Anda di halaman 1dari 18

Title: 

In One Breath, To Love and Hate


Author: kanu_x
Disclaimer: fiction - I do not own anything but the story
Feature/Pairing: omc, Arashi, Juntoshi, Sakumiya, (Aimiya-ish, Aiba+ofc)
Rating: PG-13 > NC-17 (mild violence, mild smut, future rape)
Genre: AU, romance, historical fantasy, (tragedy)
Summary: Civil War. Empress VS Emperor. Arashi takes sides. Who wins? From different
characters' POVs.
Part: 2/8 Warning: this chapter is even longer than the last! :/
A/N: I have never been in the military nor studied anything related. Forgive me for being
creative.
I want to put Samurai instead of Warrior, but Warrior fits every category.
I'm very grateful to everyone during my first two fics who gave me strength to continue writing
and helped me gain confidence. Thankyou!

Having a hard time imagining the members?


Start with Ohno in his butais. I believe there are some Arashi pics out there where they're
dressed as warriors/samurais and carrying swords? Then there's Arashi in yukatas (extremely
important in the case of Nino.)
If you've seen a lot of asian historical dramas in general, it's great help.

And I'm sorry if its all too much and confusing!!


It starts out from each character's personal story, THEN to the war.

PREVIOUS: The Rebels

Setting: In this era, it has become the norm for married men to take male lovers on the side.
It is an era where the mention of voodoo/magic instills both awe and fear.
Where the Nobles follow strict societal rules and Warriors compete for the highest honor.
Difference between Noble and Warrior families:
Warrior families are a branch of Noble families but are far more respected because they have a
long line of military history. It is difficult for regular Noble families to be recognized as Warrior
families. (As in the case of Sho, even though he has joined the military, he is still considered just
a Noble.)

Main Characters:
omc: Harada Ren - Peasant (under Com.Jun, errand boy)
Matsumoto Jun - Warrior Family (Commander of the Rebels)
Ohno Satoshi - Warrior Family (Commander of the Imperial Army)
Sakurai Sho - Noble Family (Lieutenant under Com.Jun, Spy)
Aiba Masaki - Emperor's Cousin (Special Unit under Com.Satoshi, BirdMan)
Ninomiya Kazunari - Emperor's Concubine (Strategist for the Imperialists?, Witch of the North)

Jumpers:(Aiba's Invention)
They are like springs for the feet. Allows the user to jump extremely high.

* * * The IMPERIALISTS* * *

Harada Ren
Weeks passed and the Imperialists have not moved. Thus we act. The information required
finally arrives. How? I don't know, but it gets here. We overtake the largest trading town.
It seems that the Imperialists knew of our intentions, but they had not made a move to interfere.
This frustrates our Commander, but it does not stop him. The day after we have made new
accomodations in town, our Commander personally requests to see me. I am thrilled! I admire
the man very much! Him and our lieutenant. It would be our first meeting face to face.

I find him in the dining room of the mayor's manor. I am surprised to find him alone. Where's the
lieutenant? But it's not my position to ask.

I think the Commander did not hear me come in. He stands staring out one large window with
an arm behind his back. I almost clear my throat to make him aware of my presence but he
speaks out loud to himself instead.
With a tisk, he scowls. "Ohno, what the heck are you doing?"

I wonder what he means. I open my mouth to address him but at that moment he turns around
and sees me.
"Oh. You're here."

"Yes, your honor." Excitement tingles through my body.


He dismisses the formalities with one impatient wave of his hand and storms over to the table. I
see a wineglass and bottle of wine. He pours himself a cup and gulps it down.
I stare in wonder. What a man!

Then the Commander snaps back to attention. "You're so young," he says.


I gulp and revert my eyes to the ground politely. "Yes sir."

"Sakurai has told you?"


"Yes sir. I'm to run errands. Have been. That's all."

At that moment, a smirk almost crosses his face. I think he's picturing his lieutenant. Then he
proceeds. "Right. You're too young. I don't want you on the battlefield. But I think you can be
very useful another way."

My eyes sparkle. REALLY!? I raise my head in expectation.


Now I definitely see his grin. "Just this for now. Keep your ears and eyes open around this army.
Report everything back to me."

It's a strange request, but I'm thrilled nonetheless. I bow deeply in glee. "YES SIR!"
A few weeks later, news come that the Imperialists are finally stepping up. They will act! Finally,
Commander Ohno have woken. Hah! The sinners. They will still lose.

The IMPERIALISTS: Ohno Satoshi


I lived a carefree life until I was three. The summer of that year, a son was born to the
Matsumoto family. My father striped me of all my toys and gave me a sword. That weapon could
never leave my side. It was heavy for my small hands, but as a little boy I feared for the
consequences and followed his orders.

My father and mother encouraged me to hate. They taught me how. Every moment of my life
they reminded me about the presence of my rival, the young Matsumoto Jun. At five, I was
forced to begin my training.

