Chapter Text
It wasn't your first time. Bandits were like flies, you could find them everywhere and they were extremely annoying. The knife in your hand didn't tremble, not even a bit. You were no stranger to blood. But as confident as you were, you were not dumb: 4 grown men against you were way too many, even with their cocky attitudes. Cocky meant flaws, that was good. An open door to their guts spilled. But kill one, and the others open their eyes.
-Leave the goods and you'll be able to keep your honor intact, woman-one of those brutes advised, stepping closer.
-Leave the goods and you'll be able to keep your throats intact-was the answer, barked the threat like a dog.
-Uh, would you look at that? We have a fighter!
-Good. I was getting bored. Let's see where that bravado goes once we are done with you.
-HEY, YOU! LEAVE THE LADY ALONE! Or else...-a big man screamed, running towards them. He had two knives attached to his hands... Wait. He had no hands? What the...?
-Ringo, I said stop!-another man ran after him, a samurai, with orange glasses and an annoyed gesture.
-I'M SORRY MASTER, I'M NOT GONNA LET SOME...SOME IDIOTS! HURT A WOMAN.
-Shit. Boss?
-A deformed man, a woman and a samurai as thin as bamboo. This is a piece of cake, my friends-he took his blade with a sadistic grin-Whoever kills the glasses freak gets to keep the katana.
You expected a fight, you really did. Prepared the stand and got ready to slaughter those monsters. However, everything ended almost as fast as it started. A single movement from the samurai and the so-called "boss" was now made of two pieces. Ringo, if you remembered correctly, jumped on another man, screaming fiercely. The two bandits left were stunned, looking at the lifeless body of their boss bleeding on the floor.
-Run now if you don't want the same fate-the samurai said, pointing at the bandits with his blood-stained blade.
-Yeah, what he said! And never EVER molest a woman again!-the bigger man stood by his side, his clothes now red and wet and an almost scary look in his eyes.
They obeyed. After a second of doubt and a step or two back, they started to run, leaving their companions bodies behind. You sighted, attaching the knife to your waist. Well, that was easier than you thought. You faked a polite smile, turning to your saviors and bowing in front of them.
-Thank you for helping me, gentlemen. I'm in debt.
-You're very welcome, my lady-Ringo bowed too, smiling-Those men were cowards, and disgusting! I'm just glad you're okay-he waited for a second, then elbowed his master's side.
-Ugh! Yeah, yeah whatever-he bowed a bit-You're welcome. Can we now leave? We...-he grunted-we are in a hurry.
-Are you wounded, sir?-the concern was just mildly faked. He did save you, after all.
-No.
-He has a tummy ache-Ringo answered right away-and he wants to leave the city so he can lay down and prepare camp.
-Tummy ache?-you tried your best not to laugh. To think a strong, stoic samurai would suffer a tummy ache just like the mere commoners.
-I don't have...that-he growled-I just want to advance as much as we can before night catches us.
-Well, good sirs. I could offer you a place to stay for the night. A rested body is stronger. And faster. And has less tummy aches.
-I said I...! Whatever-he rolled his eyes-Thank you, but no, thank you. Let's go, Ringo.
-But...-he pouted-We should at least accompany her. Help her with her stuff! It looks heavy.
-Shouldn't your husband be helping?
-Well, I guess he would. If I had one-you took the bamboo that carried the bags, attached at both sides, then threw it on your shoulders, grunting a bit-It's okay, I see the samurai is a busy man. Thank you again for your assistance, I'll leave you to it.
-Wait! C'mon, master, we have to cross the village anyway...
-Okay, okay... Stop begging already-he walked past him, and grabbed the bamboo without permission-He'll take it from here-Ringo ran a bit, getting closer, and positioned so his master could put the weights on him.
-Thank you very much for your kindness! Pleasure to meet you.
-I'm Ringo! And he is...
-Mizu-the samurai cut, starting to walk-Is it far away?
-The other side of the village. If you want to cross it, then we do have the same path for some minutes.
-See, master? We don't even have to divert from our path!
