One in the Same

Chapter Fifteen

   Cat never awoke alone in her bed after that night. They no longer slept in separate pallets. And the world stopped turning repeatedly. Not a second went by where they didn't touch. Be it a brushing of hair, a peck on the cheek. A hand over a heart. To the world, Cat assumed, these moments were minor. Small in comparison, but to her they were bigger than Botan on a full moon.
   Botan continued teaching Cat the ways of his people. She was getting better and better with her bokutō. The Ningen no ōkami never returned, and for that she was thankful. Though, she wondered from time to time if they hadn't...would life had continued as normal without Botan ever expressing? Would she continue without even acknowledging what was there? To a certain extent, she thanked them. If it hadn't been for that night, she never would have learned what love was. What it could be. What it was supposed to be.
   Life blossomed around her in ways she never knew possible. Birds sang prettier, flowers had colours she never knew existed. Even the taste of animal blood was soothing in away. She learned more and more she did not need human blood. And even if she was in a weaker state due to the animal, what could hurt her here? This was paradise. And she had found it on her own. Along with her love by her side.
   That came crashing to a halt in one afternoon.
   She hadn't immediately heard the horse caring the messenger. Not until Botan had looked up from the garden they were tending together.
   "Nani-" she started but was cut off when she saw what he was looking at.
   The man dismounted and bowed to Botan. "Botan-San."
   "Go aisatsu," Botan replied bowing the same. Cat followed suit and bowed as well.
   "Watashi wa Saitō kyō no dairi de kimashita. Kare wa chōshū o yōkyū shimasu." The man replied.
   Botan looked at him and grew tense. Cat slowly looked up at him.
   "Itsu?" Botan asked.
   "Sassoku," the man replied before glancing at Cat. "Josei to."
   Cat looked back at the man.
   Botan gave his growled "hmm" and nodded. "Watashitachi ga mamonaku shusseki suru saitou kyō ni shirasete kudasai."
   The man nodded and the three bowed. Before he remounted he gave Cat a dirty look.
   "The fuck was that?" Cat asked turning to Botan as he road back to the trail.
   "Not good," he replied gruffly.

   "We're what?" Cat asked as Botan tied the omi around the kimono he had let her wear the first day around her waist.
   "Going to village," he replied.
   "I thought I couldn't."
   "Can now."
   "Why?"
   He sighed and looked her in the eyes. "Too many question."
   She scoffed and rolled her eyes. "So I'm just to follow blindly without explanation?"
   "Is that what student do?"
   "Oh I'm a student again?" She crosses her arms glaring at him.
   "Think of...as training." He stood and smiled at her with a nod.
   Cat glared back, "why are you so tense then?"
   "This could go good...or bad."
   "Why?"
   "Again with question," he turned and removed a smaller box from the one that held the kimono.
   "Hai," she took his wrist in her hand and looked into his eyes. "More question. I deserve to know."
   He took another deep breath and closed his eyes. "Hai, anata wa watashi no ai o shimasu. Shikashi, watashi wa anata ga sagashite iru kotae o anata ni ataeru koto wa dekimasen." He looked down and opened the box. Inside, was a small ornate hair comb. The teeth were made of jade, but the top had a rose made out of gold.
   "It's beautiful," she breathed out looking down at it. Cat blinked as an image filled her head. A woman with gentle brown eyes and brunette hair. She turned her head and the rose could be seen holding the bun on her head in place. Cat looked up at Botan. "Who is she?"
   Botan smiled, but there was no happiness there. He cradled the comb as he gently pulled it out of the box. He walked behind her and started working the comb through her hair. Cat dropped the subject. After a moment he secured the comb into a bun he had made in her hair then kissed her cheek. "You trust?" He asked.
   "With my life," she replied with a warm smile.

   People bowed left and right as Botan entered the village, and he returned every one. As the saw Cat, however, they hurried back as quickly as possible. More than most refusing to bow back to her. They don't like me. She thought, moving closer to Botan.
   They don't trust what they do not know. Botan replied.
