I don't own Love Hina. Love Hina belongs to Ken Akamatsu. The story though is just a work of fiction. For all spelling and grammar mistakes I apologize in advance.

Legends

Conclusion

II

-

The man stared him down and replied, "I am the guardian of the sword… and you… you are Keitaro Urashima… the second… you are the first reincarnation… and this," the man opened his arms and pointed to the surrounding, "is the essence of your vengeance… as we agreed seven hundred years ago…" the man's finger pointed down to Keitaro, "you decide Keitaro Urashima…"

"Decide? Decide on what?"

"Do you want to destroy Japan?"

"De… destroy Japan!" Keitaro replied incredulously. For a moment he just stared back at the man waiting for him to continue. But the man did nothing. Keitaro shook his head, "How… how could you ask such thing? I mean… destroy Japan! Why would I? How could I!"

The man leaned closer to Keitaro. Then he slowly placed his hand on Keitaro's forehead.

Then Keitaro felt pain.

Keitaro felt pain that surpassed any physical pain he had experienced in all his young life.

He felt extreme sadness deep in his heart. He felt loneliness. He felt abandoned. He felt betrayed. He felt shame.

He felt like dying.

He savagely grabbed his head and screwed his eyes shut. The pain of betrayal was unbearable. It felt like every soul he knew was laughing at his sad and sorry predicament. It felt like the very person he loved has used him and nothing could be much crueler than what he could see in his mind at that moment.

Naru.

Naru laughing at him.

How could she accept another man's proposal if she does not wish to marry him? Why couldn't she fight for the love we have cherished together? Why can't she abandon everything she has and fight for me? Why did you do this to me Naru! Why! Haven't I done enough for you? Do I mean anything to you? Where were you when I needed you the most? WHY CAN'T YOU JUST TELL ME THAT YOU LOVE ME? WHY! WHY! WHY!

"I DON'T NEED HER!" Keitaro screamed.

And as sudden as the unbearable pain snaked through his heart, it disappeared.

Keitaro opened his eyes, shaking and drenched with cold sweat. He was heaving for air. And for the few seconds of regrettable memories that tore through his mind and heart, it felt like an eternity. He looked up and stared at the man who caused it all.

And the man stared back with mild curiosity.

He asked, "You don't need her?"

Keitaro swallowed, trying to speak with a dry throat, he croaked, "Everything has changed… I am not the same man… I do not feel the same way I did before… the perpetual curse might have brought us all back here but it is not the same. Fate has more divine purpose than what you or the old me has planned for… and nothing... nothing could change that!"

Then the white surrounding was suddenly filled with images.

Imagesof exhilarating beauty.

Motoko.

The man looked around in wonder as the images shot around in extraordinary pace surrounding them with fervor. He could see Motoko fighting. He could see Motoko angry. He could see Motoko laughing. He could see Motoko staring back at them with heart stopping splendor.

The man slowly nodded and whispered,"You're inlove… with her,"

Keitaro looked away. He replied, "I do not know what fate has for me… but I do know one thing. We humans are always given a second chance… and it is up to us to use that chance. Either live with the pain of the past or be thankful for the chance of another future…"

The man quickly turned, "But what about the curse! It will continue… you cannot change the past… a promise has to be fulfilled-,"

"And destroying Japan would not lessen that pain nor would it extinguish the memories… it will always be there," Keitaro retorted calmly, "And I would learn from it… and so should you…"

For a moment nobody spoke.

The man turned away.

Then he said, "Keitaro Urashima was the bravest man I have ever met. He was the most skilful warrior I have ever fought. His anger and his dedication to accomplish his goals is incomparable. I do not have qualms that he defeated me. He is the very first mortal to ever trap an Oni… and a very powerful one too. But this sword has been my home for seven hundred years. And I have lived with the memories he left with me. And now… I guess all those memories would fade. With the fulfillment of the curse… you the second, carried what truly mattered to the first Keitaro Urashima… and from what I have seen… I could no longer see that hatred… what was passed to you through the generations was not the same betrayal… but hopes from three women. I alone carried that pain of betrayal-,"

"But now you will have to carry my memories…" Keitaro continued.

