Echoes: Makoto V

DISCLAIMER: Inuyasha and all of the characters featured in this fanfic are the property of Takahashi Rumiko, Sunrise, Viz and all other respective copyright owners. I do not lay claim to these characters in any way, shape or form.

Glossary

Uchikake - A formal, heavily brocaded kimono worn over the kosode without an obi, like a coat. Women would sometimes drape them over their heads to protect them from the sun.

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Makoto V

The first glimpse was enough to shock him out of silence.

There'd been no shortage of castles in Mama's paintings. He'd watched her brush raise towers from the mists countless times. Yet no painting could ever capture the sheer enormity of this mountain of stone and timber. Even the local temple was a mere molehill by comparison. His eyes couldn't get wide enough to take it all in.

"Is that-"

Onuki-sama's smile returned for the first time in three days. "Our family castle."  

He urged his horse closer to the path's edge, allowing them a better view. His smile widened as he caught sight of Makoto's awestruck face. "I guess it's not the kind of thing you'd see every day."

Makoto still couldn't tear his eyes away, even for Onuki-sama. It had taken them nearly three days' hard travel to reach the Onuki clan's fortress. He'd spent most of it huddled down in the saddle, willing himself blind and deaf to his surroundings. No matter how far he retreated into his thoughts, he couldn't shut out the screams. Yet faced with a sight like this...

The castle's surroundings were even more breathtaking, if that was possible. A range of snow-crested mountains rose behind the fortress, high and proud. The narrow valley below them was carpeted in dense forest. A hawk wheeled overhead, coasting on the morning breeze. Mama would have had no shortage of subjects to choose from here. A tear rose to his eye. He sniffed it back.

"It's amazing."

"We'll be staying there tonight. I'm sure my father won't mind you-"

A sudden shout drew his gaze downwards.

A small hunting party had gathered in the forest below. Three dogs milled around them, yipping in excitement. The samurai rode, their servants walked. They wore no armour but their hunting bows were more than powerful enough to kill a man. Wisteria banners fluttered at their backs.

"Are they-"

Makoto never got to finish his sentence. The hawk gave a cry and swooped down towards them.

The horse whinnied and shied away. Makoto grabbed the saddle. Onuki-sama seized the reins and hushed his mount.

The hawk settled on a crooked tree jutting from the cliff face above them. A female goshawk, judging by her size, bright and keen-eyed. She peered down at Onuki-sama and gave a chittering cry.

"Kaze?" Onuki-sama took the reins in one hand and held out the other. The goshawk leapt from the branch and flew down to settle on his vambrace. The horse snorted but made no attempt to bolt.

Makoto stared at the tame hawk. She regarded him with curious eyes. He'd seen many a goshawk winging its way through the forest but this was the first time he'd been so close to one. He reached out and paused, his hand hovering in mid-air.

"Um, is she... yours?" he asked.

Onuki-sama gave a nod. "Kaze's the first hawk I ever had. I didn't think she'd recognise me from that distance." He smiled as he caught sight of Makoto's outstretched fingers. "I'd keep your hands to yourself though. She's been known to bite."

Makoto withdrew his hand. Another shout came from the group of samurai before he could ask any more questions. The foremost of the group gave Onuki-sama a broad wave.

Onuki-sama's smile broke into a grin. "Ready, Makoto?"

Makoto barely had time to nod. Onuki-sama put his heels to his horse and broke into a canter. Kaze took to the air. By the time they reached the valley's floor the horse had come to a gallop.

The samurai surged forwards to meet them. One of his retainers gave a yell and cantered off behind him. Onuki-sama pressed on. They reined up within a few feet of each other, laughing and panting. Kaze settled on a nearby pine.

The samurai greeted them with a grin as wild as the inky hair blowing around his shoulders. His stallion was the largest Makoto had ever seen but even he was little more than a pony next to his rider. Onuki-sama was taller than any of the men in his village but this samurai overlooked him by at least half a head. His grin was bright yet his eyes were grey as winter storm. Makoto drew back against Onuki-sama as they fell on him.

"Took your time eh, Yoshihiko?"

Onuki-sama answered him with another laugh. "You're not one to be kept waiting, Sukemori." He passed the reins to Makoto and dismounted. He helped Makoto down before turning back to the samurai. "You remember how to hold him, right?"

Makoto nodded. Sukemori slid from his saddle and motioned for his retainer to do the same. He thrust his reins into the retainer's hands and strode towards Onuki-sama. Within three strides he had him enveloped in a massive bear hug.

"We had word of you two weeks ago. Nothing since." He gave Onuki-sama a hearty slap on the back. "What the hell took you so long?"

