Chapter Two: Weeping Willow

Summer days had come - summer of the year 1866. End of July when the heat was at its worst. They would go and take a brief break from their job - the shogun had allowed it. To the outskirts of Kyoto where a reputed house of famous geishas resided in. Hirohito Koichiro had been intrigued and had decided to spend a few days there. A holiday of sorts - rest and recreation to be gained. He deserved nothing less, assured the shogun he worked for.

Today, this early morn, they go there, sitting in front of each other in this rich horse-drawn carriage. The older man was looking out through the parted curtains of the window while he was recollecting miscellaneous thoughts. At the moment, he thought about politics.

The shogun was a tyrant. That was something he despised about him, no matter their connections. It was easy to murder any person without anyone questioning it. No matter what the shogun did, he was always right. His control was absolute. He was like a God when he was supposed to be a human. That was why he had opposed his ideas more than once.

Who was he? He was a famous swordsman. Born just seventeen years ago, he easily impressed anyone with his skills and wits. A lot sought his services but his loyalty was to Hirohito Koichiro - the first one to take him under his wing. Not that he held so much dedication to the man - it was more of respect than anything else. The older man was extremely talented - and he, still young, could only learn from him.

"What do you think of, Akira?"

The young man looked up and saw that the older man was still looking outside. He shrugged and leaned back, looking out as well. Outside, the sun was still rising, flecks of light peeking amidst the emerald mountains. "Nothing really..."

A small laugh. Finally, the older man turned his experienced brown gaze to the boy. "For a swordsman reputed to be one of the best, I still read you. You are lying, are you not?"

He sighed. And then he smiled. Yes, the older man was clever.

"Smiling again..." Hirohito Koichiro shook his head in amusement. "Sometimes I think that smile of yours is a deceiving mask..."

"And why do you say that, Hirohito-san?" Yes, of course. A smile could be a mask. Sometimes, his' was a mask as well. Everyone hid behind masks, he'd always believed. Just because they are afraid of showing themselves to people - especially in this day and age. It made him wonder if he himself was afraid of revealing what person he was. Not that he had some deep dark mystery.

"You change the subject, Akira?" The man only snorted, amused, before looking back outside. "Anyway, I was thinking about that incident you were involved in recently. Opposing the shogun yet again. You dare speak words of insolence towards him? And still you're here, easily walking away from your doom. What an inspiring story, isn't it?"

Akira laughed. "You make it sound as if I'm so great. I am not though. It was just a small incident. He saw me and recognized me. We talked. I told him my opinion and as always, he was not in favor of my words. It's a mutual disagreement always between us anyway. Perhaps he understands or doesn't care. I am one of the nuisances in his life that he can do without."

"But a shogun!" Hirohito Koichiro just laughed. "A shogun against Hirohito Koichiro's bodyguard. The thought is frivolous."

Akira just smiled in silence.

"Anyway, it is today when we get away from the capital for awhile - away from anything hectic and stressful. I'm sure you are looking forward to the delectable ladies ready and willing to serve you. Tell them what you want to do and they follow your every request. It can be comparable to heaven." The man looked dreamily at the horizons outside, noting that they were approaching the outskirts of Kyoto . "Are you not excited as well, Akira?"

<To be excited at using humans?> Akira said nothing.

Causing the older man to look at him. "Or if not, there is that reputed blue-eyed boy that people keep talking about. I hear it from many - the young one who they say has the softest skin and silkiest hair. Intriguing. If you have no interest in women, perhaps that boy could do?"

Akira shook his head. "No interest. And no thank you, Hirohito-san."

"Ah, you have your principles to uphold. Such a funny thing for you especially when you yourself kill for your beliefs." But he smiled nevertheless. "I wonder what it must be like to be that boy - the shogun's personal toy. Have you heard of it? He's a son of a once-famous swordsman. Look how low he'd gotten. Ah, I do want to meet this interesting child. He must suffer a lot, I'm assuming."

"To be that boy?" The swordsman was intrigued as well. "He will be there perhaps to invite you, my lord. Then you can meet him. Perhaps he shall even be a partner to you..."

