R•E•B•O•R•N

Ten

Heavy breaths escaped Hanzo's lungs as he approached the castle gates, Raiden was already there tending to Kuai and other men.

Hanzo threw whatever was in his hands, nearly startling everyone in front of the gate, their attention at the ground before them. The item of interest was a head of Kano, ripped from its neck, with the spinal cord still attached, blood pooling still. Hanzo was drenched in blood, his mask cracked, his suit torn nearly to shreds, and a few daggers in his leg and torso.

-

Esmeralda sprinted down to the infirmary, giving no care to customs and rules. Nurses were walking out, whom she stopped, taking a hold of them, "Where is he?" She asked frantically. They led her back inside, showing her a sleeping Hanzo with Raiden and Kuai sitting at the edge of a bed beside him.

She let out a gasp, her throat thickening as she approached Hanzo's body. Her tears blurred her vision enough to where she couldn't tell if he was breathing.

Kuai nearly jumped up at the sight of her in this state, putting an arm around her, keeping her steady. "He's alive, Queen. He fought Kano long and hard, but he lives."

Esmeralda looked up at Kuai, then back down at Hanzo, who's eyes began to flutter.

Kuai let her approach him, watching her place a hand on his temple.

"Hanzo..."

His eyes were dazed and confused, reminding him of the day he first came back to Earth. He tried moving, but felt a familiar warmth on his face and chest.

"Hanzo, please. No need to fret - you're in the infirmary," Esmeralda met his tired eyes, giving him a soft smile as her tears dried. Hanzo managed to smile slightly and turn his head towards her hand, his body ached too much to move.

Raiden and Kuai excused themselves, leaving the two to be alone.

"I heard about what you did to Kano. I can't thank you enough for this."

"Esmeralda, I did it because I wanted to protect you, because I love you."

-

Two days later, Hanzo was able to walk, with a limp - yet he still managed to walk with pride and confidence. Esmeralda had to admit to herself that Hanzo look handsome with a slight limp, but knowing him, by tomorrow, he'd be back to his normal walking speed.

He joined her in whatever he could: meetings, dinners, town visits, bed. He'd completely moved into her room at this point - he always wanted to be beside her. Esmeralda was happy he was with her, in her arms, and that he was okay.

She had his armor repaired and cleaned, hung inside her room. She often watched him, just to watch and observe him, occasionally drawing him. They simply enjoyed each other's presence, in silence.

Whatever happened in bed was another story.

Esmeralda's room was one of few occupied rooms on the north wing: her room being at the very end, and the closest maid bring at the other side of the hall. The bed rooms in between had been emptied during the times of Kano's threats but were never refilled.

-

"Must you leave?"

"I have a clan to tend to, Queen. I wish I could've stayed longer." Kuai hugged Esmeralda and took a step back, holding her hand. He brought it to his lips and kissed the top, "Until next time, I'll send a few birdies to keep an eye on you." He winked but was interrupted by Hanzo's voice, "You're still prying, aren't you?"

Kuai blushed and let go of her hand, Esmeralda giggling, "Well, with the amount of trouble you get into, you're bound to really die, so she's gotta have someone to lean on."

The trio chuckled and Hanzo hugged Kuai, "Thank you - for everything. I will return soon."

Hanzo let the man go and sent him on his way. Kuai waved good bye and exited the castle, receiving his horse. He gave Hanzo and Esmeralda one last look of good bye, and left the premises along with a few of his men.