Ch. 3: A New Affection

The sun was setting as they reached the outskirts of the great city, Jiang-lao. It was situated in a small valley, surrounded by foothills. To the north lay the mountains and to the south was where the valley flattened out and became the plains. A refreshing warm wind blew from the west where the sea laid, thousands of miles out of sight. The capital and the greatest city of all the provinces of Nideryn, Kanghung, was between the distance from Jiang-lao to the sea.

Jiang-lao laid out over the expanse of the valley, and a thick forest laid behind where the palace of Isu was. It was at the highest point in the city, and down from the hill it was on was the main city, bustling with people.

As the party traveled through the city, Aspect couldn’t help but notice all the surprised glances he got from the townspeople, looking on at the mysterious warrior. Some were of awe, others of jealousy as they wondered who this imposing figure was, seated upon a horse as if triumphant from a deadly battle. Yet he felt that his quest had only just begun.

If I hadn’t stayed out in the wilderness for so long, watching over the travelers, I wouldn’t be noticed. All these people… it’s a shame I couldn’t have just been one of them, and lived a normal life. He shook his head slowly as the crowd cheered, finally recognizing the Black Warrior.

He dared to steal a glance at Kojo and was surprised to find a dismal expression on the Blacklai fox’s blue face, but then dismissed it as jealousy. It was true that an important official had come to the city, but all the recognition he deserved had been given instead to an unexpected newcomer. Aspect couldn’t help but feel equal parts embarrassed and smug at this revelation, yet he said nothing.

Finally they passed through the thick of it and began to travel up the hill, on a cobbled stone path lined with blossoming fruit trees. Not far off lay the Shogun’s palace, but up ahead were some stables. Kojo hopped off his horse after a pause, and Aspect followed suit.

The Blacklai Fox turned to his escort, Todokii. “See those stables?” The official pointed to them. “Go tie up the horses, and then you may be freed from your duties.”

Todokii bowed. “I am honored. Good tidings be with you!”

As he led the horses away, suddenly a shout came from farther up the stone path.

“Kojo!”

Aspect turned with Kojo and caught his breath. Running up to them was a beautiful Blacklai Fox, sleek and slender with light blue fur the color of fallen snow at midnight. The tips of her fur were darker, and her eyes sparkled like sapphires in the fading sunlight. She wore an elegant kimono, one with a floral cherry pattern that ran all the way down her sleeves.

The sight of the newcomer laid a tight hold on Aspect, and he felt warmth run from his snout all the way to his tail. His eyes widened but he said nothing as the Blacklai Fox greeted the official.

“I’ve missed you dearly,” She trilled, embracing him in a warm greeting. “It’s felt like a century’s worth of moons have passed since I’ve come to see that cat.”

“Lady Snowshoe, it’s only been three moons,” Kojo replied, stifling a laugh. “But it’s good to see you, too.”

“And who’s this?” Snowshoe turned to look at Aspect curiously, and the Black Warrior jumped, shaken from his silent awe.

“Erm… I’m the Black Warrior.” When Snowshoe stared at him expressionlessly, he quickly added, “And I make extraordinary cheese sandwiches.”

The look she gave him wasn’t what he had hoped for, and he berated himself silently as she just shrugged and turned back to Kojo. “Odd fellow he is,” She remarked. “Any special reason for bringing him? Or did you just pick him up off the side of the road somewhere?”

Aspect’s face flushed red as Kojo replied coolly, “Snowshoe, you have your own business to tend to. Let him tend to his own.”

She groaned, clearly remembering her own grievances. “Ugh. Fine. I only wanted to know what his reasons for coming here to see that… cat were.”

“Speaking of which-” And here Kojo spoke to Aspect- “-Didn’t you have to meet with Shogun Isu, Black Warrior?”

“...Yes… yes, I did.” Aspect turned his gaze away when Snowshoe caught him staring at her, and then promptly took a newfound interest in the ground at his feet. “Show me the way, Kojo.”

“Right.” Before Kojo could proceed, Snowshoe pushed past him and raced on ahead. “Come along, Mr. Black Warrior!” She called. “There’s no need to keep the ‘great Shogun’ waiting, now!”

Aspect felt like he wanted to melt into the stone path at his feet, but he knew he had business to tend to. Sighing, he trudged the rest of the way up the hill, reluctant to embarrass himself once again.

