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LOVE TESTAMENT CHAPTER 12 - MY ANSWER

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"Tezuka!" Oishi called as he jogged up to Tezuka with a worried frown on his face. "Where are you going?"

Tezuka turned ahead and continued walking. "To town."

Oishi scurried behind with bewilderment. "Why are you going there? The King's Advisor had sent us reports from the Western Prefecture. He requested that you view them immediately."

Tezuka sighed and walked on with disinterest. "I'll be back later."

Oishi stopped and looked baffled at Tezuk's receding back. "Tezuka!" He let out a frustrated sigh and turned around. The Lord was plain stubborn.

As he walked into the large town of the South, many merchants and town folks greeted him respectfully.

"My Lord, with the flood that came last week, our rice field for this year has been destroyed. With the current supply from the warehouse, I'm afraid there won't be enough for everyone this winter." The rice merchant conveyed with a vexed face.

Tezuka pushed his spectacles up on the bridge of his nose out of habit when he had to think. "How long will the current supply last?"

"Counting everyone in the Prefecture, we should be good until mid-fall. It is now approaching the end of summer, my Lord."

Tezuka nodded comprehensively. "I will find a way with the North. Their cultivation has been coming in excessive amount. Do what you can for now."

The rice merchant thanked him before another merchant approached him with another dilemma.

His whole purpose going to town was to attend to the town people's needs and hear their predicament like a good Lord would do.

Tezuka had been tired of political issues and ambassador missions, hoping every minute in his meeting room to get out for a whiff of fresh air.

After he had gotten an overview of the business in town, Tezuka started his way home, knowing that there will be a large pile of paperwork sent for him from the capitol.

"Tezuka." Oishi said with relief when he saw Tezuka entering his room. "You're back."

"Hn. Do you need anything?" Tezuka slid the shoji door opened and stepped into his room. He took a glance at the small room where his paperwork got completed and true to his thought, there was a pile on his small table.

Oishi came in after Tezuka. He seemed to be muttering something about a lot of work to be done and it was too late into the night. "Actually, have you eaten dinner?"

Tezuka walked to his small table and looked through the materials vaguely. "Not yet."

"I'll tell the maid to get something for you." Turning his gaze onto the packet of paper in Tezuka's hands, Oishi regarded the Lord. "They can be done tomorrow. Just have your dinner and take a rest. Is there anything else you need before I leave?"

"No thank you."

"Alright, good night then."

"You too."

After Oishi left, Tezuka put down the packet and walked over to his bed and sat down. He combed his finger through his hair absently before his eyes flickered to the dried-up grasshopper. He removed his hand from his hair and took the grasshopper into his hand.

The grasshopper had become dried and turned light brown.

Tezuka smiled at it and thought of Fuji's soft light brown hair.

Before he met Fuji, his life in the South was an excitement everyday where he looked forward to the next day to resolve the problems presented to him in his Prefecture. But now, he longed for each day to pass quickly for the only reason to sooner see Fuji again. He had a different motivation now, but his effort for the Southern Prefecture was all the same.

-,-,-,-,-

Fuji had collected the various types of vegetables from the vegetation behind Queen Yuki's residence. Although everything went back to normal, Fuji had discovered this new feeling that Tezuka called love.

Fuji must admitted, the feeling of being in love was nice, but also sad. Sad because the person he couldn't see the person he wanted to see. He had been afraid at first, when Tezuka confessed. He had put more thoughts on the things Tezuka did for him, although it wasn't much, and often times he longed for those moments.

Standing up with the basket of vegetables for dinner, he set for the kitchen.

The night was 2 hours from twilight after he left the shrine that he had been in for the whole day with the current high priest. Everyone had been back with their own tasks, which left Fuji by himself. He hadn't had dinner yet, so now he had to cook for himself.

He set the basket on the wooden counter by the sink, and then opened the lid of the earthen jar for water to wash the vegetables only to find that it was almost empty.

"Guess they forgot to refill." Fuji mumbled as he slid the lid back on.

He sighed and walked to the well beside the kitchen.

Instead of manually pulling up the water, he control his water power to draw up some and directed them into the empty pail beside the well.

When he was set with enough amount of water, he picked up the pail and walked back to the kitchen.

He cooked half a cup of rice before washing the vegetables. He minced the vegetables into cubes next before he stir-fried them in a pan before adding the cooked rice.

Some minutes later, the fried rice he made was ready to eat.

He didn't usually eat alone, but he really enjoyed the lone time at nights like this when it was still. Most of the people had gone to sleep to wake up early the next day. There were only a few lights were left on for night wanderers, enough to see the paths.

Even without much light, the moon beam was enough for Fuji to enjoy his surroundings.

"Fuji."

