** in my fic he is supposed to have left Nakago for 10 years. Edited 2012, been a long time. Hehe I've improved.

Chapter 8

The present

"Let me in. I am Tomo, Seiryuu shichiseishi. These are my papers." Her master said with authority. She had seen another side of her master. He took her hand and when the guards stopped her, he added that she was his girlfriend.

[What the!] Tomo smiled secretively.

In the palace the general came forward quickly to receive them. Nakago sama in all his glory. Longish blond hair, cold steely eyes, taller than Tomo by a few metres at least and dressed in armour. He nodded to her and spoke to Tomo.

"I am glad to see you. What is it?"

"These are the Golden Scrolls. Please safekeep them. Sorry for not giving them earlier, I had delays. I'm leaving now." Weike was shocked she thought that the man wanted to reunite or at least put up here for a few days. All the time his eyes were lowly cast.

"Why don't you take a rest?" Nakago took his hand. Then it happened.

Weike snarled. Her master choked out a scream of pain and fell backwards, supported by Nakago. [How dare you!] A knife protruded between his shoulders.

Some harried footsteps made their exit. She knelt by Tomo and held his hand. The soulful amber pupils locked on her and then the general and he uttered

"There-is-no turning back now." He laughed painfully, and she swallowed hard not to weep or howl out. Nakago demanded who the traitor was. Tomo lost consciousness. A golden piercing light tore through. After that all was normal except for a burning smell near the doorway.

[So that is the power of the Golden scrolls. Physician, hurry and fix him!] Weike instantly held her master and growled at the men. They shivered. Nakago sent her a plea to let him help. Just help. Reluctantly she released her grip and stood up.

They waited outside the room and Nakago paced about. She told him every thing. Her master loved him deeply. Don't look down on him because he's gay. He has always been so loyal and loving to you. Please love him back.

He was awake and flushed when the shogun came in. She was delighted and could not resist a strong hug. Tomo winced in pain.

[I told you I'm fine. It's not serious.] He replied inside.

"I think you ought to listen to him," She said aloud, drew back and let Nakago take a seat.

Nakago paused, looking up at the ceiling. Then he spoke, "I am sorry for the pain I caused you. I have always known deep down, of your true affections, Tomo. But... I couldn't express it, because, I cannot. Please rest here a few days."

The illusionist did not cry, instead he was beaming. Weike rubbed her eyes in disbelief. What had just happened? The proud man apologizing? Tomo responded, "I understand. I had to come though. It was worth it."

Days later they set off for home. Well not much of a home but it could be restarted. Tomo's letterwriting business could work out. Weike was puzzled. [I thought you want to stay with him. Spent much effort complaining to him! Is this the way of humans?]

[What? I didn't ask for you to play matchmaker. When I shielded him, I realized that I do love him still, in my own way. Our relationship will not work out. Humans, I don't know truly. If we ever became lovers, Nakago won't be able to carry out his duties.] "Time for me to consider your needs too, Weike. You didn't desert me and I was so blind to that. Life in the courts won't suit you. Neither do I wish that, I am a free person now." He smiled and said this aloud.

[Oh Tomo-sama!] She snuggled closer. He was the Best master in the world! Tomo embraced her too, stroking her hair and laughed.
[Eh, what about the scrolls?] Weike murmured.
They were lying back on the haycart now, enjoying the cool evening breeze on their faces. By luck, they had met the same farmer who offered them passage. He had taken pity on both of their scruffiness.

"A tribe chief gave that to me when you had gone out for food. He asked me to safekeep it for them and moments later he was dead. I tried to save him but he was suffering so I used my power to relieve his last hour. Later I found another king had extinguished their race."

The old pain in his voice reminded her of the way he stared at Nakagosama. And war. "Let's not talk of such painful stuff. I'm really hungry."

[why didn't you use the scrolls? It can give much power.]

"My fingers were burnt. It seems that only the tribe relatives can use them. I hope no one will get hurt. They need to use it well. I suffered when I didn't understand. I was naive and single minded. And yet, God didn't abandon me.. Seiryuu showed me that I should find other sources, and I wasn't alone. Suboshi, Amiboshi, they were annoying brats. But they distracted me from problems. I know now."

She snuggled closer to him and kissed him on the lips.

"For a new start we're equals. Please call me Tomo. Not master. I am still on a long way from being an adult. You are so beautiful but I can't love you. Not naturally. Can you accept me for this?"

His eyes were so soft. She looked away, turned back and smiled fully. [I don't mind. We can stay friends. Maybe someday..]

Yes, someday we can explore if that love is possible. I have not loved a woman before... He admitted. Then Tomo took her hand, helped her down from the cart.

The landscape of corn fields and orange sky, smoke in the distant hills. Weike's heart soared and she yipped, running towards their house. Tomo inhaled deeply and followed her at a sedate pace. I forgive you Nakago-sama. And I will always love you.