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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.

Spirit Bound: Bonus Story

The Love of Takahashi Yoishi: Part Three

When last I spoke of my time with Ohtori Kaoru-sama we had had a small argument as a result of my dallying with one of his guards. After the disagreement we had gone our separate ways to begin the day. The remainder of the week proved to be grey and rain-filled, so we had no opportunity to return to his waterfall retreat, or even to sit in his garden. I was more closely watched during that time, so I did not have any further opportunity to prowl. Nor did I get any further with Ohtori-sama, not even as far as placing my paw upon his chest or his belly. All told it was a most frustrating week.

The next eventful time was a week and two days after the day I first saw his bedchambers. I went down to breakfast as was now routine, sat in my usual seat, and broke my night's fast. Ohtori-sama did not come in for his meal. At no point did he appear, nor did I receive a summons.

Somewhat concerned, I sought out Kagura-chan, my 'servant.' Her scent led me toward the kitchens and then up toward Ohtori-sama's rooms.

Before the guards at the foot of the stairs saw me I returned to my room and retrieved my flute. I quickly returned to the staircase and walked toward them, as if on business. The guards went to block my path but saw the flute case and let me by. I nodded and moved past them. Not one set of guards impeded my path till I reached Ohtori-sama's door.

The Macaque, Tetsuo Jinta, and the Salamander, Hamataro Genjiro, were on duty.

Tetsuo-san placed his hand on the hilt of his sword and moved to partially block the door, with Hamataro-san mirroring him once he noticed the movement. The grey-furred Monkey did not bother with a greeting but merely grunted. "You weren't sent for and you aren't allowed in this wing, artist. Leave."

I smiled, kindly. "I was allowed up here, Tetsuo-san. I'm here to ease Ohtori-san's boredom while he recovers from whatever ails him."

Hamataro-san sneered at me as he said, "For all we know you're the one that did this to him. Why would we let you in to finish the job?"

Tetsuo-san sighed. "Shut up, Genjiro."

I stepped forward with a frown. "He's been poisoned? I thought you were his guards. Where were you when this happened?"

Tetsuo-san half drew his sword, more of a warning than a preparation to attack. "We don't answer to you, artist. Return to your quarters and pray he recovers. Ichiru-dono will be looking for a target, and you're the perfect one."

"Let me by."

Hamataro-san seemed eager to recover his lost face with Tetsuo-san and fully drew his blade, causing the Macaque to stifle another sigh. The Salamander's voice was a little loud as he said, "You were warned, artist! This is your last chance to go."

I fixed my gaze on his. "Let. Me. By." I was getting annoyed and my concern for Ohtori-sama's health had caused Song Li to partially wake. Song Li did not appreciate being denied access to one in need, and when Hamataro-san met my gaze his chi was crushed under the weight of my own. He froze in place and began sweating profusely as he struggled to move, even if just enough to avert his eyes.

Kagura-chan's voice called out from the room, "Let him in, fools! He removed the poison from Akemi, didn't he?"

I blinked, releasing Hamataro-san from my hold. He gasped and stepped aside, with his head lowered; he appeared too afraid to look at any part of my face. Tetsuo-san looked at his colleague with some disdain, then at me with a measure of respect as he stepped away from the door. Many samurai conducted such duels before reaching for their swords; to win in such a fashion was a mark of honour, even for one who was not permitted to wear the daisho (or paired samurai blades).

I walked into the room and placed my flute on a small table along the wall. I looked at Kagura-chan in annoyance. "If you knew I could remove poison, why wasn't I sent for before now?"

She was standing beside Ohtori-sama's bed with an elderly female Goat. There was a tray beside them containing bottles, dishes of powders, and stacks of roots. A mortar held a gooey paste, and a mug held some water. It appeared they tried one cure, at least, already.

Ohtori-sama lay on the bed, his lower body covered by the blankets, his upper body bare under his open yukata. He appeared to be unconscious and in pain.

Kagura-chan sounded worried. "We... I thought you may have done this to him. I thought our healers could cure it." She looked at the elderly healer beside her apologetically.

"And?" I moved to the bed and ran my paws over the Otter's body. It was a different poison than the last.

The Goat reluctantly said, "I haven't succeeded...yet."

"The more you try and fail, the worse it is for him. The poison isn't the same one that was in his sake." The damage seemed to be worse around his lungs and airways. "It was inhaled." I leaned over, slipped my arms under him and lifted him up. I made sure to leave his yukata in the bed, but he was, unfortunately, wearing a fundoshi. "Get a clean robe and blanket. We're moving him to a different room."

The healer gathered her things as Kagura-chan grabbed a clean robe and tossed it over Ohtori-sama before opening the door. "Jinta, clear everyone out of the west hallway. Genjiro, we're moving him to the western sitting room. We need blankets and a mat. Go. Keep it quiet." They set out at a run, and Kagura turned to me. "Give him a few seconds to make sure the corridor is empty. How do you know it was inhaled?" It appeared the shinobi was still suspicious.

"His chi. I said I received some training, didn't I?" I noticed a little powder on Ohtori-sama's nose. "It was applied in the last few hours; he still has some on his nose. Wash it off."

Kagura-chan licked her thumb and wiped it over his nose, then brushed off his face. "It'll have to do until we get more clean cloths. Go, it should be clear."

I carried him into the room we had rested in two weeks ago, where I had first shown my unclothed form to the young Otter. I laid him down on the floor, not on the pillows. "We need to wash him to make sure we don't poison his new bedding. I need to wash myself, too."

Kagura-chan poked her head out the door. "Jinta, we need water. Get some buckets, towels, and clean cloths."

I ran my paws over Ohtori-sama's chest, soothing his troubled chi but expending as little of my own chi as possible. It was futile to try to do more than keep him stable while he was still contaminated with the poison that was causing the problem.

The healer placed her tray of ingredients on the floor nearby. She looked at me with suspicion. "What are you doing? He's unconscious but you still can't keep your paws off him?"

My voice was intentionally icy. "I'm keeping him breathing, thank you. What was in your failed antidote, anyway? I'll need to know when I make one that'll work." I glanced over her tray making note of the missing ingredients I would need.

She stiffened in indignation, as did Kagura-chan. Kagura-chan spoke first. "Keep it civil, both of you. Healer Hanadoku, this matches the reports of how he cured Akemi, without the use of salves or potions." The shinobi looked at Ohtori-sama hopefully. "He'll wake up soon?"

"I'm keeping him stable. This was...easier, though certainly not easy, with Masashi-san because the poison didn't have time to work its way through his system. I'll need to make an antidote for Ohtori-sama once he's cleaned. I know, right now, that there are several ingredients I need that aren't here."

Kagura-chan went back to the door, stuck her head out, and roared, "Jinta! Where is that water!?" She turned back and stalked over to us, again.

Hanadoku-san and I exchanged glances. The old Goat snidely asked the shinobi, "Aren't we keeping this quiet, youngster?"

Kagura-chan just hissed at her.

I got the healer to list off the ingredients she had used and sent her off to fetch the things I would need before the two bodyguards returned with their burdens. I had Hamataro-san place the blankets and mat on the far side of the room to ensure they would not be contaminated, along with the towels. I slipped off my kimono top, leaving the bottom on. "Slipped" would, perhaps, be too strong a term. Kimonos are not simple to put on or take off.

"Hamataro-san, I'll need clean clothing. Tetsuo-san, wash your arms and hands thoroughly; you'll dry Ohtori-sama and move him to the bed once he's clean, while Kagura-chan and I wash any traces of the poison off ourselves."

Kagura-chan glanced at her lord's undergarments and then blushed. "It seems you'll get to see him naked after all, artist. I'm betting you wish it was under better circumstances." She pulled off his fundoshi to reveal his member. I was too involved in trying to keep him alive to pay much attention, but I did note his furless length was quite modest in length and girth. In its flaccid state it barely poked past his thicker pubic fur.

I picked him up into my arms and rolled him over, keeping him elevated with one arm. I gathered a pawful of water and splashed it into his face several times as he exhaled, to clear the toxins from his nose and mouth without drowning him. Once done, Kagura and I quickly began sponging him off, taking water from one bucket and placing the used water in another. It took little time to clean him, and soon we stepped back to allow Tetsuo-san to move him aside and begin drying him. Kagura-chan removed her wet top (as she had a strip of fabric covering her breasts) and began washing her fur. I, also, began cleaning.

