Son of the Shadows RK Style

“Megumi?” Enishi’s voice inquires clearly while knocking on the workshop door. “I was hoping to talk to you if you aren’t too busy.”

“I’m just finishing this salve,” I reply still engrossed on the task before me. “You are welcome to join me.”

Quietly Enishi opens the door and takes a seat at the table. Figuring that Enishi would eventually come bid me a visit I prepared some tea prior to his arrival. The last thing I want to do is busy myself over making Enishi feel welcome while I’m in the middle of my work. I would rather not be speaking with the man after last night’s questioning but I know that he must have something important to speak with me about. I can’t keep on avoiding him, even if I am still confused over my feelings towards him.

After pouring the medicine into its proper container and washing my hands thoroughly I slowly make my way towards the man carefully sipping his tea. As much as I wish to delay this discussion I cannot do so without provoking Enishi’s wraith. The thought of doing so scares me more than it probably should. He’s never done anything to make feel threatened yet I can’t shake off this feeling of dread.

“I’m sorry that I had to leave so suddenly during Samhain (Sow- an),” Enishi apologetically states while placing his cup of tea on the table. “I hope I can make it up to you.”

Looking at Enishi in bewilderment I comment, “You do not need to apologize. Your first responsibility is towards your people not I. You should not feel horribly about leaving in such haste.”

It takes every thread of self composure I possess to keep from shuddering from the gaze Enishi is giving me. It’s like he’s trying to read my every thought and emotions. Every part of me feels as if it were being evaluated and stored away for future reference. I couldn’t feel more uncomfortable if I were being dissected and left bare for all eyes to see!

Looking down at his hands Enishi says nervously, “I thought I knew exactly what I wanted and needed in my life but after the past few months I have found myself doubting everything I have ever stood for, or ever desired. When I was being held at knife point by the Painted Man, and assured of my untimely death, the only thing I could think about was the family I’d never possess.” Grabbing my hand firmly he continues while staring me straight in the eye, “I feared that I’d never have an heir; never wake to my wife’s lovely face every morning. Megumi, now that I have a chance to realize my dream I will do whatever I must to attain it. To have your face the first face I see every morning for the rest our lives.”

Staring at Enishi in disbelief I watch him as he kneels beside me.

“I have always known that you were the one I would one day marry. Our families are close allies and I enjoy your company above all others. After my encounter with the Painted Man I realized that I could not hide my intentions any further. Megumi, will you marry me?”

“I don’t understand,” I state in utter confusion. “Why would you choose me? I am a healer; my time is my own.”

“I’m not particularly fond of your choice of profession, but I will not stop you if that is your concern. My land borders your own so if you wish to visit you can continue to do so. I know how passionate you are about upholding your duty,” Enishi comments with a slight smirk.

“And what of my sister?” I inquire calmly. “Don’t you think it strange that I be wed before her?”

Looking at me in understanding Enishi replies, “Your sister is not an unfavorable prospect for a wife. She may be a little too energetic for my taste but I know many men who would not be dismayed from a wife with such a trait. You need not worry that your sister will be left without a husband though if it makes you feel better I would be willing to hold off the wedding until word has been announced of your sister’s engagement.”

With a sad smile I state, “I appreciate your courtesy but I’m still in shock. To be honest with you I have no idea what to say. We’ve been friends for so long that I never really gave the thought of marriage much consideration.”

“Is there someone else?” Enishi inquires with a scowl.

Looking at Enishi in bewilderment I nod my head no. However did he get the idea that I had a lover? I rarely talk to anyone outside my family, or the villagers!

With a sigh of relief Enishi asks, “Will you make my dream a reality; will you marry me?”

I look at the man searchingly. His words may be romantic I can’t help but feel something lacking n the proposal. I can’t pin point it, but something just seems off.

“Enishi, I don’t know…”

“You need not give me an answer yet,” Enishi states emotionlessly. “You just need some time to think over the proposal.”

I am about to utter an apology when Enishi firmly asserts, “I know that this is a lot to take in so I’ll give you a year to come to a decision. I’ll give you until Imbolc (Imulk). Of course if you wish to speak with me before that time I will not be opposed.”

