A Love Beyond Time

Time for you to know everything...

Warning: there is a brief hint of near sexual assault.

The Valley of the Foxes—Central region

"I've made some changes to our plans."

Attention previously focused on the piping hot breakfast now shifted to the source of the quiet announcement. Everyone held their breaths as they waited for the expected bombs to drop.

"All fourteen of you will return to the mainland tomorrow morning."

Right, the first bomb.

Silence.

The next one...

"I'll handle the Tensens and their Grand Master by myself."

The silence dragged on. Despite Saito's prediction yesterday, they still jolted with surprise at Seimei's decision. Perhaps they had hoped against hope that Seimei would be less predictable, less concerned about their well-being, less...

"Why the change of mind, Seimei?"

Dark tanzanite orbs leveled on Yuzuriha.

"Tenza was correct about me being the Grand Master's target. Since it doesn't involve you guys, everyone else should leave. None of you are his match."

The mentioned young man glanced quickly at the others; their expressions said it all most eloquently.

How can we maintain this damn charade when we already know everything?

Gabimaru sat up straight, his hands clenched into fists at his sides.

"I beg to differ, Seimei. You may be the Grand Master's ultimate target, but I believe he also has his sight set on us. Just look at what happened to Tenza."

"All the more you guys should get out as soon as possible."

"All the more we should stay, Seimei." The shinobi countered calmly. "We can't run away like cowards and leave you alone to take on all the enemies."

"Are you worried about me, Gabimaru? Weren't you the one who couldn't wait to go home with the so-called elixir? Don't forget that your lovely wife is still waiting for you."

The shinobi's youthful brows furrowed at Seimei's sarcastic reply, more in perplexity than irritation. The latter was right: he wanted nothing more than to get that bloody pardon and return safely to Yui. So, by right, he should be jumping for joy right now. He could go home tomorrow!

Yet, the thought of leaving Seimei alone to face his once-abuser just sickened him.

Gabimaru knew that he was changing into a different person. Or, more accurately, some previously unaware part of him—buried and imprisoned by the Iwakagure Chief's twisted teachings and cruelty—was finally emerging like a butterfly from its cocoon. His precious Yui was the first to breathe life into it; Sagiri further stirred it into awakening with her encouragement and trust.

Now, it was Seimei who coaxed it into breaking free.

His ability to feel, to empathize, to love, to bond.

"But Seimei, didn't you say the elixir was a sham? So how could we, the criminals, return without it? We would be executed, you know."

The Fox's lips quirked at Yuzuriha's question.

"Don't worry. I had already taken care of that. All charges against you have been lifted, so the shogun won't pose any threats."

Ignoring the shocked gasps, he looked intently at the white-haired shinobi.

"Gabimaru, you and Yui are safe from the Chief, too. The Iwakagure clan won't be pursuing you anymore."

What? Seriously?