FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

WARNING: Contains spoilers! This is a bonus story for Spirit Bound, and does not affect the main storyline. Do not read until after Chapter 44, as it contains spoilers relating to the main story. It's officially tied in to the main story in Chapter 112.

Spirit Bound: Bonus Story

The Love of Takahashi Yoishi: Part One

I suppose I should begin with a little history. This was my seventh life, which fell between Song Li and Song Xun, around the fifteenth century CE, during the Muromachi period of Japan. I was Takahashi Yoishi, "Takahashi" being my family name, a shinobi in the service of Daimyo Takeda Nobutsuna of the Kai province. The majority of my life was dominated by the Sengoku Jidai, the Age of Civil Wars, resulting in a very...active life for me.

I was a Kai Inu and, like most of my breed, I was pure black, with pointed ears and a fluffy, upswept tail. I was only a bit over a metre and a half tall and weighed fifty-two kilos, making me look very unthreatening. At the time of this story I was twenty-five, and had known I was an Ancient One for a little over ten years, though I took care to hide my nature from most.

The day had started somewhat normally for me, though little could be called normal.

I was in my room; my skill had given me enough respect and status that I had my own room in the daimyo's fortress. Not only did I have my own room, but it was equal in size to a highly ranked samurai, unheard of for a mere shinobi of common birth. I even had a family name, earned by my parents, and granted permission to wear the daisho, the paired samurai swords. I woke a little before sunrise and went through my morning routine before dressing and heading out for the dining hall. I wore, like every day I was in residence, a plain outfit that would not be out of place on a well-off village elder: not rich enough to be accused of overstepping my status, but not poor enough to be accused of insulting my Daimyo. As normal, I was ignored by most and ate quietly, when a servant informed me I was to meet one of Takeda-sama's generals shortly. I quickly finished and left to receive my next orders.

En route I was stopped by one of the general's aides, a cocky young Bull. "Peasant. The general-dono has no time to waste on you. Here are your orders." He passed me a scroll, sealed with the general's sign.

I took it, unsurprised, and glanced at it. "Very good. This will save me a lot of time. You are dismissed."

The Bull reacted as I expected, swelling up in anger but unable to vent it since I did outrank him despite my common birth, and was a better fighter as well. "Aren't you going to read it, peasant?"

I merely looked at him. "Not now, soldier-kun." A pointed reminder of his lower rank. "I doubt you'd be able to answer any questions I might have anyway -- certainly not if I couldn't figure it out on my own. Your incapability of recognizing a dismissal speaks to your intelligence." He reached for his katana but stopped when my paw touched his throat. "You aren't permitted to draw your sword here, and to draw it on a higher-ranked officer is likewise forbidden. You'll report your crimes to your immediate superior, now."

He took his hand away from the hilt of his katana and bowed before leaving.

I sighed and went to my room, knowing the aide was not going to face any punishment for his crimes, even if he would have been executed had he done that to a higher ranked samurai, or any higher ranked person of better breeding.

Inside, I began gathering my equipment for what was likely to be a long mission. They were always long missions, but at least they got me away from the many arrogant young samurai. Perhaps I'd even have some leisure time to study a few of the scrolls on ninjutsu my grandfather gave me when I got home two days ago, or some of my past lives. I was currently engaged in looking at the life of a 'Timeus-san,' an intriguing character from a place that was completely alien to me: Athens. I had never heard of it.

I finished my preliminary packing, cracked the seal of the scroll, and quickly read through it. It was mostly courtly language, but the core of the mission was simple enough: travel to the neighbouring province of Suruga, infiltrate the home of a local daimyo (a lord), and kill him before he marries the daughter of i-sama, one of Takeda-sama's rivals. Short-sighted fool. I often wished I was permitted to discuss these missions before receiving them, as once they were delivered I was duty-bound to carry them out as written. What if I was able to convince this lord...Ohtori Kaoru to side with my daimyo instead? Or make an 'attempt' on his life and frame one of my lord's enemies? Or any number of things that would not require me to kill anyone but would further Takeda-sama's goals. But, no. The generals despised me, or rather my birth, and were too short-sighted to think of giving me free reign. Takeda-sama was 'too busy' to meet me in person; he was likely still asleep or was dallying with one of his geisha. If he spent half that time with his wife he might have more daughters to form alliances like the one I was going to delay. This Ohtori-sama might have some brothers to take his place and still form the alliance. There was nothing in my orders relating to that, so my duty was clear.

It took me two weeks to travel to the town where Ohtori-sama's castle was. It was a beautiful town, clean and orderly, with the peach blossoms scenting the air. I was travelling as an artist, and my intelligence told me that Ohtori-sama was returning home from a trip to visit another daimyo, a three-day ride away. I set up my easel in the middle of the street he would be riding up, where I could see his castle, and began to paint.

Ohtori-sama was rumoured to be an art enthusiast, a detail I hoped to utilize in order to gain access to his home.

Shortly after midday, the lord's retinue began marching up the street, right on time. I had timed it so the painting was three-quarters done and, as Ohtori-sama's escort called for me to pass, I stepped aside so it was visible to the young lord.

I addressed him using the accent of Suruga province, one endemic to a town close to the Imagawa stronghold. The Imagawa were the strongest family in the Suruga province, to whom the Ohtori were beholden. "My apologies, please allow me to move my painting; it'll take but a moment. I'll have to wait till tomorrow to finish it, if the light is right." I made a point to ensure that all further dialogue would be made with this accent.

He noticed the painting and rode up to look at it, his paw lightly resting on the hilt of his katana, the longer sword of the daisho. "Let me look at it first." His guard rode up beside him, staying between us. "This is very good. Does it have a title, yet?" Ohtori-sama was a young lord, far younger than I expected. He was a slightly chubby River Otter, maybe seventeen years old, and was about my height, though a little heavier. He was actually rather cute; his reddish-brown back fur and brownish-white belly fur was exceptionally appealing to my eyes.

I bowed, as deeply as appropriate for a wandering artist of common birth. "Shadows cross the sun/Castle upon the hilltop/Cranes' long flight for home."

Ohtori-sama smiled, his long whiskers twitching in delight. "A haiku! Wonderful! How appropriate. Captain, I will stay and watch the artist. Send the men on."

I noticed the captain concealed his annoyance well. He bowed and directed his men around me, some sent along a side street due to the lack of space.

The young lord and a pawful of his personal guard remained behind. "Carry on. I do not want the light to change too much, if you cannot finish when it does."

"As you will. You are Ohtori Kaoru-sama, correct? My name is Takahashi Yoishi." I bowed and dipped my brush into the inkwell.