The man grinned and shook his head. "But you see, I hold no interest for boys. I'd let you have him instead though. I'm sure he would capture your attention."

A shrug of the shoulders was just the answer to that and they were silent the rest of the way, both pair of eyes focused only on the fields and forests they passed by. Each with their own thoughts as seconds ticked by and converted itself to minutes. Before long, the view of a huge mansion could be seen. And no sooner than that, the carriage stopped and the door was being opened...

Hirohito smiled at Akira with meaning, excitement embedded in his old brown eyes. Then he stood, the first to step out of the carriage. Dressed in traditional hakama and gi, and having two long swords strapped to his waist just like his guard, he stood tall and proud under the early morning sun. His very posture spoke volumes of what type of man he was - someone of high class and a swordsman and politician at that. Short dark hair smoothed back by oil, slightly tanned skin, and balding hair tinged with a bit of white - he was aging yet there was power in his movement as he looked over at the manager of the estate. From behind him, Akira too left the carriage and stood right behind him.

Akira, the famous swordsman without a last name, who had reputation to be one of those to talk back to the shogun and be able to live even today. He was rather skilled, greatly respected by old and new in his endowments. Everyone talked about him and now, here he was before a few of the people who looked up to him as well. He was very tall, this young man, and there were distinguishing marks in his features. First of all, his face was handsome, with a light tone of skin though not thoroughly pale. His lips seemed also like it was in a constant smile, something that was rather odd in this time and age. Perhaps the most unusual thing about him though was his choice of hairstyle. Seemingly gravity-defying, it stood on end, reminding people of the animals: porcupine or hedgehog.

In front of them was the immediate view of delectable ladies and a man. The backdrop meanwhile, beyond the heavy and large wooden gate and high fences, was rolling green grass where a path made its way towards the doorway of the mansion. On either side and a part of the front of that mansion were gardens that consisted of a multitude of flowers, colours blending - sweet scent rather heavy in the air. Peonies, Irises, Roses, Poppies and Delphinium, and a lot more - it seemed as if the garden was full of every kind of summer flora. And not only that for there were a lot of fruit trees from apple to orange to pomegranate and cherries, all with young fruit that would soon ripen in the harvest season of Autumn. There were a lot of trees around and yet, perhaps the most prominent view was the backdrop of the high mountains at the back of the mansion - mountains uninhibited and very green and lush with trees. Finally, there was the mansion itself. It stood - a two-story building, wide and distinctly oriental, ancient in design. Perhaps the most significant about it was the red-tiled roofs, seemingly sparkling as it reflected the warm rays of the morning sun.

"Good morning and welcome to Shidareyanagi, Hirohito-sama." A man in his mid-forties stepped up from the crowd of beautiful people before bowing lowly. After that respectful gesture, he gazed with hospitality at the two men in front of him. "I am Takato, manager of this estate. I was informed that you both will be spending the next few days here. It is our pleasure to be in the service of you, my lords."

"Yes, it is rather pleasant to spend some days here." the reputed government lackey nodded as his eyes immediately surveyed the beautiful women lined up before him. "Ah, so these are the wonderful women..."

All lined up, thin kimonos clinging on to their bodies as was dictated by the summer heat, the women all had smiles upon their faces, which of course were not so genuine. All pretty, their faces were painted, lips reddened, eyes lined, and cheeks blushed with cosmetics while their hair were arranged with jeweled combs and assorted hairpins. A multitude of colours, their clothes and their beauty, they all stood with attentiveness, ready to serve any man upon a word. And their eyes - all pairs were alight with seduction.

But amidst that, there was one who was different, one who was defiant, a male prostitute who was reputed to serve as skilfully as the ladies. He was quite young too, a boy in his early teens. Tall, with a slender frame, his eyes were designed clearly to be unreadable, the corners of his lips tugged up slightly - not truly a smile but the closest it would ever be to it. There was seduction in the way he stood as the blue kimono he wore was clinging to his skin. He was easily attractive, ready to defy men's virtue of being loyal to the opposite sex.

Hirohito watched from the ladies to the one male amidst the crowd. And upon sight of the boy, his lips tugged up in half-admiration and half-amusement. There was a smirk upon his lips.

