"Everything is going to be alright. You're going to see the light and it's going to shine so bright." - Unknown
Gonkuro woke up in a tatami room laying comfortably on his stomach with acupunctures and even bandages on him. He turned sideways and saw Yuka on the right of him, seeing how she was mostly stripped off. She was awaked but looked really tired, bored, and out of focus. On his other side, he noticed an older and gentle man in a dark blue kimono who politely bowed to him. He obviously seemed to be the physician who was treating him.
Gonkuro asked, "What had happened since I slipped into unconsciousness? How the village been doing? Anymore bandits intruded upon the village?"
The physician replied, "Daisuke, right after he finished defeating the Ninkyo's leaders faced the remaining bandits and shouted out to them how they were going to be killed off if they don't pick his side, especially how their gang organization is no longer technically around because of the murder of their heads. To Daisuke's surprise, all of the Ninkyo bandits timidly left and he stood there for a while to see if any were coming back. None came back and he checked the surrounding area for them. They all mysteriously were not there. Daisuke commenced to send messages of liberation which we all gladly received. Though there was not without any bitterness to it, as we solemnly proceed to dispose the dead, including holding a respectful memorial service for them, as the Ninkyo didn't respect the dead they killed off. However, we with the dead of the Ninkyo, including their leaders, we disposed their cremated remains in a river instead of being buried with dignity. You and the warrior lady had been unconscious for a few days. I observed how you dazed off and on in an unfocused matter. Glad to finally see you awake and basically alright… the village had been fine and especially in good recovering spirits otherwise. Daisuke been a leading figure in the recovery and some of the village kimono makers decided to create a couple of new kimonos for you and the lady to wear. Not to forget to mention that one of the warriors was treated as well and is doing okay. In addition, Daisuke often comes in here and even waits nearby being concern for your recovery. In fact, I think he right now is waiting outside for you two."
Just then, a tatami door to the side slide open and there revealed what was Daisuke but dressed in a dignified kimono and with a clean-cut look. He looked quite satisfied, with a smile, in seeing both of his newfound friends awake and was holding a couple of kimonos along with a couple of hachimaki bands on top. Gonkuro's and Yuka's kantanas were on top of the pile as well.
He was smiling at them as he went in, bowed, and stood in front of Gonkuro and Yuka as he gladly said to them, "Good to see both of you awake at least. How me and the whole village wish to extend sure gratitude for your great heroic deeds in saving our village from the fierce clutches of greedy evil doers. Hope your father, the Emperor, will try to help prevent any of this from happening again by sending in more soldiers to monitor this part of the land, along with perhaps other areas of the country as well. Would you care to stay longer? The village is willing to honor you and is willing to hold a celebration in your honor."
The samurai prince thought about Daiskue's words, including his offer, as he replied, "I am grateful for your help and for the kimono makers who made us clothes. I am also grateful for the physician and the villagers who were willing to help me and Yuka accomplish the task of saving your village. However, I prefer to go home as I can and not stay for a celebration in my honor. But I be willing to express my gratitude towards the village."
There was a short pause before Daisuke with a smirking grimace, replied, "Well, that is fine, the village is willing to celebrate me if they want to do so."
Gonkuro then remarked, "I anyway think it was you who finally defeated them technically, come to think of it."
Daisuke responded, "You're right, Gonkuro Denka."
