"Reforged"

By Y-PenDraig and MakKeiUra

000

DISCLAIMER: We do not own Love Hina, Ken Akamatsu does. This is a non-for-profit work of fanfiction with no monies or profit being made from it. No copyright infringement is intended.

AUTHORS' NOTE ON CONTINUITY: This story uses a mixed manga/anime continuity that starts to branch off majorly from the Burning Blades arc/TV series episode 25. Simply stated, Keitaro's initial arrival at the Hinata Inn and the order he meets the girls is the same as it is in the TV series, as well as Granny Hina's departure from the same. The increased presence of Shirai and Haitani as well as Kentaro Sakata is also as it was in the TV series, as well as Mei, and Moe-Chan. Beyond that, events that occur in the manga should be considered completely canon unless otherwise obviously superseded except for ages; we'll keep to the TV series there unless noted.

INTRODUCTION: Y-PenDraig and I welcome you, the reader, to this story. It grew out of discussion between the two of us about Tsuruko Aoyama and a shared desire to tell a good, long story involving her. The regular rating will be T for Teen for the story proper, but owing to the naughty idea that kind of inspired this madness, you will see omake side-stories posted independently that are rated M for Mature

000

[Arrival in Hinata City will be in thirty minutes, please enjoy the view of Sagami Bay…]

Tsuruko held her katana Ikazuchi on her lap as Shippu snuggled on her shoulder, napping lightly. She had attempted to sleep a bit earlier during the train ride, but found herself unable. For the fifth time, she mentally took an inventory of what she had in her small travel bag for her trip to see Motoko. Tsuruko travelled light as a rule, but her former husband had frequently chided her that she travelled too light for a swordswoman used to a secluded life in the mountains high above Kyoto; including sometimes forgetting her identification card and her weapons permit. Things someone travelling with a deadly weapon in modern day Japan should never be without.

She exhaled slowly, practicing the calming exercises again. That woman's eyes were on her again. Judging the woman and her young daughter seated next to her in the seats directly across the aisle from her, clearly the younger was more mature than the senior. Ever since boarding the train the woman could barely disguise her contempt for Tsuruko. To the woman's credit, it seemed entirely due to Tsuruko's style of dress and bearing, and not jealousy at her looks. She had encountered amused looks before, and some laughter which Tsuruko actually enjoyed, but outright disdain? At least the young child seemed to look at Tsuruko with appreciation, and both Tsuruko and Shippu had returned that with a smile and a nod. The mother, however, had made several comments not to look in Tsuruko and Shippu's general direction across the train-car due to her being "loony."

'If she speaks out of her place again, I shall have Shippu deal with her.' Tsuruko thought as she once again gazed out the window at the passing buildings of the Tokyo Metropolitan area started to melt into Hinata City.

'We shall see how Motoko-han's training has proceeded.' Tsuruko mused inwardly as she found herself reflecting on what had happened in the past year to bring her to this point.

000

One year earlier...

"A fine garden party, Tsuruko-chan." Granny Hina said as she sipped daintily from her saucer of sake. The diminutive old woman swinging her legs back and forth as she sat on the deck next to her granddaughter Kanako and the one she had directed her statement at.

"I am glad you approve, Hina-sama." Tsuruko looked down at the old woman with a slight smile.

Kanako silently sipped her tea.

"It has been a while since I have had time to admire the God's Cry dojo grounds," Hina said, observing the various other guests milling around the somewhat informal gathering.

"When I heard that you would be in Kyoto with your granddaughter briefly before the New Zealand leg of your world tour," Tsuruko smiled, "I made sure you got an invitation to see the new renovations to the grounds." She frowned slightly, "such a shame I could not invite your grandson and my little sister and their friends, but both me and my husband are going out of town for a few days tomorrow and it just was not feasible."

'Plus, I doubt Motoko-han is ready to come back home just yet,' Tsuruko mentally amended.

Hina nodded slowly. "Tell me… how is Ko-chan?"

Tsuruko smiled. "He is doing well. His work as a demon-slayer keeps him busy, but he is home at least three or four days in a week most of the time."

"I am happy I introduced you to him," Hina tittered. "And pushed you two to marry."

Kanako quietly and efficiently set down her tea. The black-clad Urashima seemed to be scanning each and every party guest in turn. Almost as if on cue, her attention was turned to where Ko was, next to one of the many koi ponds, beside him was a young woman with short red hair, a matching kimono of about twenty-eight years with a double stroller and two twin toddler boys of about fourteen months of age strapped securely inside said stroller.

"Your childhood friend, Tsuruko-san?" Kanako asked, nodding towards the woman "Kimiko-san?"

Tsuruko nodded in confirmation.

"So nice you are still close to your best friend from childhood," Hina commented

Tsuruko smirked. "Well, she lives just down the mountain path. Not many others around here."

"Such a tragedy, her husband…" Hina hummed, shaking her head.

"Yes, pancreatic cancer acts fast... Ko-kun and I tried to perform an exorcism to see if it was a demon that was plaguing him," Tsuruko said distantly, then she shook her head in sadness at the memory. "No, it was just his fate."

"And with two newborn baby boys," Kanako said in sympathy. "How is his widow doing?"

"Kimiko-chan is doing as well as can be expected in the year since Hiroyuki's passing," Tsuruko replied evenly. "Since we live close, Ko-kun and I try to help out whenever and wherever we can even with our busy schedules."

