In The Darkness

She noticed that Itsuki narrowed his eyes and for a split second he looked very shocked and angry.

«Seems to me you have escaped from all that.» He finally said.

«I did. But it cost me a lot.»

«Your family?»

«And my so-called friends.» Kara shrugged her shoulders. «So I was very used to living on my own even before the portals sent my world falling down into the abyss…»

«I am sorry.»

Kara glanced into his eyes and noticed his sad look.

«For what? I was never really a part of the family, nor was I ever a great friend, according to those guys. What I lost… is what I did not need.» She answered with an awkward smile.

«Still… To live through something like that – it’s… ghastly.»

«True. But I try not to think about it. If it weren’t for them and their despicable ways, I might not be here today. And who would be saving your life then?»

Itsuki chuckled.

«Destiny has its own ways, I suppose. And you are right. If it weren’t for you, my life could have ended… And the castle might have been overrun with demons.» He smiled at her.

«You give me too much credit.»

«I’m serious. The oni you killed last… it was a demon lord.»

Kara frowned, surprised, and shook her head.

«No way…» she smirked.

«It’s true. While everyone was busy with the horde, the demon lord could have opened a few more portals. And we would have lost the battle. But you called him to a duel and he couldn’t resist.»

«Wait… you mean to tell me that not everyone can put those down?»

«Well, yes. Lord Ryuu and a few other warriors could, but most samurai in the castle are unable to face a demon lord one on one and win.» Itsuki shrugged his shoulder. «You surprised us all there.»

«Oh.» Kara froze, looking away. For a couple of minutes she sat there, thinking over what he just said and drinking wine to settle her nerves.

«Do you remember the drum?» Itsuki suddenly asked.

Kara glanced at him and raised her eyebrow:

«At the pagoda?»

«Yes. I’ve spoken to the monk after your little prayer and the storm…» Itsuki said with a gentle smile. «The man thinks you’ve been heard by the gods no less.»

«I’m not sure if I really believe in gods, Inei… Itsuki…»

«Call me whatever you like, Nakano. They are both my names, as are many others.» Itsuki chuckled. «As for the gods… I think you are twisting the truth a little. After all, you have so many on your body. Dragon, Phoenix… they are gods… Your raven is also a servant of the gods… and the phrase on your arm…»

«Yes, you’re right… Gods favour the strong.» Kara sighed, looking down. «I guess… I look up and see the skies, wishing the gods could hear me? Or, maybe… I don’t know…»

She suddenly pulled her knees up to her chin and hugged her legs, shrinking to a little ball as if to protect herself.

«You know, I’ve had a lot of time to watch you, Nakano. You have more strength in you than many other people I know. I understand why Lord Ryuu took you here. I understand what demons might haunt your soul.» Itsuki smiled gently. «And I want you to know that if you need, I am always here. You can always talk to me.»

«I have. Though, we didn’t use words before.» Kara smiled back.

«Ah! Well, that would be my fault.»

«Don’t. Everything is alright. I enjoyed your company nevertheless.»

«I hope you won’t get tired of me, because from now on we are going to be spending much more time together. And I must warn you – I am a very strict teacher.»

«I don’t mind, Master Itsuki. I love learning new things.» Kara smiled again. «I just hope I will be able to keep up, considering I am not fully healed yet.»

«Don’t worry. At first I will be teaching you some things that are not as physical.»

«If you are about what a real shinobi actually does, I know some of that…»

«Oh, really? Enlighten me.» Itsuki sounded flirty, when he wasn’t hiding behind that mask of his, and Kara liked his expression. He seemed open, happy even. It could be a result of him being a little drunk from sake and wine, but he looked genuine.

Kara laughed with him and told him everything she knew about the shinobi she read about in her world, and very soon she found out that for the most part her knowledge was quite extensive. But he still corrected her on some things and started telling about others that she knew nothing about.

In that long and deep conversation they spent most of the night, before Kara started dozing off. Itsuki convinced her to go to bed and returned to his usual self – a masked and hooded silent warrior who will be looking after her while she slept. Though Kara didn’t know – he actually slept through the night, although he stayed vigilant even in his sleep. He was used to staying in the far corner of her room, hidden in the shadows and ready to come to her aid if anything happens.