   Cat looked up at him and blinked then looked back around. After a short walk, she could see a house that wasn't much unlike Botan's, but much grander. Larger, but not by much. As Botan walked up to a large wooden door, two sentries bowed to him. He bowed back and they banged on the door. The door opened and Botan stepped through without looking back. Immediately Cat knew what she was walking into. Her back straightened and suddenly she remembered who she was.
   A man stepped out on to the porch as they crossed the courtyard. They smirk he gave wasn't exactly welcoming.
   "Kon'nichiwa kyōdai."
   Botan growled back up to him.
   Cat looked back at him then up at the man. Her eyes slowly widened as he looked at her. The brown.
   Hai, Botan replied. Shin.
   "Anata wa jissai ni kanojo o tsurete kimashita." He said looking at Cat.
   Cat unintentionally puffed her chest and glared back.
   "To iwa reta. Soshite, ikutsu ka to wa kotonari, watashi wa meirei ni shitagau hōhō o shitte imasu." Botan replied.
   Shin's smirk disappeared immediately as he looked back at him. Botan simply raised an eyebrow and gave him a look.
   "Kare wa matteimasu. Kanojo kara hanareru." Without another word, Shin turned and walked off.
   Botan took a deep breath and sighed shaking his head. Cat slowly looked up at him. "I can't go?"
   "Not yet," he replied looking down at her and smiling gently. He took her hand in his and kissed it. "I be right back."
   She forced a brave smile and nodded before letting his hand go. As he walked away though, she didn't feel so brave.
   As she looked around her, there were two other guards at the inside of the door. They both glared at her skeptically. She puffed her cheeks and turned the other way and smiled at a try next to a bond. She walked over and looked down. Three bright orange fish swam lazily around each other. She sent an image of them to Botan. His chuckle filled her head. Koi sakana, he replied.
   "Koi sakana," she repeated out loud as she moved to sit next to them. Once she was seated, her eyes glazed over as Botan showed her what was happening.
   He followed Shin into a large room. As soon as they both walked in they bowed deeply. "Father," they said in unison.
   "My sons," the man sitting behind the desk bowed back. Two men in full armor were standing behind him. "Would you like some tea?" He motioned to the teapot on the table.
   Shin was the first to move and sit at the table. As he went to take a step an older woman stepped in front of him and took her into her arms. Her head barely reached his chest.
   "Hello, mama." He said holding her closely.
   She pulled back and took his face in her hands. "You look too thin. And you never come home anymore!" She smacked him on the arm. He didn't feel it but winced and rubbed the spot none the less. "Makes a mama think you don't love her anymore."
   In response, he simply leaned down and kissed her cheek. The woman melted into a small as she held one hand to her cheek and gently batted his arm once again with the other. As she moved away and he moved to the table, she walked up to Shin and full-on smacked him across the back of the head. "You become alpha and forget your mama eh?!"
   "Respect your mother," the man at the table said. "Then we have much to discuss."
   Shin stood and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Smiled, not as widely as she had with him, and patted her cheek then walked away.
   The man smiled as he watched her then glared back at Shin going very serious. Shin straightened his back. The man looked to him next. "There have been reports."
   "Yes," he said with a nod.
   "A demon has found it's way to our village."
   He frowned and looked the man in the eyes. "Demon?"
   His father shot a glare to Shin and tapped the table then looked back at Botan. "There have been reports."
   "A lie," Botan replied.
   His father tilted his head. "Speak truths."
   "On hunt three moons ago I came across something. At first I thought it was some demon as you say. As I approached, she drew a weapon. She bared-" As he spoke his father's face became more and more confused.
   "It's a female?"
   "Yes."
   Their father shot a glance at Shin then looked back at Botan. "Go on."
   "She bared two fangs and gave a hiss like some snack or snared cat. I too showed my own teeth. She lowered her weapon and in fact offered me some of the food she had been preparing." As he spoke, his father continued giving glances to his brother. "As I advanced, I learned she was more terrified of me. I sensed no threat. She was...wounded. I brought her back to my home," his father reached up and stroked his chin. "Offered shelter. Food. But she was sick. I have nursed her back to health to the best of my abilities."