"Ah, my lord, I see you're already shopping in this early day. Have you chosen any yet?" The manager, whose eyes were lowered respectfully now right after he had seen the man's gaze at the crowd, hid a secret smile. This is because he knew immediately that the boy was going to have a great chance of seducing this old man.

The said old man only laughed. "Quick businessman. No, not yet. I will begin though, after breakfast. I think that will be the first thing I would like." He cast his gaze to linger some more on the beauties before looking back at his guard. "Akira, chosen any yet?"

The young man, upon the question, looked down at the man he served. He shook his head, not really even focusing on the crowd of aesthetic prostitutes. He found no joy in paying to be serviced with this so-called need in life. He was a person who would prefer something true as opposed to this negative deception.

"Not paying attention..." The old man just laughed. "On one of the days when we'll be here, I'm sure you'd budge. It won't be long before you too would take interest in the ladies. I'm sure of it."

Upon those words, Akira just smiled slightly, feeling bored at his master's intention. And as if to humor him, he too cast his eyes upon the crowd - seeing... Beauty.

Everywhere he turned, he could see each woman in a seductive pose, challenge in their eyes. Buxom, long-legged, pale, tanned... All kinds of women ready for the taking. All of them bored him. After all, with his rather high looks, it was easy to find women to bed. Also with his reputation, he was rather popular among the women not only in the capital of Japan but in many different places too. That's why he felt bored. Because these women were already defeated conquests, too willing, too submissive, too... passive...

As someone who was easily bored, what he desired was challenge. What he needed was truth, something to cling on to in his empty life. What was it that every man needed anyway? Was it romance? Romance that was laughed upon in this time and age but secretly longed for and hoped for since there was barely any light in this era...

Sweeping his eyes one last time at the boring females, Akira was about to smile at Hirohito as if to say they gave him no interest when he suddenly stopped. There was someone amidst the crowd that was different...

Tall, yet a few inches smaller than him, slender, pale. Obviously, with the way the person dressed, he too was a whore in this place. But there was something that was truly interesting in him. Though his lips were carefully instructed to smile almost seductively, there was defiance in his gaze. And those eyes... those eyes were the same colour of his own. Beautiful boy who stood with an air of mystique, as if even as he stood amongst filth, he was different altogether. Was it a hidden innocence? Was it the hint of strength as he was reputed to only be here because of the shogun's orders? Was it that, as he stood amongst the sinners, he transcended his state as a whore with the simple fact that in here, he was only forced? Admirable boy who had skin like white silk, and inky black hair and eyes like pools of liquid sapphires...

Those eyes...

As Akira continued to study the boy, a sudden moment occurred. For at that moment, their eyes met for the first time.

"Ah, I knew you'd take interest in the boy-whore of this estate." Laughter by Hirohito Koichiro but the young guard could barely hear him now, all his attention on the boy in front of him.

The manager immediately took the opportunity. "Ah, Akira-san, are you interested in him? He's very skilled in pleasuring males. Would you like him after breakfast? He's free and if ever he's scheduled later on, you will be given the privilege to use him first if you so desired. After all - "

But he could no longer continue as Akira suddenly looked at him with eyes that hinted... danger? The manager bowed his head low. "I'm sorry for making assumptions then, Akira-san. I thought you were interested. Anyway..." He looked on up and saw that the old man Hirohito was gazing yet again at the women. "Anyway, breakfast is about to start. But before that, I shall first introduce you to the boy... Kaede," He looked pointedly at the boy and smiled with meaning. "Come here. It's time to be introduced."

As ordered, the boy nodded politely and sauntered over to stand beside the manager. His long fringe was covering his eyes as he lowered his gaze in respect at the men who were right before him. In his heart, he held no respect for them but in actions, he allowed himself to act mechanically, just because there was no choice.

"Gentlemen, this is Kaede, he shall be serving the both of you closely in any of your needs. If you need anything, he shall always be near and available. From the simplest things such as meals or tea to even sexual favors. He's a good boy. I assure you he can serve you both well. The smartest, after all, and a male in the midst of common whores. We are most proud of him..."

