-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
LOVE TESTAMENT CHAPTER 14
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Not a week later, but 2 days later, Tezuka carried out his promise to Fuji. He got into the Peace Kingdom without difficulty, but it was difficult to locate where Fuji lived.
It was nightfall when he spotted Fuji in a small stone temple up the highest hill. From afar, Fuji sat still in front of a small pool as if he was meditating. Tezuka didn't want to interrupt the sage, especially when an ancient was sitting at the entrance guarding.
Tezuka waited in a heavy leafy tree. Not many people were out on the streets at the time; maybe they were having dinner and family bonding time. Thinking of such thought, it made him feel lonely. He lost his family in the war and life was never the same for him since then. How nice it would be to spend a night with his family after a day of hard work.
Time passed and he fell asleep on the tree branch unknowingly.
The routine meditation to purify the soul and spirit was done after 5 hours of silent sitting in front of the magical pool. Fuji looked over his shoulder to see that the High Priest had left for quite some time now. He stood up slowly to allow the blood to start circulating once again from his lower extremities. It was sore from sitting for so long.
The night was nice. He whiffed the night breeze into his nose and relaxed. He began walking along the stone path down the hill. When he passed by the heavy leafy tree, a distinct scent invaded his nose. Although it wasn't strong, the smell of familiar perspiration was a unique one.
Fuji instantly broke into a wide smile and looked up to see Tezuka hiding well in the middle of the tree. Fuji quietly maneuvered himself to the branch in which Tezuka sat sleeping.
He was having a nice dream with Fuji in it when a small movement woke him up.
"Did I wake you up?"
"Hn?" Tezuka squinted his eyes and blinked to clear his vision. The image of Fuji's angelic face was enough to make up his sore night in a tree. "No. Are you free now?" He dropped his legs over the branch and scoot to sit beside Fuji.
Fuji nodded and swiped a few strands of hair away from his face. "I'm done for the day. But how long have you been here?"
"A couple of hours."
Fuji smiled and looked into Tezuka's eyes. "Do you want to come into my room?"
Tezuka nodded and they both left the hidden spot.
"It's small compared to mine." Tezuka commented as he surveyed the humble abode.
Fuji gave a light laugh and walked over to the small table under the window. "Of course, a Lord should have a bigger and fancier room."
Tezuka walked to the window and took the offered cup of water. "You've never been to my room before, and it is not fancy like you think."
Fuji offered the only chair in the room to Tezuka and he stood leaning against the table, sipping his own cup of water. "I guess not, maybe then your room is like a bookroom or a library, or a scholar's room. I think you don't like color much."
Tezuka grunted and set the cup on the table. "Something likes that." He stood up and walked over to the bed.
Fuji's eyes followed Tezuka with amusement. "Thank you."
Tezuka raised an eyebrow as he sat on the bed and looked over at Fuji. "For what?"
Fuji shrugged and put his cup down. "For coming."
"It was a promise." Tezuka replied simply.
It was Fuji's turn to raise an eyebrow. He crossed his arms. "Then it is not because you missed me that you came here? You're just here to fulfill a promise, is that it?"
Tezuka immediately frowned, thinking that he might have upset Fuji. "No, I meant-"
Then suddenly, Fuji laughed and crossed the room to where Tezuka sat. "I was joking."
Tezuka grunted with relief. "Are you always like this here?"
"You mean my behavior just now?" Tezuka nodded, in which Fuji gave a grin. "Yeah, this is how I am at home. Are you disappointed?"
Tezuka shook his head. "I think it is very you-like."
Fuji smiled and leaned over to lay his head on Tezuka's right shoulder. "I'm glad."
Without hesitation, Tezuka wrapped his right arm around Fuji's shoulders.
"It is late. Stay with me tonight."
He got a positive grunt in reply.
Tezuka slept through the night on the same bed with Fuji, innocently embracing each other. In the early morning, Tezuka left.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-
No one was curious when the seldom border patrol became frequent. Everyone thought it would be better that way with the incident not so long ago. It was better to be safe, after all.
