Rebel Encounter

Chapter 10

6 months later – 11th Year of the Meiji

The rainy season was upon us again. The trees were in full bloom from the constant saturation. Cherry blossoms struggled to stay on their limbs under the steady battering of raindrops. Lake Biwa was ready to flood its banks, and the rivers provided the life-giving water for man and beast alike. Clouds had covered the night sky for so long that it was refreshing to finally see the moon again. Nature decided that it was time to take a night off; it was after all, time for the Spring Festival. Hikone was lit up with lanterns, and the streets were filled with villagers. Children hid behind kitsune masks, and women showed off their finest spring kimonos. Music streamed from the outdoor kabuki theater, the shamisen ensemble providing the background for a Nobunaga play. And even from behind these walls, you could smell the grilled fish and eel, hear the children’s laughter as they played in the streets.

I sat alone in the hot spring, waiting to watch the finale of the Spring Festival. I had heard from the locals that the fireworks show over the lake was always spectacular. The reflections of the colored sparks on the water confuse the mind to the extent that one doesn’t know which direction is Tengoku. At the current time, this hot water was all the Heaven I needed. It amazes me the amount of injury the body can sustain and still function. Following the events of the fall, Tatsu and I spent many hours in this water, healing not only our bodies, but also our spirits. The trip home had been treacherous. We were on horseback for four days. Tatsu insisted on the fast pace, he wanted both of us away from Kyoto before the real storm began. His home was warm and ready for its inhabitants, Tatsu sending word that we were on our way. But in my case, solid walls were not enough to protect either of us.

The nights were fretful, and the dreams were worse. I couldn’t sleep through an entire night due to the nature and violence of my dreams. My mind was awash in the blood I had shed, and my body tried to relive all of its gruesome violations. Tatsu stayed with me the whole time. Through him, I found solace in the one thing I never had before, a man. He was not someone who paid for my companionship, nor was he someone who just needed me for a quick lay before going home to his wife. This was something real that I had never experienced before, and it scared me worse than the nightmares. As an object of pleasure I never concerned myself with my own worth, the suitors made my purpose very obvious. But now, here was a man that just wanted me, and I didn’t even know who I was, much less what I could offer him.

One morning, when the winter snows had melted and the first green of spring started to show in the grass, Tatsu asked me to marry him. He said it didn’t have to be now, he just wanted me to know that I was all he needed, and that he was willing to wait for me. He even purchased a beautiful white kimono for me. I held it close to me that night while he was away, and all I could do was cry. I would never have to be alone again, but I would still be placing my life in another man’s hands, albeit a very nice set of hands. It sits in a box in my room now, and I just stare at it and wonder ‘Is this what I want? Is this fair to both of us?’ I know it’s selfish, but this first taste of freedom was not something I was ready to relinquish. It was time for me to make a decision.

“Is this seat taken?” Tatsu asked. I looked up to see my warrior stepping down into the water behind me. I scooted forward to allow him room to sit behind me. I can feel his strong legs rubbing against mine, and he wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me into his lap. “Are they late?” I ask, leaning my head against his shoulder. Tatsu kisses me on the neck, and rubs his hands around the inside of my legs. “Looks that way,” he says. “I guess we’ll have to find a way to pass the time while we’re waiting.” Tatsu pulls my right leg to hang over his, and I suck in a breath as his fingers begin their intricate dance between my folds. He nibbles on my neck as he slides two fingers inside me, working a slow and torturous rhythm. I can feel him growing hard against my back, and my body is at his mercy. I guess we’ll catch the fireworks next year….

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The time has come. The chill of this spring morning makes it hard to get out of bed, but if I don’t get up now, I may not have the ability to follow through with my choice. Tatsu grumbles in his sleep next to me when he feels my body leave his side. I tucked the blankets tight around him, keeping my heat near him. As I head back to my room, I make a mental checklist of everything I’ve prepared. All of my items are inside my dresser, hidden from prying eyes. I had secretly made my own ninja garments, using fabric my flesh could breathe in rather than the thick items Tatsu used. Changing quickly, I looked to the floor at the large white box. I pick it up and place it next to my folded bedding. Tatsu was an investigator; I knew he would take the hint. I grabbed all the weaponry I would need, including my wakizashi, and quickly wrapped my hair into a tight ponytail. I slide my door shut, and head for the main gate. I had already disabled the security bell earlier in the day, so my exit would be silent. I grab the handle of the gate, and take a deep breath. The time has come. This is the path I have chosen.

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Tatsu sat at the edge of the walkway, a crumpled piece of parchment in his hand. The lone symbol on the front stirred the fear in his soul. Fire…just like her. He originally opened the letter with care, but this was his fifth reading, and he knew the kanji wouldn’t change.

These flames can no longer be contained. People think fire is meant to be observed behind glass, burning for only so long before it has to be either blown out or set free. These flames struggled against a cold ending, but thanks to a mysterious wind, they have been set free. As that wind blows, this fire blazes a new trail, glows brilliantly with its rejuvenated soul. That wind saved this flame from fading in a watery death. This wind pushes these flames further, helping them to grow more spectacular with every breath. This fire would not be so luminous if the wind was not with her. Never forget that one day, this fire and wind will dance together again.

Setting down the paper to drink his tea, a breeze passed through, taking the letter with it. Tatsu watched as the lake wind sent the paper southward, as though directing him. Putting down his teacup, Tatsu started to laugh. “All right, I’ll take the hint,” he said to himself, shaking his head. “Ino! Prepare my horse! It seems I have a journey waiting for me!”

Thank you so much to those who have helped me write Yume\'s story!