"I've come for Shion," a voice he recognized as Kagamine's announced. "Lord Kamui wishes to see him immediately."

Hearing that particular voice speaking those particular words filled him with a complicated mixture of utter dread and longing.  Shion's hands shook as he began placing another layer of leaves on the rack to dry, deliberately keeping his head down.

"Is that so?," the apothecary answered gruffly. "And who are you to speak for him?"

"I am Kagamine Len, messenger to our exalted Lord."

Exalted? Had he heard that correctly? It seemed out of character for the boy to ever regard anyone or anything as 'exalted.'

"Why should I believe you? You look like an ordinary brat to me.”

Kagamine sighed impatiently. There was a sound of rustling cloth. "As you can see, I bear his seal, old man."

Shion smiled. He wanted to gaze up at Kagamine, but the moment he did, he knew those keen eyes would notice.

"I will not allow him to leave."

He felt the blood freeze in his veins.

"Perhaps you have become senile, apothecary, and do not understand. This is not a request, but an order-”

"From our exalted Lord. Yes, yes, I know."

This was going to end very badly.  Shion rose to his feet.  "I'll go with you," he murmured softly, keeping his head down.

"No, he won't," the old man hissed. "Tell Kamui to find some other man to warm his bed."

"Why, you-"

"Stop it. Please." Shion turned towards Kagamine with pleading eyes. It was impossible for him to hide the swollen bruised mess of his face any longer. The boy frowned when he saw it. "We shouldn't waste time here," he urged, stepping forward to stand by Kagamine's side.

"Filthy wretch," his master spat out. "You've probably spread yourself open for this one as well."

Shion's face turned red. He stood very still, feeling sick to his stomach. Kagamine reached out to him protectively, drawing him closer. "Kamui will be very displeased when he sees what you've done to his lover."

"And what exactly is he going to do? Frown threateningly at me, as you do?"

Kagamine lunged at him, striking as quickly as a venomous snake, his fist connecting with the man's throat and sending him stumbling back. "No one disrespects my lord," he muttered dangerously, closing the distance between them. Shion's master had fallen, dazed and helpless, to the floor. That blow he'd landed wasn't accidental. Kagamine knew how to fight, and he wasn't being so calm and rational about it.  Undisguised hatred burned in his eyes.

Shion rushed to the boy’s side just in time to clutch at his upraised arm. Their eyes caught and held. He placed himself between Kagamine and the object of his fury, gently shaking his head, as the boy's body quivered with rage.

"You may thank this 'filthy wretch' for your life," Kagamine finally spat out, loosening a pouch from his waist. "Be assured I was prepared to take it." He tossed the jangling bundle at the apothecary's chest, where it landed with a heavy thud. "Since gold is the only thing fools like you understand, take this, and hope you do not see either one of us again." He turned to Shion. "Do you have any belongings you wish to take with you?"

"I-" He stared back at Kagamine, stammering, bewildered by what had just happened. "I only have my yukata-"

"Are you carrying your flute?" Shion nodded. "Then let's go. I can't stand the sight of that man any longer."

"That boy," the apothecary choked out, "he stole from me-"

"Then you ought to be glad to see him go, old man. There's more than enough money there to clear every debt he owes. "

Shion gazed down at his master, wheezing there on the floor. He felt hesitant to leave. Whatever the man had done to him, he was surely in pain.  He was old and his bones were brittle.  Something might be broken-

"One day you will regret this," the apothecary muttered hoarsely. "When Kamui can no longer protect you, when his fortress is burning around you, you will remember your merciful master, and weep." He shook his head, a little unsteadily, as if he were drunk. "Sooner or later, your precious lord will fall, and you will both be put to the sword." He laughed, a terrible sound which quickly dissolved into a pained fit of coughing. "Perhaps it will even be Kamui's own.  It is only a matter of time."

Shion stood, rooted in place by this pronouncement, his eyes wide with fear.

"Don't listen to him, Shion. He's only trying to scare you."

He bowed awkwardly to his master, who would not look at him, as Kagamine tugged insistently at his arm, pulling him away.

Once they finally managed to get outside, the youth hoisted him up onto his horse's back before climbing up gracefully in front of him. Shion was lost in his thoughts. The vision of Lord Kamui with his sword raised towards him hovered before his eyes and would not leave him. He shuddered at it. Kagamine seemed not to notice. Perhaps he was too preoccupied with disturbing thoughts of his own. The silence which stretched between them was unnerving. The youth kept his back straight, his eyes focused on the road before them, as though he expected another ambush. His body seemed tense and ready for a fight.

"Ah, Kagamine?" There was no response. "I'm Kamui's servant now, as you are?"

The boy glanced over his shoulder with a quiet nod. Shion couldn't make out his expression.

"Then, if his territory is taken-"

"This province hasn't been fought over in two hundred years. It's poor and possesses no tactical importance, so it doesn't really have much to offer."

