Chapter 13

In the late afternoon heavy snow clouds gathered on the sky, but otherwise it wasn't that cold. Kiichi's breath formed small white clouds of their own around his face as he knelt down by the family tombstone. The weather seemed to be in favor of what they were planning to do once the darkness fell, but Kiichi had to do some things first.

Like saying goodbye to Yuki on his own. That was one of the reasons why he was praying there with that deep sadness in his heart that didn't want to ease up whenever he thought of his young student whom he loved dearly. Maybe time would heal that wound, but at this moment it was something that burdened the samurai's heart heavily.

The last few days for Kiichi were spent with healing up under the thorough care of his man. Corey was amazing, he had to admit it. He helped Kiichi in every way he could to speed up his healing while also organizing their escape with the help of the red samurai. Things were finally coming together and they were going to sneak out to their prepared horses and hidden bags before dinner time. It was good that darkness fell earlier during winter and the snow that just started lightly falling would be useful to cover their tracks.

As he said his prayers and finished thinking of a few of his favorite memories with Yuki, Kiichi pulled a cloth out of his pocket and after wetting it, he leaned to the black granite obelisk to wipe the red paint off his own name. There. Now he was going to be officially dead to this family. It was time for the next steps...

The Captain hurried to the stalls to meet up with the red samurai for the final arrangements. Looking over the landscape, he felt his heart sink. He loved this land and the culture even before, but now he had the opportunity to learn even more about it and he truly felt like he finally found his home. 

The red Corey was indeed waiting for the Captain. Bowing to the arriving man he showed the two horses packed and saddled, brought to the front to be ready to pick up and leave fast. 

"Thank you, Corey-chan," the white man bowed seeing all the arrangements. "You've been a great help to us," he added having a feeling that the fact that after all what happened the Shogun not sending even a message to them was the short man’s doing. 

"I will miss you. And nee-san. I wish it all could be fixed somehow," the short man said with true sadness in his voice. It wasn't the first time he called Kiichi his brother between them. He had no other family than this one that was falling apart. And in the past days he’s been trying to work the strings a bit towards that 'make peace once again and fix things' idea. Trying not to be too manipulating.

But he would have wanted the pair to stay at least closer a bit, and he was sure that the Shogun would find more balance and inner peace if he could lower his pride and face Kiichi and open up and say sorry. That would be the best for them all. Otherwise things seemed to settle between him and the Shogun and even the loss of the shogunate was better received by the ruler as he could think it over with a clear mind. 

"I wish we could fix this. Your people have grown to my heart, that's no lie. But I understand Kiichi too. And I know you do as well, Corey-chan," the Captain replied. 

The red samurai nodded and hugged the muscular man in a western manner as goodbye. "Things will be as they should be. Safe travels for you two," he added and let the Captain return to his residence.

Meanwhile the Shogun was finishing some letters in his office and reading a few about the changes that would come in the very near future. With a heavy sigh he sucked on his pipe, puffing smoke into the air as he leaned back in his chair.

He's been thinking about his red demon a lot in the past few days. He indeed helped the Shogun to calm down and stop panicking about the unknown future. His presence was welcomed in his bedroom as well, of course. And it only seemed to bring them even closer. He gave Jim countless signs of truly loving and needing him in every meaning. Which was a huge thing for the Shogun and of course something that he had to digest as well.

Looking into himself he knew that he has developed deep feelings for the red samurai too, but so far he wasn't able to verbally express that. Even if he saw on the short man that he was longing for those words so badly. Maybe that's why he's been so helpful in everything from helping on stabilizing Jim to taking care of things in the palace that would otherwise be his or Kiichi's task.

Yes, Jim was reluctant and a bit scared to face the tall samurai. He told himself that he just needed to give him some time to rest and heal up. But he couldn't put off that uncomfortable task forever...

When there was a knock on the door and the guard from outside announced Corey-chan's arrival, he gave him permission to enter, watching fondly as the small man came closer to him.

Corey-chan couldn't help but have a small smile and a light blush over his face as he walked closer under that soft gaze. He bowed as he should and reported about the stock list he was meant to be away for. 

"How are you today, my Lord? The land is beautiful outside with the fresh snow," he started. He just felt the urge to try one last push to maybe make the Shogun and Kiichi talk about it all...

