Shadow Wolf (Shinobi Saga)

by Sessha Batto

  “Four o'clock.”

  “Huh?” Makoto grunted. “What does that mean?”

  “If you mean that, be here and ready at four. Last chance,” Yoshi insisted, “I won't go through this again.”

  “I'll be back by three. I love you, 'shi-san.”

  “Hnn,” Yoshi retorted. “Now go. I hope I see you in a few hours.”

  ****

  Makoto pushed through the gathered crowd, intent on getting home, showering and getting back as quickly as possible. “Where do you think you're going?” Mayu demanded. “You can't just run away from what you did.”

  “He's giving me another chance, at four o'clock. Get everyone here and in place by then. I've got to go get ready.” The interrogator hurried off to prepare as the kunoichi snapped out orders, intent on getting the ceremony rescheduled and all the guests back in the shrine. Once everyone had sped off to do their assigned tasks, and escape her sharp tongue, she headed to the dressing room to check on her friend.

  “'Shi-kun, it's me,” she declared after rapping on the door. “Can I come in and talk to you?”

  “Of course Mayu,” Yoshi replied, opening the door and gesturing for her to come inside. “I was just freshening up before Makoto gets back.”

  “Are you sure you still want to marry him?” the kunoichi asked pointedly. “You certainly don't have to, Kami knows he deserves it for the stunt he pulled.”

  “I don't care about that. I've certainly done worse. I just needed to be sure he still wanted to marry me.”

  “Of course he still wants to marry you,” his friend exclaimed. “He's not an idiot. Besides, he asked you, remember?”

  “That doesn't mean he didn't change his mind,” the elite argued. “I'm a bad bargain at best.”

  “No, you're not,” Mayu shot back. “You're the best deal in town. Right about now I'd happily trade Tatsuya for you.”

  “I love you... but no,” the shadow wolf said with a shake of his head. “Sorry, I'm just not into girls.”

  “That's all right, I understand. I love Tatsuya the way you love Makoto. He just makes my blood boil sometimes.”

  “Did the rest of them ever show up?” Yoshi neatly sidestepped the topic of love, fussing with his hair, as he tried, yet again, to bring order to the chaotic mop.

  “They straggled in after your fiancé. Half of them look like they're suffering from alcohol poisoning, the rest look like they may have died already. We've been taking turns yelling at them. It really is a lot of fun, you should come give it a try.”

  “No, I think not. Could you send Hideaki in though?” he said absently. “I'd like to talk with him for a minute, if it's alright.”

  “Of course. I'm very glad everything worked out.”

  “So am I.” The shadow wolf graced her with a brilliant smile, humming happily to himself as he waited.

  ****

  One at a time he spoke to the partners of each of the men involved in the bachelor party, eventually convincing them to forgive their significant other, at least until after the festivities. The lone holdout was, surprisingly, Daisuke. “No, Takahashi-san, I do not think going to get Souta is a good idea. In fact, I told him not to come home until he found some way to fix this.”

  “It isn't his fault, Shuhan-sama,” Yoshi argued. “Genki and Jun are the ones who set the whole thing up. We've reached... an understanding. I don't blame him for any of this.”

  “Well I do,” the Shuhan insisted. “He treats everything like it's one big joke. He has no idea how serious this is.”

  “I think he does,” Yoshi said thoughtfully. “I think he's more serious than you realize. I know he's serious about you, for example, and about making sure his friends don't get hurt. He doesn't act it because he doesn't want to put any more pressure on you. I know he loves you, that hasn't changed. Please don't punish yourself for some imagined slight against me. I really hope you'll reconsider and get him to join us.”

  “I'll think about it. Although I really don't think he deserves your forgiveness.”

  “As I said, there is nothing to forgive,” Yoshi assured him. “Could you please send Jun in now?”

  The combat specialist crept into the room, a frown plastered on his tear streaked face. “I understand if you never want to see me again, Yoshi. I have betrayed your trust in the worst possible way.”

