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400 Years Apart	By : Cynthermes Category: +M to R > Mirage of Blaze Views: 4238 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Mirage of Blaze and its characters solely belong to Kuwabara Mizuna. I’m just going to creep into a corner of her sand box and play the part of a wannabe historical writer. No profit has been made in the construction of this story.

Chapter List
- 52
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Chapter 53:

Hokutoshichisei Arc: Part Eleven

A/N: When the sickle-shaped seven stars appear in the sky…

Year 1570 of our time slip: the succeeding course of events is an alternate scenario brought about by the combined spiritual power of the Tsutsuga Mirror and Yata no Kagami; (Please go to Chapter 32 for reference)

…

Haruhie wiped the sweat off his forehead then clutched his dear heart as if it would burst.

He sighed. He should have brought a change of clothes and a spare futon because he knew he would not be sleeping anywhere but here anytime soon.

The specialist physician’s quarters within the daimyo’s palace was the same quiet as ever save the noise of grinding herbs, sundries or boiling liquids. There were hundreds of scrolls either on the shelf or spread on the table for easy reference.

Though mostly enshrouded in darkness, there was slight illumination leading to the kiln. The strong smell of incense combined with the simmering concoctions and the resting extracts indicated that Kuro was still tirelessly searching for the correct formula.

Kuro was keen to discover the elusive drug that the daimyo requested in exchange for his freedom.

Under the guise of an agreement, Kuro became the Hojo’s prisoner of war.

If Haruhie could accurately recall, Kuro was the apprentice of Hatsushima Island’s physician and elder, Shinsuke.

Kuro served as their guide to a secluded lodging currently occupied by Naoe’s former Uesugi comrade, Yasuda Nagahide. In the beginning and with much debate, Naoe had surmised the possibility of negotiation. Naoe, who had completely turned his back on his clan and affiliations, had promised Saburo-gimi to save Hanaiin-hime.

However, they had unwittingly fallen on the hands of danger.

A mysterious enemy had entrapped them on an ambush. And to make matters worse, the enemy’s skills and style of warfare proved way out of Haruhie’s league. As a sworn guardian of Saburo-gimi, Haruhie could not even do anything to save him. He and Kuro ended up succumbing to a devastating smoke attack. Yet upon awakening, they immediately learned that Fuma shinobi and the Sagami daimyo, Hojo Ujimasa himself had already resolved the situation. Haruhie and Kuro’s lives were then indebted to the Sagami Lord since Fuma Kotarou intervened in their time of peril.

To be bound to the Hojo household and to be by Saburo-gimi’s side were the outcomes Haruhie always wanted. Kuro on the other hand, must be unhappy about his fate though he was his usual reticent self.

Haruhie helped himself to a wooden stool, watched Kuro critically inspect the boiling duration between two cauldrons and asked if there was anything he could to help.

Kuro studied him silently at first. Haruhie was no longer stranger to his expressionless, somewhat detached demeanor. To others, Kuro might come off as rude or even unpleasant company (not that Kuro had a lot to begin with) but for Haruhie, Kuro’s presence always brings him a sort of calm.

The novice physician continued about his task while Haruhie busied himself to contribute without being a nuisance. Keeping everything neat and tidy, Haruhie discarded used firewood, swept some piles of ash, and removed burnt substances off the stone flooring.

Abruptly, Kuro spoke, “If you are helping me when you should be resting instead then hurry up and leave.”

“Eh?” Confused, Haruhie looked up.

Kuro’s thick eyebrows knitted. His eyes, which were narrowly shaped like a hunting bird thinned into disapproving slits. The rare expression vanished in the same instant it came. In a flat mien he said, “Are you not the daimyo’s brother’s guardian? I know it is no concern of mine but aren’t guardians supposed to be by their master’s side?”

Initially, Haruhie became more perplexed until the reason for his spare time hit him. Kuro-san had to remind him why he was unable to perform his duties as a page and guardian to Saburo-gimi.

A shadow fell on Haruhie’s face and his shoulders slumped.

Though his countenance was as dull as ever, Kuro peered at him for good measure. Haruhie’s expected sad expression was actually a flustered, pathetic gape like a fish out of water.

“Kuro-san… Can I… Can I spend the night here again?” Haruhie hopefully put forth as a quick diversion.

