don't mean just you and I…I mean everyone!" Hiro rejoiced. Then he tugged at some stray blond strands, damp from their pleasure, "Why don't we go wash and plan our journey under the peach tree? The blossoms are starting to bloom, we could spend the day there…we could talk?"

K cracked open his eyes and brushes fugitive stray hairs out of Hiro's face, "Talk? But we are talking now, right?"

The brunette made a face, "Well, yeah, we're talking. But I want to hear your real thoughts…I want to tell you mine. And I want to give you pleasure and put peach blossoms in your hair." Hiro blushed a tiny bit, but he couldn't stop the sappy things that came out of him. He was feeling nostalgic, his soul needed to reflect…he was also feeling boyish. But he wanted to voice some of his thoughts, ask some real questions. There was nothing left to hide.

Afterwards they left the camp to seek out their favourite secluded spot. A garden of peach trees that grew wild where it overlooked the body of water. It wasn't that far up from the water but it gave a beautiful view yonder and it was a great place to dry off after bathing and watch the sunset in a few hours. Bathing they did, washing the grime off from this morning's romp and the ceremony festivities last night. Soon they would start their journey and it was perfectly fine that Shuichi, Yuki, Sakano and Suguru wanted to come along too.

It was like déjà vu.

Suddenly the old gang was getting together again, but K and Hiro didn't mind one bit. Who were they to stop others from wanting to see new things, learn of other clans or educate themselves of their surroundings? Hiro thought of the glacier, he hadn't brought it up yet and inside he knew he was itching to tackle that barrier and travel over it.

He wanted to see the world…

Now the sun was high in the sky and warming the earth with its beam. Hiro and K chose to go to wear only a breechcloth until their bodies and their other washed clothes dried. They hung them over some branches to let the wind do its work. And now that it was nearing summer the blossoms on the peach trees were opening, many petals falling to the ground as the fruit-growing process took over. The grass beneath them was lush and green; the sound of bugs was alive but the slight breeze kept them from being pesky. All around them the scent of blooms filled their nostrils, creating a very romantic and peaceful feeling.

It was the perfect place to enjoy the rest of the day…the first day of total freedom.

Hiro found some fresh mint and picked some before he joined K under their peach tree. It was the tree closest to the best view of the water. Many times before they'd come to this very spot to share secret pleasures when it was important to keep it hush hush. Now it was only a nostalgic place. Hiro handed K the mint and they sat shoulder to shoulder watching the water and chewing mint. He still wanted to talk but before he did that he wanted to feel K's lips on his. Crawling in front of the other man, resting in front of K's crossed legs, Hiro leaned in and pressed his mouth to K's. He kissed him softly, with longing, sighing at the velvet joining. It didn't deepen but stayed delicate; Hiro closed his eyes as he peppered K over and over with kisses, the scent of mint fresh on their breath. When he finished he rubbed his cheek against K's and whispered, "I love you…" Hiro rest back on his haunches in front of K and held a finger to K's lips so he could continue.

"On Mount Hotaka, I saw things…discovered things, thought of things that would make my father leave me to die there I was sure. Or, well, I thought so then but he's really changed lately," he said and added, "My thoughts scare me…" Hiro levelled his eyes on K that were shinning with so much life. "I feel that if you stop people from doing human things, then those people would die! Yuki…he talked about stuff that I thought only I thought about. And I hate that I was so scared and that I was going to actually go through with that ceremony. I hate how weak I was! I know Yuki felt the same, but he only stayed because of Shuichi…how righteous. I thought so anyways, but was it also cowardice? I just feel that my ideas will bring bad luck to my clan someday or to me… Oh K, tell me to stop and I will!"

More than impressed K encouraged, "No, please, don't stop." He wiped a fugitive tear, which suddenly sprung from the corner of Hiro's eye and ran down his cheek, with his thumb. So this is what Hiro meant by talking? K felt a bit nervous, Hiro expected him to open up totally and reveal the things that scared him too. It wasn't always such an easy thing to do no matter how much you loved someone.

Closing his eyes Hiro continued, "I challenge the gods with my sinful thoughts. I wondered why we were forced to be with someone only because it makes a god happy, to create children. What…what if we make children without gods? After seeing what happened with you and your mate," Hiro set guilty eyes on K, he didn't mean to open wounds and prod. He added seriously, "Its crazy right?"

Shaking his head 'no' K replied bravely, "You're not alone Hiro…I wonder too, not long ago when Megan was born. I admit I even thought of it a little bit before that, but I didn't want to believe it. What is man's purpose? Aurora, she is the perfect female! She gives all females the gift to make children. Why do men need a god's blessing to make a child? It scares me too, to question Her." K breathed out in a rush, he'd never spoken of such thoughts to anyone before except Ark and Judy. It was also kind of scary how easy it felt to open up to Hiroshi. This 'talking' was intriguing yet frightening.

Yuki was right, everyone questions their beliefs, Hiro thought. "Even though you have a different god, our thoughts are so similar. I just needed to talk to someone about this, especially you. I respect the gods, but sometimes I think we're responsible for a lot more," Hiro explained, chuckling over all his talking. He reached over and picked up fallen peach blossom and twirled it between his fingers.

