Chapter 70

The Final Battle and A White Vision

As the prolonged sensual embrace of the couple continued, Ujio could feel inside him that something was not right. Even though he loved and desired the girl before him, he did not wish to push her beyond the boundaries her society and upbringing had instilled in her. Most importantly, he did not want to touch and claim what did not belong to him in the first place. He pulled back, his chest rising and falling against her as if he'd been just running. Katherine's eyes glistened with a deep, burning fire and she trembled in his arms, painfully aware of her unfulfilled desire.

The admired samurai did not want to break the silence that enveloped them, and yet it was necessary to say something. "I cannot. Forgive me." He whispered softly and set up straight, unable to look Katherine in the eyes.

The young woman frowned, she didn't expect such interruption but then again, few seconds ago, she had been too lost in passion. She blushed, only just realizing what was happening around her. Nevertheless, she reached out and gently turned Ujio to face her again. "No, you have nothing to apologize for." Her words were sweet and calming.

"This is weakness...you are my weakness." Ujio said, forcing himself to rip his gaze from her. "I cannot afford distractions. The war is only few hours away." He got up and walked proudly towards his laid out armor.

Katherine was suddenly very hurt with the harsh tone that escaped him. She stared at him in stunned confusion. "So that's what I am? A mere distraction?" Tears filled her sparkling eyes.

Ujio shut his eyes in pain, he didn't want to break her heart but he also didn't want to use her. He was without doubt dying in battle and if he and Kitty had become intimate, the girl would be ruined. And Nobutada? He was dishonoring the memory of his leader's son. The young samurai also happened to love this woman.

"I must get ready for the war. " Ujio began with a deep sigh and turned to her, indicating that it was time for her to leave.

"Why?" Katherine asked as tears rolled down her cheeks. "Why are you so cruel? How can you be so cold-hearted." She stood up slowly and adjusted her disheveled dress.

"I am only realistic." Ujio answered in a sad tone and confidently strode up to her. "We have no future. We are just fooling ourselves. Of course, you are a distraction! I should be concentrating and meditating about the battle and instead I'm here with you...allowing myself to get lost in your sweet caresses and soft smell of your skin. No!" He finished in frustrated anger.

Katherine was taken aback with his honest and anxious reply. She gazed at him in silence for a little while. "I understand." She said at last with a cracking voice and began to walk away.

Ujio watched her leave with the utmost heartache, longing and deep love illuminated his features. He couldn't believe that few minutes ago, he was this close to getting what he desired for so long. And yet, deep down he felt strongly prevailed to have restrained himself. This was for the best. For both of them.

When Katherine lazily trailed back to Taka's place, she found Katsumoto and most of his samurai all assembled and ready, evidently waiting for something or someone? She took a deep breath and quickly composed herself. It was useless to get upset with Ujio. He was always so icy and cold. What was she thinking? She was such a fool to believe that something could come out of them as a couple. No wonder Katherine had chosen Nobutada over him. Without doubt, he was a better man.

Her light eyes scanned the area and they immediately fell on her dear father, who had just come out of the house. "My darling girl!" Exclaimed the British linguist surprised. "I thought you were still asleep!"

Katherine shushed her father and smiled at him weakly, her eyes darting towards the thoughtful Katsumoto and the rest of his men. They were very still, silent and patiently awaited for a certain someone.

"Oh! Of course, my apologies." Simon whispered softly, placing himself next to Katherine as color rose to his cheeks.

Katsumoto's steadfast gaze settled on the jolly man and the pretty girl. He greeted them with a short acknowledging nod and the father and daughter bowed at him in return. Katherine began to realize that the individual the samurai group were waiting was none other than the former American Captain.

Just then, the door of Taka's house slid open and as predicted, Nathan Algren exited. What a sight it was indeed! For a moment, Katherine forgot to breathe. She stared jaw-dropped at the proud, confident and handsome figure of her dear friend. What shocked her so was the armor Nathan was wearing. It was Hirotaro's crimson armor! That very one which he had worn on the fateful day of his death...that very one that Taka had placed upright in a small shrine. Could it be? Did she approve of this? Then it hit her! Of course, she did! Taka was probably the one who clothed him.

Katherine couldn't help but smile brightly at him, and Nathan also flushed her a charming grin. Everyone, absolutely everyone was highly impressed with the American. The growing admiration that Katsumoto and the samurai warriors had for him was hard not to notice.

"My God, he belongs with them." Whispered the awe-struck Mr. Graham to his daughter.

A sharp rapid command caught Katherine's attention and to her astonishment, Ujio appeared in his jet black armor with gold points on the breast-plate; he wasn't wearing the infamous horned helmet yet. His eyes were fixed at the American before him and for a second, Katherine thought that he'd be furious to see Nathan in Hirotaro's red armor. Fortunately, nothing of that kind happened, the tough samurai neared the American, studied his form, nodded in approval and roughly adjusted Hirotaro-well...now Nathan's armor. After all those months, the two men had finally come to a mutual understanding. Ujio motioned Nathan to walk towards Katsumoto, who obeyed immediately and went up to the leader. The tough samurai, before stationing himself next to his horse, caught Kitty's eyes and held her gaze for a moment.

Nathan walked up to Katsumoto, who looked at him with an impressed countenance. He was no longer recognizing an enemy in the American, but a friend, a comrade, a fellow...samurai. The honorable warlord held up a beautiful...and obviously a newly made katana and offered it to Nathan.

"You will need this." He bowed in respect.