Sanada was more than satisfied to have the chance to see Yukimura freely now.
But when it came to Yukimura, the Lord mostly didn't have enough spare time to himself. The drought in the west was making him busy from sun up to sun down.
Even with all the things going on, Sanada would always wait for Yukimura in the small forest by the stream.
Every other 3 day, Yukimura would escape the bourgeois' presence to meet up with Sanada on schedule. No matter how late into the night Yukimura would arrive, Sanada would wait until the Lord showed up.
"Have you been eaten well?"
Yukimura smiled and nodded. "Even when we don't have enough food for everyone, they always give me the best food. The aid is coming, so it's a good thing."
Sanada moved his hands over Yukimura's shoulders and kneaded the stiff muscles.
"Akiya got into a fight again today with the rice merchant from the north, but no one got hurt."
Sanada chuckled. "At least he didn't injure anyone."
"Yeah, I was too busy with the documents to watch over him. He's still acting like a child after so many years now."
Sanada walked around and sat on his heels in front of Yukimura. He took Yukimura's hands into his. "Do you know what I think?"
"What?" Yukimura smiled pleasantly when his knuckled touched Sanada's lips.
"I think that you a wonderful mother, with how you look over Akiya."
Yukimura blushed and pulled his hands away from Sanada's lips. He lightly hit Sanada's shoulder and murmured. "I'm not a woman."
Sanada chuckled and sat back onto the grass on his buttocks. "But you can be a mother. We can have a family, with me as the Father, and you the mother. We can adopt a child, or we can take Akiya as our son."
Yukimura got off the rock and sat down beside Sanada, with their shoulders intimately touching. "I wish." He sighed deeply. "Same sex relationship is not acceptable in our western culture."
Sanada looked over to Yukimura's wistful face and frown. How could same-sex relationship be defamed in the west, but not in the central? After all, both belong in the same Kingdom.
"Our western prefecture was founded this way, so we live it this way."
"I understand. But if we can continue to see each other like this, I will be satisfied for my whole life."
Yukimura looked into Sanada's eyes with surprised mirth. "Me too." He smiled widely and leaned into Sanada's awaiting arms. "This is enough for me. Just the two of us."
They both understood the shame of having to hide their love from everyone. But if they didn't resort to this clandestine relationship, then they might not be able to see each other like this in happiness. Having a little was better than having nothing at all.
-.-.-.-.-.-
It was 4 days after since Tezuka dropped him a surprise visit. Inside his heart, he would wish everyday that Tezuka would come. He didn't want to ask the Lord when will he come again as it would sound too desperate, and Fuji wouldn't want to burden Tezuka from his lordly duty.
When the moon rose high in the night sky, Fuji entered the Faith Chamber deep in the stone temple. It was another ritual that was done every Friday. He wouldn't be alone in the stoned-wall chamber. This time, the High Priest would sit with him.
As he entered the Chamber, he thought sadly, "Maybe Tezuka won't be here today as well."
The room was cold, but there was an earthen fire in the middle surrounded by a border of rocks. With a snap of his fingers, the High Priest lit up the fire, which slowly warmed the room. He pointed to a spot near the earthen fire for Fuji to sit down.
Fuji obediently obeyed and they began their meditation.
-.-.-.-.-.-
Tezuka had been counting the days. It was 4 days now, but he couldn't go yet. There was so much going on that needed him to be there.
"Tezuka."
The voice broke his reverie and he looked up from the parchment that lied on the table in front of him. "What is it?"
"Are you sick?"
Tezuka blinked in confusion as he regarded Oishi's frowning face. "What do you mean?"
"I called you 5 times earlier and you didn't reply."
Tezuka merely shrugged and resumed reading the words on the parchment. "I was just thinking."
"Well, you should get some more rest. I know it is very busy these days, but if it's going to affect your health, then take a day off. I believe I can handle everything for you one day." Oishi offered. In truth, he could see Tezuka had been very different since they returned to their prefecture. Tezuka would talk lesser and preferred to be by himself. It made Oishi think that maybe Tezuka was getting tired of being a Lord.
