"Good morning Master Kyubei." Sho paused in the middle of preparing tea to bow to him. She turned to her brother, who was stuffing a rice ball into his mouth. "Hiko!"

The boy belatedly jumped to his feet and bowed, mumbling a greeting with his mouth full.

Sho just rolled her eyes then turned back to Mitsuhide. "Is Miss Kaya awake yet?"

"Let my sweet lady love sleep this morning. I kept her awake far too late into the night." Mitsuhide allowed a somewhat rogueish smile to cross his face, knowing that the maid would blush and ask no more questions – especially not in front of her younger brother. "If I could, I would have wiled the morning away with her too, but sadly, my work calls me now. I will take her shopping later."

With that, he continued on his way down to the main floor, slid open the doors and lifted the blinds to his import export 'business.' The key to establishing an alternative identity was to keep it as complete as possible. The import business that 'Kyubei' ran, could, if a curious customer entered the machiya, arrange for that customer to receive any number of lacquer items, from decorative vases to armor. As such, Mitsuhide always had the excuse of needing to conduct 'honest' business during the morning hours.

Thankfully, this excuse took him out of the vicinity of Katsuko. Acting the devoted lover in front of the audience of the maid had been entertaining enough when Katsuko had merely been a somewhat rebellious tool – it amused him to watch her grit her teeth, knowing that she could not contradict his teasing when Sho was around. Now that it was becoming less of an act, it made for a dangerous distraction. A distraction he could ill afford.

Thus when the boy clattered down the stairs, with Katsuko following behind at a similar pace, his plan to keep her at a distance was immediately tested. Even simply passing through the room, she was impossible to ignore, especially given her inappropriate attire, with that loose sash dragging on the floor. He was not portraying a man who would let his lover appear to the world in any manner except absolute perfection. "Going somewhere?"

"Only to the entry. Hiko is going to show off his juggling skills, and they're sufficiently random enough for Sho to bar us from the kitchen." She nodded at where the child's toy came close to upending a display shelf.

He ought to stop her and insist that she at least retie her obi properly. Or, even, perform the task for her. A lingering look, a stray touch… perhaps he might even tease a glare from her.

He was halfway to standing when he recalled his vow – made mere moments ago – to stay away from temptation. "Ah." He returned his attention the ledgers he was updating as the two scurried out of the room.

Should he have more merchandise sent from Azuchi? Over the past week, he'd become aware that certain agents, pretending to be customers, had visited the business. It would make sense to at least move the displays around, add new items, to keep up the charade. But, would the replacement stock get here before the Oda ships arrived to move the operation to the next phase?

Given that he had not yet hit upon the proper… enticement, for lack of a better word… to force Shojumaru into revealing Hideyoshi and Mai's location (or even, for that matter, concrete proof that he was the man behind their disappearance), it would be prudent to continue to act as a normal merchant. He got out a fresh piece of paper and composed a coded message to Kyubei requesting more "lacquerware and pottery from the local craftsmen." Kyubei would understand the meaning.

Midway through his correspondence, he became aware of some sort of commotion from outside.

Years from now… even days from now… he would not be able to recall what he had been thinking or doing in the time between hearing the frantic yells, and the moment Shojumaru strode into the Machiya, carrying an unconscious Katsuko. The moment his gut seized in terror.

While he was still processing the sight of her, motionless, a splash of blood across her face, Shojumaru had transferred her into Mitsuhide's arms. He hadn't realized he had opened them to receive her.

"Ox cart. Yer wench got between it and Hiko." Shojumaru's normally smooth tones was rough with an unidentifiable emotion. Later, Mitsuhide would sit back and process this transformation, evidence as much as anything else to support Katsuko's theory that the man was Motonari.

But for now… He pressed his fingers on Katsuko's neck, relieved that her heart was still beating, strong and true.

"I'm sorry." The boy stepped forward, head bowed. "If I had been paying attention to the road … she saved me." He took a deep gulp of air. "Will she be alright?"

Again, the more dispassionate part of Mitsuhide's brain noted that Shojumaru lightly patted the boy's shoulder, the look of fatherly concern on his face, and realized that he had been handed another tool against the man. But… that too… was for later.

He hugged Katsuko closer and her whimper sent his logic into retreat. She was in pain. Putting aside all distrust of Shojumaru for the time being, and hoping that the man's affection for Hiko would permit him to render aid, he asked, "Do you know where to find a healer?"

"Yes…" There was hesitation in his tone.

"You'll be rewarded."

"Keep yer money." Shojumaru all but growled it. "I know a healer… the man has strange notions… and half the time he is swimming in drink. But if you find him sober, there's not a better physician in the city."