Taking the pipe out of his mouth, Jim exhaled the smoke through his nose, making it swirl around his head before dissolving in the air. "Calmer than yesterday. Mostly thanks to you, Corey," he murmured then nodded, waving for his samurai to take a seat opposite him. "Yes, I spent some time earlier today with watching the gardens from here..." he added then hummed, taking a drag from the pipe again while watching his lover. "What's on your mind? I can tell something troubles you."

"My Lord…" Corey started carefully. "I know at times I come off acting disrespectful in the traditional meaning. But I hope you know my deep respect and love towards you, and that I am by all means focusing on your happiness. Because I need to be close to you and I want you to keep me close," he blushed as he spoke, not really sure what would be the proper way to suggest such things to such a ruler.

"I only have you and this palace as a home and family. And... Kiichi-kun is like a brother to me. You expressed that you also wouldn't want to lose him for good. So I was thinking about... Maybe try to talk to him, my Lord… and… tell your troubles and… apologies to show that he means a lot to you," Corey-chan said the last part fast and bowed deep a bit fearing the reaction of the Shogun for his straightforward speech.

Raising a thick brow, the Shogun was a bit surprised as he was smoking and listening to the respectful suggestion of his red samurai. He stayed in silence for a heartbeat or two, keeping his hazel eyes on the bowed figure.

"Thank you for your kind words, Corey. You may rise. I won't get angry as I agree with your words. Actually I was just thinking about how to express my apology to him. Your words gave me the last push to do so. I was planning on doing that today once I visited my son's grave to pray for his soul as I usually do every day," he sighed heavily while emptying his pipe into a bowl.

"How is Kiichi's spirit? Is he... recovering well?" he asked quietly, avoiding the blue gaze maybe in shame.

Raising up, Corey smiled wide and moved as before him was the man he always knew the Shogun was. A noble and respectful Lord who had a sense of the right true path. He knew how lonely and cold his Lord was for a long time. He really wanted to bring some warmth and caring into his life with his endless love towards him. Just trying to make him happy. 

"Thank you, my Lord. Please know my intentions are always to make you happy," he said watching the big man. "Kiichi-kun has healed up well in his body. The Captain takes care of him. His spirit is still messed up, though. But I'm sure Corey-san is doing his best to help him," he said and sensing and seeing how the mood of the ruler sank he stood up and moved to kneel next to the Shogun and gently stroke his long arm. "You are a good Lord, Jim. What counts is how we find our way back. Not how we lose it," he whispered and caressing the bearded face he pulled the Shogun closer to kiss him with love.

Watching Corey coming closer, Jim looked down at the now kneeling man, his expression softening from the words that warmed his aching heart more than he would admit to anyone. But this was Corey. He deserved to know how Jim felt. He also loved how daring his red demon warrior was. Stepping over traditional boundaries or bending them in a way he still stayed deeply respectful towards the Shogun.

After that sweet kiss, Jim's big hand caressed the hair and cheek of the kneeling man and he even smiled down at him with his tender emotions showing. "I appreciate everything you do for me, for us all and the palace. You are a very good and wise man, Corey. Always knowing what I need to hear and get. I don't know how you do it. Perhaps it's the gods' will, but I'm eternally grateful for your dedication, services and love..." he confessed on a gentle tone and this time it was the Shogun who leaned down for another sweet kiss.

"Now rise, my fierce demon. It is time for my prayer then to try and fix my wrong doing," he said and with that stood up too to go and put on his fur coat and head towards the family tombstone to pray for Yuki.

The flushed man felt his eyes welling up even as he stood up and put on his thick coat too. Maybe the hope he denied to let go would grow and make things better and fix it up somehow. He still felt that in a way he was responsible for not standing up for what he felt earlier. But things will happen when they need to happen. He managed to make Jim smile and be more at peace. And that meant everything to the red samurai. 

***

The sun already lowered and he silently prayed that they would be still on time to make it all better.

Corey was right. The weather was beautiful outside with the light snowfall that made snowflakes settle on the Shogun's broad shoulders and impressive beard while he and his bodyguard, the red samurai were making their way towards the cemetery.

The Shogun was thinking about how to face Kiichi after everything he'd done, but at the same time let the sounds of the crunching white snow ease his mind somewhat. With the red-haired samurai on his side he was positive that he could make at least some progress in the situation. Even if it would take Kiichi some time to forgive him – if he ever finds that in him. He was also thinking about releasing the boy from his sexual services all together. That could help too, even if it was going to be hard for Jim who got so used to and addicted to the black-eyed samurai and his geisha alter ego...

