Heaven’s Wind – [PART 3]

HEAVEN’S WIND
an Ohno Satoshi fanfiction

Rating: T
Genre: Historical romance
Banner: Lord Ohno Satoshi and Kikuchi Aki (modeled by Toda Erika)
Summary: When Aki arrives at the Imperial Heian Palace as a new lady-in-waiting in service to the Empress, she is filled with indescribable anticipation and anxiety, knowing a new chapter in her life will begin. What she knows not… is that her life will change completely, and it begins with a chance meeting with a mysterious man on the stone wall.
Note: If there is any factual inaccuracy in terms of historical facts of the Heian Period, it is not intended.

GLOSSARY:
1 — haori (羽織) : a kimono jacket traditionally worn by men.
2 — hakama (袴) : wide trousers traditionally worn by men.
3 — mochi (餅) : Japanese rice cake.

[17TH APR UPDATE]: Forgot to add another thing!
4 — yabusame (流鏑馬) : An art of archery on horseback most common during the Heian Period. You can read more of this sport here on Wikipedia and for an image of it, click here.

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Heaven’s Wind
Part Three

As the days and weeks flew by, Aki gradually found much ease falling into the daily routine of the palace life. In the beginning she felt much pressured by the demands of palace etiquettes and rules and regulations that were overwhelming. There was never a time when no one noticed the spot below her ear that she had missed when applying rice powder makeup, nor when the strings of her daily jyunihitoe were not tied in a uniform knot. There was once that the Emperor’s Chief Minister, Lord Matsumoto, reprimanded her for bowing her head at an inappropriate angle that deemed disrespectful. It was at that perfect moment Lord Ohno passed by, and he reprimanded Lord Matsumoto, in that quiet, balanced voice of his, that to the contrary Lady Kikuchi did no wrong, and suggested if Lord Matsumoto wished to dispute his word they should discuss the matter over o-cha and mochi at one of the gazebos in the gardens. Lord Matsumoto said no more of the issue, but he agreed to join Lord Ohno at the gardens. The duo walked off, with Lord Matsumoto’s arm draped around Lord Ohno’s shoulder, leaving Aki behind confused and baffled. She was very sure she heard Lord Matsumoto, often a man who either frowned or glowered, chuckling mirthfully at Lord Ohno’s words.

In regard to Lord Ohno, Aki had not had any opportunity to speak with him ever since the night of the banquet. By reality Aki was not entitled to privileges to speak with any lords or ladies of noble positions in the Imperial palace, unless she was spoken to first. Many times their paths crossed, and Aki could not do more than curtsy and bow her head, wishing him, “Lord Ohno,” and to which he would nod his head politely and they both head off in opposite directions. From afar, Aki often observed him, especially when he was immersed in discussing sessions with his lieutenant colonels. Throughout the entire session, he would spend most of the time listening to the colonels’ reports with a taut expression that spoke of deep thought, and when he finally stood up from his chair and spoke aloud, he exuded authority and confidence. Aki herself, despite the speech of warrior lords that was nothing but gibberish to her, felt absorbed to him. Now she finally understood how so many men and women admired him.

“…ki? AKI!”

Aki felt someone lightly slap the back of her head and she abruptly broke out of her thoughts. She was drifting off into her memories of Lord Ohno… again! This time it was during lunch at the court ladies’ quarters. She turned her head up from her rice bowl and found Satoko studying her with intent eyes.

“What?” Aki asked.

“For someone who spent half the morning complaining of excruciating hunger, you eat at such a calm pace,” Satoko remarked.

“Are you observing my every move now?” Aki questioned, nonchalantly reaching out her chopsticks to pick a daikon from the serving dish, but she was careful not to look at Satoko in the eye.

“You never show less appreciation for meals unless your mind is clouded by an unforgettable matter…” Satoko noted aloud.

Aki rolled her eyes at her friend. “I am inclined to believe you are starting to find the palace life a bore. Am I an act of entertainment to you?”

“In some form. Rather, you are the back-up,” Satoko nodded with a devilish grin. “What was the matter that stole you attention away from our conversation?”

“Nothing of great importance,” Aki replied quickly.