"That is very loving and honorable of you both." Hina nodded. "But… what about *your* family? I told you both at your wedding that sooner rather than later was best for children for such powerful warriors as yourselves; so you could teach the next generation of samurai and demon hunters." Hina giggled. "Also better when you're younger, too. More energy."

A bittersweet smile graced Tsuruko's lips. "About that, Hina-sama…"

The Urashima family matriarch looked up at Tsuruko, waiting.

"We have been to the doctor… several doctors… tried at least as many different treatments," Tsuruko said quietly, "but Ko is sterile."

Hina looked down, she exhaled slowly. "I am sorry."

Kanako shifted, giving Tsuruko a sympathetic look, then returned her attention to the gathering and the early evening. Twinkling stars were beginning to make their appearance in the mountains outside Kyoto. Tsuruko always loved evenings like this. Hina enjoyed them as well, and unspoken between the three women was the option of adoption for Tsuruko and Ko. Unspoken because one of the reasons Hina had pushed Tsuruko and Ko to meet each other, was her idea that natural children from their union would be some of the most powerful ki warriors the world had ever seen.

'Adoption…' Kanako mused in her thoughts. 'Good enough for me, the Urashima black cat witch,' Kanako thought bitterly, 'but not for a noblewoman of the Aoyama clan.' Intellectually, she knew why biological children were so important to Tsuruko, but it did not make the unspoken comment sting any less. Her gaze fixed on Ko and Kimiko and the two twin baby boys Satoshi and Nobuo, who Ko was now carefully assisting with feeding them from jars of baby food in their strollers. Kanako noted the more relaxed set of Kimiko's shoulders and her brightening mood as Ko helped feed her children with a small smile on his face.

"Your husband is very good with children, Tsuruko-sama." Kanako spoke softly.

A ghost of Tsuruko's usual smirk of good humor appeared on her lips. "That comes from being the oldest child in a large family; his closest sibling is eleven years younger than him, same as myself and Motoko."

Hina chuckled. "So his mother and father had him help raise his siblings."

"As my mother and father had me help raise Motoko." Tsuruko matched Hina's chuckle.

Kanako smiled. It was a pleasant thought. She was silent for a moment, then she looked down, then up as she stood to face Tsuruko. Hina only briefly acknowledged this, waiting.

"Tsuruko-sama," Kanako bowed. "Once again, I thank you for helping me."

Tsuruko smiled at the dark haired teenage girl. "I accept your thanks. But be not ashamed; a crush on a sibling is something that oftentimes happens in situations such as yours. You had no idea that that childhood promise at that old Inn annex with your brother would have unleashed a curse."

Kanako looked down, blushing a touch. Hina had brought Kanako to see Tsuruko and Ko five months before. This was after Hina had woken in the middle of the night when they were in a hotel in Singapore. Kanako had been talking in her sleep. Hina had only to hear the words for a few minutes before she knew what needed to be done. Fortunately, Tsuruko and Ko together were able to silence the presence that was driving Kanako's compulsion towards her brother and his "promise" when they were children. After that, Tsuruko calmly talked Kanako through why she had to make peace with her lust for her brother within her soul; but not to pursue it. To do so would rob Keitaro of his sister if Kanako succeeded, and for Kanako irrevocably change her Big Brother.

"I only know Urashima-san from what you, your grandmother, and Motoko-han has written in her letters," Tsuruko had told her gently. "But if you seduced him; he would blame himself forever and ever. The guilt would be crushing for him. You love him; save him from this outcome."

Kanako cried for a night in Tsuruko's arms. She had told the elder swordswoman that he was the only man who would ever love her. And she was the only woman who could ever love him. Tsuruko had calmly listened, soothed her, and told her gently but firmly that in time she would find out that that was not true. All the while imploring Kanako to let go of her idea of her brother as her fated husband, and embrace her big brother… best friend and ally… and in the future the uncle to her children. Kanako looked up into Tsuruko's green eyes as the early morning dawn filtered in through the windows of the spartan student's quarters that Kanako had been given during her stay. She saw a faint glint of hope… and humor.

And they had both laughed.

Now, Kanako remembered that laugh, and seemed that Tsuruko did to. This time, they only smiled knowingly, sharing the moment.

Hina smiled, sipping her tea. "Kimiko-san seems much more relaxed now that your husband is helping feed those darling little twins."

Tsuruko nodded. She looked over to the little koi pond where Ko was just finishing up helping feed the babies. He looked over his shoulder, saw Kimiko, and smiled warmly. Obviously happy she was looking visibly less frazzled than when she had first arrived at the party. Kimiko returned the smile, and reached up to touch Ko's shoulder, almost as soon as it had done so Kimiko dropped her hand back to her side. From Tsuruko's vantage point, she could see her husband look over her best friend's shoulder, his smile finding her own, and they waved at each other. Kimiko turned, smiled and waved at Tsuruko.

She should have seen it then.

000

[Hinata City twenty minutes… three stops… first stop Downtown Hinata, second stop Hinata River… third and last stop will be Hinata Mountain…]

Shippu stirred slightly in his sleep on her shoulder, the crane hummed pleasantly in just the way she always found so calming.

"Okaasan, if I'm good for the summer can I get birdie like that one, too?" The little girl piped up.