“No,” was the straightforward response.

“Why not?” Haruhie learned that a pout had its certain advantages especially around Kuro.

“You snore and you mutter when you sleep. It is irritating and it gets in the way of my concentration.” The novice physician turned his back and proceeded to ignore Haruhie completely.

“But Kuro-san, there’s no place else for me to stay. I will make sure to lie on my stomach to muffle any sound.” Haruhie’s pleas fell on deaf ears.

Kuro resumed perusing the scrolls while accurately measuring the dosages of every compound. He then served a specific bowl to each of the four rodents that he had fed with the base drug to counteract earlier.

As the rats died one after another, Kuro’s superficial optimism lost another layer.

It turned out to be another disappointing batch.

Kuro’s varying samples did not contain the results he was supposed to achieve. He sighed inwardly and was disinclined to start all over again. “In your sleep you were muttering along the lines of ‘being driven away by two dangerous oni or being shut out of the beasts’ den. Tell me: Your frequent visits here coincide with the absence of that shadow, correct?”

Haruhie who was petrified like some statue struck by lightning nearly keeled over. “NO!” He exclaimed in denial but he might as well have given himself away in this manner.

“I see.” Kuro replied, neither accepting nor rejecting Haruhie’s blatant lie.

Gathering the cleaning equipment and putting away random things, Haruhie understood when he was unwelcome and decided not to inconvenience his host further. “Please pardon my intrusion this time. I will be taking my leave now.”

Kuro’s icy exterior melted. “You said there is nowhere for you to go. So that leaves me no choice but to accommodate you.” The novice physician sighed. He could not even tell if Haruhie minded the consequences by keeping him company.

Nonetheless, Haruhie brightened and beamed but made no move to hug him like last time. It would save them from lots of embarrassment and awkward silences. “I am very grateful Kuro-san.”

“Ueda-dono, you know why you should not stay too close to me, right?”

Haruhie nodded and guilt seeped into his features.

Both of them were originally outsiders from the Clan. Though Kakizaki Haruhie turned his back on the Uesugi willingly and pledged himself to serve Hojo Saburo, Xin Kuro was another case entirely. Haruhie’s adoption to the Ueda Family was still in effect thus protecting him from any ill-intention and influence from other retainer clans. On the contrary, Kuro was a prisoner of war who was forced into skilled labor and rendered his services to the Go-Hojoshi daimyo under very strict conditions. If their interactions were somehow misinterpreted by other servants or bushi it would only take one outrageous rumor spreading to lock them both into the stronghold’s dungeon or have their lives forfeited through execution.

A creative accusation of them conspiring together to formulate poison (given the nature of Kuro’s appointed task) to contaminate the water wells hence slowly incapacitating Odawara-jo would never seem very far-fetched.

Kuro saw both comprehension and dejection in Haruhie’s rather resigned form. “My apologies,” The lad whispered softly.

Kuro felt a slight twist in his gut. He always wondered why this youth who was only a few summers younger than him could slip through his basically impermeable exterior.

“Perhaps,”

“Huh?”

“Perhaps, you can stay for as long as the shadow does not come by.” The novice physician reverts to indifference and did not make his lodger any more comfortable.

XxXMOBXxX

It was days later since Saburo-gimi returned from a remote coastal town beyond the outskirts of Odawara…

He brought back Hanaiin-hime safe and unharmed. Consequently, her return had eradicated all doubts and anxieties from her father although she declared outright her firm intention not to marry the daimyo. Genan merely nodded and ushered her inside. When the Hojo patriarch addressed Saburo, the lordling respectfully bowed before him, apologizing for any troubles caused by the lady’s untimely absence.

Genan shook his head, smiled, and embraced his great nephew who hissed at the contact. The elder had promptly released him and sensed that something was wrong. Saburo unconsciously stepped back and adamantly denied that he was hurt. He attributed his reaction to exhaustion. Before Genan could properly inspect him, Matsuda Hideharu who made quick obeisance, intervened and took responsibility for the well-being of his charge.

It was clear in Matsuda-danjo’s guarded behavior that something was amiss. Genan lifted his keen gaze on two men who both represented the might of the daimyo’s elite force. Nagashiro and Fuma Kotarou were both poised submissively and wore matching expressions that could escape the most dedicated vigilance.