Dumbstruck Nathan slowly took the magnificent sword and let out a small gasp. Japanese characters were etched on the blade. "What does it say?" He looked back at Katsumoto.

"I belong to the warrior in whom the old ways have joined the new."

Silence fell among them and there was a pause, before Katsumoto turned to face his army. He uncovered his katana and let out a battle cry, every other warrior followed his suit. Katherine's blood began to chill at the sound, her mind darted back to the very first time she had heard the terrific cries of war from the samurai. She had relieved so much since then, and yet in that moment, she believed she'd pass out from shock. Now however, Katherine confidently lifted up her chin and watched the warriors before her with pride and joy. Mr. Graham looked equally pleased and bewildered with this.

Soon after, Katsumoto and Nathan mounted their horses, Nakao and others including the Silent 'Bob' did exactly the same while the villagers began to spread out and make way for them.

Taka exited the house together with her two sons and started to walk towards the rice fields, where she'd have a better view of the departing group.

Mr. Graham climbed up on his horse, securing his camera equipment and kissed his daughter goodbye for a little while. He was going to escort the army to the battle and then before the war would begin, retreat in safety...after all, he was no warrior but he really wanted to be there for Algren somehow.

Katherine was slightly anxious of having her father away as well, and yet she knew he wouldn't step down. So persuading him was definitely not an option. All she could do was pray for him to stay sound and for horrible weapons of war not to reach him. Even though, chances were minimal, she also hoped to Highest Heaven for Nathan to make it out alive. She knew that there was no use with the samurai, they were determined to die in this final battle. But at least Nathan had to live! A sudden urge of sobbing bitterly came upon her however, she couldn't...she didn't have strength to cry out. Automatically, Katherine made to follow Taka to get a good look at the departing warriors, Nathan and her father. But in that very moment, she felt a hand on her shoulder, jerking nervously, she turned around only to meet Ujio's dark, penetrating gaze once more.

She stared at him questionably, unable to comprehend why he wasn't already with the army.

Ujio didn't look like he wanted to say anything instead, he observed her and soaked every single detail of her

"What are you doing?" Kitty asked at last, very confused.

"This is the last time I will be seeing you." Ujio began softly, never ripping his eyes off of her. "I want to remember everything about you...beauty, warmth, passion, fire, delicacies of your form...oh, and your sharp-tongue of course." He added with a slight chuckle.

Katherine gazed at him with her saddened eyes. "You've seen enough already." She spoke coldly and left him, rapidly making her way towards Taka, Higen, and Magojiro. She couldn't deal with this right now. Wasn't Ujio the one who asked her to leave? Why was making this even more difficult?

Ujio sighed deeply, clearly hurt with the young woman's attitude at him. Nevertheless, he allowed himself to turn his eyes away from her and mounted his black steed. So many things he wished to share with her, so many things had been left unsaid. Letting her slip away from him that very morning...was that even a good idea?

In no time, the horses were snapped into a gallop and the great samurai army began to ride to battle. The spectators watching them bowed in deep gratitude, honor, and respect. Katherine stood next to Taka and observed the departing warriors with a heavy heart. She allowed a small tiny tear to roll down her cheek. "Goodbye." She whispered, biting her lip.

Ujio's eyes darted one last time at the pretty figure of Katherine and he realized that not telling her the most important thing he desired her to know, would probably haunt him forever. He had always been ready to die in battle like an honorable samurai. And yet for the very first time, he felt regretful about the choices he had made.

Next few hours dragged on incredibly slowly for Katherine. She was tortured with thoughts of the horrible battle that raged on somewhere not too far away from the village. She had tried to busy herself and help Taka with the chores but neither she, or Taka could do anything. They were both struggling to stay sane. Finally, the Japanese woman gave up and decided to meditate together with Higen while Katherine was stuck with playful Magojiro. The chubby boy was lively and demanded to play like he usually did. So in order to divert her mind, Kitty began to engage in a hide and seek game with the little toddler. As Magojiro raced to find a perfect hiding place, Katherine began to cover her eyes and count. They were both in the wide open meadows, so right away, the boy ran down to the nearest hut and hid himself.

Kitty finished counting and loudly alerted her tiny friend that she was coming to find him. Just then, she heard a strange sound from behind. Thinking that it was probably Magojiro unable to come up with a hiding place, returned to ask for a second chance, Kitty turned around. She was already shaking her head with an amused smile however, she'd been terribly wrong. Instead of finding the chubby boy, she met the most unsuspecting picture. Shocked and surprised, Katherine held back a squeal. Without doubt, she was visited by the magnificent white horse! The same white beauty who had caused so much disturbance in the village and such great turmoil in Ujio. The noble animal stood calmly, facing the girl before her. What was the meaning of this? Why was this majestic creature back?

Katherine had never been a superstitious person but she was beginning to grow uneasy. The stoic state of the white mare caused the curious woman to slowly advance towards the animal.

"What are you doing here?"

The horse let out a soft nicker in return which surprised Katherine even more. The animal no longer resembled a wild, untamed beast. Gently and cautiously, the girl reached out to touch its neck. The horse didn't even flinch at Kitty's soft touch. Feeling bit more confident, Katherine ran her hands on the animals back and there was a pause...as if the horse had froze. Suddenly the mare made a flighty movement, neighed loudly and caused Katherine to fall forward exactly on its back. Before the girl knew it, she was hanging on to a galloping horse's back like a draped cloth. Katherine let out a frightful scream, shutting her eyes and hoping that this was all just a vision.

One more chapter to go!