Maybe because they were so adamant, so set on me hating Matsumoto that I never did. I could
not summon such a powerful emotion to set on another person that I did not know. I don't have
a reason to despise the younger boy, so I won't. Of course, I never told my parents or anyone.
They all think I share their feelings. I hide it very well.

To escape it all, I began to dream. To become lost in my own mind. I turn up and see a beautiful
cloud, and I get engulfed by that world of fluffiness and pure essence. Bliss. No one could ever
cure me of this "disease." It was the only way I could handle all the pressure and expectations.

And so like that I grew up unaware of the world around me. They say I excelled. Did I? They call
me a genius. Am I? I don't know. I do whatever I have to do. It's fun to hold a sword. It's fun to
notch arrows. That's all I think.

It becomes a little easier after a while.


I was old enough to join my father on his missions at fifteen. At that time, I also followed him to
Court. That was where I met our Emperor's cousin, Aiba Masaki. He was such a cheerful and
sunny boy. I wanted to befriend him. Maybe he'd make my world less harsh.

Masaki was two years younger than me, but sometimes I feel like it's three times that. I don't
know how the both of us survived while we were alone together. I secretly snucked out to see
Masaki and watch his wacky experiments. The boy was a genius in his own category. He had
miraculous creations that no one would ever think of. Of course, he never showed them to
anyone but me.

Despite that, two to three years later, he changed.


I know why. It's that girl. It's the rules of the court. Masaki is tied down and not even I could help
him. When she disappeared from his life forever, he broke down. I held him and we cried.
Anyone would think he got better after that. Masaki returned to smiling and jumping in glee. I
knew better. He hid his sadness deep inside so that no one saw. Because, they wouldn't
understand.
Around that occurrence, Matsumoto makes his first appearance at Court. He's finally of age. It
was the first time I'd ever laid eyes on my rival. He was such a small boy, smart and determined.

I wanted to talk with him. I tried, but he would have none of it. It seems he likes the distance
between us. I felt his hatred aimed at me and was shocked into silence. Why can't we be
friends? Why can't I get close to him? I would like to ask society. Everyone around me thinks it's
perfectly normal that we are kept apart.
I try to explain to Masaki, but he can't digest our Warrior Family's long history of rivalry.

I want to be Matsumoto's friend and the fact that I can't hurts me. So I bury this feeling so deep
within that I can't feel it anymore. Continue to hate me, Matsumoto Jun, like you always do. I
won't care.
As the years go by, I find myself watching him, aware of his hatred. Go ahead. It doesn't bother
me at all. And everytime, I enter my own world of dreams to get away. It doesn't affect me. No, it
doesn't...

And Masaki was the who introduced Ninomiya Kazunari to me.


Nino was the prettiest man I had ever seen. I stood in wonder when I first saw him. He laughed
(at the stupid look on my face he said) and just like that we got along. All three of us became
fast friends. Maybe it was because we understood each other's loneliness. I did not have much
time to spend with both of them though, because I had missions and my troop to attend to.

Yet, the rumors did not escape me. What do they call Nino? A Witch? Masaki and I are
infuriated (well, he shows it more than me.) But Nino just shrugs his shoulders and say he
doesn't care. He always try to act strong.
Nino, sometimes I think it's okay to show weakness. Don't you think?

His armor doesn't crack. Though as the years go by and he only becomes more despised by the
Empire, he shows no sign of breaking. Maybe in the end he's just like us. Masaki smiles like
always even if his heart is bleeding. And me? I act as if Matsumoto's hatred doesn't hurt me and
I go along with this competition between us.

The Emperor continues to be possessive of Nino and infatuated, and the Empire continues to
hate.

Before long, I am surprised that Matsumoto and I are sent on a joint mission. The problem
doesn't seem to be that important for the both of us to have to go. Right before I set forth on this
journey, Nino stops me with a grin on his face. He said, "Have fun," and then I knew it was all
HIS idea.

This mission turns out badly in my case. More than ever I feel that tension between Matsumoto
and me. His cold demeanor gets beneath the wall I have put up. I cannot zone out in peace and
then my chest seems to ache. Matsumoto, I really like him. As a friend? From the time he was
born, I've always known about his existence. Always. He's such a big part of my life and already
a part of me, but it's something he doesn't like.

I know he acknowledge me for my skills, yet he doesn't give me his trust. On our journey,
something's happening behind my back that I don't know. I have a right to. Irritation and
frustration overwhelms me. I want a man like Matsumoto to believe in me. I want to think that
there is some solid ground beneath my feet and that I am not falling. Thus, I often have this
desire to reach out and touch him so that I feel his solid form underneath my hands. Now, its no
longer just his name. It's the man himself beside me. He is so close yet I am afraid that he will
disappear and that this unexplainable pain is a dream afterall.

On the mission I overthink and my mind can't focus. I find myself in Matsumoto's tent one night,
exhausted and tired, but I JUST have to ask him that one question. That one that keeps
pestering my sanity until I can't sleep.