Ohtori-sama inclined his head. "Yes. It is a pleasure to meet such a skilled artist."

I smiled deprecatingly and resumed painting. I did not have the skill then that I do now, but it was still a fine piece. Ohtori-sama watched in delight as I finished the painting, handing me a mug of cool water. "Drink, Takahashi-sensei. Then accompany me to my castle and join me for a late lunch."

I noted the lack of choice in the matter, but it was naturally assumed I had no choice. No peasant would dare refuse even such a casual invitation. "As you will, Ohtori-sama. It'll take a few minutes for the ink to dry, and then I shall present it to you as a gift, in honour of the pleasure I've received in meeting you." Ohtori-sama laughed, pleased, the sound as pleasant as a light summer shower signalling the end of a heat wave.

Ohtori-sama brought me into the castle and had a servant take my things, but stopped her when he saw the bamboo flute on my pack. "You paint, write haiku, and play the shakuhachi? I would like to hear you play." The shakuhachi was the Japanese bamboo flute that had originally been brought over from the mainland. It was most commonly played by Zen Buddhists, of the Fuke school, as part of their meditations.

I decided to play with him, guessing he would enjoy talking to someone with a mind and opinion of their own, rather than a simple toady. "As you will, Ohtori-sama. Once we've eaten we may retire to a garden or quiet room and I'll play for you. It'd go well with a nice tea, perhaps a gyokuro from Uji, if you have any." The servants gasped and the guards reached for their swords, but I did not react and just stood there, smiling slightly as I met Ohtori-sama's eyes.

His gaze was searching as he held his webbed paw up, stopping the guards. "The meal will get cold, Takahashi-sensei. Bring your shakuhachi, if it pleases you, and we will eat. You are right; a garden is a much nicer place to listen to the shakuhachi than the dining room. We will have our meal there, instead." He nodded to the servants and they scuttled about trying to move the somewhat elaborate meal to the gardens. "Let us walk and talk as the meal is moved." He slowly began walking down the hall. My impertinence obviously amused him. "You took a great risk in addressing me in such fashion, Takahashi-sensei."

I nodded. "Yes, Ohtori-sama, I'm aware of that. I judged that you desire a more...open conversation than most people of your position. One unafraid of offering ideas or opinions, without being offensive or seeking to usurp your place. Conversation merely for the sake of conversation. Is that too presumptuous, Ohtori-sama?"

He laughed again. "You are horribly presumptuous, Takahashi-sensei, but correct. Now, what would you have done if I had invited you to supper?"

I smiled mischievously. "Had you invited me to supper, it'd be improper to ask a guest to provide entertainment. If I was brought here to provide entertainment, I wouldn't be invited to the meal. In either case, the meal wouldn't be moved, nor would I have been in a position to provide an opinion on the best place to listen to me play." I paused. "Ohtori-sama." A very slight insolence, more akin to teasing.

He glanced over at me from the corner of his eyes, hiding a smile, as I followed a pace behind. "You are most interesting, Takahashi-sensei. I may keep you here for a few days."

Success. My mission was virtually guaranteed; however, I was enjoying his company, so there was no rush. I bowed as I walked. "As you will, Ohtori-sama." The castle betrayed its military purpose, as did most such buildings, but unlike Takeda-sama's residence, this one held enough art and 'personal touches' to soften the feeling of the building.

I slowed down to examine an ink painting on the wall. The scene was the view of someone standing on Sarushima, an island, looking out across Edo Bay toward Uraga Channel. It is still a painting I admire, though I do not know if it still exists.

My distraction drew Ohtori-sama's attention. "Ah, that used to be one of my favourites, depending on my mood. A delightful piece by Fujioka Hikaru, an artist in Edo. We will take time to examine it later; the flow of the brush as he draws the waves has always evoked the power of the ocean to me." Ohtori-sama continued down the hall, slowing slightly when he thought there was something I may enjoy, but nothing caught my eye like the one painting.

We eventually exited into a walled garden, though it was unlike anything you would expect from a western garden. It was mostly raked gravel of a few colours, a small stream meandering through it which fell over three small waterfalls, and a simple gazebo in the middle. We followed the winding path to reach our seats, though it was but three and a half metres to walk across the rocks. There the lunch was laid out again, with one of the serving girls waiting in attendance by a small brazier to prepare the tea. Ohtori-sama sat and motioned me to do likewise, his two guards taking position at the entrance to the gazebo.

I had studied the Tea Ceremony but it did not look like this serving girl was going to perform it for us, so I asked, "Have you anyone that performs the Tea Ceremony, Ohtori-sama?" I took the damp towel from the serving girl and cleaned my paws.

The Otter raised one of his eyebrows. "No, I do not, Takahashi-sensei. I am surprised you asked."

I lowered my gaze, a tiny smile lurking at the corner of my lips. "I apologize, Ohtori-sama, it was presumptuous of me." Ohtori-sama laughed. "I thought you'd enjoy it, and might have someone trained to perform it. Since you don't, and I appear to be around for a few days, perhaps I could perform it for you."

"I would greatly enjoy that, Takahashi-sensei. You are full of surprises. Tomorrow, midday then." He motioned for the food to be served.

I lowered my head in a small bow. "As you will, Ohtori-sama. I don't wish to cause offence, but I don't eat meat. I hope you'll understand if I pass on those dishes." He seemed surprised, as did the serving girl, but he nodded, and she didn't serve me any meat.

Shortly after we began to eat Ohtori-sama asked, "The food pleases you, Takahashi-sensei?" There was a genuine curiosity and an unexpected concern in his question. He actually seemed hopeful that this random artist was pleased with the food.

Yet, it was an almost rhetorical question, for no peasant would dare say it was unsatisfactory, nor would a peasant -- even a travelling artist -- ever encounter food such as was provided for a daimyo. I was eating from the same dishes he was eating. Truly, the food was most pleasing -- all the more so when compared to the memories of past lives.

"Indeed, Ohtori-sama. It's not often one such as I has the opportunity to dine with a daimyo in this fashion." It was true, as when I was in residence I frequently dined in the large dining hall with Takeda-sama and all the other officers and samurai, but never with Takeda-sama or another noble in such an intimate setting. "It's most fortunate that your servants prepared more food than you're likely to eat alone; otherwise there wouldn't be enough to feed some stray starving artist you might pick up."

Ohtori-sama's whiskers twitched in amusement. "You do not appear to be so starved, Takahashi-sensei. You look quite well-fleshed."

That comment piqued my interest; I had hoped he might wish to bed me, but thought it very unlikely. I did not comment on it, but merely said in an amused tone, "Oh? You can't deny I'm a stray and I am an artist, Ohtori-sama." I daintily ate a small slice of pickled plum. "Merry creeks dancing/O'er rocks as salmon leap high/Food for mouth and soul."