He also knew that this would be the last night he would be able to spend next to her, and this brought a faint sense of dread into his soul.

4

* * *

The next morning Kara woke up to a neat stack of dark shinobi clothing next to her bed. Itsuki sat in the corner – just like before, but this time he seemed sleeping, because his eyes were closed. As Kara stood up to get dressed, the man opened his eyes and jumped to his feet. The young woman noticed that he was about to leave and smirked.

«Stay. You’ve already seen me naked. What’s the point in leaving, if you’ve seen it all…» she said to him.

Itsuki, however, turned away.

«It doesn’t mean I shouldn’t respect your privacy.» He said.

«I don’t mind.» She shrugged with a smile on her lips. «Unless, of course, my ugly scar makes me less attractive than before…»

Itsuki didn’t answer and Kara dressed up in silence. When she finished, she felt Itsuki near and turned to him.

With a strange expression in his eyes, he checked her clothes and nodded.

«Let’s go and find out how well you are with your body.» He said and walked out of the room.

Kara followed, feeling very strange.

He took her to the gardens again – to the parts that had lots of various stones and paths that could be easily used for training.

For the next few hours he demanded she would balance and jump and run, showing him how well she knew the basics and what she could improve. Even though her wound was still giving her a hard time, she didn’t complain once.

As they returned to the castle, Itsuki was silent, but Kara knew – there was something more behind that silence than just her performance during what he called assessment.

«So did I do good?» she finally asked, tired of the silence between them.

«Better than I anticipated. Tomorrow we will try sparring.» Itsuki replied. «I’ve seen you in battle with a demon, but I must know how you fight a human as well.»

«Can I ask you something?»

«Sure.»

«Did Lord Ryuu tell you what he saw when he met me?»

«Yes. He was surprised when you asked him and his men to leave. Most people he encountered – either ran, or attacked. He also told me how you killed one of his men with a drumstick. And then how you killed three others in various ways. He was quite impressed.»

«I’m able to turn almost anything into a weapon, when my life depends on it. Even a drumstick…» Kara sighed.

«I believe you. Lord Ryuu, by the way, kept the second one as a memento of your first encounter.»

«Did he?»

«Like I said – he was very impressed.» Itsuki glanced at her with a twitched eyebrow.

«That’s strange, because you don’t seem to be.» Kara smirked, trying to get some emotion in reply.

«If I don’t show it, it doesn’t mean it’s not there, Nakano. You will have more opportunities to impress us all, I assure you. But for the moment, we must concentrate on your training.»

«So what’s next then?»

«Well…» Itsuki turned to the far corner of the courtyard, which was out of limits for her before. «Have you ever ridden a horse?»

«Frequently. Before my world fell.» Kara saw the stables with many different horses that varied in height and colour.

«Good. Then you will choose yourself one.» He led her past the stables behind the building where they kept horses in small paddocks.

One of those stood a little way off from the others and contained one single horse – a giant black stallion. Intrigued, Kara headed toward him, but Itsuki caught her by the arm.

«He’s off limits.» He said firmly. «He already killed three men. We keep him for breeding, not for riding.»

«Let me see him, please.» Kara replied. «In all my years as a rider I have never met a horse who couldn’t be tamed. I have worked with so-called killers and turned them into fine companions each time.»

«Fine.» Itsuki sighed.

They walked up to the paddock, and Kara noticed the stallion tense up and run at them aggressively. He couldn’t reach people behind the tall fence, but he was obviously not happy with them being there. She watched him for some time, and climbed the fence before Itsuki could stop her.

Walking towards the stallion, she showed the animal her empty hands as a sign of peace.

The horse snorted and jumped, furious at the intruder, but Kara stopped in the middle of his paddock and froze, looking straight at the stallion.

«Nakano! Get back here now!» Kara heard Itsuki calling, but ignored him.

«Hello, handsome.» She said to the horse and noticed the stallion jump to her.

She didn’t move, when the stallion ran up and dug into the ground, stopping himself. She didn’t move when he tried scaring her by stomping and kicking near her.

Kara let him thrash around, until he finally stopped and looked at her in confusion.

«Your tricks won’t fool me, pretty boy.» She said calmly, feeling that this horse was never spoken to or treated with kindness. «Would you like to be my friend?»