He sits up and gape at my appearance. That perfect face. Those serious eyes.
I crouch down to level with him and my head feels so heavy. I almost drop. The words come
and I am forced to say, "You respect me, but you don't trust me." He knows it and I know it too.
Ah... my heart seemed to hurt terribly, more than ever. "Why?" All my life I've been wondering. I
want this answer.

"You're my rival," Matsumoto replied so simply that for some reason I start to suffocate. Tonight,
my armor's off and because of that the cracks are forming. They are visible. Why...?
I want to feel Matsumoto around me. I am so lonely because of him, but deep within I know that
only he can cure this emptiness. Only this one man can make my loneliness go away. I want
him close. Without thinking I brush our lips together. A spur of the moment. Then I embrace him
loosely. Somehow, feeling his warmth is a comfort. It seems so right...

I want to tell Matsumoto that I am sorry. I know how much he hates me, but I cannot pull away.
Tomorrow, tomorrow I will forget everything. I promise. Like that, darkness engulfs me as the
exhaustion finally catches up. I'm truly sorry...

The next day I wake up in my tent and by the looks of my Guards I know that it was not a
dream. But I have pulled on my armor and as I vowed I will forget yesterday.

The years following, I hear of Matsumoto's gorgeous fiance. She's the perfect lady, they all say.
I'm happy, right? I think I am, but my smiles are crooked. Masaki and Nino says it looks creepy.
I laugh at their playful insults yet this unknown pain burning in my chest doesn't fade.

In the end, my problem is minor. Nino is in trouble.


He comes barging into Aiba's chamber one day where we are chatting at a table and he shouts,
"He's a fool!"
"Who Nino?" Aiba asks.
And Nino drops down angrily into an empty chair. "Your cousin," he mutters.
"Hiroshi?"
I nod my understanding. The Emperor.
Aiba then proceeds to question, "Why? What did he do?"

It is an enormous problem. The Emperor wants Nino to be his legal wife. He would dethrone his
Empress and the Heir in the process. How unthinkable! It's heresy! But his majesty is infatuated
with Nino and even the man cannot impede his decision. He is set.

The Empire splits. How sad.


They all hate Nino and I hear that they want him killed. I have to protect my friend.
I side with the Emperor, or in reality, with Nino. After we win this war, Nino will calm his majesty
down. He doesn't want that title. He just wants everything to go back to normal!

The Rebels are strong. It seems Matsumoto has been made the Commander. Due to this fact, I
am raised to the same position. Their thinking: we are rivals and thus we will continue to be. I
don't want it. I can't fight Matsumoto.

They take the North and advance. Several weeks later, they also take the biggest trading town.
Masaki confronts me in his full uniform and tells me to pick up my feet. To act! He is BirdMan
and the Leader of the Special Unit. His group has warned me of all these attacks beforehand.
It's my fault that I did not move.

I clench my eyes shut and wipe away all my personal feelings. Alright. I know. I have to fight
Matsumoto. I shut my heart down. With this goal, I begin to plan our attack.

Masaki's Unit is a specially formed group of which was created several years back. His is the
only squad in the Empire, because they use Masaki's own inventions. He is the famous BirdMan
of Miracles.

I send his special unit to scout the Rebel's camp. I am with my lieutenant and generals, poring
over a map when Nino comes into the room. The others give him hard looks, but I smile. Nino
sits quietly while we discuss our options, then they leave and he approaches me.

Before I have finished rolling up the map, he stops my hand with his embroidered fan. I look up
and he holds my gaze. "I have a better strategy," he tells me with all seriousness. I know that
my friend is intelligent and crafty. I listen attentively.

That afternoon, I recall my generals to change our plans.

Before long, I am on the battlefield and soldiers die around me. Men from the Rebel army and
my own. More importantly, they are just men of our Empire. I do not see Matsumoto as I draw
my sword and for that I am thankful. My strength would fail otherwise.
I plunge my weapon into one stomach, across the neck of the next enemy, and through the
hand of another. Blood splatter on my clothes and my face. My lieutenant yells, "Commander,
you don't have to be here!" Yes, I know. Like some of my no good generals, I could fight while
surrounded by my own men, so that there'd be no chance of getting hurt. But I am a loyal man
and I will not let my soldiers die for me without fighting back. I will stand at the forefront.

The next opponent sees me and before he even draws breath, I have cut his arm in one swift
motion. His comrades scream when they look pass the blood and grime on my face and
recognize who I am.
"It's Ohno!"
"The ProdiGY!!!!"

At any other time, I would have hesitated at hearing the fear in their voices, but at the moment
all I think is that I am in battle and to pause is a fatal mistake. I am the wind. Using the grace
and agility of my body, lightly I jump over the corpse of my last victim and grab the dead
soldier's sword. In one deft motion, I have outmaneuvered two men. The two weapons slip pass
their guard and pierces their neck. This time they can't even scream. And I push the blade in
until they gurgle and die.

