** Before I start on this last chapter, I mentioned that Tomo is 21 years old but this is a mistake because in my fic he is supposed to have left Nakago for 10 years. Gomen for the error! ^_ ^

Chapter 8

The present

"Let me in. I am Tomo, Seiryuu shichiseishi. These are my papers." Her master said with authority. She had seen another side of her master. He took her hand and when the guards stopped her, he added that she was his girlfriend.

[What the!] Tomo smiled secretively.

In the palace the general came forward quickly to receive them. Nakago sama in all his glory. Longish blond hair, cold steely eyes, taller than Tomo by a few metres at least and dressed in armour. He nodded to her and spoke to Tomo.

"I am glad to see you. What is it?"

"These are the Golden Scrolls. Please safekeep them. Sorry for not giving them earlier, I had delays. I'm leaving now." Weike was shocked she thought that the man wanted to reunite or at least put up here for a few days. All the time his eyes were lowly cast.

"Why don't you take a rest?" Nakago took his hand. Then it happened.

Weike snarled. Her master choked out a scream of pain and fell backwards, supported by Nakago. [How dare you!]

~~~~~~~~~

A knife between his shoulders.

Some footsteps made their exit. She knelt by Tomo and held his hand. The soulful amber pupils locked on her and then the general and he uttered

"There-is-no turning back now." He laughed painfully, and she swallowed hard not to weep or howl out. Nakago demanded who the traitor was. Tomo lost consciousness. A golden piercing light tore through. After that all was normal except for a burning smell near the doorway.

[So that is the power of the Golden scrolls. Physician, hurry and fix him!] Weike instantly held her master and growled at the men. They shivered. Nakago sent her a plea to let him help. Just help. Reluctantly she released her grip and stood up.

They waited outside the room and Nakago paced about. She told him every thing. Her master loved him deeply. Don't look down on him because he's gay. He has always been so loyal and loving to you. Please love him back.

He was awake and flushed when the shogun came in. She hugged him hard.

[I told you I'm fine. It's not serious.]

[I think you ought to listen to the man.] The wolfgirl drew back and let the shogun take a seat. The blond held Tomo's hand and knelt.

"I am sorry for the pain I caused you. I have always known of your love but. I found it hard to say it, even Soi, she also did. anyway I have hurt you deeply and am not worthy of your respect. Please rest here a few days and allow me to serve you." The illusionist did not cry instead he was smiling. It was a turning point.

Days later they set off for home. Well not much of a home but it could be restarted. Tomo's letterwriting business could work out. Weike was puzzled. [I thought you would want to stay with him. And I said all that!]

[What? I didn't ask for you to play matchmaker. When I shielded him I realized that I could love him still, in my own way. It would not work out, I would embarrass him if we ever became more than friends. We would have to be in secret. Plus, it's time I was considerate for you. You've been my closest buddy and protector. I can't make you stay here and be cooped up.]

[Oh Tomo-sama!] She leaned on his arm and snuggled closer. He was the best master in the world! Tomo stared down at her and smiled for her the most sincere and loving smile he had ever used.

[what about the scrolls, actually?]

They were lying back on the haycart now, enjoying the cool afternoon breeze on their face and neck. The same farmer was going to their village again. Tomo's backwound had gotten better quickly.

"A tribe chief gave that to me when you had gone out for food. He asked me to safekeep it for them and moments later he was dead. I tried to save him but he was suffering so I used my power to kill him from hallucinations. Later I found that they were extinct. Another king from another tribe had murdered them all." The old pain in his voice reminded her of the way he stared at Nakagosama. And war. "But death is inevitable. As I have reminded you many.. Let's not talk of such painful stuff. I'm really hungry."

[why didn't you use the scrolls? It can give much power.]

[My fingers were burnt. It seems that only the tribe relatives can use them. I hope no one will get hurt. Like I was, I feel that. other people also suffer, at that moment I knew that God wants us to suffer not because he's cruel but that we can learn from the experiences.] She snuggled closer to him and kissed him on the lips.

"For a new start we're equals. Please call me Tomo. Not master. I am still on a long way from being an adult. You are so beautiful but I can't love you. Not naturally. Can you accept me for this?"

His eyes were so soft so sweet. She looked away, turned back and smiled fully. [I don't mind. We can stay friends. Maybe someday..] [If Seiryuu allows it, we can be more than that.] He replied in unison. He took her hand and they jumped off the cart. They were home. The beauty scrolled before them in the landscape forever and ever. Tomo sighed breathed deeply, then she preceded him running towards the village.

I forgive you Nakago-sama. And I will always love you.