-Yeah, yeah...-his rhythm was fast, but by his steps, you could tell something was clearly hurting him.
-Tummy ache, uh?
-Oh, yeah. But he'll be fine in a few days! He just gets real grumpy when he's sick.
-I can hear you.
You chuckled, following the samurai. He did not speak again, but Ringo's chat was more than enough. The conversation was light and funny, something you were sadly getting unused to, and once they were at your door, you couldn't help but feel sad about it.
-Please, come in. Just for a quick tea. It will help you with your pain.
-I doubt it.
-Well, you can at least try. And besides, night is already half upon us, you won't be able to walk for long. Are you really going to leave just so you can walk 15 minutes?
-She is right, master. It's getting dark.
-Okay-he said after sighting, taking off his glasses to rub his eyes. He was fast to put them back on, but the glimpse you took made you gasp. Eyes blue as the sea, a color you had only heard of in tales about demons and monsters.
-G...great! Then please, come on in. Sit wherever, I'll make some tea.
-Let me help! I'll cook dinner! Trust me, my noodles are the best! But I'll change first, or else your house will stink.
-I can't say no to that! And if you need clothes, I still have my father's.
-It's okay, I've got some on me!
Once the tea was made, you gave a cup to the chef, took one for yourself, then prepared a special one for Mizu, mixing some new herbs and adding spices. He lifted an eyebrow, looking at your hands with interest.
-What are you doing?
-It's for the pain. Trust me, the taste is a bit spicy but it does help. My father was a doctor, he teached me a thing or two.
-Oh, interesting-he waited patiently, a question clearly written all over his face. After some seconds, he finally decided it was not that rude to ask-How long has it been since...?
-A month. Some bandits caught us on our way back. We managed to escape with our stuff, but he couldn't survive his wounds. When I came back alone, I told the neighbors that he was hired by a lord to attend to his sickness, and that he asked me to come back and keep the business running.
-And they bought it?
-Well, for some time they did. But now...-you shrugged-A month is plenty of time, and they are starting to get intrigued-you offered him the tea, and he took a tentative sip
-It really is spicy-he coughed, but smiled softly-Not bad, not bad at all. It will help with the pain, you say?
-It calms the stomach and helps control vomits.
-I see. Thank you.
-Also, if you're having stomach issues, you shouldn't eat noodles. Too hard for a sick person. I'll prepare some white rice.
-No need, noodles will be fine. I haven't even vomited.
-Uhm, that's interesting. May I check you?
-There's no need, really. I'm fine.
-You are a very stubborn person, aren't you?
-You bet!-Ringo screamed from the kitchen.
-C'mon, let me do it! I won't hurt you, no need to be scared.
-Pfft. Me? Scared?
-Oh, definitely. You're scared, I can see it in your eyes-you kneeled close to him, a mocking smile on your face.
-I am not scared. I know no fear-and yet, he backed slightly. Just enough for your eyes to catch a concerning stain on his clothes.
-Is that blood?
-A splash from earlier, I assume.
-That's no splash, that's fresh blood. Look, it even stained your calf too. You were injured all this time and didn't say a thing?
-I'm fine, it's a small wound. No need to be attended.
-I've seen grown men die because of the tiniest, most stupid wound at a bad place left unattended. Undress, I'll stitch it and clean the area.
-I said no-he looked mad, a mix of fury and fear in his eyes. He was nervous, judging by his breathing and the movement of his eyes.
-I might not be a proper doctor but I'm the closest thing to one you'll see at this village so you better obey. Show me at least the wound. What is it? A sword wound? Branches? Have you cleaned it?-you got closer, and when he tried to get away, a new puncture of pain made him shift and sit on the floor.
-It's clean, no big deal.
-Why can't you let me help, you stupid samurai? Your honor won't be touched just because a woman attends your injuries!
-There is no injury!-he said, looking at the floor, his voice cracking-There is no wound-he repeated, softly this time-Thank you, but I'm fine.
-What do you mean there's no wound? What about the...?