"I told you not to look at that crazy cosplayer and her stupid bird," that woman hushed her daughter again.

Tsuruko found herself counting the seconds down until she could get off the train before the woman said something to make her say something particularly cutting back. Tsuruko refrained for the sake of the child. Minutely, her hand gripped the hilt of Ikazuchi a bit more tightly…

000

Two months ago...

…. Her hand found itself gripping the hilt of her dreaded Ikazuchi tightly. She always slept with it in reach in a special notch just at bedside. By habit, whenever the phone rang on the nightstand in Tsuruko and Ko's bedroom, if she was asleep Tsuruko always awoke and her hand went to that hilt instinctively.

"... hello?" Ko asked into the phone receiver, he had gotten the phone first. "Kimiko? What's wrong?"

By this point, Tsuruko was sitting up in bed, her sword next to her, eyes on Ko, studying his face in the dark as he talked to her friend. Tsuruko also listened closely.

Ko's eyes widened. "Oh my… what's their temperature?" He nodded. "What did the doctor say?" Another nod. "Yeah, Tsu-chan's right here." Ko handed the phone to his wife. "The twins are really sick; and it sounds like Kimiko is getting it too."

"Hello, Kimi-chan?" Tsuruko said into the receiver.

"... Tsu-chan, please, I need help..." Kimiko coughed over the line, and the anguished cries of both twin baby boys were easily heard.

"How long has it been since the boys' slept?"

"Yesterday morning, for about an hour." Kimiko's voice seemed faint, paper-thin.

"And you, Kimi-chan?" Tsuruko prompted.

"... day before that," Kimiko coughed, then a sound like a stifled sob. "I just don't know what to do anymore… I've tried everything to bring the fever down, make them comfortable, help them sleep… eat… what kind of a mother-"

"We will be there as soon as possible," Tsuruko abruptly cut her friend off, recognizing the dark pool of despair beginning in her best friend's voice.

"R-really? Ko-kun too?" The spark of hope was evident in Kimiko's voice.

"I said we would. I am hanging up the phone now, Kimi-chan. We will be there before you know it." Tsuruko reassured, she handed the receiver back to Ko to hang up.

Ko heard that the line on Kimko's line had not been hung up yet. He raised the phone, "hello, Kimi-chan? Yes, Tsu-chan wasn't just trying to be comforting saying I was coming over too. We're getting dressed now, see you in a few." He hung up the phone, turning back to Tsuruko. "She sounded a bit better after I said we were both coming over."

She nodded, not sure exactly why the exchange between Kimiko and Ko tugged at her awareness. She cast her half-musings aside. "Not a moment to lose then, let us just get dressed and go. Do not worry about an overnight bag, we will figure that out later."

Quickly dressing, Tsuruko and Ko along with a sleepy Shippu were soon in the large passenger van usually used for transporting the dojo's students back and forth from Kyoto City, it was a large vehicle and a nuisance to drive on mountain roads, but it had more than enough room if child seats needed to be quickly put in for transporting the twins to the hospital if the fever got worse.

Ko carefully turned down the side-road which led to where Kimiko lived alone in the family house she had inherited when her grandfather died of old age, and then her parents unexpectedly followed him not more than two years later in a single-car accident involving a tree that had just fallen over due to a storm. Soon after Kimiko and her husband Hiroyuki found out they were expecting twins, his health started to mysteriously decline until the doctors found the answer; pancreatic cancer. Tsuruko shook her head, her best friend had faced so much tragedy so bravely… she had also been a good friend to Ko, not completely freaking out like her other friends and acquaintances had when her husband explained what he did for a living. If there was anything she could do for Kimiko and her family, she would.

As the lights from Kimiko's house came into view, another thought edged its way into Tsuruko's awareness. 'That is the first time he has called her Kimi-chan.' She thought distantly.

000

Later that night...

Tsuruko stood just outside the doorway, silently peering through the open gap between the shoji screen and the door frame. She had taken the liberty of making some tea and some miso soup for Kimiko along with getting some medicine to help Kimiko sleep, silently she had padded her way up the stairs towards the twin's room, when her ki beckoned her to stop. Rather, her ki interacted with her husband's familiar ki. This was normal, but this time something was different about the "color" of the aura. Tsuruko, silent as a shadow, crept closer to the doorway, then looked inside.

Her husband and Kimiko each held one baby in their arms, gently cooing the words of some nursery rhyme to them. The twins were finally asleep after Tsuruko and Ko had assisted with giving them medicine, a bath, and monitoring their condition while Kimiko slept for a few hours. She had woken up, and was elated to find out that the fever had gone down, and the twins had even slept for a time. As babies do, they had awoken, hungry and in need of a diaper change, which Kimiko had assisted Ko with while Tsuruko took it upon herself to make Kimiko something to eat since it was evident her friend had not eaten in at least half a day.

Tsuruko smiled a bit. How many times had she imagined her and Ko in a similar scene? But sadly, it was not in the kami's plans for them. But why had her ki stopped her at reacting to the color of Ko's ki? Knowing she was unseen, Tsuruko continued to study her husband and Kimiko's face. The look on their faces… the set of their shoulders, the warmth of their words to the twins who were drifting off to sleep… the color of Ko's ki, the "feel" of it so similar to those moments when he held her in his arms at night after making love to her, trying for a baby…

Tsuruko's breath drew inward sharply. She blinked. Her ki wasn't interacting with Ko's and to a lesser extent Kimiko's. It was reacting to them in opposition. Why? She looked again at how much like a family they looked and understood.

