The Smallest Guest Room - Part III

“Why don’t you leave here with me?” Kaoru asked.

Those dark, deep eyes lifted to his, wide with shock. ‘’You… intend to take me with you?’’ But just as swiftly, their excited tone dampened back to suspicion. ‘’And what do you want in return?’’

‘’Nothing but the pleasure of your company.’’

The being razed him with a silent stare. Very good, Kaoru thought, I would not trust me either.

‘’The truth is, I am leaving Kansai. My family is getting on my ass to take over the family business and I don’t feel like it… I wish to travel, at least see more of this land. And I heard that that small city of Edo is really becoming interesting. You know… the current ruler is a distant cousin of mine.’’

‘’Where will we live?’’ the being asked softly.

‘’Anywhere we like.’’ 

That seemed to intrigue them, but before long their eyes drifted down to the floor, pondering. Kaoru had not expected them to come easily, but he did believe something had shifted in the other’s demeanor. They were interested.

‘’But… the children…’’

Kaoru sighed. 

‘’You have served so many here with kindness for so long, but is it not time to think about yourself now?’’ he offered. ‘’Will you stay here in this dusty room, until you fade into dust yourself? The world is so grand, outside these walls.’’

Though Kaoru meant them, his words felt empty. How could he describe the wonder of a waterfall, the magnificence of an ancient tree in a deep forest, to someone who knew only tatami and dead wood? Let alone the heat of a lover, the dizziness of a dance… He doubted that they had ever experienced those either, despite living in a house of pleasure.

The being still hesitated, and it became clear why. ‘’Could you not… take the children somewhere too? Can we -’’ 

Kaoru shook his head.

‘’And turn them over to the streets? In the very least, they are safe, fed and clothed here.’’

Something burned in the being’s gaze, but Kaoru did not notice in time. ‘’I’m sorry, but you can’t save them all.’’

That was the wrong thing to say. 

Suddenly the being stood over him, taller than before, fire in their eyes. The red silk of their inner wear seemed aflame.

‘’I may not, but though you have been blessed with the means to help others, have you ever used them?! Have you ever spared a thought for those you have swindled? Having your pleasures, then paying for them with leaves! On whose head do you think that ends up? Well?!’’

Kaoru cringed, covering his ears in vain. The being’s voice screamed inside his head, while outside no one was ever the wiser. The lantern in the hallway flickered violently.

“I would rather wither to dust before ever serving a selfish creature like you.’’

The ice in their voice burned him all the more painfully. Kaoru was on his knees, clutching his chest.

“Please! I yield,’’ he sputtered, pathetically. The other glared at him, then finally retreated. Dignified, they kneeled in the dusty alcove as if it was the grandest throne. No matter how small and insignificant Kaoru had judged this place at first, there was no mistake that they ruled here, and deserved nothing but his deepest respect.

“Please accept my apologies,’’ Kaoru said, humbled but sincere. He bowed deep, his forehead to the dust. When he met the being’s eyes again, his gaze sparkled with determination.

‘’I will reflect on what you said. Please, await my return, and prepare to leave this place behind. Trust me.’’

***

One evening later that week, a man in travel clothes called upon the brothel. They had the unusual request to round up all the children currently in the establishment. Of course the owner refused at first, until the man jingled his fat drawstring purse before him.

Five children were rounded up and presented to the traveler. They were all skinny and silent, gazing at the man with fear. The smallest of them looked him straight in the eye, and nearly broke Kaoru’s character.

The man told the children that within moments they would be moved to a new establishment. The boys and girls made no sounds and asked no questions. They simply accepted their new reality, as they had been robbed of their voice before. The owner still tried to make a fuss, greedily watching the man add another coin to the stack to buy his agreement.

Moments later, a kindly older woman arrived. She instantly doted on the children, gently ushering them out towards a waiting pull cart. Another man with a pot belly stood by mutely, his large eyes unblinking. On their dark aprons, the weapon of Arima’s Onsen Town was embroidered in white thread.

Once the children were in their care, the woman cast one last glance at the man in travel clothes, before heading off without a word.

The man bowed himself out of the brothel entrance, leaving the greedy owner to count his earnings. Outside, he stood for a moment. The evening sky was invisible through a thick pack of clouds that rumbled like a sleepy giant. Before it could release the rain, he turned to leave.

‘’What happens when he finds out he has been swindled again? He could summon them all back.’’

Kaoru turned around. The being stood on the edge of the porch, the wind swirling their dark robes around their bare feet. Kaoru smirked.

‘’I wouldn’t worry about that. These coins won’t turn into leaves overnight.’’

The being’s eyes widened. ‘’They were… real?’’ 

Kaoru nodded.

‘’It took some persuading for my family to take them in, especially considering how they’re human… But they accepted because they are still children. My family had been wanting workers, so I solved that issue. They will be able to make their own beginnings once they’re older. Sure, I had to make some more promises, concerning my role in the business… Now there, I may have embellished a few things. Timelines, plannings, who knows what happens in this life, am I right?’’

Finally, he saw something akin to hope in those dark eyes, the tiniest lift of their elegant lips. Kaoru’s chest warmed.

‘’Thank you,’’ they murmured, their fluid voice drifting on the wind as it picked up. Kaoru smiled back, then extended his hand to them.

It took one last moment of hesitation, but then the long-haired figure carefully placed one foot outside the reaches of the house. A first step. And then another.

Their previously fleeting looking form looked solid now. Their bare feet on the ground left footprints. Dark, heavy layers of cloth made them look larger than they were. Kaoru had brought some clothes for his new companion, but they would have to buy new ones on the road. He was looking forward to that. New garments, new beginnings.

When they had almost reached him, the being turned around to the house one last time. Kaoru granted them the moment, though feared it might mean a change of heart - but that worry was dashed as they turned back to him, dark eyes burning with newfound purpose.

‘’One day, I too will save as many as I can.’’

Right then the sky, choked with clouds, released the rains. They lashed the lands below, turning hard dry soil into mud, streams back into rivers. Kaoru reached for his companion’s hand, but they made no move to escape the downpour. He watched as the beautiful, willowy young male before him turned his face to the sky and let the evening rain wash over him.

Kaoru too let himself get soaked through. Then he said: ‘’I know what to name you.’’