Satoko lowered her chin in her cupped hands and sighed wistfully. “Oh, such young love. I yearn so very much to experience that feeling but it has passed my age.”

“First and foremost,” Aki said with mild impatience, “if you were a little more sensible and had you tightened that loose mouth of yours, maybe a fine courtesan would court you. And secondly, wherever did you get this absurd notion that I am in love?!”

“You have that distant look in your eyes at times, I see it,” Satoko replied. “For so long I have known you, before and after you entered in service to the Imperial Family, I have never seen you sigh with such yearning of a lovesick bird!”

“Such nonsense!” Aki refuted. “What trickery do you have up your sleeve, onee-sama? Lay them out! I do not wish to play games that do naught but confuse its players.”

Satoko leaned forward and cast her gleeful eyes that spoke of delighted horror. “Your heart has been taken by Tachibana-san!” she giggled aloud.

Aki thought she heard wrong. “Ta—Tachibana-san?”

“You are attracted by the lengths of measure he go through just to impress you!” Satoko exclaimed with much rapture. “For certain he has not the guts to mention any more of weeds, but he has given you so many gifts!”

“Gifts? By which you mean that pouch of pounded weed that he gave me?”

Satoko grumbled in exasperation. “Really, that man does not learn from his mistakes… Still, you cannot be absolutely picky by choices of gift. It is what the thought counts, no?” she replied with much disapproving clucking.

Aki rolled her eyes and put down her empty rice bowl and chopsticks. “I care not, for he is nothing more than a mere friend, who truly does not understand the ways of women. I shall leave you to your matchmaking games!”

And with that she quickly retreated from the dining hall before Satoko could protest. As she stepped onto the stone courtyard, she estimated that she still had much of her leisure time remaining. So she decided she would sneak back to her room to feed Tsuki some table scraps (“I pity myself for having to resort to bribing you just so you will be obedient…” she groaned to the ignorant cat) before she headed for a stroll through the heron gardens.

It was right at the alley off the women’s quarters – which is a servants’ secret shortcut to the entrance of the heron gardens – that she bumped into a familiar face.

“Keita-kun!” Aki greeted the young boy. He was a servant who usually ran errands for courtesans to and fro the palace and the capital, and one of the few people she had befriended since her first days in the palace and had grown rather fond of.

“Ah! Aki-nee-chan! Good thing I found you!” Keita exclaimed in much relief. He was panting slightly as though he had been running a good distance.

Aki scanned the roll of exquisite silk in the boy’s arm that seemed almost too large and overwhelming for the child, it was no wonder he had trouble transporting it. “What is this?” she asked.

“Her Highness the Empress’ order of fine silk that has just arrived,” Keita piped. “Sadly I am not familiar with the paths to the Empress’ chambers. You have no idea how long I have been running in circles with this! It’s as heavy as a bag of rocks!”

“Hmm. I will soon go to the Empress in her study hall. Perhaps I can deliver this for you?” Aki offered.

“Really? Thank you! I am much grateful for your kindness, nee-chan!” Keita exclaimed.

“My pleasure,” Aki replied as she took the roll from him. Its weight was not too heavy of a burden for her to carry, but, as Aki judged its weight in her hands and the distance she had to travel to the Empress’ halls, which were at the northern section of the Eastern court, it would pose quite a bit of a problem.

“I definitely owe you one,” Keita grinned with a showcase of brilliant white teeth and dimples. “I’m sorry I can’t stay long, it’s quite a busy day for me today. I shall see you soon!” And he spun around and scrambled off towards the kitchens.

“Say hello to your dear mother!” Aki called after him. He gave an acknowledging wave over his shoulder, and he was gone.

Aki glanced at the silk in her hands and sighed. She contemplated heading straight to the Empress’ study to be rid of this object, but if she were to do so then her leisure time would be shortened significantly, and that was definitely not an option to consider at all.

Then an idea struck her. This roll of silk could pose as a free ticket to roam anywhere on the palace grounds! She could simply use an excuse of, “I’m delivering these cloths for the Empress and I am searching for her,” and no one would find any fault in her. At least, she hoped she would not run into Lord Matsumoto. Trouble was a pungent scent that the lord sniffed out as easily as a hunting dog, and he could practically see through every lie and every sweat drop.