Somehow she suppressed the sudden urge to scream and run into the room between Ko and Kimiko.

000

A week later…

Tsuruko was hardly dumb nor naive. She trusted her ki and her instincts. A few days after going over to help Kimiko, the twins improved remarkably and the cold Kimiko had also cleared up. Tsuruko and Ko talked to the young mother at least three times a day on the phone to make certain things were improving. The next day Kimiko asked if they would like to come over for dinner as a way to show her thanks to them. The dinner would be in three days, just after Ko got back home from a work assignment; a group of developers was working to clear a former funeral home of any hostile spirits before tearing it down for a new construction.

Again, Tsuruko was hardly dumb. She carefully watched her husband and his ki, and also she read between the words Kimiko spoke over the phone; listening to the tone, word choice, and how she breathed-especially when the conversation turned to Ko. Tsuruko also followed up with Ko after he himself spoke on the phone to Kimiko. A few times, Ko had answered the phone when Tsuruko had suddenly found an excuse to go to the bathroom. She had listened to her husband's conversation with her friend through the bathroom door, and analyzed the data from it.

As she and Ko arrived at Kimiko's house and saw the now happy twins playing in their shared playpen, Tsuruko noted the changes in her husband's ki and how they interacted with Kimiko's. She looked on at the animated conversation that Kimiko was having with Ko about how the boys were doing that day, briefly oblivious to her presence, as it seemed in that house for the first time in a long time all was right and in harmony. Time seemed to grow more distant for Tsuruko then, she almost seemed to go into a meditative state as she somberly watched them.

During her evaluation since they had come over the week before in the middle of the night, Tsuruko had cautioned herself to remain calm, that the connection her ki had observed had been mistaken, or simply a fleeting effect of compassion and friendship, but standing there at that moment, Tsuruko knew it was neither of those things.

Dinner passed pleasantly enough, and Tsuruko had maintained a brave face and poise as she and Ko drove home. Once the front door to their home was closed; Tsuruko spoke: "You love those boys, Ko-kun, do you not?"

"Yes, I do." Ko smiled a touch, clearly not thinking, just answering honestly.

"Something you cannot have with me."

He looked up, snapped out of his memories of, for him, a happy evening. "Wait-what, Tsu-chan?"

Tsuruko smiled at her husband sadly. "I can see what is happening, even if you cannot. You will in time, though."

Ko swallowed in a suddenly dry throat. His eyes suddenly widened. "Tsu-chan, nothing is going on between me and Kimi-ch-kimiko-san." He blushed.

Tsuruko chuckled sadly. "I *know* you two have not betrayed me. But what about in… five months… or five years?"

"It's… it's not like that, not like that at all. I'm just helping our friend out with her kids, she needs help…"

Ko was starting to lose his composure at this point, so Tsuruko took him into her arms. She whispered into his ear now, "I know she does… and I know you see two baby boys who need a father, and a great lady in need of a husband."

Ko shook his head, trying to drive away the searing, tearing truth he felt in his soul at Tsuruko's words. "No, no… no!"

Tsuruko steeled herself for what she must say next. It would be so easy to turn back from this, to ignore the situation developing right in front of her eyes, but she knew she needed to do this for Kimiko, her babies, for Ko, and even for herself.

"Ko-kun," Tsuruko said a bit louder. "I can feel it in your ki. The ki of a father protecting and caring for his cubs. How then can things continue as they are now with you and me dropping by when we can to help her with little Satoshi and Nobuo? She needs someone who can be there more. And when you are there to help, tell me how long will you be able to ignore the call-the beginnings of which I can already see and feel-to take Kimi-chan to bed after you two have set those two little ones down to sleep?"

"But I love you, Tsu-chan! You're my wife! You! And only you!" Ko said to her, perhaps a bit more loud than he had intended.

"I love you too, my husband." Tsuruko smiled, kissing him tenderly on the lips. "But I also love my friend Kimiko, and I never want there to be any guilt or betrayal between the three of us."

"Then… what are we going to do?" Ko asked, despondently. "I cannot be a father to them-and," he blushed sharply, "-and help Kimi-," he stopped fighting, "Kimi-chan as well as be here with you, as I should…"

"We will talk to Kimi-chan," said Tsuruko simply, reassuringly. "I will confront her with the truth I can see within her ki, as I have with you."

"Then..?"

"The only thing we can do," Tsuruko said sadly, "start the process of me releasing you to join her household."

Ko choked back tears. "That means we will go our separate ways. Is there no other way? Something? Anything?"

"I have known Kimi-chan since elementary school; she could scarcely share crayons let alone a husband." Tsuruko replied ruefully, "nor have I ever been able to share even crayons." A ghost of a smirk on her lips. "And certainly not a husband."

"This… this cannot be…" Ko shook his head. Were his choices not to be a father to two boys who needed a father, and a woman who plainly needed help-*his* help, or lose his dear Tsuruko? He knew, rhetorically, almost everyone would tell him to shoot down this proposal, stay with his wife, and simply send friendly good wishes and assistance to Kimiko and her children when he could; but that was not *all* he could do for them, now was it?