Ohtori-sama looked into my eyes for a moment, and his twinkled in pleasure. He had the most expressive eyes, a deep soulful brown, that seemed to draw one in. "Art does not lead one astray. I believe you are on the correct path."

I playfully clicked my chopsticks at him. "That may be true, but where is my path leading me?"

"I do not know, but I would like to see."

I shook my head and smiled. "That'd be difficult, as paths are meant to be travelled, and you can't travel while sitting idly, meaning I'd have to make you a stray like me, and I wouldn't want to lead you astray like that. However much fun that may be." The guards at the entrance of the gazebo twitched and the serving woman, a tiny Shiba Inu, paused in the middle of pouring tea, almost spilling some. The conversation, with its bantering tone and lack of proper address in my last few responses was testing the limits of decorum for one of my position. My previous comment, being almost flirtatious, was pushing the tolerance of his staff.

Ohtori-sama's expression indicated he was aware of this; he obviously enjoyed the conversation, but felt he obligated to put me back in my place.

I spoke up first. "That is out of the question, honoured lord; one such as you would never travel with one of my status." The staff relaxed, but the conversation became a little stiff for the remainder of the meal.

After the meal I pulled out my flute and moved my cushion so I could lounge against one of the posts of the gazebo. My posture was a little too relaxed, but not so much as to test the patience of the staff. I looked at Ohtori-sama, meeting his eyes with a small smile. "The view is most amenable..." I looked around the garden as I continued, "...for playing the flute, Ohtori-sama. I hope you find it as pleasing for listening."

Ohtori-sama blushed but glanced around the garden; he seemed uncertain as to whether I had actually flirted with him or not. I raised the bamboo flute and began playing a popular piece amongst the samurai class, watching him closely through half-closed eyes. He smiled in appreciation and motioned for some sake to be poured. I shook my head as the server went to pour a second cup, and Ohtori-sama waved her off but appeared confused. He sipped his sake slowly as I played the moderately long piece.

As I finished, I lowered my head as he smiled. "I'm gratified you enjoyed my playing, Ohtori-sama, and I'm pleased you wished to offer me some sake, but I have taken a vow to avoid such drinks."

Ohtori-sama nodded, puzzled. "This is related to your avoidance of meat, as well?"

I nodded. "I've studied and travelled with some Buddhist monks, which is where I learned the Tea Ceremony. I was greatly impressed by one and adopted some of his practices, though not all." That was also true, though not when placed all together and not all in this life. Song Li also did not eat meat or drink alcohol, and a Buddhist monk did teach me the Tea Ceremony in this life. "I've learned much of the Buddhist's knowledge and wisdom. In honour of my teacher, I hope you enjoy this next piece."

I played an older piece from Song Li's home. The young lord had obviously never heard it before and greatly enjoyed the novelty and foreign quality of the piece. When I had been told to play for Takeda-sama and played this music, he'd stopped me shortly after I started, angered by the alien melody. The other courtiers were also unhappy with me. I finished that song and subconsciously moved into a sadder piece, inwardly lamenting the fate that had placed me with a daimyo who could not appreciate the art I yearned to embrace. I played on, my eyes closed as I lost myself in the music.

I was roused some time later by the sound of sniffling and tears. To this day I know not how long I played, though I could likely figure it out, should I choose. Both Ohtori-sama and the serving girl, who was kneeling unobtrusively at the edge of the gazebo, had tears running freely down their faces. Even one of the guards looked entranced and moved by the music.

I lowered the shakuhachi and signalled the tiny Shiba to pour me a drink. She poured me the water she used to dilute Ohtori-sama's sake and moved over to hand me the cup. I drank it in silence, waiting for Ohtori-sama to speak.

He remained silent for a few more minutes, before drying his eyes and blowing his nose. "I thank you, Takahashi-sensei. The evening meal will be in a few hours and I have business to attend to. You will be escorted to the baths and then to your room to prepare. I would have you provide the entertainment for tonight, though perhaps something a little less...melancholy. It was most beautiful, but not entirely appropriate for accompanying a meal."

I smiled at him, my tone slightly reproachful. "Indeed, I wasn't aware of that, Ohtori-sama." I switched to a more playful tone as Ohtori-sama ducked his head, blushing slightly. "I do regret to inform you that this is my best outfit. I hope I don't disgrace you or offend your diners." I glanced around, noting a pawful of 'servants' who'd been unobtrusively prowling about the periphery of the garden the entire time. I would have wagered anything that at least two of them were shinobi observing me in case I was an enemy shinobi seeking to assassinate their lord. I made note of them, both their faces and their scent. The life of Quinn-san, the one following Timeus-san, gifted me with techniques allowing me to heighten my sense of smell and hearing; it also allowed me to see better in low light. Studying the life of Song Li had allowed me to make use of these techniques, invaluable tools for one of my profession.

Ohtori-san nodded. "That is noted. My servants will find you clothing appropriate for a merchant. That should prove simple enough on short notice and save face for all involved." One of the servants skulking around the garden ran off, which I had found most interesting, as I would have thought they would be out of hearing. I noted the person: a female feline, an Iriomote Cat to be precise. Her dark brown fur and rows of dusky brown spots would naturally blend into outdoor environments without the need of specialized clothing. Granted, she would have to be in little clothing to take advantage of such things. I stood, and another servant came over to lead me to the baths.

After I was scrubbed to the satisfaction of both an attendant and myself, I was brought to my room. An appropriately small and remote room, far from my target, it had a single mat, a small candle, and my pack. It also had a small stand holding my clothing for the evening's dinner. The kimono was in good shape, made of a pale brown linen, with the cuffs and collar in a darker brown. As normal, the room was framed in with rice paper along three sides; the fourth was the stone outer wall, but it appeared that the neighbouring rooms were unoccupied, so I would not be kept awake by snoring (I hoped). Perhaps superior hearing was not always a good thing. It also provided a good opportunity for the local shinobi to unobtrusively observe me. The ceiling was not enclosed, the beams that comprised the top of the 'wall' were exposed, and there appeared to be a gap sufficient for one to crawl, or if they were short like I was, to travel hunched over.

The samurai may deride the better shinobi for their small statures, but it was a great advantage in many situations. Few shinobi of worth were large, whether in height or musculature.

I was informed by the attendant that I had an hour till I would be retrieved, but I was to remain in my room. I nodded acknowledgement, and he slid the door shut behind me. I dropped my towel and placed the shakuhachi case beside my new clothing.

