In the Gardens

[yelena]

A sip of warm tea, a sigh, twist the hair, repeat. She did it over and over again, not saying a word just doing it. Picking up the cup, she stared at the empty cup. Opps. Well seemed like she needed more tea. And honey. lot's of honey. She sighed and stood up and set the tea cup down. She needed something new to do. She couldn't just wait around and hope for something amazing to happen. That would be pointless.

Yelena sighed and looked at Da Qiao. At least she could spend time doing nothing and enjoy it. Her, on the other hand, hated being locked up unable to do anything. She tried to slip out of the room unnoticed but stopped at the small voice. "Mommy... Me come?" She felt her heart freeze and a smile spread across her face. She turned around to look at her small daughter Mizuki.

Ignoring the fact that her sister-in-law was looking at her, she piked up her daughter and kissed her forehead. "Yes, babygirl." Yelena looked at her baby and felt pride. She had the cutest black curls, an adorable face and she was hers. That, was enough for her. She was her life. Nothing would ever change that. Looking at her daughter, she thought of Burai.

He had left, somehow. She had wanted a life with him, would have done anything for one with him. But now, she had to focus on her daughter. On taking care of her, not depending on anyone because people left in time. But Burai... She had faith he'd come back.

Yelena nodded to Da Qiao as if to say bye. Then, with her daughter in her arms, small arms wrapped around her neck, she left the room with a small smile on her face.

She paused for a second and thought of where to take Mizuki. A place not around too many people... A thought came to mind. The gardens. As a child she had always enjoyed them. And taking Mizuki there wouldn't be that hard, it wasn't far away. Exiting the house, she smelled the clean air and moved her head a tiny bit so her hair fell over her left shoulder.

She was wearing a strapless top, low back line so you could see part of her tattoos. Then a short skirt with a slit on the left side. Underneath she wore shorts so it wasn't exactly inappropriate to wear, according to Da Qiao. The thought brought a smile to her lips. Da Qiao didn't approve of half of what she wore. Not that it mattered to much to her.

Within a few minutes she was in the gardens. Looking around her, she smiled to herself. Moving so she was near a cherry blossom tree, she sat down and let her daughter out of her arms. She leaned against the tree and watched as her daughter crawled over to a petal and began to slowly tear it into pieces. She closed her eyes, relaxed for one of the first times in a long time...

[Fu Sheng]

The sound of walking armour plates echoed on the horizon breaking the natural silence of the garden, as a patrol of five soldiers approached the garden. The short figure of Xian was leading the group in a paced march across the manor. He suddenly looked over to the young lady and her child. He then observed Sun Yelena closer as he slowed down his pace. Her unique appearance surprised him, tatoos and piercings were something he was not accustomed to see in ladies of Yelena's age, as it was her sense of responsibility towards her child. Her emerald green eyes reflected a great affection for her child but something else caught the attention of Xian, though he was not sure of what it was. He kept looking at the young lady for a brief moment, before his sense of self awareness hit him like a bucket of cold water on his face. He quickly faced Yelena and gently bowed his head and putted his right fist over his left hand as he said embarassed:

"Greetings milady." - Xian's patrol unit looked at him and followed the example, exhibiting not a sound as Xian carried on - "I apologize for the disturbance, we were just passing by milady."

Xian's armour shone upon the light and reflected a bright red, revealing that the armour had been recently forged. His helmet, a large square chapped steel helm ornamented with a red jewel of some sort in the forehead's position showed he was a ranked officer. He had his pike holstered with the blade facing down, revealing it's worn wooden handle.

[Yen Wang (Burai)]

Burai had just arrived; he took a moment to look around at the scenery. He had become a pirate; not just any pirate, but a charitable one. He would ravage the seas stealing from wealthy traders and merchants alike. Then go harbor in poor towns and trade his goods for their low quality ones. He didn’t ask much in return. This was his new adventure; He had wished to perish at the end of another sword or spear, but now. His heart craves for more. Burai looked at the land, its been awhile since he last set foot on solid land.

“Big Brother! What should we do with the ship?” Burai closed his eye right eye and sighed. He knew that this boat would no longer be a use to him.”She had a good life, and served me well.” He turned around a smiled at the pirate. “Sink it, or go adventure the seas. I will have no more use for it” The whole crew gasped. “BIG BROTHER!?” Burai turned away ftom him. “My heart is telling me to stay here. Boys I made a promised to an old friend that I would follow my heart, and my desires. I want you to do the same. I can no longer lead you all.”

The crew all lined up in a straight line. Each of them bowing; showing Burai respect. Burai frowned. He didn’t like to see his family act this way. “Listen up! You guys will continue what I started! If I find out you all been acting unjustly I’ll kill you!” The whole jumped up with tears in their eyes. “SIR!” They shouted, Burai walked down to the lower deck quietly. There was a bed; he slowly crept to the side of the bed and sat down.