Onuki-sama remained unfazed, even though the bigger samurai was practically lifting him off the ground. "Another bandit attack."

Sukemori raised an eyebrow.

"That and I had some... business to attend to."

"Oh, so that's what's been keeping you." Sukemori released Onuki-sama and turned his gaze on Makoto once more.

Makoto shifted on the spot as the samurai's eyes trailed down his body. Sukemori favoured him with a sly smile. "Care to introduce us, Onuki-sama?"

Makoto blinked. A flush rose to his cheeks, although he couldn't quite say why. He drew closer to Onuki-sama's side. Onuki-sama laid a hand on his shoulder.

Sukemori chuckled. "Doesn't say much, does he?"

Onuki-sama gave him a playful nudge in the ribs. "Don't tease him too much. He's had a rough few days." His smile stayed friendly but Makoto swore his grip tightened on his shoulder.

Sukemori returned the smile, although his was a little thin. "Wouldn't do to forget my manners, now, would it?" He released his gaze from Makoto, lingering only for a moment.

Onuki-sama's hand relaxed. He nudged Makoto's shoulder. Makoto gave Sukemori a low bow, thankful for the opportunity to hide his blush.

"This is Makoto." Onuki-sama patted his shoulder. "A survivor from the village. I'm hoping Nagisa might be able to find a place for him," he added.

Sukemori's smile was more relaxed this time. "Well, nice to meet you, kid. Guess I owe you an introduction too."

Onuki-sama shook his head, although his smile remained. "Very well then. Makoto, I'd like you to meet my oldest - and most impertinent -  friend." He gestured towards Sukemori. "If you please."

A brief look passed between the two samurai. A ghost of a smirk hovered about Sukemori's lips. He bowed his head.

"Iwakami Sukemori."

oooooooooooo

The castle was more than ready for their arrival. Sentries peered down from the ramparts, their curiosity visible even from the streets below. Silken banners bedecked the walls and towers. The castle town was humming with excitement. A chorus of cheers followed their every footstep. Every street, alley and corner was crammed with people, the most he'd ever seen in his life. Even the temple was quiet by comparison. The soldiers ensured they kept a respectful distance.

Makoto peered through the crowds on tiptoe. Onuki-sama had asked him to dismount to make the climb easier for his flagging horse. It wouldn't do for the Daimyou's son to arrive on foot, after all. Kaze had accompanied the falconer once her wings grew tired.  It was a shame to miss out on the view but the horse had more than earned a rest. He'd appreciated the piece of daikon radish Makoto had given him too.

He'd given Jatou to Onuki-sama. Peasants didn't tend to carry swords, especially not ones like Jatou. He'd promised he'd keep it safe for him. Makoto trusted his word but he couldn't help feeling exposed without it. He stayed close to his side as they neared the castle walls.

A pair of samurai awaited them at the gates. One stood tall and broad, a naginata in his hand. His face was tanned and weathered but his hair didn't have a single strand of grey. His gaze was firm and focused. The other could have passed for a merchant if it hadn't been for the wisteria crest on his haori and his paired swords. He was no taller than any of the peasants but much better fed. He greeted Onuki-sama with a stiff bow.

"Nephew. We are thankful for your safe return." His voice was polite but his face showed little sign of relief.

Onuki-sama returned the bow. "Uncle Masayoshi."

Makoto did a double-take. Surely he must have been talking to the other samurai? Yet the taller man stayed silent. Only his eyes betrayed his interest in the conversation. The short samurai cleared his throat.

"I hope you didn't have too much trouble on the road? There've been many tales of bandits."

"Well, we were doing pretty well until Kaze showed up," Onuki-sama laughed.

Masayoshi's smile was somewhat forced. "Glad to hear it. Our lord daimyou has been most anxious as of late."

"I understand, Uncle. I won't keep you any longer." Onuki-sama motioned for the guards to open the gate.

His uncle stepped aside to let them pass. The taller samurai bent over and whispered something in his ear. Makoto strained to catch his words but there was no chance of making out anything over the crowd's shouts and cheers.

The hunting party filed through the gates, Onuki-sama at their head. Makoto glanced over his shoulder as he passed through the gates. The townspeople were as delighted as ever. Uncle Masayoshi and his companion had already been swallowed up by the procession.

The daimyou and his household were assembled in the courtyard before the fortress. The willowy lady swathed in silks had to be Onuki-sama's mother. Even from this distance Makoto could tell where he'd got those chestnut eyes from. The daimyou stood waiting beside her, a slender grey stork of a man. Makoto guessed he had to be at least fifty, although he stood near as straight-backed as his son.

