Fantasy, Meet Reality

Chapter IV: Reunited (Part II)

           He must have sat in his place for quite some time, with bewilderment making its presence known on his face. His father looked as if him something more to say, on the other hand. With great effort, he forced himself to focus his attention on his father once more.

           "What's with that expression? Don't looked so dumbfounded, Tokiya" his father said. "I'm not marrying you off to just any woman." And that was supposed to be good? He was expecting a lot of things to happen to him once he got back to Japan alright. But this? Never.

          His father's words were the law so he had no choice but to agree for the meantime. If it was even remotely possible, he wished to marry for love.

          "That being said, I must find a suitable bride for you," his father continued. "Aside from the need for you to get to know each other, she would have to pass my standards as well."

          Makes sense...A bride of the future head of the Ashikaga family couldn't be just some woman off the street. After all, she would be carrying heavy responsibilities on her shoulders. Being the wife of a nobleman isn't exactly as pleasant as it is thought to be.

          Tokiya still couldn't get over the news his father had brought him. Arranged marriage for him? What a drag...

" As you wish," he finally said. He had nothing left to do but concede for the meantime. He was still hoping that his father will change his mind regarding this matter sooner or later. There, he has done his part. Might as well get something out of it.

          "May I request something from you, father?" he asked. Say yes, please say yes...

          "Of course. What is, son?" Now was the time to speak out about his desires.

           "I'd like to tour the whole of Kyoto," he said. "It's been a while since I was able to do so ever since I studied overseas." Yeah, it was. "I'm excited to see exactly how things have changed around here."

         "Hmm... I don't see anything wrong with that." That qualifies as yes, I guess? Tokiya thought. "I can't allow you to roam around our city, at least not on your own." As his father continued to speak, Tokiya liked what he was hearing less and less by the second. "That's why I'll be assigning bodyguards to accompany you."

             Not again... Bodyguards, based from his previous experiences, were no fun. Who would love to have someone follow their every move and breathe down on their neck?

           "Son, don't look so crestfallen," his father continued. "I'm sure you'll like the companions I chose for you."

           Two men appeared from behind the screen door. They look familiar to him, too familiar... Well, they should be. They were his childhood friends.

         "Hajime? Renji?" he tentatively called out. Was he dreaming? Four years or so of not being able to see them and here they are in front of him.

           "Hai (Yes) Tokiya-sama," they said, accompanied by a low bow. He had to keep a frown from appearing on his face at their response. Why the sudden formality? Right, his father was still around.

            He motioned for them to come closer with a wave of his hand. "Please don't be too formal with me," he said. "We aren't strangers, are we?"

          "It seems I'm not needed here any longer," his father interrupted. "I'll let the three of you spend time together," he finished as he stepped out of the room.

          Soon enough, the three of them were heading to the mansion's main recreation room.

            "So, Hajime and Renji" he began. "How have the two of you been faring?" They looked fine to him, alright. But he couldn't help but wonder what they have been up to for the past four years.

         "We're doing great, Toki," they replied, in their signature ways. Renji's response was coupled with an ear-splitting grin while Hajime wore a neutral expression on his face. "As for what has kept us busy during the time you weren't here? It was mostly making sure the household kept running smoothly and training our warriors to be ready for any emergency," Hajime answered for both Renji and him.

         Just what he was expecting to hear from them. Men like them who are accustomed to working with their hands wouldn't be contented with merely sitting around.

        "Are you planning to stay here for good, Toki?" Renji asked.

          "I am. And I'm glad to be doing so." His answer was one he was more than willing to repeat countless time.

         "And your plans?" Hajime further inquired.

            "Nothing too long-term for the meantime," he said. "Mainly to explore Kyoto, as you already know." His soon to be arranged marriage? He wouldn't tell them. Not this instance, at least.

          "So that is why master was insistent for us to be your bodyguards," Renji mentioned. Out of all the things his father has ever decided for him, this one was the best yet. The three of them had gone through a lot, having spent most of their lives together. He knew they would never abandon him. "By the way, are you interested in hooking up with women?" Say what? "I knew a few who would be more than willing to fool around with you."

          Some things never do change.... Brutally straight to the point. That was the Renji Yamada he had always known. It was a mystery to him, however, why his friend began to play around with women. He knew he had been broken-hearted, but the details were unclear to him.

          "Ren, I don't think it's a good idea to bring Toki on your amorous escapades." Here it comes. His friends' infamous argument.

          "And why is that, Hajime?" Renji asked. As usual, he is trying to get under Hajime's skin once again.

           "Simple logic," Hajime replied. "He's here to have good, clean fun." Exactly... A relationship, fling, whatever one wanted to call it was the last thing Tokiya wanted at present.

         "Says the man who wouldn't notice women even if they undressed and threw themselves at him," Renji replied, without missing a beat.

           A chuckle slipped past Tokiya's lips as he continued to watch his friends. To a mere observer, the scenario was a full-blown quarrel brewing. He knew better.... It was just their unconventional way of showing their love – hate relationship.

         It was good to be back where he truly belonged. Deep inside his heart, he knew his life would never be the same. But he had never imagined how much it would. 

(Hello, everyone! Again, another chapter of this story just for you. I apologize for the often late updates.

          As I have mentioned previously, I'm not always online. Furthermore,  work and helping my friends with their studies come first. ;-) 

But rest assured, I'll try to update with regularity as often as I possibly.

            Well, enough with my rambling. Happy reading and  (hopefully) enjoy! 

Next Chapter's Sneak Peek:

A soft sigh left Tokiya's lips. Calm had already permeated his being, yet a hint of restlessness still struggled to seep through.