As we finished, Tetsuo-san was half done at his task, and Hamataro-san came in with my clothing. "Thank you, Hamataro-san. Wash your hands and arms; then set up the bedding for Ohtori-sama."

I removed my clothing, excluding my undergarments, washed my paws, and dressed in the clean clothing. I began looking over the tray the healer had left, attempting to determine if she was truthful in her description of the antidote she had concocted. I was not entirely certain she had attempted to help; I could see no indication her efforts alleviated his symptoms at all. I heard Ohtori-sama's breathing begin to become more laboured and broke off my study to work on slowing the spread of the poison.

Kagura-chan began pacing. "Where is she? Her workroom isn't that far from here; it shouldn't take her that long to pick up a few roots and...whatever else it was you asked for."

I glanced at her. "You're the shinobi. Do...whatever it is you people do to track down possible threats to your lord. You're going to have to let your people know what happened; get them to make sure she's doing her job and not poisoning the ingredients I need."

She froze, then began cursing a blue streak as she ran from the room. I could hear her running down the hall before her pawsteps vanished. She must be approaching the healer's workroom.

I sighed. This was getting far too complicated. "Hamataro-san, I need you to begin preparing things while I keep Ohtori-sama breathing. I need the mortar, pestle, knife, and cutting board cleaned thoroughly. The bucket closest to me is the clean water; the second is the poisoned one. I wish we had boiling water, but we'll make do. Hopefully Kagura-chan is back soon. I wish she had someone with her; I think whomever did this wasn't alone."

Hamataro-san paused as he walked over to the buckets; his tone was far more cautious, if also more respectful, than before. "Why do you think so, um, artist?"

"Because all the songs and poems I know say so. Because this is a different poison than the one that nearly killed Masashi-san, and applied differently. Because this attack occurred in his bedroom. If the first assassin could strike at Ohtori-sama in his bedroom the poison should've been in his drink in his room. His water or whatever he drinks before sleeping or waking up. Or even on his bedding. It was a very potent contact poison and much faster-acting than this inhaled one. If that one hit him during the night, or even just before breakfast, he would've been dead before I got there. The chances that the first assassin couldn't have made more of the contact poison are low, so I think there are two assassins. If there are two people wanting him dead, they have the same goal and it's far safer to assume they are working together and be wrong than assume they aren't and be wrong."

Tetsuo-san glared at me. "That's very smart, artist. Who are you? What are you? What's your interest in Ohtori-sama? You keep coming up with these observations, and demonstrating skills that are far too unusual for a simple travelling artist. You seem more like a shinobi than an artist. How can we trust you?"

I glared back at him, meeting his eyes. I pulled my paws away from Ohtori-sama's chest. "If you want me to leave, then say so, soldier. I can get up and leave you to heal him."

Tetsuo-san looked away, disgruntled but not cowed. "I withdraw my questions. I...apologize. Please, save him."

"Will you stop pulling your sword on me whenever I try to flirt with him?"

Tetsuo-san growled. He bent into a deep bow, and choked out, "I humbly and deeply apologize. I hope I did not offend you and will refrain from interfering in your pursuit of my lord's affections. Please, honoured and gracious Healer, help Ohtori Kaoru."

Kagura-chan screamed; the terrified sound drew rapid and heavy pawsteps from all around. The two bodyguards leapt up and drew their swords.

I put my paws back on Ohtori-sama's chest, resuming my work. "Sit back down and finish, you two. She just killed the traitor and is covering her activity. If she was in trouble she wouldn't have screamed, nor would she if she found the healer dead. It took too long for either event, in any case. She'll have the regular guardsmen deal with the body so she can get back to trying to get the ingredients I need." I glanced at the stunned Tetsuo-san. "Apology accepted, by the way, and I'll hold you to that promise."

Tetsuo-san shook himself and sheathed his sword. "Yes, shinobi-san."

"I'm an artist; I travel and learn many things. I've seen many things, done many things, and I've long been so jaded that I'm difficult to scare. You'd be surprised how many people get murdered in inns by assassins posing as staff members."

I was met with highly sceptical looks, which I just shrugged at.

I sighed. "Of course you don't believe me when I say I'm not a shinobi, so I don't think I'll continue to bother trying to deny it."

I rubbed at my forehead with the back of my wrist. This was getting very draining; if the ingredients were not retrieved soon I would not have the energy to make a sufficient antidote.

Tetsuo-san caught my strain. "We need this soon, don't we?" I nodded, and he growled as he threw his towel across the room. "Treacherous woman!" He pulled Ohtori-sama up into his arms and carefully moved him to the mat. He looked like a doting father caring for an ill child as he tucked the Otter under the blankets.

I moved over to kneel by my patient. "Do either of you know much about medical ingredients?" They both shook their heads. "Is there an apprentice healer or anyone who can help?"

Hamataro-san slowly said, "Well...Kagura's brother studied under Hanadoku for a few years, but he quit and went back to being a servant. There's another apprentice healer, but she's visiting her family. There are two healers in town we could send someone to get. I think the healer had another apprentice that quit and still works here."

"Kagura-chan probably sent for one or both of them. I want both of you, or one of you and Kagura-chan, to go watch while they gather the ingredients. Make sure they don't tamper with them; they just need to pick up the whole box or bag and bring them all back."

Hamataro-san sounded honestly confused. "Can't you just go get it?"

I could not keep the sarcasm out of my voice. "Sure, I can take all the time I want to look through some stranger's workshop, where I don't know how she stored things or labelled them. Someone else can keep Kaoru-kun breathing while I go." I took a deep breath. "Sorry, that was uncalled for, and I meant to say Ohtori-sama."

They remained silent, as did I, until Kagura-chan burst through the door with the other Iriomote Cat, her brother. She was slightly out of breath and panted as she asked, "What do you need, Sensei?"

I quickly ran through the list and had the male shinobi repeat it. "Just bring back the containers; she may have contaminated some and I don't want to waste time having people run back and forth to get more. Guards, go with him to help and, to be safe, bring back another set of equipment if you can carry it. Only if you can carry it all; the ingredients are the highest priority. Kagura-chan, it may take a bit of time, so finish cleaning the equipment, then bring it over here."

Everyone quickly did my bidding.

Kagura-chan was far quicker in cleaning than Hamataro-san. The Salamander may have been strong, but he was not the fastest person I had ever met. She was soon kneeling beside me. "What first?"

"The roots -- third bowl from the right. Small pieces; they'll be ground in the mortar, so make them small cubes. I want to keep as much juice with them as possible, but be able to grind them quickly and smoothly." She cut a few to get my opinion. I took a cube and tasted it. "Good, keep them piled together so I can scrape the juice in, too. I need this much." I sketched out the rough three-dimensional size with my fingers, and then said, "That was your brother?"

She nodded. "Yes. Our parents moved here from Iriomote Island before we were born. The Ohtori family took us in, and we swore to serve them in return."

I hesitated. "He's the servant who passed us the food for our trip to the waterfall. The one with the poisoned sake."

She paused in cutting for a split second but continued as if I said nothing wrong. Her tone was justifiably sharp, though. "You think he's trying to kill his lord? You're suggesting my brother is a traitor?"

"I'm suggesting nothing, Kagura-chan; I'm just giving you information you may not have had. I don't think you caught the person who poisoned the sake, or else one of the two guards would've mentioned it when I said there's more than one assassin around. Who was watching me last week? Or supposed to be watching me?"

She twitched ever so slightly; we both knew the answer was him. She sounded accusing when she asked, "Do you think the healer tampered with the ingredients she had stored or was that just a convenient excuse to send two guards to watch him?"

"One of the guards said he was the healer's apprentice at one time. The healer turned out to be a traitor. Should I be inclined to trust the apprentice of a traitor? One who had access to a bottle of alcohol that turned out to be poisoned? I won't take that chance with Kaoru-kun's life, no matter who it is."

"Sama." I looked at her questioningly, so she said, "Not kun, sama. Even if you like him, he's still a lord and you aren't. Kaoru-sama. But you're right; I shouldn't take that chance, either. I'll make sure his assignments don't involve anything to do with my lord. Or you."

A thought suddenly struck me. "Stop for a moment and bring the poisoned water over." She did so, and I checked it. "That cunning old goat. That wasn't an antidote at all, it was a poison designed to work with the poison already in his system. I thought things were speeding up; if things were like this when the poison was first administered..." I shook my head. "We're running out of time."

We worked for seven minutes, with me directing the preparations, until the remainder of my ingredients returned. I directed them to be placed nearby and had Tetsuo-san start chopping up the other ingredients. Kagura-chan dismissed her brother as soon as he put his last box down.