So Gonkuro and Yuka drank a bitter herb drink remedy before having their acupunctures removed and got dressed in their new dignified attire. Additionally, Gonkuro got a new hairpin and put his hair back in a topknot. He was given a purple kimono with his royal mon while Yuka was given a red kimono with a tidal wave pattern on it. They were given some food to eat before Gonkuro and Yuka departed outside to expressed their gratitude and respect towards the villagers before embarking back home on their horses. An emotional farewell it was as they paid their mutual respects and good-byes. It seems Gonkuro and Yuka felt some bond making with those villagers but the villagers especially felt some attachment and a debt towards them. As they rode away, Gonkuro and Yuka secretly corresponded to go to the healing shrine that healed Yuka's father to tried to fully heal and rejuvenate themselves. They were mostly healed enough to go back home but they needed some more genuine healing. Yuka especially felt quite weary and Gonkuro had to help prod her horse along. One time, Gonkuro felt Yuka trying to touch him. He looked sideways and saw her look affectionately back at him. He smiled backin return. They show their mutual appreciation for their mutual help they did. Gonkuro especially felt he founded a destination of love as Yuka rescued him from his dark alienation. What gratitude he felt in Yuka's valiant service to him. Yuka felt similar and this help mended their broken love for each other. They had hope for a rekindling of love, especially their own for each other. Not just how this was a fulfillment of rescuing heaven sent hope but of that hope for that rekindling. This hope also helped fulfilled and realized a long desired vision of theirs.
Gonkuro and Yuka reverently arrived at theIzumi-Washrine where they bowed towards the shrine's priest and maiko. They told them of their successful task at virtually destroying the Ninkyo and saving a village from their clutches with the saving help of someone in the village.
The priest and miko politely congratulated them with the priest going up to Gonkuro and sagely said, "An assertive and valiantly courageous prince you are. You have endured so much and I could foresee you continuing to endure in your life to come. But do not fear, as you had endured the unendurable by defeating Aku, you will overcome. In governing let us govern with true sincerity. Sincerity is the binding bridge and a key. Do not forget your obligations to your ancestors and do not be sluggish in your work."
Gonkuro replied, "Thank you, kenjougo."
Gonkuro was impressed by the priest's advice. Yuka also felt subtly impressed with the last piece of advice apparently was also given to her at her last visit to the shrine. Gonkuro and Yuka went on to do a purification ceremony, said some prayers at the shrine, gave some offerings to the shrine, ate some food provided by the miko, and went into the sacred foundation in their underwear to be bathed in its relaxing healing water. A surge of pleasant tranquility sworn over them in the onsen. Gonkuro and Yuka also felt a surge of their remerging and affectionate grateful love towards each other that included nearly touching each other on the cheek. Gonkuro thought he briefly glanced the statute of Benzaiten winking at him as they visited inside the shrine for a short it really possibly his imagination? Eventually, he and Gonkuro said their good-byes to the priest and miko and went back down towards home. They briefly looked back at the ebbing tori gate entrance, knowing this probably was the last time they were going to visit this particular shrine in a long time. Overall, their shrine visit was good, peaceful, accomplishing, refreshing, gratifying, sober, and laidback. They felt completely functional, rejuvenated, and normal again. Yet on the continuing journey home, shortly after arriving from the shrine, Gonkuro thought of something, He, especially inspired by his mutual rekindling of affection with Yuka, decided he's going to take a course of action towards her before their journey's end.
After a while, they happened to pass by a hayfield and Gonkuro decided to suddenly stop both of them. Gonkuro decided it was time.
Yuka reacted with a startled look and asked, "What is happening?"
Gonkuro turned to her and replied, "I just like to make a confession to you in that hayfield over there."
Yuka briefly continued to look startled but decided to submit to Gonkuro's desire and so they safely tied their horses and go into the midst of the hayfield.
Yuka felt awkwardly curious as they eventually stopped and tuned to face each other as Gonkuro began confessing, "I knew we went astray and there was some hurt and I come to ask you for your forgiveness and reconciliation. As I do really love you dear Yuka and I realized the sure love we once had flourished with each other again. I sincerely promised I will love you with a candid eternal love. I have come to an epiphany that you are indeed my true soulmate. How I foresee us as being part of an exemplary, true, enduring, and immovable love. How I therefore need you in my life. I so swear my dear lady, including my fidelity to you."
A few minutes passed as the words sank into Yuka, who had a shy thoughtful look. She seemed impressed by what he confessed. During this time, she looked at him. As she looked at him, it bought an epiphany which involved sensing a feeling of security and clarity about him. How he seemed to disperse her life's messy clouds that had so engaged deep within her. She could sense he is really the best. How he apparently be the right man that her first love wasn't. How she appreciates his help in his life. After all, he really much more to her then her first love and seems to be her true love and confidante.