-Look I...-he sighed, taking off his glasses and rubbing his eyes-Fuck. Look, my bleeding is normal. Just as normal as yours is every month.
-What do you...? Oh. Ooooh-the realization hit you like a wave, making you open both eyes and mouth in surprise-Holy shit you're not a...
-It's a secret I expect you to keep.
-Yeah, yeah, my lips are sealed-you nodded-Oh, but then, the tea I gave you won't help! Wait, let me give you something else.
-Are you okay, master?-Ringo looked at her with concern.
-It's fine, Ringo, don't worry. She is not dumb, lying would be of no help.
-Well thank you-you scoffed, preparing the new mix-Ringo, you see that bag full of seeds and herbs?
-This one?-he took it and showed it to you.
-Yeah, that. Don't open it, just put it in a pot and on the fire.
-What 's that for?-Mizu asked, curious. Trying to focus on something else, you assumed.
-This new mix helps with inflammation. That's why you're feeling pain. And the warm seeds will help with that, too. A bit like hugging your knees when ure laying down. The warmth calms the pain, once the inflammation goes down it will disappear.
-Oh, I see-she nodded, understanding.
-Come with me. Let's get you cleaned up while this boils.
You gave her some of your dad's clothes, and a change of underwear along with protection for it. She was interested in the piece of cloth, much stronger than normal fabric. You explained how it absorbed way more blood than the broken bandage she was using, promised to gift her some, and left her alone so she could get cleaned up and changed in private. You waited with Ringo, helping him finish dinner, for some minutes. Once she was done with changing, she said she was leaving to clean her clothing.
-Give me that, I'll handle it. You lay down and put the bag of seeds on your lower stomach. Ringo, give me your other clothes too!
-There's no need, I can...
-I know you can. And I know there's no need. But I want to help. C'mon, period pain can be awful, you need to rest and relax.
-Is it really okay?-she looked unsure, clearly not used to being attended to like that.
-It is, promise. I've helped dad with many patients, and I assure you, blood is not the most disgusting thing I've encountered. You rest, stubborn samurai-she smiled softly, laying next to the fire, where Ringo had already placed the seed bag.
-Dinner will be served when you come back!
-Awesome. I'll be fast, don't want them to get cold!
Ringo was right, those noodles were delicious. Fed your stomach and soul. Mizu was feeling much better, the pain silenced to an uncomfortable numbness. It was nice, having them at your table. You've missed the company. You offered your futon and the spare one that belonged to your father, ready to sleep on the floor, but after a very intense debate, Ringo took your place on straight wood. Mizu tried to get him to sleep on the futon, but he was stubborn as his master, and wanted to make sure she had a good night of comfort before hitting the road again. The plan was good, but 5 hours later you heard the rustling of sheets, and when you opened your eyes, she was combing her hair with the sword on her lap.
-Early bird?-you whispered, sitting too, letting your messy hair fall with much less grace than her.
-Sorry I woke you up-she tied it in a bun, and grabbed the glasses.
-Nah, it's okay. Where are you going?
-Early exercises. Is it okay if I do it outside?
Ringo made some noise, and you stood up, signing for the door. She nodded and followed you, closing the door behind you. At least one of you should have a proper night of sleep. You prepared some tea for breakfast, and after a quick chat she was ready for her training. She allowed you to accompany her, and you had to admit, the view was amazing. You've seen strong people before, but it was the control she had of her movement what mesmerized you. Standing head down with one hand alone was impressive, but the slow, gentle motions she was able to do while doing so were spectacular. And how flexible she was, using her legs for balance with no effort, or at least with a stoic face. You were hypnotized for gods know how long before she decided it was over.
-Is there a lake or river where I could go?
-There's a river nearby, cold as hell, nobody visits. It has a pretty cascade! Not a pleasant bath, but if you want to swim for a bit, it will do just fine. I could come too, if you want. To make sure nobody is near.
She looked doubtful for a minute before nodding, slowly, earning a big grin from you. You left a quick note for Ringo before heading out, trying to keep her pace. Everything was quiet, not many people around...such a pleasant morning. That was, until one of your most annoying neighbors decided to step in your way, with a dumb smile that made you imagine the trouble.
