It was midday and the sun was high in the sky when we arrived at Kyoto….well the outside of it anyway; the city was surrounded by a huge wall.
Katsumi told me that this wall was called Tsuiji (earthen wall) and that we were going to enter the city through one of five gates …the Kenrei-mon (the southern most entrance).
The city itself was paced…but the real action was at the center of the city. The closer we got to the center, the less people there were. In the center of the city was the Gosho imperial palace. The palace had gardens surrounding it…filled with cherry blossom trees!
I ran over to one and sat down under it. I took a deep breath and looked at the pedals. As they fell softly to the ground, Katsumi walked over to me with the horse.
< “What are you doing?”> she asked.
I Looked at her and …..wow….she looked even more beautiful with the pedals falling around her. For some reason my feelings reminded my of my home. I’ve always wanted to fall in love with a girl under a cherry blossom tree…..I miss those days in the future….
I almost didn’t answer Katsumi….but I think she saw my expression, she nodded and sat down beside me. Was I tearing up?
We didn’t speak for a while, but we rested under the tree. We listened to the song of a shamisen(a three stringed lute) and felt a gentle breeze.
< “ This relaxes me as well, Bryan.”> Katsumi said. < “These trees remind me of my home….they remind me of my life before all of this.” > she gestured to her armor and she looked at me. < “I really miss those days.” >
<“ The trees remind me of my home too….”> I said. < “ I miss everything….”>
Another moment went by without words…but I decided to end the silence.
I looked into her eyes. <“ Although this situation really….SUCKS….I am really glad that I got to meet you.”>
Katsumi’s eyes widened and…is she blushing?
< “ I have to get the sword back.”> She said as she stood up. < “And get you home as well.”>
~
Soon we were talking with Emperor Ogimachi over tea in his private quarters. (This is awesome!!!!!) For the first few minutes of our conversation with him, I was shaking.
When Katsumi introduced me to him ( and I bowed to him) I felt like I was going to pass out. The conversation turned serious when the emperor started talking of the sword.
< “ I have Hasahe in my possession.” > He said. < “Katsumi, I am glad you are alright…I should not have sent you on such a dangerous mission.”>
< “ I am one of you finest samurai.” > Katsumi said, without hesitation. < “Logic dictated that you should have sent me.” >
Katsumi looked at me. < “ I have another mission to fulfill as well…..this boy must return to his home.”>
After a brief explanation of my story, Emperor Ogimachi smiled.
< “You mean he must talk to him don’t you.”> He said. < “Fine…..Bryan, it is time that you met one of Japan’s crowning jewels….in person.”>
To be continued…..