She slowly reached out her hand and the stallion snorted angrily, stomping his hoof onto the ground. But she didn’t flinch, staying still and looking at him expectantly. She watched him, as he flinched and jumped nervously, too afraid to approach her. But she was patient and kept smiling, catching every move and glance that he made.

A long time had passed before the stallion reached his neck out and sniffed her palm – not even touching her, but getting acquainted to her smell.

«See? I’m not that bad.» Kara whispered. «And so are you.»

She slowly turned her back to the stallion and stood like that for a couple of moments before taking a careful and slow step forward.

Kara could hear the stallion stepping behind her – attentive, tense and ready to jump away. But he was intrigued and wanted to know more of this strange human who wasn’t afraid of him.

«I’ll share an apple with you tomorrow, if you let me touch you today.» Kara smiled, noticing Itsuki and a few other men frozen at the fence with their mouth open from shock.

She stopped, not reaching the fence, and let the stallion walk up to her. He first sniffed her back, then stepped a bit closer and sniffed her shoulder and head, brushing his nose against her cheek.

When he reached over her shoulder, glancing at her with curiosity, Kara slowly raised her hand and let him sniff it again, before gently touching his nose.

The stallion flinched for a second, snorting with surprise, but then approached again and let her touch him once more.

«There you go.» Kara smiled and turned slowly to face the stallion. «See?»

She caressed his forehead, while letting him sniff her clothes. She reached up to scratch under his mane and noticed a small red star-shaped scar on his forehead.

«Did someone hurt you? Is this why you’re so angry all the time?» the young woman asked, gently petting the horse.

The stallion shook his head and turned away, looking at the people watching them.

«It’s okay. Go. I’ll see you tomorrow.» Kara smiled and caressed the stallion’s neck.

He stepped away and calmly walked off, leaving Kara by herself. The young woman chuckled and went back to Itsuki. As soon as she jumped off the fence, he looked at her with awe.

«I have no idea what magic you used with that beast!» he said. «And I don’t even want to know.»

«You said I have to choose my horse.» Kara smiled. «I want him.»

«Akuma?! You want Akuma?» one of the men asked in shock.

«I don’t know how you tried to tame him, but he seems quite tame to me. Perhaps, you just don’t understand him?» Kara shrugged her shoulders. «Of course, I won’t be able to ride him straight away, but give me a little time and he will become a perfect friend for me.»

Itsuki exhaled, shaking his head.

«When will you ever stop surprising me, Nakano?» he whispered.

Kara shrugged her shoulders, feeling quite confident that Akuma can become a perfect horse.

«Oh, did I miss it already?» suddenly they heard Ayame’s voice. «I was told Akuma was killing our guest.»

«He didn’t even try, Ayame.» Kara replied with a smile.

«She’s a wonder! He tried scaring her and she didn’t even flinch!» Itsuki replied. «You should have seen it! He even allowed her to touch him!»

«Nakano, I hope you won’t mind if I join you some time to see what you have done to this demon of a horse?» Ayame glanced at Kara.

«You can join me tomorrow, when I’ll try and work with him trusting me a bit more…» Kara replied with a chuckle. «If I will be allowed to take him, of course.»

«I am sure Lord Ryuu will agree that there can be no other way, Nakano.»

«Meanwhile…» Itsuki said with a sigh. «I wanted to see how you do on a horse, not next to it.»

«We can offer a couple of training horses, Master Inei.» One of the men said. «But I’m not sure if Nakano would want to ride them.»

«Oh, I can ride any horse. I just love mine with an attitude just like mine.» Kara smiled.

«Saddle Sakura for her.» Ayame smiled. «I am sure she will suffice.»

«Yes, Spy Master.» The men bowed to Ayame and ran off.

«Take care of my mare, Nakano. She has a temper, but I am sure you will find a way to negotiate with her.»

«I will do my best, Spy Master Ayame.» Kara bowed slightly.

«And you…» Ayame turned to Itsuki. «Take care of Nakano. Lord Ryuu will be furious if our wounded hero will get hurt riding a horse.»

«Some why I doubt she will be the one hurt.» Itsuki chuckled.

«I’ll look after him, Ayame.» Kara winked at the woman.

Within minutes the horses were ready and Itsuki jumped into the saddle. He was riding a big stallion – black and with a very lush mane and tail. If Kara wouldn’t know better, she would have said this stallion was Akuma’s brother, no less.