“Thank you for understanding Enishi,” I reply with an inaudible sigh. “I promise to give you word when I’ve come to a decision.”

“I am willing to wait for you as long as it takes, eagerly awaiting your answer. My castle will never feel like home until I see you and our child welcoming me with open arms. Take care Megumi.”

I stare at Enishi’s retreating figure in surprise. His proposal really shouldn’t have me unnerved but I can’t shake off this horrible feeling of dread. I hope it’s just shock speaking. One can only hope.

*******

That evening Enishi left saying that he had maters to still attend to. Because the house was still I disarray our uncle insisted that Chizuru stay under his care. Enishi at first was opposed to the idea but soon agreed. As much as he doesn’t like the idea of his little sister remaining in the house with her betrothed, his household is still not secure. Who knows when and how the Painted Man will strike next?

I am extremely happy to be receiving Chizuru for an extended visit. Misao has been even more distant these past two month since Enishi’s departure. She wakes up before sun up every morning and sometimes does not return until sun rise the following day. We have all attempted to recruit her for various chores but she always manages to forget to do them. Thankfully Chizuru is willing to take over Misao’s tasks but that doesn’t change the fact that everybody is concerned over her health.

As I am contemplating I hear a rasp on the window. Sitting up on my bed I turn my head towards the window only to see an exhausted Misao on the other side. The only thing keeping her from falling off the ledge is a large branch hanging a couple of feet away. How she is able to climb that tree and keep her balance on the ledge is beyond me!

Opening the window quickly I state in concern, “It’s a couple of hours past sun down. Where have you been all day?”

With a playful smile Misao retorts, “Sorry mother dearest. The other kids and I went to the forest to play and we must have lost track of time.”
Desperately trying to hold in my anger I comment, “I’m serious Misao. Everybody is really concerned about you.”

“You told everyone about my returning late?” Misao states with a look of betrayal on her face.

“No Misao, I have not told anyone about your returning late, but your lack of presence has us all worried.” Putting my hand on her shoulder I continue calmly, “If something is wrong or you need my help covering up your escapades you can trust me. You know there is nothing I enjoy more than a good scheme.”

Shrugging my hand off her shoulder Misao replies, “I don’t need help and even f I did you wouldn’t understand. Everybody needs to keep their noses out of my business!”

“I’m just trying to help.”

“I said that I don’t need your help!” Misao states in irritation. “Why must everyone keep on treating me like a little girl?”

“Besides possessing the figure of a child you surely play the part well enough!” I comment in annoyance towards Misao. As the words leave my mouth I immediately begin to regret them.

“I’d rather look like a little girl than be a self- pretentious healer who neither knows nor seeks anything outside their normal scope,” Misao screams enraged.

“Just because I don’t go out looking for adventure doesn’t mean that I know nothing of the outside world. At least I know better than to make a fool of myself! How dare you talk to me like that when I’m trying to help you?”

“How dare I?” Misao states in a huff. “You truly are a hypocrite!”

I stare at Misao’s back as she lies down on her bed. I hate to admit it but she’s right. I was so absorbed in the argument that I never realized that I was the first one to throw an insult.

Apologetically I reply, “You’re right Misao. I shouldn’t have said those words to you. It was thoughtless of me to make a comment towards your figure. I know that it isn’t much of an excuse but I was frustrated. I’m worried about you. You haven’t been yourself these past months.”

Slowly turning towards me Misao comments, “I’m still angry at you for making such a comment but I understand your feelings. I just don’t feel ready to talk about it yet, besides I want the secret hidden from Kenji and you two aren’t exactly known for keeping things hidden from one another.”

With a humph I remark, “I can hold a secret from Kenji. I keep plenty of things from him.”

“Name one secret that you have kept from him,” Misao states cockily.

“If I told you it wouldn’t be a secret,” I retort arrogantly.

“You can’t tell me because you’ve never felt the need to hold your secrets. You feel guilty whenever you hold something from Kenji that’s why you purposely steer away from any news that Kenji shouldn’t know about. You can’t keep Kenji out of your mind any better than Kenji can keep you out. It’s just a fact of life.”

“I have gotten much better at holding things back from him,” I reply in frustration.

