Change

 

The weather was growing warm again, indicating summer's rearrival to the Honmaru. The days became longer with the sun setting late in the evening, and the sky was the clearest blue, soft and clear, with dashes of white clouds.

Summer was Lena's favourite season. Her spirits lifted immensely after Mikazuki's return. Slowly, day by day, Mikazuki's body healed, and soon his wounds disappeared completely, leaving not even a mark on his pale skin.

"Wow, Touken Danshi are really something special," Lena remarked, as she observed his forearm, turning it from front to back. There was not even a scar to be seen. "The healing powers from the repair have made you brand new."

"Yes, which is why you needn't have worried," Mikazuki replied, "As you can see, I am now fine."

"It's my job to worry about you," Lena exclaimed. She rolled her eyes at him. "Never leave without telling me again. Remember, that's an order from your master!"

"Hahaha... certainly, I will." Mikazuki gazed fondly at Lena, who still wore a pout on her face. He noticed her twisting the end of her braid around her finger, something she did when nervous.

Lately, there was a distant look in Lena's grey eyes. Mikazuki secretly wondered what was on her mind. There was a lot to do for Aki and Hizen's wedding ahead. Perhaps Lena was only nervous about the planning, but Mikazuki did not know for sure.

---

"Lena-chan, would you put these blankets back in storage? I believe it's time to roll out the summer duvets," Aki instructed, passing a bundle of rolled up blankets into Lena's arms. "They are in the storage room."

"No problem, Aki-nee. I'll grab them! You sit and rest." Lena smiled at her Saniwa sister, knowing that Aki needed to be careful now that she was with child. "I'll be right back! And then I'll make us some tea."

Lena walked carefully, carrying the pile of blankets, and almost dropped a few on her way to the storage room. When she was finally there, she slid open the door and pushed the blankets up onto a high shelf. 

"Phew! Now, where are the summer ones...?" Lena stood up on a stool to try and find them. The shelves were dusty and packed with many boxes, clothing, and other stray items. "Oh, wait, they're here -- w-whaa!" 

Losing her balance on the unstable stool, Lena started to fall. She felt her body tip over and squeezed her eyes shut, bracing herself to hit the hard floorboards. Instead of that pain, a pair of arms suddenly grabbed her and she went crashing into someone's chest...

"Heh... Are you... falling for me?" A man's voice asked. 

Lena opened her eyes and saw the curious, and smug, face of a Touken Danshi peering down at her. She hastily stood up, putting an arm's length between them.  

"Sasanuki-san! Wherever are you learning those lines from? Speaking in such a way is largely inappropriate, don't you agree?"

"I was only joking. You know me." Sasanuki laughed in his airy, carefree way. For some reason this irritated Lena and made her body tense up.

"What are you doing here, anyway?" Lena demanded, trying not to show her annoyance.

"I was checking on my surfboard. After all, it's almost surfing season, so it needs a good wash and wax."

"If only you were as dedicated to your battles as you are to surfing," Lena sighed. "Anyway, now that you're here, can you help me grab something? There's a box of summer linens I can't reach."

With Sasanuki's help, at least Lena was able to complete her task. 

"Thank you for your help. I'm leaving now."

"Before you go..." Sasanuki stepped backwards to block the doorway. "I heard your boyfriend ran off on you earlier. Is that right?"

"...I don't know what you're talking about."

"I think you do. I wanted to ask, if someone like that truly the best to stand at your side? I mean, I can understand Master Aki and Hizen's union, but... Hizen is actually devoted to her. Can you say the same for your own situation?"

Lena released a a sharp breath. "Watch your mouth, Sasanuki," she warned, "Or..."

"Or what?" he asked, with a smile. "You'll dismantle me? For speaking the truth?"

His words had succeeded, as a feeling of doubt slowly entered Lena's heart. She pushed him aside and left, fists clenching the box as she thought back on how Mikazuki did not answer when she asked if he would ever marry someone.

Satisfied, Sasanuki returned his attention to finding his surfboard. This was going to be an interesting summer for them all...

Lena sat on the balcony, the cool night air brushing against her skin. She gazed out at the fireflies twinkling in the distance, her thoughts swirling with the incredible news Aki shared with her earlier. She couldn't believe Aki was with child! Lena's heart was full of emotions: joy, awe, and a deep sense of happiness for her sister. However, there was also a sense of fear. If Aki and Hizen were able to conceive, what did that mean for her and Mikazuki?

Beside her, Mikazuki sat enjoying the peacefulness of the night. Lena turned to him, eyes wide with uncertainty. "Mikazuki, I need to talk to you about something," she whispered, as if someone would hear their conversation if she wasn't careful.