  “It's alright, Jun,” the shadow wolf soothed. “I'm not mad at you. I just wanted to make sure you'd be ready at four.”

  “Ready for what?”

  “The wedding silly. We're trying again at four, and I still need someone to stand up for me. So, are you up for it?”

  “Yosh,” Jun exclaimed with a brilliant smile. “I will be back in fifteen minutes or die trying.”

  “Good one,” Yoshi murmured. “So get going.”

  ****

  At four on the dot the couple stood hand in hand, nervously awaiting the start of the ceremony. “We are gathered here today for a solemn occasion,” the Kobayashi no Shuhan began. “The wedding of two of our most treasured shinobi, Takahashi Yoshi and Sasaki Makoto.”

  “Marriage is a serious endeavor,” Daisuke declared. “One which requires infinite patience and an unfailing willingness to put the welfare of another above your own. As the merging of two lives it invariably requires flexibility and good humor. But above all this, the heart and soul of a marriage is love. It is the glue that will bind you ever more tightly together as you continue your journey forward as one.”

  The couple strode forward, pouring sake into a cup which held three tiers of cups, then taking a sip from each of the three steps.

  “By exchanging the nuptial sake sips, this three times three, Yoshi and Makoto are now happily united. Nine sips guaranteeing them triple happiness.” Daisuke's face grew solemn. “However, just as the san-san-kudo sake may not be altogether delicious, this couple's married life may not always be delightful, but they will overcome their hardships by relying on their affection for one another.”

  The Shuhan lifted the cushion holding matching platinum bands. “May these rings be blessed as the symbol of this union and how these two are now joined as one unbreakable whole. Wherever they go, may they always return to one another. May they find in each other the love for which all men yearn. May they grow in understanding and compassion. May these rings symbolize the permanence of this bond.” He handed a ring to Makoto. “Sasaki Makoto, place this ring on Yoshi's finger and speak your vows.”

  The interrogator slid the slim band onto the shadow wolf's shaking finger, locking gazes with him. “Yoshi, I choose you to be my life partner. I promise to sleep by your side, to be the joy of your heart, the food of your soul and the best person I can be for you. I promise to laugh with you when times are good, and to suffer with you when they are bad; I promise to wash away your tears with my kisses and hold you until our days on earth are over. Our life lies on the path we have chosen together. I enter this marriage with you knowing that the true test of love is not to avoid changes, but to navigate them successfully. In all our lives, may we be reborn in the same time and at the same place that we may meet, and know, and remember, and love again.”

  Daisuke smiled at the heartfelt words before handing the other ring to Yoshi. “Takahashi Yoshi, place this ring on Makoto's finger and speak your vows.”

  A tear slipped from the corner of Yoshi's eye as he slid the band onto his lover's finger, but his smile was wide and his voice firm. “Makoto, I choose you to be my life partner. I promise to sleep by your side, to be the joy of your heart, the food of your soul and the best person I can be for you. I promise to laugh with you when times are good, and to suffer with you when they are bad. I promise to wash away your tears with my kisses and hold you until our days on earth are over. Our life lies on the path we have chosen together. I enter this marriage with you knowing that the true test of love is not to avoid changes, but to navigate them successfully. In all our lives, may we be reborn in the same time and at the same place that we may meet,
and know, and remember, and love again.”

  The two remained hand in hand, eyes locked for a long moment before a voice broke the spell. “Being as these two have pledged themselves to each other before all those gathered here, as Shuhan of Kobayashi shuudan I hereby declare you married. May you have many years of happiness together.” Then he added with a smirk, “You may kiss your husband.”

  ****

  Souta banged his spoon on the side of his glass in an attempt to gain everyone's attention. “I know the speech is normally given by the best man, but we've decided to veer from tradition a bit.”

  “What speech?” Yoshi hissed. “No one told me about any speech.”

  “It's supposed to be a toast by the best man,” Makoto explained. “I'm sure it won't be anything bad.”

  “I have a confession to make,” Souta began. “I'm not supposed to be here tonight. I'm the one that thought these two getting married was a bad idea.”