“That may be true but I’m not willing to chance my secret being known. I promise that I’ll tell you in due time. You’ll just have to be patient like the rest of them.”

“I wouldn’t call our family’s waiting patient,” I state playfully. “If you don’t start acting like your old self soon you might have no choice but to confess.”

“I will try to be more involved in family affairs though I’ll need you to help me. I don’t expect to be going out at night as much but you never know.”

“It’s not a problem though if something is wrong you will tell me, right?”

Giving me a bright smile Misao comments, “You’d be the first person to be alerted.”

As Misao turns her back to me I mumble, “I’m sorry. You don’t look like a little girl.”

Laying my head on my pillow I close my eyes in an attempt to fall asleep. I have to wake up early and check on two villages. I also promised that I would give Chizuru a lesson in making medicine before we left.

“Megumi,” Misao whispers just loud enough so I can hear her. “Thank you for your concern.”

With a small smile I reply, “What type of sister would I be if I didn’t try to help you?”

“You might pretend to be cold at times, but I know better. Good night Megumi.”

Amused by Misao’s drowsy confession I wish her good night. I just laugh off her comment; I could never be seen as cold! With a smirk I let sleep claim me.

*******

It has been two weeks since the infamous night Misao and I argued and things seem to be slowly getting back to normal. Misao is still distant and elusive but at least she has been making more of an effort to help around the house and talk. People have commented that she still has a faraway look in her eyes, but it’s no longer the concern it once was. It’s amazing how much Misao’s disappearance affected the household. Even mother seems to be feeling better after Misao’s slight recovery though she’s still bed ridden.

It is rather boring not having Chizuru around though. I never realized how boring day to day life can be without someone to talk to. Too bad Misao isn’t completely back to her old self yet.

I am suddenly jolted out of my reverie as I notice a disturbance in the bushes and child-like giggling. Thinking that some children might be lost in the woods I run after them trying to catch up.

As I make my way through the clearing I notice a lake ahead of me and not a single soul around. Taking a closer look at the lake I suddenly notice two figures in the water. As I get closer I can make out the faces of Misao and that young Druid moving in the water. In fear I realize that the two of them are naked and wrapped in each other’s arms.

Wishing not to continue watching them I run as swiftly and quietly as I can manage. Now I understand why Misao didn’t share her secret. How will I ever be able to hide such powerful emotions inside me? Surely Kenji will be able to read my distress and unease from miles away.

Why would I be guided towards my sister and her secret lover? I don’t want to betray my sister. Maybe if I’m lucky I can make it to my room unobserved and fain illnesses until my emotions are under control.

“Megumi, what’s distressing you?” Kenji mentally inquires as he grabs a hold of my shoulders firmly.

Of course the one person I wish to avoid is the first person I run into. I’m sorry Misao.

"Megumi, did this happen today?” Kenji inquires mentally.

In fear that I unintentionally shared my experience with Kenji I nod my head yes. There is no sense in lying when damning evidence has already been brought forward.

“By the Dagda (Dog-da), I will kill the man who defiled our sister thus,” Kenji mentally comments with venom. “We must tell father.”

In desperation I plead mentally, “Please Kenji, let me talk to Misao first. I foresee a terrible ill coming from this. Please do not alert father or the others yet.”

“We must talk to father and Uncle Okubo; they’ll know how to go about this situation. I can’t believe that Misao would do something like this! Does she not realize how something like this could ruin our family name? What will mother think? How could she hurt mother who’s so close to death?”

“Please Kenji,” I desperately try to get free from Kenji’s grip. “Don’t make me tell on Misao. At least hear her out before condemning her.”

“It’s too late. We have to tell them.”

As we open the door to Uncle Okubo’s study father and Uncle Okubo turn their heads towards us in concern. It’s not like Kenji or myself to barge into a closed off room unless we have something urgent to announce.

With a somber look on his face Kenji states, “Megumi saw Misao with the young Druid that accompanies Uncle Shougo at the lake earlier today. Misao has lain with this man.”

I expected many reactions from this statement such as shock, anger or betrayal, but never would I imagine the two men to stare at one another in fear. Surely the concept that Misao might be in love with this man isn’t that scary?