The male Cat seemed surprised. "Kagura? Don't you want me to help? I was an apprentice healer; I'm better suited to this than either of you two...or three." The two guards seemed to agree.

Kagura-chan just said, "Go. We have it under control. Jinta and I can handle a little chopping and Takahashi-sensei will work better without someone second-guessing him." Her brother turned and left the room, obviously offended, and Kagura-chan softly sighed as the door slid shut behind him.

I quickly directed their work, pushing them as fast as they could go, but it still took another five minutes. I gathered the ingredients into the mortar with shaking paws. "I may pass out while finishing this. If I do, put a bit in his mouth, on his nose, and a bunch into his fur along his throat. Get as much onto the skin as possible, as close to the veins as possible. Once he swallows, put more in his mouth; be careful that it isn't enough to choke him. We need to get it absorbed into his bloodstream as fast as possible. If I do pass out, just keep food and water near my bed. I typically wake up for very short periods before passing out again. It can keep going for a long time, even more than a week."

Tetsuo-san raised an eyebrow. "And if the antidote doesn't work?"

"Then you best hope that Kagura-chan's brother is a better healer than I am." Ohtori-sama's breathing was becoming laboured, so I quickly focused my chi and used it to activate the antidote I was making. The world went dark.

I woke a dozen times for no longer than ten minutes each time. I was not in my previous room, but a more elaborate room. Each time there was a small tray of light foods; ones easy for an invalid to eat and that would remain palatable at room temperatures. The scent of Ohtori-sama, Kagura-chan, and Masashi-san were thick in the room; it appeared they visited frequently, though they were never there when I woke. It was a relief to detect Ohtori-sama's scent; even if I could not determine his health by scent alone, I knew he was healthy. Were he not, he would have been unable to visit my new quarters.

The thirteenth time I woke marked the end of my recovery time, though my chi was still dangerously low. I was greatly fatigued, but I would sleep, not fall unconscious. I rose, attended to necessary matters, and poked my head out of the sliding door. I was in the room across from what was called the western sitting room. It was the room where I had treated Ohtori-sama, and just around the corner from his own room. It appeared to be after dark, and from the very dim hallway, it must be very late at night. I stepped back into my room and slipped on a yukata, then walked to Ohtori-sama's room.

Hamataro-san and Masashi-san were guarding the door. Both looked surprised to see me, and seemed somewhat concerned by my slow and unsteady progress. Masashi-san's voice carried some relief. "You're awake. Good, you've worried us, Healer. It's been five days since you passed out."

I placed my paw against a post and tried to catch my breath. Their eyes widened in surprise, and Hamataro-san almost moved from his post to help me. I raised my head and weakly smiled. "I'm on the mend, but still have a way to go. How is he? Is he all right?"

Masashi-san's tail wagged slightly. "Yes, thanks to you."

Hamataro-san cut in. "We did as you told us, Healer. It began working shortly after we put it in his fur; he managed to eat most of it, too. He didn't wake up until after lunch, but we could tell that his breathing became a lot easier." He knelt and put his forehead to the floor. "Thank you."

The Salamander always seemed to go a bit farther than was appropriate. That bow was way beyond what was appropriate. I'm not sure whose eyes jumped farther from their sockets, but both Masashi-san and I had to muffle shocked yells. I managed to choke out, "Hamataro-san. Don't do... Stand up, please. By the blessed Buddha, soldier, get up." I am certain I was glowing red under my fur. I scratched my chest, partly in embarrassment and partly because I itched. "I need a bath. Is there a servant who can get me to the bathing hall?"

I smelt Kagura-chan pass overhead, and seconds later heard a very faint thump around the corner.

She walked around it as Masashi-san said, "N-No. I'm sorry. The lord's servant is here, in the waiting room." He pointed across the hall. "But she can only be sent on the lord's business."

Kagura-chan walked closer, so I could pretend I just noticed her. "Ah, Kagura-chan. Just the person I was hoping to see."

I could see faint signs of relief in her body language, but I could still hear the worry in her voice. "You've lost weight."

"It happens when you're unconscious for most of five days. I haven't lost too much, though. A few good meals and some exercise, and I'll put it right back on."

"This has happened before?" She stopped by the door to Ohtori-sama's room. I nodded, and she opened the door. Hamataro-san looked ready to object but stayed quiet regardless. Kagura-chan said, "He said as soon as he was awake. Ohtori-sama was very explicit in his orders."

I raised a paw. "I'd really prefer to get a bath before seeing him. I think I got a sponge bath or two while I was out, but I still feel disgusting and probably smell worse."

Kagura-chan nodded with a smile. "Yes, on all counts. Still an order is an order, and while I'm curious about Ohtori-sama's preferred means of executing someone, I don't want that someone to be me." She motioned me to follow her, so I did.

The room was dark, lit only by the lanterns in the hall. I could see the lump under the covers in the bed where Ohtori-sama lay; he had not drawn the curtains, as the room was quite warm. Kagura-chan stopped and smiled at me, so I walked alone to his bed.

I sat on the mattress close to him, carefully so as to not wake him, and slid my paw under the covers to turn them down. His face was still and peaceful in his sleep; his robe was again partially open to expose his chest and stomach. I leaned over and gently nuzzled one of his tiny, round ears. "Little Otter," I whispered. He grumbled and groaned in his sleep before rolling onto his back, still unconscious. I pressed my nose to his and licked his lips, which elicited another groan, so I softly kissed him. He made that churr noise, quite loudly, and wrapped his arms around my neck as he woke. He hung on tightly as I went to pull away and was pulled into a sitting position.

He kissed me with surprising passion before he released my mouth and burrowed his head into my shoulder. "Yoishi-sensei, you have woken! I-I was so worried! Do not..." He hiccupped and continued, his voice full and worry and relief. "Do not do that again. I was afraid you were going to leave me." He hiccupped again.

"I'm here for a while yet, Ohtori-sama, though I really do want to leave and get a bath. My fur itches, and I think I stink, so it must be pretty bad." I rubbed his back, trying to sooth him.

I noticed I was alone with him in the room, and the door was open just enough to let some light spill in. I took the opportunity to put some passion into the next kiss I stole. I slid up onto the bed and straddled Ohtori-sama as I pushed him back onto the mattress, kissing him as I did so. He seemed very surprised, then pleased, and made a loud and long churr.

I lay atop him, chest-to-chest, and nuzzled his neck as I said, "I really need that bath, and then I'll probably need to sleep. Being unconscious isn't the same as sleeping, and I'm very tired." My stomach growled. "Hungry, too."

Ohtori-sama laughed. "Then let us fix two of those three. I will bring you to the bathing hall and bathe you while my servant gets you some food. Once you have been bathed and have eaten, I wish for you to return with me, here. I...want to make sure you do not leave. I was forbidden from having you here while you recovered; they said it would not be good for either of us, but..." He paused to sniff. "I... Do not leave me. Please."

"I won't. I'll stay here, for as long as we can be together." I rolled off him and nearly fell as I went to stand.

Ohtori-sama climbed out of bed after me, trying to make sure his yukata remained closed. His voice was glum. "Indeed. I...could not ask you to stay after the marriage. It would not be proper."

I kept one paw on the bed and placed the other on his cheek. "No. It wouldn't. I'll be gone before you get married, Ohtori-sama. I...couldn't bear to watch it, and it wouldn't be proper, either."

I slid my paw down to his robe, causing him to shiver beneath my paw. I leaned in to whisper in his ear, "I bathed you while trying to heal you, little Otter. I don't think you have anything to be ashamed or embarrassed about. I think you're wonderful as you are, and I want to see all of you again. This time while you're awake and wanting me to see. I want you, Kaoru-kun, and I hope you want me, too."

He blushed deeply, then closed his eyes and began shaking even more. He took my paw off his yukata and slid it under the fabric and onto his chest. He shivered violently and churred. He could not meet my eyes as he opened his and released my paw. "I-I do." He gulped. "B-But I am scared."

I stroked his chest but made no move to remove the garment. "Then let's get me clean and fed. I'll return to your bed and just hold you while we finish sleeping. Tomorrow, or the day after, depending on how fast I recover, we can go to the waterfall. This time you can sit next to me while we soak and swim with me in the pool. I'll dry you and brush your fur, and you can do the same for me. We'll take it slowly. I want you now, but I'll wait. I don't want you to be afraid of me; I want you to enjoy it as much as I do, and I couldn't enjoy it if you were scared."