An invincible smile stretched minimally across Tezuka's face. He slowly opened his mouth. "Is it alright?"
Oishi smiled and nodded. "You go get yourself a little vacation."
Tezuka nodded. "Thank you."
Oishi breathed a sigh of relief and stood up from the table he was currently sitting at. "I'll leave you to rest now. Good night."
Tezuka grunted. He watched as Oishi got out and closed the door to his study.
Maybe he should ride to Peace Kingdom now.
-.-.-.-.-.-
Fuji's room was dark and it was already past midnight. Tezuka wasn't sure if he should barge into Fuji's sleep. But since he was already there, he might as well go in.
The door wasn't locked, so Tezuka let himself in. It was dark, but the moonlight through the window let him see that the owner wasn't in.
He walked over to the table and put his sword down. He decided to take a small rest on Fuji's bed before the latter got back.
-.-.-.-.-.-
Fuji left the Faith Chambre feeling sore all over. His legs were so numb he could barely walk. Nevertheless, he made it back to his room. He pushed the door open and entered, not aware of another presence in his room.
He treaded over to the bed and sat down. As his buttocks touched a semi-hard object, he gave a small yelped and quickly stood up startled. "What in heaven?"
Tezuka groaned as he woke up from the nap. "Oh, you're back."
"What are you doing here? You scared me!" Fuji dramatically had his hands over his heart as he chided Tezuka in whispers.
Tezuka looked at Fuji and smiled softly. "I'm sorry." He stretched his arms wide.
Nevertheless, Fuji smiled and came forward into the awaiting arms. "I thought you wouldn't come."
Tezuka shifted so they both could comfortable hugging each other on the bed. "There is so much going on back home and it was hard for me to neglect my duty. But I couldn't stop thinking about you."
Fuji laughed lightly. "I was thinking, maybe if we see each other too much, we would get bored seeing each other soon."
Tezuka bent down to kiss Fuji's forehead. "I'll go crazy if I don't see you every day."
Fuji smiled softly and reached up to cup Tezuka's right cheek. "Me too. I always dreamed of us eloping together, every night."
Tezuka's face became blank and he hugged Fuji tighter, not knowing what to say. After a long comfortable silence by each other, Tezuka spoke up. "I can be here until tomorrow night."
Fuji lifted his head to look at Tezuka, delightful written on his face. "Tomorrow is my free day."
"Better." Tezuka smiled and he pulled both of them to lay down on the bed.
But Fuji immediately sat back up. "Let me get change."
Tezuka grunted.
Fuji playfully turned Tezuka's face to the wall. "Don't look while I change."
"I know." Tezuka pushed Fuji's hands away, but he didn't keep his face away from Fuji.
"You're looking." Fuji pouted.
Tezuka snorted and closed his eyes.
Satisfied, Fuji stood up and walked over to his wardrobe and took out his night clothes. Before he took his clothes off, he turned his head to look at Tezuka; but since the room wasn't lit up, he couldn't tell whether Tezuka's eyes were opened or not. Thinking that Tezuka couldn't see clearly at night, he shrugged his clothes off and proceeded to change.
Unknown to Fuji, Tezuka had his eyes on Fuji the whole time. It was anything but sexual. He thought Fuji looked extremely beautiful even when it was dark. He wanted to etch Fuji in his mind always and forever.
Fuji glided across the floor quietly, and Tezuka closed his eyes. Once he got to the bed, Fuji sat down and pulled off Tezuka's shoes gently and placed them on the floor.
Tezuka murmured a thank you with his eyes opened.
Fuji smiled. "You're welcome." He took his shoes off and placed them next to Tezuka's. He pulled his feet onto the bed and lie his head down on Tezuka's outstretched arm. He put his hand on Tezuka's chest. "Good night."
In response, Tezuka lifted his head and moved his lips to Fuji's head and kissed his hair. "Good night."