-If it isn't my favorite girl in town! How are you doing, sweetheart? No news from daddy?
-My father is doing fine, thanks. And so is his client. Now if you'll excuse us...
-And who is this samurai? Should I be jealous?
-Judging by her face, what you should be is giving up-you did your best not to chuckle.
-Who the fuck are you?
-Her father's messenger. I'm the son of the man he is serving. I was already traveling this way, so he asked me to come by.
-Oh, and what's that message?
-A private one-she grabbed her blade slowly-Why the interest?
-Well, I'm just a good neighbor. A poor, young woman all alone...I just wanted to make sure she is okay. And of course, if she needs my company...-he lick his lips, making you cringe-I'll be there for you, sweetheart.
-Nothing would unplease me more. I'd rather die alone and be eaten by the rats-you spit, no hesitation. He growled. Mizu stepped in the middle of you both, standing straight and dangerous.
-The message was a proposal. Her father is such a good doctor, and speaks so highly of her, that my father, in gratitude, agreed to unite our families. I need to finish my work first, then I'll come for her. And if she tells me you dared lay a single finger on her...better yet, if you dare look her way again, I will spill your guts in front of the whole village and give your remains to the pigs. Understood?
-I...-he looked at you, then back at her, swallowing hard-Good morning, sir. Miss. My best wishes on your marriage-he left almost running, leaving you speechless behind a very worked up Mizu.
-I hate men like him. They should all rot.
-That. Was amazing. My dearest future husband-you laughed, and she scoffed, with the smallest of grins on her face.
-I just bought you some time. But still, you need a plan. A real one. You can't lie forever.
-I know, I know...-you sighed, starting to walk again-I just don't know what to do.
-You could find an actual husband. One who's not disgusting.
-I...I'm not interested in marriage.
-Why?
-We all have our secrets, don't we? You know better than anyone.
-And what would that secret be?-the forest was now your only company, and you could hear the water roar.
-I...-you hugged yourself, unsure-It's not...common. I don't want you to hate me, or think I'm disgusting.
-Have you seen me? I won't do that. I'm no one to judge.
-Im not interested in having a husband because...-you could feel your nails piercing the skin of your forearm. You knew her secret, the least you could do was being honest-because the mere thought of a man touching me feels wrong-she hummed, thinking that was all-But if it was a woman...
-Oh-her eyes opened slightly, looking directly at you-That's...certainly not very common.
-I know...
-But I've seen more like you. Similar, at least. Men that craved another man's touch. It might be uncommon but that doesn't mean it's bad. I'm not going to change my view of you because of that.
-Good, good-you smiled, relaxing a bit. In front of you, the river appeared-Here we go. I'll keep an eye on the road, you go and relax for as long as you need.
-Don't stay here. Come to the shore. If someone is coming you can give me my cloak faster.
-Oh, true. Well, okay.
You sat by the river, on a sturdy enough rock, and eyed the road. Now that she knew your secret, the least you wanted was to make her uncomfortable. You heard her removing her clothes, felt her leave them next to you on a smaller rock, and finally heard how she dipped into the water, humming content. That water was freezing and that woman was insane for not screaming about it.
-So...-she started after a few minutes. You looked at her a brief second before going back to the road-You have no plans for the future? Not even an idea?
-I was planning on leaving the village, but then again, it's not like I can find a safe place out there. Maybe I should steal yours and start presenting like a male.
-Could work. It works for me-you laughed.
-You have a deep voice. And you're tall, and handsome. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be such a convincing swordsman.
-I trained my voice for it to be deep. I hide my chest and walk like them, act like them. With some practice, I'm sure you could do it too.
-Maybe you're right-you hugged your knees, feeling the pressure in your stomach grow-Im scared.
-I can understand-you felt something wet on your hand, just to find hers on it, giving you a reassuring squeeze-But you're brave. And smart. You'll manage, I know it.
