A Love Beyond Time

Chapter 6

Yamada Asaemon Fuchi woke up that morning feeling refreshed. It was the first time he had slept so well and deeply since they arrived in Shinsenkyo three days ago. Perhaps it was because he was no longer subjected to Tamiya Gantetsusai's thunderous snoring now that he had his own chamber-or cave. Maybe it was because he felt more assured they had new allies, humans or otherwise.

Or perhaps it was because he would be working with one pretty black vixen. Closely.

Last night before they retired, Keiko had told him that they would be working together today to concoct some potions for the injured humans. It is a very simple process, she had said, with her sweet dimpled smile. But it will be a good starting point for you. Being the staunch worshipper of medicines and science he was, he jumped at the chance to acquire new knowledge. Plus, he would also be helping his fellow comrades with the potions. Those must be why he could hardly wait to start the day.

That must be it. It's definitely not because I am eager to see her. His mind insisted.

As Fuchi wandered through the forests, he marveled at the picturesque scenery. The towering trees formed a graceful canopy over thick carpets of green grass and wildflowers that gleamed wetly with morning dew while the silvery stream sang a buoyant tune as it made its merry way through the greenery to its destination. Fuchi wondered where the stream would end up and made a mental note to ask Keiko later.

Seimei was a clever fox to create this little paradise for his clan. This is indeed heavenly. The yellow-haired Asaemon thought. If only the Valley is the actual Shinsenkyo, this quest for the elixir might have turned out differently. Senta and the others might still be alive. Fuchi's spirits sagged as he thought about his fallen friends, especially Senta, whom he was especially close to.

"Good morning Fuchi. You're up early."

A chirpy voice drifted to Fuchi's ears, clear and sweet, bringing him back to reality. He jolted and looked around. He was in a small clearing where a small garden stood. It formed a traditional Chinese ruyi knot, with narrow loops and pathways to make harvesting easier. Somehow, he had managed to stumble upon the Foxes' herbal garden.

And in the middle of the lush vegetation stood Keiko, dressed in pink and looking like a vision. Fuchi felt a funny quiver in his belly, and a wide grin stretched his face.

"Good morning! I slept really well last night and woke up pretty early. So I wanted to take a walk through this Valley." His legs carried him over to the garden as if having a mind of their own, his eyes still transfixed on Keiko. "This place is lovely. It's so peaceful and real. Unlike the rest of the island."

"Yes. This was what Shinsenkyo was like originally before the experimenters came. I'm glad Seimei managed to carve a part of the island for our home before they took over completely. Anyway, would you like to help me gather some herbs?" Keiko gestured to the foliage surrounding her. "I can teach you what they are and show you what I need."

Between Keiko and the task, Fuchi's mood lifted. "I'd love to try."

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At the eastern end of the Valley near the edge of the forests, Seimei, too, was indulging his green fingers. He plucked weeds, planted white and yellow chrysanthemums, lilies, and peonies, and bordered them with artfully arranged pebbles and a large boulder. The work quietened his chaotic mind and soothed the tempest in his heart.

Seimei often thought of his gardens as his children. He had created them, and had taken the time to nurture and discipline them. They brought him joy and tranquility. And nostalgia. Of a time long past when he had painstakingly built and loved a colorful haven like this.