Hirohito listened on in and looked at the boy before them. Then boldly, as if he had the right, he reached out to lift the boy's chin so as to see his face. "Yes, I guess we will allow him to serve us closely. He is aesthetic, even for me who does not care much about boys. He looks much like his mother too. I can remember her even now. Akira, I'm sure you'll take care of the sexual favour part." Laughter before he took away his hand, seeing the faint tremor that was produced from his words about the child's mother. He knew about the child's sad fate from many years ago...

"Hirohito-san..." Akira protested immediately, upon hearing the comment. When he did, he saw the boy looking up at him and he smiled immediately, as if to offer a kind hope in the midst of this maddening life that the boy seemed trapped in. He saw first a faint confusion before the boy looked down again, eyes shadowed immediately by his silky bangs.

"Sorry, Akira." Hirohito just grinned. "I know you aren't into these easy conquests much but come on. I mean, even I am tempted by this young boy's beauty. I'm sure you are too..."

"Perhaps not..."

"Ah, whatever, Akira. You'll see the light one of these days. For now though..."

"Yes, my lords, for now, breakfast is served. It's ready now in the dining area inside." The manager smiled before gesturing with an arm to the small path amidst the grassy ground, that which lead towards the large open main door of the mansion. "If you so desired…"

"Yes." Hirohito nodded with a faint smile, nodding. He took strides towards the doorway, followed behind by his ever-present guard, the manager and the boy-whore.

Inside was a long antique hall, made of shining mahogany walls and floors - all polished and looking like honey because of the effect of the early sunshine that peeked in through the crevices of the house. On those walls, were exquisite works of art. There was a distinct scent of cedar as well as the mouth-watering scent of breakfast in the air. They walked on further with silent footsteps, the manager quickening his strides so as to lead them to the far hall where the main room seemed to be. In that main room, they passed without any other action except silent observation in the part of the two visitors. It was glorious and elegant, the interior rather different from most of the interiors of buildings. Though true that the two men had seen similar, they could not help but admire the western motif that was presented to their eyes - from the tall golden mirror, the thick crimson carpet and the cushions with fabrics of the finest silk. It was fairly obvious that this was definitely the best brothel - perhaps not only in Kyoto but in the entire country itself.

They continued on and passed a doorway before the sight of a long low table was presented, cherry black in colour. On it were breakfast meals from around the world, from traditional oriental such as dumplings to the extravagant ones from places so far as Europe and the Americas, such as custard and ham and different kinds of bread. There were also the fresh fruits, all still with dew as their sweet scent could be distinguished from all the delicious scents.

And then they were led to the marvellous meal, free to sit wherever they chose as common servants were immediately there to attend to their every whim.

The manager smirked.

"Breakfast, my lords, is served."

***

He sat with the knowledge of the purpose of his body. Sitting with his knees bent, lower legs and heels trapped beneath his thighs, and his hands folded elegantly on his lap, his face was fashioned to be with serenity, as was required during times such as these. The only goal of the moment was to look beautiful - and that was what he was doing.

The boy sat silently by the side of the manager, watching silently, from across the table, the two men who were eating breakfast and were having a casual conversation with the manager. His mind was wandering really, having no focus on the present. It was better that way. At least he didn't have to get to know his would-be customers or the man he'd soon kill. At least his sanity was saved a little because of it. At the moment, he was thinking of the far past, as if he could still pretend to be five, only worrying about not getting in his father's way or thinking up what to do when his elder siblings chose to bully him. The calm and silent days that were at least... tolerable...

The conversations around him continued.

"Ah... Is that so, Hirohito-san?" Fake laughter by the manager. They were now speaking of certain officials within the government - those foolish enough to soon be ordered killed by the shogun, just because they were weaknesses in the absolute rule of the supreme leader.

"Yes, terribly so." Hirohito smirked before sipping the hot tea that was pressed again his lips, the cool ceramic cup a contrast to the hot golden liquid in it. After downing a few gulps, he placed the cup down, nearly finished with his meal. Looking briefly to the side, he saw that his guard was already done. He looked amused. "Well, Akira, are you sure you don't want to possess any of the beauties that we had seen outside? Come on... Every man needs to stoke his fire once in a while just to gain release. You know that in this time and age..."