The Rebels fall on the floor and I stare at what I have done. My mind is blank but my heart is
filled with pity.
"Commander!" my lieutenant yells at my left as if I don't notice the new opponent running my
way with his spear in the air, exclaiming for me to die.
I turn and order that worrywart of an attendent, "Don't watch my back! Go someplace where
you're useful!" I care about my other men. I can't even look as I kill the Rebel with his own
spear.

It is a hard fight and we are almost overwhelmed. Yet in the end Nino's strategy comes through.
My second general has followed the plan and brought his troop to their rear. The enemy panic.
It seems that their head Commander is not here with them today.

By dusk, the Rebels have retreated. Just stragglers running. There will be many prisoners.
"We've WON!" my soldiers scream, exhausted but triumphant. They raise their weapons into the
air. On the field, I gasp for breath and stare up at the orange sky. Perspiration runs down my
face and beneath my bloodied armor. I am soaked with my own sweat. It is a victory, but I
cannot be happy. The inhuman feeling of battle leaves me. There are too many deaths.

Matsumoto, I think as I look up. Are you okay with this?


The sky is still so damn pretty anyway.

The IMPERIALISTS: Aiba Masaki


I'm trapped.
Hiroshi was the only son of our late Emperor, so I as our ruler's cousin stand next in line to the
throne. That is, if the Empress doesn't give him a son. And for many years, that was what I
feared. Our Empress continues to be barren.

When I turned ten, the Empress gives her first child. A girl. My excitement level fell.
I don't want to rule. I want to be free.

I continued to hope though, so that I don't lose my smile. I have to live out everyday to the
fullest.
Everyone knew me as cheerful and naive. I'm not THAT out of it. I'm totally serious when I'm
doing my experiments.
I've always dreamed of being able to fly. Since eight, I've been working towards that dream.

I used to brag about my inventions to everyone around Court. They congratulated me with
smiles everytime. Hiro-chan too. Then oneday I overheard the servants insulting my work and
laughing. At that time I finally realized that people had many faces. They didn't really care about
my inventions at all.

When I found out, I had rushed to my room and cried my childish tears. Alright. I didn't blame
anyone. But from that point on, I never showed what I made to anyone. Even Hiro-chan. I didn't
know which reaction was genuine. Years later, I finally met someone who truly cared though.
Someone who really thought I had something going: Ohno Satoshi.

I met Riida when I was twelve and at Court. He had come with his father and he stood silently in
a daze despite the revelry all around him. I remember that I stared and stared at him because
he was so adorable, standing there looking like a chubby child or sleepy teddy bear in his over-
sized formal robes. Really! And I very much wanted to be his friend.

When I got that first smile out of him, I was truly happy.

We became best friends, he and I. The nickname Riida originated from the times whenever we
played games, that he inadvertantly became captain in every one of them. Plus the fact that he
actually makes a funny leader was why the name stuck. Satoshi and I had great fun together.
There were serious moments too. He never left me and I cross my heart that I would never
leave him also. We'd be pals forever, right?

I turned fifteen and completed my new pair of Jumpers at the same time. They wouldn't allow
me flight, but they'd send me high enough that it'd just be like flying. I showed them to Satoshi.
He was amazed and wanted to see me try them.

We went to one of the towers and we were so excited, we weren't thinking. (No way! We WERE
thinking. We were!) And I attached the Jumpers to my legs. I pushed off. A gust of wind rushed
pass me.

Riida had that blank look on his face that showed how empty his mind was and I laughed really
hard up in the sky. I was so free! If you don't call this freedom, then what is!? Just to show off,
each time I landed, I jumped further away from the tower.
"Masaki, don't!" he shouted, suddenly in a panic. I can't figure out why. Nothing will happen.

Before long, Satoshi was just a speck in that building and I was having the time of my life. I
neared the forest and pushed off sideways towards the heart. From up high, I could see the
trees beneath me. They were so small. I hollered in ecstasy. That is, until I realized that there
was nowhere safe to land. Dammit! But the real problem was that I had reached the pinnacle of
my jump and was now falling. The dark forest below me appeared so menacing this time.

I screamed and screamed. I'm going to DIEEEE!!!!! AAAAAAAAAAfghs#h@skgsdfdcxxxxxx!!!!

My head hits a tree branch. Oof! I black out and thankfully.


I wake up and find myself hanging from my torn robes in a tree. I have to be grateful that I
haven't smashed into the ground because then I would've really died. My body hurts all over
and I taste blood on my lips. There's also dried blood on my face. It's caked over my left eye
and I can't open it to look around me.

That was how I met Momo.


She was the most gentle person I ever knew. There was only kindness in her.

In that part of the forest where she had come to gather herbs, she got me down and took care of
me. Though I was a stranger and she did not know my Imperial identity, her hands were full of
warmth. She nursed me back to health on her own. Like that, she captured me.

Afterwards, I continued to return to meet her. She was only a few years older, yet she lived
alone and owned a small apothecary. An orphan. But it was not her situation that made me love
her. It was the sweetness of her eyes and the softness of her voice. She was the opposite of my
boisterous nature and she was the calm to my storm.