He appeared to be on the verge of protesting, but I softly kissed him, removed my paw from his robe, and said, "Slowly. First, I need to recover, no matter what either of us wants, or else I'll pass out again."

He nodded, smoothed out his yukata, and blushed again as his paw encountered a small but noticeable bump in the front of his robe. I chuckled, causing him to blush more deeply. He seemed very uncertain what to do.

I moved my much more pronounced bulge such that it rested behind the belt of my robe, making sure he could see. I whispered into his ear, "Just tuck it behind your belt and it'll go away before too long."

He did, and I led him out into the hall, pausing at the door to catch my breath. Everyone looked alarmed but made no comment.

We began to make our slow way down to the bathing rooms when Masashi-san said, "Should I help him, Ohtori-sama? We don't want him overexerting himself."

I saw Ohtori-sama's eyes flash angrily for a moment, but he composed himself. "That would be wise, Akemi-san."

Masashi-san put my arm over his shoulder and walked beside me. I took the opportunity to ask, "I've only seen three bodyguards, and always two at a time. Shouldn't you have more? Maybe six to ten?"

Everyone looked away, but Ohtori-sama reluctantly answered, "Indeed, I should. I did, until recently, when a series of circumstances arose which dropped their numbers to these three. Training Sergeant Kaito is attempting to train some more to take their places, but he does not think any of the current soldiers are fit, and he has little confidence in the recruits. Hamataro-san has held his position for three months. Only Jinta has more than two years' experience. It is obvious that night is the most dangerous, so I have two guards nearby at that time, and leaving the castle is also more dangerous, but other times I have but one. I...was informed you were a great risk, so I always had two when you were near. After this I will have but one. It may be a relief for them; it will truly be a relief for their families."

We soon approached the bathing rooms, whereupon Kagura-chan excused herself to fetch some food. Ohtori-sama directed the two guards to remain outside and had the staff prepare the tub, but dismissed them from the first portion of the bath. Ohtori-sama intended to do the brushing and to wash my fur himself. The wash water was merely lukewarm but that was not such a concern; to have Ohtori-sama place his paws all over me was the part I wished to enjoy.

The last servant closed the door behind him, and I dropped my yukata and stood before the young lord fully unclothed. I was quite excited, but due to my current state, only the smallest bit of pink showed past my sheath. It still drew Ohtori-sama's eyes, and I saw his own robe twitch.

I smiled and walked to the stool, then sat with my back to him. "Shall we begin, little Otter? I need a good brushing first, I think, otherwise all this loose fur will just get tangled when you try to wash me."

I heard a gulp behind me and then the brush rattle on the tray as Ohtori-sama went to pick it up. I said nothing, in the hopes of calming him down, but the brush was shaking too much to do any good when it was placed upon my shoulder. I turned and moved his arm, then pulled him onto my lap.

He went to object, and his eyes were wide with surprise, but I just shushed him. "Stay here until you calm down a bit. Then, when I let you go, you'll stand behind me and hug me. Then, when you feel ready, try brushing me."

With my clear directions and soothing voice, he soon ceased his trembling. I released him and he moved behind me, but I could tell he began shaking as he went to touch me. He remembered what I had said, and wrapped his arms around me and placed his ear upon my back. It took another few minutes for him to calm, but he did and managed to slide the brush from shoulder to mid-back with only minor shivers.

Once he did the upper back he asked, "Did I do satisfactorily, Yoishi-sensei?"

I stood up and stood on the stool. "Yes, little Otter, you did, but you have a lot left to do." We kept it fairly professional, but I could not prevent some moans of appreciation from escaping as he placed a paw upon my rump as he brushed the other muscle.

He soon moved to the front, his eyes flicking down to my sheath as he tried to figure out where to start. He knelt and began at my shins. The sight of him kneeling before me caused an expected reaction, and another larger portion of my shaft became exposed. He became wide-eyed as he moved up to my thighs and saw it.

I smiled and rubbed around his ears. "Keep brushing. You'll be playing with it soon enough, but not today. I need to sit, so try not to dally."

He stammered an apology and began hastily brushing my thighs. I placed my paw upon his as he moved closer to my groin, and showed him how to brush without wounding me. He gulped mightily as I placed his paw upon my member and had him move it aside to brush the thick fur surrounding it.

"D-Do I need to brush your...sheath? It h-has fur on it, yes?" His paw was softly moving the loose tube over the swollen flesh beneath, causing me to moan and place a paw upon his shoulder. He seemed concerned that he had harmed me.

I smiled at him, saying, "That feels really good, but no, you don't need to brush it. Let me sit down; I'm getting really tired." I needed his help in order to make it back down onto the stool, and he quickly finished brushing me. There was quite a collection of black fur piled to the side before he brought over the first bucket of soapy water.

I stopped him before he could pour. "Ohtori-sama, your robe will get soaked if you try to wash me while wearing it. Do you want me to wash myself?"

He hesitated before putting the bucket down; then he tried to take off his yukata, but his paws were shaking too much.

"Do you want me to take it off for you?"

He nodded quickly, but he kept shaking violently, so I pulled his head down into a kiss. He made the churring noise I was quickly coming to love, and began to return the kiss, so I slipped the robe off his shoulders as I untied the belt. He squeaked in surprise and stepped back, causing it to fall by his hindpaws. He wore a fundoshi, but I let him retain it. He stood there mortified in only his undergarments, with his arms attempting to cover as much of himself as he could.

I smiled and let him see my eyes travel slowly over him. "You look wonderful, Kaoru-kun." He blushed, embarrassed and pleased. I reached out and ran my paw over his chest, growling softly, and then held my arms open for him. "I want to kiss you and hold you for a moment." It was not a direction, nor did I pull him where I wished him to be; he would have to do this on his own.

It took a moment but he slowly moved his arms away from his body and stepped into me, leaning over to wrap his arms around my neck. I pulled him down onto my lap, placing one of his legs on each side of my body. I rubbed his back until he put his muzzle by mine for his kiss, which I gave to him. He was vocal in his appreciation, causing me to smile and growl in return.

"Good pup. See that wasn't so bad, was it? Soon, you'll do that naked, and I'll enjoy this even more." He cringed at the thought, but I pressed his belly against mine. "I think you look wonderful; you feel even better when I press you against me. Don't be ashamed of your body, little Otter; I love it just as it is." I felt a little faint, which he seemed to notice.

"U-Um. We should get you clean, Yoishi-sensei." I let him go and he climbed off my lap. He attempted to turn quickly to hide the bulge in his undergarments, but I grabbed his paw. He froze.

I rubbed the back of his paw with my thumb and reached slowly toward him, making him begin to shake. "Shh, I won't touch it." I rubbed his belly, making him shiver for a different reason. "I find you extremely attractive. I want you to be comfortable showing me all of you, but that can wait." I let his paw go and withdrew my paws.

He quickly moved his yukata and picked up the bucket, retreating behind me. I had him slowly pour it over me as I began working it into my fur. Together we scrubbed my fur thoroughly, with no further play.

Halfway through the scrubbing I heard Kagura-chan and a bath attendant return, but they remained silent until the sound of washing ceased. Kagura-chan cleared her throat, making Ohtori-sama jump. I pointed at his robe and he quickly slipped it on.

I spoke. "I've just rinsed the soap from my fur, Kagura-chan. We're on our way to the tub."

"Good. I've left your food there. Everything is going well, my lord?"

"Y-Yes, Kagura-chan." Ohtori-sama helped me to my hindpaws and then wrapped a towel around my waist as I held myself up against the wall. I was forced to lean upon him as we took the few steps to the curtain by our alcove. Pulling it back we could see Hamataro-san was a nearly uniform shade of red, and each time Masashi-san glanced at him the Akita had trouble containing his laughter.

The laughter died as he saw me. "Are you sure soaking in the bath is a good idea, Healer?"

"No. No, I'm not. I didn't realize just scrubbing my fur would tire me out like this. Kagura-chan, would it be too much of an inconvenience to move the food?" Even my voice was unsteady.

Masashi-san moved to my other side to keep me from falling and taking Ohtori-sama with me. The bath attendant, a small Shiba-Inu, placed his paws against his muzzle in a genuine expression of concern, and Kagura-chan also seemed worried.

She shook her head. "No, of course not. I'll go get it while you two--" She gestured at the guards. "--get him to bed."