The former Hakone governor bestowed Saburo a fleeting look of gratitude before finally relenting and vaguely dismissing them.

Hideharu was about to escort Saburo back into his rooms but the latter implored his mentor to see to his eldest brother instead. Ujimasa-kou had chosen to be left behind on the shrine.

To Hideharu’s mortification, Tono-sama’s whereabouts was the first thing that flew out of his mouth when he saw his apprentice. Thus, would it be appropriate to insist sheltering the rightful second of Ujimasa-kou if Hideharu was actually more worried about His Lordship?

…

As he rushed to welcome Saburo-gimi, Haruhie’s cheerful features vanished when he saw the grim faces of his sentries who could barely contain their killing aura. At first, the guardian found Naoe and Kotarou’s antagonism to be somewhat out of place until Saburo-gimi passed him by.

Saburo-gimi was not draped in the kamishimo that he was dressed in before he left. The lordling was wrapped in an oversized retainer’s cloak that could only belong to Naoe. Saburo’s gait was careful and a little difficulty shadowed his every step. Yet he stubbornly reined in his expression.

If there was anything that revealed his well-kept secret it was that scent…

The scent of blood drifted into Haruhie’s nostrils. “Saburo-gimi…?”

The blankness of his countenance, the line of his proud shoulders and the stoic stance did not obscure the sorrow and weariness emanating from the youth. “Please everyone… leave me alone.”

Neither Naoe nor Kotarou moved.

Saburo’s fists clenched and he seemed about to lash out in anger. But he turned to Haruhie with a composed visage befitting a noble lord and spoke, “Haruhie, I trust you to respect my wishes among all else.”

How was he supposed to object when addressed in such a manner? Haruhie’s brow furrowed and he could not help but meet Saburo-gimi in the eye. Gazing back at him was hard-lined resolve, which of course defied opposition. Sighing, Haruhie gathered himself and summoned his bravado to shoot warning glares at Saburo-gimi’s admirers. They better not try anything while he was away.

…

“Did the both of you not hear a word I said? I wonder what arrogant purposes you have conjured in your heads to remain here.” Saburo’s dagger-like tongue unfurled.

Kotarou with his eerie form of soundless strides inched closer but did not reply. Saburo’s previous self would have tensed at the blatant act of insolence but the current Saburo was past his issues of insecurities.

“You are injured, Young Lord. Any vassal would be worried since you keep refusing treatment.” Unsurprisingly, it was Naoe who was conceited enough to open his mouth.

Despite the considerable pain he was in, Saburo managed a sardonic titter. “You followed me all this way for this self-perceived duty? Both of you… do I have to remind you where you belong?”

The lordling’s jagged words fail to make their usual dent on Kotarou. Worse, Naoe who swiftly got down on his knees placed his sword of rank before him and…

“I, Nagashiro also known as Naoe Nobutsuna, formerly known as Saito Rennyo Musanaga no Unsui, formerly known as Nagao Kagetaka renounce his pledge to Sagami no Kami, Hojo Ujimasa to serve and devote his life and his entirety to Hojo Saburo, his beloved and his esteemed lord.” The spontaneity and brutal honesty of Naoe’s declaration nearly threw Saburo off.

“Denied,” Saburo uttered; teeth too set to mistake his caustic smirk for amusement.

In another time and in different circumstances, Saburo would have been flustered, immeasurably pleased even. But he was suffocating being hounded to his sleeping chambers. Having just dealt with the true face of his lord brother, Saburo was raw. He could not even begin to sort his tumultuous emotions.

Naoe’s over-protectiveness and Kotarou’s watchfulness was driving him up the wall. Who could blame him if his cruel streak unleashed as a means to defend himself?

Naoe’s lips thinned and something dangerous flickered in his eyes but he held his ground. “I am starting to think that you intentionally omit words of affirmation. Tell me Saburo, how long will you continue to reject me?”

The corner of Saburo’s mouth curled oh so slyly. “Forever would be an understatement.”

Sinful ugliness slithered its way onto Naoe’s darkening mental state. “You leave me, exclude me from your affairs, you fight me all the time… are these your brands of affection for me? Since you regard everyone else between a tepid and good-natured demeanor, I am certain your malevolence, your cruelty towards me is the real you.”