The man turned to face Keitaro and nodded, "Memories that I would carry for the next seven hundred years…" and he turned away again, "You humans are odd. At first you curse and wish the worst for your offenders… but now… you easily forgive and forget. I offered immortality to the first Keitaro but he refused. Instead he designed a unique way of returning along with the people who betrayed him… I do not see any reason why he has decided for this… I do not understand…"

Keitaro smiled, "Not all reincarnations are meant for evil… it's a chance. That's all he needed. And fate would decide the rest,"

The man was silent for a moment then he finally understood, "I see… Keitaro Urashima is gambling with time... a very risky game..."

"Life itself is a gamble..." Then Keitaro's tone became cold, "You don't have to stay here oni. As the reincarnate of the man who trapped you I return your freedom…"

The man shook his head and raised his hand, "I appreciate your kindness… but no… I think I'll stay a little while longer… it seems the journey has just begun. I would wait and see what would happen. Let me see how it would turn out in the end…"

They were silent for a while.

Then Keitaro nodded, "Very well... I'll see you in seven hundred years oni,"

The man replied, "I'll see you in seven hundred years Keitaro,"

-

Keitaro opened his eyes.

He coughed.

Blood spurted out of his mouth.

"Ara… ara… please do not move Kei-kun… we'll take you to the village…" It was Mutsumi staring down on him with teary eyes.

Suddenly Naru's face came into view, "Keitaro! Keitaro! You're alive! Samurais would be carrying you to the village… please hang on… don't die!"

Then came Motoko.

Keitaro opened his mouth to speak but Motoko pressed his lips with her finger. She whispered close to his ears, "There is no need for you to say anything… Kei-kun…"

And Keitaro knew what she meant.

-

The white orb that appeared in the middle of the field and killed thousands of warriors turned into a powerful wind and blew towards the beach and into the sea. The very ground it grew into was devoid of anything except for three women huddled around a young man.

Tsuruko and Amalla arrived shortly with several samurais and carefully carried Keitaro towards the village.

The sword wound on Keitaro's chest was bleeding profusely. And he was bleeding too fast.

Meanwhile, Seta rallied the few samurais that survived the destruction of the curse to scour the beach of any surviving enemy warriors. But the search party found none.

The large ships and boats that waited on the coast capsized and sank as the powerful wind blew their direction. The lethal vengeance of the sea ate those who attempted to flee and none survived the devastation. They all drowned.

The Korean and Mongol invading army have completely been annihilated.

-

"Haruka!" Seta saw her image retreating towards the darkness of the forest.

The heavy clouds that hovered above the open field gave way to a clear night sky riddled with bright sparkling stars. The open field was given an eerie illumination with lifeless bodies that littered the vast ground. And the forest surrounded the scarred land like an evil shadow.

It was decided that the dead would be cared for the next day.

Seta scouted the edge of the forest that night making sure that all samurais dead and wounded were accounted for. But deep inside him he was searching for someone. Someone he dearly hoped to see again. And before midnight he found her.

Haruka.

At first the dark figure did not move. Seta began to think that it was an illusion of the night or the cruel fantasy brought upon by the curse but the figure turned to face him very slowly.

Her eyes were as striking as Seta could remember.

He could not help but cry.

"Haruka…" Seta whispered through his tears.

Haruka regarded him for a moment. Then she nodded, "Seta…"

Seta reached out and stepped forward but Haruka stepped back.

And Seta stopped. It was not meant to be. He dried his tears with his arms then he stared into Haruka's cold gaze and said, "I've missed you… I've missed you all these years…"

For a moment Haruka just stared back.

Then her eyes mellowed. And her sadness reached through Seta's heart.

"I'm… I'm glad to hear that… Seta-kun…"

Then Haruka disappeared into the forest.

Seta never saw her again.

