I said I'm going to concentrate on the story Courtship. No sooner do I say that than I get writer's block on it. (sigh) So to clear my brain here is the next chapter of Living with the DEAD.
I do not own Highschool of the DEAD or its characters.
Updated: 10/24/13
It was early morning at Onohira and everyone was starting to stir. Takashi and Saeko came into the main living area with a fresh pot of tea, to find Paddy at the table with a cup of coffee.
Saeko's eyes narrowed and she glanced at Takashi. Paddy was sitting with his head in his hands staring into the cup, looking as if he had not slept.
Saeko sat down beside him, put her hand on his shoulder, "What's wrong, Patrick-san, you don't look like you have slept at all."
Paddy raised his head, showing sunken eyes with black circles under them, "I haven't much. Sorry, I'm just worried about Rei. They were just gone so quickly and with no warning."
He sighed and hung his head again, "I've just gotten so used to her being here next to me. Now it's like a void is there. Why did she have to go with sensei? What was so important to take Rei?"
Takashi, who had sat down across the table from Paddy and Saeko, smirked slightly behind his tea cup. "Ah, Paddy?" he said, "Have you not thought about where they were going?"
Paddy stared at Takashi for a moment. Suddenly his eyes went wide as what the boy was saying hit him. "Do you think so? Could that be the reason Shizuka had Rei go with her?"
Saeko smiled as she rubbed him on the head and then got up to go sit beside Takashi. "Sensei said from the beginning that what she needed to fix Rei's 'problem' was a clinic with the ability to do a small surgery safely. From what we have been told of this ship Mercy, it is a floating hospital able to do pretty much everything. I feel that's what Sensei's message about them staying several days, concerns."
"Don't worry, Paddy; Sensei will let nothing happen to her. They'll be back before you know it," Takashi said as the others began to wander into the room looking for tea.
000
Rei's eyes felt like they were glued together as she tried to open them. She had been scared earlier that morning when the nurses and doctors had started prepping her for the surgery. Shizuka had been by her side until the blond had to prep herself to help with the operation. Her eyes cracked open slowly to find Shizuka and a nurse watching her, smiling.
"How do you feel Rei honey?" Shizuka asked as she rubbed the girl's hair.
"Thirsty," Rei croaked.
The nurse held out a cup with a straw and said, "Sip slowly, dear. Your mouth is dry from the anesthesia. It will pass in an hour or so."
Rei started to nod, but her stomach rebelled, "Sick…" was all she could get out.
Shizuka had a pan under her chin before she could throw up, "This should pass too in a few minutes. Soon as you wake up more your tummy should settle down."
Rei nodded and raised her chin as the blond wiped her face and mouth, "How…did it…go?"
Shizuka smiled, "Just perfect. Everything went just as planned and you were only under for about two hours. Sandra is very happy with everything."
"Go on back to sleep now. We will move you to your room in a few minutes and you should rest till this afternoon," the nurse said.
Rei nodded and drifted back off to sleep.
000
Tomasa, Colonel Nakajima, and ten troopers left to escort the refugees that were leaving, south of the safe line. They took Stryker 2, two Humvees and three trucks filled with people and baggage, in the hopes they would be bringing back more supplies. The remaining Stinger missiles went with them, but the other weapons and ammunition stayed at the base. Forces south of the line had plenty and the FPB was a good stopping off point for any units going out into 'Indian Country' as the Americans like to call it. The Apache pilots said their goodbyes, with promises to come back to visit, and took off to follow.
The convoy also took the raider leader Toma. This became a problem when the refugees in the trucks refused to ride with him. When Tatsumi tried to put him in the Stryker, he fought them until Tomasa threatened to tie him to the front and use him to clear undead since he was going to be hung anyway.
The day progressed as Rika organized shopping parties to go into Shirahama and start surveying what was where and how they could 'requisition' it.
Giba, with Takashi and two other troopers, took a Humvee and followed the convoy until it left the southern outskirts of Shirahama. There they turned north and began to work their way up and down the main streets making notes on where fuel stations, drug stores and other business were.
There were some undead, but not as many as Takashi thought there would be. They left them alone, unless they got in front of the truck, since their job was to survey not fight.
They stopped by a white sand beach near some hotels, to eat lunch while Yanagiba called in. Takashi sat overwatch on top of the Humvee while the others stretched their legs and relieved themselves.
Giba stuck his head up through the hatch and looked around. "Hey Takashi! Let's make sure to find a sportswear store or two while we're surveying."