Pleasant and smoothing butterflies she felt within as she smiled and politely replied to Gonkuro, "Yes my dear love."
They pleasantly stared at each other in the face before Gonkuro awkwardly said to Yuka, "Love me cherished beloved, as you are the fulfillment of my life. Take me to your heart where we belong and how I will be your fulfillment and helpmate from now on. I will always love you and please tell me you love me. Love me sincerely my cherry blossom and I know we will never part. So, embraced me in sincere affection my fair one, my one long awaiting kindred soul."
Gonkuro widen his happy smile as Yuka widen her smile lusciously. She lovingly embraced her fellow kindred soul. They embraced each other in a strong and tight yet sweet lovey-dovey matter. She felt she actually loved him the best and is her best.
As Yuka hugged him, she thought how he was the finest in the world. She thought what a great shining and larger than life man he is. What a good, caring, supporting, even understanding husband she envisioned he will be. A heroic and sensible man she also sensed him being.
She felt bubbly enthusiasm for him as she next pleasantly responded to Gonkuro, "Yes, I earnestly love you dear prince. I am grateful for you as well."
What infatuation they felt for each other as they back a bit away from each other but still hold their hands together. Thy happily and lovingly looked each other in the face. With her enthusiastic love for him, a part of her deep inside felt surprise or making sense of being in love with this past playmate and her nation's crown prince. Gonkuro felt somewhat similar feelings, yet he felt confidence they will overcome their insecure feelings. Anyway, she was originally a memorable one time friend. After all those years of, in comparison, living through never-ending bleakness with an insecure, struggling hope of his long journey towards defeating Aku along with another recent defeat. How he was living a princely warrior's dutiful dream including coming back home. Now looking into Yuka's eyes, he could see eternity and how he finally met his one and how all along she was really his heart's desire. He also felt how she was with him all along in a sense. How she had been waiting for him all his life, perhaps his life's journey partially been leading up to her. He was beforehand just taking on the world with a momentary love before really finding his true mate. He thought back on his previous yet failed miserable close attempts at love and how sure luck mercifully struck on him in finally finding a satisfactory and sincere love for him. Now they finally holding hands and looking at each other, he felt it is finally completed and over, his long bittersweet life story and tumulus struggle felt full circle. He felt one with Yuka, including filling a fullness of joy. He wondered a bit whether it last forever and fall apart? He felt somewhat bewildered and concerned for the future, though he felt confidence in it. They being in each other's embrace, Gonkuro hoped for his Yuka to show him more interest and know more of the valiant man he really is.
As Gonkuro touched Yuka's right hand, he thought she whispered to him, "Finally, we are together as we should be. Our great hassle we wrangled for years is now over."
That must made Gonkuro smile wider as his genuine love was right before his weary adoring eyes. They stood longer in their intermingled fate, knowing at last they truly founded each other and founded closure. At that passionate moment, they felt they, at least, had finally overcome the world they so struggled to long overcome. They were eager to effectively move forward, forgive the past, settle down, and be completely stable once again which they long desired. They then embraced a long kiss with each other.
Shorty therefore, they thought they heard a remotely familiar sound near them and they turned around to see what it supposedly was. It turned out to be a cricket and how the sight brought back distance memories. This inspired them to try to gleefully chase after the cricket to their own amusement. How carefree and energetic they felt as they sought to relive their fun first encounter from all those years ago. What a breather it felt. Gonkuro could not help really think what an enchanting and cool bosom lover she is and how he couldn't really love without her. Thinking back, how a former friendly one-shot playmate of his unexpectedly, after all those years, how interesting she turned out to be his true life soulmate. Thinking back on the comparison of her current adult and child self, what an amazingly beautiful and delicate mature cherry blossom she had so bloomed into. How worthwhile it is to have met her again and be with her. What anxious near euphoric happiness they felt in trying to chase down the cricket. What carefree, joy, child-like, and spunky vitality they felt in their attempt. What a most pleasant escaping memory they created against all those bad bleak memories that aroused from the last cricket chase attempt. They were both glad they both returned and now felt a pleasing sunset of conclusion only after an eon of hard and unsatisfactory bittersweet struggle and bleak tunnel light. They felt they were truly back to their beloved homey childhood paradise, never again to suffer very badly like they did.