Sitting unclothed on my mat, I pulled out one of the ninjutsu scrolls I had received. It was still sealed. I had read the other one and destroyed it already. The scroll was disguised as notes for me: snippets of poetry, ideas for future paintings, sketches, and the like, just in case someone had sought to read it. I really should have read this and destroyed it prior to my arrival, but there was little opportunity.

I heard the faint sound of movement along those beams and placed the scroll back in my belongings, noting they had already been searched. The scroll must have been opened and resealed; I would have to check for traps prior to opening it. I stretched and lay back upon my mat, paws behind my head, and stared up at the ceiling as if in deep thought.

My observer took another minute to approach my room. He or she was moving cautiously, as appropriate for initial observation of a potential threat. This person even went so far as to circle around and approach me from along the stone wall that lay opposite the door. I kept my eyes unfocused and unmoving as I noticed a tiny movement to my right. The spy was using a reflective surface to observe me, rather than poke her head out. The scent indicated it was the Iriomote Cat I had noted in the garden, proving my suspicions correct.

I made some adjustments, rearranging my testicles and skinning my sheath back momentarily as I repositioned my penis before stretching. I reached above my head as far as I could, stretched my legs toward the door, spreading my toes apart, and yawned deeply. I heard a faint noise as the shinobi suppressed a yawn as well.

The mirror tilted away slightly, to hide the reflective surface from sight, but not so drastic a movement as to draw the eye. This Cat was rather skilled, it appeared; she would bear watching.

However, I did not fancy sitting in this room idle for an hour. I sat up. She had heard I studied with a Buddhist priest, so meditation would not be out of form. I crossed my legs, paws on my knees with the palms up and steadied my breathing. I slipped into a trance and sought out Timeus-san.

Some time later I heard the spy leave, the sound rousing me from my trance. It was nearing time for me to dress, so I stood, quickly straightened my fur, and did so. I picked up my shakuhachi as I heard footsteps approach. It was the shinobi Cat.

She lightly scratched at the door and quietly slid it open. She smiled as she saw me. "You're ready. Good. It's time for you to go to the dining hall."

I bowed slightly in acknowledgement. "As Ohtori-sama wills, I follow. We dine after the meal is finished? Different lords have different customs in these matters; some prefer to feed the serving staff and entertainment first, to avoid growling stomachs. Others let the serving staff eat the leftover food as their meal."

"Ohtori-sama follows the tradition set by his ancestors, which is the latter. We eat after. Guest entertainers dine with the senior staff."

I nodded. I considered flirting with her to compromise her judgement, but I did not want her so close as to restrict my movements. I hoped to leave these lands with only one death on my paws, so I chose not to. "I get most of my business from inns and merchants; few daimyo like peasant artists. They choose to have other nobles as guests. I've met a few samurai who travel like me. They appear to enjoy great honour and prestige from their art. Ohtori-sama seems to appreciate music and art. Does he bring in...guests like me, often?"

The Cat nodded. "Ohtori-sama invites a lot of people in. It seems anyone he encounters that can hold a brush or string a few words together gets brought here for a few days." She glanced slyly at me. "None have been as handsome or impertinent as you." She continued a bit more seriously. "And I'm not really familiar with art, but I have to say I've never heard anyone play the shakuhachi as well, either."

I grinned at her. "It sounds like my impertinence is contagious. Perhaps I should leave sooner rather than later. The thought of resting for a few days is nice, maybe even getting semi-regular baths and my fur brushed." I shrugged indifferently. "Not my decision, though. We'll see if I play well enough for him, soon. If not, perhaps I'll be beheaded or something. That'd be an interesting change."

"That would be interesting; Ohtori-sama hasn't had to execute anyone yet. We have wagers on which form he'll favour."

"Oh? What are the odds?" We were approaching the dining hall so I did not get an answer.

She remained silent until she led me to my seat for the meal. She bowed. "Here you are, Takahashi-sensei. I will be one of the servants assigned to you for your stay. My name is Kagura." I bowed in return and she left.

I prepared myself and began playing some standard tunes appropriate for the meal as the diners began to enter. Ohtori-sama entered last, as appropriate, and sat at a table with three other Otters, all younger than himself. They appeared to be a brother and two sisters. The brother was close in age and could easily take Ohtori Kaoru's place to fulfil the marriage contract. Damned short-sighted fool. Whichever general gave me my orders did not even bother with proper intelligence before sending me out. Well, it was not my problem; the orders were explicit and clear: my duty was to kill Ohtori Kaoru. I was not ordered to stop the wedding, nor kill the male Ohtori's. I was just to kill Kaoru. A pity and a waste.

As Ohtori-sama sat and began to eat, I switched to a Korean piece, one that had been popular in the court of Sejong the Great. He would have been a lord I would be proud to serve; his reputation indicated he was one who valued knowledge and art above all else, gathering the best artists and sages to his court. I saw Ohtori-sama perk up, but his brother seemed less pleased, as did many others in attendance. I spent the rest of the meal alternating between songs that would be familiar to my larger audience and those that would please the few listeners who wanted novelty and broader horizons.

Once the meal was finished, Ohtori-sama stood. "I wish to thank Takahashi Yoishi for his wonderful music this evening. You have my gratitude."

I bowed deeply. "You're too kind, Ohtori-sama. It was a privilege to play for a lord who appreciates such a wide range of music. I'd be honoured to play for you again, should you be so gracious."

Ohtori-sama's eyes twinkled. "And so you shall. I have informed you that you will be staying for a few days. Did you think you would be sitting idly while here? Now, you must be hungry and thirsty. Go eat and drink. Once you have supped, seek me out in the garden." He left the room and was shortly followed by the rest of the diners. A servant, the young Shiba girl, led me to my meal.

Once fed adequately -- a challenge due to my dietary restrictions -- I sought out the garden where I had played earlier. I made a point of appearing lost a few times, wandering down other halls and corridors, before arriving at my destination. I noted my shadow, Kagura-san, was following at a discreet distance. She remained out of sight most of the time, but I saw her twice, and each time she made it appear like she was en route elsewhere. Following someone in this fashion was not her forte.

Ohtori-sama was sitting there, looking at my painting. I stepped a little heavily as I entered the gazebo so he would hear me. He smiled up at me. "Ah, welcome, Takahashi-sensei. I was wondering where to place this painting when it was framed."

I bowed. "I haven't seen your whole castle yet, so I can't really say. While this is a great place to listen to my flute, it's not the best place for a painting. Also, the dining hall isn't somewhere you can really look at a detailed piece, either. Other than that, I just saw the halls leading to here and my room over..." I looked around. "...somewhere. Pretty far away, anyway. If your study or bedroom aren't too crowded, they might be nice. I think you'd like my work in the bedroom, Ohtori-sama." The last comment could intentionally be taken a few ways, and judging by the blush, Ohtori-sama took it the way I intended. His attendants weren't sure how to react.