"I will take the risk." If necessary, he would sober up the old man with bucket of water poured over his head, then threaten torture if he could not render aid.

By the time Shojumaru returned with the healer, Mitsuhide and Sho had gotten Katsuko settled in her bed. Sho had helped him wash the blood away. Small actions, really, but it helped keep his worry at bay. The dangling obi sash, which according to the boy had tripped her up after saving him, was banished to the corner of the room. My fault for not insisting she tie it better. For not fixing it myself.

As Shojumaru had warned, the smell of sake clung to the healer, a man much younger than Mitsuhide had expected. Nor did his first words inspire any confidence, for he froze when he saw Katsuko, his skin turning pale. "She's not dead. Oh Gods… I thought she was dead."

"I would not have asked for a physician for a dead woman." Perhaps he should not have spoken so harshly to the healer, but Mitsuhide hoped to pull the man out of his trance.

His words were successful, and the man seemed to shake himself, straighten his posture and hurried over to examine her. "What happened?"

Behind him, Mitsuhide sensed, rather than saw Shojumaru heave a sigh. "She was hit by an oxcart." From his tone, it sounded like this was information he had already relayed to the healer.

The man carefully knelt next to the futon, and gently ran his hands across her neck. "Yes… but where was she hit? A blow to the side of her head could have damaged her temporal artery risking a brain bleed. Damage to her back or neck could paralyze her."

Paralyze? He couldn't imagine a worse fate for someone as normally as active… as alive… as Katsuko. While the healer continued to list the potential injuries, Mitsuhide sat beside the bed and picked up her hand, squeezing it gently, willing his own strength to flow into her. She stirred, her eyes fluttering for a moment. "Kaya. Open your eyes."

She let out a hiss of pain, and slipped away again.

"Kaya?" The healer seemed startled at her name. He looked from Katsuko to Mitsuhide. "What is she to you?"

With Shojumaru still in the room, there was nothing Mitsuhide could do other than continue his charade. "She is my concubine."

"Kaya." Again the healer said her name, hesitantly as if it tasted odd on his tongue. "She isn't dead."

One more of those from the man, and Mitsuhide would throw him out the door, healer or not.

Meanwhile, the boy stepped forward. "The cart hit her here." He gestured to his hip. "She was already falling forward when that happened. She hit her head on the ground."

Finally, the healer seemed to gather his senses. "Hm, the skull is thicker in front, less likely to fracture – but the blow would jar her." He looked into her eyes, muttering something about wishing for better light, then grabbed the lantern off the desk and thrust it at Mitsuhide. "Hold this above her face."

Startled into obeying, Mitsuhide did as directed, watching as the healer opened Katsuko's eyes one at time. The man relaxed a bit, before saying. "Pupils are normal sized and reactive to light."

He had no idea what that that meant, but taking in the healer's now calmer body language, he presumed her injuries were not as bad as initially appeared.

When no one responded to that cryptic statement, the man proceeded to carefully examine Katsuko, lightly running his hands over her limbs, even tapping his knuckles on her joints. "I don't see any evidence of spinal cord fracture or broken bones, though she will have a few bruises, and a black eye." He stood up and backed away. "Treatment for a concussion is simply to keep her calm and quiet, wake her up periodically to check on her, and when she begins to recover, avoid strenuous activity for at least a week."

As medical treatment, it lacked specificity. Where were the potions and salves? He should have sent for Ieyasu, who while likely to be equally as brusque, would surely have had more instructions than that. "And if she is in pain?" If? She was clearly in pain. Even unconscious, there was a tight wrinkle in her brow.

The healer scrubbed his hands through his hair, averting his face from the bed. "Willow bark tea may help with the pain. If you have access to someone with an ice hut, then a cold compress would reduce the swelling at her eye. Music could be soothing, if you can sing. Avoid bright light, loud noises, heavy food and strong smells. Be patient… she might be confused or emotional for a time."

"Will you return to check on her?" Mitushide was not entirely convinced in the healer's abilities, but he was all they had right now.

The man backed further away from the bed, glancing down at his stained clothing. "No… I can't. Not like this." With that, he fled from the room.

Only after it was clear the healer had left the building did Shojumaru speak into the silence. "Toshiie is a strange one, but he's saved many considered too injured to survive." He bowed to the unconscious Katsuko. "I will find some willow bark."

Then, he exited as well.

Both Sho and the boy seemed reluctant to abandon Katsuko, and yet unable to contribute any worthwhile aid. Not wanting them underfoot all day, Mitsuhide sent the two of them in search of ice (though at that time of the year, it was unlikely anyone would have any left). While Katsuko slipped into a fitful sleep, he dashed off a quick message to Ieyasu, outlining the situation and the healer's advice. Perhaps Ieyasu would have additional ideas beyond willow bark and soothing music.