Takashi laughed as he knew what Giba was thinking. "And why is that Corporal?"
Giba grinned, "I would hate for this nice beach to go to waste in the middle of summer. I think we could secure it pretty easy and have a good old beach party. Plus I'd like to see Shion in a nice swimsuit."
Takashi laughed again, "Wait, don't y'all…well…you know…"
Giba laughed and blushed, "Yeah I get to see all, but…well…some people like underwear, I got a thing for swimsuits."
Takashi thought for a second, "Well, I have never seen Saeko in one, so I think it would be a good idea. What about Sensei? I wonder what kind she would wear."
Giba frowned as he reached up and held his nose, "Don't do that man, I'll get a nosebleed! I've seen the LT in one and damn she's hot! I don't even want to imagine Shizuka!"
Takashi grinned as they started work again, and he made sure to point out three stores that had signs for swimsuit sales.
000
It was late afternoon when Rei awoke the next time. Dr. Martinez and Shizuka were sitting on the next bed talking when she turned her head toward them.
"Hey, how do you feel?" Sandra asked as she and the blond got up and came to the girl's side.
"Like I've been asleep for a month," Rei replied as she tried to stretch. "Ahhh!" she said as she felt a slight pull in her privates.
Sandra chuckled as Shizuka smiled. "Be a little careful at first." Sandra told her. "While there are no stitches to worry about, you still have scabs and bandage for now. We should be able to remove the bandage tomorrow and you will be able to shower and used the bathroom normally. No soaking in a tub for at least a week though and you must wash and dry yourself well after peeing."
She reached out and poked Rei on the shoulder, "And no funny business with that boyfriend of yours till Dr. Marikawa says so. Understand me?"
Rei blushed and nodded, "Yes ma'am."
"I want you up walking in the morning. Start doing some stretching after the first couple of days, but if you feel too much of a pull, stop and let Shizuka examine you."
Rei nodded again as the woman started toward the door. "Okay, I'm going to get them to bring us something to eat and we'll relax and you can tell me about these classmates of your's Shizuka is so proud of."
The girl looked at Shizuka, "When can we go home? I miss Patrick and I'm worried about the others. This is the first time we have been apart for very long since this all started."
Shizuka leaned over and gave her a kiss on the forehead, "We should be able to head home day after tomorrow. I'm going to meet with staff tomorrow and check on supplies and equipment."
Rei smiled as Sandra came back in, reporting that food was on its way.
000
Mid-morning two days later found them on the helicopter deck waiting for a Blackhawk to arrive. Dr.'s Holiday, Martinez and Cannon were standing with them.
"I'm sorry we can't get you a flight straight back to Onohira, but you shouldn't have too much trouble finding one going that way once you get to the safe zone Dr. Marikawa," Dr. Cannon was saying.
Shizuka beamed every time she heard one of her peers call her doctor. They had a breakfast for her that morning to present her with her official papers and a surprising present. Someone in the machine shop had made two plaques for her that said in English and Japanese "Dr. Shizuka Marikawa M.D." One was made to sit on a desk while the other was for hanging by a door.
The pair bowed and shook hands with their new friends as the helicopter began to descend.
"I'll contact you soon about when I can come out!" Sandra called out over the noise.
"We'll look forward to it!" Shizuka replied.
They climbed onboard with several others heading to the safe zone and waved as the Blackhawk lifted off.
It was only about a thirty minute trip and they were soon setting down on a field at what used to be Shimodahigashi Junior High School.
The helicopter shut down so it could refuel as the women asked someone where they could find out about transport to Onohira.
They were directed to an office inside the old school building where they began the 'hurry up and wait' process the American military knew how to do so well.
They had been sitting for several hours, but nothing was flying towards their base. Shizuka was just starting to think about finding some place to eat and stay when she noticed a man in an old style Japanese uniform walk up to the counter and speak to the clerk.
Hmm, he is dressed like Saya-chan's father was when we were at her house, she thought.
The uniformed man and the clerk spoke for a minute and after several glances their way he turned and walked over to them.
"Excuse me," he said as he bowed to the pair. "The clerk tells me the two of you are trying to get to Forward Patrol Base Onohira. Is that correct? My I ask what business you have there?"
As Shizuka and Rei stood up, Shizuka noticed two things. The man's uniform was prefect down to the white cloth gloves on his hands, and he wore two swords, the mark of a samurai.