Once again, they both drifted to sleep.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
They had seen each other 4 times in the span of 2 weeks. Tezuka had been thinking about what Fuji said about eloping. He knew there would be no chance to see each other frequently when Fuji became a High Priest. Tezuka didn't want that; he wanted to be able to see Fuji every day.
Maybe he should ask Fuji to elope with him on the next visit, but he wasn't entirely sure if Fuji will agree.
If Fuji agreed, he will need to inform Oishi. He was sure that Oishi can run the prefecture just as able.
1 night later, Tezuka was beside Fuji by the well near the kitchen. They sat in silently, watching the full moon glow brightly.
"Fuji…" Tezuka began hesitatingly.
Fuji turned and smiled brightly at Tezuka. "Yes?"
Seeing the beautiful gave Tezuka more confidence. He took a deep breath and took Fuji's hands into his. "Let's run away from here."
Fuji's smile dropped and his face froze.
"I will do everything to make you happy. Please come with me."
Fuji looked down at their joint hands. Honestly, he wasn't sure about Tezuka's sincerity since they had only known each other for a short time. He wanted to build their relationship better with more time, but as he reflected on his time, there wasn't much time left. "I don't know…Can I trust you with my life?"
Tezuka looked shock for a second before firmly nodded. "You can."
Fuji leaned forward into Tezuka's arms.
Before Tezuka left that early morning, Fuji had gone down the mountain to see Tezuka off.
"I will come for you in 3 days. Will you wait for me here at the same time as today?"
Fuji slowly stretched his lips and nodded. "I will."
Placing a loving kiss on Fuji's forehead, Tezuka disappeared.
"I hope I can trust you, Tezuka...because I'm giving everything up for you." Fuji said to no one as he looked into the horizon. He sighed and turned around. He had the feeling of guilt, for disappointing everyone in the Peace Kingdom.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
"Tezuka." Oishi regarded Tezuka's back with quivering wide eyes. He couldn't believe what he just heard from the Lord. "You can't be serious."
Tezuka thinned his lips and looked out the window. "There are many things I'm serious about and this is not an exception."
Oishi collapsed into the chair nearby, shock clearly shown. "The people need you."
Tezuka shook his head and turned to the bird cage on his right. He petted the parakeet with his fore finger. "They will be fine with you leading them."
"What about the King? Aren't you going to tell him?"
"In time, he will understand." Tezuka quickly glance at Oishi before making his way over to the chest next to his bed.
Oishi sighed in defeat. "I hope you are doing this with no regrets."
Tezuka briefly stopped packing before resuming. "I am. You will understand too when you meet someone you love."
Oishi smiled slowly. "I'm glad to hear that from you. Although I don't like your idea of running away, but I wish you and Fuji-san a happy life together." He was uncertain of the decision that Tezuka chose, but it was not his place to influence Tezuka in any other way.
"Thank you." Tezuka looked at his best friend graciously. "You know, this is the first time I've ever been reckless." He smiled naturally.
Oishi chuckled. "How does it feel?"
"It's a great feeling. I feel very happy." It was the truth. Ever since his parents died, this was very first decision he made that he was truly happy with.
Tomorrow morning would be the day that he will leave everything behind and start anew.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Fuji couldn't concentrate at all. The thought of what will happen tomorrow made his heart uneasy. The feeling was foreign to him because he felt like a criminal in hiding, who was always afraid of others finding out his next step.
"Are you feeling well?"
The ancient voice broke his reverie and he turned his attention back on the high priest. He lowered his head in shame. "I apologize. I feel very tired."
The High Priest nodded in understanding. "Go rest early. I don't want for you to turn ill."
Fuji thanked him and left the stone temple.
It just turned dark outside. From atop the hill, he could see Peacean soldiers and townspeople closing down their shops and stalls for the day.
He took the path leading to his house. It was on his thought again, the insecurity. What if Tezuka won't show up and what if the Queen finds out before hand?
From somewhere, Shiraishi appeared and called him. "Did something happen?" He frowned, seeing how tired Fuji looked.