"Yes, but- we've become more prosperous since Lord Kamui came here, and then there is the matter of his injury. Someone might choose this time to make a move against him, and if they do-" The words died away on his lips.

"What answer do you want me to give you?," Kagamine murmured, his voice dry and tight. "Do you want me to tell you it's impossible? That it will never happen? That everything is going to be okay?" He shook his head. "You know I can't do that. All I can tell you is to trust in Kamui- both as the man you've chosen, and as your lord."

"I understand," Shion responded softly.

"What the old man said to you is rubbish. Kamui would never ask us to die for him, and he would never, ever hurt you, Shion."  The boy's voice had regained some measure of its warmth. "Mind you," Kagamine continued with a sort of baleful shrug, "he's going to be very angry when we return to him, but it'll be directed towards me entirely.  Not you."

"Why? Because you wasted all that gold?"

"No, Shion." He laughed. "That was exactly how it was meant to be used." He hesitated for a moment. "To be completely honest, Kamui didn't send me. I came on my own, without his permission, because I was concerned what might happen to you.  You might not have noticed, but there's a bruise on one of your shoulders. You can clearly make out the mark of his fingers."

Shion's hands moved unconsciously to the place he had mentioned.

"Judging from the state you're in, the old man must've noticed it too. I'm sorry I reacted like that, but I'm so tired of looking on as you’re neglected and beaten-" Kagamine shook his head. "You deserve that less than anyone. I don't care how dangerous it might be for you to live with Kamui. At least there I can protect you, and make sure you have plenty of food, and suitable clothes."

Shion leaned his forehead against the boy's slender back.

"I've stepped so far out of line," he sighed. "I went there with Kamui's seal and delivered a false message. I provoked a quarrel and injured an old man. I took you away from your home, against Kamui's wishes, and perhaps against your own-"

"My master had discovered the theft. I don't think it would've been safe for me to stay there any longer."

"That may be true, but still- it’s a serious breach of conduct. Anyone but Kamui would have my head for it." Kagamine shook his head. "We're nearly to the gate. I suppose we should get this over with as quickly as possible-"

"I don't think we have a choice," Shion whispered, gazing directly at the tall figure standing there in front of them, its arms crossed tightly over its chest. The guards must've been dismissed. No one else was waiting outside.

The boy's white-knuckled fist clutched at the horse's mane. His face had probably turned the same color. Shion tightened his arms around Kagamine's waist, feeling a deep sense of sympathy. Kamui's sudden appearance, stark and alone, seemed like an ominous sign.

Wordlessly, the daimyo took hold of their horse, pushed open the gate, and led it inside. He began walking towards the fortress with quick, purposeful strides.

The boy dismounted, holding his hand out to Shion, who watched Kamui's retreating back with a sense of mute despair.

"I am to follow him," Kagamine murmured, moving to shut the gate behind them.  "He won't confront me here. See that open structure over there?"

Shion nodded.

"That's where we keep the horses. I'll meet you there once this is over.”

“But, Kagamine, are you going to be okay? He seemed very angry-”

“Don’t worry about me.” He patted at Shion’s shoulder in a feeble attempt at reassurance. “Make yourself comfortable and wait.”

"All right," Shion answered softly. Kamui’s horse seemed equally hesitant to leave him.

“Go on now.” Kagamine swatted at the horse's flank, and the great beast whinnied, shaking its head. It startled Shion, who quickly moved out of the way as it broke into a run.

The boy gave him a lopsided smile. "What's the matter? Are you afraid of him?"

"He's huge, Kagamine. I'm pretty sure he could break my spine with one hoof-step."

"Kamui could break you too. Doesn't mean he'll do it." Kagamine laughed and gave Shion a rough shove, not so different from the one he’d given the horse. "Follow him, Shion."

He sighed, letting the beast lead him to the open structure, roughly attached to one side of the building, with widely spaced posts and a tightly thatched roof. Kamui’s horse glanced back at him as though to make certain Shion was still behind him, then lowered its head and began to drink.

Tentatively, he cupped his hands, placing them into the water and splashing a bit over his face before gingerly dabbing the wetness away with his sleeve. He gazed down at his reflection. One side of his face was nothing but a mass of bruises. His left eye was nearly swollen shut, and one corner of his mouth was hanging open, too inflamed to properly close.

He looked awful.

Shion scooped up another handful of water, half of which dribbled down his neck. He was thankful to be surrounded only by horses. If any of his own kind had been present to see this, he might’ve died of pure shame.

Sighing, Shion sank down onto the straw. He'd expected it to smell a bit rank and not be particularly clean, but fresh broom-lines marked the ground, and everything was surprisingly fresh and dry. These horses must’ve been well cared-for.

Kamui’s mount moved closer towards him.

"Hello," Shion murmured, hesitantly reaching out a hand.