Tsuruko favored her husband with a knowing look at his brow furrowing, working through this mutual problem of theirs. "Your heart has already started the process with you taking responsibility for those boys, in time it will complete, and then your loins will call to you to become one with her. It is nature, after all."

The two were silent for a time, holding each other in the doorway of their home.

"Tsu-chan, what you're describing, you know that's just another way to say 'divorce,'" Ko muttered sadly.

"Let me have my euphemisms, at least for tonight, dear." Tsuruko whispered as she embraced Ko, kissing him passionately. Ko returned the kiss, silently the couple resolved to make the most of each moment left to them.

000

The next morning Tsuruko called Kimiko and asked if she and Ko could come over for tea. The young widow said it would be great to have them over for tea. Tea turned into lunch and then into dinner. No large meal was prepared, only soup and crackers as tea was silently and hesitantly sipped. Tsuruko, in a moment that she knew would haunt her for years to come, used her words-many of them very pointed-over the course of several hours to walk Kimiko through what she had seen beginning in her home between her, Ko, and the twins. Kimiko denied this vehemently. She denied it until she broke down crying on the floor, utterly helpless. Tsuruko marked what she was doing as her honor as a woman and as her best friend denying with every fiber of her being that she wanted… needed Ko. Tsuruko's ki ticked; it was not just honor it was what Kimiko felt was morally correct.

The swordswoman had sighed, thinking: 'Too often Japanese culture idolizes the devoted widow rearing her children after the departure of her beloved husband, but in most of those cultural ideals there are grandparents, sometimes great grandparents, and extended family to help. Kimi-chan has no one. And I will not have my best friend agree to a fast re-marriage to just anyone...' Kimiko's clan had always been a small, isolated one with few children or extended kin who weren't dead or beyond reach. And on the matter of re-marriage, Tsuruko shuddered to imagine if someone unsuited to young children or a woman of Kimiko's temperament were to come into the house. Kimiko was emotional, but also prone to flustration, forgetfulness and clumsiness. Hiroyuki, her departed husband, had been patient, loving, supportive and forgiving of his wife's eccentricities. In fact, Kimiko's only real talent in the traditional sense of the word was her uncanny ability to fix and build motor scooters.

In that moment, Ko had come to the rescue, he was the first to go to Kimiko on the floor and envelope her in his arms. Soon, Tsuruko followed suit to help comfort her friend. Ko had told Kimiko that he too fought this inside him, and part of him still wanted to fight it, but he knows and can feel what is developing between them and the children. Tsuruko then asked, finally, for Kimiko to look in her eyes. She told Kimiko there had never been any need of lies between them before; so let them not start now. Kimiko's eyes were still full of tears, but she nodded silently, then after opening and closing her mouth several times, she forced her heart to be true and admit those thoughts about her and Ko; truly making Ko a father.

After shedding some tears themselves, and clutching hands still, but also holding Kimiko's; Ko and Tsuruko discussed with Kimiko what would happen next.

000

Letting out a sigh Tsuruko squeezed her katana's handle once again. Though she couldn't use it, her weapon did offer a little comfort, once again that woman's eyes were on her 'this is beginning to bore me,' thought the swordswoman. Though she herself bore her no ill will she did allow her mind to wander (only a little though) about how many ways she could 'deal' with this insufferable woman from where she was situated.

While not trying to, Tsuruko once again caught the woman's side-long glance. Well, really it was more of a glare. 'Such disrespect,' Tsuruko thought, 'action must be taken.'

"Excuse me, ma'am," Tsuruko called over with utmost kindness. "Is there something I can do for you? You keep looking over here at me, I cannot help but think you wish to ask me a question?" Tsuruko smiled sweetly.

The little girl looked up, back and forth between her mother and Tsuruko.

The woman glared. "Who do you think you are? Parading around dressed like that, with a fake sword, and a bird like you're some kind of character in a samurai drama? You're only poisoning impressionable minds, you know."

Tsuruko giggled. "Well, madame, I 'parade' around like this because I *am* a samurai." Tsuruko held up Ikazuchi, "this is a real katana; which I have a permit for," she fished around in her gi, deliberately showing off proudly that she bound her breasts, retrieving her modest purse, she opened it and effortlessly showed the permit which included a picture of her, prominently printed on the top of the card was the emblem of the Japanese National Police, as well as the Prefectural police of Kyoto. "And the fact that I bring my 'pet' along with me should not concern your delicate sensibilities nearly as much as the young women bringing toy poodles around in their purses as a fashion accessory."

The woman simply replied: "You're a menace," then turned back to stare straight ahead.

The little girl continued to stare at Tsuruko and Shippu in appreciation, which prompted another warm smile from the swordswoman.

"Turn around!" The woman hissed, roughly grabbing and turning her daughter around.

"Owie!" the daughter protested, some from pain and some from being taken away from something she found absolutely fascinating.

"Shut up!" the woman hissed.

[Hinata City… Hinata City Mountain stop approaching… please gather all personal belongings and, if standing, please continue to hold on to the hand rails and overhead supports for your safety.]

Tsuruko allowed herself a small, amused smile. One of the first genuine moments of mirth she had since that clan council meeting that had set her on the journey she is now on, and only served to confirm the journey that had just ended...

000

One month before...