-You sure you don't wanna keep the husband acting?-you joked, trying to feel better.
-You can use it, if you think it's helpful. But my mission is long, so I'm not sure when I could come get you-you nodded, still looking at the trees-Come in.
-What?
-You heard me. Undress, come in. Cold water will clear your mind.
-I'm not as strong as you are, I'm gonna faint or something.
-Then I'll help you out. Give it a try. Training your body and mind is important if you really want to survive on your own.
-Okay...-feeling your cheeks burn, you started to undress, feeling her gaze on your back.
-So many scars...-she admired, studying your body without any shame.
For the first time, you looked at her, and your breath was taken away from your lungs. You fought not to stare, but it was hard. The waters weren't too deep, reaching only above her hips, giving you all the access to her thin yet pretty muscular body. Everything she had was pure muscle, the kind of body you expect from an athlete. Men would be horrified by a woman looking like that, but for you it was a great view. She offered a hand, and you accepted, trying to look everywhere but at her. Or at the very least, trying to focus on her eyes. She didn't seem to mind, laughing when you hissed because of the cold.
-I've killed many bandits and protected myself from even more idiots, of course I've scars. Except for this one-you pointed at your ribs-that was a horse.
-A horse?-she smiled, her long, dark hair framing her face and making her eyes look even clearer. Oh, this was bad. Really bad.
-Yeah well-you stepped away, pretending to check a flower close to the shore-Let me tell you the story...
You ended up speaking more, and more, and after some time you both were kneeling face to face inside the water, telling stories and laughing while your lips turned blue because of the cold. You started to shiver, and noticing it, she came closer, throwing an arm around your shoulder.
-Are you okay?-her concern was real, and her proximity was killing you slowly.
-Yeah! Yeah just freezing my ass, you know. I'm not a strong samurai like you, told ya-you laughed, and so did she, rubbing your arm a bit.
-Let's go, then-she stood up, offering her hand to you.
You did your best not to stare while dressing, but she didn't seem to mind, which was pretty comforting. It wasn't long before you were back at your place, where Ringo was cutting some wood for you. You thanked him for his kindness, and prepared lunch for them. You then grabbed some paper, and started to write.
-What's that? Need help?-the man sat beside you, interested.
-Im writing some recipes for you! Easy medicines can be made with common herbs. It never hurts to know a thing or two if you're constantly traveling.
-Oh! Smart. Thank you!!
-I appreciate it-Mizu agreed, sipping her tea-Once you finish, we'll be leaving. We already spent too much time here.
-Oh...yeah, I get it-you didn't hide your sadness, there was no point, and Ringo smiled with the same feeling.
-We'll miss you too, right, master?
-Yes. Yes we will.
Even her companion looked surprised at her sincere tone, and your stomach twisted. You felt your cheeks burn, and she seemed to notice, looking down with a bit of a blush of her own, which made everything worse.
-I'll give you some herbs too for the road. They are dry so they will last. I'll write the names on the package.
-You're too kind.
-It's okay, that's what a doctor does. Or should do, at least.
-You know...maybe having a doctor with us would be better than the recipes.
-Ringo!
-What? It 's true! You're hurt an alarming amount of times, master, we could need her.
-The path of revenge is not an easy one, nor safe.
-Oh...-he pouted, and you patted his shoulder.
-However...sword father could really use a doctor at home. He is not as young as he used to be.
-Who?
-Her dad! He is a nice man, a bit grumpy but oh well, who isn't? But his village is pretty far away.
-Come with me, please. I wish to speak with you alone-Mizu walked toward the dorm, and you followed, confused-Ringo, get ready to leave in the meantime.
-Grab some food, Ringo, don't leave with just medicine.
-We couldn't, it's yours!
-Obey, Ringo. We'll leave money to restock it all.
-There 's no...
-I didn't ask. Please, enter-you did as she said, and heard the door close behind you.
-Wh...what's wrong?-you fidgeted, nervous, and she smiled softly.
-He is right. We could use a doctor. But this is too dangerous. Once I kill the men I have to kill...would you like to come with us?