-

A few days after the battle at the open fields of the Aoyoma village the rumors of the powerful curse that almost destroyed the land died down along with the inquiries on what happened to the one man all samurais referred to as the 'destructor'. Nobody asked or suspected but all the eyewitnesses could recount was that the man who could annihilate armies with a swing of his sword, the 'destructor', has disappeared and was never seen again.

But the imperial family and the Shogunate along with the five clans – Konno, Aoyoma, Su, Sakata and Norieyasu kept the mysteries of the curse hidden at the northern temple. The head of each clan conferred the whole time they waited for Keitaro Urashima to regain consciousness.

Keitaro was guarded by hundreds of trusted, skillful and brave samurais of the clans. He has been unconsciousness for more than a week and being taken care of Shinobu and her parents. Only few were allowed to see him. And the clans with the approval of the shogun and the emperor made sure that Keitaro would only receive as few visitors as possible.

His existence was still under duress.

And the decision whether to keep him alive or to kill him before he wakes was still under extreme debate.

-

Motoko blocked off the noise.

She has been sitting on the corner of the room since noon patiently listening to the furious disagreements between the head of the clans as to the fate of the only heir to the Urashima curse, Keitaro Urashima.

"Kami has given us this opportunity to end this curse once and for all!" the head of the Konno clan, Ishin Konno, slammed his fist on the tatami floor, "And we should use it!"

"I agree… we do not know what consequences we would face if we let… this… this man live!" Kentaro Sakata added.

The meeting was being held in secrecy in one of the wide hidden rooms of the northern temple. The emperor sat at the head of the room next to the shogun who both has been listening to the exchange of thoughts between the clans. Naru was sitting close to the emperor and beside her was Mitsune. Motoko placed herself close to the door a few feet away from her sister, Tsuruko.

"But if we destroy Keitaro now… we are destroying the only weapon we have against enemies that we cannot defend ourselves from… the battle with the Mongols should prove a lesson to us that our military tactics and weapons are completely outdated with the modern technology the foreign world has!" Seta argued, "We cannot defend ourselves from sheer numbers and close combat skills alone-,"

"And you are saying that we could use this curse of a man against foreign enemies or any enemies we deem unconquerable? It is preposterous my lord! This man would attack us the same way he would with the enemy! He has no allegiance!" Ishin Konno replied furiously.

"And we do not know the extent of his power… as the old tale goes - Keitaro Urashima will return to destroy Japan!" Kentaro began, "This man is not a samurai. The old tale itself said so… he came here to Japan… he expects Japan to succumb to HIM! And we certainly would NOT!"

Motoko sighed but careful to keep it to herself. She was in the presence of powerful warlords and overlords. She could feel the hatred and vanity in the air and she was certain that a false move could easily break into an all out civil war. It was indeed a miracle that these warring clans no matter which allegiance they belong to, the emperor or the shogun, have met here in secrecy to decide in unity the fate of a power they could not understand or control.

And Motoko could see it in their eyes – fear, Keitaro Urashima scared them all.

Motoko heard a rumor that other clans, those who were aware of Keitaro's existence, has been asking ninjas and trained assassins to assassinate Keitaro. If not for the number of specially selected and highly skilled samurais guarding Keitaro and the ultimate fact the Keitaro was the heir to the most brutal warrior in Japan, bringer of the Urashima curse, the temple should now be crawling with assassins waiting for an opportunity.

No one is brave enough… no one would dare awake Keitaro's wrath! They are all afraid of you Kei-kun… you are indeed a legend. Your mere presence brings a stab of fear to everyone… especially the high circle. These warlords would never stop until they find a way to destroy you or control you, Motoko sighed again. For the first time she finally understood the burden Keitaro was carrying. To be misunderstood by so many… no matter what you do… Kei-kun… the curse is not on Japan… the curse is on you… the heavy burden is on you and your family… all these years…

"We must end the curse by letting Keitaro marry the one person he desired right from the beginning…" Amalla spoke for the first time.

Motoko's eyes shot open.

Then Motoko found her sister Tsuruko staring directly at her.

