Chapter 7

The next morning the Shogun sent for Corey-chan to deliver his agreement on using the weapons the Captain hid at the once military base. 

The western soldier wasn't surprised. The Shogun was a good warrior and strategist – from their talks Corey knew that well. Such an opportunity to have a full base's gun and cannon arsenal for free was a very good and rare one. The samurai of his defeated all the soldiers there, so it was rightful battle gain... Of some sort… 

Getting ready some carriages and people was fast. And the two Coreys and Kiichi-kun with a couple of lower ranked warriors were already riding their horses towards the sea…

The two black horses of the lovers were next to each other while Corey-chan either fell back behind them or checked on the other warriors and the carriages.

By then Kiichi's arm was better too and he stole short glimpses of his Captain. He was so proud of him for helping them like this. Getting these weapons would be a huge advance and a big surprise for the enemy. That day they were going to learn how to use them as well. But the samurai had no doubt that his love would do an excellent job in teaching them. But first they had to enter the base where Kiichi had left some warriors to the Shogun's order. They were keeping an eye on the military base and made sure that the white men didn't come back.

"Your turn now, Corey-san," Kiichi said once they entered the gates, giving Corey the lead while he patted Riku's neck absently. Kiichi just hoped that not too many bad memories would burden his lover's heart being back there again.

He wasn't sure if the Captain had seen the small shrine the left back samurai have built after burning the fallen soldiers and their own. It didn't matter which side they were on, it was custom among them to honor the dead.

Corey jumped off his horse, Nightmare, and walked him after Kiichi by the bridle. Seeing the shrine he stopped and got on one knee and bowed taking his hat off. 

After giving his honor to his battle mates, he looked up at the two samurais and the other watching him and that made him clear his throat. "Bring the carriages to the back. To the stalls. The weapons are hidden in an underground storage," he said going to lead the way.

"You heard him. Let's move it, everyone. We don't want to make our Shogun wait for too long," Kiichi nodded after a brief understanding look which he shared with the Captain.

While following his man, Kiichi could imagine how Corey must have lived in this base. Doing everyday things, patrolling and fighting... He wondered if Corey missed it.

But now they had a task at hand and the sooner they got back to the palace and safety, the better. For now there were no problems on their way here, but that could change any time and they didn't want to risk the enemy discovering what they were up to.

Going ahead to the barns he packed some hay away from the ground, revealing a trap door. "I go ahead and lead the way. Be very careful with the torches, there is a lot of gunpowder in barrels here," Corey automatically instructed the others then looked at the red and black armored samurais. "If you agree, Kiichi-kun," he bowed as he added after forgetting that he was a captive and not the Captain of the place anymore.

"Of course," the samurai nodded with a neutral expression. "Take as few torches as possible. We don't want anyone to blow up down there," he said and to that the others started following the Captain down the trap door.

Soon more and more boxes of guns, bullets and barrels with said gunpowder were getting moved up and to the carriages. Kiichi helped as much as his injured arm let him, but when it started hurting too much again, he switched to coordinating the others how to pack the supplies safely.

For last the four smaller cannons were left. It took a handful of the lean short Japanese men to carry out the heavy iron weapons. 

"These also can be used to fire all kind of junk. Shrapnel is… metal and I've seen stag antlers, parts and bones... anything that can cause big harm and fly far. That's why it's dangerous and the wound can get infected easily. I despise those who fire all kind of poisonous junk at people. Once I‘ve got a fever from Americans blowing rotten animal parts at us with sharp metal parts… That was when I wanted to leave it all behind for good after I slowly healed up … " Corey said like thinking out loud standing next to the two samurais. He felt a little strange as he was thinking back on just how much in a few months his life has turned upside down… again... 

He was just watching the packing people lost in his thoughts in silence until the warriors brought up a very long leather and wood case. 

"Wait! Kiichi-kun. Can you treat this special, please? That is my special rifle. Was a gift from my general in the big war," he turned to Kiichi.

To Corey's words the addressed samurai started wondering if some of the healed up scars on his lover's body were the mementos of that injury that he mentioned. "Doing such things isn't just disgusting but the most dishonorable thing I have ever heard," Kiichi snorted, keeping his good hand on the dragon hilt of his katana and it was clear that neither he, nor the other Corey lowered their guards even for a second.

Hearing his name the samurai glimpsed at the long box and nodded. "Of course. I'm sure the Shogun will let you keep it too, if you ask him," he added and raised his voice a bit to inform the men carrying the box about how to handle it.