What got to me was that when Momo learned that I was the Emperor's Cousin, she pushed me
away. She wanted nothing to do with me. Why? I asked her. Why now when I am someone of
importance?
"You and I can't be together," she stated.

I know. I already knew. I had grown to love her. This is not childish admiration. The feeling came
from deep within my heart. Yet I was not naive enough to believe that we could be together. Not
a commoner and I, especially that I am next in line to rule.

But I believed that we could be friends, that we could continue to hold on to each other. There's
no crime in that.

I spent several days persuading her, standing outside in the sun, in the middle of the night, and
even through the rain. In the end, I counted on her feelings for me to change her mind. It did.
In the thunderstorm I stood, freezing and soaked to the skin and she ran out to embrace me.
She cried and gave in. I wrapped my arms around her thin body and at that time I did not regret.

In the end it's all my fault.


If only I had listened to her. If only I had left Momo like she wished.

That one night inside her home as we warmed up before the fire, I made love to her. And after
that I could not hold my heart back.

Hiro-chan found out about my attachment to Momo and advised me to break it off, but by then it
was too late.
I had not followed my own rules. Even though I knew we couldn't be together, I suddenly began
wishing. I want to be with Momo forever.

"You're only fifteen," Satoshi told me.


Riida, that doesn't mean I don't have this ability to love her. It does not mean my love is me
overthinking.

I spent my days helping Momo around her store. Those times, I wish I were just a normal
person, a mere commoner. I want to marry Momo when we become older. I'll stay like this until I
find a way. There's a lot of years ahead of me.

The moments with her were pure bliss.


I grind her dry herbs into powder and whenever I sweat, she's there to wipe my forehead. I'd
laugh and thank her and she'd smile. The sun would shine through the cracks in her house. It'd
be the best day ever.
In the fall, instead of hiring a boy to cut her firewood for the winter, I did. At dusk, Momo would
come out to call me in for dinner. Later at the Palace I'd turn away from the fine feast that was
my normal meal.

Then Satoshi told me.


He grabbed me by the shoulders and said, "You've got to stop, Masaki! You're the future ruler.
She's just a peasant! They'll do something to her!" I finally opened my eyes. I began to hear the
whispering behind my back, those I had not paid attention to before: Remove her. No one
knows. No one cares.

Hiro-chan loved me and so he convinced the Counselors to spare her life, but she would be
exiled.
No! No way! I can't live without Momo! At my young age, I panic. My head was chaotic. Life
without her was just too unbearable.
"You'll forget her," Hiroshi said. "You're still young." I don't think so.

That very night, I ran away. With Momo, we disappeared into the forest. We're going
somewhere far. Wherever, but just together.
The third night, we heard the dogs.
Momo and I were so afraid, but she continued to be strong and promised to stay by my side.
While we ran through the forest, I clutched her hand and thanked the Gods that it was her I fell
in love with. She was everything that I need.

The fourth day, we were exhausted and tired. Momo had begun to throw her belongings away.
"I don't need anything if I can only be with Masaki," she told me. It was okay for her to start a
new life with absolutely nothing. I admired her and so I said the same, throwing my own sack
down. As long as I get to be with Momo, I don't need anything too.

That very same night, our pursuers followed us to the edge of a cliff. In the clearing free of the
forest, I stopped and stared down. Below was death. Beside me, Momo gasped and her hand
tightened around mines. I turned around and saw that those who hunted us was a whole army.

"Get away from her!" the captain shouted.


"NO!" I yelled. I can't leave Momo. It was torture.
"This is the last warning."

She buried her head in my chest. What were we to do? We were so scared.
At that tense moment, I knew. I would do anything for her. I hugged her and whispered as my
heart raced with my realization, "We're going to be together, whether its this life or the next,
Momo." Even if it meant death, we would jump. Against me, I felt her shake her head.

"Away from her now or we will shoot the girl!" the captain warned. He raised his hand and the
archers notched their arrows.

Momo pulled away from me then but she continued to hold my hand. "You can't die," she
whispered to my suggestion. Her words were terrifying. It was her who had the ability to kill me,
not them. I listened in fear. She said that which was only audible to me, "Masaki, I love you. So
let's go back and wait it out, okay? Talk to the Emperor. Let everyone calm down." Her eyes
held mines and I see her sincerity, her belief that everything would work out.

She had that power over me. Only she could soothe me so easily. I relaxed. Alright. Okay.
Everything's going to be fine.
"Fire!" the captain shouted when he saw that we were unmoving.

No fucking way! If only they had waited! I drowned in disbelief.


I had to protect her. No! Even if I had to put my life on the line, she was the most important
person to me.

I jumped in front and lost my breath. The arrow aimed at her shot through my left lung. Intense
pain tears through my chest. Unbearable... I can't breathe! I gag. Something heavy pulls me
forward unto the ground and I realize through my blindess that it is Momo beneath me. Terror
grips my whole body along with the nauseating pain.
I want to shout Momo. What's happening!? The tears are overwhelming. I can't see. Ugh... No...
Hands break the arrow and pull me away and I am gasping for air as I look through the
dizziness. Momo stares straight at me with dead eyes.

