Akane squeezed his hand gently as she directed her gaze to Parvati. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it, but she felt like she knew the woman from somewhere. Her mannerisms and laughter were just so…so familiar to her, somehow.

She set the question aside for the time being, and instead, decided to concentrate on what was beside her right now. Markus. He seemed unnerved and somewhat distressed, so she turned to him.

Her whispering voice tickled his neck. “Are you okay, Kuma-kun? You seem distressed.”

“I could swear that I know her from somewhere. I wish I knew what was going on.”

Akane nodded and squeezed his hand gently. A moment later, their server arrived with the first course for everyone except Amun and Parvati.

Her head bowed, the server said, “My apologies, sir. I failed to notice that you had moved seats. I will return momentarily with your meals.”

“Please don’t rush things on our accounts. If it’s ready, then it’s ready. If it isn’t, then it isn’t. I happened to see an employee and wished to catch up with him and his companions. My Lady and I are in no great rush.” Amun’s smile would have disarmed a charging bull.

The server left, visibly relaxed, and Amun turned that smile on Yamato. “So tell me, Yamato-san. What brings the son of Hiroshi Ito to Kyoto?”

Yamato’s eyes went wide. “You knew my father?”

Amun nodded. “I did, indeed. A fine man. Even finer Go player. The strategies that man’s mind could come up with on the fly… A work of art. I see much of his face in yours, my friend.”

Yamato sighed. “I had forgotten that he played Go. So much is lost to Time when we mortals occupy our minds with the mundane.”

Amun nodded as the server returned with two plates, one for him, and one for Parvati. “This is true, Yamato-kun. However, we must remember that the mundane world is where we live. Our ancestors see our hearts every day, and we must honor them as we can. Try not to let your mind grow so full of the mundane world that you fail to give honor to those that you love.”

“Thank you, sir. I shall endeavor to keep your advice in my heart. Right beside my Petal.”

Genkai turned beet red as a delirious smile blossomed on his face. Parvati giggled and nudged him gently with her elbow.

“And a fine Petal he is, too! Just look at that vibrant red! So full of life and love! Yamato-kun, you have a rare treasure, indeed. Oh! What is this? Why are you weeping, my sweetling?” Parvati took her napkin and gently dabbed at Genkai’s cheeks.

“I’ve just… I’ve never been treated like this before,” he sniffled. “I’m so used to being treated the way that awful man treated us this morning. Before Barton-san, I’d always been treated like a…like a disease! It’s so new to me, and I don’t…I don’t know what to do.” Tears streamed down Genkai’s cheeks, which Parvati dutifully dried.

She wrapped her arms around the young man, shushing him gently as he wept quietly on her shoulder. Her face reflected a mixture of sorrow for this poor man and her own quiet rage at the cruelty of ignorance. The group was silent as they watched the depths of Genkai’s experience drain from his eyes. Atsuki wept his own silent tears with his brother.

“Let it out, sweetling. It feels like it’s been festering there for quite a long time. You know you have love now. Real love. Not the sort that takes you to bed and never calls. Your Gentle Breeze will never do such a thing to his Petal. Your brother has stood by you in all things, and this is no exception. Your new friends all love you and accept you. Dry your eyes, sweetling. Look around you at the Love you have and relish it! Let your heart be filled to bursting with this love. See?”

Genkai sat up and looked around at his friends, his eyes puffy and red. Parvati gently rubbed his arm. “I am sorry for my outburst, Parvati-sama. I did not wish to cause you embarrassment.” he mumbled softly.

“Do not dwell on it for a single moment, sweetling. You had a need. I could provide. It brings great joy to my heart to do so. Cloth can be cleaned, but a soul that holds on to pain for too long becomes stained. It would be a terrible thing to see a soul as beautiful as yours be stained with that much pain.”

Genkai nodded and smiled brightly at her. “Thank you. I will keep your words in my heart, right beside my Gentle Breeze.”

“See that you do, sweetling. And Markus? Thank you for seeing this fine man for exactly who he is.” Parvati smiled down the table at Markus, who gave her an embarrassed smile and nod in return.

The rest of lunch was served shortly afterward, and the eight of them continued to chat quietly with each other. Amun shared anecdotes with the group about his adventures in life, while Parvati interjected with gentle jabs at his expense. Amun’s patience seemed boundless, as he smiled indulgently at his Lady.

Eventually lunch had been completely served, and as Markus and Amun paid for the meals, they began to rise and gather their things. Amun began saying his goodbyes to each person individually, ending with Markus.

Leaning in conspiratorily, he murmured softly. “She is the Mother Of All, Markus. That’s why you and Akane recognize her. She reminds you of your mother and grandmother, does she not? I thought so. You’ll get to know her better in time. You and Akane both.”

Parvati was busy doing the same, making sure to give everyone a gentle hug, and a kiss to their cheek. She lingered with Akane for a bit longer, whispering something in her ear that brought a smile to her face, along with a few tears.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

When she stopped at Markus she smiled and sighed softly. “You are a good man, Markus Barton. Never forget that. Your future will have some extraordinarily painful and hard times, but you’ll get through them.” Leaning in, she whispered softly. “You may work for Death, but you are one beautifully shining example of how Life should be lived. Freely and with Love. Hold on to your rabbit, sweetling. She’ll save you in ways you never imagined.” With those words, she hugged him tightly and kissed his cheek.