Biting his lip instinctively, Saburo snarled, “How dare you.”

Naoe smiled but it never reached his half-hooded, desirous stare. “Damn me as much as you want. I know the truth.”

“You are mad.”

“Yes, madly hankering after you if that is how you wish to phrase it.” Naoe closed his eyes smugly.

Saburo did not know anymore which blow struck the hardest. Naoe was no longer righteously resisting him. Naoe was twisting words in his favor. Naoe was trying to exist in the same plane as him; armed with his own sense of ruthlessness.

“I am comparable to an ache then,” The rancor in Saburo’s tone seemingly faded but not before it sprang twice as strong, stark and cutting, “I am an ache you long to satisfy! Is it the same for you, Kotarou?”

Kotarou’s response was noiseless, intense scrutiny. Despite the elite shinobi’s impenetrable front, Saburo was unperturbed. These formidable men who unconsciously try to subdue him would never see what’s coming to hit them.

“I really do not understand why you resist, Beloved. I have seen the hunger in your eyes, the way you attempted to provoke me several times to witness the foulest, vilest part of my being. Do you derive enjoyment out of this? Do you find pleasure in fighting me? Do not tell me this is how you excite yourself before submitting to your own dirty desires?”

Saburo barely allowed Naoe to finish his tirade, “You proud, despicable fool… You have admitted your reprehensible lust towards your self-proclaimed lord!” Derisive laughter distorted the lordling’s lithe frame.

It ultimately destroyed Naoe’s so-called immaculate discipline. The man briskly strode forward, anticipating the blade that will stab his uncompromising advance and almost yearned for it.

Saburo was amused that Naoe easily forgot about his wounded body. He stopped the man in his tracks with a single frigid glare. “I dare you, Nobutsuna,” Saburo mouthed sweetly; intending to provoke, to obliterate the remains of Naoe’s patience.

The demon within Naoe broke free and that was when Kotarou conveniently stepped in between them.

“Watch yourself, Naoe-dono,”

These vicious creatures never learn. Saburo was tired of putting them in their place. He was weary of their rivalry and their superior belief of knowing what is best for him.

“At ease, both of you,” Saburo admonished. He was much calmer now that he was standing across the room while the two men clashed invisibly with their opposing chi. The cloak slipped off his shoulders and dropped to the tatami. His hands fumbled with the knot of his hakama and it too bared his legs. He paused and groaned at the sharp sting caused by his simple movements. Cursing and ignoring the pair of heads that predictably turned his way, Saburo finished undressing until the sluggishly bleeding wound (and his enticing flesh) was exposed.

A vulnerable prey, shedding blood before two powerful predators… Saburo could only imagine how much his appearance in this state could affect both Naoe and Kotarou. If it was unplanned in previous instances, today, Saburo’s actions were deliberate.

“Who are we fooling here? I know very well why you both try so hard to linger.” At the sound of his voice, Naoe and Kotarou could only watch motionlessly as the vessel of their boundless desire walked naked towards them. “Go ahead, comfort me.” Saburo commanded with an outstretched hand.

They were being put to the test.

A test where either of them could prove to be unworthy...

XxXMOBXxX

Haruhie did not really believe he was dismissed for the meantime. He surely did not trust those men to be in their best behavior especially since Saburo-gimi was somewhat harmed in his confrontation with Ujimasa-kou. Naoe and Kotarou being the hapless fools they are (thank Buddha he could safely vent in his thoughts) would not let anyone or anything get past them. They must be building a fortress by now to barricade Saburo-gimi against any perceived threat.

Still, Haruhie would not be deterred to perform his duties. After spending a restful night in Kuro-san’s quarters, he returned at dawn to check upon his lordling.

After a short firm knock, Haruhie slid the shoji open only to witness a most shocking sight.

Kotarou-dono was kneeling before Saburo-gimi who gasped at something being done to him while Naoe-san on the other hand stood behind the youth. Naoe’s fingers threaded carefully on long strands of raven hair.

Haruhie’s jaw dropped to the floor and he was up and running before any of them could spot his ‘intrusion’.

The shaken lad leaned against a corner, struggling to catch his breath. His heart was beating so fast he was afraid it would jump out of his chest. What could those two be doing to his poor Saburo-gimi? Haruhie wanted to smack himself for fleeing like a coward instead of defending his lord’s virtue. But it was probably instinct that told him he would be making a complete fool of himself should he put a strong foot forward. Was it the way Saburo-gimi allowed himself to indulge in their ministrations?