Hamataro-san put a yukata on me then took Ohtori-sama's place and brought me to the lord's room. As we passed the hall leading to the western sitting room I could see a faint trace of light in the room, likely entering from the north-facing window, signifying it must be dawn. I was swiftly placed into bed, and Kagura-chan appeared moments later. She was able to move far more quickly than we were, as even with the guards' assistance I was unable to move with much facility. She placed the tray upon my lap as Masashi-san propped me up with pillows.

"You are dismissed." Ohtori-sama sounded quite firm in his desire to see his protectors leave the room. "Do not wake me for breakfast; after the excitement of the night and the interruption of my sleep, I will need to recover. Thank you for your help, everyone."

They all bowed before leaving. Masashi-san winked at me as he closed the door. Ohtori-sama stood by the bed, hesitantly, a paw on the belt of his robe; unfortunately my robe was left on.

I reached for my chopsticks, but my paws shook such that I was unable to grasp them. I was even unable to pick up a rice ball with my paw. I sighed and sat there, looking glumly at my food, stifling a yawn.

Ohtori-sama drew the curtains shut, and then I could hear his robe fall to the floor. He peeked through the curtain, then quickly ducked in and slid under the covers before carefully moving over beside me.

He kept the covers over his stomach but sighed happily, apparently pleased with his progress. "Allow me to aid you, Yoishi-sensei." He began slowly feeding me, stealing tidbits for himself, until I could barely remain awake. He took the tray and shimmied aside, then glanced back at me before slipping out of bed to place the tray on the table by the door.

I began struggling to remove my yukata when I heard a noise that made me freeze. It was the sound of a smaller, lighter piece of fabric hitting the floor. I was suddenly much less fatigued, and my ears were perked, straining to hear further noise. There was an exhalation as he extinguished the lamps, followed by some very hesitant pawsteps approaching the curtains. I resumed my weak struggles. Ohtori-sama gulped loudly and stepped through the curtains. He slipped in and under the covers with remarkable speed, then slid over and helped me take off my robe. He tossed it aside.

"Thank you, Ohtori-sama," I said as I tried to move farther down into the bed.

He helped me down and adjusted the pillows, far more comfortable with exposing his stomach since he thought I could not see. I desperately wished I had more strength, but all I could do was let him help me get comfortable and place his head upon my chest as I held him close. I feel asleep instantly.

I woke at noon but spent the remainder of the day slowly walking and resting. I sat with Ohtori-sama for an hour, with only Hamataro-san present, and we spoke some, but he was still busy catching up on paperwork. He had been unable to perform his duties as lord for three days while he recovered, and there was much that required his attention. His sister had stopped by to see him while we spoke, so I left and resumed my slow walk.

I retired to my new room early that night and had nearly fallen asleep when I heard pawsteps approach. A servant tapped on the frame of the screen.

"Enter," I said.

The screen slid back and a servant announced, "Lord Ohtori demands your presence in his quarters; he desires to hear a few songs to help him sleep."

I rubbed my eyes. "Yeah, I'm on my way." The screen slid shut, so I sat up, pulled on a robe, and picked up my shakuhachi, the bamboo flute. I stumbled a few times as I walked to his room. Masashi-san and Tetsuo-san were at his door. They let me in immediately.

The room had only a single lamp lit, the one by the door, and the curtains on the bed were drawn. As the door shut, Ohtori-sama called out, "Y-Yoishi-sensei?"

"Yes, Ohtori-sama? You summoned me." I was feeling very sleepy and confused.

"I do not wish to be alone. Would you spend the night again?" He sounded very hesitant and a little embarrassed.

I glanced around and saw his sleeping robe with a fundoshi on it. My tail began wagging, and I placed my flute aside. I silently removed my clothing as I said, "I was told I was only going to have to play my flute for a few songs, not the whole night." I blew out the lamp, knowing the curtains would block the light, or its absence. I snuck around to the far side of the bed, and quietly peeked through the curtain.

He was sitting there, picking at the blanket pooled around his waist, looking away. "I-I wanted an excuse to summon you. I did not wish to say I wanted to curl up against you as I did this morning." As he spoke I carefully began sliding onto the bed, moving as to create the least disturbance I could. He began fidgeting slightly once he finished talking, but he became even more anxious as the expected response was not forthcoming. "Yoishi-sensei?"

I was now beside him. "Yes?" I wrapped my arm around him and pulled him against me.

He let out a shriek, and then began laughing. "You are most reprehensible!" The door burst open when he shrieked but the sound of his laughter and continued scolding gave the guards an idea of what happened. "You scared me! That was most unkind, you scurrilous knave! Vile miscreant!" He pulled away, grabbed a pillow, and hit me with it. The door clicked as the guards left; I could hear them chuckling as they did so.

I grabbed him again and pulled him back into me. "I don't have the strength to fight you, little Otter. May I have a kiss instead?"

He let the pillow go and blindly reached for me. I took his arms and placed his paws on my arms, then let him slide them up to reach my shoulders. He leaned in and bumped his muzzle against mine before gently kissing me. "Would that be sufficient answer?"

"No," I said, teasingly, "but we can get more comfortable and try again." We shuffled farther down under the covers and I pulled him on top of me. "Now, may I have a kiss?" This one was longer and with more heat. I began rubbing his back, making him arch up and churr. I slowly slid my paws farther down as we kept kissing, until I reached his tail. He gasped and shifted uncomfortably, not due to actual physical discomfort, but nerves. I smiled. "No undergarments. Good." I kissed him again, leaving one paw at the very top of his rump, while the other resumed rubbing his back.

After another minute my penis was halfway from my sheath and I could feel him fully erect and pressing into me. He pulled away, his voice full of uncertainty. "A-Are you wishing to...take me?"

My paw slid a little further down, cupping one of his soft muscles. He squirmed and squeaked. "I do, but not now. I'm still very tired, and you're still too scared." I shifted so he slid off to lie beside me. "Roll onto your side, facing away from me." I arranged him so his head was on my arm, and then cuddled up behind him with my groin against his rump. His thick tail was raised and moved to the side, such that it lay over my hip. I shifted so my penis slid up between his cheeks.

He gasped in surprise. "I-Is that your...penis?" He wiggled slightly then let out a surprised churr as it rubbed against his entrance.

"Yes, it is, and that's where it'll go. Later. It'll hurt at first, a little, but it'll feel a lot better than that just did soon after." I nibbled on his neck, making him gasp again. "For now, however, we should sleep." I wrapped my free arm around him so my paw rested on his chest and idly scratched his fur with my claws. He softly sighed, but if he made any more noise I did not hear as I slid into a deep sleep.

I woke in the morning, just before dawn, and felt Ohtori-sama still curled against me. I was now on my back, with his head on my chest and a leg draped across mine. I ran my paw down his back to rub along the base of his thick tail and soft rump. He groaned softly and churred in his sleep. I felt much better, enough that I wished to do some exercise. No, not that exercise, though I would definitely not have refused had my little Otter offered.

I carefully extricated myself from his embrace and slipped out of the bed. His room contained enough space for me to stretch; indeed, it was spacious enough once I moved his stool to do all of my exercises. I began my stretches and had moved onto some of the most complex forms I knew, as I was free from prying eyes, when I heard Ohtori-sama begin to stir.

I waited another minute for him to become more fully awake to say, "I'm still here."

I heard him sigh in relief before he crawled out of the covers to poke his head out of the curtains. "What would you be doing, Yoishi-sensei? It is most dark; how do you not trip?"

"I know the forms well enough, Ohtori-sama, I don't need to see." I did not actually say whether or not I could see. "Do you want me to light a lamp?"

"It would be appreciated, Yoishi-sensei. I believe it will soon be time for my servants to wake me." Ohtori-sama pulled a curtain back as I grabbed a candle and went to the door.

I opened it and stuck my head out. "Light this please, Masashi-san."

He took it and lit it from the lamp nearby. "I didn't hear you tweeting on your damned flute all night."

"No, I was too tired to play. I feel much better today; maybe I'll try to convince him to go to the falls. Who would be the escort?"

They quickly exchanged glances. Tetsuo-san said, "Akemi and Genjiro. You're relieved Akemi; get some sleep." The Akita turned and left, leaving us behind. The Macaque just gave me a flat look and turned to resume guarding.

I took the candle in and closed the door in time to see Ohtori-sama trying to tie up his fundoshi. I cleared my throat and watched him as I lit the lamp beside me. He dropped the strip of fabric and turned red as he covered his groin with his paws, making me chuckle. I put the candle in its holder and carried it over, placing it on a small table.