Glancing first at Rei, Shizuka bowed low and held it for a long moment, "I am Doctor Marikawa Shizuka, Onohira's base physician, and this is my assistant Miyamoto Rei. We have been aboard the hospital ship Mercy and are trying to get back to our post."
The man smiled and bowed slightly to them in return, "I am Sergeant Kurita Hohiro of the Imperial Guard. My master is traveling to FPB Onohira on business and I am quite sure he would offer a lift to the base physician; if you would follow me please."
They followed him outside to where several men stood talking. There were two military officers who looked of high rank speaking with a man whose back was to them. This man was in a business kimono and high in the center of his back, was a chrysanthemum, the emblem of the Emperor.
Sergeant Kurita motioned for them to wait as he walked over. He stood quietly until the two military men bowed and left. He stepped closer to the man and spoke to him quietly before motioning for Shizuka and Rei to come forward.
As they walked forward the man turned to face them. He wore a man's semi-formal kimono with the markings on his breast of a government official. There was a red obi sash around his waist with two swords, one long, one short. He was a stern looking man with black hair that was graying over his temples; he had a square jaw and a small mustache. His eyes narrowed as he took them in.
The two women stopped and bowed as Sergeant Kurita spoke. "Master, I would present to you Doctor Marikawa Shizuka, Onohira base's physician, and her assistant Miyamoto Rei."
The man nodded his head slightly and waved for the women to stand up. "So, my sergeant tells me you are lost doves in need of a way home. Why are you away from your post, Marikawa-san?"
Shizuka lowered her head again, "We escorted two critical wounded to the hospital ship Mercy, sir. After handling some other medical matters, we found we could not get a direct flight home. It was suggested we come here in hopes of finding transportation to our base."
The man nodded, "I see no reason we cannot accommodate you and your assistant, Doctor. We will be flying to Onohira within the hour." He smiled, "I have been remiss and not introduced myself. I am Busujima Kage, commander of the Emperor's personal guard."
Rei head came up in surprise. Remembering herself, she froze and cast her eyes down again.
Kage reached out and took her chin in his fingers, raising her head, "Speak up, young one; I am not an ogre, even though I may sometimes look like one."
"Ah…Busujima-dono, are you kin to Busujima Saeko?" Rei asked.
The older man broke into a smile, making the pair feel much more relaxed with him, "I am proud to say Saeko-chan is my beloved daughter. Do you know her well?"
Both women laughed slightly before Shizuka spoke. "We are both from Fujimi High School, Busujima-dono. Saeko-chan saved my life and after we joined with the others, we escaped and have been together ever since."
"Ah…" Kage said, "So the two of you are part of what has been called the Fujimi Seven. I see, very good, so please tell me what you know of this young man, Komuro Takashi. It seems my daughter is infatuated with him and I would know why."
Shizuka smiled as Rei tittered behind her hand. "He is a good man, Busujima-dono," the doctor said. "He led us until we joined with the police forces and we still look to him as our head, after Captain Tomasa and Lieutenant Minami of course."
Rei blushed as she looked at Saeko's father, "I know him very well, Busujima-dono; he was my longtime boyfriend."
Kage's right eyebrow when up at this revelation. "I see," was all he said.
"Please don't think anything wrong of him, I was the one that dumped him, and even after that he has always watched over me and is a dear friend. He cares deeply for Saeko-chan and I think there could be no one better for her."
Kage nodded, "I thank you for your view on this, Miyamoto-chan. A good recommendation from an ex-girlfriend tells me a lot." He looked towards the flight line as someone waved to them. "For right now though, it seems our transport is ready. Let us go so we may reunite you with your friends."
000
Tatsumi's patrol had just completed an afternoon sweep of the perimeter when Rika called them to meet her in front of the mess hall. She came down the stairs from communications as they arrived.
"Tatsumi, we have a VIP coming in by Blackhawk in a few minutes. Take your patrol and greet him." She thought for a minute, "Another thing, teach Cadet Komuro the proper VIP greeting procedure and let him run the show. It will be good for him to learn this." She started to turn away but stopped and faced them again, "Oh, by the way, Shizuka and Rei are on this flight also. Someone might want to tell Paddy."
Tatsumi nodded and motioned for the others to follow him to the landing field. As they walked past the motor pool Tatsumi called out to Paddy, who was under the hood of a Humvee. "Hey Paddy! Aircraft coming in and your girlfriend is on it!"
They laughed as Paddy banged his head from standing up to fast. He ran to his cleanup station to wash and throw on his blouse before racing after the others.