  “Oh no, this isn't bad,” the elite groaned. “Wasn't last night enough?”

  “Souta, maybe you should keep your sentiments to yourself,” Makoto threatened, but the assassin ignored him and continued.

  “Like I said, I wasn't supposed to be here, but I'm glad I am. I need to apologize to Yoshi for not trusting him, especially after all he did for me. I never intended to hurt you, and I'm very sorry. I'm glad my friend has found someone he cares for so deeply. I hope you two have a long and happy life together.” The assassin took a deep breath before he went on. “I also want to apologize to our wise and generous Shuhan, and thank him for loving me, even though I tend to act first and think afterward.”

  “Sit down, Sou,” Daisuke said with a smile. “You can grovel later.”

  “Thank you, Dai,” the elite replied gratefully.

  “My turn.” Genki rose unsteadily to address the crowd. “I owe everyone here an apology. It's my fault Makoto didn't make it on time this morning. I orchestrated the little party gone awry... and almost ruined my nephew's life in the process. I'm glad you found it in your heart to forgive him, brat, I truly enjoy having my head attached to my shoulders.”

  “That can change, old man,” the shadow wolf growled, mortified at the scrutiny he was currently under. “Just sit down and shut up.”

  “For my toast I have composed a ballad celebrating the tender love my dear friend Yoshi and his new husband have found.” Jun whipped a guitar out from under the table.

  “Oh, no, no, no. You told me you took care of this.” Yoshi turned to pin the interrogator with a murderous gaze. “Stop him.”

  “Jun, I think we need to eat now,” Makoto ventured as the first chord rang out.

  “On a shining summer day, in the springtime of their youth, two fair and glorious warriors, accepted a wonderful truth.” The combat specialist took a deep breath in preparation for the next line.

  The shadow wolf stood to whisper in his best-man's ear. “Jun, I need you to be quiet now,” he suggested, hoping to shortcut any further mental overload.

  “Is something the matter?”

  “It's all a bit much,” Yoshi said. “I'm starting to get a terrible headache.”

  “That will never do,” Jun declared. “I will go and find you some aspirin.”

  “I just took some, now I need you to sit down and be quiet.”

  “That was brilliant,” Makoto whispered. “Thank you so much.”

  “I told you, distraction,” the elite whispered back. “Works every time.”

  After dinner everyone made their way to the dance floor. Yoshi was once again caught by surprise when Mayu took the microphone and began to speak. “It's time for the new couple's first dance, everyone gather round.”

  “I don't know how to dance,” Makoto insisted. “No one said anything about dancing.”

  “You'll be fine,” Yoshi soothed. “Just keep your eyes on me and forget about everything else.”

  “Making their first appearance as a married couple,” the kunoichi declared. “It is my pleasure to present Takahashi Makoto and Takahashi Yoshi.”

  The ring of onlookers opened up and the couple passed through, the normally intimidating interrogator looking adorably uncertain until Yoshi took him in his arms, whispering in a rapidly reddening ear. “Remember, just concentrate on me and follow my lead.”

  The music started and Yoshi effortlessly steered them around the floor, whispering endearments the entire time. When other couples began drifting out to join them he slowed to a gentle swaying motion, leaning his head against Makoto's broad chest.

  “Have I told you yet how gorgeous you look, sweetheart?” The interrogator tightened his hold on his new husband. “I don't think I've ever seen anything more beautiful in my entire life.”

  “I'm glad you like it. I was afraid it might be too feminine.”

  “You are undoubtedly one hundred percent male. The kimono just makes you all the more handsome.”

  “May I cut in?” Hideaki's smooth tenor brought them back to the real world.

  “Of course,” the interrogator rumbled, escaping to join Katsutoshi on the sidelines and watch.

  “Congratulations, senpai. How does it feel to be married?”

  “It feels wonderful. Nothing can come between us now.”

  “I was surprised Sasaki-san took your name,” the Oonishi admitted. “I would have thought you'd do it the other way around.”