By the time they finished, it was getting near lunch time so Kiichi ordered everyone to eat and rest a bit. He sat down among his men this time to spend some much needed time with them as ever since the Captain was in the palace, he had less time to check in with the other warriors. Even if he was happy and in love with the buff man, he just realized that he'd missed these peaceful moments. He usually didn't say much during these shared lunches, but he laughed too on the funny or battle stories some were telling.

By the time he finished his food and looked up smiling, he realized that Corey wasn't there anymore. Lightly frowning, he quickly washed his bowl with some water then went to look for his love.

Meanwhile the Captain was wandering around the barracks and ended up in his room. Sitting on his old bed he packed out his stuff… His old stuff… Looking over photographs of the base and other old battle mates…

It didn't take longer than a few minutes for Kiichi to find Corey like that. Knocking on the door frame he then walked to his love and sat down next to him to take a look at the pictures.

A minute or two passed in silence like that then Kiichi finally asked while he let their shoulders touch. "Do you miss this? Your old life? Would you want to come back if you had a chance?" 

It wasn't just curiosity but maybe some fear in him too that made the samurai ask these questions. Because now that his heart was Corey's, he had a lot to lose. And Kiichi just realized that while sitting there.

"I miss these beds…" Corey shrugged and looked at Kiichi smiling playfully. He picked up one photo and gave it to his love to look at. "This was taken during the big war in France. I didn't even finish the academy when all hell broke loose in Europe. Then more nations joined in all for greed and power. Look, we all were kids. The whole legion there literally rotting and starving in the ditches. Standing in water and moving around in those self-made tunnels like rats. Both sides used gas and chemicals," he let out a bitter chuckle.

"I got sick from those wounds when it all ended. Seemingly… I should have went home and be a happy young veteran of whom my old great family can be proud of and marry a woman from the upper classes and produce heirs to send them to train to be soldiers too. So I took my special gun and joined that foreign legion to get away. And to have the illusion that I can save innocents and protect them. And again I am choosing a new life… With you… Your people..." Corey said looking towards the door, remembering that maybe someone was listening. "This is what you see now is a… closure… A goodbye to that Captain of the North American trading and shipping company’s army base," he laughed.

After a short smile from Corey's joke, Kiichi listened intently to what he was saying and examined the photo too. It was clear as day that his man has lived through horrible things and the hardships of battles too. But he came out of those stronger and didn't choose the easier way. Because he could have after that big war with starting that family.

A warm smile appeared on the samurai's small lips as he really looked at Corey. That smile came from the realization that the long-haired man was indeed the descendant of dragons as they always chose freedom and their own way to live their lives. And that fire was back in Corey's warm brown eyes by the time he said that he was staying. Kiichi could read between the lines and understood that it meant that Corey had chosen him and this culture over his past. Which was a huge thing for the samurai to digest, but it also made him so very happy.

Relaxing himself a bit, he glimpsed towards the door and when he didn't see anyone there, he put a hand on Corey's forearm and pecked his lips gently. "Although I love that Captain too, I'll love this new man even more," Kiichi whispered so that only Corey could hear.

"I am fully yours in every meaning, my samurai," Corey whispered back, caressing Kiichi's arm with his thumb. "Let's get back to the Shogun. Maybe he will like me a little more for helping out his army."

***

Shogun Root was standing on the balcony of his office, overseeing the carriages getting unpacked. There were a lot of those western weapons like the Captain promised. Resting his big hands on the balustrade, he was thinking about how valuable it was to keep the white man alive. During their talks they more or less became friendly. The soldier never forgot though to show his respect to the Shogun, which Jim definitely appreciated. He had to deal with too many other white men to his taste who thought that they were above Japanese people. Meeting someone like the Captain was refreshing and also eye-opening to the ruler not to generalize his kind.

Stroking down his beard, he was now watching said man next to Kiichi, instructing what to do with the supply. The Shogun was trying to decide what kind of role and how much freedom he should give to him in the attack they were planning on the other Shogun's men.

But before he could finish his decision, he heard someone enter his office. Turning only his head back he saw his short red samurai heading his way while two servants were carrying a strange long box to place it next to the low table before leaving.

"What is that?" he asked Corey-chan, stepping back into his office with a questioning look.

Corey-chan bowed in respect first. "Jim-San. This box belongs to the Captain. He asked us to treat it special, as it is a gift he received in the big war before. His special gun, he said… We also brought many weapons and ammunition. The Captain offered to help our warriors learn how to use them..."