I folded my arms and smiled at him. "I like what I see, but your paws are in the way."

He curled up a little. "I...did not... I hoped to have been dressed before you finished."

I walked over to him, still smiling and with a very dominant posture. "I notice you haven't moved your paws. It must be very hard to get dressed like that."

He glanced down at himself, then his clothing that still lay at his hindpaws. He cringed slightly as I stopped two paces back. "My servants dress me. I... cannot tie the fundoshi quickly. It takes me much time."

I bent down and picked it up. "Don't they dress you in a clean one? Or do you wear this down to the bathing rooms and then get a clean one there?"

He kept glancing over at his fundoshi as he spoke. "I get brushed while I have my morning tea, then dressed before being brought down to bathe. Once bathed I am dressed in my morning clothes.I then listen to the morning business before breakfast."

I tossed it aside. "Then let's brush you."

He watched the fabric flutter away mournfully, his mouth partly open to protest. I took the opportunity to pull him into a kiss. He squeaked in surprise, but soon melted against me, his arms moving to wrap around my neck.

I released him from the kiss, but held him against me. "I want to brush you. What do you want?"

"I-I... Yoishi-sensei, please." He seemed torn between desire and mortified embarrassment. "I...have seen you, and when I think...of me..." He was shaking violently due to nerves once more.

I suddenly pulled away and dropped to a knee in front of him, so I was eye-level with his groin. He quickly tried to cover himself, but I grabbed his paws. "I see you, Ohtori-sama, but I don't understand why you're trying to hide."

He had a slightly thicker bush of adult fur around his furless member, which, as I mentioned, was modest in size and barely visible amongst the fur. He began whimpering and struggling, so I leaned in and breathed on him, causing him to freeze in surprise.

"You have nothing to be ashamed of, Kaoru-kun." I stuck my tongue out and licked the small gathering of foreskin which hung beyond the end of his glans, causing him to squeak. I placed one of his paws on my shoulder, and he grabbed a fist of fur, so I let it go and softly stroked the fur of his groin. He began shaking again, such that I stood up and held him to me to comfort him. "Look at me." He met my eyes, and I continued, "I have seen all of you, everything you are beneath your robes. I've seen Ohtori-sama, the lord with the rich clothes, and I've seen Kaoru-kun, the little Otter in just his fur. I'm still here, I desire you, and I want to see Kaoru-kun more often. All of Kaoru-kun. I want to give you pleasure like you've never felt, be closer to you than anyone has ever been, and I can't do that if you keep trying to hide yourself from me." I gently kissed him, then walked over and picked up his brush. I stood by his stool facing away from him.

Ohtori-sama stayed still for a minute, silent, but I eventually heard faint footsteps approach. He walked around me and stood in front of the stool. His paws were clasped over his groin, but he gulped and slowly moved them away. His head was turned to the side, eyes clenched shut, and I saw a small tear leak out and hang off one of his long eyelashes.

I made my voice as soothing and loving as I could. "You are very pleasing to my eyes, Kaoru-kun. More pleasing than any I've seen in years, many years. Don't be shy or ashamed to show yourself to me." When I reached out to brush his cheek and wipe away the tear, he opened his eyes and leaned into my paw.

He sounded surprised and disbelieving. "You do not seek to deceive me, in order to gain access to my bed? You truly fancy me?"

"If I wanted to get access to a bed, there are many easier ones I could be going after. Why would I be going through all this effort if I didn't fancy you?" I leaned over and rubbed my muzzle against his ear. "I want to go to the waterfall. May we?"

He smiled, then sighed happily as I began to brush him. "As you wish."

The morning had been quite interesting. I had brushed him and then dressed him before his servants arrived. I had just put on my yukata, took my shakuhachi, and left before they arrived. Once I dressed appropriately for my exercise, I went down to the practice yard. Sergeant Kaito was still not...warm, yet his demeanour was greatly improved; it appeared he was one that was informed of the nearly successful attempt on his lord's life.

At breakfast I was informed that I was to sit in the previous healer's position near the high table; Kagura had provided me with clothing appropriate to the occasion and position. Ohtori Ichiru-dono did not seem well-pleased to see me so elevated.

The day was pleasant, so I set up a canvas and began painting in the garden, and was surprised to see the eldest sister of Ohtori-sama bring a servant and tutor to the gazebo. They conducted the lesson there, not a half-dozen paces away, and I was most surprised by her wit and intelligence. She appeared to be fourteen, and may already have been promised to a lord as a bride, though I found it surprising that she was learning to read from her tutor. A proper lord would not permit a woman to learn such things, so it must have been Ohtori-sama's decision, not his father's. My already high opinion of the young lord rose considerably.

It was now the lunch hour and we were just ending our journey to the waterfall. I took the bags and began setting up the picnic, while Masashi-san scouted the perimeter and Hamataro-san took care of the horses. Ohtori-sama sat upon his rock and watched. The day was most warm for the time of the year; it appeared Masashi-san was experiencing some discomfort due to the heat. He spent a little extra time scouting in the shade along the bamboo and in the mist of the waterfall.

I took his cup, filled it with water, and brought it to him. "Here, soldier. When the meal is finished you should take a bit of time to relax and cool down. You won't be much use if you pass out from the heat."

He took the water gratefully and drank it. "No, I won't lose face like that. A samurai can't let a little heat disarm him."

I shook my head; samurai could be most obstinate. "Will you lose more face by doing what is necessary to be ready in the event your lord needs you, or by being stubborn and foolish, then failing to protect your lord because the heat defeated you before the enemy ever showed up?" He hung his head, but I continued, "Hamataro-san needs to have a good example, too. He'll need to soak for a bit; the heat isn't affecting him the same way, but I can already tell his skin will need some rehydration before we walk back."

Masashi-san looked at his colleague then nodded. "Yes, Healer."

I took his cup and went back to laying out the meal. It was similar to the last one, containing many small bite-sized morsels. Once again there was no meat in the food prepared for Ohtori-sama and me, but this time there was no bottle of sake. Just before calling Ohtori-sama to eat, I brought water to the two guards.

"Ohtori-sama, your meal is prepared," I said as I returned to the blanket, bowing my head.

He rose from his stone and sat at the blanket. "You make a good servant when you are not so presumptuous or insolent."

"Were I less presumptuous or insolent I wouldn't have pursued you enough to finally have you bring me to your bed or remove your clothes in front of me." I reached across the food to rub his cheek, making him blush. "Now, let's eat, so I can make you swim with me. Also, your guards need to have a few breaks this afternoon so the heat doesn't get to them."

We had a leisurely meal and engaged in much talk. Once we finished, I brought Masashi-san some more water and his food. "Remove your armour and top, Masashi-san, then soak your fur. Let it dry while you eat in the shade." He did so and Hamataro-san took over the patrol.

I removed my own top and sat on the rock to continue my painting. I was not entirely pleased with it so far, but it was a good piece. Ohtori-sama sat beside me and talked while I painted.

"Ohtori-sama, your sister, the older one, she was in the garden when I started this; she seems to be a remarkable young woman."

"Sakura-chan? Yes, she is. She asked to have lessons with my former tutor, two years back. I was just a new lord and had finished my own lessons. I was fond of my tutor and did not wish to turn him out or consign him to lesser duties; I also thought Sakura-chan would greatly enjoy learning. I do not know her as well as she deserves, but I find her to be very intelligent and quite strong-willed. When we spoke of a female lord, I thought of her. Were women permitted to be lords she would be the most suited of the four of us. She has the ferocity and bravery of Ichiru, my intelligence and compassion, and a wisdom all her own in how to balance them."

I added a few more brush strokes before asking, "Is Kagura-chan training her?"

Ohtori-sama hesitated. "In how to be a servant? That is most beneath her."

I smiled and laughed. "I know perfectly well she's one of your top shinobi. The day you were scolding Masashi-san was more than enough proof, including how you weren't surprised when I mentioned her spies. Don't bother trying to deny it now. If Sakura-dono is as remarkable as you say, she needs, and should have, training. Most lords won't tolerate a wife who can read, so she should have the means of protecting herself. A lord won't admit he was bested by a woman, especially his wife, in combat, so he's more likely to give her some peace. It's a gamble, but if she's smart he won't know she can read or fight."

Ohtori-sama reluctantly nodded. He looked over at the sound of splashing water. Masashi-san was splashing his fur with water, but the spring runoff was finished, so the water level was lower and he was having trouble soaking his fur. Ohtori-sama seemed to be appreciating his guard's physique.

