Chapter 2

(A/N: Since I'm fairly certain that most of you don't speak Japanese (at least, not as well as I do), I will be placing the translation next to each Japanese phrase I use.)

Sam awoke from unconsciousness two days later. She was laying on a comfortable mat, situated on the floor, and was covered by a wool blanket. She sat up and tried to remember what happened. Suddenly, the rice-paper door slide open, and a woman with bright red-orange hair entered, carrying a heavily-laden breakfast tray.

"Ohayoo," said the woman cheerily, good morning, "O namae wa?" What is your name? Sam was still a little groggy, and tried to remember what to say. "Watashi wa Samanta desu. O namae wa?" I am Samantha. The woman bowed and said, "Fenton Jazzumin desu. Hajimemashite." I'm Jasmine Fenton. Nice to meet you.

As Jazzumin set the tray down next to her, Sam asked her in Japanese, "Jazzumin, Where am I? How did I get here?" Jazzumin smiled and replied, "Call me Jazz. You are in my brother's house in the capital city of Kyoto. Your ship was burned, and he saved you."

At this, Sam's eyes grew wide, and she frantically asked, "What about the others on the ship with me?!" Jazz's face fell, and she tenderly said, "They were all either burned to death or drowned. You are the only survivor. I'm so sorry."

At this, Sam started crying. Jazz got up and left her to be alone. After awhile, Sam calmed down. It was then that she realized that she was naked except for her, shall we say, revealing bodice. Finding a kimono that fit her, Sam put some strange socks that she'd found, and also donned the wooden sandals by the door.

Stepping outside, Sam got her first good look at the Japanese countryside surrounding Kyoto. It was beautiful! Spring had just started, and the cherry trees were blooming with beautiful pink flowers. Suddenly, a gentle voice behind her said, "Even after living in this land all my life, I myself still marvel at its sheer beauty."

Turning around, Sam saw a young man in a blue robe. His skin was lighter than the other Japanese, and he had piercing blue eyes that contrasted beautifully with his raven-black hair. Bowing, he said, "I am Fenton Daniro. Hajimemashite."

Bowing back, Sam said, "I'm Sam. Thank you for rescuing me, Daniro." Blushing slightly, Danny said, "It was nothing. Any one of my comrades would've done the same." "But any one of your comrades didn't," she said with a smile, "you did."

Blushing even more, Danny tried to change the subject, saying, "Come with me, I have someone I want you to meet. And please, call me Danny." "All right," said Sam. Leading her across the field, they returned to Danny's house. In a part of the house that Sam had yet to explore, Danny called out, "Tucker!"

Suddenly, a dark-skinned man, about Danny's age, appeared before them, in the process of fixing his turban. He bowed and said, "Master, what do you require -" he began, but Danny held up his hand, saying, "Tucker, please. When others aren't around, you can call me Danny. You're my best friend, remember?"

"Sorry, Danny," replied Tucker, adjusting his eyeglasses. After introducing Sam and Tucker, Danny left to attend to some business at the Empress' palace. Tucker spent the rest of the day showing Sam around the city.

"Tucker," Sam asked hours later as they walk through the streets of Kyoto, "How did you end up in Japan all the way from India?"

Silent for a minute, Tucker replied, "It was about five years ago. The maharajah had kidnapped Tadokoro, the son of Empress Ishiyama. It started a war between our respective countries. The samurai stormed the maharajah's palace and rescued Tadokoro. My parents were guards. They were killed."

Sam gasped slightly, and Tucker continued. "I was taken across the ocean and sold on the auction block as a slave. I was purchased by Fenton Jonoton, Danny's father, as a gift to celebrate his ordination as a samurai. Fortunately for me, the Fentons treat their slaves well. I was, and am, almost a part of the family."

Suddenly, Danny came up to them and said, "Sam, you've been given the highest of honors. The Empress herself wishes to meet you." Before she could reply, Danny grabbed Sam by the wrist and took toward the royal palace.

On the way, he instructed her in the proper etiquette for meeting a Japanese empress. "As the living descendant of Amaterasu, the sun goddess," said Danny as they ascended the steps of the place, "she is too noble to even be seen by ordinary humans, and thus will always be behind a cloth screen while you speak to her. When you enter the throne room, bow deeply and then prostrate yourself at least 3 feet from the throne. Do not speak unless spoken to. And above all, speak with no tone but that of the utmost humility and respect. You are speaking to a woman who is a living goddess to her people, after all."

Finally, after navigating the magnificent castle, they arrived at the throne room. But just before they entered, Danny got down on one knee and bow his head, saying, "You must go on alone, Sam. The empress has expressed a desire to converse with you and you alone."

(A/N: Sorry it took me so long. I promise you won't have to wait as long for the next chapter. Please review, and any ideas you can give me will be appreciated.)

TO BE CONTINUED.