It was late at night; very few people were around except for the family guards keeping a watchful eye. Giving a gentle nod to one of the guards, Tsuruko accompanied by her husband, saunter effortlessly through the gardens of the Aoyama compound with one purpose in mind; a place known only to those who have earned the highest of honours... the recess council meeting room.

Hearing murmurs emanating from the hidden room and stopping at the entrance to the room; Tsuruko stops at the door and tenses, her husband quickly responds by squeezing her hand gently and with a slight tremor in his voice asks: "Are you sure you're okay going through with this?"

Turning to face the man she fell in love with Tsuruko offers a weak smile and answers simply: "I cannot say that I am enthusiastic with going through with this, but as we both know it is what must be." She could feel the mixed feelings from Ko's ki aura; his deep love for her, but also the developing love for Kimiko and her sons, and his natural male desire to protect and nurture them.

Pulling Tsuruko into a hug; Ko murmurs a few supportive words in the swords woman's ear and releases her a few moments later, then whispered: "Ready?"

Even with her years of training and discipline Tsuruko finds difficulty in voicing her reply; merely nods and reaches for the door to the hidden chamber. What had appeared to be a wall with the wave of a hand clicked open to reveal a narrow space within. Tsuruko and Ko went inside and found themselves in a dark hallway that turned immediately to the right in front of them. The door closed silently behind them and the couple, not needing any light to see the way, expertly navigated their way around the sharp corners as the passageway zig-zaged around until they reached their destination. Through instinct and experience they avoided probably a dozen traps. After a few minutes, they reached their destination.

Entering the chamber they separate to their individual areas. With her usual stoic but elegant features Tsuruko visually traverses those in attendance; seated at the large but low built table in the chamber were the heads of the four branch families: Daiki, Haruki, Kenta and Takehiko. And finally...

'Uuuggghhh Aunt Hime,' Tsuruko thought in sour resignation. Her eyes continued to dance around, studying the faces of those assembled. 'Mother and… but where is she?' Tsuruko thought.

Almost in response to her mental question, appearing from nowhere stood Hina who held an amused smile with a cackle, "I am here child."

Used to the older woman's 'games' Tsuruko gently turns and positions herself to give her a deep bow. "I am glad to see you were able to attend, Elder Hina." Tsuruko looked around where Hina stood, "I see Kanako-san is not here."

"Home visiting her parents; allowing her cat to give my daughter-in-law a good pestering." Hina smirked.

Sensing something off in the Aoyama samurai, Hina then spoke with a whispered tone that left no room for debate: "Come and meet me in a few weeks dear, ALONE; I am sure we will have much to discuss then."

Tsuruko nodded, numbly. Truth be told, she longed to pour her heart out to the old woman right then, but duty to clan and school prevented that.

Taking her seat next to her husband and Honored Place as interim head of the clan Tsuruko knelt and addressed the school's 'elite'.

Tsuruko took a deep, steadying breath. "My husband and I welcome you-the honoured elders of the clan-and thank you for answering our call at such short notice."

Voicing her distaste for the requirement of answering the call of someone she deemed unworthy Hime called out impatiently from her place across the large table: "Tell me then Tsuruko; why have we the elders been summoned?"

Disgusted with the way her daughter was spoken to, Chisako scowled. Such rudeness, and by her sister no less! Taking a quarter moment to collect herself, Chisako replies before her daughter could decide on a withering comment to her Aunt: "Who are you to question the clan leader, Hime?"

With a smirk at having been successful in goading the situation, Hime replies, "I may speak in any tone I feel is relevant to the situation, unless you believe that I serve you now!"

As normal as the 'family feud' is played out for the umpteenth time; Tsuruko knows better than to get involved and just to let them burn off their energy, but this time with all that she had gone through recently and for what was to come the Aoyama swordswoman anxiously grabs and squeezes her husband's hand under the table for moral support.

'Here we go again,' thought Ko who was suddenly broken from his brief slight amusement with this gesture; in her defense it was very rare for Tsuruko to need any moral support but knowing how hard the situation was on him to leave the one he loved for another; but he had someone waiting for him whereas she did not after this battle was fought.

With an audible cough Ko sought to break the stalemate that his mother-in-law and aunt-in-law were having.

Suddenly a loud crash was heard; causing all in attendance to turn and stop whatever they were doing to see what had happened.

With a domineering voice born of many years of running a busy Inn and more recently an all-girls dormitory, Hina spoke out: "IF YOU TWO CHILDREN ARE NOT FINISHED YOU ARE FREE TO LEAVE AND ALLOW US GROWN-UPS TO HAVE A CALM AND RATIONAL DISCUSSION ABOUT WHATEVER THIS MATTER IS ABOUT!"

With an audible gulp everyone stared at Hina who had both hands flat with palms down just below the level at what used to be the ornate oak table-top, several members in attendance decided that brushing splinters off of their hakamas was of the utmost importance.

A few of the branch family members each unknowingly had the same thought 'shit, we've woken the blessed sleeping dragon!' or some thoughts along those lines.

"Are we ready to begin now?" questioned Hina.

Everyone nodded but kept silent, afraid of poking the bear.

Ko, to his testament in handling tense situations, was the first to speak, though his tone was reserved: "Tsuruko and I have convened the meeting to discuss a matter of seriousness that is of great importance to us and, ultimately, the future of the clan." Though the last part was sorrowful Ko was able to hide it.

'Barely,' Tsuruko thought wistfully.