It only took a few minutes for Tatsumi to show Takashi what to do greeting a VIP official. After practicing three times they turned toward the sound of rotor blades in the distance.
The Blackhawk came in slow and high, turned around the field once and set down while following Paddy's directions. The pilot shut the engines down and Paddy walked around the side to help open the door.
Takashi watched as two men got out and started toward them. One dressed in a type of uniform and the other in a business kimono.
Tatsumi leaned over and whispered to Takashi, "The older man has the markings of a government official. He is the one you will speak to."
Takashi nodded and as the two men arrived in front of them he froze for a moment as he recognized Saeko's father. Recovering quickly he called out, "Detail ATTENTION! Present ARMS!" The men snapped to attention and presented their weapons in front of them across their chests as Takashi stood stiffly and saluted.
The older man returned the salute and nodded slightly for Takashi to continue.
Takashi dropped his salute and bowed, "Commander, Cadet Komuro Takashi at your service, sir!"
Kage grunted and said, "It is good to finally meet you, Cadet. You may call your men to rest."
Takashi nodded once and turned smartly toward the others. "Detail, recover ARMS!" he called out, and after they did he said, "Detail, stand at ease!"
Tatsumi and the others relaxed, going to a parade rest stance.
Takashi turned back to Kage, "Sir, I would like to present to you Chief Sergeant Tatsumi. Sergeant Tatsumi, this is Busujima-dono, commander of the Emperor's personal guard and Saeko-san's father."
Tatsumi's eyebrows went up at this last statement. He bowed deeply to Kage and said, "It is an honor to meet you, sir."
Kage nodded, "Thank you, Chief Sergeant. This is my aide, Sergeant Kurita Hohiro. By the way, it seems I found two lost doves and brought them home to you." He looked back to find only Shizuka standing there. Looking further back by the helicopter they saw Paddy and Rei wrapped in an embrace.
Kage snorted and Shizuka smiled, "Please excuse them, Busujima-dono, young love and all that. In the meantime…" She grinned as she jumped forward. "TAKASHI!" she cried and she wrapped the boy into a voluptuous hug.
Tatsumi and the other troopers laughed at Takashi's face as Kage snorted. After the boy peeled himself from the blond, he pointed her toward Tatsumi who was happy to receive her.
Clearing his throat, Takashi said, "If you would come with me, sir, Lieutenant Minami is waiting for us in front of the mess hall."
000
Rei noticed as the others started to walk away. "Patrick, we need to go, the others are leaving."
Finally letting her go, he kissed her on the forehead, "I'm sorry, but I just missed you so much. I couldn't sleep the whole time you were gone, I was so worried."
She gave him a quick kiss on the lips and took his hand in hers, "Good! I'm glad to hear you were worried about me, but you need to sleep also. It's fine now though, tonight we will try to get to bed early and let you get some solid sleep. Right now, we need to follow the group and see what Saeko's father is doing here."
Paddy looked puzzled, "Saeko's father? Saeko's father is the VIP?"
Rei smiled and nodded, "Yes, so let's go see what is going on."
She took his hand and led him after the others.
000
When the group arrived in front of the mess hall, they found the troopers of the base in formation in the street. Rika called them to attention and saluted Kage as he stepped forward.
After an exchange of courtesies, she dismissed the troops.
"I'm sorry, sir," she said. "Captain Tomasa is out on road patrol and a scavenging run. He should be back in a couple of hours. Would you like to take a tour of the base?"
Kage smiled, "Maybe tomorrow, Lieutenant, if it is not too much bother. Right now I would really like to see my daughter. It has been quite a while since I last lay eyes on her."
Rika nodded as she smirked, "I understand, sir, she is waiting for you in the dojo. Cadet Komuro, escort the commander please."
Kage nodded his thanks and turned to Sergeant Kurita. "Kurita-san, please see to finding billets for our aircrew and ourselves for at least tonight and maybe tomorrow night also."
Kurita nodded and bowed as Kage and Takashi stepped away.
000
Takashi led the man around the side of the house to the dojo where they found Saeko, kneeling in the center of the building. Behind her, a table had been set with a small shrine and the three swords they had found at Bugeisha Steel.
Kage and Takashi removed their shoes and Takashi knelt down beside the entrance, as Kage proceeded to the center of the room. There he knelt down and bowed to the shrine and Saeko.
She smiled, "Welcome to Suishinshi Dojo, father. It is a pleasure to see you fit and well."