The moment of truth... she had moved in front. The arrow went straight through her heart to hit
me.

I cried as they dragged me from her and only the welcoming darkness took away my pain.

When I woke, Satoshi was there. Only him. He held me and the both of us wept together for my
loss.
They've done it. She has become immortal in my heart.

I hate them for taking her away, but it hurts me because I can understand why.
And I hate Momo for leaving me to live out the rest of my life with only her memory. I hate her
and yet that is only because I still love her so much.

In Court, there is nothing to do but grow up. No one gives you sympathy. And I learned to hide
my pain and soon no one thought I remembered. They're wrong. Every time I find it difficult to
breathe I think of her. That's the scar she has left behind.

One year passed. Two. Then three and four. The time becomes unimportant. The Empress
continued to be barren and I'm still trapped. I have buried my sadness so deep that none can
tell. Sometimes I'm able to convince myself that I'm okay.

I laugh beside Riida and I perfect my inventions. In the end, I've got Jumpers that will go long
distances either sideways or up and down. I have modified weapons that could be resized into a
smaller knife. Amplifiers for hearing. Much more. With Riida's encouragement, I appealed to
Hiroshi for the formation of a Special Unit under my leadership. He was thrilled.

So it was that I spend my time with my unit, helping it grow and achieve it's goals. The team was
my pride and we succeed in our tasks to help on missions. My unit became a well-known group
and maybe I couldn't be happier. I attained the name of BirdMan, mostly because of my
specially enhanced Jumper, and because they called me a man of miracles.

Around that time was when Ninomiya Kazunari was brought to Court. The same year the
Empress got pregnant. (With my luck, it's a girl again for sure.) Hiroshi had seen the man about
to be sold into a brothel and had taken him in.

I first saw Nino, and I froze. They had the same eyes, the same nose, and the same lips. He
was almost my Momo. But of course he was NOT. Yet I keep on thinking, coming back. I stuck
to Nino so fast because it was like being with her.
When I introduced Nino to Satoshi, I almost messed up.
Because of that, I watched the concubine. In the end, I fell in love with Kazunari.

I did not see it as a betrayal to the Emperor. I was in pain and there was only Nino to comfort
me.
During that first year, I kept thinking of Ninomiya, Hiroshi's concubine, and I couldn't stop. Nino's
lush lips. His sly smile that was so warming all the same. That kindness hidden beneath the
wicked mask.

On the night that the Empress gave birth, Hiroshi was away to await the news.

I went to Nino's chamber. He was not surprised by my entrance. He did not even turn to look at
who had entered.
"I kinda figured," he stated with a sigh like there was nothing to be done. "You were always
looking at me." Ah, so he already knew my feelings!

He sat on his bed dressed in two consecutive loose robes, his one knee raised. Yet, the outer
was a see-through garment and thus only one layer of clothing covered his pale skin. I gulped.
Kazunari threw his fan down and stretched his arms, inviting me without a word. Finally.

I rushed into them and kissed him hard. His mouth was soft. Warm. It was everything. Just like
Momo. I pushed the robes down his shoulders, exposing his white neck and his chest. Beautiful.
And I kissed my way down. His skin was so smooth and soft, like velvet. It was addicting. Nino
moaned in my arms. My hand found his shaft and I rubbed him. He smelled like the sun and a
garden in full bloom. Inticing.

As I made love to Nino, I couldn't stop trying to remember. I tried to squeeze that memory back,
that one night with her. The night with my Momo. My erection became heavy and irritating and I
had a need to bury it deep within him. I lifted Kazunari's slender legs and found his small hole.
Now?

Nino hit my hand and he pulled away. He was pissed. "Masaki, you! That's not how you fuck a
man. You prepare him first and you use some oil!"
I stared dumbly at my partner.

As if on cue, the door opened and someone stepped in. In a flash, I find myself in darkness.
Kazunari had covered me with a blanket and pressed himself on top of me.
"What is it?" he snapped at the intruder.

"Concubine, the birth has gone well."


"Which one?" I heard him ask. Boy or girl?
"The Empress has conceived a son. The Heir."
I couldn't think.
When the messenger left and the blanket was thrown off me, my mind was blank. I couldn't
comprehend what I had heard. Nino, with his clothes even looser now around his shoulders, his
legs and thighs partially exposed, stared at me. "What's wrong?"

It finally came. In that moment, something had lifted from my shoulders.


I realized I am free. What irony. AUGH!! I started to weep uncontrollably. My heart hurts so bad.
If only I had met Momo now. We would've had our chance! Maybe she wouldn't have died...

Nino hugged me and I clung to him as I cried harder. Ah... I know now. I don't love Kazunari. I
am still so much in love with my beautiful Momo, and it'll probably be forever. Nino, like the pal
he is, patted me on the back to tell me that I can take my time. I laid my head on his shoulder
and I gasped for breath. I'm suffocating.