Fuji recognized that voice. He tilted his head back to greet the newcomer. "Sanada."

Sanada approached him quietly and sat on the other big rock beside Fuji.

"Can't sleep?" Fuji asked.

"Not really." Sanada replied tersely.

"Want some?" Fuji offered, holding up with plate that was half-eaten.

Sanada shook his head.

Fuji smiled and resumed eating.

"A representative from Hyoseirokkai came today."

That stopped Fuji from his mid-chew on the food in his mouth. When the shock passed, he resumed chewing slowly and swallowed. "Who came?"

"Atobe Keigo."

"Oh."

Ever so slightly, Sanada could detect the disappointment from Fuji. "What did he want?"

"King Kutei sent him to make an alliance with us."

Fuji kept silent, which urged Sanada to continue.

"Since neither the High Priest nor you were there, Queen Yuki told Atobe to go back and we'll give them an answer after this is consulted with you both."

Fuji nodded a few times softly to show that he understood. He looked up into the starful sky, remembering some longing events before he opened his mouth to speak. "How long has it been?"

Looking at Fuji with an arch eyebrow, his confusion was soon replaced by pellucidity. "15 days."

Fuji chuckled to himself. "Only? I thought it would be longer. It seems as if we were there some months ago."

Sanada looked at Fuji oddly before thinking to himself that there was indeed something wrong with Fuji like Shiraishi indicated when he said there was something different he saw in Fuji's comportment since the return. Maybe...just maybe Fuji was just like himself. The longing feeling inside his heart made the days without Yukimura seemed so long, as if they had been separated for decades. "Has someone caught your eyes?"

Fuji's eyes opened in surprise. He blinked before turning away. "Why do you say that?"

"You have been different. There is always this...sadness in your eyes since we returned. Even Shiraishi noticed that." Sanada explained with a knowing look in his eyes, yet his face was blank.

How Sanada was behaving right now reminded Fuji of someone who had been the center of his thoughts ever since. "Because I long to see someone again." He sighed tiredly. "And because I know it couldn't happen."

"You confuse me. What couldn't happen?"

"Well, its like you and Yukimura. You know." Fuji let out a heavy breath while putting the now empty plate onto the ground.

"So, you do like someone."

"I-" Fuji sighed again, which was getting onto Sanada's usual patient nerve. He buried his face into his palms. What was the use of denying the feeling that he recently discovered that Sanada called 'like'. "I do." He mumbled into his hands.

Sanada let out a soft, albeit small smile while looking at the moon. "I won't ask you who, but there is something you must keep in your mind."

Fuji looked up and sighed. "I know. I know. The high priest thing."

"Fuji!" Sanada scolded softly. That was no way to say about something to respectful in their culture.

Fuji pouted. "I can't help it. I just want to see him again."

Sanada raised an eyebrow with a frown while turning to look at Fuji. "Him? I thought it was Princess Ayame."

Fuji gasped softly and shook his head. "She is only a friend. She doesn't attract me that way."

"How did it turn out like this? A woman is already forbidden in your situation, but a man? That is unheard of." Sanada scoffed at the ridiculous information he just heard.

Fuji saddened at the truth. "What about you and Lord Yukimura?"

Sanada let out a deep breath. "Its different, Fuji. I could always elope. You can't. You have a duty that no one else can help you with."

"No." Fuji quipped in immediately. "If Nee-san returns..."

Sanada licked his bottom lips as if he was nervous. "There has been no news of Yumiko-san and Master Sanji."

"I know that they are alive."

Sanada placed a comforting hand on Fuji's sagged shoulder. "Being alive doesn't mean that nothing happened to them."

Fuji's eyes shimmered at Sanada. Although he knew Sanada always say the truth, he prefered to be left in the dark some times. He stood up with an angry feeling in his heart. "I'm going to bed."

When Fuji was out of hearing distance, Sanada whispered as he looked at Fuji's current pity back. "I'm sorry."

Fuji was restless that night. He just wanted to see Tezuka again. Through the early morning, he tossed and turned in bed until the rooster called. He only got less than 3 hours of sleep.

When he stepped out of his room, Eiji ran toward him with his usual glee. "Fujiko, Her Majesty requested your present in the study room."

After his short chat with Eiji, Fuji made his way to Queen Yuki where she might be waiting.

Upon arriving, he noticed the High Priest was also in presence drinking black tea with Her Majesty. He immediately reflected on the conversation with Sanada yesterday and knew what their discussion would be about. He greeted them and took his seat.

While discussing, Fuji's thoughts flew far from his future duty. He agreed on most of the things Queen Yuki suggested and soon the discussion ended in:

"I am hoping you will represent us to strengthen our future alliance."

Fuji left the study room belated with joy. Now, he just got to tell Sanada the good news, unconciously hoping Sanada would not ruin his happy moment with his wise words.