Ohtori-sama passed the painting to one of the servants. "That may be a bit premature, Takahashi-sensei. We must get the proper framework before committing to such an important act as placing your work upon my bedroom wall. I must see it framed properly, for if it does not please me at that point, allowing it in my bedroom is out of the question."

I smiled and sat beside him. The guard tensed slightly, but I leaned back in a non-threatening, if a little too casual, position. "I see. Perhaps I should talk to the one who's going to do the framing and ensure my work is done in the most flattering manner possible. I'd be honoured if you enjoyed my work every night as you prepared to sleep, Ohtori-sama."

He blushed deeply, pleased and embarrassed. I had no further doubts as to whether I would be sharing his bed in the near future, though it sounded like it would not be tonight. "So, what is your will, Ohtori-sama? You've seen me paint, you've heard me play, and you've graciously endured my banter and insolence. How else am I to try to impress you today?"

Ohtori-sama lowered his eyes bashfully. "I do not know. Perhaps if I knew more about you I could see what other surprises lurk behind that insolent smile."

I wagged my finger at him and spoke chidingly, "Ah, an artist must keep some secrets, else how would I play the mysterious stranger, the purveyor of foreign music, and teller of unheard tales? You'd bore of me too quickly and I'd be back on the road before I recovered my strength after enduring such a long period of starvation."

He laughed at that, causing one of the guards, a Monkey, to move his hand away from his sword hilt.

There were two guards again. One of them was the guard who had been moved by my music at lunch; he was an unusual looking specimen, similar in appearance to a kappa. I believe he was a River Salamander; he was tall and quite sturdy in appearance, with smooth mottled skin, primarily grey in colour but with splashes of brownish-orange and greyish-green. He must have required frequent baths to keep such skin from drying out. The other guard was the one who had reached for his sword; he was a Japanese Macaque, with grey fur and a bald, red face. He was a little more slender than the other guard, but held himself with more confidence, likely a veteran of several combats.

Ohtori-sama glanced at his guards then at me as he said a little sternly, "You would refuse my request, Takahashi-sensei?"

I kept my position. "I'll answer any question, Ohtori-sama. You didn't ask any, so I had no request to follow. What interests you? You seemed to enjoy music from the mainland, but I can't tell you of my travels there, because this poor artist hasn't left this island. I've only been to a few of the neighbouring provinces. I didn't even travel long with the Buddhist priest I mentioned. I learned a lot, but I'm a quick study and he was a good teacher.

"There's no reason I can't entertain you and enjoy myself tormenting you at the same time. I think tormenting you, within the bounds of proper decorum, is novel enough that it's entertainment for you in its own right." The last line was delivered in a very teasing fashion. It took both guards by surprise, and they had no idea how to react.

Ohtori-sama also seemed surprised, but smiled. "Are you tormenting me, Takahashi-sensei, or my poor guards? They seem torn between separating your head from your shoulders and laughing at your antics."

I clicked my tongue to make a disapproving noise. "Such poor guards. Shouldn't they honour your requests in these situations? If I'm reading you correctly and not doing anything to displease you, shouldn't they be happy their daimyo is happy and not making their lives miserable to stave off his boredom? I'm sure they've heard of many stories where lords mistreat their servants because they're bored." The Macaque looked thoughtful, but the young Salamander was looking indignant. He probably had not heard of how servants could be executed at the lord's whims, but I'm sure he would once the two samurai had the opportunity to talk.

Ohtori-sama looked at me knowingly. "Just be sure you stay within the bounds of proper decorum."

I stood and bowed to him. My tone was slightly mocking, but not enough to provoke anyone. "As you will, Ohtori-sama. Now, why don't we take a walk? I'd like to see whatever you're willing to show me. Perhaps it'll be somewhere I can get a proper brushing; my fur is getting very tangled. You may even allow me to brush you at some point. I've been told I'm very skilled with my paws, Ohtori-sama."

Ohtori-sama blushed slightly. "You were not brushed prior to your bath? Speak to one of my servants and they will have a bath attendant do so. I am brushed daily, Takahashi-sensei. I do not need your assistance in that matter." He stood up and started to walk out of the garden.

"Fur gathers in clumps/Brushes in gentle paws go/Pleasure with purpose."

Ohtori-sama smiled as I finished but said nothing in response.

We wandered through some of the corridors surrounding the dining hall, stopping to talk about various pieces of art that caught either of our eyes, before wandering out to a courtyard by the barracks. He led me up to the wall overlooking the town and stood there in silence for several minutes. I waited patiently for him to speak.

He looked sadly down at the town, then back at the barracks. "You travel to a lot of different lands and towns, do you not, Takahashi-sensei? You hear many things?"

I shrugged. "Little of note, Ohtori-sama. There's something you're curious about?"

He sighed. "The usual: rumours of war, famine causing an increase in raids or banditry, an increase in Demon attacks, or Oni leaving the mountains in greater numbers. Anything that would threaten my lands or disrupt this fragile peace."

"You don't want to have to lead your men into combat, to see some of them die by your command." He nodded reluctantly. I sighed. "It's inevitable, Ohtori-sama. It's your duty. You get to order me to leave my travels and come up here to entertain you. You get to live without worrying about where your next meal will come from or whether you'll have to sleep outside in the rain or snow again, but you will have to order people to their deaths. Your decisions will determine whether your people will have enough food, whether they'll fight off the next Oni raid or Demon attack, or whether they'll be drawn into another war. I have my fate and you yours. I wish I could tell you differently, but our roles were determined at birth by who our parents happened to be."

The young Otter's shoulders slumped and he leaned forward against the wall, bracing himself upright with his paws.

I wished to pat him on the back, or hug him to provide comfort, but I could not. I instead attempted to put some level of sympathy in my voice. "Cheer up, Ohtori-sama. You still get to order me around if you want. I can tell you I haven't heard anything that'll threaten the people under your protection any time soon." I stepped a little closer to him, noticing the guards moved their paws closer to their swords, but they stopped when Ohtori-sama leaned in to bump against me before stepping away.

"You offer slight comfort, but I thank you. I am aware we are trapped by our births and that under Buddhist teachings I am most cursed, for no leader can hope to achieve Nirvana. We are required to bloody our paws, and that blood ensures we will be reincarnated and kept from our rest. Perhaps in the next life I will be permitted to travel as you do."

I smiled a little grimly. "Perhaps, but perhaps you should be careful what you wish for. It's not as ideal as you'd think; you can still end up with the blood of others on your paws."