Kage smiled in return, "Thank you for your greeting, daughter. You look well also. It seems life on the front lines suits you."
Saeko beamed and looked toward Takashi, "That and several other things, father."
Kage snorted, "I see. Well the building looks nice and the house as well. Are you staying there?"
Saeko nodded, "Just a minute, father. Takashi, would you prepare some tea? When it is ready we will take it in the living area."
Takashi nodded and left.
Kage watched him go and then turned back to Saeko, "So this is the young man you have decided to dedicate your life too?"
Saeko smiled and blushed, "Yes father, he is strong yet gentle and loving. He is a natural leader and everyone listens when he speaks. His devotion is ferocious and he will stand between what he cares for and the enemy without flinching."
She looked down at the floor as her left hand lovingly caressed the sword at her waist, "He completes me and grounds me when I go into my blood lust. He calms me and brings me back when I need it."
Her eyes rose to meet his, "I don't know if I would have survived this long without him."
Kage sighed, "There is no doubt your little 'Team' from the school trusts him. I spoke to Marikawa-san and Miyamoto-san about him and they think highly of him. Minister Takagi and his wife also."
Saeko smirked, "Did Miyamoto-san tell you she used to be his girlfriend?"
Kage nodded, "She did, while praising him. How to you feel about that? Having someone he was close to nearby?"
Saeko laughed, "Rei is my battle sister, and a good companion to have in a fight. We had our…differences, some about Takashi, but since it was settled she has found Flanery-san and we all live here as a family in peace and love."
Kage looked thoughtful, "So you are staying in this house?"
Saeko nodded, "Yes, it is the base commander's quarters and he did not want teenage girls staying in the barracks, even though we had proven we could protect ourselves. When we received reinforcements, there were enough women to open a second barracks, but the Captain did not ask us to move. We, along with several others, have become quite the little clan."
Takashi came to the entrance, "Excuse me, the tea is ready."
Saeko and her father got up and followed the boy inside where he served them.
000
Takashi sat across from Kage, with Saeko beside him. He cleared his throat and asked, "Commander, how are things going in the rest of the world?"
Kage thought for a moment before responding. "England closed its borders and let's no one in except its citizens. This made a large portion of the surviving world mad, but they seem to have the outbreak contained. The United States has broken up into a series of regions. The military is mostly in control, but they keep having various people claiming to be the new President. That lasts a few days or weeks and then they disappear for another to step forward. As long as their military stands firm, they will hold onto what's left. The Scandinavian countries have held pretty well, but the rest of Europe is dark. Also Africa, South America and all of Asia except Japan is considered lost. We know there are pockets of survivors here and there, but who knows if anyone will ever be able to contact them again. Australia and New Zealand has some safe zones and are fighting back slowly. The Americans have secured Okinawajima and some surrounding islands. The British hold Ikeijima and are trying to expand to some of the others in the chain."
"Some of our school mates are on Ikeijima," Saeko said with a smile. "They are under the care of the British sergeant of engineers that designed and built the defense ditches here, Shaun Phillips. He and his wife took them in and are raising them as their own."
"What are their names, daughter?" Kage asked.
"Schweiger Alex and Kinoshita Misa. Schweiger-san was a student of aikido and Kinoshita-san had some soujutsu club time with Miyamoto-san. When Sergeant Phillips left, we sent gifts to them of a katana and a naginata. They have also befriended some of the Royal Marines and had several adventures with them in their travels," Saeko told him.
Kage grunted, "Interesting, they must be competent fighters because Royal Marines are not easily impressed. What can you tell me of them?"
Saeko smiled, "Schweiger-san is a brash young American, more force than finesse who would often rely on strength over skill to defeat her opponents. She is flame-haired giantess who instilled fear in her classmates and terror in her kowhais'. Kinoshita-san I did not know, but Takagi-san says she is very intelligent and was a top ranked student. We do know they convinced the captain of the British ship Ark Royal to take them into Osaka to collect books for the school that is starting on Ikeijima."
Kage raised one eyebrow, "The Ark Royal is an aircraft carrier and one of the most powerful ships in the area right now. I would like to know how two high school girls convinced someone with that much power to do such as this."
Kage looked puzzled as Takashi and Saeko suddenly smiled at the sound of a barking dog outside. There was a clattering of feet as a little girl and boy stopped at the front entrance to remove their shoes.
"Saeko-chan, Takashi-kun! Saya onee-chan says…" the girl called as she ran inside. She stopped when she noticed the stern looking Busujima Kage.