Before he could continue Tsuruko decided that she should speak and not leave it up to Ko on his own. This was, after all, her plan from the start. She loved him passionately, of course, but he always seemed to find a way in everything to bring out the worst way of looking at things no matter the subject at hand. This had its uses in demon hunting, but ordinary clan meetings could be a bit problematic. 'He just doesn't have much in the way of tact' with an amused smirk as Tsuruko gave him one last affectionate look before proceeding.

"Thank you, Ko."

Ko replied with a nod knowing that Tsuruko was never one to back down from a fight.

With an elegant but stoic face Tsuruko began by speaking clearly but softly, "Ko and I; though we found and love one another have decided from this moment on to part ways in our marriage."

"WHAT," was the unanimous outcry, as murmurs quickly become more audible as the council began their deliberating amongst themselves.

'Even Aunt Hime,' wondered Tsuruko as she looked at the council's reactions, 'I did not expect her to be concerned… what is her game here?''

Chisako had been momentarily stunned but with her daughter in mind questioned "You mean divorce? But why?"

Hina was dumbfounded; having been the one to introduce Tsuruko to Ko a decade ago was unable to speak as she digested the news.

Ko, though, through the storm of emotions enveloping him in that moment. While he was hardly naive and knew full well what Tsuruko's plan entailed, in this moment it all became too real. After all of these years, he was going to leave her and join another woman's household. He remembered a lot of things involving his lovely Tsuruko then; their walks in the mountains, going out to dinner at that little cafe in Nagano near Lake Kizaki, and how she held him at night when he came home from his labors exorcising demons. Ko let out a few stray tears, but refused to wipe them as testament to his love for Tsuruko.

Tsuruko was not in much better state; she barely managed to keep her voice level as she replied softly, "it is not a decision we have come to lightly," though she choked a few times she began to regale them of the story of their friend Kimiko and her children's plight.

Sometime later; Tsuruko and Ko had explained the details leading to their decision for their separation.

The only sound to be heard after the married couple's explanation is the sound of hushed voices as the council begin to discuss the ramifications of their discussion. Looking on at the select group the married couple can only hope they would accept and support their decision on the matter.

Hime is the first to speak looking like the cat that caught the mouse; with an amused tone she spoke evenly, "I cannot agree to this choice Tsuruko, in all the years and generations of the Aoyama line that have existed never has divorce been mentioned let alone considered by even the lowliest of branch families let alone the main!"

These words got a number of those attending to rise to their feet, though they could say nothing in response as she was correct they were only branch families and though they did have links to the main family they had no real clout.

A slender but able Haruki remorsefully added: "I as a member of the council understand your plight and your friend's needs, Tsuruko, but divorce will tarnish our lineage!"

Next to speak was Takehiko a well-built man whose power in battle was second to only a select few in the world. He had a strong position on the council; the strong man sorrowfully spoke carefully, "Haruki and Hime are correct, though I am loathe to admit it I too cannot support our clan head-even an interim one-to go through with a divorce; however noble the purpose of such a dissolution of union."

Kenta was the next to speak, he was a capable but not an overly accomplished warrior but as a tactician he stood out as one of the wisest men in the family spoke next: "Tsuruko, Ko, I completely understand that for your friends health and wellbeing this is one of the most noble moves," stopping to consider his next words carefully Kenta eyes the duo and shakes his head unable to find a better way to say what he thought. He paused for a moment, then tried again. "Though as a tactical move in this modern age the arts have dwindled down to a very select few and as such am unable to support any move that would jeopardize the family and its heritage."

Daiki was the next one to voice his opinion. Never one to mince his words, a quiet man who always did what was asked and was extremely true to his word spoke with reluctance after nodding slowly. "I have watched the two of you grow as I have on my travels, I have come to respect your abilities as warriors, in dealing with demons, spirits and such and am proud to call you my clansmen. I cannot agree to the family head being a divorced one for the sake of honour."

Chisako is left speechless after hearing the clans' choice on the matter; after a short period she is able to collect her thoughts. Finally, she spoke with clarity and emotion. "My daughter and son in law, though it pains me to hear the council's deliberations I do understand their reluctance in regards to our families' shared heritage and continued success," beginning to choke back sobs as tears began to fall unashamedly. A couple of sobs wracked her frame for a moment. Then, "Hina we have not heard your thoughts on the matter?"

Opening her mouth to speak Hime quickly recoils as Hina gives her a stare that dares her to say one word.

Turning back to the couple Hina eyes them both deeply as if she is trying to gauge their seriousness in the matter and takes a moment to ponder, then explains /questions "You two really know how to throw a spanner in the works, don't you?" as she quickly goes into maniacal laughter.

Much to the council's disbelief at Hina's ability to laugh at such a serious matter; they all have the same thought 'extremely dangerous and has more than just a few screws loose,' though not one of them dares to voice such an opinion. After all, the last clan member to do that had promptly found themselves tossed out of the building and into a tree.

"I… take it you have a solution, Elder Hina?" asked the bemused Ko.

Hina stops her laughter at his obviously unamused tone. "Oh my oh my… My apologies dear child but the solution is simple, I am just amused at the amount of so called 'elders' here and not one of them can see the solution staring them right in the face." The Urashima matriarch paused for dramatic effect. The old woman smiled. "The solution is the one person who is not here... Motoko."