Gonkuro and Yuka eventually arrived back at Gonkuro's palace home where they were cheerfully greeted by the Emperor and the Empress, who felt very happy that they returned in two pieces. They were, however, surprised at seeing Yuka with Gonkuro informing them, "Me and Yuka finally decided to be engaged to each other, as we discovered how we are meant for each other." His parents smiled at the good news. Gonkuro went on to explained, with some input from Yuka, his mission, rescue, and accomplishment. Gonkuro went on to advice his father about the need for a necessary increase of military protection up there due to the possibility of a resurgence or even other future threats. The Emperor solemnly agreed with his son's request and inquired more into the situation. Upon hearing some of the things that happened up there, the Emperor sadly cringed and felt sympathetic as he was eager to adhere to his beloved son's request. The Emperor and the Empress also praised their son's story of his mission and that he's still worthy of honor and even celebration because of how he led the liberation and defeat of the bad guys there, even if he didn't do the final strike. Also, they think Daisuke deserves great honor for dealing the final defeat.
Gonkuro smiled and said to them, "Thank you, I am humbled by it."
Sometime afterwards, Gonkuro and Yuka took a must needed long rest before eventually setting out to visit Yuka's family home. Yuka felt some uncertain worry about how her family was going to react, considering she mysteriously disappeared without their consent.
After they arrived at her home, her family, to Yuka's relief, acted rather more concerned and comforted then stern and punishing. Yuka and Gonkuro effectively explained what happen to them, which further consoled them, which included feeling rejoice for the area which they liberated now being safe and having the Emperor sent further protection up there. Gonkuro, with some clarification from Yuka, told the good reassuring news that he and Yuka decided to reconcile in their love for each other and eventually get married. They affectionately embraced each other during the explanation. Yuka's family felt awkward yet delighted at them going back together again, almost like making up for an embarrassing missed important appointment. Yuka and to some extent, Gonkuro felt surprise at how her family accepted them getting back together, including how the bargain with Gonkuro didn't worked out as it did. They seemed fine with it otherwise.
Yuka's father asked, "What about the stored family treasure?"
Gonkuro replied, "After we recovered, we got to see the supposed treasure chest and saw it still was full of treasure. Daisuke claimed the chest was luckily still mostly, with only a couple of the chest's items stolen by the goons but luckily was restored back to its container. I prudently decided it's fine the way it is being there. Alright with that?"
The Satoaki patriarch replied, "Fine." Yuka shortly asked her father, "Where is Bunka?"
Her father respectfully pointed out Bunka, who happened to be hidden in the shadowy background. Yuka and Gonkuro managed out of bravery and curiosity privately inquired Buka pertaining to their newfound love for each other over Bunka. Bunka was polite, with standoffish overtones, towards them.
Yuka first explained to Bunka, "Bunka, I hope you accept the way it is that I finally founded the love and prince of my life. I swear I did sense he really is my soulmate. Remember, he helped healed my father and saved our country as well as even the world and the universe. He also helped me and saved some villagers up north from a lesser but still dreadful evil. He even help healed me afterwards. Are you alright Bunka?"
Gonkuro next asked, "Agree?"
There was some calm silence as Bunka seemed to be pondering what Yuka and Gonkuro said, as he carefully watched the subtle happy affection his ex-girlfriend had for Gonkuro.
Bunka sighed, lowered his head, and finally firmly replied, "That is alright dear Yuka. I did wish you love from me but I thought how I think it is best you to go on with Gonkuro. I now know we never be together but I sincerely wish you happiness and safety in your future endeavors. I always wish you love. I, however, do hope we still be acquainted together. I really do wish you good tranquility, pretty Yuka."