Finally coming back to his senses Uncle Okubo replies, “Thank the Gods Enishi and Chizuru have left the estate. This can be easily settled without any outsiders knowing. Megumi alert me the moment Misao comes back. Kenji you’ll need to alert Shougo that he is needed here at once. Your father and I need to speak among ourselves in private.”

“Uncle Okubo?” I inquire cautiously. “What about mother?”

Uncle Okubo looks at me sympathetically before stating, “I think it is best that your father tell her the news. I doubt that she will be speaking with Misao if that is your concern.”

With that my brother and I take our separate ways. I head off to the front entrance to wait for Misao while my brother heads to the stables to retrieve Uncle Shougo. I have no clue why the matter is being handled quite so carefully but I figure by tonight things will only go from bad to worse.

******

I have been outside waiting for Misao for hours now. The sun has just started to set and yet I’ve heard no word. A part me wishes that Misao would arrive soon so this will all be over and done with, yet a greater part of me wishes that she’ll never come back. I don’t want to break the news that everybody knows of her outings. Why couldn’t I keep Kenji out of my head? For Misao’s sake I’ll train harder at keeping a barrier around my thoughts. I don’t want to cause more pain than I already have.

Hearing joyful humming I lift my head to the sight of an overly joyous Misao. I’ve never seen her look so lovely. She’s glowing with such an inner light and sadly I’ll have to take it away from her. Why must I have to ruin people’s lives?

As she approaches me outside the door Misao happily exclaims, “I’m surprised to see you out so late. It must be the weather; it’s absolutely wonderful tonight, don’t you…?”

With my head cast down I interrupt, “They know Misao.”

With a horrified expression Misao replies, “They know what?”

“They know about you and the Druid,” I state guiltily. “I didn’t mean to run into you two at the lake or run into Kenji….”

“This is why I didn’t tell you,” Misao exclaims in anger. “You couldn’t keep your emotions to yourself and now you’ve destroyed my relationship with Aoshi! I can’t believe you!”

“I’m so sorry Misao.”

Glaring at me Misao states, “I’m guessing Uncle Okubo made you sit out her like a watchdog didn’t he? He probably can’t wait to yell at me and call me a wench.”

All I can do is look upon Misao in shock. I’ve never seen her so serious or angry.

“No matter what Okubo or father has to say I will not give up on Aoshi. I love him and he loves me. Nothing will keep us apart. Aoshi will come for me,” Misao asserts boldly.

Without glancing towards me Misao storms through the door up towards Uncle Okubo’s study. I can never say that Misao lacks in courage. If I were in her situation I would be begging and pleading for help. Misao seems to have gotten even bolder after meeting the Druid. She must be in love.

After shaking myself out of my shock I chase after Misao. For one so short I’m surprised that she can storm off so quickly. Upon reaching the study I hear Uncle Okubo exclaim in annoyance, “She’s your child. You speak to her!”

Opening the door slowly I notice the distraught look on my father’s face. Uncle Shougo, who arrived a few hours prior, looks upon my father sympathetically. Whatever they have to say I can tell that it isn’t good.

“Misao, normally I would sympathize with you but what you have done is not proper for a lady of your standing. I had wished to give you a choice in who you wed but your actions have forfeited you of that right. Chou Ui Neill (ee NAY- ill) has sent a letter of proposal. In six months time the two of you shall wed,” father states with a painful look set upon his face.

I stare at our father in shock how could he say such a thing?

“Don’t you feel that this is too harsh?” I exclaim in outrage. “Misao and Aoshi have done nothing wrong other than to love one another. Can’t they just be wed? Surely Aoshi would have no objections.”

“It’s not that simple,” father replies in despair.

“Why isn’t it?” I inquire in annoyance. “If you’re going to destroy what Misao and the Druid have created you might as well start explaining.”
“Your father gives you far too much freedom for a woman,” Uncle Okubo states in anger. “We have Misao’s best interests in mind and that is all you need to know. Misao will be wed to Chou Ui Neill and that is the end of that. No further explanation is needed.”

I stare at my uncle in anger. How dare he speak about Misao and me in such a manner? Has he not supported our education?