There was girl laying down peacefully. Burai gently placed his hand on her forehead. “Anrui..I am leaving this ship.. I want you to come with me..” The girl’s eyes opened wide and stared into his. She placed her hand on his, she smiled and nodded. “Very well. I will up hold my promise and continue to protect you.” Anrui slowly got up and pointed toward the wall. Burai shrugged and jumped to his feet, “Since when did you become so shy. I watched yo-“ A leather boot smacked Burai in the face. He staggered backward, “Oragh!?” He suddenly lost balance and fell backward. Hitting his head on the floor; he flinched momentarily. “Tch, tch, tch…Owe!” He yelled, “That’s going to leave a mark.” He said rubbing the back of his head.

Burai staggered to his feet. “Better do as she wants..” He mumbled and headed to the upper deck. Where he tackled by one of the crew. “Bro, I am going to miss you! Don’t die on me.” Burai placed his hand on the top of the pirate’s head. “It will take a miracle for me die.” He pushed the pirate aside. He moved to the edge of the boat. “Wheres the ancor?” Anrui come up from the lower deck dragging Burai’s weapon. “Ah there it is..” Burai walked over to Anrui, and took his trident from her and picked her up with his other arm.

“Take care boys!” Burai slowly began to walk down the ramp. Once he was on dry land he put Anrui down. "We are going to have to walk a great distance so try not to wander off.” She nodded and began walking. There was city, Burai let out a grunt. “If my memory is correct…” This place wasn’t where he want to be. Anrui kept tugging Burai toward the direction of the city. “Anrui…That is Jian Ye.” Her eyes glimmered, ahe had always wanted to see a castle and wander through the busy streets.

Burai could see her enthusiasm, but it wasn’t enough to movaited him. “Anrui…Once you see the castle we are leaving..” the tone in his voice was somewhat cold. Anrui could tell something about this place bothered him. She nodded; she didn’t want to upset him. As long as she got to see the castle. She would be please.

The ood couple walked through the streets; Burai had Anrui on his right shoulder. He often carried her like that. Though she was getting too big for it. Burai didn’t care, in his eyes she was still a child. There was a garden that they were about to pass. Anrui Tapped Burai on the top of his head a few times to get his attention. He casually looked to the side and saw the garden. '…Why are women so trou-“ Anrui wacked Burai playfully. “Alright, alright…” He put her down gently. The moment her feet touched the ground she scurried over to the flowers, like a crab across sand. Burai let out a slight chuckle as he watched her.

Suddenly that chuckle became a shriek, as he saw Anrui heading toward a Cherry blossom tree. It was just beyond is sight. “I told her to stay in my sight!” Burai began to jog at a steadily pace to catch up to her. When he did he found a familiar face, he dropped down to his knees. Continuing to stare at the woman and child. Anrui stopped what she was doing and stared a Burai what was wrong with him. Was she doing something wrong? She hurried over to him and gave him a hug.

Burai snapped out of the trance. “Anrui, I’m fine, but you are such a naughty girl. I thought I told you to stay in my sight.” He looked over at the other two ladies. “It’s been awhile hasn’t it?” Anrui paused, she didn’t know who that little girl or that other woman was.

[yelena]

She tilted her head back at the noise. Great, such a lovely disturbance. Metal. Amour. She hadn't done anything this time. She went through a mental book in her mind and flipped back the pages. Only thing she had done was get into a fight. But damn it, some men needed to learn their place. Even if they learned it the hard way.

Yelena sighed and slowly opened her eyes. She did it slowly, blinking a few times at the shiny armor. New recruit trying to play good boy to her father or brother and keep her in her place? Tell her a lady doesn't fight? Because if that was the case, then she would love to have a few words with her dear family. Her emerald eyes pierced at the man who seemed to be the "leader". Ah. She wasn't in trouble. Five men behind him, it seemed. Yeah. Unless they thought she was a weak women.

She glanced at her daughter who was trying to eat a petal. Yelena reached her her daughter's hand and shook her hand. Mizuki pouted, but then went to tearing it into pieces. She couldn't stop the laugh that came out. It wasn't a provocative giggle, more of a i-dint-care-what-you-think-of-me laugh. Yet it was enough to draw stares. She stood up slowly, her long hair dancing in the small wind. She reached to her hair and removed the hair stick. Then, slowly and looking at the men she twisted her hair into a bun, putting the stick in place to hold it. Half of her hair still fell down her back. It just pulled her hair away, emphasizing her features.