So, with much cheerfulness and optimism, Aki headed off around the edge of the gardens with knowledge that this path would lead to the practice field, which she had heard of (“If there ever is a chance to stroll past the practice field, grab it without a second deliberation, my dear friend! The sight of the Emperor’s warriors in sweat and dirt, all in one venue, is a beautiful sight to behold,” gushed Satoko) but had never seen it herself. Inwardly, Aki was not at all interested in sweaty and dirty warriors, but perhaps he would be there…

She strode in a casual pace, for she did not wish to seem like her steps were too eager and impatient. She rounded a corner and ascended many stone steps, and she reached the long stretch of corridor that overlooked the vast practice field. True, the warriors were conducting daily training in melee combat, practising with weapons such as a bow and arrow, and a spear. But it was not the warriors who had caught her attention.

Lord Ohno was riding on a magnificent black stallion, his chest pressing against the stallion’s spine as the stallion galloped at full speed from the right end of the field, one hand controlling the reins while the other gripping a longbow. Then as he approached a line of targets, he suddenly sat upright. In a fluid motion, he drew an arrow from the quiver on his back and notched it on the bow, positioning the bow at his eye and drawing the bowstring to tautness. He took aim for barely a millisecond before he released the bowstring, and the arrow struck mere inches from the middle of the target, just barely short of perfect accuracy. He repeated the motion twice for the next two targets with such ease and calmness, an inexperienced audience would not have even took notice that the entire time the horse’s reins were loose and he was gripping onto the horse with only his knees.

Aki recognised the form of battle combat Lord Ohno demonstrated. From the many stories her father – who once served in the Imperial Army before retiring to a village life of farming – told her of his days in war and battle, it was the art of yabusame, and to her knowledge it was a combat of great difficulty to master. Lord Ohno had performed it with near perfection.

As Lord Ohno slowed his stallion to a trot and turned around to head back to the starting line, a small group of warriors, who were observing, gathered around him and sang praises and words of admiration for him. Aki, on the other hand, was staring with wide, unblinking eyes and her jaw hanging loose. There were no words to describe how astounded and impressed she was. She could not help but feel her heart swell with such immense respect for him.

It took her a long time to notice that Lord Ohno was staring at her.

“Good afternoon, Lady Kikuchi.”

Aki jumped a foot at that sudden voice behind her and she spun around. Well, it was Lord Matsumoto indeed, towering over her with his hands behind his back as he peered at her with that usual disapproving frown on his flawless face.

She gulped. “I bid you a fair afternoon, my lord!” she greeted with a low curtsy.

“State your business here, lady. I am rather curious to see a lady-in-waiting of the Empress grace her presence among the Emperor’s men… what more during the Lord General’s training session?” he asked in an unexpectedly calm voice.

“My presence here is not without permission, my lord. My business here is to deliver this roll of silk to Lord Ohno, with a message that his order has arrived,” Aki quickly lied, her stomach churning in fear that Lord Matsumoto would see through her white lie. From the corner of her eye she could see that Lord Ohno had dismounted his horse and was striding towards them. She inwardly groaned, her face now contorted in great nervousness as well as slight exasperation, for she could not envision an unscathed escape out of this.

“And, since when does the Empress’ lady-in-waiting deliver goods to recipients not Her Highness?” Lord Matsumoto continued to interrogate, this time with his dark eyes narrowed in suspicion.

“I—I…”

“Lord Matsumoto,” Lord Ohno greeted as he ascended the wooden steps in swift and light steps. He stood at the minister’s side and studied the duo. “What business brings you here?”

“More so, you should inquire this lady’s business here. She speaks of this silk that is to be received by you, and she is acting as the delivery servant,” Lord Matsumoto smirked, pointing his finger at the bundle Aki carried in her arms.

Lord Ohno stared at Aki with a mildly bewildered expression, and his eyes fell on the heavy roll of silk in her arms. It was a long moment of silence before he spoke casually. “Ah, yes, this order has been delayed more than a week later than its promised due date. I thank Lady Kikuchi for delivering it for me.”

Lord Matsumoto stared hard at Lord Ohno, clearly aghast. “And of what purpose do you find needy to purchase silk materials, my lord?” he questioned in disbelief, as though to say, of what purpose do you put on boots on your horse’s hooves?!

