Trained under her father, uncle, and now her cousin, Makaira is considered to be the ruthless and outstanding Onna-Bugeisha. When she returns home, she decides to take a walk to the cemetery. While visiting her grandmother's grave, a handsome man ap...
Makaira and Sanada arrived at the castle. “Are you certain that you will be able to handle being within a large crowd?” Makaira asked the nearly shakened man. Makaira placed a hand on his shoulder. “I will be fine.” Sanada placed his hand on top of hers.
“Good. Shall we?” Sanada nodded. The cousins entered the castle. Guests were everywhere. “The king said that the main event is held in the ballroom.” Makaira said. The cousins made their way through the crowded halls and into the ballroom. Makaira could see many of her companions. Sanada spotted the food table.
“I think I will occupy myself with lots of that delicious food.” Sanada slipped away from Makaira’s side. Makaira stood there, looking over the room. “You look rather dashing, Makaira.” Makaira looked over her shoulder. Zuko stood there. “My king.” The pair bowed. “You look very handsome tonight as well.” Makaira complimented.
Zuko offered her his arm. Makaira took up his offer. Zuko and Makaira walked down the stairs. "I was afraid that you would not come." Zuko said. "I almost did not come for the sake of my cousin but he insisted that I did not have to worry about him." Makaira replied. "Your cousin, where is he?" "Sanada found himself to have fallen for the food table." Makaira chuckled as she saw Sanada stuffing his face with delicious foods. Zuko chuckled as well.
Zuko led her into the middle of the dance floor. Makaira released his arm. Zuko held out his hand. "Care to dance?" Makaira hesitated a bit. She took his hand. Zuko placed his hand on her waist. Makaira placed her other hand on his shoulder. Makaira looked around nervously. Zuko took notice of her troubled expression. "Something is troubling you. What is it?" Zuko asked. "It feels like I am being judged by their eyes. I should not be dancing with you." Makaira frowned. Zuko followed Makaira’s eyes.
A group of elder guests stared at them with disgust and confusion. Zuko turned her head. He leaned in close to her ear. "Do not worry about them. Just focus on me." Zuko whispered. Makaira nodded and looked into Zuko's eyes. She felt serenity as the world around them disappeared. Zuko and Makaira swayed to the sound of their hearts as they stared into each other's eyes. Zuko twirled Makaira. "You are not a bad dancer." Zuko smiled. "Neither are you." Makaira gave him a genuine smile. As the music began to come back, Zuko and Makaira’s movements slowed.
Soon the pair stopped. Claps and whispers roared. Zuko placed a hand on Makaira’s shoulder. "I am afraid that I will have to leave. A few people are in need of me." Zuko said. "I understand." Zuko gave her a small smile before leaving.
Makaira looked around. Everyone was occupying themselves with each other. Makaira decided to explore the castle halls. She stopped in front of a portrait. "Family photo?" Sakura asked. "Yes." There was a man sitting on a throne holding two toddler boys on his lap. A woman stood behind that man. A mid teenaged boy stood beside her and a little girl stood on the other side of the man. "The children are adorable." Sakura said. "Agreed." Makaira nodded.
"Thank you." A voice spooked the two women. "You must be this Makaira that my brother talks about." "Yes I am." The male bowed. "Prince Kasai in your presence." Makaira quickly bowed. "I am dreadfully sorry my dear prince." Makaira quickly apologized. "No need, I prefer not to be known by my title. Just call me Kasai."
"But would that not be inappropriate?" Makaira frowned. Kasai shook his head. "As you wish….Kasai." A smile tugged at the young teens lips. "I see that you are interested in our family photo." "Yes, it is very unique and very elegant." Makaira said. "Elegant? I would not have used such a small word." Sakura teased.
Makaira growled low only for Sakura to hear. "I am the one sitting on Father's right leg while my twin is seated on the opposite. Zuko is standing beside Mother." "And the girl." Kasai's smile dropped. She could sense the hesitation and sadness radiating off of him.
"Sorry, I should have not stepped into your family business." Makaira turned her head. "No, everything is okay but it is hard to discuss her." Kasai sighed. "I understand. I will not ask about her anymore.
Not if it upsets you and brings back painful memories." "Thank you." A comfortable silence fell upon the two as they stared at the painting. "Ah there you are Makaira." Zuko walked over to the pair. "Is everything alright, my lord?" "Yes, I was wondering if you wanted to take another walk. I enjoyed our walk the previous time." Zuko suggested.
"I would like that." Makaira turned to face the young prince. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Kasai." She smiled. "Likewise." The two bowed. Zuko offered Makaira his arm once again. Zuko and Makaira walked out to the castle's garden. "It is truly beautiful tonight." Zuko said. "It is." Makaira looked up into the night sky. Zuko’s eyes traveled to Makaira's face. He admired her features.
He couldn't help but love the way her brown eyes lit up. Zuko’s heart began to beat out his chest. I do have to admit, Makaira is very beautiful. I should not be feeling like this, Zuko thought. He mentally frowned. Zuko guided Makaira to a pond.
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She released his arm and ran to sit at the edge of the pond. Flower petals floated on the surface of the pond. "Beautiful." Sakura said. "Yeah." Makaira replied. Zuko kneeled down beside her. Makaira picked a few petals in her hands and blew them.
"It is kinda funny." Zuko said. "What is?" Makaira inquired. "I only knew you for a day and I already feel like we have a special and unique connection." Zuko saw the blush appearing on Makaira’s face. Zuko chuckled lowly.
Makaira and Zuko conversated for a bit. "How is the village?" Zuko asked. "The village is very peaceful. Children running around playing amongst each other. Mothers and Fathers watching them grow, teaching them everything that they will need to know. You would have thought you were in heaven. You should visit sometime." She answered.
"If it means I will be able to see you, I will." Zuko flirted. Makaira lightly shoved him, smiling. Makaira and Zuko sat together in peace under the moon's loving light.