The Shogun hummed, walking closer to his samurai standing next to the box now. Looking down on it he absently put a hand on Corey-chan's shoulder.

"Interesting. Open it for me," he said on a slightly softer tone and when Corey did, he looked at the weapon in many parts.

"What do you think? Should I allow it? And how was the trip to the base?"

"Everything went in order. There where no signs of attack or someone following us. Corey-san was respectful and helpful with us," the short man said, looking with a warm smile at the Shogun. 

For a while now he could spend more time with his Lord, and not just in his bed… And it made the otherwise famously hot-headed red samurai more peaceful and sated. 

"I think, my Lord that maybe you should learn about this weapon and what it can do, also what the Captain can do with it before deciding," he spoke with respect and bowed at the end.

To those words the tall Shogun looked down at the much shorter man and even went as far as showing some of his affection by lightly pinching Corey-chan's chin between his fingers for a moment. "Wise words, Corey," he murmured before taking a step towards the case again, putting his hands behind his back.

"I am satisfied with the result of that risky trip. Fetch me the Captain and I'll take your advice," he hummed a bit absently, clearly already planning his next steps.

"Yes, my Lord," Corey smiled blushing a little and bowed going to get the Captain. 

Leaving the rest of the packing to the red samurai, as Kiichi was busy to escort the gunpowder barrels to safe distance from the buildings, the Captain hurried to the Shogun. He knew it was about his gun, and he was planning to convince the ruler to let him keep it, and use it in the battle. From all those memories and riding out his inner fire to serve as a solder rose up again. 

Walking in, he bowed to the big man and glimpsed at the open case. "You wished to see me, Jim-san."

"Yes, yes. Come closer Corey-san," he waved the long-haired man closer maybe a bit impatiently, but it was stemming more from curiosity. "I hear all went well. I appreciate you helping us out. When you got here, I doubted you'd one day honor us with something like that," he nodded a bit as a sign of his respect, which wasn't to be taken lightly when it came from such a powerful Shogun as Jim.

"I also have a few questions for you... First of all, you have an impressive firearm here. Tell me, what is so special in it? And why are there so many pieces to it?" he turned to the box, his eyes going through the unknown pieces once again.

Corey nodded back with a small smile. He hoped the Shogun would get interested like this… 

"It is a sniper gun, my Lord. It is used to shoot people from great distances with precision. Like your archers can, but this with a big bullet too. It has a longer barrel and some legs to be stable, and a field glass to aim perfectly. May I?" he asked kneeling down to the case and started to slowly put the rifle together into a long gun and also showed the longer shaped bigger bullets in a case to the Shogun.

To Corey's question the ruler simply nodded and watched with interest how he was assembling the gun with practiced ease and moves. "Fascinating. I haven't seen any of these machines from this close, only heard rumors about them. Show me from the balcony how you use it once you put it together."

It was clear that the Shogun was probably more open to these new machines than for example, Kiichi or other samurais. But as a ruler of his people, he had to keep up with the new technical advancements. Especially when it came to protecting what was theirs.

"Alright, Jim-san. I finish it outside then," Corey said and moved the half-done gun and the case with the small bag of gunpowder and the lined up bullets in the case. 

Putting the legs up to stable it and the glass over the aim, he loaded the gun and looked at the Shogun. "Pick something far away please. Something over that lake," he pointed at the small pound about some yards away.

Following the Captain, the Shogun never for a second thought that Corey might use that weapon on him. By then no samurai present were necessary during their talks either. They were something like... nearly friends even. Despite the difference in ranks between them, they definitely got closer during their daily talks that they've been doing for months now.

"Alright..." Jim smiled a bit and looked over the lake, looking for something that Corey could shoot. "Oh, I've got something for you. See those three red flags by those bushes?" he asked pointing them out. "Shoot the one in the middle in a way that will make me see that you did hit it," his smile widened and was waiting eagerly to see what this gun could do. Corey wanted to hold on to it for a reason, he was sure.

"As you wish, Jim-san," Corey smiled kneeling into position and looking into the field glass only for a few seconds before aimed the long barrel of the gun a bit higher and pulled the trigger. 

The people packing below yelled surprised at the sound and looked up. And the fat pole of the faraway middle flag broke in half, making the red silk fall to the ground.

"I got this from my general during the big war in Europe. It was my weapon and even more rare back then, and he let me keep it," Corey said looking up to see the Shogun's reaction of the quick and precise way he got the flag down.

"Impressive!" the Shogun stroked down his beard – looking much younger and excited than Corey could ever see. With his other hand he waved to the packing people that he was fine.