Spotting Sanada with a group of novice fighters, Fuji approached them and pulled Sanada aside.

"Fuji, I'm busy." The smile on Fuji's face was enough to tell Sanada that the Sage had anything but important things to say to him.

"I promise you'll be happy after you hear this." Fuji grin, which made Sanada sighed before giving in with a nod. "I got elected again for an ambassador trip and you're coming with me."

Sanada's frown dissipated, although there was still a blank look that hid his joy well. "Really?"

Fuji nodded enthusiasticly. "So?"

"Thank you." Sanada patted Fuji's head before walking back to his novice group.

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"Unya, I wish I could go with you. Its so boring without you here." Eiji whined as he latched himself onto Fuji's arm while they both stood beside Fuji's white horse waiting for Sanada so they can begin their ambassador trip.

Fuji patted Eiji's head like he was petting a kitten. "I'll bring you back something. Meanwhile, train and study hard."

"You promise?" Eiji's eyes widened with unshed tears.

"Un!" Fuji smiled brightly.

"Okay, have fun and be safe."

"Thank you. Eiji." Fuji reached around Eiji to hug his friend, while spotting Sanada leading his horse toward them.

"Let's go." Sanada jumped onto his horse and waited.

"I'll be back soon." Fuji said before jumping onto his horse and both rode away from the Kingdom of Peace.

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Wielders of swords, lancers, daggers, and other various types of weapons gathered on the training filed ofthe Southern Prefecture.

Tezuka was standing by a swordman that seemed to be new to the weapon and giving tips about fighting stances.

Not far away were Oishi, Momoshiro, and Echizen guiding others in their trainings.

Tezuka's suddenly twitched. Hooves. Just when he looked up, a boy on a horse came into view. He swiped off the beads of sweats on his forehead before he jumped off the horse. Before the boy could step into the training field, Inui stepped out from under a tree shadow and stopped the boy.

"How can I help you?" Inui asked.

"A message from the palace for Lord Tezuka." The boy bowed and held up a scroll with 2 hands.

"Thank you. I'll hand this over to the Lord himself." Inui said and dismissed the boy.

When Inui turned back to the field, everyone had already gone back to their training, minding their own businesses. He slowly untied the ribbon around the scroll and opened it up to see the written message, knowing that Tezuka would not bother to read.

Finished reading, Inui rolled the scroll back neatly and approached Tezuka.

Tezuka gave Inui a quick glance from the corner of his eyes when Inui stood behind him.

Inui cleared his throat before saying. "From the palace."

"Is it important?"

"Well, not so much that your presence is required."

Before Tezuka became disinterested, Inui quickly continued. "But there is 100 percent possibility that this will be important to you."

"Oh?" Tezuka paused for a while. "Then tell me."

"The King asks for you to join him in the meeting with an ambassador about our alliance with his country."

"An ambassador?" A memory flashed across Tezuka's eyes. Their last ambassador was pleasant meet. "Who?"

"Fuji Syusuke from the Kingdom of Peace."

A ghost smile appeared on Tezuka's face . "When do I leave?"

Inui knowingly smiled as his spectacles shined. "Immediately."

Without needing anything further, Tezuka excused himself from the trainee and walked away with Inui trailing behind.

Tezuka made a detour to where Oishi stood. "Take care of things here until I return." With that, Tezuka walked away.

Oishi frowned in confusion at Tezuka's retreating back. "Where's he going this time? And how long will he be away?"

Inui shrugged. "To the palace, but I don't know when he will return."

"Why?"

Inui smirked. "To see someone he had been thinking about these past few days.

Oishi's frown deepened. "Who?"

Ahh. The joy of being a data man.

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"Tezuka-san!"

Tezuka stopped and turned around to the source of voice that called him as he made his way to see the King. Ah! Tezuka nodded politely. "Princess Minori."

"What are you doing here? I believe your monthly meeting is 2 weeks away." Minori inquired with an air of elegance and innocence mixed together.

"It is. I'm here for-"

Minori quickly cut Tezuka with her overassumption thought. "You are here to see me." She said with confidence.

Tezuka's eye twitched. "..."

Minori brightly smiled and pulled Tezuka to take a walk with her. "I know we haven't seen each other often 2 weeks ago, and I was quite disappointed, but since you're here right now, it makes me very happy."

"Actually, Princess Minori-"

Yukimura suddenly appeared out of no where. "Tezuka!" He turned to the princess, who was still blinking blindly at the intruder. "Princess Ayame."

Tezuka took the chance to pulled his wrist from the princess's grasp and stepped a safe distance away. "Yukimura."

"Have you seen His Majesty yet?" Yukimura inquired, ignoring the princess.

"No. I'm going there right now."