Fuji smiled and shook his head. "I'm fine. Where are you heading?"
Shiraishi shrugged. "I saw you leaving early, so I thought we could talk a bit since we haven't got to chat in a long time."
Instead of going into his house, they stayed outside.
"What's on your mind?"
"…Can I ask you something?"
Shiraishi nodded. "Anything."
Fuji opened his mouth in hesitation. "Had it ever occur in history that a High Priest broke a rule to be for his loved one?"
Shiraishi turned and regarded Fuji with confused eyes. "Why?"
The stare made Fuji nervous. It was as if Shiraishi knew of the hidden meaning behind the question. "Nothing. I'm just curious."
Shiraishi looked away to think for a moment. "Yes. Once it happened."
Fuji's eyes widened. Fortunately, Shiraishi didn't look at him or else he would be more suspicious.
"The story was deemed to be kept secret, so only a few knows what really happened. Most people thought what happened to that High Priest was an accident."
"Then how do you know?"
"I heard my parents talking about it when I was young."
Fuji nodded. "Ahh."
"It was the thirty second High Priest. He was youngest among his precedents. He had a best female friend since they were children. No one ever expected the love among them, only of sibling love. One day, he decided to try bending the rule and announced their relationships to the council and the Queen."
"Then what happens?"
"The council deemed him a convict and banded him from our Kingdom."
"That's it?" Fuji frowned.
Shiraishi chuckled. "I'm not done telling. You're so impatient."
Fuji apologized and told Shiraishi to go on.
"Before he was outlawed, the council unanimously voted for the Queen to disable all of his abilities, so he was left with nothing but a human's strength. In the end, his lover left with him. Everyone was lead to think the High Priest gave up his position due to a terminal illness that affects his ability as a High Priest."
Fuji kept silent.
Seeing how much time he had taken from Fuji, he spoke up. "Anyways, I'll leave you to your rest right now."
"Thank you." Fuji inclined his head and watched as Shiraishi left.
He wanted to tell the Queen, but he was afraid. Without his Sage ability, he had nothing left to defend himself. He was born to be physically weak.
While he was packing, his mind was still hesitating.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Tezuka couldn't sleep that night. He had only gotten a glimpse of sleep before he jolted awake again. He looked outside to see the mist still heavy, indicating that it was about 1 hour after midnight. It would take him 3 hours at least to reach the Kingdom if he traveled like the winter wind, and he believed he could do that.
He got up from the bed and prepared himself. In his pack were some dried food, clothes, medicines, and money.
He needed a lamp to see his path in the heavy mist, but he didn't want any recognition. But before he could close his door, an unexpected voice he dreaded to hear sounded. He froze in place.
"Tezuka-san?"
Tezuka took a deep breath and turned around with his stoic face. He bowed his head slightly. "Princess Minori."
Minori smiled, not minding how early/late it was to be so cheerful. "Are you going somewhere?"
Instead of replying, Tezuka countered her with a question. "What are you doing here far away from the palace?"
Minori shrugged and passed Tezuka to enter his room without invitation. "I wanted to see you, and I didn't want anyone bothering us. I thought you wouldn't be asleep at this hour yet." She talked as if it was only 9 in the evening.
Tezuka frowned. "Does Oishi know that you're here?"
She shook her head. "Only Inui-kun. I met him at the gate and he showed me my room before I came here."
"It is late. You should go back to your room." Tezuka said expressionlessly, albeit too harshly.
Minori immediately frowned. "Why do you want to get rid of me so quickly?"
Because you are delaying my time. Tezuka glared at her. If she would be the reason he was late, he would kill her without a second thought.
"Stay if you want, I have business to attend to. Good-bye." Tezuka turned and walked out.
Minori instantaneously blocked Tezuka's path. "Why are you so angry? I just want to spend time with you!" She yelled.
Tezuka looked at her disapprovingly. "Please be considerate of others with your volume. It is not early to be speaking so loudly."