000

While the feeling of the clan was against it, she had exercised her prerogative as interim head of the clan and the school. The clan agreed to disagree, on the record, with the decision, and warned them that any ill fortune that befell them for this proposal would be completely on their heads. Kimiko had been informed, and her elation and joy was blinding through her ki, though she tried to be somber out of respect for Tsuruko. Plans were made. She and Ko had gone off for one final vacation/farewell at Lake Kizaki. They returned home. Ko took a leave of absence/reduced availability from his "job." The divorce was filed and speedily finalized, family registers corrected, and Ko moved into Kimiko's house. He and Kimiko assured Tsuruko they would be sleeping in separate rooms for the foreseeable future. After her emotional farewell to Ko, as their relationship changed-had to change-to being good friends again, Tsuruko gave him and Kimiko her wish; "do not build a wall around your hearts on account of what brought you here. Just let things grow naturally. It will also be good for the twins; that kind of relationship between you two…" Tsuruko's voice choked back tears then, "... that kind of love."

Motoko had been informed in a phone call. Chisako had been there with her as she talked to her little sister. Motoko, to her credit, had been genuinely sorry to hear. The pronouncements against men in general had been kept to a minimum, and Motoko had asked if she could come home to "help out."

That, for Tsuruko, had been funny. She had told her dear sister that such a kind gesture would not be necessary as she was certain they would see each other before too long.

She had been looking out the window again, the train station for Hinata Mountain was plainly in view. Time to go.

Tsuruko mused upon her predicament 'My my that was quicker than announced,' a bit annoyed at having her reflections disturbed. Exhaling slowly, she could feel that woman's eyes upon on her once again after their little exchange earlier. Tsuruko considered things as she felt Shippu stir and move his head to rub against his masters' in a placating manner.

Contemplating her situation, she just knew that woman would speak out of turn again, Tsuruko's face took on a slightly devious smirk as she petted Shippu's head in thanks for his continued support; she knew that carrying a blade in modern times meant that she could not really use it. At least not in public; but having made her decision she murmured something incomprehensible to human ears, unless they were trained or gifted, into the bird's ear and watched as the mother and child disembarked.

Grabbing her light travel bag Tsuruko exited the train car several passengers behind the duo, noticing them step out of the station; Tsuruko heard them once more.

"Okaasan, please can I get a birdie like that one, too?" The little girl piped up.

"I told you not to ask for any stupid bird," said the woman trying to hush her daughter once again. Noticing they were exiting in the opposite direction to where her ultimate destination lay the swords woman continued on her way until the duo turned the street corner proceeding away from her. Knowing then that she would be safe Tsuruko commanded, "now," softly to Shippu.

Quickly taking flight the ever faithful crane spotted his intended target and swooped in from high above, silently and with precision Shippu honed in on his target as they continued their little mother-daughter squabble; stopping just behind the women he quickly pecks the mother's head.

"OW!" Screamed the mother who turned to identify what had harmed her only to see nothing. "What… WHO was that?!," cried the mother, asking not just her daughter but also the passerbys who were eyeing her with caution and questioning expressions.

Her daughter looked up at her with concern and asked: "What's wrong Okaa-san?"

"I don't know!" Screamed the mother who was visibly upset, her head turning every which way to find her assailant.

The mother looking around suddenly cried "AWWW! Again!? …who's there?" She looked around intent on giving whoever it was a piece of her mind and taste of her purse. Seeing nothing she looked down at her daughter who was nowhere near tall enough to have hit her on the head.

*PECK**PECK*

"AWWW, DAMMIT!" The irate mother shouted, looking around desperately, not spotting anyone nearly close enough to have attacked her. The only thing she did find was random strangers trying to ignore her, clearly thinking she was crazy and a menace of some kind.

Finding no one the woman yelled, "let's go! It's not safe here!" She pulled her daughter's arm as they headed towards 'safety.'

This happened several more times before the crane heard a familiar whistle. Shippu, who had repeatedly flew back up high as it continued its assault on the woman who dared insult his master, grinned to himself in his manner with satisfaction at his beak-work. Setting off in search of his beloved master; quickly finding her, the crane swoops in and lands upon her outstretched arm.

"Is your task completed?" An amused Tsuruko asked.

"QUAW!" replies a happy Shippu who opened his beak to catch the treat his owner had just thrown him as a reward.

"Excellent," Tsuruko replied with amusement. "Let us continue our quest to test Motoko-han." Enjoying the sensation of his head being petted Shippu; replies "kue-kue," contentedly as he jumps to a slightly different position upon Tsuruko's right shoulder.

Beginning their journey in the direction of the street that she recognized from the map she had whose name matched the mailing address for the Hinata Inn, Tsuruko spotted a downcast, slender young man wearing a leg-cast who is seemingly lost in thought as he scampers across-or as best as he could-attempt to cross the road with the use of crutches. She noticed this as a red sports car advanced towards him seemingly unnoticed, its driver flailing wildly at what appeared to be a turtle merrily riding his vehicle's front wind-shield, blocking his view.

000

TO BE CONTINUED. See you next chapter, which will be the Burning Blades arc/episode 25 with alterations. Heavy emphasis on the alterations, as it will not just be a rehash of events we are all familiar with in canon. Thanks for reading and many thanks for any reviews, comments, favorites, follows and all that good stuff. We hope you enjoy this story.