He then cleared his mind from those thoughts and focused on the memory of the son he'd just lost to that illness. It made his heart heavy again as he was missing the small energetic boy – and not just because he was his heir, but because he dearly loved Yuki. It was a wound on his heart that would never heal, he knew.

Though as he knelt down by the obelisk and lifted his gaze to read the names carved into it, his eyes widened and his blood froze. There was one more name on the list of the departed... The red paint from Kiichi's name was wiped off as if he already joined the dead on the Far Shore.

Frozen into place, the Shogun felt himself starting to panic and the guilt in him was rising fast. He didn't think of it that way so far, but now, staring at the grey kanjis of Kiichi's name, he realized how what he'd done probably felt to the young samurai: the Shogun took his honor with taking him like that. And wiping off the red paint was probably one of Kiichi's steps before performing seppuku, the ritualistic suicide of such samurais who had lost their honor...

With dread in his heart and worry on his pale face, the Shogun jumped up. He couldn't let that happen!

"Let's hurry to Kiichi right away. I'm afraid he'll perform seppuku on himself because of me!" he said worried as an explanation to Corey's confused expression.

***

After checking on the horses with Corey-chan, the Captain hurried back to his place. There he found the meditating Kiichi with his long hair in a samurai bun and his dragon sword before him. 

In the past few days most of their stuff was safely moved to the old barracks by the bay. The Shogun's men guarded it all but with the help of the red samurai and the warriors only knowing that the white Captain was one of them, no one had questions about them putting in bags and locking Corey's old room up.

They just waited for the night to fall and only with a small bag and what was on the horses they would flee to the old military base, pick their things up like the sniper gun and little personal belongings and stay the night in a hotel. Their ship will leave at early dawn right before sunrise and take them directly to Canada. The six years of guarding the business ships paid off at least now when the Captain needed favors. And hiding his money away and now using it also added to that 'good luck' series. 

He now sat down beside the meditating man in silence, knowing Kiichi will sense him soon.

To tell the truth, Kiichi's heart was heavy and aching for leaving behind the only place where he found his home all those years ago when his mother had brought him to the palace and put him under the Shogun's care.

He was going to miss a lot of things, but he knew he had to do this. He had to leave to heal and start a new life with the love of his life. But first he had to lose everything.

Feeling that he wasn't alone anymore, he slowly started coming back from his meditative state. As he opened his black eyes, he was surer than ever that this was the right step to take. Knowing who was sitting next to him, he looked at his man, letting his eyes drink in every detail of the handsome face. From Corey's look and nod, he knew everything was ready. But first...

"As our traditions go... when someone leaves their past behind, similar to our funerals, they need a new name. I'd like to ask for an English name from you, my love. Once I leave my past behind, I will be called on that name in our new life."

Corey greeted his love's dark opening eyes with a soft smile. He knew about the deep meaning names had in that culture. And he was happy Kiichi asked him to do this big thing. 

"I don't even know… You look like a Matt to me," he laughed a little. "I always loved that name. And tried to meet up with a Matthew as a lover, but it never happened. I guess in me, my spirit saved that name for you... You like it?"

"Matthew... Matt..." Kiichi tasted the name on his tongue a bit then reached out with a still bruised but nicely healing arm to caress his man's cheek and dimple. "I like the sound of it and you're probably right. Everything happens with a reason..." he smiled at his Captain. "I'll need a... family name too, though. Now I'll be able to have one once I severed my bond to the Shogun..."

"Hmmm… Okay... But I want a Japanese name too. I wanted to ask you for one before… the prince passed and all…" Corey said. "How about Heafy? It was the family name of the general who trained me during the big war. He was a good man and a great warrior."

"Matt Heafy... It has a nice ring to it," Kiichi nodded smiling. "Thank you, I'll wear these names with honor and as mine," he bowed his head a bit for the name that he just got. "And your Japanese name is easy, my love. 'Ryūjin' which means 'dragon god'. Because you are like that to me," he added on a soft tone and leaned closer to gently kiss the inviting lips. "I hope you like it..."

The Captain blushed deep and kissed his man back. "You are so good to me, my love. I love it!" we should get ready. The sun is lowering.”

"I'm glad then," Kiichi stole another peck from the beloved lips then straightened his back again, focusing on the tasks ahead. With a nod he fell in silence, preparing himself to leave everything behind.

To express that physically too, he drew his shorter blade from his side and with his other hand took a firm hold of the neatly done samurai bun at the back of his head. Hesitating only for a second Kiichi then started cutting through the hair until the bun was cut off and the shorter locks fell forward, barely reaching the man's chin.