The young man looked up upon being spoken to and just shook his head. "As I have been telling you all morning, Hirohito-san, there is no interest within me."

"Ah, yes, your often bored personality."

At that moment, the manager spoke up, feeling the need to provoke the young man. "But Lord Akira, you will be staying... three days, is it, in this estate. Surely even one would do?"

Akira smiled slightly before shaking his head again. "No thank you. Thank you for the offer, but the answer is still no."

"Is that so?" A calm smile returned by the manager. He tilted his head to the side as if that had meaning. "Hmm... Akira, I have heard quite a lot about you. You are reputed to be a great swordsman, are you not? One of the best out there but with talents that are hushed up. You are quite skilled. I'd pay to watch you perform."

Small laughter. Akira snorted softly, calmness on his features. "You've heard rumours, Takato-san. Perhaps it was only that..."

But the manager's seeming speech did not cease even when he heard the faint hinting of discouragement from the young man as he saw that Hirohito was grinning in approval at his words. "Really admirable. And I've also heard that you have opposed the shogun directly - in a conversation. Truly astounding."

"It was just a verbal spar." Akira reasoned immediately. "Just that, Takato-san."

More words. "Don't deny it, Lord Akira, for it is true. So much things that no other Japanese could do. You are among the best of the best. And of course this statement is leading to yet another statement." His eyes held mystery, as if his next words were grand enough to shake the world. "And for the best, I only offer the best..."

His hand gestured slowly to his side where none other than the boy Kaede was sitting, faint smile and all, silent and passive as people expected him to be.

"The best which is this boy, Kaede." The manager smirked.

The boy immediately snapped awake from his seeming daydream as his name was called and all attention was now on him. He could see it in their eyes immediately - the appraisal of his worth. He bowed his head immediately but with slow movements, as if he exuded shyness. Looking down at his pale hands that were a striking contrast to the dark blue silk that covered his thighs, he wondered what they had talked about earlier on. He'd heard it briefly - not so much - the speech of the manager that praised the swordsman who sat right before him. Eyes shadowed by his long ebony bangs and lips nearly unseen by those two men in front of him, he could almost allow himself to smirk - a smirk of madness against this tragedy.

Meanwhile, Akira looked immediately at the boy upon the manager's words, his own eyes curious, as if interested truly in the boy. No, he did not want him. The boy was beautiful yes - without any doubt - but he still held his beliefs, not wishing for these casual trysts. Upon looking at the rather emotionless yet aesthetic features, he saw him looking down immediately, as if shy. Akira wondered more at that...

And unknowingly, he began to prod...

"How old is this boy, Takato-san?"

There was the immediate gleaming of amusement in the manager's eyes as he heard the question - though that question was rather... just inquisitive. To him, it was immediately a hint of interest for the young man. A small nudge by his elbow to the boy's side and the boy looked up immediately, in a silent defiant gaze at him, before looking on back rather blankly at the two men.

"He's only fourteen." The manager smiled, watching in admiration as the boy set to work: carefully angling his slender neck to expose the smooth paleness, head tilting slightly and lips tugging up briefly in a seeming challenge to the two men. To his delight, the two men suddenly grinned at the boy's actions - though to the young man Akira, the grin quickly faded into a warm smile... in which, Kaede looked for a moment alienated from. As if to correct that brief error in his features, the boy looked on back at the still-grinning Hirohito, seduction in his gaze.

The manager chose that time to continue.

"Do you not want him, Lord Akira? Look at him. He's young and smooth and hairless. Look closer. Look at his long fingers, his slender body and the delicacy in his face. He is very skilled too, offering something, I'm glad to say, not many could offer you. Skilled hands, mouth and body. He just needs you to part his legs wide open and to thrust inside him... And, a rather tight body at that..."