She looked taken back before her face crunched in anger. "You should feel fortunate that I, a Princess, am fond of you." She spoke conceitedly. "I can give you whatever you want, yet you turn your back on me. I have the power to put your friends into prison, do you know that?"
Tezuka's eyes flared. "Excuse me?"
Minori smirked slyly and stepped forward to place her hands on Tezuka's chest. "Marry me."
Tezuka huffed and pushed her away. She stumbled and fell to the ground. "Don't ever threaten me." Tezuka warned. "Your behavior right now is very delinquent." Without another word, Tezuka stepped out of the door.
Minori's face changed from anger to pitiful and she ran after Tezuka, swiftly unsheathed his sword and raised the blade to her throat. "If you take another step, I will kill myself." She pretended to cry and shed fake tears.
Tezuka looked at her in horror. Now, he could not ignore her. He closed his eyes in displeasure. For sure, he would be late to their appointed time. However, he couldn't leave a dead body on the ground if the princess chose to end her life. It would haunt him forever.
Harming the princess was not an option. He took a step in between them.
In alarm, Minori stepped back. "Don't come closer."She was afraid Tezuka would easily take the sword back.
But Tezuka took another step.
"I'm serious!" She yelled and pressed the blade into her skin, letting droplets of blood leaving her skin.
"Don't do anything rash." Tezuka stretched his arm out, but he stopped moving. The cut wasn't deep, but he didn't like the sight of blood on her.
"Why can't you love me?" She sobbed and tears fell to the ground. She dropped the blade and ran into Tezuka's chest. She held tightly onto him. "Don't leave me."
Tezuka froze. In his mind, he was pretty sure the princess would lunge a knife into her body if he left now.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Fuji woke at 3 in the morning and wrote a letter. He felt the need to let the Queen know what will happen to him. He didn't want to worry her, or letting her think that he made a dangerous choice.
10 minutes until 4, he left the room, giving it a last look before he departed.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Queen Yuki felt uneasy that early morning. Something had woken her from her sleep, and she didn't know what it is.
Maybe I haven't seen Syusuke in a while. She heard the High Priest telling her that Fuji didn't feel well last night, so she decided to check on him.
She got dress and headed over to Fuji's dwelling. She gently knocked on the door and got no answer thereafter.
She frowned slightly because she couldn't feel Fuji's presence on the other side of the door. She pushed the door, and to her surprise, it wasn't locked.
She went in and looked around to find it empty. The cold room worried her. When the wind passed by, the letter on the table fluttered.
It caught her immediate attention. She went over and picked up the letter. Her face creased more and more as she read.
The letter told everything. It slowly fell to the ground when she read the last words.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Fuji couldn't help the tears from falling anymore. What he dreaded all this time had come true. It wasn't 5 or 10 minutes late, but a whole hour.
He trembled and fell on his knees and sobbed.
"AHHHH!!" He let out a frustrated yell and pounded the ground until his fists bruised and bled.
Never in his life had he felt deeply shattered, not even when he lost his family.
Tezuka didn't show up like he said.
TBC
AN: I hope you enjoy this chapter because this chapter is like the beginning of Love Testament for me. From onward, the drama will begin. I'm not sure how many more chapters this story will have, but I don't think it will exceed 20.
It would be wonderful if you leave a review telling me how my story is progressing. Like what do you like/dislike? I feel that a lot of readers are getting disinterested, and I wonder if the story is getting borring.
Chapter 13 replies:
Ayame Shurrei - Thank you. I'm glad that it turns out good for you. There is a high possibility they will end up with each other though.=D
devi no kaze - Thank you! Its wonderful that you think it is good.
Moon - I'm sorry I left that impression on you. It is just that I'm having a hard time thinking how this story should go. The late update is also due to my school work. I tried to prove you wrong, but I couldn't get this chapter done until today. My apologies. *bow* Also, thank you for your reply to my inquiry and reminding me of Til We Meet Again. I'm having a confusion on the plot. And I could not get it straight out yet. Lastly, thank you for your review, telling me about my progress. That is what I need to hear (read).