Few would notice it was a distraction. She looked at the "leader" and thought of who he was. Wu, his Armour said as much. but who? She went through a mental list... Yeah... She came up with no one. He obviously knew who he was. She bit her lip. Who though?

When him and his men bowed to her, she sighed. She defiantly wasn't in trouble. that much was sure. Yelena curled her left hand into a fist, put it in front of her and then slanted her right hand, placing it over. She barely nodded, not even a full bow. After having to bow as a child, it lost it's shine.

"ah.. so... Who are you?" She tilted her heat to the side, and flashed a dazzling smile. It was enough to attract stares, stop hearts and to lighten up her question. So she was a tiny bit blunt? She had a right to be. Yelena looked at the man's helmet and grimaced. Not really pretty. She pointed to her own forehead and raised her eyebrows. "Now, is that really necessary?" Her tone had a teasing note to it.

Honestly she had no idea what to say. What was there to say? She barely talked to anyone from Wu after what had happened before. How was she to react to men she didn't even know? And they knew her. She looked past the man to his troops. "So are you guys mute? Or are you just decorations?" Then she switched her gaze back to the leader. "I'm hoping that you actually know how to use that weapon and you aren't going around acting like you're some amazing person, trying to impress females." Yelena grinned at her own little joke. So she was a bit rude. If they didn't like it... Well, she really didn't care.

She froze and her heart stopped. She heard a voice she thought she'd never hear. Yelena looked down to Mizuki. Her eye's had traveled to the voice. She felt a hit of pain. Would her baby girl remember her father's voice. He had barely been part of her life. She looked at her daughter, and a flood of emotions hit her. Her daughter's eyes had widened and had brightened in interest. "It seems... You're father has returned... Hasn't he, sweetheart?" She spoke to her daughter, pretending it was only the two of them there. She tried to keep her voice steady, yet she stumbled over a word or two.

Burai... He was back... She would know his voice anywhere. and it tore at her. She lifted her head high, remembering she was a princess. And she would not look down. She turned to Burai, and watched as her baby girl tried to crawl to him, put grabbed at a petal instead. She saw the little girl, and couldn't help but smile.

"Welcome back home, Shigure Burai." Yelena's voice was clear, and held love in it. love that most would mock. She looked at the girl next to him, and tilted her head. "Hey sweetie. What's your name?" She smiled softly to the girl, her voice gentle.

[Fu Sheng]

Xian raised his head slowly and lowered his arms. Her voice sounded clearly, Xian could sense a fierce spirit upon the young lady from her tone.

"My name's Zheng Xian. There's no need to be startled milady, I am just here to patrol the region as I was ordered." - the young officer said, noticing she had been startled by his and his men's presence.

He raised his left eye brow, as Yelena made her teasing question, as he did not know what was she referring to, until it struck him, the jewel on his helmet. He closed his eyes, made a mute smile and replied with a joke himself:

"Ah yes, perhaps I should consult another smith in the next time."

Xian's men looked disgusted at the young lady's rudeness but his temper knew better and he carried on in a calm tone:

"My weapon, I keep it to my foes only and it is not my intention to impress anyone, I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong impression."

He looked at her as she walked away towards a figure of a man and a little girl ahead of him. He noticed a glance in the young lady's emerald eyes and then he knew. That was what he could not find in her eye. He nodded at the young lady as in a bid of farewell and sounded the command for his men to move out, as the patrol marched away.

[Yen Wang (Burai)]

Burai continued to watch Yelena and Mizuki carefully; he moved Anrui behind him as he stared at the group of men. He took a long deep breath and tightened his grip on his trident. Anrui watched Burai, there was no need for him to act so rash.

Burai’s tension began to ease as he watched Mizuki laugh. “That..child is becoming more like Yelena with each passing day…I am not ready for two of them..” Suddenly he saw something that caught his eye. Yelena she was much more belligerent now. More so than what he could remember. He couldn’t help but to be dazzled by her new attitude. “I always get the women with a hint of fire in them. I sure know how to pick em, don’t cha think I have good taste?” Burai bumped Anrui with the back of his leg, hopping she would agree. Anrui frowned and whacked the back of his leg.

“My…my..Seems I’m surrounded by angry women..How tro-“ He was whacked again by Anrui. She always hadn’t his charm, but that’s what she liked about him. Ever since that day, he always done everything in his power to make her smile. The woman spoke to Burai, her tone was quite odd.

Burai watched as the men left. As they walked he let out a silent sigh. “There’s goes my chance to relieve some stress.” He muttered, Burai turned his attention to Yelena. “This kingdom isn’t my home..” He said in a harsh tone. “My home lies in the heart of those who cherish me.” His voice was full of warmth as he spoke. Anrui nudged Burai softly. “This lovely young flower is Anrui. She lost her voice due to..er..an accident..y-yes an accident. She hasn’t spoken since." Anrui smiled at the woman and bowed gracefully, her aunt always told her to act like a lady in the presence of other women.