Haruhie blushed furiously as his imagination ran wild. Was there a possibility to be held by two lovers at once without it spiraling out of control midway? Would it not be too taxing for Saburo-gimi’s body since those two could have insatiable sexual appetites? All in all, Haruhie chose to give up for today before his overwhelmed head could burst into a gory mess.

…

The next morn, Haruhie came in the pretext of grooming his charge. Thankfully, the immediate vicinity seemed to be deserted and no disturbing imagery had readily launched itself into Haruhie’s vision.

Sounds of activity came from the bath and Haruhie deduced that Saburo-gimi had returned to his routine of getting ready for the day ahead. The guardian helped himself to Saburo’s wardrobe. As Haruhie deliberated for his charge’s attire, he heard three distinct voices conversing…

“Wakasama, hold still…”

That was Kotarou-dono.

“Unh… It hurts…!”

…and Saburo-gimi? !

“Beloved, endure it for a while longer.”

Even Naoe-san…?

“Damn you, Naoe. Why don’t you suffer in my place?”

“It will be over soon.” Kotarou-dono’s monotony in contrast to his suggestive phrase just about killed Haruhie. Before he could actually surmise what was happening, Haruhie threw himself out the window— scrambled away as fast as his legs could support him.

…

On his third attempt, Haruhie could already feel that his chances to re-establish himself within Saburo-gimi’s household were diminishing. He learned beforehand that he could not use Matsuda Hideharu-dono’s mentorship as an excuse to lure Saburo-gimi outside the obsessive admirers’ barricade.

Earlier, the guardian had heard whispers floating about the castle that Ujimasa-kou has finally returned. However, Tono-sama permitted no one inside his chambers, including Matsuda-Taisho. The latter has stood by Saburo-gimi’s request and like any devoted retainer, has not moved from his post at the external sector of the daimyo’s palace.

Haruhie believed that he ought to emulate Hideharu-dono by watching over Saburo-gimi as well. He was willing to do anything even go as far as sleeping outside the lordling’s rooms until…

..

The entryway leading to the bedchambers was fairly quiet much to Haruhie’s relief. Occasionally, soft familiar snores drifted through thin paper screens that made Haruhie smile. Saburo-gimi must still be resting for it was barely daybreak. Nonetheless, it was usually his task to wake the young lord and Haruhie hoped that he would be able to set things back in order.

Without preamble, the guardian let himself in and discovered in abject surprise that Saburo-gimi was lying in between two bodies that were guarded and very much awake. Gooseflesh erupted on Haruhie’s skin when a pair of heads snapped in his direction. The weight of their foreboding stare was enough to signal an impending death.

The spell broke when Saburo moaned, frowned, and tossed in his slumber. He kicked the blanket aside, revealing his half-naked and bandaged body.

“Ngh…” Saburo moaned again and with his eyelids closed, shifted restlessly about. Was he dreaming? It appears that he was and very deeply so…

Before long, the youth settled once again yet there was a subtle scent in the air. Naoe and Kotarou stared attentively at Saburo.

“What is the matter? Is Saburo-gimi in pain?” Haruhie chimed in but they ignored him.

Naoe and Kotarou’s hostile gazes locked and tension ignited like crackling flame. But Saburo’s presence caused them to remember themselves and the enmity dissolved.

Haruhie balked however as he witnessed the pair ease Saburo-gimi out of his yukata.

Was this really happening?

Did Naoe and Kotarou truly have the gall to violate the lordling in Haruhie’s presence? Haruhie fled so speedily that he did not have a moment to reconsider the sheer ludicrousness of his behavior. Because if he had stayed a while, he would have seen Saburo-gimi stir, confusedly mumble Haruhie’s name, and allow himself to lean on Naoe as Kotarou wrapped him in a fresh kosode.

In fact, he did not actually know where he was going before he slammed his forehead on wood. Haruhie reflexively crouched in pain rubbing his bruised temple. It took quite a while to sink in that he had apparently gone to the sanctuary of Kuro-san’s lodging… again.