Uncle Masayoshi emerged from the throng to bow before the Daimyou. He was joined by a stout samurai who could have been his double - if he'd met him twenty years ago. His son, no doubt. No wives appeared to greet them.

Iwakami remained by Onuki-sama's side. The others prostrated themselves at the Daimyou's feet. Makoto did the same.

He couldn't help sneaking a look at Onuki-sama's wife. He'd almost missed her at first. Next to the lady of the castle she was little more than a child, a tiny mouse of a girl. She peered out from under her heavy uchikake, ready to dart back beneath it at any moment.

She was flanked by two servant women. The first was as gnarled as an old root. Her expression was as calm as a pond, yet cold as the mountains. The other couldn't have been more than twenty, though she was much sturdier than her mistress. The chubby baby bundled up in her arms was all smiles.

Onuki-sama greeted the Daimyou with a deep bow. His gaze remained fixed on the ground.

"Father."

The Daimyou inclined his head. "My son. It is good to see you well."

His voice was so steady he could have been talking about the weather. A true samurai. Only the lady's face showed the slightest sign of relief.

"Thank you, Father. I pray you are well?"

The daimyou gave him a stiff nod. Makoto toyed with his sleeve, trying - and failing - to avoid biting his lip. Even Iwakami stayed silent under the Daimyou's gaze. It fell to Onuki-sama's wife to break the silence.

"Husband." Her voice was little more than a whisper.

Onuki-sama gave her a smile. Makoto swore she shrank back a fraction under his gaze.

"O-Shizu."

"I have prayed long for your safe return." She still couldn't meet his eyes. Somehow, she looked even younger next to Onuki-sama.

"My thanks, O-Shizu. Your prayers have been answered." He turned to the maidservant. "And how's the little oni? Still keeping you up at all hours?"

The maidservant bowed. "No, young master. Everyone says he's the best-tempered babe they've ever met."

"Really now?" Onuki-sama took the gurgling bundle and raised him above his head. "Just look at this monster! He must be twice as big as when I last saw him!"

The baby giggled and beamed down at him. Onuki-sama answered with a smile of his own; the warmest he'd given since they'd set foot in the castle. The rest of his family remained as composed as ever.

The Daimyou cleared his throat. Onuki-sama handed his son back to the nursemaid and faced his father.

"I understand there is a matter you wish to bring to my attention." The Daimyou tilted his head in Makoto's direction.

Makoto drew back as all eyes turned on him. He clutched the horse's reins for support.

Onuki-sama lowered his head. "A small matter, Father. The family who took me in hoped I might be able to find a place for their son." His voice gave nothing away.

The Daimyou's forehead creased. He studied Makoto for a few moments before turning to the old servant. They exchanged a brief glance.

The servant answered him with a bow. "My lord Daimyou."

"Nagisa, take this boy to the servants' quarters. I'm sure you can find a job for him."

Makoto frowned. He looked to Onuki-sama for support. The samurai avoided his gaze.

"At once, my lord." The servant spoke before he could get a word in edgeways. "Come this way."

Makoto hesitated. Iwakami nudged him forwards.

"You heard him, kid. The Daimyou doesn't like to be kept waiting."

Makoto nodded. He fell in behind Nagisa. She didn't even check to see if he was following her. At least that gave him the opportunity to look back. He glanced over his shoulder, only to see Onuki-sama disappear inside the fortress, Iwakami in tow.

Hopefully, the Daimyou wouldn't keep him too long.

oooooooooooo

"Such skinny arms."

Nagisa's frown was etched so deep on her face she must have been born with it. Makoto swallowed a reply and let her continue her inspection. She'd decided to put him to work right away, although he'd yet to come up with a task she thought would suit him. A couple of other servants had stopped to watch the afternoon's entertainment.

Nagisa paid them no mind. She took a few paces sideways and studied him from another angle. Her frown grew even deeper.

"You say your grandfather was a swordsmith. Did he teach you his trade?" Her tone suggested this was about as likely as Grandpa teaching him to fly.

Makoto had no choice but to shake his head. "Grandpa said I was too young. I used to fetch water and stuff for him, though." Besides, Grandpa hadn't cared much for making katanas since the war.

Her frown didn't waver in the slightest.

A lump rose in Makoto's throat. He swallowed it down and racked his brains for any skill he could turn to his advantage. "I can chop wood?" he offered. It sounded even more pathetic out loud.

A flicker of disbelief crossed Nagisa's face. She hid it in an instant. She turned to the leathery old servant leaning against the wall. "Very well. Bring me an axe."

The old man cracked a smile.  "You sure you didn't bring me a girl, Nagisa?" He brought the axe all the same.