Then he chuckled a bit, patting Corey's shoulder. "Well, this weapon definitely fits you, Corey-san. Thank you for the demonstration. Now... tell me... You want to stay here with us?" he looked at the other man with a searching look, expecting the truth.

Corey looked back the Shogun in the eyes and the first thought of him was that he was a captive. But he kept that to himself, sensing that his answer could mean more… 

"Yes, my Lord. If I can say it and choose, I would want to stay and live like your people do. It always interested me, and that is why I wanted to learn more about it even before I got here. I… let's say I found this culture and way of life exactly what I was searching for," he said and bowed in respect, hoping the Shogun would see on him his pure intention to help in battle and belong to them.

For a long moment the Shogun didn't move and his hazel eyes seemed as if looking into Corey's soul. Then the little tense moment broke as Jim turned back to the balustrade and put his hands on it, looking at the broken flag pole, some servants already taking off and folding the red flag with the black dragon on it. The ruler knew that soon it was going to be replaced even without his order.

"It wasn't hard to see..." he hummed more to himself to Corey's last sentence. "So I assume you'd want to fight on our side in the battle too..." When he got an affirmative answer, he nodded and stroked his beard down a few more times, clearly about to decide something.

"I'll allow that. It would be stupid of me if I didn't use your excellent fighting skills. After all... you're a legendary captain," he chuckled, even smirking at Corey for a moment. "I'll want you with the archers and cover us with this fine gun of yours."

"You are very generous, my Lord," Corey bowed again. " It will be my honor to serve you among the archers. I also can teach your warriors how to use the guns and cannons effectively," Corey said pulling the sniper gun off its legs to pack it away and looked down at the red samurai ordering the others around.

"That was the next thing I wanted to talk about. I'll give you permission to teach them to that too. You did a great job with training them how to treat the wounds caused by the weapons of white men," he said on a more pensive voice, his own hazel eyes finding and staying on the shorter Corey too.

"You can also stay with us in the palace or move somewhere on my territories if you survive the battle. Though I'd prefer to keep you close to me. I value your military expertise and advice. Also would like to benefit from your fighting skills. It's no secret," he chuckled a bit as they were watching Corey-chan helping to pack some weapons too.

"I know how hard and rare it is to find a place or someone that perfectly matches the needs of one's heart..." he said and absently licked his bottom lip as he watched the samurai bend down to pick up some weapons. Then as if waking from a haze, Jim turned to the Captain with a small knowing smile. "But you know well how that is..."

Corey looked at the Shogun trying to see behind his words. The way they were with the red samurai was no secret to the Captain. Jim-san not too hidden affection towards the red-haired man only surprised him a tiny bit. The double meanings in the words the Shogun has addressed him with made him a bit more careful, though. His senses told him that he was in a very rare and generous position where the Shogun himself let him be as free as he wanted… with whom he wanted… Maybe they were not careful enough… But from the smiles and friendly way of talking Corey stayed calm, only noting those hints for himself. Maybe he was overthinking…

"Thank you for all the favors, Jim san," he bowed. "You bringing me here gave me a new life I feel very close to my heart and soul. As you said… it perfectly matches my needs and heart and I am honored and promise I will serve you the best I can," he bowed again.

The Shogun smiled a bit to himself hearing Corey's words, but it was more an inside joke to him. "We'll see that. You still have a lot to prove before I might set you free," Jim said then looked more serious.

"Now go, the day is still young. The sooner you start teaching my warriors, the sooner we can teach a lesson to Kato," Jim said and just then the other Corey looked up at the balcony, as if feeling that he was being watched. Lifting a hand off the balustrade, he signaled to his samurai that he was needed. He watched as Corey-chan quickly handed his work to someone else and hurried into the castle.

The Shogun turned around and looked at the Captain one more time. "Your gun will stay here when you're not practicing and until the day of the battle. Now go, I'll be busy for a while," he said just when the other Corey – with a slightly flushed face and faster breathing – entered.

***

The day was spent in a productive way. And the Captain was very pleased how fast the Japanese warriors learned. Most of them were taught to shoot arrows from an early age, so aiming was not that new to them. Neither the paying attention to the right poses to hold the guns and avoid the kickback and their shoulders getting injured. It felt good to train soldiers again and the day flew by fast. He saw Kiichi around watching over how his men were learning but they were more apart than ever before since the Captain arrived. 

And that made him hurry to his room as he heard that the red samurai was ordered to stay with the Shogun for late into the night too… That left Kiichi with him and he couldn't wait to hold the lean body close to his again.