Sakura, on the other hand, was a beautiful mare – long-legged and fair, she would be perfect for a queen. The mare’s coat was a rare cream colour, making her stand out from all the other horses in the castle.

Kara admired such beauty, as well as the strength of these wonderful creatures, and Sakura definitely seemed like a strong and resilient horse.

As soon as she got onto her back, Sakura tensed up and beat her front hoof on the ground – she was obviously looking forward to have a good time.

«Take care of her, alright?» Ayame caressed her horse on the neck.

Itsuki led Kara out of the castle and they set off through a picturesque road that curved through the forest.

Kara felt that Sakura could do better if she were to let go, and so she allowed the mare to quicken her pace and burst into an amazing gallop. Itsuki followed, knowing both horses better than Kara, and easily keeping up.

It was obvious that these horses knew each other well and worked perfectly in tandem – they ran in unison, turning and slowing when needed.

Feeling the freedom of galloping on a road again, Kara started smiling, happy to be on a horse.

* * *

Kara started her days with training – Itsuki was relentless when it came to her and it helped her return to her form after the wound she suffered in the battle. After her usual morning training sessions she went to the stables to spend some time with Akuma.

As the days passed, the stallion was becoming more and more susceptible to her. He stopped being angry and nervous all the time, turning out to be a very calm and confident horse. And with each new day he started waiting for her to come to his paddock and greeting her at the gate.

And it wasn’t because she had a couple of treats ready for him, he wanted to receive her gentle touch and feel her combing his mane and tail. Very soon she managed to put a special bridle she had made. It was different from the usual bridles that others used, and the leatherworker was surprised to make such a thing at Kara’s demand. But he dared not refuse – after all, Kara was favoured by Lord Ryuu, and the master leatherworker feared his wrath.

Akuma received the bitless bridle with ease, and the very same day allowed Kara to get up on his back. The young woman took a short ride, showing the stallion how to react to her subtle commands, and let him be. She didn’t want to rush him into anything, and proceeded with caution.

When she worked with Akuma in the paddock, others would sometimes come and watch. Ayame and Itsuki were the most frequent witnesses of her «magic’, but Lord Ryuu visited them as well. He never said anything, but whenever Kara noticed him among others – he was standing there, watching her closely with a very concentrated expression on his stern face.

By the time Kara felt confident that Akuma will be able to behave outside the paddock, she saddled him up and opened the gate.

The people who were watching scattered aside, fearing that the stallion would bolt through them, but Akuma stayed by Kara’s side – she wasn’t holding the reins, and yet the stallion was listening to her. All he did was look out with a curious gaze.

Kara finally took the reins and calmly walked out of the paddock with him.

Surprisingly, Akuma listened to her every move and did not even try to run or hurt anyone. Instead, he reached to the other horses he was passing by and seemed to be greeting them – relaxed and calm as he could ever be.

Kara checked the saddle and jumped onto Akuma’s back.

The stallion stood still, looking around with wonder, and by the time Itsuki and Ayame got onto their horses, Kara was ready to take Akuma for his first ride outside the castle walls.

«Are you sure about this?» Itsuki asked her, while they led their horses to the gates.

«I’m confident in him, Master Itsuki.» Kara replied. «Have faith in us.»

When the guards opened the gates and they walked out, Akuma tensed up for a split second, but allowed Kara to calm him with a short stroke of her palm across his neck.

They took it easy, and Akuma showed himself a trustworthy and attentive horse, surprising both Ayame and Itsuki. He listened to Kara so well that they couldn’t believe their eyes!

As soon as they returned to the castle, Lord Ryuu met them in the courtyard.

«I see, you have tamed Akuma, Nakano.» He said with a smirk.

Kara jumped off the stallion and bowed to Lord Ryuu.

«Thank you for the opportunity, Lord Ryuu.» She replied.

«I hope he will be a worthy partner for you.»

Kara smiled, caressing the stallion on the neck.

«He already is.» She said.

Lord Ryuu nodded and walked off, leaving Kara and the others by the stables.

«He’s impressed!» Ayame nudged Kara on the shoulder and Akuma flinched – he still didn’t trust anyone near, except Kara.

«You think so?» Kara replied, calming the stallion down by caressing his nose.