There was some uneasy silence before Yuka replied, "I accept what you said, good Bunka. Thanks for your kind and selfless accepting attitude. I in turn wish you great satisfying happiness in your life from now on. I wish you love as well. Yes, we can still be together as good friends. You and your family can even attend my and Gonkuro's wedding if you like."
Bunka turned to Gonkuro and said, "I am grateful for your sure courageous heroism in defending our country from Aku and from recent danger. I most appreciate it, including in how you luckily freed me and others."
Gonkuro smiled gratefully at Bunka's comment. There was a few more moments of staring silence before Yuka and Gonkuro mutually said good-bye as Bunka went away from them and went on mysteriously out of their sight. Both Yuka and Gonkuro felt an increase of satisfaction knowing their love is surely in the way to being secure. They, sometime afterwards, further secured their love together by arranging yuino (the traditional Japanese engagement ceremony) with him and Yuka's family before heading into their wedding plans. In the meantime, Gonkuro and Yuka got more acquittanced with each other as well as having Gonkuro being more acquittanced with Yuka's family.
The wonderful and long sought great day of the wedding at last arrived. It was an exulting, consoling, and celebratory day. The day was a memorable and vivid day that lingered as one of the most cherished events in living Japanese memory. The Japanese people rejoiced as their beloved crown prince finally founded new love and a potential future empress consort, yet are curious about her and if she will live up to their expectations like they did with their crown prince's previous bride. The wedding guests that hadn't met the new brides had similar feelings, especially the ones that were the crown prince's mentors he previously invited. They were willing to come, regardless of their previous misfortunate in witnessing Ashi's disappearance and felt some suspension about going to another wedding of his this soon. The same mentors that came previously came, and they hoped that it be really satisfactory and worthwhile in coming. Bunka, along with some of his family and friends, attended. Daisuke along with some representatives from Sippo affably attended. The priest and miko from the Izumi-Wa shrine also were in attendance. A bell once again sounded overhead to alert of the special day. The bride got ready by some of the same handmaidens as before (including Takako), except one of them was her older sister (who happened to also been her escort along with their mother). The Empress was also there to help escort her and the Emperor watched near Gonkuro like beforehand. The bride and groom, especially the bride, felt how it was the most wonderful day of their life. The bride also felt the most beautiful on this day. As the bride was escorted to her wedding and with her groom eagerly watching and waiting for her, they similarly thought of the little things they really like about each other and their love. They now felt their relationship had efficaciously developed over time regardless of the odds. A kind and sweet prince he was and how the prince can count on her or her being her lifelong soulmate. They were looking forward to their future good times and how secure they felt together without any denial. When the bride finally reached the groom to begin the wedding ceremony, the groom felt a heighten glad exulted feeling of her arriving there with him, as he finally got to have a bride with him that will not unfortunately disappear. So, the wedding ceremony began, with the bride and groom taking their place as the audience eagerly watched on. The bride and groom were ritually purified with prayers then being offered for their well-being, including that this marriage would help further rejuvenate Japan. A couple of mikos gave them three cups to drink, three sips from each one before the bridegroom read his words of commitment, which involved promises of fidelity, peace, generosity, love, cooperation, and happiness for each other. A sacred dance performed by the mikos before a tamagushi was offered as bowls of sake were then being ritually offered for everyone willing to drink. The bride and groom finally got to passionately kiss each other. Now they were going into their new promised life of joy and sanguine perpetual love that was meant to be, as the audience smiled for their newfound marital love. A very treasured moment it was and a pure treasured day it was as well. How this shows that when the darkest hour is just before the dawn, it is indeed just before the lasting blissful day that is the present. Overall, come to think of it, how one like Crown Prince Gonkuro or Samurai Jack could not essentially reach their meant happily ever after without assistant, even as he moved graciously onward into his new, assured, promising, content, steadier, and settled life. They both felt they finally met their match and earned their good happy ending.
The End.