The beast sniffed at it noisily, then, deciding there was nothing tasty to be found there, folded its legs beneath it on the straw with a sort of disdainful huff.

"I wonder what you like to eat?"

He'd have to remember to ask Kamui about it.

"You're Kamui's, too, so I guess we're a little bit alike." He folded his hands together between his legs, shivering. "It's getting colder," he murmured. "Maybe you wouldn't mind a blanket?"

The horse watched him attentively with its great dark eyes.

"I'm not sure where the supplies are kept, though." Shion sighed, and the beast nudged at his shoulder. He finally gave in to it, stroking softly at its mane. "You’re really handsome, you know." He smiled. "I should thank you. Yesterday evening you probably saved our lives. I suppose you've saved Kamui's, too, at some point, so I’m also grateful for that. I'm sorry for all the slipping and sliding across your back. That was probably uncomfortable."

The beast's wet nostrils brushed at his face. Shion laughed. "Quit it! That tickles!"

That damp ticklish nosing didn't stop. Was he- playing?

Shion bent his head over his knees, giggling.

"Who are you?" The voice was harsh. Suspicious.

Shion immediately forgot his laughter. His face as he gazed up at the newcomer suddenly turned white. One of Kamui's men- his hand at his sword-

Not just any soldier, either. It was the man whom he’d met at the gate several weeks before and who would’ve sent him away, had Kagamine not intervened-

"My lord," he whispered, bowing his head.

"I know you. You are the daimyo’s companion."

Shion blushed down at the straw. He supposed it was fortunate to be recognized as such, yet still-

"Forgive me." The man straightened as he removed his hand. "That medicine you brought saved our lord's life. I owe you far more than this insufficient apology. To think I would have turned you away-"

Shion raised his head. "It has all come out well enough, my lord. There is no need for one such as yourself to apologize to such a one as I-”

"Nonsense." The man smiled at him. "Your loyalty is to be commended, no matter who you are." He paused. "My name is Shiina."

"Shion Kaito," he responded, bowing slightly.

"I must admit I was rather surprised to find you here, unattended, among the horses."

"No more surprised than I am myself, Lord Shiina. I admit I was rather afraid of these beasts."

"That is probably wise. A good horse is as useful in battle as a good soldier. Perhaps more so." He studied Shion for a moment. "Have you come to visit Kamui again?"

"Not exactly, my lord." Shion hesitated. "I am not entirely certain, but I think I may have been brought here to live."

A flicker of surprise chased across the man's features. "I see. Allow me to welcome you to your new home, then." Lord Shiina made a slight bow. "You seem to be getting on well with the horses. Would you like to find a treat for them?"

"It is gracious of my lord to offer, but- I was told to wait here."

The man looked as though he was about to speak once more, but before the words left his mouth, there was a rush of footsteps and the telltale tink of armor.

Kamui had entered the shelter. He gave Shion a worried look.

"Leave us, Shiina."

The man turned to Kamui with a deep, silent bow and quickly left the structure.

"You should not be seen here, my beloved."

Shion gazed up at him in muddled confusion. Lord Kamui had obviously not kept their association with each other a secret up until that point, so why-?

"Kagamine will take you up to my chamber."

His voice was urgent, pleading. Shion didn't understand it at all. Why did the daimyo suddenly wish to keep him hidden away?

"It's- because of my face, isn't it?"

The daimyo raised one dark eyebrow at him, then reached to brush his hair away with a pained expression. Slowly, he nodded.

"I am truly sorry, Shion. It will only be until your bruises heal. I promise." Lord Kamui kissed his forehead, drawing him into his arms and holding him there, tightly. "I will bring food and come eat with you there once I have had the chance to slip away."

"I would very much like that, my lord." Shion paused. "Kagamine, is he-?"

"That boy will be my ruin. I suppose I have only myself to blame." The man sighed. "Make no mistake, I am still angry with him, but seeing you injured like this has quite taken away my desire to fight."

"Shion?" Kagamine approached them cautiously. "Are you all right?"

"Yes, I'm fine." He patted at the stallion. "I was having a nice conversation with Lord Horse here, and Lord Shiina was very kind and offered to take me to get him a treat-"

Kamui's expression grew dark at the mention of the man's name.

"Do not associate yourself with any man here. Keep to me and Kagamine alone. Promise me, beloved."

Shion frowned at him. Surely he shouldn’t be seen with this bruised and battered face. What if someone thought Lord Kamui was the one who had done it?

"I promise." He lowered his head. "I apologize for causing you so much trouble, my lord."

Kamui's fingers strayed through his hair. "You are no trouble at all," the man whispered, kissing Shion's forehead. "Go and wait for me, little bird. I will not be long."

Silently, he nodded.

"Here, Shion." Kagamine reached out an encouraging hand, and he took it. The boy's smile was reassuring. It almost made him forget to be ashamed.

Almost.