"I agree… this way we could bind Keitaro's loyalty to Japan and to its people and keep the absolute power he has within him and harness it. He would protect us the way he protected those that matters to him the most," Seta approved.

Then Amalla bowed towards Naru, "Princess Naru Narusegawa of Narusegawa clan… would you marry Keitaro Urashima to finally end the curse?"

For a moment nobody spoke.

All eyes turned to Naru, who was calmly deciding with her eyes closed.

There was a tranquil look on her face.

Then she slowly nodded and whispered softly, "I would. For the nation of Japan I would mar-,"

A loud noise echoed through out the room.

Everybody turned towards the noise andfound Motoko standing by the door.

Motoko bowed low and spoke with a cold voice, "I do not mean to be rude but I need to go out for a moment. I apologize,"

And without another word she left the room.

-

Motoko was restless that night.

She kept herself inside her room the whole day refusing to see anyone even her own sister. She stayed in her room and waited for the night to arrive. And sleep was proving very difficult to do.

Because words kept ringing inside her head, yes I would marry Keitaro, yes I would marry Keitaro, yes I would marry Keitaro, yes I would marry Keitaro, yes I would marry Keitaro, yes I would marry Keitaro…

"Leave me alone!" Motoko viciously whispered under her breath.

Then unable to contain herself any longer she stood and briskly walked out of her room with her sword in hand.

It was dark. The hallway was devoid of any light except for the clear night sky. The stars were sparkling brightly. A cool draft was passing through the still and quiet darkness of the temple.

And after walking aimlessly towards the empty garden, Motoko crumpled to the soft grassy ground and cried.

I should have known… it wasn't meant to be. It is for the good of the land… Keitaro would marry Naru and we will all be safe… but… but could I even accept that… by Kami… I don't know… I'm not even sure if I could face him again… I'm not even sure if I would…

"Motoko…"

Motoko froze.

Then she quickly dried her tears and composed herself, trying her best to arrange her clothes neatly to hide the light dirt from the ground.

Naru stepped closer, "Motoko…"

"I am sorry princess Naru but I do not think I am capable of speaking properly right now," Motoko bit down another surge of tears threatening to flow from her eyes. She refused to face Naru and kept herself busy dusting her clothes, "there are… uhm… there are things in my mind that I would like to think about… and I would be eternally grateful if you could just leave me alone… I-,"

"I would like you to know that I am very sorry if I said anything that might have offended you this afternoon," Naru said tentatively not knowing what to do and what else to say.

For a moment nobody spoke.

Then Motoko paused. She sighed heavily. She stood straight and stared at the sky. She whispered, "Do you love him?"

Naru did not reply.

Then suddenly a rushing sound came tearing into the garden.

Motoko quickly went into a fighting stance, her right hand on the hilt of her sword and her feet pressed on the ground waiting for something or anything. Her sadness was suddenly replaced with years of warrior training.

"Who's there?" Motoko demanded; her voice commanding but oddly light and calm.

When nobody answered her, Motoko raised her head to shout an alarm but somebody came into view.

And she tumbled down directly towards Motoko's feet.

"Hiya Mo-chan!" greeted Kaolla from the ground struggling to untangle her self from a very tight knot.

Motoko frowned, "What are you doing Kaolla-san? If the guards saw you here you would be in great trouble! Your sister would be very disappointed!"

"Not to worry Mo-chan… there's no guard around this area tonight… I made sure of that!" Kaolla replied happily.

Then the bushes behind Kaolla rustled and another figure came into view.

"Have we been caught Kaolla?" Shinobu asked walking tentatively out from where she was hiding. And when she saw Motoko and Naru staring at her on the other side, she shrank behind Kaolla, "Motoko-sempai! Naru-sempai! It wasn't my idea I swear! Kaolla made me do it!"

Naru shook her head in confusion, "What's going on here?"

"Don't worry too much Shinobu-chan!" Kaolla patted a rather shaking Shinobu, giving Motoko and Naru a glance every now and then.

"You two are walking around the garden like some sort of brigands up to no good!" Motoko said angrily.