Mikazuki turned his full attention to her. "What is it, Lena?" he asked gently.

Taking a deep breath, Lena recalled the conversation she had with Aki earlier. "Sister Aki... is pregnant," she began, watching Mikazuki's face for any sign of surprise. "She told me today. And the father... is a Touken Danshi."

"That is truly remarkable," Mikazuki said. His voice was calm as ever, though Lena thought she saw a flicker of surprise across his face for a mere instant. "Aki must be overjoyed. You, Lena... you seem overwhelmed."

Lena nodded. "I am. I can't fully understand how this is possible. I thought she could not... I thought humans could not have children with Touken Danshi! And now, because of some magic, Aki is going to be a mother! ...What do you think about all of this, Mikazuki? About discovering that a Touken Danshi is involved with Aki's pregnancy? Do you think it's a blessing or something to be cautious about?"

She had so many questions and seemingly no answers. Mikazuki reached out and took Lena's hand, his touch warm and reassuring. Then he said, "I believe this is a blessing, Lena. Aki and Hizen have been given the chance to create a life together, something only possible if both of them wished for it. Of course, there comes a responsibility. They will need to navigate this new path together, but we must have faith that they will find their way." 

"I never said it was Hizen," Lena said, noticing that Mikazuki had used Hizen's name. Mikazuki laughed, "What? After all this time, it's obvious. They are head over heels for each other."

Lena couldn't help but smile at Mikazuki's calm certainty about Aki and Hizen. He always had a way of making complex situations feel simple. But despite his reassurances, there was one thing above all that Lena had to know.

She took a deep breath and began again, "Mikazuki... Seeing Aki so happy and knowing she is going to have a child... made me think... about us."

"What are you thinking, Lena?" 

Lena hesitated, searching for the right words. "If Aki and Hizen can have a child because of this magic, what does that mean for us? Could we... I mean... is it possible for us to have a child together?"

Mikazuki paused for a moment, gaze drifting over to the fireflies dancing like tiny stars. "The connection between a Saniwa and a Touken Danshi is unique, bound by more than the physical. The connection is woven with history, magic, and deep emotions. If this magic has made it possible for Aki and Hizen, then... perhaps there is a way for us, too."

"But would you want that?" Lena asked, her voice trembling. "Would you want to have a child with me?"

Lena's heart pounded, she felt vulnerable, her emotions laid bare under the starlit sky. Mikazuki had always been her anchor, but now, she needed more than his calm reassurance - she needed to know if he shared her deepest hopes and fears.

Her eyes began to fill with tears. She knew her family was not exactly 'perfect'. Aki had Katsu and her two parents, a complete and happy family. Lena held doubts about her ability to be a mother, because she was not even close to her own parents. In fact, she never even considered that she would find love, when she decided to become a Saniwa or a shrine maiden like her Grandmother. Now, right before her was the prince from her dreams, and the reality of a family was actually possible?

Mikazuki took both her hands in his. He sensed how important this was to her. "The thought of having a family with you fills me with joy. If that is something you wish for, then it's something I wish for as well. Whatever the future holds, whether it's just the two of us or a family, I will be by your side."

"Creating a life with you," Mikazuki continued, "is something I've thought about more than you might realize. It's a dream I've held close to my heart, even if I never spoke it aloud."

Lena's tears overflowed, streaming down her cheeks as she leaned against him. "You make everything seem possible," she whispered, wrapping her arms around him tightly. "I love you so much! I can't imagine my life without you!"

As if to shield her from the weight of her own fears, Mikazuki held her close. They shared a kiss together under the blanket of stars, the fireflies dancing around them like tiny guardians of their dreams. 

Lena sat in the Honmaru office room, the room where all the filing cabinets were kept containing all the paperwork filled out for the Government of Time. However, Lena was not writing a report for the government today. No. Today Lena was flipping through a pile of wedding magazines.

A couple months had passed since they learned of Aki's pregnancy. Lena wanted to help her sister as well as she could, to research what might be needed for a marriage... Even if the marriage was to Touken Danshi!

"Hmmm... would Aki-nee want a big wedding? Or a small one? I'll have to ask!" Lena murmured happily to herself, turning the page of the magazine. "I hope she says big."

The pages were filled with photos of models in wedding dresses. Some of them looked like a ballgown out of a fairytale book. Some of them were simple, plain white dresses that reminded Lena of an apron.

"My sister deserves the best... she should wear a dress that compliments her beauty," Lena mused to herself. Suddenly, as she reached the last pages of the magazine, she let out a small gasp.