Ayame frowned, but before she could speak, Tezuka spoke. "Please excuse us."

With the definite tone in his voice, the 2 Lords left, leaving a now fuming princess behind glaring daggers at Yukimura who dared to interrupt her time with her Tezuka.

"Thank you." Tezuka said briefly as they walked together to greet the King.

"Don't mention it. I'm happy today." Yukimura smiled brightly.

"..." Tezuka had nothing to say to that. The navy haired man was just too weird with his escalated joy.

Atobe and Saeki were already there when Yukimura and Tezuka arrived.

"You said Fuji Syusuke is selected to be here today, Your Majesty?" Saeki asked, just to make sure.

"That's right. I thought their High Priest would grace us with his presence, but apparently not." King Kutei said without hard feeling.

"It really doesn't matter. Fuji-san is a highly respected person." Yukimura sided on Fuji's behalf.

Tezuka nodded in agreement.

"Heh! It's been only 2 weeks but I missed him already." Saeki exclaimed with a light amusement tone.

"Well, he is nice to be with." Atobe smirked because he could discern the slight discomforment from Tezuka.

Heck! Tezuka knew Saeki was as straight as the most renowned staff of their time.

The Lords sat chit-chatting with each other as King Kutei worked on some documents, who would quipped in a word or 2 into the conversations.

Not long after, a herald came in to announce the arrival of their anticipation.

Fuji, dressed in the most intricately hand-crafted travel priest robe entered with Sanada who dressed in a warrior's garment and a cape with his swords at his side.

They bowed. "We are here on behalves of our Kingdom and Queen."

King Kutei nodded and presented them their seats.

"I believe you have made your decision in creating an aliiance with our country." Fuji nodded and King Kutei continued. "That's wonderful. We want you to be assured that this alliance does not mean anything of our country requesting your absolute aid in war times. This alliance is to ensure that we are on your side when you need anything and vice versa."

"Of course." Fuji nodded.

The meeting didn't take as long as the meetings they had with other countries about creating alliances. Fuji had been an easy person and he agreed to most things on the alliance package. In other words, it went smoothly. Both sides' conditions were widely accepted.

After the meeting, King Kutei invited to stay an overnight and rest in his palace once again.

Fuji stood beside a pond of Koi fish alone. Sanada had gone off earlier with Yukimura; he said they were going to meet in the forest behind the palace.

A smile made its way onto Fuji's face as he heard footsteps behind him. A second later, there was a hand touching his right arm. "I've been thinking about you."

Fuji moved his left hand to touch the hand on his right arm, stroking the fingers. "I've been thinking...about what you said." He then removed the hand off his arm and stepped away.

Tezuka frowned. "Do I make you uncomfortable?"

Fuji shook his head and turned around to face Tezuka. "I think...I have the same feeling as yours."

Tezuka smiled, albeit a small one that wouldn't be decipher as a smile. "I'm really happy to hear that." Tezuka reached out to touch Fuji's hand, but the Sage moved back a step.

"What if someone sees?" Fuji muttered with his eyes casted onto the ground between him and Tezuka. His cheeks flushed a beautiful pink.

Tezuka chuckled lightly at Fuji's shyness. He took a deep and healthy breath. "There is a river east of here behind the bamboo forest. Would you meet me there in 10 minutes?"

Fuji looked up and nodded happily.

-.-.-.-.-

Minori watched them from far away as they parted in the opposite directions.

Her sharp eyes narrowed on the lithe figure of the Sage. How dare he? Tezuka is supposed to be mine! Her left hand fisted before she punched the nearby tree. A few leaves fell off the branches and flew slowly down to the ground.

She didn't know Tezuka came because Fuji came, but know she knew. The gut of that man! I"ll make sure to see you suffer in hell! Her fist connected to the tree trunk again and left a small imperceptible dent.

"Bring Hoshiko Kai to me." Minori scowled.

"Yes, My Lady." The maid left.

"Atobe won't be there to help you the next time. No one will." She grinned deviously. "Just wait and see, my beautiful Sage."

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AN: I'm sorry about the last chapter. It does seem rushed, but I really don't know how to make it less rushed. Here's another chapter, and the plot is starting to show in my head, so I think I'll make it through to the last chapter. Feel free to point out any mistake you want me to fix!

And here are the anonymous replies to your reviews:

Vegibee: Thank You, I won't discontinue this. ^__^

Vhii1217: Thank you for your comment. I'll do my best to keep the story line interesting and less rushed.

Eleanor: Merci ! Je suis content que vous aimez l'univers de l'histoire. Je vous espère le soutien de rebord me jusqu' à la fin. J'essaierai mon mieux garder le scénario s'intéresse !

'ello: I"ll try and update as fast as I can to finish this story!