   "She lives?" His father asked.
   "Very well," Botan replied. "Though I do not believe she is at full health. I have continued to reside with her because..." he started then stopped and looked down.
   "Because?"
   He forced himself to look back up to his father's eyes, took a deep breath then said. "I have imprinted and mated with her, father. She is mine and I am hers."
   His mother made a noise from the corner.
   "One week ago, on the night of the shift, Shin and the rest of the Pack came to my homestead." Their father turned and glared at Shin. He slowly turned his head. "They saw her and as the shift began took defensive forms. They didn't exactly come for tea." He held his cup up, sipped than continued. "I informed my brother that she was under my protection and to be left alone. The night ended without violence."
   "I was told something quite different." His father said as he slowly stood starring Shin down. "I was told a demon has come to the village and was hiding in your stead." He began slowly moving around the table. "I was told an investigation needed to be held. For you had been bewitched by a sorceress." He was right in front of Shin. "I was told...a lie?"
   "Yes," Shin replied not looking up at his father.
   In one fluid motion, their father brought his hand back and struck it right across Shin's face. He went to the ground holding his cheek but didn't make a sound.
   "You are to rule! You are to be the successor! With honor and dignity! Until that time you are to obey my command! How can I trust you to rule when you run off with violence and animosity against a man's guest! Especially that of a woman!" Silence filled the room. He stood over him panting. "I was wrong about you, my son. You are not ready for your rank."
   "Father!" Shin protested, but their father silenced him by raising his hand again. Shin didn't say another word.
   "You have the chance to redeem yourself. But only you will know that time. I can tell you this...it will not be a simple task."
   Shin straightened and bowed to the ground with his hands out before him. "I understand and accept your decision, Lord Saito."
   "You are dismissed." He began to turn but stopped and looked down at his son. "You will lead next scout. But you will not be taking the Pack with you."
   "Yes, Lord Saito. I accept your decision."
   "You are free to go, my son."
   Shin bolted up, bowed, and turned and left without saying another word.
   Saito sighed shaking his head and rubbing his forehead as he went back to his cushion and sat. "What am I to do with him?" He looked up at his wife. "He gets that from you."
   She scoffed and turned her head away. Botan smiled as he reached and took another sip from his cup.
   "You," Saito said now, pointing his finger at him and moving it up and down. "You on the other hand. Are too much like me."
   He smiled again and raised his cup to him before taking another sip.
   "Have you brought your mate with you?"
   "Yes, she is out in the garden."
   "And you have mated with this woman?"
   "Yes," the answer was delivered with a tenseness.
   "Another thing he gets from you," his mother sneered.
   Saito rolled his eyes. "The bond is set then. Send her in. I wish to meet the one my son has finally chosen."
   Cata.
   Her eyes cleared and she shook her head as she slowly stood and walked to the porch. A moment later she stepped into the room.
   Before she had the chance to move, Saito leaned way and grasped his sword. Botan's mother began cursing and growling loudly as she stood from her own cushion. The guards standing behind Saito also grasped the katanas at their belt.
   Cat dropped to her knees and held her hands out passed her head in the same bow Shin had just given. "Saito-soma."
   Saito held his hand up and the guards straightened out. A smile played at his lips. "Musuko yo, anata wa kanojo o yoku oshiete kuremashita. Raizu. Ocha ni go sanka kudasai."
   Cat stood back up, keeping her back straight. Botan was beaming at her, Saito was pointing at the cushion with his palm open next to Botan with a smile still on his face.
   "Anata wa kono obutsu o watashitachi no ie ni motte kimashita! Anata wa kono akuma to kōbi shimashita! Kimi wa -" his mother was shrieking until Saito silenced her.
   "Tariru! Gesuto ga imasu. Soshite, watashitachi wa kanojo o sonoyōni atsukai, kanojo ga iwanakereba naranai koto o manabimasu." His mother fell silent immediately but continued glaring at Cat, a warning growl much like Botan's coming from her chest.