Sliding his short blade back into its sheath, he placed the bun onto the floor above his sheathed dragon sword. Running his long fingers along the black smooth sheath, he said his silent goodbyes to the beloved katana, which has saved his life countless of times.

Sitting back on his heels he took a deep breath, taking one last look of his black armor on its rack, then exhaled long and slowly. "I severe my bonds to Shogun Root and this place, leaving Kiichi behind. From now on I shall be called Matt Heafy," he murmured then after a deep bow he stood to put on his winter coat and head outside, not looking back.

***

The red samurai hurried with the worried to death Shogun to Kiichi's residence. He agreed with the Lord about going fast, but he knew what was really up with the pair. He tried to console the Lord without breaking his vow to Kiichi and the Captain. 

It was just about sundown. Maybe we are not too late, he thought, hoping to find Kiichi with the ruler and that they could talk... But as the Shogun opened the door of the black samurai’s room, they found it empty.

The Shogun was nearly running while his thoughts were getting darker and more worried with each passing moment. If Kiichi kills himself because of him, Jim will never forgive himself. With a wildly beating heart and slightly out of breath, he marched into Kiichi's empty residence, not even taking his shoes off in his hurry.

"At least there's no body..." he mumbled under his mustache as he hurried towards the kneeling pillow, the light of some candles dancing on the items before said pillow.

Seeing the armor, the katana and the cut off samurai bun made everything fall into place. The Shogun's hands fisted by his sides and he pressed his eyes shut to keep his tears back.

"They are on the run," he whispered hoarsely, tempted to kneel down by the objects that proved that his black samurai wasn't his anymore. Seeing those severed ties hurt more than he thought they would. It meant that Kiichi didn't want anything to do with Jim and this life anymore.

The red warrior swallowed hard and stepped to the Shogun. His mind running fast what and how to do now. "They need horses. And only the path beside the north gate is unguarded. Come, my lord… Maybe it's not too late..."

The rising panic in him that started making his body tremble was stopped for now by Corey's words. Blinking a couple of times to collect himself, the Shogun bent down to pick up Kiichi's dragon katana and put it in his own belt.

"You're right. Let's go!" he said more determined with a new goal in front of his eyes. His long legs proved to be useful again, even if the small redhead literally had to jog next to him to be able to keep up.

At the stables the Shogun marched right to the stable master who was feeding the horses. "Where are they?!" he demanded on an urgent tone, towering over the shorter man.

"My Lord... I don't..."

"Don't try to lie to me! Two of your horses must be missing. Kiichi's and the Captain's. When did they leave?!" he asked with a dangerous look that promised torture if he didn't cooperate.

"A bit more than half an hour ago... Towards the north gate..." he confessed and dropped to his knees, bowing to the ground. "Forgive me, my Lord..."

"Out of my sight!" he stepped to the side to march past the stable master. He headed towards his own dark brown horse, leading it out of its stable. "Come on, Corey-chan, we have no time to waste..." he told the samurai then got on his horse, not bothering about a saddle or anything else. Lightly kicking his side, he made the fine battle horse jump into a gallop, heading out of the stables.

Corey-chan followed his Lord, rushing to his own horse to catch up with the pair. The snowfall ebbed down a bit and in the more covered parts of the wood the tracks even showed here and there. 

They didn't seem to be in a hurry, probably not to draw the attention of any patrolling guards to the galloping horses. After a few long minutes they could even spot them ahead on a little field, deeper in the forest.

"There!" the Shogun murmured to himself and held onto his horse's mane a bit tighter as he nudged his side to make him run faster. He had no plan yet, just felt the urge to catch up with Kiichi and the Captain. Not caring about anything else.

The already chased duo was riding next to each other in a comfortable pace, but they kept their eyes and ears open. Probably that's why soon Kiichi heard the sounds of quickly approaching hooves.

Looking back over his shoulder the blood ran out of his face. They were so busted and the Shogun and the red Corey were at their heels. "What do we do now?" he glimpsed at the Captain, wanting to be on the same page with him.

Looking around and being in an open field unarmed left the Captain with little options. 
"We wait for them. The Shogun will know we need a ship and even if we run we can't hide forever. And maybe… we all can talk," Corey said looking back at… Matt… his Matt and gave the frightened man a small smile. He was determined to solve this and close it on all sides. Also he knew his love wouldn't be fully free in mind from his past if he didn't try to face the Shogun.