The boy who heard his self-description nearly winced internally if only he had not heard that line a thousand times before. Of course that was what was assumed of him now, silently pliant, enduring every thrust to his patience, sanity and soul - aside from his body. He briefly wondered, as he listened to the deep masculine voice, if there will ever come a time when he would have to let go of his inner afflictions, emotions he had trapped inside just because he needed to be strong now as he tried to battle the demons he would live with forever. But for now, there was no choice but to remain submissive, to endure and to survive. A futile wish, he knew, and something that enslaved him to constant bitterness and self-spite. A feeling of hate of oneself even if he knew there was no point...

Akira, who watched only the boy as those words were spoken, winced for the child that was right before him. Fourteen years old... Far too young to have this occupation yet already serving men since a small child. A sad life with no salvation - yet another suffering soul in this Meiji Era. As he watched the sightless eyes, he saw a brief glimmer of sadness - just the hint of it - before it faded away immediately. But that small hint was enough to provoke something loud: futility, desperation and the non-erasable fact of being /eternally trapped/. Akira could not help but look on in curiosity at the boy: at the blank look, the seemingly dead eyes but most of all, the fighting spirit that held the boy's head up at the moment. How humiliating must it be for this boy to be here having no choice? How tragic? How sad? But Akira knew he could do nothing but watch and observe for this was none other than the shogun's toy, and of course, the shogun was not to be trifled with, especially in this. After all, to him, Akira, who had defied the shogun once before, yet another defiance would result to his head displayed upon the streets of Kyoto.

Finally, silently, he spoke his response. "I could admit that this boy that is before me is perhaps all that you say. But I do have my principles to uphold, Takato-san. I do not wish to use his body, I'm sorry." He bowed his head slightly for effect before looking up at the manager's reaction. From his side, he could hear his master Hirohito snorting, knowing without looking that the older man was rolling his eyes in annoyance at him. Well, he could not really change his philosophy all for the sake of their approval, no?

The manager held a constant calm gaze though inside he was boiling quite a bit, cursing the young man internally for his strength as a man - this rare strength to cling on to morals even in this day and age. Nodding though, he looked on back evenly at the young man. "I understand."

And as if on cue with those same words, there came a knock suddenly as all their gazes turned towards the doorway that lead to the main room. There was a young man there - a mere servant from his manner of dress and the way he kept his gaze low.

"Yes, Ichiro-kun?" the manager inquired.

"Takato-san, the services of Kaede are now required. Lord Minami had arrived and is searching for him."

"Is that so?" With a small smile, Takato nodded his head before looking at the two men in front of him. "My lords, I hope you forgive me, but I must now dismiss Kaede from this table. Will that be alright?"

The old man smirked faintly, amused gaze focused on the boy. "That's fine... Amusing though that in this early morning someone had already chosen to acquire his interesting services. Male whore..." He did not notice at all the nearly disapproving stare that Akira suddenly gave his way.

Because to Akira, the words were merely salt to an already infesting wound - a wound he knew would perhaps never heal.

"Yes, well..." The manager only shrugged before standing slowly, causing the boy beside him to follow his actions. Grinning at the men, he wrapped an arm around the smaller and younger male's waist, leading him from the table towards the servant. "Excuse us."

The boy merely let the man touch him, already too used to the constant violation of space. Once he saw the servant, he knew immediately from the gleam of pity in the young man's eyes that his customer Minami was in a rather 'bad mood' again. Meaning there could be a slight disfiguration of his skin later on, as based on Minami's... 'inclinations'...

"If Lord Minami is in one of his moods, inform him about the extra pay." The manager muttered silently to the servant before leading Kaede to him. Smiling impeccably though, he looked once to the boy. "And you... be the excellent whore as always."

The boy could only nod faintly and blankly as he exited the dining room with the servant. He had really expected nothing less than those words. Walking on though, he saw that at the end of the hallway and waiting right beside an open room, was none other than the man he now recognized. Minami, an underling of a captain of the shogun guards. He wondered briefly, as he saw the dark beady eyes already devouring him, when he would be ordered to assassinate the rather violent man.

And before he really knew it, he was pulled into the open room, the sliding door shut with a slam before the servant could say anything. Greedy hands clawed at his body, his clothes - dark blue kimono ripped away, pale skin needed by callused fingers. He felt his body pushed against a nearby cot, - thank the heavens for that - head pressed fervently against the softness underneath him, hands clutching desperately his hips and the hard flesh of arousal pressed against his back. Always pain gained from this man. The boy smiled amusedly in almost madness before the moment of strife would begin.