"Children, introduce yourselves properly," Saeko told them.
Alice and Masahiko stopped and bowed to the man and introduced themselves.
Kage nodded to them in return before they raced around the table to take up positions next to the teens, Alice next to Saeko and Masahiko next to Takashi.
Alice watched Kage at first, and then looked up at Saeko, eyes asking the question she had not voiced.
Saeko smiled and patted her on the head, "Alice-chan this is my father, Busujima Kage."
The little girl's eyes got wider and she said, "Ooooo, are you the one that taught Saeko onee-chan how to fight the monsters?"
Kage smiled kindly at the child, "Yes Alice-chan, I had a little to do with that."
"Good job!" Alice cried out raising her fists in the air above her head.
Kage stared at the child for a moment and then roared with laughter.
As the laughter died down Takashi turned to the boy, "Masahiko-kun, what did the two of you come to tell us?"
"Onee-chan Saya said to tell you Captain Tomasa is back and supper is ready," he said.
Takashi nodded, "Very well, the two of you can go back and tell them we will be there shortly."
"Yes Onii-san!" they both said and headed out the door.
Kage watched them got and turned back to the teens chuckling, "I take it that is the little girl I have heard reports of?"
Saeko nodded, "Yes father, Takashi and Hirano-kun saved her the second night of the outbreak. She has become a little sister to all of us."
"The little boy," Takashi said, "is the son of Dean Yukari, our assistant medic. His father was a US Martine killed while defending Okinawajima. We found them on our trek out of the city."
Kage nodded, "I see. Well we should go see your captain and I could use a little supper myself. Breakfast was very early this morning!"
000
Kage met everyone else at supper and greatly enjoyed the camaraderie of sitting around the hearth afterwards. Takashi had excused himself first because he had early morning patrol, and others drifted away as they got baths and settled for the night.
He had talked to Saya for a while about her parents, before she left with a smile on her face, clasping hands with her young man. Kage liked the boy and could easily tell what the Captain and Rika could see in him.
He, Kurita and Tomasa had bathed together, while talking about current events and things they thought could help the base, and well as other projects they wanted to do in the area. Coming out he met Saeko who, for the first time in many years, kissed him on the cheek before turning into the room Kage now knew she was sharing with Takashi.
He sat outside his room smoking a short Japanese pipe as Rika walked up. He motioned for her to sit and she placed herself next to him lotus style.
"Permission to speak freely, sir?" the woman asked.
"Off duty? Always, Minami-san," he told her.
Nodding, she watched him for a second, "I just wondered what you thought of our young man Takashi?"
Kage smirked slightly, "Are you going to be his advocate?"
Rika chuckled, "Maybe I just want him for myself if you don't approve of him."
Kage chuckled lightly, "He seems to be a favorite of the women in this group, seeing how the doctor greeted him when we arrived."
It was Rika's turn to laugh, "Don't read anything into that, Busujima-sama. Shizuka loves to tease him and Hirano-kun just to see them blush. He is dedicated to your daughter and would give everything to make sure she was safe."
"I have no doubt he is a fine young man. It's just…well…"
"Ah," Rika said. "How did you feel when Saeko-chan went to their room, Father-san?"
Kage grunted, "A daughter's smile is her father's heart, Minami-san. Even though I knew it in my mind…well it is a hard thing for a father to see."
Rika snorted, "I'm sure he offered to stay in another room, but I'm just as sure she put an end to that thought. She can be very straightforward that daughter of yours."
Kage nodded, "Well she is herself, but I can tell she is happier also. There is something about the way she is carrying herself that is slightly different from before. She was always sure of herself, but now there is a confidence in her that shines."
"Everyone loves her," Rika said. "The troopers adore her as 'their' samurai. She will quote things to them like, 'yea though we walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, we fear no evil' and they will cheer her till they are hoarse. You have raised an amazing woman, Busujima-sama."
The man smiled, "I am learning that. When I learned she survived, I had thought at best I would bring her to me and continue to teach her, putting her by my side in hopes for the future."
He looked out over the yard focusing on the half-moon hanging in the trees. "What I find is a grown woman who has found her place in life. Found love, meaning and purpose, admiration from her peers and seems content with her place."
"She is what you made her," Rika said.
Kage nodded as he watched the moon through the trees.
A/N: As always, please leave a Review and/or Favorite.
Just for grins and giggles, if you want to see FPB Onohira, go to Google Maps and put these coordinates in: 34.691164, 138.960581
Let me know what you think!