His eyes widened. "You have killed, Takahashi-sensei?"

I lowered my head and stepped farther along the wall, looking out toward Mount Fuji which glowed in the late evening light. "Yes. As you've said, there are brigands out there, as well as Oni and others whom I was forced to kill. Peace is hard to find, whether you're a daimyo or forced to travel like I am."

He stepped up to look at Mount Fuji beside me, his paw twitching as if it sought to find mine, but it remained in place. "It is still something I would like to find."

I wished to take it, but as a peasant I could initiate nothing; the guards would not permit it, nor could his honour allow me to make any sort of first move. We remained silent and untouching for ten minutes before he took his leave and sent me to my room.

I woke early the next day, as was my custom, and sought out a space to exercise. Normally I did so in my quarters, but this room was too close to permit much movement. The only open space I had seen was beside the barracks, and while I did not wish to advertise my skill I felt the need to alleviate the tension in my muscles. Last night I had gone to my rooms as 'requested,' and remained there with Kagura-san supposedly hidden as she watched me. Then another shinobi took her place a few hours later. Their presence made it very hard for me to sleep.

I swiftly made it to the courtyard, tailed by a third shinobi and a more obvious guard, and noted that many guards were in formation being drilled by a gruff Tanuki. He was an obvious veteran, of such advanced years that he had much white in his fur. He was the highest ranked Canine I had seen thus far in the Ohtori household.

I selected a space of sufficient distance and location as to not be a distraction or obstacle and began my chosen workout. I did some small stretches. Not the most...visible ones I could have done, but enough to loosen the muscles, and then began some of the more flowing kung fu forms, ones I hoped would look more acrobatic and dance-like than combative. Regardless, it was known now that I was a passable combatant, having admitted I had fought and killed.

I kept the movements slow and graceful, flowing through them in accompaniment to the songs I planned to play for Ohtori-sama. I closed my eyes to remove more distraction and let all conscious thought vanish for almost twenty minutes before I was jolted out of my reverie by the sound of heavy footsteps approaching. It was the sergeant, and he looked less than pleased.

I kept my eyes opened but did not stop my exercise.

He had two staves, one in each paw, and stopped a half-dozen paces back. "You! Dancing geisha! This yard is for soldiers! I don't need some prancing slut distracting the boys I'm supposed to be turning into men! If you can't fight than you have no place here!" His expression did not match his tone. I believe he saw through the pace of the movements to the truth of their purpose. I think that was the source of his belligerence. He sought to expose my skill in order to protect his lord.

He threw a staff at me and I stepped aside, letting it fall with a clatter. "I honour the Buddhist teachings. I don't fight if I don't have to. If you've got somewhere else I can exercise, I'll go there and let the young men train without my distracting them."

The sergeant growled. "This castle has no space for you anywhere. Fight or leave."

I shrugged. "I'll go as soon as I have permission. I was brought here on Ohtori-sama's whims. I can't leave until they change."

The samurai nodded. "Then you'll fight." He didn't have the authority to do that, and we both knew it. His real authority was only inside the training grounds and only when there was training going on.

That left me in a predicament. I was not in the mood to take a sufficient beating to sate the sergeant's bloodlust, but neither did I desire to expose my skills to all present. Kagura-san thought she was hidden behind me, standing just inside a partially closed door; the other shinobi was serving water to the trainees; and my escort was waiting at the edge of the courtyard by the door through which I entered.

I sighed. "It's not entirely fair for the sergeant in charge of training to challenge a poor travelling artist. Surely there's a more appropriate choice, if this is really about seeing if I'm..." I cleared my throat. "..._w_orthy to exercise with these pups."

Several non-canines flushed in anger at my choice of words; some individuals get angry at being called 'pup' by a canine, even if many other species call their young that. It was an intentional barb on my part. Others seemed to react to the derision in my voice as I referred to their skill.

"Perhaps you have a preferred student?"

The sergeant was a bit more cunning than I thought. "I determine the worth of anyone who gets to practice here, since I'm the one in charge of training. You'll face me and if I don't think you deserve to set paw in this courtyard, you won't." He pointed his staff at me. "Now, pick it up or I'll start thrashing you anyway."

This was not worth it. I could just walk into town or anywhere outside if there was not space in the castle. I shrugged and started to walk out of the courtyard when a young Otter male, the one who sat beside Ohtori-sama, walked out.

He had a cruel glint in his eyes. "My sergeant gave you an order, peasant. Pick up the staff and fight."

I truly hated arrogance, yet even though he was not the lord of the castle, I could not disobey nor chastise him.

I turned and went to pick up the staff. The sergeant seemed to react to a signal and swung at me while I was still bent over. I slipped aside and toward him, rising up with an uppercut. My left paw grabbed his staff below his paws, and as he leaned back to avoid my palm I spun and hooked his staff behind my back, locking it with my right elbow as I lowered that arm. He could not maintain his hold on the staff and I took it. I tossed it aside and picked up the one I was told to grab, tripped the sergeant as he went to retrieve his staff and jabbed him in the stomach with the butt of mine.

"Do you yield, honourless cur?" I moved the staff to hover over his throat. "Though I noticed you attacked me on the orders of another, so perhaps you didn't tarnish your honour. Forgive my hasty words." That was vague enough to save me from an execution, yet the point was still made. I glanced at the lordling and saw the angry flush; he caught the intent.

The soldiers looked very surprised, as did the sergeant, but he nodded as he fought for breath. I sighed, knowing I had tipped my paw too far; the shinobi would be far more cautious, now. I bounced the staff on the ground and caught it. "I used to do a lot of performances using a staff. Perhaps I'll entertain Ohtori-sama with some." I set the butt of the staff on the ground and flipped myself up, so I was doing a pawstand on top of it. "I wasn't sure if I could still do this." I dropped down to the ground. "Useful things, these." I put the staff by the sergeant and left the courtyard for the baths.

Freshly brushed and bathed, I dressed and met Kagura-san by my room. "Kagura-san, I haven't been informed that I'm playing for Ohtori-sama during breakfast. Am I a guest or a servant right now?"

She seemed a little uncertain. "I don't know. You dined with him yesterday for lunch, so I can't just call you a servant, but we haven't been told if you're an official guest, either." She seemed to think as we walked to the dining hall. "I'd say a guest, unless you're asked to provide entertainment." She led me to a seat, the farthest away from the head table, and left me there.

As the other diners came in, a few looked at me questioningly, but most seemed to ignore my presence. Ohtori-sama met my eyes for a moment, as did his brother, but the message behind their eyes was completely different.