The samurai with his long hair let down and without his armor was waiting for his man in Corey's room, kneeling by the low table, arranging their warm dinner on the trays. The second he saw the Captain enter and slide the door shut behind him, his handsome face lit up and smiled.

"Dinner is ready," he said on his usual deep voice, patting the spot next to him. "How was the rest of the training? As I saw, most did well."

"Yes. They did very well. I very much enjoyed training people again how to use guns," Corey sat beside his man and pecked his cheek picking up the bowl of rice. "I’ve never been this hungry since I got here," he laughed a little and started eating. 

After a few bites he kept looking back smirking at Kiichi and to the samurai’s questioning look he put the rice down. "The Shogun will let me fight alongside the archers. And will allow me to live among your people after the battle, here in the palace… He asked if I would want to stay here…"

The cute lips pulled into a warm smile both from the peck on his cheek and hearing his lover's excitement from the way Corey was speaking. He wasn't surprised that the Captain would be happy from teaching again. 

Though Kiichi stopped pulling his chopsticks out of his mouth when he heard what Corey said next. He was clearly quite surprised – nearly shocked – and he slightly frowned. "He grew fond of you, it seems... But... don't let your guard down. It's unusual from him to be so generous... especially with an 'outsider' like you," he warned his man with a little apologetic look.

"I know he mostly likes how I can serve him in battle. He even said that. I know how your people… don't like outsiders at all. It is a huge honor that I am somewhat accepted in my previous rank here. And that you accepted me as you pair," Corey said smiling and bowing at his man. "I never let my guard down just with you, my samurai," he added searching the black eyes.

"But I would like to walk free and know that I can close my door and no one can just get inside. And that I can keep some things as my own…" he said thinking that also he will surely be close and alive to be with Kiichi for long.

"Good. I'm glad then that you stayed sharp, my love," Kiichi smiled a bit, the look in his eyes softening. "And yes, it is a big honor. But you deserve it and I also feel honored that I can be part of your life as your equal," he said then took some fish with his chopsticks to chew on for a moment.

"It would be so nice... to see you walk around freely, even if it would probably mean less time for me to be with you," Kiichi thought out loud. "But a dragon like you can't be locked up for long," he smiled kinda admiringly at his man.

"Maybe you can be with me more as part of your men. And patrol and go fight on each other's side," Corey said with a shrug. He didn't want to be free without his samurai…

"You can be with me at your own free will... and... the fact that I am not locked up doesn't change the way I feel. And I don't want to be without you. You would be my samurai by rank too and I could go with you everywhere…"

"Yes, it would be nice," Kiichi whispered, caressing Corey's upper arm with his good hand. Although he was happy for his man, he never dared to plan too far ahead. Not with such an impulsive ruler like theirs. As easy as Shogun Root would give these privileges to the Captain, he could take those away just as quickly.

Not to mention that the Shogun might call for Kiichi more often again. He'd noticed how those calls got less frequent lately. If someone then he was the one to notice that first. He was happy that nowadays their ruler preferred his other samurai more. And Kiichi didn't want that to change. Not now or anymore.

"I am yours," he whispered his thought. "Until my last breath. And beyond."

Corey turned and pulled Kiichi closer to sniff at his hair and rub his face to his neck. "Can't you see that you are my dragon? You set my heart free from the ice I kept it in not to get hurt. I’ve never been this close to no one before. Or wanted to stay with for the rest of my life… And yes… even beyond… Until we can… I want us to be happy with what we have. I want to make you happy…" he said pulling back and kissed his lover slow and deep, expressing his burning feelings to him.

"You already make me happier than anyone in my life," Kiichi reassured Corey after nodding and smiling sweetly at him. "Let's finish eating then lay down together?" he suggested after pecking the plump lips.

"Yeah… I could use some sleep in your arms," Corey smiled back, letting his man go to finish the food. 

Enjoying what they can have… and such opportunities like spending an evening and full night together was rare. Even if he gets to be free, Kiichi will be still the Shogun's pet. Even if he is not needed that often nowadays. Corey accepted that. And loved the samurai even if he knew they couldn't be together openly. It was not a new thought as in his western society he couldn't be with any other man openly either. He promised that he won't interfere with things. And by then he was also somewhat grateful to the Shogun for this new part of his life and letting him get more into the culture. The first time in his life he didn't want to run… And with those thoughts he fell asleep with his amazing love resting on his side.

Next chapter

Súgó Még nincs hozzászólás.

Új hozzászólás Frissítés