   Cat made her way across the room and sat next to Botan. The tension in the room was so thick she could have choked on it. Saito smiled and raised his cup to her. She lifted hers and sat it back down without taking a drink. Saito looked at her kimono, then up to her bun. "Kushi o misete?"
   Cat looked up at him then slowly turned her head. Botan's mother gasped and held her hands over her mouth, her eyes wide.
   Saito nodded, then turned to Botan. His smile fading.
   "Shitsumon ga arimasu, musuko." He said looking into his eyes.
   "Kiite," Botan replied bring his cup to his mouth.
   "Naze anata wa kore ni tsuite watashi ni konakatta nodesu ka?"
   Botan froze before the cup met his lips. His eyes met his father's.
   Saito nodded, then sighed. "O makase kudasai. Kanojo to futarikiri de hanashitai."
   "Watashi wa kore no mae ni otto o okizari ni shimasen -" his mother started.
   "Watashi no gesuto o futatabi fumeiyo ni, watashi no ai, soshite anata wa niwa de nemurimasu," Saito said looking up at his wife with a smile.
   She glared back at him but stood none the less. Botan stood immediately and bowed to his father before turning to the door. Be brave, my Cata.
   I will, she replied.
   He held his hand out to his mother. As she took it, she turned to Cat. "Watashi no otto ya musuko ni yubi o oku to, dare mo anata ga himeiwoageru no o kiku koto sura arimasen."
   Cat looked up at her and offered as sincere a smile as she could. "Watashi wa sore o yumemimasu, Heika."
   Botan's mother blinked, taken aback. She looked up at Saito, patted her hair, and said, "Watashi wa junban o kaete hanashita kamo shiremasen. Wareware wa mirudearou." Botan lead her out with a smile.
   "Anata mo futari," Saito said leaning back then straightening out again.
   The guards bowed and left. Leaving Cat and Saito alone in the room.
   "Saito-soma, Watashi wa itte kara hajimetai to omoimasu -"
   "Perhaps we should speak...in your tongue," Saito said smiling warmly to her.
   Cat blinked, looking at him. "What the fuck?" She mumbled under her breath.
   Saito chuckled gently, much like Botan. "I can...imagine your surprise. I know many and more languages. Though...English...is not my strongest." He motioned toward the tea again. Cat looked down and swallowed then looked back up at him.
   "I-"
   He held his hand up. Cat took a deep inhale through her nose, growing irritated. I don't like being interrupted.
   And he doesn't like not talking. Botan replied immediately.
   "Perhaps, this, will be more to your liking," Saito said and held up a small vial.
   Cat tilted her head just starring at him. "What in the seven?"
   "I am not a man to be caught off guard." He rolled the vial over the table to her. She looked down and laid her hand over it then looked back up at him. "As you are not to be liking interruption." Cat raised an eyebrow and he chuckled. "Wolves listen and walls echo."
   "I see where he gets it," Cat mumbled emptying the vial into her cup.
   "He says he found you. Where?"
   "The jungle. A days walk from the homestead."
   "And where do you come from?"
   "Ireland," she took a sip from the tea. It was the same as Botan's.
   "You are of noble. Who are your parents, I am wondering."
   "Ailill and Clodagh of Clan Ó Catháin."
   "I am familiar with these names." He replied with a nod. "Though I do not know them by face." Cat raised her eyebrow once again. "As a ruler, if you will, you make it your business to know other rulers."
   "Yet ah've never heard of you."
   "And why would you? I am no emperor. No king. And I do no trade with Ireland at this time." He sipped his tea.
   "Then how would you know my parents' names?"
   "Because I do trade with England."
   "We're in England."
   "Are we?" Cat blinked in surprise. "Last of my knowing, we were in Nihon." He sipped his tea again, then lifted the kettle to refill it, looking at her.
   Cat slowly sat her cup down, her mouth slightly open.
   "I am thinking you are not familiar with surprise. How did you come here?"
   "I..." she blinked looking confused. How had she come? "A ship and..." she held her hand to her head. "Forgive me. Ah..."
   "Have you given reason for forgiveness? Take your time. Just because I am old, it doesn't mean I don't have time."