"Don't take it so seriously Motoko-chan!" Mutsumi suddenly appeared beside Motoko, "Ara! Ara! I guess this would be a very good farewell celebration!"

"Farewell-," Naru started.

"-Celebration?" Motoko ended.

Then from where Shinobu came from appeared three figures.

It was Mitsune carefully assisting Keitaro to walk with Moe holding his hand.

"Keitaro!" Motoko gasped.

"Mitsune! You're in this too?" Naru gasped, trying to control her rising rage.

Mitsune smiled, "Hei princess Naru… as what the old saying goes… if you can't beat them… join them!"

"What is going on here?" Naru demanded again. Her voice was slightly louder and it alarmed everyone in the garden.

Another figure came into view but this time it came from the other side of the garden. It was the side that directed deeper into the forest and beyond the mountains.

It was Kanako.

"Will you keep your voice down?" Kanako retorted irritably as she nimbly walked towards Keitaro to take Mitsune's place.

"You're trying to escape…" Motoko whispered as she finally understood what was happening before her.

But everybody ignored her. Shinobu was busy giving Moe last instructions on how to give the specially prepared medicines to Keitaro while Mitsune was giving Kanako details of hidden roads she could use and places where imperial and shogunate guards could be lurking. Mutsumi was busy making sure that Keitaro has enough clothes around him to keep him warm during the night journey with Kaolla inspecting Keitaro's legs and feet making sure that he has enough protective covering.

Motoko's hand went to the hilt of her sword. Then she said, "I cannot… I cannot allow you to escape Keitaro!"

Everybody froze.

Motoko turned towards Naru, wanting her to agree.

But Naru was experiencing an inner battle herself.

So Motoko turned to face the group again and insisted her decision, "Keitaro Urashima you are under the emperor and the shogun's care… please return to your quarters until the emperor or the shogun call for you…"

For a moment nobody spoke.

Then Kanako stepped forward.

"Kana-chan," Keitaro spoke for the first time. His eyes boring directly at Motoko's face, "Please stand back…"

Kanako nodded and stepped back. But she kept herself between Motoko and Keitaro with her hand on the hilt of her short blade. She kept her eyes on Motoko's sword arm. And everybody knew that if Motoko move her arm in anyway, Kanako would hack it.

Everybody tensed.

Then Keitaro smiled, "I am sorry to do this Motoko-chan… but… I cannot stay here… the head of the clans would either kill me or let me live… either way for me… it's all the same. As long as I exist… Japan would never stop worrying. And I know even if I die… they would guard me and make sure that my remains would never experience peace,"

"But Keitaro… the clans have already agreed to let you live by letting you marry princess Naru…" Motoko cried.

"I know… I heard," Keitaro then turned his gaze towards Naru, "But the question is… does she truly want to marry me?"

All eyes turned to Naru.

Naru blushed and looked away. She muttered, "I… I would… and I know that I should but-,"

"You don't have to," Keitaro calmly said.

"Huh!" Naru gazed back at Keitaro surprised.

"I would not force myself to you. I don't think I could live myself that I married someone who does not want me. Please believe me princess Naru, all I ever wanted for you is to be happy… the same as everyone else…" Keitaro bowed, "And it has been a privilege to serve you my princess,"

Naru was speechless. She stood there staring at Keitaro unable to speak.

"Well… I guess this is the end, right?" Mitsune stepped close to Keitaro and embraced him.

Everyone gasped.

Mitsune grinned, "I know my behavior is very unconventional, doing this to a man in front of everybody…" a blush, "but we have been through a lot together… and I feel that you have been a part of me… and I know… I would sorely miss you… Kei-kun,"

"Thank you Mitsune…" Keitaro bowed.

Kaolla stepped forward and did the same only her embrace was a tad tighter than Mitsune's, "I would miss you Keitaro… it felt like I've known you for so long… I would never forget the first time I saw you…"

Keitaro smiled and patted Kaolla, "And the bread that you gave me saved me from dying in hunger…"

Then Keitaro turned to embrace Shinobu who was standing close to him. And the moment he wrapped his arms around her, she cried. He whispered, "You will be the most notable doctor in all Japan Shinobu… I know you will be…"

"Sempai…" Shinobu whispered through her tears.