When she broke away and joined Amun, Markus stared after her, watching the pair walk out of the restaurant. Akane walked up to him and took his hand. Markus gazed into her soft brown eyes, seeing the love she bore for him reflected there. Kissing her forehead, he slowly led her out of the restaurant and into the street, joining the rest of their friends.

Checking the time, Markus noted that it was almost three PM. “It’s getting late. What do you say to touring the area around Hafuu?”

Yamato looked over at him quizzically. “Which one?”

Dumbfounded, Markus looked over at Hanako. “Um… I’m not sure. We’re having dessert at Kumonocha, remember? How many are there?”

Hanako gave him a half-smile. “There are two. One near the imperial palace, and one on the other side of the Kamo River. What were you thinking of having for dinner?

“I was hoping to have wagyu for the first time, honestly. Which is better for that?”

“Oh, Shogoin, for sure. That’s the one across the river.” Hanako nodded decisively.

“Is there anything interesting nearby?” Markus asked, hoping to find something neat.

“Eh. Not much, unfortunately. However, if we want to simply browse some local shops, we can go to Teramachi-dori. It’s got nearly everything you could want out there. It’s also near a bus stop, and we can get to Hafuu Shogoin pretty easily from there,” Atsuki said.

“Well? Want to go shopping?”

Five minutes later, they were on the bus, headed to Teramachi-dori. Akane rested her head on Markus’ shoulder, somewhat tired from the food.

Markus looked down at her. Just how had he gotten so lucky? A chance meeting at a restaurant. That’s all it was. That’s all it took, if he were honest with himself. Was it possible that their meeting was crafted by some unseen hand, guiding each towards the other? Just how much free will existed? Markus wondered if Amun was even that powerful. Or if it had been the entity he reported to.

Whatever the case, Markus decided that it probably wasn’t worth him stressing over it. He had a beautiful, loving partner and the potential for a new life. All he had to do was get through the training for the next month.

How hard could it be?

After nearly forty minutes, They got off at their stop and headed south, guided by Atsuki.

“I’m a cab driver. I know Kyoto like the back of my hand, guys. Teramachi has everything. Housewares, electric scooters, books, food, even ink pens. Yes, Markus. There’s a store that sells nothing but ink pens.”

Markus shook his head. A store devoted to ink pens? Just how much business could they even do? A disbelieving smile on his face, he followed his friends across the street and entered what looked like a new world.

Teramachi-dori was busy. Not just with people, but the shops were packed next to each other like sardines in a tin. Most shared at least one wall.

“Wow. I never thought I’d see a place this packed. I wanna see everything!”

Akane giggled and hugged him close. She was so happy she could show Markus her world. It meant everything to her that he genuinely wanted to experience Kyoto. It was a sad thing that they would be parting tomorrow, but she knew she would see him again very soon. One short month, and he would be hers. She squeezed him a little tighter at the thought.

They wandered in and out of shops at random for the next two hours before Genkai began complaining about his feet hurting. Yamato gestured off to the south a bit.

“Ippodo is just over there. We can rest there, Petal.”

Markus tilted his head. “Ippodo?”

“It’s a tea shop. Small and cozy.”

“Sounds good. Let’s go rest.”

They walked into the little shop and took seats at the counter. A little tea would be just the thing to soothe tired muscles, and fortify their bodies for the rest of the evening. They placed their orders and rested for a while.

About fifteen minutes later, they left and continued their excursion, heading ever south. Eventually, they crossed a wide street which led to another, even narrower street that was covered. The shops here were much more varied. Markus looked around continuously. So much to experience! As he looked, he would occasionally catch glimpses of people watching him from somewhat hidden vantages. As he had done at the aquarium, he let it be and paid no attention to them. The lessons his grandmother gave him about Appalachia held true here, too. He was sure of it.

After a while, some of the people that were watching him began to grow bolder and began to move towards the group. Markus leaned over and murmured in Akane’s ear.

“Without moving your head and without looking directly at them, can you see the two women and one man over to your left? The man is wearing a grey sweater and black sweatpants.”

Akane looked up at him and smiled. “I love you too, Kuma-kun.” Then she began to slowly scan her surroundings, not letting her gaze linger too long in one spot. “Over here! There’s a pottery shop, guys. Maybe we can get a tea set for our future home?” Akane looked eagerly into Markus’ eyes and gave the slightest nod of her head.

“I think a tea set would be a fantastic idea. Yamato? Atsuki? Do you four want to come check it out?”

“Sure, bro! I like pottery, so it’s a no brainer to me. Ojōsama? What do you think?”

“I didn’t know my Yūben'na enjoyed pottery. We shall have to indulge you, then.”

Markus smiled at the pair. They really were rather adorable together. As they headed to the little shop, they passed by the trio that Markus had mentioned. He struggled to keep his eyes glued to the shop, and just when he was sure he would glance at them, he leaned down and kissed the top of Akane’s head.

“I nearly looked. They didn’t even move. Just stared straight ahead. I’m fairly certain they’re lost souls.”

Akane nodded. “I must use the restroom. I shall return.” She split off from the group, apologizing for her need for the departure.

As she walked, she gave a subtle nod of her head to the trio, and seemed somewhat shocked when they followed her.

Time to see if she could help someone.