Lord Ohno raised an eyebrow. “Why, to make haori and hakama,” he answered simply. “Perhaps, if you wish to share with me tips and advices on tailoring, we should discuss it over o-cha and mochi at the gardens? I heard the servants have brought in excellent tea leaves from Minakawa…”

Lord Matsumoto looked ready to strangle him with his own bare hands. But then the murderous glint in his eyes faded and it was replaced by exasperated affection, and he sighed. “No more mochi, my friend, for you have fed me one too many I fear my weight is gaining.”

“I can ask for the servants to replace mochi with fresh fruits, if you’d like.”

Lord Matsumoto glowered at him, and then he leaned closer to Lord Ohno, who was slightly shorter than him, and whispered furiously into his ear, “Ohno-kun, you are forgetting I have wits and cleverness to rival yours. Am I right to believe you are simply using these blasted words of riddles to chase me away?”

Lord Ohno did not reply, but he smiled serenely at him. Lord Matsumoto grumbled something under his breath that went something along the lines of, my tolerance is quickly wearing out and it is all by your work!

“If you wish not for participation in the proposed discussion, perhaps another day more fitting your mood,” Lord Ohno spoke softly, having lost the smile and now returned to the usual stoic expression of formality. “I wish you well, Lord Matsumoto.”

“Good day to you, Lord Ohno,” Lord Matsumoto wished with a slight bow of his head, though unlike his friend he cared not for needless formalities and instead had on a lopsided grin.

“Come, Lady Kikuchi, we shall go to the tailors,” Lord Ohno said to Aki, and casually walked off towards a gateway not far away.

“H—hai!” Aki cried, still flummoxed by the bewildering scene. She fumbled with the roll of silk in her hands as she curtsied to Lord Matsumoto, who could only look on with barely-hidden amusement between Lord Ohno and her, and she hurriedly followed in Lord Ohno’s trail.

“I am sorry to have troubled you, my lord,” Aki apologised, once they were both out of earshot of Lord Matsumoto. “I am truly grateful that you have spoken on my behalf in presence of Lord Matsumoto.”

Lord Ohno adjusted his pace so that he strode on her side and not in front of her. “Is the silk to be delivered to the Empress?” he asked softly, ignoring her words.

Aki was taken aback. “My lord… you knew?” she whispered fearfully.

“It was none but a wild guess, and a correct guess it is,” he replied, shrugging. He clasped his hands behind his back in an easy and friendly posture and continued. “And, I presume you know of the Empress’ whereabouts?”

“Yes, she is in the Jade Building, in her study hall,” Aki informed him, though with a crease of her eyebrows in perplexity.

“I guess I can spare some time to visit Her Highness,” Lord Ohno smiled with affection, but only briefly. Then suddenly he held out his hands to Aki wordlessly.

“Y… yes, my lord?” Aki piped meekly.

Lord Ohno nodded his chin in direction of the silk in her hands. “Allow me to carry that for you. It would be of utmost disrespect if a man does not offer to ease the burden a lady carries.”

Aki blushed furiously and bowed her head so the lord would not notice the rising colour in her cheeks. “I dare not, my lord! I, as a servant, should only bear such chores and not the lord.”

Without another passing breath, Lord Ohno’s hands suddenly gripped onto the cloth and gently eased it out of Aki’s hands. Aki almost yelped in disapproval, but she stopped short as she watched the lord adjust the weight of the roll on his shoulder and continued in his pace with no apparent difficulty at all. This was the same object that brought upon sore aching in both her arms!

“Such puzzling circumstances I’ve been plagued with today…” Aki muttered under her breath.

“What was it?” Lord Ohno inquired politely.

“Nothing,” she quickly said, “but I thank you, my lord, for your great kindness. Although I fear to consider the thoughts that run through the minds of those who see that a servant does not care to the lord’s needs.”

He bent his head slightly in manner of curiosity, and he shook his head. “Not if the lord insists that he personally carry this silk, for it is a precious possession of the Empress that the lord feels it is too worthy to be cared for in the hands of the servant. Though, I do not think the servants should judge the Lord General’s judgment…” Lord Ohno’s voice trailed off, and he turned to Aki with a pleasant smile that belittled the soft threat in his voice.