Then Keitaro faced Mutsumi, "I thank you for everything you've done Mutsumi… and I apologize that in this life time… we can not marry…"

Mutsumi smiled back, "I understand Keitaro… do not worry… I will always be here… my proposal is always open for you… just for you,"

And finally Keitaro faced Motoko.

For a moment nobody spoke.

Then Motoko stepped forward and said, "But Keitaro… the curse… what about the curse?"

"Not all reincarnations are meant for evil Motoko… I just want to live this life time the way I wanted to and not because of the past… I can wait… fortune comes to those who wait…" then Keitaro bowed.

Keitaro faced Kanako and then he nodded to Moe.

The trio started to walk towards the darkness and deeper into the forest.

And for a long while, the women who were left behind just stood there staring at the fading figures.

Then they disappeared from sight.

Mutsumi stepped next to Motoko and whispered, "Aren't you going to follow him?"

Motoko frowned, confused, "What do you mean Mutsumi?"

"He refused my proposal for marriage and Naru's too… do you know what it means?"

"Huh?"

"Don't you understand? He told you, didn't he? That he would wait…"

"I… I don't understand… I…"

Then Motoko finally understood.

In a dash, Motoko ran towards the forest and into the darkness.

-

"So we're letting him walk away?" Amalla whispered.

Tsuruko nodded. There was a calm content look on her face and a slight smile when she saw her sister Motoko dash towards the deep forest. She sighed, "I guess my sister learned what she needed to learn. The journey that I sent her into proved to be very useful for her… a most effective training…"

"The power of the heart," Seta appeared next to Amalla.

Amalla bowed to Seta in greeting.

"I wish Haruka is here with us…" Tsuruko whispered.

"I do… and I guess she is… she will always be with us…" Seta replied.

"It has been decided then…" Amalla said, "Japan has been fortunate this time… the first reincarnation is much more humane than we expected…"

"Yes… Japan has been fortunate this time… I wonder if we would be fortunate the next…" Tsuruko agreed.

Seta turned towards the figures on the garden. Then he said, "Well… our future depends on them…"

Amalla and Tsuruko nodded.

Then Seta turned to the women and smiled, "It's been a great journey… I guess I'll see you both again in seven hundred years…"

"We'll see you again in seven hundred years Seta-kun…" Amalla and Tsuruko bowed.

-

The first person Motoko met deeper into the forest was Kanako.

Kanako came rushing towards her slashing her blade forward.

But Motoko was able to parry easily even in the black darkness of the forest.

Kanako quickly withdrew.

For a moment nobody spoke.

Then Kanako whispered menacingly, "You should feel privileged…"

Motoko did not reply but kept her sword ready to block any attack.

Then Kanako sighed, "Make sure you make him happy. Because… if you break his heart… I'm telling you now that I would hunt you and kill you like an animal…"

A rustle was heard.

And Kanako disappeared.

Motoko never saw her again.

-

Motoko found Keitaro sitting close to a stream. She could see that he was alone.

There was a peaceful look on Keitaro's face as if he has been waiting for her.

Motoko stepped forward, "I'm not sure if I deserve you… I know I don't act womanly or to a preferred womanly behavior… and I know I still have a lot to learn and I-,"

"I love you Motoko…"

Motoko froze.

"And I would wait… please do not worry… you have a bright future as a samurai… walk your destiny and fulfill your dreams. And once you have fulfilled them… and you long for peace… I will be here waiting for you…" Keitaro stood and turned.

"Keitaro wait…"

Keitaro turned to face Motoko.

"I… I promise… I will come back for you…"

Keitaro smiled, "I know you will…"

And Keitaro disappeared in the darkness.