Later when I have calmed down, Nino tells me that no harm has been done.
And while he has entered my heart as a best friend, I promised that I will protect him. This time,
I'm given the chance and I won't fail another person.

That is why when the war broke out, my loyalty was given without question. Of course, I would
stand under Hiro-chan anyway, but my whole soul belongs to protecting Kazunari. He is NOT a
Witch. He is just a gorgeous man with mesmering eyes and a mischevious smile.

Soon, the Rebels took the North and advanced. They are unstopped so in their wake they have
taken all that they passed.

I force Satoshi to step up. I know he has a soft-spot for Matsumoto, yet this is not the time.
Kazunari is in trouble and only if achieve victory will everything be alright. Because... those
people, if they win they will have no mercy for Nino.

Through my words, Satoshi gathers his determination.


He wins the first few battles and has lost a couple. Those losses cannot be helped anyway. The
Rebels were one step ahead of us those times, the work of a spy. But, I know our brilliant Nino
has been helping Satoshi. Kazunari is not a man who will sit back without doing anything. And
so our wins and losses have tied with the Rebel Army. Lately though, it seems that Kazunari
has stopped giving ideas for some reason. It's not a problem, but I'm worried about him all the
same. I don't understand why.
Riida continues gain victories nonetheless. That's a relief! No way will we fall behind.

Now that we've come this far, the next battle is a turning point. It is a fight for the largest fort in
the Empire. The winner will have a BIG advantage. And, Matsumoto will come at us with
everything he's got. We have to be prepared.

It is into this important battle that my unit is entering any minute. I hear the sounds of fighting,
weapons clanging, men dying. "Captain!" a man call as I strap on my Jumpers. "The team's
set!"
The orders Satoshi had given me last night run through my head again.
Find the generals in battle. Once they are knocked down, it'll be easy to round up the soldiers
who will be lost with no one to command them.

Summoning my courage, I pull on my handguard and shield, then straighten. "Right. Let's go."

The field is littered with bodies, both of Rebels and Imperialists. I have five men at my shoulder,
all ready to leap in. My heart is racing and already sweat is forming on my brow. I take a deep
breath and remind my men, "Remember your whistle." Around my neck is my own.
We launch into the sky, over the raging battlefield.

From far above, I watch the fight. One Rebel overcomes our man. Two Imperialists wound three
of theirs. I have reached the pinnacle of my jump and start falling. I don't panic. Instead, I look
through a scope down at the soldiers. General...general... where!?

"It is BirdMan!" The voices from below starts to become audible.


"BirdMan!" Some full of fear. Others are filled with awe and triumph.
Then the arrows come.

I curl my feet and hide behind my shield. The clank of metal striking metal deafens me for a
moment. Soon, the barrage of arrows stop and I land. Quickly I look up while taking a deep
breath as Rebels run at me. They clutch their swords and raise their weapons
screaming,"DIEEEE!!!" Stupid.
I jump into the sky before they catch me. Now where!? Where are the generals! My heart
continues to pound loudly in my ears. I cannot fail Satoshi. I just can't!

As soon as the rush of air blows pass me, I look through my scope again. At that moment, a
screech whines through the area. Yes! They've found one!

The Rebels are confused. Our soldiers turn towards the noise, trying to fight their way to our
target. Satoshi has told our men of the plan. I watch and I become frustrated. Not many are
making progress. I see the Rebel's general now. Dammit!

But at that moment through the throng of soldiers I see one man passing through the ranks like
the wind. It is RIIDA!!! He is a true Warrior. Soldiers back away in fear as he moves through
them so gracefully, like a butterfly. Those with enough guts stand in his way and they all fall
back with severed limbs, blood pouring from their cuts. Genius!

Satoshi enters into a fight with this Rebel general. Of course, this man is no regular foot soldier.
He has the blood of a Warrior too. As they struggle, I turn my attention away. I have to find the
others. That is my task. I believe that Satoshi will come through in the end. Afterall, no one can
beat him. His only rival will always be Matsumoto.
An hour later, two men of my unit have fallen. I now only see three besides myself and yet we
have only found one leader. I become more frustrated and afraid. How much longer would this
battle last? We're running out of time? The next second, I hear another whistle breaking the
atmosphere. This time, our soldiers are there and they surround the target. Yes!

I am foolish enough to abandon my task for a second. I launch into the sky and look for Satoshi.
He is protected by his lieutenant and men. He is exhausted after so many killings. I fear for him.
Riida! He should stay back. He can't die here!

As the second general falls, it seems Commander Matsumoto has gotten the gist of our plan.
Two more of my members are killed.

"BirdMan, retreat!" I hear someone yell. What?


"Retreat! Retreat BirdMan!" I understand it now. The lieutenant is yelling. The Imperialists near
me are screaming. I meet Satoshi's eyes for the command.