[yelena]

Yelena looked at Zheng Xian and rolled her eyes. When he left, she stuck out her tongue to his back. Men. Always impossible, always. It was childish, but damn. He was too polite. HE could at least respond to her jokes with a joke. She rolled her eyes once again and then turned her full attention to Burai.

She looked at him and felt her heart skip a beat. Wow. She had really missed him. More than she thought possible. She was going to say something but Mizuki shrieked loudly. It took all her will not to cover her ears. Yelena picked up her daughter who was close to tears because the juices from the petal had gotten on her hand. "Sweetheart... That is why you don't mess with flowers..." She said to her. Ah screw it. She wiped her daughter's hands on her outfit, knowing it was going to stain but not really caring. Then she set the now happy baby down.

Her eyes traveled her daughter's small movements. Standing up to walk unsteadily to Burai and then crawling towards him. It made her smile, just looking at the sight.

She looked up to meet Burai's eyes. "I never said Wu was your home. I don't think it ever was your home, like it was mine. I said Welcome back home. You know, to your daughter? To me?" The last part was a risk but she still said it, her eyes going gentle, surprisingly.

Yelena looked at Anrui and tried to stop herself from laughing at the bow. She let out an uncontrollable laugh and grinned. "You don't need to do any bows toward me. I grew up around it, i see it everyday. I'm Princess Sun Yelena of the Sun Family, Wu." the pride in her voice was obvious. She loved Wu. She glanced at Burai and then back to the girl. "I'm sure if you would talk, you'd have quite a few words to say to Burai."

[Yen Wang (Burai)]

Burai opened his arms wide and picked up Mizuki. He held her close and moved over to Anrui, this is my daughter, just like you. Anrui smiled, she never had siblings, nor did she ever dream of having one. But the baby was cute. She motioined something odd to Burai, and kept pointing at Mizuki. Burai chuckled, “I will let you hold her in a second.” He looked down at her and smiled. “I missed you princess!” he said nuzzling her gently.

Burai looked at Yelena briefly and shifted back at Mizuki. He acted as if he didn’t hear her. Burai watched her move closer to Anrui. Anrui nodded quite vigorously she pointed at Burai and laid one index finger on the of the other. Burai caught what she did. “I’m not a bad boy!”He let out a sigh, “She manages to corrupt all my kids.” Burai gave Mizuki to Anrui, and then looked at Yelena. “Perhaps home is where the both of you are…” He continued to hold in his feelings, Anrui moved closer to Yelena and showed her the locket Burai gave her; inside the locket were names and at the top was Yelena’s.

[yelena]

She felt something tug at her heart, watching Burai hold her daughter. Jealously... No. She wasn't jealous, and that oddly was surprising. No... She felt almost like she needed to cry. Instead, she smiled looking at her daughter. Her father was back in her life. It was one of those bittersweet moments. Mizuki's father should have been her life a while ago. But it didn't matter now, looking at them.

Yelena shook any depressing thoughts out of her head. Mizuki's face was going a color she knew too well. She opened her mouth but she was a little too late. Mizuki sneezed and Yelena coughed to hide her laughter. A grin slipped on her face, eyes dancing. She knelt down so she was level with Anrui. "I'll take her... If you want...?" She asked the girl. As a child, she had never let go of a baby. And she wouldn't force Anrui to give her back her daughter.

Then she looked at the locket. Her name was there. Before Yelena thought of it, she ran one hand over Anrui's hair and kissed the top of her head in an over-motherly way. She didn't even notice she did it. Yelena looked at Burai. "With your daughter and me, it's home. Especially with Anrui..."

[Yen Wang (Burai)]

Burai watched at Mizuki sneezed, he was quite thankful. That looked liked quite the sneeze. Anrui covered his mouth and closed her eyes as she felt the wetness of the baby’s sneeze cover her face. She slowly opened her left eye, seeing if it was safe. She laughed and hugged Mizuki. She was convinced that her sneezing was a sign of a loving bond. She held Mizuki close. A tear of joy rolled down her face, she forgotten what it was like to have siblings. She was around nothing but stinky old man, the only one that didn’t stink was Burai, but he was a handful himself.

Anrui looked at Yelena, as she offered to hold the baby. She kissed her head; her eyes brimmed over with tears. Burai glanced over at the three. “So troublesome…” He carefully picked up Mizuki in one arm, and Anrui in the other. Holding them close, to his chest. “The thought of that would is quite nice.” He said smiling at Yelena. “I will be in china, I have to find employment and once I and secure I we can work on our home.”