There, in the pages, was a spread of a beautiful bride and groom. They were being showered by sakura petals as they walked down an aisle. The bride was wearing a traditional Japanese kimono, a Shiromuku. The clothing was pure white like an dove's wings, and Lena thought Aki would look like an angel wearing this outfit. Next to the woman, the model for the groom donned a Montsuki Haori(Kimono jacket) and Hakama pants. Traditional for a samurai... and certainly a suitable groom's outfit for Hizen.

"Ahhh! This is the one!!! The tailor MUST MAKE THESE EXACT KIMONO!!!" A strong feeling of excitement shot through Lena. She quickly picked up the magazine to rush out the room to find Aki and ask her opinion about the clothing.

When Lena slid open the door, she came face to face with Mikazuki. "!!! What are you doing here?" Lena asked breathlessly. "Did you need me for something?"

Mikazuki smiled and stepped into the room. "I was merely looking for you... I hadn't time to thank you for earlier, when you cared for my injuries."

Lena's heart began pounding at his words. They brought up the memory of when Mikazuki became injured on the last mission. Somehow, Lena started the habit of always being the one who helped wash and bandage his wounds whenever he was injured.... She would no longer let others do this task.

"Mikazuki, you don't have to thank me... it's my job as your Saniwa to care for you," Lena said earnestly. "...And... I also hate seeing you get hurt, so of course I should be by your side... After all, you and I... We're more than Saniwa and Touken Danshi... Right?"

"Of course." Mikazuki reached out to tuck some of Lena's hair behind her ear. "Now, where were you off to? You seemed to be leaving in a hurry."

"Oh! It's because I saw the perfect wedding clothes for Aki and Hizen on their special day." Lena grinned widely and held up the magazine for Mikazuki to see.

"Ahahaha... those clothes look splendid. I'm sure Master Aki will respond favourably to your dressing suggestion."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence." Lena tilted her head and smiled at him, and a warm blush spread over her cheeks. "...Um... What about the groom's outfit? If you were getting married, would you imagine yourself in such an outfit? ...I mean - Would you... Would you want to ever marry someone?" she asked nervously.

Mikazuki paused at the question. He was silent as they walked down the Honmaru hallway, into the direction of Aki's room. In all his long years as a sword, he had seen much and experienced many battles. He had witnessed the lords that owned him marry women they fell on love with. But, never had he thought that he himself would ever fall in love and marry someone! Much less a human...

Lena stared curiously up at him, wondering why he was silent for so long. Normally, Mikazuki always knew what to say.

When they arrived in front of Aki's door, she turned to Mikazuki again."I have to meet with Aki-nee now." Lena reached up on her tippy-toes to kiss his cheek. "Will I see you after?"

"Mmh. Certainly." Mikazuki gave a nod and turned to leave, burning hot on his face from where Lena's lips had kissed him.

Later that evening, Hizen was surprised at a request from Mikazuki to spar together in the training hall. Mikazuki rarely sparred in the evening hours, preferring to spend that time relaxing with a cup of tea or soaking in a hot bath. Something was definitely up.

"Seems like something is on your mind," Hizen commented, as his sword clashed together against Mikazuki's. With a flick of his wrist, Hizen drove Mikazuki's sword into the floor. "You're unfocused."

"Hahaha... You are sharp as ever, Hizen." Mikazuki yielded, sliding his sword back into its sheath. "I guess I was distracted - with thoughts of someone."

"Tch... I hate to admit, but I feel the same." Hizen shook off his blade and also returned it to its sheath. "It feels weird... to have someone worth killing for... No." He shook his head, challenging the thoughts that he was only destined to be a killer sword. "To have someone worth living for." He corrected himself, knowing he needed to try and become the best husband and father he was capable of.

Later that evening, Hizen was surprised at a request from Mikazuki to spar together in the training hall. Mikazuki rarely sparred in the evening hours, preferring to spend that time relaxing with a cup of tea or soaking in a hot bath. Something was definitely up. "Seems like something is on your mind," Hizen commented, as his sword clashed together against Mikazuki's. With a flick of his wrist, Hizen drove Mikazuki's sword into the floor. "You're unfocused." "Hahaha... You are sharp as ever, Hizen." Mikazuki yielded, sliding his sword back into its sheath. "I was distracted - with thoughts of someone." "Tch... I hate to admit, but I feel the same." Hizen took his blade and also returned it to its sheath. "It feels weird... to have someone worth killing for... No." He shook his head, challenging the thoughts that he was only destined to be a killer sword. "To have someone worth living for." He corrected himself, knowing he needed to try and become the best husband and father he was capable of. The partner that Aki and his unborn child deserved. Mikazuki smiled. "We will continue to protect our masters, and their future happiness."