Makoto bit back his irritation. They wouldn't get a single tear out of him. He took up the axe. He checked its weight and hefted it in one hand. The old man raised an eyebrow.

"Guess you're stronger than you look." He drew a log from the pile and placed it on the block. "Let's see you have a go then."

Makoto eyed up the log and raised the axe above his head. Even Nagisa looked surprised at that. He split the log clean in two.

Both the man's eyebrows shot up this time. "Hey, not bad." He gestured to a pile of firewood beside the wall. "We could do with an extra pair of hands around here. Think you're up to it?"

Makoto couldn't resist a little smirk. "I guess so."

Nagisa gave him a curt nod. "See you're finished by sunset. The cooks will need plenty of wood for tomorrow's banquet." She left him without another word.

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Sunset came and went. Onuki-sama had yet to emerge from the fortress. Makoto couldn't say which ached more, his arms or his stomach. Just as he was about to put down the axe Nagisa emerged from behind the servants' wing.

"Well, I see you've finished." As unimpressed as ever. "There's a spare mat for you in the servants' quarters. The young master will see you in time."

"Um, is it okay if I wash first?" From the look on Nagisa's face, he mustn't smell too good.

He swore he caught Nagisa rolling her eyes. "Be quick about it." She pointed towards the well.

Makoto joined her in the servants' quarters after a quick scrub. They had to be bigger than all the huts in his village combined. The two old woodcutters were already settling down for the night on their sleeping mats. The other servants were clearing up the remains of their evening meal. The scent of roasted fish and miso soup told him the kitchens couldn't be far away. Hopefully, Nagisa hadn't heard his stomach.

Onuki-sama's servants all shared the westmost corner, apart from Nagisa and the nursemaid, who slept in their lady's room. All three of the others were boys. The two slim, pale youths had to be twins, as alike in dress as they were in features. Both their hakama and kosode were a deep indigo. The youngest was small and freckled, with wide open brown eyes. Unlike the twins, he made no effort to hide his stare.

"You'll sleep here." Nagisa pointed to a spare mat beside the three boys. "There's space for your belongings in the trunk. Be sure you're up before dawn." She turned away and set off back down the corridor.

Makoto stood on the spot, his hands toying with a loose strand of hair. Another lump was growing in his stomach. He tried a smile.

"Uh, hi? I'm Makoto."

Only the youngest boy smiled in return. He moved aside to make space for Makoto.

"I'm Kei."

Makoto knelt down beside him. "Thanks."

One of the women handed him a tray. "Sorry, it's not much. We usually eat at midday." She retreated to the far side of the room before he could thank her.

His eyes grew wide as he took in the tray's contents: a whole bowl of pure husked rice, served with a fresh egg, a bowl of miso soup and a side dish of pickles. He hadn't eaten so much as a grain of rice since the New Year's celebrations. He turned to Kei in disbelief.

"We get to eat rice?"

"Well, not every day." Kei scratched the back of his neck. "It's usually millet or barley. The Daimyou sometimes gives us the family's leftovers. When he's happy," he added, in a quieter tone.

Makoto was about to press him further when his stomach interrupted them with a growl. One of the other boys glanced towards him. Makoto gave a nervous titter and looked away.

Kei gave him a sympathetic look. "You hungry?"

He nodded. "Sorry. I haven't had anything since breakfast."

"Well, don't let me stop you." Kei rolled onto his side and left Makoto to his meal.

The rice was still warm. Makoto broke the egg over it, mixed in the yolk and dug in. He didn't put down the bowl until he'd scraped up every last grain. The soup and pickles went down just as quick. He gave a contented sigh and turned to the twins. Both of them avoided his eyes.

"Um, is it just me or is everyone kind of-"

"Quiet?" Kei glanced over his shoulder at the two older boys. "Don't worry about the twins; they're just shy. Though I guess everyone's been a little tense since-"

"Good job you can talk for six then, Kei-chan."

Kei started. He looked up and met Iwakami's obvious amusement. He gasped and prostrated himself on the mat, pushing Makoto down beside him. The twins were already on the floor.

"Iwakami-sama."

Iwakami chuckled. "We've been through the formalities. Heads up, you lot."

Makoto raised his eyes. Kei followed suit.

Iwakami motioned for him to stand. Kei sprang up beside him, only for Iwakami to wave him away. "Sorry, Kei-chan, you'll have to wait your turn."

Makoto cocked his head to one side. Iwakami grinned at his confusion.

"You're wanted in the garden. Best be quick about it."

"The gar-" Makoto caught sight of the look in Iwakami's eyes and checked himself. "I-I mean, of course, Iwakami-sama."