I was instructed to meet Ohtori-sama outside the barracks after breakfast, which I did, and I waited a few minutes for him to arrive. He soon did, flanked by the Macaque and by the second guard, which was in attendance at our first lunch, an Akita Inu.

Ohtori-sama walked up to me, stopping a few paces back, and said, quite seriously, "I should have you provided with a few more sets of clothing. Some white clothing would be pleasant, but some grey would be best. Sufficiently modest, but it would look nice against your black fur, more so if combined with other shades of grey, some black, or white." I remained silent, unsure of his intent. "This does not meet your approval, Takahashi-sensei?" His whiskers twitched as his eyes widened in concern.

I bowed. "I dress as you will, Ohtori-sama, I'm here at your pleasure. I just didn't know how that fit in with this." I gestured around the courtyard. "I assumed you heard about my morning, but I wasn't expecting to be greeted by a comment on my attire." I paused. "I hope you had a pleasant sleep, Ohtori-sama, and breakfast was to your liking. You look even better today than yesterday; being home has done what I thought was impossible, Ohtori-sama."

He blushed. He seemed chastened by my comment on his lack of greeting, and pleased at my flattery. "I am sorry, Takahashi-sensei. You are correct; I was remiss in not offering pleasantries first. Good morning. I have slept well, thank you for asking, and breakfast was most pleasant. I trust your night and morning, aside from my sergeant's behaviour, were to your liking?"

I bowed. "Good morning. Yes, aside from the interruption to my exercise, it's been pleasant. I had a good brushing, so my fur isn't itching anymore; you probably can't appreciate how annoying that can get. The serving girl assigned to me may have questions, though. Am I a guest whenever you haven't asked me to play for you? Neither of us were sure if I was supposed to eat as a minor guest or with the staff."

Ohtori-sama's mouth twitched into a tiny frown before returning to normal. "A guest." He gestured to a guard, who stepped into the barracks and brought out the sergeant. "Now, as the offended party, I want your input on how he is to be disciplined."

I met the sergeant's eyes, and his brown eyes met mine impassively. "I don't want him disciplined." Everyone seemed surprised. "He was rude, but he's in charge of instruction and was in the process of instructing. He's supposed to be...maybe not that belligerent, but that is worth, at most, a dressing-down. He was trying to keep his students from being distracted and didn't think I was fit to be here. I had the option of proving myself fit or leaving. I was going to leave and he was going to let me leave."

Ohtori-sama's eyes narrowed, looking between the two of us, who kept our faces impassive. "Then who stopped you?"

"I don't know if it's my place to say, Ohtori-sama."

The Otter looked at his sergeant, who kept quiet.

Ohtori-sama arched an eyebrow at the sergeant, who quietly answered, "Ohtori Ichiru-dono."

His master sighed. "So you do not wish him disciplined for following orders. My brother left that out of his tale, though he made it sound like you were the aggressor, Takahashi-sensei. I got more of the story from other observers, yet they all neglected to inform me of Ichiru's role; they merely mentioned that he witnessed it. Did Sergeant Kaito attack you before you were ready of his own volition?" I shook my head. Ohtori-sama turned to his sergeant. "Then there will be no punishment, other than you are to assist Takahashi Yoishi in his exercise in whatever capacity he desires."

I flicked my eyes up and down his body, thinking of several ways I could use him to get...exercise, but discarded them, as I had my target already chosen. If Ohtori-sama proved...reluctant, however, I might still have found out if the rumours around the size of a Tanuki's testicles were accurate. I hoped they were. Sergeant Kaito caught my wandering eyes and flushed in anger, but bowed in acquiescence to his lord.

"Now, Sergeant, grab Takahashi-sensei's staff." We both hesitated, our minds being on a different type of staff, but Kaito-sensei ran off to fetch one from the barracks. He quickly grabbed one and tossed it to me as he approached. Ohtori-sama's guards moved closer, and moved their paws closer to their swords.

I caught the staff and looked questioningly at Ohtori-sama.

"I wish to see your skill with it, Takahashi-sensei: the performance, not the fighting."

"I perform quite well, Ohtori-sama, but it's been quite some time. I may be out of practice. Also, I haven't played with a staff belonging to someone else in a long time, either. The sergeant's staff will probably react very differently than one I am intimately familiar with." Kaito-sensei flushed, angry and embarrassed; he obviously caught my intentional double-entendre, as did Ohtori-sama.

"Be that as it may, Takahashi-sensei, I wish to watch. Be thankful I don't ask you to play with Sergeant Kaito's staff for the first time before a larger audience. I am quite curious to see if you have been bragging or can back up your bold words with an exciting performance."

I grinned, feeling quite nervous, but dug a small divot in the space between two stones. I began by using the staff in some of the more florid forms before moving in to the balancing acts. I flipped myself up in a pawstand to begin, then from that position I jumped up and flipped to land on my left hindpaw on top of the staff. From there, I bent down and moved into another pawstand, legs stretched out to either side. I lowered my body so my rump almost brushed the top of the staff, held myself there for twenty seconds and slowly raised myself back up. I hopped the staff over to the divot, catching it on an angle, and flipped down so I was standing on the edge of the staff as it tilted on a forty-five degree angle. Everyone gasped aloud as I did that, as it looked as if I would fall. I nearly did. I did another pawstand, holding myself perpendicular to the staff from the middle, my paws spread wide, one near the top, the other two-thirds of the way down. My arms were beginning to shake, so I jumped up and lifted the staff to a ready position as I landed before bowing.

My audience was delighted; the hidden shinobi less so.

"It's been awhile, Ohtori-sama. I used to be more of an acrobat than a musician and painter, but I try to stay in practice in case I find myself somewhere where they don't like my other artistic talents. I much prefer painting."

The Otter's whiskers were rapidly twitching in excitement. "You are most skilled with your staff! It was a very energetic performance, and your endurance was awe-inspiring. The way you finished left me shaking and short of breath. A most delightful interlude!"

Kaito-sensei and I exchanged glances and had trouble hiding our perverse amusement. I tossed him back the staff and bowed to Ohtori-sama. "Thank you. I hope future performances provide a similar reaction and perhaps greater enjoyment. So, what are your plans for me, now? I've worked up a little sweat from that. I should've taken off my outer robes. If you want me to perform for you with that much energy again, let me know ahead of time so I can wear something easier to take off." I loosened my kimono to allow some air to move through; even though it wasn't a formal or elaborate kimono it still wasn't easy to do.

That got Ohtori-sama to blush, I found him so incredible attractive and adorable when he blushed that I was being a little more forward than was probably wise.

"Do you require another bath, Takahashi-sensei? I can part with your company, if so."

