I let out a heavy sigh.
"Ah." I tried to free my limbs from tension, letting them sink into the grass beneath me. I had just cleaned up from a long day of fighting. It had been years since that particular revelation - I was now a grown adult woman into her early twenties, and fighting rigorously for hours and years on end was beginning to take an affect on my body. The war was beginning to broaden in scale - frightening neighbouring clans who weren't as capable of withstanding nor controlling such damage. Alliances began to form. Cooperation was no longer a concept to be laughed at but viewed as necessary for survival. Collective efforts were viewed more strategic before individuality. The Hyuga in particular shook hands with the Taketori clan, each of us promising the next, safety and intel. I stared up at the sky which looked like a deep black canvas dotted with white stars. Oh, and not to forget, the moon of course.
I smiled. The moon. That's where my ancestors reside. A smile grew across my face.
I lifted my left arm into the air, taking a look at my palm, the crescent moon pulsing along with the one in the sky. I still wonder about that boy some times, I had randomly thought, his face now a blur and all that remained to remember was that giant gaping wound which had me frozen in my tracks. I'll never forget that fear.
-
"Chichi," Hayate had motioned to his father, Hisaki, who had now become old and grey, but was still an important asset to the Hyuga clan. Hayate's father would often act as a consultant for any big decisions to be made.
"Hm?" Hisaki grunted.
"By the looks of it, the Senju clan is demanding a temporary halt for all warfare tomorrow in order to discuss things more civillaly with each other. Rumours have it that an alliance is in the works between major clans."
"You must go," Hisaki placed his staff to the side, the metal clinging, "And try to establish a treaty with the Senju. They are a noble clan."
Hayate nodded. "That's what I had in mind. It helps that us two are equal in skill to each other. To surrender to each other would be the smarter choice." He rubbed his chin, "Though it seems like all the lives lost in the process were in vain, but perhaps this can prevent further discord."
Hisaki shook his head. "No. Those lives were not lost in vain my son. They sacrificed themselves in order to obtain that peace from warfare, which seems to be the direction the Senju are heading. They have served their portion of fate."
A quiet silence ensued as Hayate glanced at his father, then stared at the Hyuga emblem engraved onto the stone wall.
"I am thinking of sending Ayumi to represent the Hyuga. She has grown into an exceptional first lady." He spoke, as the thought had been sizzling in his mind for a while, now was spoken into existence for the first time.
"She is quite the militant force, that one." Hisaki reminisced, "I'm proud that the Hyuga blood runs strong in that one. She should go, it would serve as good practice if the time were to come for her to run the clan."
Hayate took a sip of his tea. "Afterall, maintaining diplomatic relations is an important duty. Very well then."
-
"Ayumi," I heard the all too familiar voice of my father from the distance.
"O, Otousan." I nodded, acknowledging his presence.
"Relaxing?"
"Yeah. I needed it especially after today. So much... death..." I brooded.
"Oi," He ruffled my hair, "That is war. We are strong. You are strong. It's temporary."
I hummed under my breath, half-heartedly agreeing. Is it really temporary though?
"Listen daughter, you have had a couple encounters with the Senju, no?"
My hands turned into a fist. Briefly experiencing a flashback of a dark-haired Senju sneaking up behind a friend to attack them. "Yeah. What of it?"
"They are issuing a cease of warfare tomorrow to try to establish treaties with major clans. I am sending you to represent us."
"The Senju? Alliance?" I gawked. I felt like barfing. How could I betray my friend? I shook my head quickly. No this was war. No one even knew who they were killing at this point. Hell, I might have even killed a Senju at some point in this senseless war. I took a look at my hands. I would wash and wash and wash them, but it was no use. They were dirty, dirty with blood.
"Yes." Hayate replied, "Are you up for it? Tomorrow afternoon at the Senju compound."
"Yeah." I got up from my spot, "Sounds good, tou-san! Arigatou." I bowed slightly.
"No need for bowing silly! Now go sleep!"
-
The housekeeper had emphasized that I wake up early to start preparations. Apparently appearances were an important aspect of diplomatic meetings. It hadn't dawned on me since I spent practically every day in bulky armor only for it to be soiled by blood and earth's dirt.
I stirred awake and forced myself to get up, my legs now dangling off the edge of my bed. I glanced at the clothing that was picked out for me to wear - it looked quite a bit outside of my comfort zone but a spark of excitement grew in my stomach. It was a kimono which looked to be made of green satin - a characteristic colour of the Hyuga, with gold and black trimming along the hem.
Wow. I thought to myself, Father and mother must be really eager to send me off.
Well! Time to start getting ready. I have about.. hm, three hours until noon. Let's get the day started with breakfast.
-
"Are you the least bit excited, Ayumi-sama?" The housekeeper, Koniko, asked while we made our way back to my room to start preparations. She had insisted on starting a "spa day" to help prime me up after all that grime.
"Yeah! Honestly, it'll be a nice change of scenery."
-
We had to leave soon. With the help of Koniko, I slipped into the kimono-like dress which perfectly cinched in my waist. I smiled, in awe, almost forgetting how much I looked like a woman. "Gosh," I admired the kimono's fit, "I should do this more often." Admiring the Hyuga emblem on either side of my arm.
"It looks beautiful on you, Ayumi-sama." She patted the back of the dress. "Who knows! You may even get lucky and someone might even set their eyes on you."
I blushed. "M-me?! I-! Not even. Anyway, what is up with you and my mother, badgering me about marriage already? It's a bit too early." My head dangeled. I was growing up, I had to get used being asked this question, especially as an heiress.
"But it's never too late to consider!"
"Koniko," I turned around to meet her eyes. She was a strong Hyuga just like me. "Would you come with me? I think it would be less daunting."
"You're nervous, huh?" She nodded, as if she could use the change of scenery as well. "Of course. I'll meet you outside the compound once I've finished."
And with that said she left my room.
I tasseled my long black locks, which now reached my lower back, here and there, quickly noticing how difficult it would be to walk in this attire. I have to learn to get used to it!
I sprayed some perfume on my wrists and neck, slid on a pair of sandals that conveniently went with my dress, and shuffled to the compound's entrance, waiting on Koniko.
The breeze was remarkable. The air did not have that typical stench of humidity and blood, but instead smelled like grass and trees, birds chirping in the background. It was quiet, lacking the sounds of metal clinging past each other. This is where we needed to be headed. Towards peace.
"Preparations are ready. Let's go Ayumi-sama!" I looked back to see her wearing a blue kimono.
"Mmm!" I smiled with a big grin on my face. We hopped onto the horse-drawn carriage and off we went to the Senju compound.
"You look dashing." I elbowed Koniko, "Maybe someone will set their eyes on you."
"Hahah! That's hilarious." She laughed, "Anyway, you should get something to eat before your stomach grumbles again. You don't want to get embarrassed, do you?"
I brooded. "H-how do you know me so well..."
She nudged my shoulder, giggling. "You're so predictable!"