I called over, "Masashi-san, just take off your pants and swim for a minute. Hamataro-san will have to do the same to soak, so it doesn't really make a difference."

Masashi-san stood up in surprise and looked at his lord, who, in turn, looked at me, then back at his guard.

Ohtori-sama seemed to mentally shrug before saying, "Yoishi-sensei is correct. You appear to be unable to properly cool yourself as it is, and I do not wish for you to overheat. Remove your clothing and bathe until you are sufficiently cooled, then eat."

"Yes, my lord." Masashi-san stood and removed the last of his clothing, resolutely facing away from his lord, who seemed to appreciate the view presented by the muscular Akita; I certainly did. Masashi-san climbed down the embankment into the cold water, growling as the cold and wet penetrated his fur, before diving out into the deep water. Ohtori-sama watched him as I returned to my painting.

I interrupted his voyeurism with amusement. "Have your shinobi found any leads on who is attempting to kill you?"

Ohtori-sama jumped and turned back to me. "N-No, Yoishi-sensei. I am sorry; I should not have been looking at him in such a manner."

I chuckled. "What manner? Why are you apologizing? He's very good-looking and worth looking at. Just because you think he's attractive doesn't mean you suddenly think I'm less attractive."

I noticed Hamataro-san was looking very uncomfortable at the conversation, but had yet to draw his blade on me. He had not actually threatened me since I had fallen unconscious and recovered.

"Just the same way I can find both of you attractive, too, in different ways." Ohtori-sama began to look jealous, so I leaned in to rub my muzzle against his, and then kissed him. "I still care for you, not him, and I find myself more aroused by your naked form."

Ohtori-sama blushed just as fiercely as Hamataro-san, who quickly retreated to the far side of the clearing to scout along the bamboo. Ohtori-sama whispered, "Y-Yoishi-sensei, please!"

I grinned evilly as I teasingly said, "Right now? In front of your guards? As you wish, Ohtori-sama. Shall I remove your clothing for you, or are we in a hurry and we'll just strip ourselves so we can get to it quicker?"

He looked confused for a second before appearing as if he wished to blush more deeply but was already blushing as much as he could. "No more, Yoishi-sensei. Please say no more on the subject."

I nodded. "As you wish, Ohtori-sama. May I comment on how much I enjoy gazing into your eyes? How I can see such kindness and tenderness in them? Or the sparkle of your humour, the intelligence of the mind that lies behind them?"

Ohtori-sama rubbed his paws together in his lap and kept his gaze down on them. He looked pleased by my words, but still most embarrassed. He opened his mouth a few times but said nothing.

I turned back to my painting, which was of the waterfall and its clearing, before saying, "I'll take that as a yes. Can I also say how happy it makes me to hear that noise you make? The one that sounds like a squeaky purr?" I softly cleared my throat and mimicked the churr noise he made.

The blush which had just started to recede returned in full-force. "Now you seek to tease me, Yoishi-sensei."

I laughed with such amusement I was forced to place the ink bottle down. "Oh, dear Kaoru-ku...sama." I remembered Kagura-chan's chiding and switched what I was to say. "I've sought to tease you for weeks. You're just realizing it, now?" I half-turned and pulled him into a hug. He had his head ducked, mortified, but I lifted his chin and gently kissed him. "You sweet little Otter. I've teased you, chased you, shared my thoughts and ideas with you, healed you and had my own heart healed in return. I love it when you make that sound because it means I've given you pleasure and made you feel happy. So please don't go trying to stop making it." I kissed him again and ran my paw along his cheek, coaxing out a faint churr. He blushed as I laughed again. "Thank you, my sweet Otter."

"I...should be thanking you, Yoishi-sensei. You make me feel wanted and valuable as Kaoru, the person underneath the title. With all my shortcomings, my weaknesses, my flaws. My...body." Ohtori-sama pulled away, turning slightly as he said the last word.

I, in turn, shifted so I was behind him and pulled him back against me. "I thought I made it perfectly clear that I find your body extremely desirable, so much so that you've told me more than once to not make my desire so obvious." I nibbled his tiny ear. "The things I want to do to that body you find so embarrassing..." I growled deep in my chest, knowing the vibrations would travel through him.

I let him go as Masashi-san began climbing out of the water. "We should move so Masashi-san can sit on the rock and dry while he eats. Will you swim with me?" I stood and held my paw out.

Ohtori-sama took it and rose, but stopped and stared as he saw Masashi-san standing by the pool, dripping. The fur clung to all of his muscles, showing all the definition of his firm body. Small rivulets of water streamed down the crevices between each mound of flesh, some gathering to create a larger stream that ran through his pubic fur and down his large white sheath. Masashi-san quickly shook, sending a large quantity of water flying, as well as making his manhood swing about. Ohtori-sama's paws drifted down to cover his own rising, if diminutive, manhood.

I stoppered my ink bottle and washed out the brush. "He is impressive, isn't he?" I put my arm around him and whispered in his ear, "But I'd rather see you standing naked before me. I'd rather climb into your bed. I want to swim with you, naked. As my sweet Otter, my Kaoru-kun, not dressed up as Ohtori-sama. Please."

Ohtori-sama tore his eyes away from his guard to stare at me with a stricken expression. "B-But, Yoishi-sensei..."

I pressed my nose to his. "'But' nothing. Masashi-san is Masashi-san, and you--are swimming with me."

He was expecting 'you are you,' so my departure from the expected drew out a small smile. "Knave. I thought I was to be giving the orders, not you."

I took his paw and drew him closer to the water. "Then order your guards to turn their heads for a minute, order me to remove your clothing, and order yourself to get in the water, Ohtori-sama."

Masashi-san shook his head in amusement as he walked by, carrying his pants. I motioned toward the rock and he nodded. He sat facing out over the cliff and began eating.

Ohtori-sama gulped, then turned to look at Hamataro-san, who was still a little red. The Salamander was walking along the bamboo screening us from the trail down the mountain, but turned when Ohtori-sama called over, "Genjiro-san, I wish to bathe. Please avert your gaze until I give you leave." The Salamander nodded, so Ohtori-sama stopped close to the water. "If you will, Yoishi-sensei."

I pulled the towels from the saddlebags and tossed mine over to Masashi-san. I took Ohtori-sama's over to place near the shore. The young lord was shaking, so I just held him for a minute. "I've seen you, Kaoru-sama. There's nothing to be afraid of." I brushed my muzzle along his cheek, stepped back a half-pace, and stared into his eyes with a slight smile as I unfastened his belt. "You don't know how much this pleases me, my sweet little Otter."

I slipped his top off and nibbled along the crook of his neck as the heavy cloth dropped. That coaxed out a soft sigh and smile, so I continued to undress him. I gently nipped his soft torso as I knelt, drawing his pants to the ground, leaving him in just his fundoshi. He squeaked and went to move his paws in front of his groin, but I bit into the fabric of his undergarments before he could cover himself. I waggled my ears at him as I grinned around the white cloth, causing him to laugh.

"You can play the fool most charmingly, Yoishi-sensei." His laughter broke off with a gasp. I had released my bite and moved my nose to nuzzle his hidden treasures.

Then I slowly began removing the fabric wound around his groin. He whimpered but I shushed him and let the cloth finally drop. He went to hide himself again, but my nose once more was in the way. I wrapped my tongue around his bald member and drew it into my mouth. The whimper was replaced by a churr, and two fists fastened onto my ears as I softly suckled on him.

I released him from my mouth and scooped him into my arms, making him release my ears and wrap his arms around my neck. I stood and walked the few steps to the shore. Glancing down, I saw his penis twitching, the tip of his rounded glans shining red as it poked past his white foreskin. Even fully erect, he was only a couple of centimetres longer, though he doubled in girth. I made sure to whisper, so as to not embarrass him further. "You've felt nothing yet, but I think you'd prefer to do that in private." I kept him in my arms as I made my way into the chilly water.

He squeaked as the water penetrated the fur on his tail. "It's cold! You are not... Do not drop me, please! Slowly!"

I smiled down at him. "I don't want to cause you discomfort, so I'll take it slow now, as I will later. It'll take you time to get used to it."

He blushed as he caught my meaning. "From what you have said, I trust it will be better than swimming in ice water?"

"It'll be more invigorating than swimming in ice water, more soothing than the hot spring, more loving than sitting in the garden and listening me to play my flute. It'll be a completely new type of feeling, sweet Otter."