Epilogue

I

The battle at the open field of the Aoyoma village was written down on the scrolls of the Imperial and Shogunate history. Those who survived the horrendous ordeal were given lasting honors and recognition on both sides. But the battle has strained the imperial power. Almost a third of its growing army has been killed leaving the imperial family defenseless against the tyranny of the Shogunate. The Regents however became lenient knowing that the political unrest would never be extinguished unless properly taken care of. And so after the battle, the Shogunate offered alliance to the emperor making sure to uphold its honor and keep the nation united against an enemy from beyond the seas.

The few generals of the original imperial army remained under the emperor's service. The Aoyomas, Konnos and Norieyasus kept their imperial emblems and kept their tradition favoring the imperial rule.

The mysteries of the Urashima Curse disappeared along with Keitaro's disappearance. The emperor did not approve the request to search for Keitaro's whereabouts and the decision was fully accepted by the Aoyoma and the Norieyasu clans. The Su clan – returned to the kingdom of Molmol taking with them the Urashima Blade. The fabled blade was encased on a heavy wooden box decorated with pure gold and diamonds. The Molmol kingdom erected a special temple for the blade which was guarded day and night.

The Women

Naru Narusegawa became the first woman to ever gain political power in the high circle of feudal Japanese government. Under her power was the control between the Shogunate and imperial armies. She was the first to approve the treaty that accepted foreigners from the east to trade with Japan. She never married.

Mitsune Konno was the first to head a separate society for women of different stature providing protection against discrimination and slavery. She was supported by the might of the Konno army. She was married to a famous samurai general.

Shinobu Maehara started the very first medical school aimed for both men and women of different social standings from peasants to the high born. She was the first to accept modern medical advances provided by the Christian priests from the east that arrived on the shores of Japan. She was the first to marry a gaijin.

Mutsumi Otohime became the priestess of the northern temple keeping its traditions and beliefs. She completed the first book written by a woman – 'Legends of Japan' and has become a national treasure. She never married.

Kaolla Su became the chief general of Molmol kingdom army putting into practice the tactical skills she has learned from Japanese wars. She also became the savior and legal guardian of the only Urashima heir (see below for the story). She never married.

Motoko Aoyoma took the place of her sister Tsuruko Aoyoma as the head of the Aoyoma clan and daimyo of the Aoyoma village. And under Motoko's rule she successfully protected the village from the second invasion attempt of the Mongolian empire. Motoko expanded her rule and her land. She was the first to trade with the foreigners from the east turning the Aoyoma village into the most prosperous village in whole of Japan. She disappeared (see below for the story).

Mysteries of the Urashima Curse

When Keitaro Urashima disappeared the peculiar events that happened during the first Mongolian invasion faded into the memories of the people of Japan. It was dismissed as a myth as there was only a handful that could retell what really happened at the open fields of the Aoyoma village. Another Mongolian invasion was attempted years later and this time Motoko Aoyoma led the defense of the village. It was said that a lone horseman rushed towards the beach where the Mongolian ships anchored and single-handedly decimated the first wave of rushing Mongolian army giving Motoko and her battalion of Aoyoma samurai time to prepare themselves.

Although the lone horseman was never seen after Motoko and the Aoyoma samurais drove the enemy soldiers back to their ships, it was rumored that the lone horseman was none other than Keitaro Urashima himself.

When the gaijins from the east arrived, Motoko opened the Aoyoma port for trade. It prospered the village and was used as the meeting place for both the Japanese government representatives and gaijin leaders. And at the height of the Aoyoma village's fame, Motoko abdicated as daimyo and passed the honor to Ryoma. Motoko was last seen by the villagers riding towards the high mountains of the north.

Motoko Aoyoma was never seen again.

Haruka Urashima fled to china after the defeat of the first Mongolian invasion. She married a Chinese royalty and born him a son. During the revolution, the Chinese dynasty was massacred along with the ruling imperial family. It was said that a strange woman visited Haruka's residence in the middle of chaos and carnage. Haruka was killed in the battle. But her son survived.

Her son was saved by the strange woman called Kaolla Su. Kaolla Su brought Haruka's son back to the kingdom of Molmol and raised him as her own heir, her own prince.