-Wait, really?
-I don't know if I'll survive it, but he will. He can take you to swordfather. You'll be safe with them.
-If I was there, you would survive-you assured, and she nodded.
-I'm sure it's true. But I can't risk your safety like that. Do me a favor...train, while you wait for us. I want you to come, but even after my mission, the path of the blade is always dangerous.
-I will-you assured, the feeling in your stomach growing again-You'll be proud. Who knows, maybe I can save you in more ways than one.
-I'm sure you will-she chuckled, and came closer. You swallowed-Undress.
-What?
-Im sorry-her blush reached her ears-Please, undress. I want to show you how to properly dress as a man. As long as you don't speak, your trips will be safer.
You did, trying to breathe normally, and she took a thick bandage out of her pocket. She slowly showed you the proper way to hide your chest, a way that was gentle to your ribs, her touch lingering on your skin. You sighed, looking at her eyes, focused on her work while she explained the procedure. She also told you how to walk, how to sit, the exercises she did for her voice to get deeper. She took your dad's clothes and helped you get dressed, always gently. Finally, she took her own hat, and placed it on your head.
-How do I look?
-Beautiful-she whispered.
-I...I meant if I looked convincing enough.
-Oh! Yeah, well, I...-she coughed-Your face is too soft, too round. Makeup could help you hide it.
-I'll practice, don't worry.
-Good-she didn't step back once she finished-I do want you to come with me. But It's a selfish thing to ask of you.
-It's not like I've something to live for here. And I'm not safe.
-Your neighbor? I can handle him before I leave.
-If it's not him, someone else will come. You know how the world works.
-...we'll come back for you. I swear-you smiled, and dared touch her check slightly. After a moment of shock, she relaxed.
She looked unsure, her eyes moving between yours and your lips, hers slightly parted. Were you imagining things? Were you just fantasizing? Her hands were glued to her sides, even if her cheek pressed willingly to your palm. Trying to make sure it wasn't a misunderstanding, you used your free hand to grab one of hers, and she intertwined your fingers. Oh. Oh, maybe it wasn't just your imagination.
-Mizu, I...
-Me too-she whispered, emotion making her voice crack-Please. Do it.
You kissed her slowly, letting her hat fall to your back, and you felt her tremble against you. A shy hand grabbed your waist, and you smiled, getting closer. She didn't seem to care about your inexperience, guiding you sweetly. Once you parted, she gasped, and left your side.
-Is everything okay?-your chest tightened.
-Yes! Yes, sorry, I'm just...new to this.
-So am I. I suspect that you've at least some knowledge about it.
-Yeah, well...I...I was married, once.
-Wait, really?
-Yeah, but it didn't last. He betrayed me.
-I'm... I'm sorry.
-It's okay. It was a long time ago, don't worry about it.
-I should...I should finish the recipes.
-Yes, I'll help Ringo with the preparations.
You couldn't even look at her. Once you left, the man waiting outside gasped, and complimented your disguise. You explained Mizu's plan of coming back for you, avoiding the kiss part, and he excitedly agreed to it, reassuring that he would do anything to come get you if something happened to Mizu. You finished writing, prepared the package and changed back to your normal clothes before leaving with them, insisting on accompanying them to the end of the village. Your neighbor was there, angrily looking in your direction, and you shrugged, slightly intimidated.
-Safe travels, guys.
-We'll meet again in no time! Promise.
-We will-Mizu looked at the neighbor, not hiding her disgust-Stay safe. Remember what I told you, and train.
-I will, I will. Don't worry, I can handle myself better than you think.
To your surprise and everyone else's, she grabbed your chin and kissed you softly on the lips, a mere taste of what could be before stepping back and giving the neighbor one last look. Ringo looked at you both in shock, but a command of his master was enough to get him to walk again, bowing to you for the last time in who knows how many months. You waved softly, biting your lips, trying to taste her again, then went back to your house with a deep sorrow in your chest. They would be back. And when they did, you would be a different girl, a stronger one, so they didn't have to worry about you.