"Right. This way then." The samurai turned on his heel and set off.

Makoto didn't have much of a choice. He hurried after him as closely as he dared. 

oooooooooooo

Keeping up with Iwakami was quite the challenge. The samurai's strides must have been double the length of his own. At least he wasn't in the mood for conversation. He led Makoto through a maze of rooms and passageways without so much as a glance behind him. Finally, they reached a secluded garden built into the mountainside next to the castle wall.

The garden was silent except for the trickle of a mountain stream and the call of a bush warbler. The stream wound down a cascade of mossy rocks, through the beds of shrubs and gravel and out through a small grate in the wall. It was spanned by an arching bridge. A weeping willow stood on the far bank, lit by the glow from a stone lantern.

The bird fluttered away as they approached. Iwakami halted before the bridge. "There you go."

Makoto reached for the bridge rail and paused. He glanced up at the samurai.

"Hey, he hasn't got all day, kid." Iwakami motioned for him to cross.

Makoto took a deep breath and set foot on the bridge. Iwakami nudged him to take another step. His feet hurried to obey. He couldn't get to the other side quick enough. He didn't have to look to know that Iwakami was smirking at him.

"That's more like it. Guess I should leave you two alone for a while." There was a rustle of silk as the samurai turned away.

Makoto stared at Iwakami's retreating back. He hadn't even left him a lantern. He was about to call him back when a voice spoke from the darkness.

"Makoto."

Makoto started. He spun on the spot and reached for his missing sword. A soft chuckle came from beneath the tree.

"Onuki-sama." He lowered his hand.

The samurai emerged from the shadows. He was freshly bathed and outfitted in a silken grey kosode and black hakama. His hair hung loose and flowing. He'd removed his armour but he still carried his paired swords. A soft smile graced his features.

"Did I startle you?"

"A-a little." Makoto admitted. "It's okay though - I mean, I knew it was you."

Onuki-sama's smile quirked upwards. "Did you now?" He stepped aside and beckoned him over. "There's a bench. Mind you don't trip over the roots." He sat back down beneath the tree's canopy.

Makoto fumbled towards him. Onuki-sama put out his arm to steady him. He took the samurai's hand for a brief moment before scooting over to the other side of the bench. Onuki-sama stayed put.

"So, how was your first day here? I hope Nagisa didn't work you too hard." His smile was almost teasing.

"Uh, n-no. Well, I mean I did but not too hard," he added. "The old guys said I was good. And Kei-chan was nice. They even gave us rice. And eggs." He was babbling again. He turned his head to hide his rising blush.

The samurai choked back a laugh. "I see. Well, I'm afraid I can't stay too long. My wife must be fretting again." His eyes softened at Makoto's crestfallen face.  "I do have a little something for you though."

Onuki-sama bent down and withdrew a long, thin package from beneath the bench. Makoto's eyes widened. The samurai held it out with one hand. "I thought this might help you to settle in."

Makoto bowed as best he could. "Thank you, Onuki-sama."

Onuki-sama inclined his head. "You can open it now, if you like. No need to wait."

Makoto stared at him open-mouthed. "Really? Oh - uh, thanks!"

He set about unwrapping the bundle, his trembling fingers fumbling at the knots. He bit back a curse, reached into the wrapping and extracted the gift. Its polish caught the lamplight as he held it above his head.

A new bokken.

"Onuki-sama..."

"See you continue your practice, Makoto." Onuki-sama reached out and clasped his shoulder. "I wouldn't want my sparring partner to lose his touch."

The words dried up in Makoto's throat. Tears sprang to his eyes. Before he could register what he was doing, he'd dropped the bokken and buried his face in the samurai's chest. His shoulders shook with muffled sobs as everything came pouring out.

Onuki-sama froze. "Makoto?"

Makoto blinked. His face turned scarlet as he took in his perilous position. He tried to stammer an apology.

"I-I'm sorry. I..."

He pulled back, only to be stayed by Onuki-sama's hand.

"It's okay, Makoto." The samurai's voice was soft as the breeze. "Everything's going to be okay."

Makoto's eyes grew wide as Onuki-sama's arms encircled his shoulders. Before he could protest, the samurai had clasped him to his chest. His gasp was lost in the folds of his kosode.

Onuki-sama reached up and patted his hair. Makoto's heart skipped as the samurai began to run the strands through his fingers. His other hand rested on Makoto's back, holding him close. He pressed his face against the samurai's shoulder, his heart fluttering in his chest. Onuki-sama's voice was gentle in his ear.

"Nobody's taking you away from me."

oooooooooooo

Constructive criticism is very welcome!

I update every Sunday.