During the Bakumatsu revolution a group of Molmol warriors sailed towards the war torn land of Japan to provide assistance to the imperialists as ordered by the Su clan who was still loyal to the Japanese imperial family.

And one of these warriors was Tenken Urashima, heir to the one and only surviving Urashima saved by Kaolla Su four generations ago.

A living Urashima has returned to Japan.

When the Second World War erupted in South-East Asia, the Molmol kingdom was invaded by the Japanese army. Most of the artifacts and family prized treasures were looted. And one of these artifacts was the Urashima blade. There were numerous reports of strange phenomenon that surrounded several battalions postedaround the Molmol temples; unexplained brutal killings leaving no witnesses and no survivors. And in the middle of this bloodbath was one common weapon - a samurai sword. The sword was feared by all Japanese soldiers, branding it cursed.The sword then was given to archaeology experts and treasure hunters. These experts and hunters all died by unexplainable circumstances. And even though whoever handled the sword met horrible misfortunes, passed from one hand to another, the sword finally reached Japan and was locked on a museum for the next twenty years.

Then one night the museum was robbed. The only missing artifact was the sword. The robber however was discovered the next day lying dead on the streets. It was said that the sword was last seen being picked up by an unknowing bystander.

The Urashima blade has returned to its master.

Epilogue

II

"Mother…"

Hina turned and found her daughter climbing at the steep stone steps of the hill. She smiled at her with her quiet closed eyes. She sighed, "What do you think Haruka-chan?"

Haruka raised her right hand over her eyes and looked up at the majestic building before her. She nodded, "It looks quite good to me… what's the name of this place again mom?"

Hina faced the building again and replied, "Hinata… they call this quiet village Hinata… and this would be the Hinata lodge…"

"I see…"

Hina lowered her head and asked, "Did you know that there's a legend behind this building?"

"A legend?"

"Yes… it was said that seven hundred years ago a ghostly couple built this structure with the aid of a moving doll…"

Haruka shivered, "That sounds too creepy mom… and now that you mentioned it maybe I don't like this building at all,"

Hina chuckled, "This hill was originally called the northern mountains during the feudal era… and was changed to Hinata after the Second World War…"

"Hmmm… is that the reason why you chose to buy this building instead of a property in Tokyo?"

"Well… let's just say I believe in so many things…"

"You know your history mom... and you love it," Haruka glowed, "We have to go back! Sister has finally decided a name for her first baby…"

"Really…" Hina mused.

"Yep… I think she'd call the baby… Keitaro or something… but I think it's definitely Keitaro…"

"I see… I see…"

Haruka began walking down the stone steps careful not to slide down as there were still mosses around the edges of the stones. There was a tranquil atmosphere in the surrounding with the trees around her swaying with the wind.

Hina was left standing alone at the front of the building soon to be called Hinata Lodge staring at the blue sky.

Hina smiled and whispered, "We have all returned…"

And the rest is history.

Author Final Words

I have finally completed this fanfic! Hoooray! And I thought I wouldn't be able to because of so much pressure that I've been going through. I have input as much information as I could. I shied away from it during the story and in the end I input as much historical relevance as I could. Hopefully you'd all forgive me for deliberately changing it for my fiction. I haven't had any decent sleep for quite awhile now. This part of the story is the most enjoyable part for me compared to other chapters. For some reason there is joy on telling what future the characters might have had… and the power to write is so irresistible.

I just hope you all enjoyed this as much as I have!

Dedications

I dedicate this story to all fanfic writers and readers but especially to my reviewers. I was so inspired by some of my reviewers and their opinions basically made the foundation of this story. I just hope I surprised all of you. I would like to mention some of them but there are so many… you know who you are and I am very very very grateful with the support you have given me. The story is nothing without you.

I am planning on writing a Mutsumi, Naru and Kanako story soon. Probably a one shot. This fanfic is my first and maybe the last attempt to historical/ fantasy type of fiction. This fiction just drained me. But I would write soon.

See ya all on my next fanfic! Cheers!

nivremous