XxXMOBXxX

A loud thud followed by several ceramic pieces shattering briskly woke Haruhie. He shot out of bed and blearily tried to make sense of what was happening.

“Kuro-san?” He called out tentatively as he got up. The lack of response made Haruhie uneasy and he hurried to the origin of the noise.

To Haruhie’s horror, he discovered Kuro collapsed on the ground.

“Kuro-san!” He cried out, shaking the other man’s shoulders frantically. His first attempts to wake the novice physician failed. Haruhie did not like how pallid Kuro’s skin had become. Shakily, he felt for a pulse on the neck and started panicking when he could find none.

It can’t be…

He would not allow him to die like this! “Kuro-san, please wait for me. I shall go get help.” Having one destination in mind, Haruhie sought it with haste.

…

As he flung the shoji open, Haruhie immediately prostrated and did not miss the slide of a drawing blade or the thrown kunai that grazed the hem of his clothing.

“Saburo-gimi, forgive me for my sudden appearance but this servant requests for your assistance,” Haruhie managed through the haze of dread.

The lordling sleepily sat up rubbing his eyes. His sluggish mind was having trouble soaking in the commotion. “Haruhie? What is the matter?” Saburo slowly rose, halfheartedly fending off Naoe who promptly steadied his gait.

If Haruhie did not keep his head bowed, he would have witnessed the loose wrapping of Saburo-gimi’s sleeping garment, the stitched wound on his stomach, and the sporadic rosy marks trailing from the curve of his shoulder down to his pelvis and much lower.

“Saburo-gimi, a friend of mine needs help at once! Please, would you—”

“Haruhie, get up and lead us there,” Saburo interrupted. Formalities and division of rank between friends was not his way.

“Eh?”

“Wakasama,” Kotarou admonished.

“Stand down, both of you. I am not by any means a cripple. I can walk, alright?” The lordling snapped but before he could protest again, Naoe was already nonchalantly carrying him like he would a spoiled child. Saburo refrained from struggling lest he aggravate his wound and grumpily tolerated it for now.

“Beloved, we will get there faster in this method.” Naoe said to discourage further argument. In his opinion, he held the young lord in the least scandalous and most proper manner. One arm supported the back while the other bore weight under slender knees. Bearing Saburo on his back would chafe the wound hence out of the question. Plus, Naoe silently delighted at the unconscious way Saburo’s arm wrapped around his shoulder.

When Naoe walked towards Kotarou’s idling form, the elite shinobi reached up to fix Saburo’s kimono. It would have dishonoured their lord to expose his healing injury and… his intimate bruises.

Haruhie was momentarily enthralled by their display of unified devotion to Saburo-gimi. There was no perceptible enmity or ill-will remaining between Naoe and Kotarou.

No time to be caught up now, Haruhie reminded himself.

…

“Kuro-san!” Haruhie hollered at the doorway.

The stagnant silence hung heavy in the air. Kuro was lying on the same spot Haruhie had left him.

“Kotarou, inspect him.” Saburo ordered. It was only logical that the Fuma Clan Head would not involve himself unnecessarily.

“Understood, Young Master.” The elite shinobi knelt beside the crumpled form and put his skills to use.

“You can put me down, Naoe.” The lordling huffed in exasperation.

Naoe obliged while tucking stray locks behind a flushed ear, which Saburo irritably rubbed after.

“He is not dead.” Kotarou declared and gingerly turned the young physician over. Kuro groaned but did not wake.

“That’s a relief,” Haruhie exhaled.

The elite shinobi located a faint pulse and equally strong but slow heartbeat. “The activities of his body are unfortunately not within normal limits. He could still lose his life.” Kotarou stood up and thoroughly investigated the contents of each porcelain jar, specifically, the most recent components the physician was supposedly working on.

Haruhie watched in mixed fascination and aversion as Kotarou traced substances all over the apothecary room. The shinobi went as far as tasting some of the concentrates and granules. Even the perky specimen of mice was not spared from the meticulous assessment.

“Do not waste your worries on him, Haruhie. He is practically immune to a variety of poisons.” Naoe informed.

Kotarou who did not mind the blunt remark finally paused from his probing and stated, “It is likely that a drug overdose incapacitated Kuro. The best outcome for him is to recover on his own without an antidote. But in the worst circumstances…” He then carefully selected a syrupy concoction in a clear vial. After a dainty whiff, he administered a few drops sideways on Kuro’s palette.