“I love Aoshi and Aoshi loves me. Nothing you say will keep us apart,” Misao preaches. “Aoshi promised me that he will always protect me and I will not give up on him so easily. Dispose of me however you will but I shall not give in freely.”

“Your trust in my pupil is admirable, but are you so sure he will come for you?” Uncle Shougo inquires sadly.

“I have no doubt,” Misao replies proudly. “Aoshi will always come for me.”

“We have nothing further to discuss with you,” Uncle Okubo states haughtily. “Both of you are to go to your room. Misao, you are to remain there until I see fit.”

Misao is about to yell at our uncle before I drag her unwillingly to our room. The last thing I want is for Misao to get into further trouble. When the three aren’t so enraged I will try to fight Misao’s case further.

“I can’t let them get away with this,” Misao yells angrily as I close the door.

Hushing her I comment, “I completely agree but nothing will be solved at the moment. No amount of reasoning will get through to them at this time.”

“I don’t care about reasoning with them,” Misao states in irritation. “When Aoshi comes for me I will leave regardless of our families wishes. I cannot
live like this.”

“What about mother? I state in annoyance. “Don’t you care about leaving her in such poor health?”

Hanging her head down low she replies, “I don’t want to leave mother in her state, but I’m sure she will understand. Did she not also fight her family to be with the one she loves? How can father be such a hypocrite? He found love, but he won’t allow his children to do so!”

“I understand your feelings but father isn’t one to judge unfairly. I’m sure that father has a perfectly viable reason for taking such a stance.”

“You’re on father’s side?” Misao comments in a huff. “I should have known better than to believe that you would disagree with his actions.”

“I’m not on anyone’s side,” I state in irritation. “I want to see you and Aoshi happy, but I also realize that there is more to the story than they are divulging. I’m just being realistic.”

“I don’t care what information father and the others have. I will be with Aoshi even if it means that I have to run away.”

“If Aoshi loves you as much as you claim we will find a way,” I remark calmly.

After a couple of minutes of anxiously waiting in silence Misao runs to the window overjoyed. As I’m about to inquire about her actions Misao excitedly exclaims, “Aoshi’s here! I knew that he’d come for me!”

Looking out the window I see a lantern in the distance. I cannot make out the face of the man but I do not doubt Misao’s assessment. Who else would be visiting us at such an hour?

“I have to go see him.”

“No Misao,” I state while grabbing her wrist firmly. “You can’t go out there. If they catch you and Aoshi together they will never get another chance to escape. I’ll go out there and talk to him. We’ll figure something out.”

With a hopeful look upon her face Misao exclaims while giving me a firm hug, “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

Pulling away from her I state calmly, “Let’s wait on the thank you. After all I haven’t spoken to him yet.”

Without another word I make my way quietly out of the room in search of Aoshi. Knowing my Uncle Okubo he’ll still be in the study. It’s the most secure room for holding a council. The room is virtually sound proof when the doors are properly closed. It’s also easy to close off in case of an attack.

Reaching the room I notice that the doors are closed off. That is usually the sign that some activity is occurring that cannot be interrupted. My guess was correct. I’m now sure that Aoshi is in that room.

I didn’t have to wait very long before the room burst open and an infuriated Aoshi made his way down the hall toward my direction. The fury in his eyes would normally discourage me but I have a mission to uphold. This is for Misao. I’ve already ruined her chances with the man; I owe it to her to help her as much as I possible.

Intercepting the man I firmly assert, “You’re Aoshi right? I want to help the two of you. Misao is…”

Cutting me off Aoshi coldly states, “Misao will be better off with her family. Please give this to Misao and tell her that I love her.”

Looking at the item put in my hand I can’t help but stare at the man in shock. Why would he leave Misao all alone with only her love and a very small, white pebble carved into a ring to remember him by?

“Tell Misao not to look for me and to go on with her life. She deserves more than I can give her.”

With those parting words Aoshi makes his way swiftly out of the estate. There will be no rescue for Misao; only heartbreak and sorrow. I make my way back up to our room fearful for our family’s future. A terrible evil has befallen our family and somehow I feel as if I’m the only one who knows how severe the situation is.