"Alright," Matt stopped Riku and made him turn around to face the approaching two men.

Seeing that they won't flee from them, the Shogun slowed his horse a bit too and felt some of the pressure around his heart ease up a bit. Once they reached the waiting men, he didn't hesitate to slide off his horse with a worried yet determined expression – void of any anger. Lowering himself in the meaning that the other two stayed in their saddle, he knew Kiichi wouldn't miss the symbolism of that.

"Kiichi-kun... Corey-san..." he addressed them and bowed before the other two. Jim knew that if he wanted to apologize and persuade them to stay, he had to use everything he got. "I understand you two are trying to go away. Please, don't..." he looked up at the other two men.

"Kiichi..." he used his softest tone and with a pained expression, watching as the wind was playing with the cut hair. "I've been thinking of what I had done to you. You didn't deserve any of it. And I'm sorry. Please..." here the Shogun dropped onto his knees and bowed his head to the ground, something he nearly never did to anyone. "Please, accept my apology... and..." he paused for a moment and pulled the sheathed dragon sword out from his belt "...even if you decide not wanting to be my samurai anymore and want to leave, take your sword with you. It belongs to you..." he offered the sword, lifting it in his hands over his head.

Matt watched it all with a stiffened face. Of course the way the Shogun acted had its effects on him. Such high lords never treated anyone like that. He lifted his eyes to the red samurai also getting off his horse and kneeling beside the Lord. The short man didn't do anything wrong, but also bowed deep. 

"Onee-chan, please stay at least near us. I would lose the only brother I have, and the only good white man I know. Corey-san, you must know… I was raised by the Root family, but still always felt like an outsider. Seeing how western people act I have even forsaken my own origin. You showed me how honorable a white man can be. For that I thank you. Please consider at least to talk about things. Nee-san, I beg you to give it one try," he said calling Kiichi his brother in all ways. 

"I can't say I was treated badly here. But you must know that my heart is with this man. What he wishes will happen," the Captain said with determination on his face and in his voice. 

Staying silent and listening to all the others, the Shogun kept his eyes on the tall man on the horse above him. His heart was wrecking and every pore of him radiated the vulnerability and pain over not wanting to lose Kiichi. He just kept holding the sword like that and waited, dreading the answer.

Of course Matt knew his "brother" and how he could manipulate things and people with ease. He was doing it right now too, but he couldn't get angry at him for that. Besides he was only telling the truth. But what shocked Matt's very core was what the Shogun said and was doing.

Looking deeply into the well-known hazel eyes he saw the pain, regret and maybe a little hope in them too. He never looked at him like that.

Glimpsing at his Captain, Matt shared a meaningful look with him. Was this really happening? It felt like a dream to some extent in the snow-covered forest around them. A Shogun on his knees begging for forgiveness.

Turning back to the two kneeling men, Matt finally sighed and got off Riku to step in front of the Shogun, looking down at him. "Very well... I'll accept your apology and my sword on two conditions... One, you'll release me and my Corey from all duties to you, letting us live as free men. Two, you'll give us some land with a house on it near the palace, but outside its walls."

"I accept. Just please, stay... So consider it done..." the Shogun said on a broken voice as relief started washing over him, making his tears finally escape his tired eyes.

"And you are never to raise or put a hand on me again. I belong to my dragon warrior. Body, mind and soul. From this day on I'm a free man just as much as the Captain," Matt said on the strictest tone he'd ever used during talking to the Shogun.

"Yes, of course," Jim sniffed, his vision getting blurred by the tears as his arms started slightly trembling from holding up the sword like that.

For a heartbeat or two the ex-samurai didn't move, just let the few snowflakes swirling around them and the wind playing with his shorter hair. Then he reached out to grab the sheath by its middle and take it from the Shogun. Who simply bowed to the ground, sobbing from relief.

That made Matt step back and head towards Riku, wiping off a few tears of his own too.

The two Coreys looked at each other and the Captain nodded. He got off his horse and hugged his man to his wider body. 

The red samurai thanked his brother and bowed before strongly hugging the fallen apart Shogun. He could feel how much the big man needed this, to face his deeds and letting it all out, not hiding behind the strict ruler mask but have a chance for a few minutes to be a simple man. Who made mistakes and also could feel the sorrow and guilt, and the relief that not all was lost. He needed to finally feel again… And not caring about anything else, Corey-chan kept whispering consoling words to his Lord, the man he loved so deep, about how he did what was right and how the short man respected him for after all fixing what he could.

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