Kuro swallowed by reflex but his condition showed no sign of improvement.

“That is enough Kotarou.” The lordling interceded. “Kuro-san is a physician. Among all others, he would be the least inclined to suffer from a drug overdose save any miscalculation on his part. I am beginning to suspect that he did it on purpose.”

As if by coincidence, Kuro opened his eyes and feebly tried to rise. Haruhie was immediately by his side and pushed him back to a reclining position.

Kuro blinked a few times adjusting to his rather yellow-tinged surroundings. Saliva leaked at the corner of his mouth and then without warning he curled on his side and vomited on the floor.

Haruhie comfortingly patted his back as Kuro coughed some more. Recovering a little, Kuro spoke, “Haruhie-dono, I succeeded.”

“You imbecile! What were you thinking? Your efforts would have been for naught if you died!” An emotional Haruhie yelled at him.

Saburo started at this new side of Haruhie. It was the first time he had seen his guardian so distraught in a long while.

“Forgive me but there was no other way to test its effects. The herbal preparation itself was very difficult to master aside from the drug’s narrow therapeutic range. The only method to guarantee its safety on the body is to consume it myself. When the rodents did not die, I started to take a little bit to experience the drug in action. By the time I perfected it, I was so engrossed in my progress that I barely realized that I have exceeded the maximum dose.”

Haruhie’s lip trembled and he smacked Kuro on the side of the head. “Some physician you are!”

While Kuro lamented his injury, Saburo was clutching himself and trying his damnedest not to laugh.

Kotarou suddenly intervened, “If the elixir is indeed complete then I shall have it delivered to Tono-sama.”

“Aniue… has returned?”

“Tono-sama has requested to see you when you are ready, Young Master. He said he has lots to discuss with you regarding his failed marriage plans, your military training, the impending march towards Kai, and including some personal matters that concern you. If I am not mistaken, it will soon be the celebration of your 18^thbirthday, Wakasama.”

His 18^thsummer would signify that he would no longer be a child.

At last, it was time for Saburo to become a man.

A man who will dictate his own fate.

~TBC

Post A/N: So how was it? Confused? Scratching your head? Here are behind the scenes to clarify some:

~EXTRA…

(HARUHIE VS THE NAOE/KOTAROU BARRICADE) Part One:

Haruhie: (Knocks and enters the room)

Kotarou: (Kneels before Saburo)

Haruhie: (Le Gasp! –Flees)

Kotarou: (? Looks back at door; Returns to his task of disinfecting Saburo’s wound)

Saburo: (Gasps in pain; The disinfectant stings!)

Naoe: (? Also looks back at door; Returns to drying Saburo’s hair after a bath)

(HARUHIE VS THE NAOE/KOTAROU BARRICADE) Part Two:

Haruhie: (Enters and hears noises in the bath; Eyes widen at what he manages to grasp)

Kotarou: Wakasama, hold still… (Sutures stab wound on Saburo’s stomach)

Saburo: Unh… It hurts…! (Undergoes the procedure with anaesthetic acupuncture)

Naoe: Beloved, endure it for a while longer. (Firmly holds the squirming Saburo in place)

Saburo: Damn you, Naoe. Why don’t you suffer in my place?

Kotarou: It will be over soon. (Performs the last stitches)

Haruhie: (Flees)

(HARUHIE VS THE NAOE/KOTAROU BARRICADE) Part Three:

Haruhie: (Enters the room and discovers Saburo-gimi lying on the futon between Naoe and Kotarou)

Naoe/Kotarou: (Death glare)

Haruhie: (Eek!)

Saburo: (Moans in sleep; Kicks blanket; Tosses and turns while dreaming; Slightly reopens his wound)

Haruhie: What is the matter? Is Saburo-gimi in pain?

Naoe/Kotarou: (Ignores Haruhie; Stare at each other; Comes to a truce; Undresses Saburo)

Haruhie: (Flees)

Saburo: (Mumbles) Haruhie? (Leans on Naoe; Allows Kotarou to replace his blood-stained clothing)

Haruhie: Urk! (Hits head on Kuro’s door)

Author: Haruhie, ganbatte!

~End of EXTRA; Until next time… Reviews please!
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400 Years Apart