"Your beliefs are interesting Hiroshi. I learn so much from you. So many gods," K said astounded.

Hiro chuckled. "Your turn…keep talking to me."

Nodding, K continued, "How spring and mating, how the moon is so special to you. Your gods have no gender…that is so odd. I wonder about people, my mate, my clan, your people. I wonder where my parents are, or if they can see me, and I worry that they would be upset with what I've been doing. But after what your father said…I imagine I could have gotten my parents to understand it too. You don't think I'm worried that Aurora will cast me out one day? My clan has a lot to change after Megan…but it's Aurora's fate, we must accept that. I know that Judy is not truly my mate anymore but we're still friends. She believes everything worked out for a reason, that it was Aurora's destiny. I think she's right. Ark will lead my people well while we're gone. But, I thought I was so in love with Judy…and yet at the same time I dreamt of you. Spirit mates…" K whispered and focused on Hiro who watched him quietly as he talked.

"Don't stop," Hiro urged.

It just kept coming. "I wanted a place to call home and I found it. Yet, I'm off again with you soon, and so far, I feel as long as I'm with you I am home… Still, I also felt so jealous, why I couldn't stop from feeling as if I didn't want to share you, when I had no right—"

"—but you did K…I gave you the right," Hiro claimed and clasped K's hands with his, knocking the flower down. "On the mountain I understood what it is we are. Remember I said I would explain to you one day what I meant by spirit mates? Do you still wish to know?" he asked.

K nodded and plucked the peach blossom off the ground again and placed it in Hiro's hair.

Smiling at the flower Hiro continued, "Our spirits walk the earth together…just as our souls join together even when we're apart, like in our dreams. No matter how far apart we are our spirits are always intertwined. It was a message…"

"It was?" K asked giving Hiro his full attention.

"Yes, even though we might not be able to unite under the blessing of my gods or your god in ritual, but we have in spirit, do you understand? And it already is the work of our gods, they control our spirits. That was what my mother was talking about; you're my spirit mate K. At the top of the mountain—that—is what I discovered! When I was supposed to be finding repentance I found only you," Hiro exclaimed ardently. He held his breath waiting for K to speak, thinking for sure the man was going to think he'd lost his mind. Hiro looked away with chagrin.

Could two people unite without the blessing of a god? No ceremony, no rituals and prayers? Were their spirits that strong? Were other peoples? But after all that has happened K couldn't deny what Hiro said to him. "I knew I loved you Hiroshi when Shuichi asked me so at the foot of that mountain. I begged Aurora to keep you safe when you were up there, and when I slept I felt outside of myself…"

"…yes the wolf…"

They'd never talked of that until now. It came up briefly when Hiro went looking for K the first day he was able too. But he never explained and K never clarified. It was just one of those things. Now it needed to be talked about. It would be just one of the many great conversations they would have on their journey.

Urging Hiro to come hug him the man did so and sat on his lap, wrapping himself around him. Feet planted on the ground on either side, legs spread and bent at the knee, Hiro wrapped his arms around his neck. K whispered, "You saw it…the wolf?"

"Hmm, many times…twice on the mountain and often by the riverbank back home."

K ran his left hand through Hiro's hair and asked, "Can we really be spirit mates? Blessed as if united?" It was a hard concept to swallow but he wanted to so badly.

"I know it K," Hiro said without a doubt.

K beamed. "You are an extraordinary person Hiroshi, I feel selfish for not being able to stop myself from loving you this way," he said in his own language. "My spirit mate." How wonderful that sounded. He switched back to Hiro's tongue, "Let's make an oath?"

Hiro nodded eagerly, "I know of one, it's similar to the ritual we had before going up the mountain. Remember?"

K swallowed hard. Oh yes, he remembered, the palm cutting. He nodded.

"Hold out your left hand then. It will hurt will you do it?"

K agreed. He knew what was coming—an oath sworn with blood. "Be quick about it," he urged and watched Hiro retrieve a piece of sharp flint from a fold at the waist of his breechcloth.

A man with concealed weapons in his breechcloth, K smiled and watched Hiro kiss his opened palm before putting on a determined face. Then he drew the sharp edge over his hand without a second breath. K sucked air through his teeth as watched his skin tear, blood seeping to the surface…the pain shot up his arm. He breathed out and watched Hiro inflict himself, cutting a new wound into his other hand, his left.

They sat gazing at each other before clasping their bleeding hands together, blood dripping down their arms, life from each other flowing into the others veins. They made the pledge to stay spirit mates until the day they left this living world.

Their oath in the peach garden.

Forever to go down in history…together.

A/N: Wow, it took me awhile to post this final chapter..I have just been swamped with school. But finally this story is complete. --sniff-- I'm always so sad to see the end of a fic...they kind of grow on you. I hope I gave a good lemon and enough sappy stuff lol. I hope you enjoyed my odd caveman tale XD I have this new Kiro idea in mind...sorta off the wall just like everything else I do XD But I have to work that one out. Hope to see you all again soon! -squishes-

Reviewers: Thanks so much for all you amazingly kind and inspiring words. I love it so much when there are people just like me, willing to take the risk and try something different. You read my fic and enjoyed it...there's just no price tag, you know? I do hope to continue doing Kiro fics...man I love them!