Asami's Shadow (Ryoma's POV)

Chapter 35

I felt better knowing that there were people in Sayomi's life that truly cared for her, even if she failed to do so for herself.  I finally had a few answers, after listening to my stories they gave their own.  It seemed something happened when she was knocked unconscious and the rapid changes in personalities were a result.  Sunako, Akio, Katashi... I assume Keiji as well, but I don't know if that's his real name...

From their tales, I figured out that Keiko was, in fact, many people in one.  Each one had their own mannerisms, but the one they all knew to be the driving force of them all was Keiko.  They all called her different names because she didn't remember hers, but refused to use the real one saying the only thing that mattered was that she was the girl who could mesmerize with her swordplay and flute's song.

I was walking with Prince Youta when I saw the princess leaving with Sunako.  In my mind, I couldn't bring myself to like the girl because she was the cause of a lot of Sayomi's problems, but in my heart... I couldn't hate the girl that my betrothed loved.  Youta went towards them and I hovered behind him.  "Morning stroll, Princess Asami?"

She smiled at him, not sparing me a glance.  "I was hoping to find an instrument in town."

His eyebrows raised.  "Well, Ryoma can certainly help with that.  He knows the best shop in town and gets along well with the keeper."

I saw her fight not to frown.  "I think w-"

Sunako gently touched her sleeve.  "Your Highness, we are in a foreign land.  It would be best to have someone who knows..."

She slowly turned, voice tight.  "Shizu, we are perfectly capable of doing this ourselves."

Her face remained passive as she looked towards the palace casually.  "I certainly hope Sayomi gets enough sleep while we are away... we shouldn't be gone long."

Asami sharply inhaled before turning to us.  "Yes, then would you please escort us, Lord Ryoma?"

I didn't miss the girl's smirk.  Wow... I really need to question some things, starting with if she wants me to stay away or for me to actually help.  "It would be my pleasure, Princess."

She curtly nodded then left and I turned to Youta, displeased.  "You ju-"

He smirked.  "And if they are getting a flute?  Keiko hasn't been seen with one."

I sighed and looked at the building.  "Just... make sure she eats and stays out of trouble.  That empress is still here."

He nodded.  "You know I will, but I'll actually let her sleep first.  Go and get my cousin the nicest gifts money can buy... or pick them out to get later."

I pursed my lips.  "I just got played... I feel it."

He chuckled as he strolled back in and Genkai or Akio nodded to me as I got in the carriage.  "... do you think?"

"I know nothing of flutes, Asami."

The princess huffed.  "Well, her old one got broken, certainly we can find one that is better."

I arched a brow.  "Broken?  How?"

She glared at me and turned away, making Sunako roll her eyes.  "Asami..."

She pursed her lips and refused to speak.  "It's okay.  If the princess does not wish to be bothered with me then leave her be."

Sunako shook her head.  "She's acting like a brat and I will tell her sister when we return."

That earned her a glare.  "You will say nothing."

She frowned.  "We are here to forge alliances at this point.  Your childish behavior is not going unnoticed, not just by him."

She bit her lip and peeked at me through her lashes.  "I apologize, but she is mine.  She comes home with us and you want to stop that."

I forced myself to stay relaxed.  "She has the right to choose."

She flared her nostrils.  "And she will choose her family... I will see to that."

I took a slow breath, she truly cared nothing for the danger to her supposed sister.  "I'm sure you will... what happened to the flute?"

She turned away again.  "Homura broke it while she was... not well."

I was seething then.  "So she was on the brink of death again.  She loved that instrument, I saw as much when I was there."

She shrugged.  "It can be replaced."

Even Sunako looked as though she had lost her mind, but I just shook my head.  "But her life can't... at least here that us the one thing she would never have to worry about."

Sunako lowered her gaze at me words as the princess stiffened.  "Her life i-"

I scoffed.  "She was dying when I found her, she just went to repay the favor of those who did it, you just admitted she was dying when her flute was broken.  The nurse told me of her scars.  Don't you dare say she is safe in Shu."

She slowly turned, tears threatening to fall.  "She will be... I just ne-"

I chuckled darkly.  "And all your fucking empress needs is one wrong move to have her gone for good.  Where will that leave you, I wonder..."

She clenched her fists and looked out of the window silent while Sunako looked like she regretted going along with this.  "How about... we let this go.  Sayomi will make her own decisions regardless of how anyone feels."

Asami sniffed as I stared at the door until we got out.  I took a breath and smiled, chatting with the locals as they stopped me.  I made mental notes of needs and finally we got to the shop.  Asami began to look over everything and pick up a gold flute.  "She never liked the sound of those..."

She glanced at me and chose a short silver one.  "Not enough notes..."

She huffed and I was entertained because I already knew exactly what my little tiger liked in both her flutes and blades.  I kept rejecting what she chose until she turned to me, fuming.  "Then what do you think?  Since you have so much to say?"

I smirked and went to the counter.  "I finally have use for my order, Sai..."

The shopkeeper beamed.  "Right away, My Lord."

He brought back a long black box and I opened it to inspect the craftsmanship.  It was a pristine silver flute with a golden phoenix designed around it.  11 years did not tarnish it in the least and I smiled.  "Thank you for keeping it safe..."

Asami gasped and carelessly took it from me.  "This..."

I frowned and gently took it from her grasp.  "You'll break it... please, polish it and it can go home today."

Sai smiled.  "Right away, sir."

I turned to the princess who watched him.  "Think she'll like it?"

She hesitated.  "She'll love it."  She smiled at the shopkeeper.  "How much?"

He chuckled a twinkle in his eye as he handed it to me.  "It's been paid for for sometime now.  We are all happy that its owner found her way home."

She paused.  "But..."

I shook my head and nodded to him as I led them out.  Unfortunately, I wouldn't be able to find anything else for Keiko without almost killing her look alike.  I hesitated as we passed the weaponsmith though.  Sunako glanced in and looked at me.  "I'll keep her busy."

I sent her a grateful smile and ducked in.  "Good morning, Lord Ryoma."

Feeling at ease, I looked at his wares, but neither I or the tiger could find anything that was exactly what we liked... ever.  "I need you to forge a set of blades."

He nodded.  "You always were a picky one.  What will it be today?"

I smiled softly.  "Twin short swords... if you have a paper handy, I'll write out the specifications."

He went to the back.  "No problem, they will a masterpiece I'm sure."

I began to write.  "And they will be in the perfect hands to display them..."