He takes a deep, difficult breath and nods. I feel inadequate and overwhelmed. I haven't done
enough, but I obey. I have to protect him, but there's nothing I can do.

By the camp, I help the medics bring in the injured soldiers. Some are dying anyway, but many
can be saved. It is a tiresome task. The rest of my members are spread out helping. By evening,
we are tired.

Yet it is this time that I hear someone in the distance shouting. What?
"Quiet!" I order. All around me, the people silence except for the moaning and dying men. I
strain my ears to hear what this messenger is saying as he makes his way here. "They've
retreated! We've won! We've won!"
I couldn't believe my ears. My heart is pounding so hard, I can't be sure that my mind isn't
making the words up. All around me, the people cheer. They burst into tears. My Jumpers are
still on and I leap into the sky so that I reach the battlefield sooner. Satoshi!

In the air, I see our soldiers limping their way back to camp in groups. I land and ask one of
them about our Commander. They say that he's in the far back. He's fine.

I go to him anyway.
Satoshi has cuts over his face and his right arm is bleeding, but other than that he is okay. I
embrace him tightly in relief. Yes! He's alright! And its another victory! The most important so
far! This is our advantage! Finally, we might end this war yet!

Riida coughs and pats my arm. I'm too energetic for him. "You did a great job, Masaki," he tells
me after I have calmed down.
I frown. "No. Riida, it's you!"
He tries to smile, but I can tell he's really too exhausted. His face is all dirty and smudged with
dust. I run a hand down his cheek to try and wipe some of the grime away and he doesn't stop
me. He went on and says, "No, your group was perfect. They lost half of their soldiers after two
generals went down. The rest of the fight was an effort to stay alive." He sighs and stares off
into the distance.

"Satoshi?" I start because I am surprised by his action. Is something bothering him?


"I didn't see him," he mutters almost inaudibly. Who? I want to know. He doesn't explain and
tells me to go back to the battlefield.

"Please Masaki, make sure there's no one alive back there. I want everyone breathing to be
brought back to camp, Imperialist or not." Even the Rebels he meant. Such a kind commander.
It touches me. I hug him tightly once more before I go to do his favor.

It is getting dark. I take my time to fulfill Riida's wish. I bend down every second to check the
pulse of every soldier. Other men accompany me and together we have round up a few
survivors.

As we head back to our base, a shadow falls across my path. I stop and draw a knife. I don't
have my shield, damn! I realize that I am all alone as the other men have gone.

In the moonlight, I cannot see the face of this stranger. Yet, I see the emblem on his armor. A
Rebel!
"The battle's over!" I shout. I stretch out the knife and it becomes a sword. I'm as good as a
common footsoldier with this weapon, and that's really saying nothing. I begin to sweat, but it's
best to act confident. Yea.

However, the Rebel does not approach. He stays hidden in the darkness.
My blood boils. What does he want!? "Why are you here?" I bellow, unsure of myself.

Finally, he speaks bitterly. "You have taken two of my generals today. And... you have gained
this advantage."
He's stating the obvious. I could have laughed, but then it is fear that grips me instead. NO! A
sudden uncontrollable quivering overtakes my body. I recognize the voice. The one I have
heard so often at Court.

It is the Rebel Commander, Matsumoto! I realize now that he was the person Satoshi meant he
had not seen.
Matsumoto!? The weapon in my hand seems like a toy now. The man could kill me in one
instant and I wouldn't notice. He's THAT skilled with the sword. A prodigy of his own.

But he doesn't attack. Matsumoto lowers his voice. He whispers so that I could barely hear, "I
will grab another advantage, BirdMan. You have taken two of my generals... so I promise. I will
take your Commander."

Just like that, he disappears into the dark night. I am shocked. I am AFRAID.
I fall on the ground, trembling. I do not know Matsumoto personally, but there's one thing I know
about him.

He's a man of his word. 

Harada Ren
Our Commander is furious.
The soldiers are lying around, groaning as their wounds are being looked to. I run through the
camp trying to give aid where I can. From the Command tent, something crashes. Everyone is
startled. I look up in time to see Lieutenant Sakurai leave the Commander's tent. He walks
under the flap and to his tethered horse.

I rush over to him. "Mr. Sakurai, is the Commander okay?" I ask anxiously. We have lost this
battle, but there are many more to come. We shouldn't lose hope. We can't! The Witch can't
win.

Lieutenant Sakurai gives me a warm, reassuring smile. It eases me. "He'll be fine after he lets
off some steam," he tells me. Then he mounts his horse.

I realize he's about to leave. Where? I've noticed a long time ago that he's not usually around
after a battle. He's SO busy. "Where are you going?" I ask. He's like an older brother and unlike
when I'm with the Commander, I feel as if I can be myself around the lieutenant. I can ask
anything.

Again he grins down at me. He winks and says, "It's a secret." With just that mysterious answer,
he rides off and I stare in wonder at his back. Lieutenant Sakurai is a real, admirable man. The
woman he loves... that special person should feel lucky.

***

Anda mungkin juga menyukai