I was easing him in as I spoke, and had just begun to lower his legs when he said, "No, do not let me go. May you turn over and swim out with me on your chest? I do not wish to leave your arms just yet."

"I don't want you to ever leave my arms, my Kaoru-kun." I did as he said and pushed out into the deeper water, toward the waterfall entering the pool. I called out to the guards, "We're in the water." I kicked my legs and held him close.

He sounded nervous as he saw the sheet of cold water getting closer. "You...are not..."

I gave a mighty kick and propelled us through it. He coughed and spluttered as we emerged in the small space behind it. I had to speak loudly for him to hear me. "Now they can't see us or hear us." I pulled his head up and kissed him passionately. I could feel, more than hear, his appreciation.

I turned him so his back rested against the smooth, round rocks along the cliff face and found some purchase for my hindpaws in the rocks under the water. I used that purchase to lift him up out of the water, and sat him on a rock.

He looked at me questioningly and blushed as I had to move aside his fur to find his shrunken member. His embarrassment vanished as I licked along it, coaxing it to full length. I lifted his legs over my shoulders to free my paws and used one to rub his chest and belly while the other began to massage his rump. His head tipped back as I took him fully into my mouth and used my tongue to play along the inside of his foreskin. I knew his first time would be short and did not seek to prolong it, but took the opportunity to play around his entrance.

His hips began bucking involuntarily, his fists clutched my ears again, and his legs tightened around my neck. He began quivering and gave a loud, long churr as he began shooting a surprisingly large amount of semen into my mouth...just as Masashi-san swam through the waterfall.

I tilted my head to glance back at the flustered bodyguard, who gave me a weak and embarrassed grin before sinking underwater and swimming rapidly away.

Ohtori-sama did not notice we had been interrupted; he was too busy panting and trying to recover. I let him slide off the rock and into my arms, stopping him with the tip of my penis prodding at his entrance. I kissed him as soon as he seemed aware enough to appreciate it. He returned the kiss with more passion than he had previously exhibited, and even pushed down upon me, so my tip penetrated him. He stopped in surprise, so I withdrew and slowly pushed back in, slightly. His eyes partly closed in pleasure, so I kept pushing just the tip in and out of him. He resumed kissing me and meeting my tiny thrusts, causing me to move in more deeply. Once he got past the tip he stopped with a gasp of pain.

He looked betrayed as he raised his voice so I could hear. "I... That was a grievous pain!"

I spoke into his ear, "I said it'd hurt, but this isn't the way to do it on your first time. I need to stretch you a bit." I withdrew and lifted him back onto the rock.

"I did not expect such a thing. If I must endure... Oh, my."

My tongue had begun working its way over his aching hole. I held him up on the rock, one paw gently teasing his rising length, and let my tongue begin to open him up. It took a bit before my tongue had him loosened enough that I felt comfortable using my fingers.

I had to get myself far enough out of the water that I could acquire some of my natural lubricant to ease their entrance, but soon I was able to work one, then two fingers into the moaning Otter. As the second finger entered, he hissed in slight pain, but that changed into a churr as I pressed on his prostate. I massaged him there for a minute as I prepared him for a third digit.

Seeing him lying in the spray of the waterfall, head back against the slick stone, with the shimmering and dimmed light dancing across his soaked fur was my new treasured memory. He was completely lost in the new pleasures I was showing him. His head came up as my third finger entered; this obviously was not as pleasant. I leaned over and began sucking on his penis, rather than stroking it with my paw, to distract him. It worked, but I could not do it for long, as he was already close to another orgasm, and this one I wished to have coincide with my own.

I eased him down off the rock, releasing his length from my muzzle, and slid into him as I removed my fingers. I got past the tapered tip and onto the shaft before pausing, noting his fear. "Shh..." I said as I attempted to calm him. "It'll go more easily this time. I'll let you control it all. Take it slow, push out with your insides as you go down, and bounce slightly. Don't try to take too much at once, and stop whenever you need, for as long as you need." My great arousal at finally entering this adorable Otter had me producing large quantities of pre, so it kept us quite slick as he began to cautiously move.

To coax him on, I sent tiny trickles of chi into him each time he went a little further down, triggering sensations of pleasure and dampening his sensitivity to pain. I could not do much, as I was still very low on chi, but I thought this to be worth it. As his hesitancy quickly vanished over the next several bounces, I knew it to be worth the cost.

With a churr that sounded loud over the waterfall, he slid all the way down, his vocal appreciation spiking as I rubbed along his prostate. He panted and clung to me as my knot pressed against him. "I did it! You are all the way in!" He laughed, delighted, and kissed me. "Oh, you were most correct, lovely artist! Healer... Lover. My lover. This is a delightful sensation."

I grinned as I ground my knot against him. "I'm not all the way in, but I will be, and the fun's just beginning." I pulled partway out and slowly pushed in, making sure to push into his pleasure spot as my tip went by.

His confusion vanished like a trailer of mist on a hot day, lost in the feelings coursing through him. When I reached my knot once more, he remembered to ask, "Not all the way in?"

I chuckled. "My knot's not in, no." I took his paw and placed it over the mound of flesh. "This is going in, too." A look of growing horror spread across his face, so I added, "Trust me. It will take a bit, but as we go you'll loosen a bit more and I'll get it in." I pulled out enough to prod his prostate, making him churr. "My knot will push there, rubbing it in ways that I can't like this. It's usually enough to make most men cum all on its own. It's the best part of having sex with a Dog, and this Dog wants to make sure your first time is incredible." I pushed back in, and then began slowly thrusting into him.

Ohtori-sama clung to me, too lost in his sex-haze to worry about the perceived size of my knot. Each thrust seemed to drive him to new heights, dancing at the very cusp of release, but not quite tipping him over.

As I nibbled along his neck I found the spot that seemed to be more sensitive. He squealed in delight as I began to work on it, and his muscles clenched tightly around me, making me moan and attack his neck with more vigour. This soon had both of us dancing on the precipice, so I ceased my assaults upon his neck and allowed him to relax some before I began pushing my knot in.

I took three thrusts to enter, each timed with another spike of chi, before I gained full entry to my lover and tipped us both over the edge into orgasmic bliss. I howled, caring not how loud it may be, and began to fill the Otter, who painted us both with his seed.

I sagged over him as I began to come down from my high and panted into his neck. I began to gently nuzzle him, rousing the barely conscious lord. I asked, more loudly than I wished so he could hear over the crashing water, "Not bad, was it?"

I felt his chest vibrate with laughter. "It was diverting. I may allow you to play that tune on another occasion. Now, my guards must be worried, so if you would withdraw I would show them that I am well." He tried to pull off, but stopped in confusion when he could not.

I tugged on him and chuckled. "There's a reason it's called a knot, and that's because it's called tying when it gets put in you. You're stuck for a while, my sweet Kaoru-chan. My lover."

He blushed. "How long are we...tied? You were right at the pleasing feeling of having your knot within me, but it is somewhat inconvenient. What if they grow worried and check on us?"

"They did already."

The horror that spread across his face was one of the most amusing things I had seen to that point. "They...what? When? Oh...I... How can I face them?"

I stroked his head and pressed my nose to his. "It was while I was sucking you off. Masashi-san came through the waterfall just as you filled my mouth with your semen. He left very quickly, horribly embarrassed. It was all I could do not to laugh."

The cold water was helping me deflate quickly. "I'd say it'll be a minute or two before I can pull out. Normally it's closer to a half-hour, but the cold water makes it much quicker."

He buried his head into my shoulder, mortified. "I am shamed."

"No. No, you aren't. Mating with me is nothing you should be shamed over. You may find it embarrassing that he saw you, but he enjoyed my company, too. If there is any loss of face, he shares it. I think having sex with me is no cause for shame; it's something to be proud of, if anything."

That made him laugh. "Oh, the humble and self-effacing artist. Such humility has never been seen in any Dog before him, whether noble, warrior, artist, or peasant. Buddha himself was a braggart when compared to this pinnacle of virtue."

I gently began to ease my way out of him. "Damn right." I put my paw on his belly. "Don't forget you have a pool of virtue sitting in there, so whenever you get tempted to do something wrong, just come to me and I'll give you more." My cheekiness vanished as I slipped out of him and my penis splashed into the icy water. I hissed in surprise. "Bloody hells, that's cold!"

Ohtori-sama began laughing again, but his paw rubbed his belly alongside mine. He seemed pleased, and when he looked down at his deflating penis I saw very little, if any, embarrassment.