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They entered a wide hall, and at the end of it stood an imposing figure, standing with his back to the visitors. Kojo knelt down and motioned for Aspect to do the same. “Mighty Shogun Isu,” He hailed, “I have come, just as the Lady Snowshoe had requested.”

The Shogun turned to them, and Aspect caught his breath once again, but for a whole other reason than what he had done for Snowshoe. While her striking soft beauty had taken his breath away, the image of the Shogun standing before him struck fear into his brave heart.

Isu was an immensely huge tiger, towering over the newcomers like an elephant towers over mice. His muscles popped out of the ornamental tunic he wore, and his face had a stern, stony look to it. His amber eyes flashed almost tauntingly as the fading sun cast an eerie glow to the Shogun.

The few silent moments that passed between them were that of agony, and Aspect could only thank the gods when it was finally broken.

“...Ah. Kojo, advisor of Thawe,” Isu said. “I have been waiting for you.” Then his eyes flicked over to Aspect. “And who is this you have brought along?”

Aspect didn’t wait for Kojo to answer for him and instead stood up. “I am the Black Warrior, of the Narabetsu province; Protector of Travelers and Bane of Thieves. I came of my own accord due to the business I have with you.”

The Shogun looked confused, but his eyes widened after a time. “You? The Black Warrior? I’ve heard many tales about you… What is it you want of me, mighty Black Warrior?”

“I am required to stay here for a few days,” Aspect replied slowly, careful of what words he chose to reveal to him. “A close friend of mine instructed me to come here to Jianglao and wait for someone else to join me.”

Isu nodded, a grin crossing his broad face as he approached the warrior. “Stay as long as you need, mighty warrior.” Then to Aspect’s surprise, the tiger then bowed briefly before him. “We thank you for all the good you have done in these parts. I am glad to repay you.”

Out of the corner of his eye Aspect caught a glance of Snowshoe passing by, outside of the hall. Isu seemed to have noticed as well, because his face lit up and he called for her. “Lady Snowshoe!”

The Blacklai Fox stopped and groaned quietly before entering the hall. Aspect marveled at how elegantly she strode, her beautiful blue fur shimmering in the fading light.

She bowed, though the Black Warrior thought the manner she did it in was that of a begrudging duty. “I am here, Shogun Isu.”

“Oh, darling,” Isu purred suddenly. “There’s no need for you to refer to me as such. You and I are of one accord, remember?” He came to her and lifted her head gently, a loving grin shining on his face.

Aspect felt a slow burn of jealousy arise in him, but he tried to push it back. So Snowshoe was to be Isu’s mate, huh? Either that or they were already married. He felt ashamed, knowing that he should be glad for the beautiful Blacklai Fox. But somehow he couldn’t shake a feeling of regret that clung to him like old cobwebs.

He was a little shocked when he saw Snowshoe’s expression, which was that of resentment. She rolled her eyes as the tiger purred softly to her, and he turned away regretfully.

“Shall we have dinner, my little fox?” Isu asked her. “We’ll have gohan, your favorite.” Snowshoe looked up at him with a sudden conviction. “Actually…” She began, “...I’m fasting tonight. I feel that I’ve been gaining a bit of weight.”

Aspect looked her over. She was short and skinny, hardly any reason for a diet. He figured that now she was looking for excuses to not come to dinner.

Apparently Isu thought the same, because he purred with laughter. “Darling, what weight have you gained? You are as light as a blossom on the breeze.”

She glanced away. “I just need time to myself, okay? Can you at least do that much for me?”

Isu looked crestfallen, but nodded. He turned to Kojo and Aspect standing there awkwardly, motioning them to follow. As they formed a small group, Isu leaned over to speak to Aspect quietly.

“I’m afraid she isn’t usually like this,” He murmured apologetically. “Normally she happily welcomes guests. I feel that something is plaguing her, deep inside her spirit. I just wish I knew how to help.”

The Black Warrior couldn’t help but feel that something to do with him, something he had done had caused the beautiful Blacklai Fox to become so irritable. Was his arrival the thing that brought strife between her and Isu? But what had he done to cause a rift between them?

And yet he couldn’t shake the feeling of jealousy that filled him from his snout to tail tip. He knew it was wrong, but however hard he tried, he couldn’t banish the beautiful face of the source of his sudden affection from his troubled mind.