Aki was speechless. She could hardly believe the usually-expressionless – perhaps almost emotionless at uncertain times – Lord General actually spoke with jest.

“How fares little Tsuki?” he asked, changing the topic with not much a care as they passed under an archway and marked their entrance into the Eastern court.

Aki recovered from the shock and allowed herself a soft chuckle. “Growing fat as the days go by with naught to do save for eating and napping.”

“And, how have you been faring, lady?”

Aki paused. “Why do you ask, my lord?”

“No other matter concerns me more if the palace life brings none but hardship and disheartened spirits to the lady,” Ohno replied with evident nonchalance, but his voice was soft and gentle and tinged with genuine concern.

Aki believed she had merely conjured Lord Ohno’s words from her fervent imagination, but she knew they were no mere imagination. Finally, she could no longer keep her head bowed. She slowly raised her eyelashes and cast her eyes on Lord Ohno, and it was only then could she fully study the physical details of his face. Under the brilliant sunlight, his face exuded such exquisite immortal youth, its beauty almost brought an ache to her heart. The skin was smooth, save for a few battle-hewn scars that marred his plump cheeks, and his skin tone was slightly darkened from spending too much time under the sun. Despite the grim line of his lips pressed together and the lack of expression in his face, his eyes gleamed with warmth and merriment. Above all, they were like a pair of hazel orbs, warm and soft like melted caramel rather than cold, hard bronze. Those hazel orbs were now gazing down at her with much indescribable feeling.

Aki was mesmerised. She felt drawn to him more than ever.

“Lady Kikuchi?”

Aki broke out of her reverie and looked away before Lord Ohno could catch the alarmed expression in her face. She began to take much interest in details of the impressive stone walls on her left. “I… I am adjusting to the palace life,” she answered simply.

Lord Ohno did not say a word in response, for he was suddenly distracted by a group of passing palace guards who were gaping at the duo with widened eyes before they threw themselves into furious discussion amongst one another. Lord Ohno fixed them a piercing gaze and all of them hurriedly bowed in respect to the Lord General before they escaped towards the watchtowers at the southern end of the expansive courtyard.

“I hope Lord Matsumoto has not shown much harshness on you,” Lord Ohno spoke after a while, having loosened his stiff posture now that they were once again alone and not under a watchful eye.

Aki opened her mouth, and as quickly as she did, she shut it and pursed her lips tightly. She had so much to say in comment of Lord Matsumoto, all of which would have been unkind words spoken with passionate fury, but she remembered Lord Ohno was not one to speak of personal opinions with, due to the impossible difference between ranks and status, and in regard of the most important fact that the lord shared what seemed to be a close friendship with Lord Matsumoto.

Lord Ohno sensed the looming silence and chuckled under his breath, and Aki’s eyes shot up at him in surprise. “I shall speak with the Chief Minister, then, for I wish not for innocent, young court ladies to think of him as none but an intimidating nobleman,” he remarked with a small smile.

They had come to a halt, having reached the flight of stone steps which led directly to the Empress’ study hall, and it was customary that the ladies-in-waiting would ascend the steps first to announce the arrival of visitors before the visitors were given permit for entrance. However, Aki did not make a move, nor did she utter a word. Lord Ohno peered at her curiously, scanning the deep contemplation in her face and the pressure of her teeth biting onto her lower lip. He sighed quietly, and he reached his hand out and cupped her cheek, pressing her lower lip with his thumb so to loosen it.

“These beautiful cherry lips do not deserve to be marred,” he admonished, though with much softness and care. The rough, hardened skin of his fingers was gentle and reverent in touch; his thumb slowly ran across her lip with the slightest of touch, careful not to ruin the makeup.

“I—I’m sorry, my lord,” Aki apologised awkwardly, moving her face slightly away from his fingers. “I shall summon the ladies to announce your arrival.”

With an inaudibly sigh of longing, Lord Ohno reluctantly dropped his hand and took a polite step away. “Thank you, Lady Kikuchi,” he murmured.