Still…

After sending Goro off to Azuchi with the message, he picked up his flute and considered. He couldn't imagine that music would have healing powers, but…

… perhaps she would like it?

And indeed, as he sat by the futon and played softly, Katsuko rolled over, turning toward him and stretched out her hand. It appears the healer was correct after all. He paused a moment, and took her hand again, squeezing it gently. Recalling the instruction to wake her up on occasion, he leaned closer and said in a quiet voice, "Kaya, wake up."

Her eyelashes fluttered and she squinted at him. "Who?"

"Katsuko." But she had already fallen back asleep. Katsuko. The rebellious spy. Not his concubine. Not his. After … everything, he had no right to want something for himself.

He picked up the flute again. This at least was comfort he could provide.

Later that afternoon, Sho and Hiko returned, apologizing for being unable to find ice. Sho held up a bucket filled with water. "It's not ice, but it's from a mountain fed stream, so it's cold."

Then displaying a bossiness well beyond her years, she shooed Mitsuhide out of Katsuko's room, telling him that she would change her into more comfortable clothing. "You should rest, Master Kyubei. That way you can stay up with her tonight."

He didn't in fact need rest… but Sho seemed to want to do this, so he left her to it. Avoid strong smells. He took a quick trip to the bathhouses and did his best to wash away the odors of incense and fear from his body. He was back in the machiya when Shojumaru arrived to deliver the willow bark, and to escort Sho and Hiko home. When Sho asked if he had gotten enough sleep, he lied and told her he had.

After he'd finally cleared the others out, he made the tea, and resumed his vigil at Katsuko's side. Without the make-up and elaborate hairstyle she'd worn to portray Kaya or even the boy's clothing and look of defiance that he would always associate with 'Katsu,' she looked young and small. Tiny. Until this moment, he hadn't realized she was shorter than Mai.

For the first time in days, he hadn't devoted the bulk of his thoughts to Mai and Hideyoshi. His mission to find and rescue them had stalled, and instead… he had dragged another person into the dark.

"Katsuko." He brushed her hair away from her face.

She batted at his hand. "Nooo. Let me sleep."

"I will. Be patient, Brat. The strange doctor Shojumaru found said I should wake you up periodically." When she shut her eyes and tried to turn away, he brought the tea to her. "If you are able to drink it, I have some willow bark tea for the pain." She didn't move to take it, so he helped her to sit up, held the cup to her lips, stroking her back until she took a few swallows. It must have tasted terrible, if the look of disgust on her face was anything to judge by.

No use tasting it himself or trying to figure out a flavor combination to mask the bitterness. For all he knew, he would only make it worse.

He set the cup aside – she'd fallen asleep in his arms – he kept her there for a few moments longer than strictly necessary before settling her back on the futon. Holding on to her any longer would be selfish when a mattress was right there.

The only comfort he had any right to offer was more music. He picked up the flute again and played tune after tune, until his fingers cramped, alerting him to the fact that it was time to wake her up once more."Katsuko. Wake up."

"Go away ghost." Ghost? She squinted at him, then moaned, her body shuddering as she covered her head with her hands. "Let me sleep."

Her hair had tangled and was stuck to her face with sweat, so he found the bucket of still relatively cool water, wet a cloth, and wiped her forehead and cheeks. She sighed a little as she slipped deeper into sleep.

Was she improving at all? How long would she be in pain? And though the healer hadn't mentioned the possibility, he now recalled that one of his vassals had fallen from a tree and suffered a serious wound to the head. While the man had recovered in body, his mind had returned to childhood, and he'd spent the remainder of his short life unable to care for himself.

If such a thing happened resulted from this injury, he would never forgive himself.

As the long dark night continued, Mitsuhide divided his time between music and wiping her face with water. Though she didn't appear to be improving, her condition hadn't worsened either. When birds began chirping outside, he woke her up once more. "Katsuko. Time to wake up again, Brat."

This time she opened her eyes and focused directly on him. "Where did your friend go?"

"The healer?" He supposed that was who she was referring to, as no one would consider Shojumaru as his friend (Shojumaru included). "Do you think you can sit up long enough to drink this?" He held a cup out to her. "It's gone cold, but Sho would happily brew up an entire vat if I asked."

"Cold is fine." Once again, he helped her to sit, and she was able to clutch the cup to sip the tea. He kept a grip on it too, as she seemed very unsteady, even sitting down. When he put the cup aside, she grabbed onto his shoulder, as if needing him to stay upright. "Where did you find willow bark?"

