Underneath the Red Trees

CHAPTER 59: OH, MOTHER

In the spring of 1528, a lone mother and her son strolled along a path lined with cherry blossom trees in full bloom. They were the only two on the path. The woman was singing a beautiful song. Her boy was singing the words along with her, but he did not know the lyrics and fumbled the song. He hopped in front of her, playing a game only he understood.

The woman laughed softly. He was such a precious child. Her own little bundle of sunshine.

She started to sing another song. This one, the child knew better. Knowing the lyrics, he could sing along with her properly.

There was a sound behind her. She recognised it as the galloping of a horse. Worried, she called to her child, "Yuuki. Come here." The boy turned to his mother. He could see the worry in her face. Obediently he went to her. She picked him up and sat him on her hip.

She covered the boy's striking red hair with his cloak. They had gotten enough trouble thanks to his hair. It was better for the passer-by not to notice.

The horse galloped passed them. She felt she could be at ease, but the animal was soon forced around. Fear crept into her heart again. She looked up and the first thing she spotted was a ponytail, red like blood. The next thing she saw was a familiar face.

Katsu of Akano jumped down from his horse. "Airi?" he tried.

Airi hugged Yuuki to her chest. "Cover your ears," she whispered to him. The boy did as he was told. Airi raised her head. "What is it, Katsu?"

Katsu approached her with hands outstretched. "We need to talk."

Airi furrowed her brows. She could sense something was terribly wrong. She wanted to turn around. "My dear lord Akano. Are you sure you want to be seen speaking to a prostitute?"

Katsu's eyes filled with dismay. "Who cares about that? This is something concerning our son."

Airi's eyes widened slightly. She stared at Katsu for a time. "Well?" she asked, "What is it?"

Katsu sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "My father wants him."

Airi's eyes widened. Unconsciously, she hugged Yuuki tighter. "What?" she gasped. "Why?"

"He found out about his," Katsu paused, "abilities."

Airi bit her lip, "I see."

"Airi, you have to get him away from here. My father cannot be allowed to get his hands on him."

Airi stared at Katsu. "I am not afraid of your father." She said softly. When she spoke again, it was louder, "Yuuki is my son. No one will take him from me."

That is what she told Katsu, but there was a feeling deep inside Airi that told her she would not be able to challenge a family as powerful as the Akano clan.

She was a mere courtesan. Though she was beautiful and still quite popular among costumers despite having a child, she had no real power. Would she have to give up her only child for the whims of the powerful?

She said softly, "This is just like six years ago."

The inadequacy Katsu felt in his heart showed on his face. Airi shook her head. She said nothing more to him. She left.

A week passed before a messenger from Hideyoshi of Akano arrived at the pleasure house Airi belonged to. And just like that, a messenger would come every three days. Offering Airi riches and pleasures galore. None of it was without price. Hideyoshi wanted her only son. She would refuse every one of them. The other courtesans called her foolish, but Airi was not so shallow. Her child was more important to her than luxuries.