Aki curtsied, and in swift movement she turned her back to Lord Ohno and ascended the stairs in hurried steps. Her shoulders heaved with much weight as she took a deep breath, trying to ignore the dull buzzing of a hundred thoughts in her mind and the unceasing rush of heartbeats ripping through her chest. She thought her knees, strangely turned weak, might buckle any time.

She exhaled in great relief when she spotted Satoko among the ladies-in-waiting standing watch before the golden dragon-engraved doors of the Empress’ hall.

“Satoko!” Aki whispered as she rushed to her friend.

“Do my eyes deceive me, or do I see Lord Ohno acting as the delivery boy?” Satoko wondered aloud. She fought to hide the delighted smile on her face as she glanced over Aki’s shoulder.

“The lord is merely acting on goodwill,” Aki retorted. “He has come to pay the Empress a visit. Shall I announce his arrival?”

Satoko ignored her, for she was immersed in excited whispers and high-pitched giggles among the other ladies-in-waiting, who by now were all aware of Lord Ohno’s visit, though they cared not for his business or his purpose in presenting himself in the Empress’ hall. There began a flurry of ladies straightening their jyunihitoe and smoothing their hair. Aki rolled her eyes and moved past them with much distaste.

In the hall, the Empress sat behind a long desk of polished wood and bamboo with a brush in her hand gliding across a piece of parchment. She raised her long lashes and cast her eyes at Aki as she crossed the hall and curtsied deeply.

“Kougou-sama, Lord Ohno has arrived,” she announced with a bowed head.

“Ah, do not hesitate to let him in,” she replied, insuppressible thrill and pleasure evident in her soft, melodious voice.

As if on cue, Lord Ohno had appeared at the door. He approached the high dais of which the Empress’ desk was situated on, striding in a purposeful but easy pace; he seemed to be blissfully unaware of the innumerable pairs of court lady eyes burning into him. It was as though his presence brought an air full of energy and life to the quiet hall, and the ladies-in-waiting were all awakened from dullness the moment the lord stepped foot into the hall, for they all raised their eyes and watched him, some with much admiration, others with lust and anticipation.

“Kougou-sama, I wish you a fair day today,” Lord Ohno greeted. “I hope I am not intruding on your daily affairs.”

“No, these are merely works of poetry and arts,” the Empress answered. She stood up from her seat and went to him with an affectionate smile, her eyes scanning the roll of silk he carried on his shoulder inquisitively.

“Your order of fine silk, Your Highness, delivered to by Lady Kikuchi,” he remarked.

He lowered the roll into his arms just as the Empress ran her hand across the fine material for closer inspection. “Ah, yes, this silk I have longed to sew and to make many dresses for the young Prince,” the Empress said with much love. She then nodded her head at Aki. “I thank you, Lady Kikuchi.”

Aki bowed her head awkwardly. “It is my pleasure to serve you, kougou-sama.”

The Empress passed the roll of silk to a nearby lady-in-waiting with instruction to fetch it to her chambers, before she turned to Lord Ohno and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Come, Lord Ohno, I hope your stomach is empty! I shall send word for the cook to bring a bowl of ramen for you…”

The Empress and Lord Ohno turned to leave through the side entrance. Aki felt by instinct that she almost wanted to scream, don’t go! Unconsciously an attachment to the lord had grown deep inside of her, and the lord’s departure would bring sadness for she knew there would no longer be a time when they could find such joy and comfort in each other’s company.

Then, Lord Ohno stopped as though he read Aki’s thoughts. He paused at the archway and looked over his shoulder, gazing at her with the same longing eyes of melted caramel. He gave her an encouraging smile that brought life to his stoic expression, before he turned back and left the hall.

“Ahh! The mighty lord had laid his eyes on me!” Lady Takeda gasped. Her hands were fanned over her cheeks and her face glowed as she squealed to the other ladies who had surrounded her. She was standing the closest to Aki.

“Hmph,” Satoko, who had came over to Aki’s side, grunted with a disapproving glare. “Why does no one truly see that Lord Ohno was in actuality looking at you?”

“It matters not,” Aki muttered. Slowly, she raised her trembling hands and lightly touched her lower lip. It was only then did she register the sudden pang of unfamiliar emotions and the rush of blood pumping into her heart.

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