And then that moment, that brutal ripping of his flesh. He clutched the sheets underneath him, eyes closed tightly, refusing to cry out even now... as his life was played upon yet again...

"I missed you, Kaede..." Whispered harshly amidst the grunts.

"I didn't, Lord Minami..."

***

Few hours had passed now.

Walking along the hallways and observing with silence the interior of this antique mansion, the guard could faintly hear the grunts and groans that drifted from various doors he passed by. Of course he knew those sounds. They were the language of the wicked, the ones being preyed upon and the hunters themselves. After breakfast, his master immediately went on to choose three delectable women who accompanied his first bath of the day. He had left him shortly after that, just after observing the naked female bodies that slowly took away his master's clothes. Seeing them, he knew immediately that they were harmless - female prostitutes at that - and his master, the man who had been fighting all his life, could defend himself readily. There seemed to be no danger. So he asked for dismissal and was granted it. He'd trekked the halls then, hoping to see something interesting. Now, hours later, he was still wandering. Bored.

Well, earlier on, there was one significant event in this place. There came a man - an old healer, it seemed - that came rushing to a room. The room had scented faintly of, of course, sex. And yet, there was also the smell of blood. The young guard immediately knew that there was a customer who had gotten out of hand and the poor prostitute - whoever that may be - was going to have to be treated. Akira felt a faint sadness for whoever the victim was but then knew that he could really do nothing but be an outsider, on the outside looking in - a useless effort because for all his energies, he had chosen the side of the government where he was raised, close associate of none other than the shogun himself. This, of course, meant that he could not fight for the weak, the suffering. His only mission, as honour upon his job required of him, was to protect Hirohito Koichiro. Nothing else.

Breathing a deep breath, Akira suddenly paused, looking ahead as he recognized that he was back near the bath, where he had initially come from. That meant that he had toured the mansion twice already and was now back, yet again, from his where he had departed earlier on. Staying still for a moment, he tried to use his senses, listening to the sounds inside the bath. Inside, there seemed to be no one. Well, of course, his master had moved to a large room earlier on, acquiring yet another woman after one of the three from the bath could no longer withstand his vitality. A faint smirk settled on Akira's face, amused at his master's talents. He shook his head before turning around, intending to perhaps go out in the garden, sit underneath the shade of the tree, right by the pond at the back - that which he had seen earlier on. Right now, after all, he could feel the sheen of sweat that was making his clothes stick to his skin.

Hot summer days...

As he was about to walk away though, there was a sudden quiet sound from behind him, making him turn around - right at the precise moment when a body bumped into him.

Who was...?

Akira steadied the smaller body, noting absently the evidence that the person had a recent bath inside the room they were standing before at the moment. The person was familiar. It was the boy from earlier on. There was blank look in his gaze, his body staggering slightly as he tried to move away, internal struggle flickering briefly in those cobalt eyes like his own.

"Are you okay?" Akira asked in concern, seeing that the boy seemed to be absent from reality. Looking on closer though, he noted the bruised lips, faintly with a small abrasion. The boy yet again tried to move away in pained steps but Akira held on to those bony shoulders. "Are you - ?" He tried to repeat his question yet again, not really knowing why he had to pry. Was it because of boredom or was it because of the futility that was being screamed by the youth right before him? He spoke gently. "Are you okay... Kaede?"

Finally hearing his name spoken gently, almost cruelly just because only his now-dead mother spoke that way to him, the boy looked on up at the taller male, seeing for the first time the color of the irises.

Blue...

As blue as the eyes of his family's killer.

And it all came back in that instant, all memories from his past, pounding against his skull and causing a headache that would soon break the sanity he'd long tried to protect from danger and destruction. The cause of the snapping of his awareness, of the blankness of his eyes to fade away and his vulnerabilities being bared to the man who stood in front of him...

The first meeting of two souls to become entwined...

In this estate that was called Shidareyanagi...

Weeping willow.

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