Love of the Samurai

Chapter 3

"Good night m'lady" Mei said as she slid the door behind her.

Now I had finally found the chance to sneak out! I slid the futon off me and opened the windows, feeling the cold air hit my skin. I took out the wooden sandals that I hid in my closet and dropped them outside. I crawled through the window while sliding my feet into my sandals. I closed the window behind me and set forth for Kagayaki park.

Once I arrived I could already spot Kento standing by the statue, practicing defense positions with his katana. I walked up to him and he immediately noticed me and slid the katana into its scabbard.

"Please excuse me for my lateness Kent-" I spoke but was quickly interrupted by his sudden embrace.

"Yuu-chan..." Kento said in a quiet tone.

I responded quietly in shock, "Yes?..."

He softly whispered into my ear, "I don't want to leave you tomorrow..."

"I never want you to leave Kento-kun, but you're a warrior. You have no choice." I explained, trying to reason with him.

He replied, "This is different... I'm going to fight some of the strongest clans this time... And if I don't make it out alive... We won't get ma-"

"KENTO-KUN DON'T SAY THAT!" I interrupted, tears streaming down my cheeks.

"I'm sorry for saddening you..." He said and tightened the hug, "...but I brought you out here in case this was the last time we could be together."

"Kento-kun please..." I tightened the embrace, "I love you..."

He replied, his rubbing circles onto my back, "I love you too."

I let go of the embrace and unclasped off one of my necklaces. It said 'Family' in Japanese characters. I grabbed Kento's hand and opened it so I could place the necklace inside.

"Wear this when you go off to war. It'll bring good luck for both of us." I explained.

"Thank you Yuu-chan" he responded and gave me a cute smile. He leaned in until our lips touched, kissing passionately.

Once we let go he hugged me one last time before saying, "Goodbye my darling."

"Goodbye love" I responded. We turned away from each other and returned to our castles, sneaking back into our rooms and falling fast asleep.

~~~~

I woke up to the sound of the floorboards creaking from right outside my room. I stood up and changed into my formal kimono so I could send off the samurais. When I stepped outside, I could see everyone already beginning to mount their horses from all three clans. My eyes immediately found Kento and I ran up to him.

"Hi Yuu-chan" He said once I approached him. He was wearing armor, protecting everything except for his head, and his helmet was placed on the horse's saddle. He looked so handsome whenever he wore his samurai armor. As I looked closer I could see him wearing the necklace I gave him. A burst of happiness coursed through my system at this. I found his hair band on the horse's saddle so I picked it up and walked behind him, wrapping it around his head.

"Thank you" he said. I also noticed a tint of blush on his face.

"Your welcome." I responded and blushed as well.

He locked his lips with mine, and I never wanted to let go. Who knew if this was our last kiss. Before I knew it he let go.

"Please be safe" I told him softly.

"I'll try, for you, Yuu-chan" he replied. Then he shouted, "Nakajima clan let's go!" and galloped away on his horse with his fellow samurais following him.

I turned around to see my father behind me about to mount his horse.

I walked up to him and said, "Come home safe father. Don't push yourself."

"Daughter, as the clan and alliance leader, it is my duty to keep everyone safe, no matter how far I need to push myself. After you and Nakajima-san get married I'll have no need to fight in battle anymore. I promise I'll be home for your wedding." He explained with a fatherly smile.

I bowed and replied, "Thank you father..."

"Takada clan, let us be on our way!" My father shouted and they all galloped towards the direction Kento's clan went.

"Yuuuuuuko-chan" a teasing voice called out behind me.

I turned back around to find Fuma on his horse. Might as well send him off too.

"Hello Fuma-kun." I greeted him warmly.

"Hey beautiful." He responded, causing me to blush, "looks like you're blushing again."

I hesitantly replied, "N-NO IM NOT!" and blushed harder from embarrassment.

Fuma changed the subject, "I'll be thinking of you when I go off to fight. I want you to remember that."

I said with a small bow, "T-thank you... S-stay safe!"

"I will now that you told me to" he answered with a wink. What was that wink for? "Kikuchi clan we'll be on our way!" He shouted and galloped quick along with his samurai to catch up with the other two clans.

All I could do now was pray and hope.