   "A storm..." she said slowly. "The mass broke and...and I woke up on the shore...ah sorry ah don't remember much else save for..." she trailed off again, a smile playing at her lips.
   "For?" Saito asked.
   "His eyes...Botan's eyes. Golden in the darkness." Saito tilted his head, a smile playing at his lips now. "Ah thought...at first...ah thought he was the god of death coming to take me to...wherever the fuck. But...he was kind. And gentle. He...he saved me, Lord Saito. Your son saved me that night."
   "And you love him."
   "Yes," she said beaming even though she knew it wasn't a question. "Yes. Ah didn't think it was ever possible. For something like me to love." She took the cup and emptied it.
   "Why are you not capable of love? Do you have some ailing diseases? Some deformity, perhaps?"
   "Ah'm a blood drinker. Ah'm not like him."
   "And that is reasoning for not being loved?"
   "Are you gonna answer all of my statements with questions?"
   "Are you going to give me answers to question?" Saito titled his head.
   "Again, I see where he gets it."
   "It is not common. Yes, I will give you that. People will question. People will be frightened. People will not understand."
   "You do."
   "Why would you be thinking that is?"
   "Because you aren't his biological father."
   Saito's smile faded.
   "His skin is dark, yes. He works in the sun. His eyes are golden, yours are almost black. As is your wife's. Shin's too. His hair is tar, where the rest of you are pitch. His cheekbones are high, his nose sharp, jawline sharper and his chin is squared beneath the scruff. Ah could sip blood wine fer hours from his collar bones. Ya have no cheekbones, yer nose is curved, yer eyes squint like ya have a vision impairment, though ah know ya don't, and ah can't see yer collar bones, but ah've seen yer boy's and frankly, ah'm unimpressed. He's not from here." She smirked, "but ya raised him as yer own. Yer wife nursed him. Yer son looks up to him, though he's too cocky to admit it. Does he know?"
   "Will he after we speak?"
   Cat thought for a moment, looking down at the table. After a time she looked up and shook her head.
   "You are almost too smart for your own good, Princess."
   "Please call me Cat. Ah don't like titles."
   "As you wish." He replied with a nod. "Do you know...what you are wearing?"
   She reached up and gently laid a hand over the hair comb.
   "It was his mother's. His birth mothers. As is the kimono you were. I gifted them both to her." Cat's eyes widened as she listened. "Yes. It is true he is not our own. But a life pays for a life. Do you know that?" She nodded. "Good. Dept was owed. A dept was paid...though the price." He looked down at his cup with a heavy sigh.
   "They were your friends." She said, the sadness present in her voice.
   "Botan was just...a babe...when they left."
   "Where did they go?"
   "Wherever the fuck, as you say."
   Cat sat back and looked towards the door. She looked down at the ground then turned back around and closed her eyes.
   "He is lost, that son of mine. I believe...I am thinking." Cat looked up at him. "You can be saving him." He smiled gently. "This has been very good conversation. Little Cat."
   Her eyes nearly popped out of her head at the nickname. "How do you-"
   "You are little. And you are Cat of Clan Ó Catháin. Therefore, you are a little cat. Koneko. This has been very good conversation indeed." He looked up to the door then back down at her, smiling warmly.
   "Anata ga kare o kizutsuketanara watashi wa hikisakimasu -" his wife busted in with a hand raised. As she saw the two of them just looking at her, however, she lowered it and patted her hair again, clearing her throat.
   "My wife, Yui. A she-wolf as you can see." Saito said pointing with his whole hand at her.
   She scoffed and turned her head again, patting the other side of her hair. Cat smiled sadly.
   Botan followed in shortly after. Giving her a soft smile. She looked up and brightened.
   "Kettei shimashita. Josei kata wa mura de kyoka sa remasu. Kanojo no nakama no gaido no shita de." Saito said, standing and pointing at Cat with his whole hand. "Soshite kanojo wa watashitachi no ie de meiyo o motte kangei sa remasu."
   Cat looked back at him and smiled. "Arigatōgozaimashita, Saito-Soma."
   Saito winked at her.