"Shojumaru brought it." Only now did he realize that he had not questioned the man about the incident. Not thoroughly. Oxen were generally placid creatures – a runaway cart was unusual. "Do you recall what happened?"

"Arrow." Arrow? Had someone shot an arrow at the animal? That indeed might have caused it to bolt. "Runaway cart. Is Hiko all right?"

"He is fine. Apparently Shojumaru is sufficiently attached to the boy to be grateful." And in that moment, he realized exactly how he could use that information.

How he would use it. Saw exactly how the scenario would unfurl, and exactly what role he would need 'Kaya' to play. It could save Mai, Hideyoshi … and keep Katsuko out of the way of Shojumaru's wrath.

It would condemn him to the dark.

But… it could succeed.

A soft weight pressed against his chest. Not his conscience – that was long stifled. Katsuko – she'd fallen asleep on him – again, trustingly in his embrace. He pulled her closer for a moment… Had she crept into his heart? When? Had it been during the night they'd talked long into the dark? Earlier? The moment she tried to saw through a rope that bound her hands? The moment she threw a knife at him?

Did it matter? For he could not keep her. He had no right. He shifted her back to the bed, and then, because her hand was still wrapped around his arm, climbed in next to her.

To save her… he would need to ensure she betrayed him.

But first, he would have this night… or what remained of it. He would have at least one memory of sleeping by her side. Of hearing her soft breath. Of feeling warmth next to him. Of brushing her hair from her eyes.

"Feathers." She murmured just the single word before turning toward him, and curling into his embrace.

Within another two days, Katsuko was more alert when awake, and sleeping less, but she'd not been able to eat. By this time, Mitsuhide had heard back from Ieyasu, who had generally echoed the healer's advice, and suggested that a light broth would be appropriate for a convalescent's stomach. He'd also sent along a small jar of mint oil that he said might ease some of the pain if the patient could handle its application.

Unfortunately, even a few sips of Sho's fish and rice soup upset Katsuko's stomach. "Oh hell. I'm going to-"

As Sho grabbed a bucket, Mitsuhide held onto the patient as she vomited the soup back up, keeping her hair out of the way of the hot liquid. The sound of her retching echoed through the room, and her eyes watered. As much as he knew Katsuko needed to eat, Mitushide felt guilty for insisting she attempt it. "Make it stop." Katsuko's whispered.

Sho clapped her hand over her face and escaped the room.

He helped Katsuko wash her mouth out with tea, patting her back lightly until she relaxed again. "Thank you. How long has it been?" she asked.

He was relieved to note that while she was still physically injured, her mind seemed far clearer than it had been on the day of the accident. No more talk of ghosts. "Since you picked a fight with a runaway cart? Three days. Some of your bruises all already fading." He lightly touched her eye, noticing that the dark purple was yellowing at the edges. "I imagine your head will feel better soon as well."

"I hope so." She closed her eyes. "Right now it only hurts when I move. And when I don't."

Recalling Ieyasu's mint oil, he asked, "Do you think a strong scent will make you feel sick?"

There was a hesitation before she answered. "Maybe."

He got the container of oil, and opened it for a moment, waving it toward her. "What about this scent?"

"So far it seems tolerable." Since that answer had seemed fairly confident, he moved the oil closer, held it open for longer.

No negative reaction. He knelt by her head, holding it by her nose. "And now?"

She breathed a moment. "Still fine. As long as I don't move or open my eyes. Why?"

"This oil may help with the pain, but if I put it on you, I don't want it to make you ill again." Easing the pain at the expense of making her sick again would not be a worthwhile exchange. "May I?"

He held the oil still, waiting for her consent before he placed a drop of the oil on his fingertip, and lightly drew a tiny circle in the corner of her forehead. He paused again, wanting to be certain that this wouldn't make her ill before he trailed his finger down to her ear. The lines of tension in her forehead eased somewhat. "That's nice."

Encouraged by that response, he massaged more oil into her neck, and she sighed and arched toward him. Almost the way she had pressed against him during that kiss in de Sousa's office. "Interesting. That response makes me curious to see what would happen if we employed this oil in other situations."

He could imagine that rubbing this oil in more… intimate places might be somewhat arousing.

After a long pause, during which he hoped she was imagining the same, she finally said, "Great. Let me know how it turns out."

His rebellious brat had returned to him. "You would know long before that."

Did she have an answer to that? A quip? A blush? Apparently, he was not to learn her response. She'd fallen asleep again.

Just as well. Safer for her. Safer for them both.