  “He insisted,” the elite said with a shrug. “Apparently the council had some fears that the clans could die out if they permitted same sex marriages. What difference the name makes, I don't know.

  “Enough, you two, let someone else dance with the groom,” Shouhei's cheery voice broke in.

  “Certainly, Abe-san. We will talk later, senpai,” Hideaki said with a bow.

  “Indeed, we will,” Yoshi agreed as he was swept back onto the dance floor.

  “So. I haven't had much chance to talk to you, Yoshi,” Shouhei began tentatively. “Is everything alright? I mean, well, we were just worried. The wedding seems awfully sudden.”

  “Everything's wonderful,” the elite insisted. “I just married a man who adores me. What could possibly be wrong with that?”

  “You're always welcome to come back home with us. I know you have bad memories from your time there, but there's no threat now.”

  “I'm sure we'll come and visit,” Yoshi assured him. “But I have no intention of going anywhere without my husband.”

  “As long as it's what you want,” Shouhei agreed. “Just remember you have friends who care about you.”

  ****

  Hours later the party was still going on, although the couple at the center of the celebration had long since retreated to a secluded corner of the garden where they sat comfortably curled together observing the revelry from a distance. “Is it time to go home yet?” Yoshi murmured sleepily. “It's been an awfully long day.”

  “I think we still need to do the cake,” the interrogator grumbled. “Or we could just slip out right now. I don't think anyone would notice.”

  “Do you really want Mayu banging on our door later to complain?” Yoshi asked. “Let's check in before we leave, just in case.”

  They stood together, linking hands and heading back inside, stopping to gaze around the crowded space in search of the kunoichi. Halfway across the dance floor the shadow wolf veered off to intersect Souta and Daisuke, as they swayed back and forth in each other's arms. “I'm glad to see you made up. I'd hate to have you unhappy on our wedding day.”

  “Actually, I have to thank you, Yoshi,” the Shuhan declared with a brilliant smile. “Apparently your example rubbed off on my errant lover here. He finally broke down and asked me to marry him.”

  “Congratulations,” the shadow wolf replied, delighted by the news. “I'm very happy for you. Makoto always said he wanted us to have what you do. So, when's the big day?”

  “Not for a while.” Souta crossed his arms and pouted. “Dai says we have too much planning to do. He's making me wait six
months.”

  “I imagine he's worth waiting for. Take care if we don't see you before we leave.”

  “Where are you going anyway?” Daisuke asked.

  “No idea.” Yoshi smiled broadly. “Doesn't matter as long as we're together.”

  “That is so sweet,” Mayu gushed from behind him.

  “There you are.” Yoshi pulled the startled kunoichi into a tight hug. “Thank you so much for everything. This is wonderful. Now that I've said that, can we go please? I'm getting kind of tired.”

  “We can't have that,” his friend chuckled. “Makoto will kill me if you fall asleep on your wedding night. All you have left is to cut the cake. Let me make the announcement and you can get out of here.”

  “Yes ma'am.” He obediently followed her towards the banquet table.

  “Alright everyone, the newlyweds are anxious to get going on their honeymoon,” Mayu announced to a flood of whistles and cat-calls. “Gather round so they can cut the cake and get out of here.”

  The guests obediently formed a circle around the pair, laughter breaking out when Makoto pulled out a kunai and got ready to cut into the elaborate wedding cake. “Absolutely not,” the kunoichi announced loudly. “Honestly, 'shi-kun, how do you put up with him?”

  “What on earth are you going on about woman?” the interrogator asked. “You said we should cut the cake.”

  “Not like that. Stand like this.” She maneuvered the couple until Makoto was standing behind his husband, arms around his waist. “And cut with this.” She produced an elaborate cake knife, handle entwined in ribbons, and wrapped both men's hands around it. “Now, cut it together and feed each other a piece.”

  “Who made the cake?” Makoto asked.

  “The bakery. Why?” the startled kunoichi asked.

  “Oh no you don't.” The shadow wolf turned to pin his new husband with a virulent glare. “No one is trying to poison you. Eat the damn cake.”