«We know so, Nakano.» Itsuki chuckled. «And he is not easily impressed.»

Kara took Akuma back to his paddock, still doubting that the two Spy Masters really meant what they said. It was strange for her – being in employ of a shogun, becoming part of his warriors. But everything seemed so natural, so easy. Though she put a lot of effort into training and working with Akuma – she already knew a lot before she came to this world. And it must have played its part, otherwise things could have been different.

Leaving Akuma to rest, she took the saddle and bridle to the stable masters and joined Ayame and Itsuki, as they too left their horses to be watered and fed.

«Are you up for some sparring?» Ayame asked Kara, as they walked off towards the castle.

«Do you want to knock me down again?» Kara chuckled in reply, remembering how Ayame knocked her prone last time they sparred.

Even though Kara was a skilful fighter, Ayame was training ever since she was a child, and could teach a lot about shinobi fighting. Of course, Kara was still looked at as a very skilful warrior, but sometimes she felt much less so, when it came to some of the techniques the shinobi were taught.

Kara would even scold herself every time she felt that her chaotic, mixed fighting technique made her fall prey to the mastery of Itsuki or Ayame.

«We’ll see, Nakano. See you in the training hall in an hour?» Ayame smiled.

Kara nodded, agreeing to yet another lesson. She wasn’t even thinking about refusing – she only wanted to show them that she was capable of becoming what they expected from her.

As Ayame walked off, Itsuki nudged Kara in the side.

«I see you’re overthinking again.» He said. «What is it about?»

«I keep thinking if I even deserve to be here, Master Itsuki.» Kara shrugged her shoulders.

Itsuki caught her arm and stopped her, turning to face him quite rudely.

«Stop!» he said firmly. «You are here for a reason! You are stronger, than you think – and you’ve already proved that multiple times! So stop thinking you don’t deserve to be here! If that was the case, Lord Ryuu would have never even bothered taking you with him!»

Kara felt shaken and even a bit scared, seeing such anger in Itsuki’s eyes. He must have realised it, because he suddenly looked away and gently released her arm, stepping back. Without a single word he walked off, leaving her alone. She decided not to pursue him – he definitely needed some time by himself.

An hour later she came to the training hall and found Ayame waiting for her. Throwing Kara a couple of bokken, the woman smiled and readied her own training weapons.

Used to seeing Itsuki whenever she was training, Kara realised that without him it felt strange. But she forced herself to concentrate on her opponent and they started their deadly dance. Other people watched them from afar, noting the skills both women showed in wielding the weapons they had.

Kara and Ayame kept sparring again and again – they fought swiftly and with unimaginable speed, forcing each other to retreat and attack, but never having enough to win the fight.

After some time Ayame stepped back and bowed to her opponent.

«I think it’s enough for today, Nakano. It was a great fight.» She said, breathing heavily.

Kara bowed in return – her feelings were mutual. This time she didn’t let Ayame win a single time, and it definitely looked like a victory to her.

«See you tomorrow?» she asked.

«Get some rest.» Ayame nodded.

Kara walked off back to her room, feeling tired and happy that she managed to stay on her feet throughout the whole workout Ayame gave her. She took the long way back to her quarters – first visiting the nearest bath to wash off the filth and sweat from the hard day. And as she was returning to her room, dressed in a fresh haorihakama, she suddenly received a visit from someone she didn’t expect.

«Nakano!» Kara heard Itsuki and turned to him, surprised to see him at all after what had happened between them earlier.

«Yes, Master Itsuki?» she tried sounding calm, but deep inside she felt ashamed for doubting herself in the first place.

He walked up and offered her a small lacquered box.

«Please accept my sincerest apologies.» He said, looking at her with such sadness and guilt in his eyes, that she suddenly felt confused.

«What?» she asked, trying to guess what exactly he was apologising for.

He bowed, still holding the box.

«I was disrespectful and rude. I am sorry.» He said.

Kara took the box, opening it. Inside she found a small batch of Japanese treats mochi. She loved these even when she was living back in her home world.

«Itsuki…» she whispered, surprised that he would offer her this adorable gift as an apology. «It’s alright.»

Kara reached out and cupped his face with her palm. She wanted to feel him and his warmth – it was already unbearable that he was there all the time – so close and so unreachable…