I shook my head. "No, Ohtori-sama, I don't think so. I'm just warm. It looks like the day is going to be the warmest yet this year, and this is a pretty thick kimono. It's a pity we weren't somewhere I could take most of it off to air out."

He looked a little thoughtful. "There is a small room near my quarters where we could retire for a time. I will have one of my yukata brought over for you to wear."

I smiled as we began walking, preceding the two guards and leaving the training grounds and Kaito-sensei behind. "And how am I to entertain you? A small, enclosed room mightn't be the best place to play my flute, though you could probably get me to change my mind. We'll have to see."

He smiled. "Not everything revolves around playing your flute, Takahashi-sensei; I have not seen all you have to offer, as of yet. I may find something that pleases me more as I begin to delve into the mystery around you."

"I've always been the one doing the delving; I don't know if I like the sound of where this is going, but it will be as you will, Ohtori-sama." He blushed again. "So, what do you want to know today?"

We had ascended two flights of stairs and walked into a small room at the corner of the building. It had two open windows to allow a small breeze through, along with some light. Mount Fuji was visible from here, too. The windows were very large for the time and type of building, but smaller than a typical bedroom window of our time. A nice rug and many large pillows lay on the floor, a table sat in the middle of the room with a tea set on it, and my flute case sat beside it along with my painting supplies. A serving girl, a different one, had a green yukata on one arm and a few scented and damp towels in a basket beside her.

I paused outside the door to let Ohtori-sama go through, but he stopped as well. "If you wish to have privacy while you change, you may go ahead, Takahashi-sensei."

I smiled and shrugged. "Not necessary." I bowed my head to the girl. "You may leave, thank you." She looked startled, glanced at her lord, and bowed as she left. "Ohtori-sama?"

He looked amused at my insolence and walked in, his guards close behind. I silently cursed but followed them, closing the door behind me. I began removing my kimono and spoke as my chest was exposed. "You haven't answered my question, you know."

The guards, who were flanking the door and watching me closely, tensed. Ohtori-sama turned from the window in surprise and saw the kimono drop to the floor. He stared at my chest in silence. The fur was damp and flattened against me, showing my lean muscles. He seemed impressed, but surprised again as I removed my pants and undergarments. I turned and spread the clothes out to air, exposing my firm rump to him, and picked up one of the scented towels.

I smiled as I stood back up and faced him. "A nice scent. It's a pity I can't ask you to rub my back; it's something I enjoy when I can get it, and it's equally as wrong to get an on-duty guard to do it, too."

He was looking me over thoroughly, and, like most non-canids, seemed absolutely perplexed by my black-furred sheath. I obviously started there. I rubbed the towel around my scrotum, pulling on my testicles as I went, and then pulled the towel down along my sheath before skinning it back to lightly, and unnecessarily, brush the towel along my flesh. I pulled my sheath back into place before retracting it again as I more vigorously scented the fur. His mouth was open slightly as he stared.

"You... You're...?" He stopped himself before asking.

I looked surprised. "Oh, my apologies, Ohtori-sama. I should've turned away. I guess I'm not properly bashful after travelling so much. My sheath was a bit sweaty, so I wanted to scrub it. I don't like the way it feels when the fur sticks. I hope I didn't offend."

I rubbed the towel over my legs, then got a fresh one for my chest. Ohtori-sama watched me with interest; the Macaque maintained steady vigilance, but the Akita's eyes and attention seemed to wander after a short time. I was almost offended by how uninteresting he found my bathing. I turned my back to Ohtori-sama to grab the third towel and looked over my shoulder at him as I 'clumsily' began trying to wipe my back. My tail was naturally curled up, and it was wagging slightly under his gaze.

I was hoping he would volunteer to rub my back, so I left it for last. "Have you decided how I'm to please you, Ohtori-sama? I've almost made myself presentable, at least to your nose, once I manage to clean my back."

I turned my head to face forward once I saw a decisive look on his face, but I was disappointed when he remained where he was.

"The Tea Ceremony, Takahashi-sensei, what does it require?"

It was obvious he wasn't going to rub my back, so I turned to walk over to the table as I quickly finished cleaning. I looked over the table, tossing the towel back into the basket. Even at its origin the Tea Ceremony was complex, though not as much as now, so the tea setting had little of the required chadogu, as the tools are called.

I stood, legs apart, with paws clasped near my groin, and shook my head. "We don't have everything here. I'll provide a list of the things I need to one of your servants so I can properly perform for you. I'll take it slowly for the first time, so you can learn what you need to properly enjoy it the second time. It's very involved when done properly, and carries a lot of meaning that you can only learn to appreciate over multiple sessions. I'd be happy and honoured to be your first and then to guide you on the path to proper understanding and appreciation of the act."

Ohtori-sama's blush started very slight but deepened as I kept talking, and his eyes kept drifting to my groin before flicking back up to my face.

"That said, do you want me to serve you some tea, Ohtori-sama, while you decide what I'm doing for you this morning, since the first choice isn't possible?"

He had his paws in front of him as he tentatively moved to sit at the table. "I-I, ah, y-yes. Tea would be lovely, Takahashi-sensei." His awkward movements made it most obvious he was very aroused and that arousal was hampering his movements.

I knelt and began preparing the tea when the Macaque cleared his throat, then flicked his eyes to the yukata that was still laid out beside the basket. I glanced back at Ohtori-sama, who was still blushing. He grinned slightly, but made no other indication of his thoughts.

I looked down at myself in surprise. "Oh! My most profound apologies, Ohtori-sama, for such unseemly manners! I was distracted by the thoughts of what I'd need for the Tea Ceremony. I hope I didn't offend you." I stood and slipped on the yukata, but left it loose around the chest. The Macaque shot me a dark look, to which I merely responded with a wink. I resumed my seat and finished the tea preparations.

"You appear most comfortable in preparing and serving for others, Takahashi-sensei."

I smiled slightly, responding with an unhelpful, "I am."

He appeared to expect more to follow and waited a minute, in which I poured the tea. He smiled slightly as he asked, "That was an opening in which you were to follow with the reason why you are comfortable in such a role."

I grinned insolently. "I'm aware of that."

Another slight pause, but he got the hint quickly. "Then I ask that you tell me why."

I laughed, which made him smile. "Ah, finally. I'm comfortable because I enjoy serving you, Ohtori-sama, in whatever role you wish of me: whether it's playing my flute, performing on the sergeant's staff, painting a canvas, or on my knees serving you, it's a pleasure for me to see you happy."

He blushed again, and the warmth in his eyes made my heart skip a beat. It was at that point I knew I had to be most careful, or I may go from lusting after the young Otter to something more.