A Dream... Or Is It?

They say that life imitates art... whethere this is true or not, I am
not sure. But do dreams count as a way to imitate art? If so then I
suppose my life DOES imitate it. Ever since I remember, I had a deep
passion for art. It was something I used to escape my forsaken world.
Art to me was something that was special. Until that faithful year
when someone had stripped the happiness that I got from it. And for
that, he will never be forgiven.

But this is not a story about art. Nor is it a story about the year my
life ended. This is a story about a dream I recently had. I felt
compelled to write it for it sure moved me like no other dream has. It
took place in feudal Japan.

It began on the night I finally found sleep after countless of nights
without it.

I stood in the middle of a deep, dark, dense forest. A light yet
somehow heavy white mist enveloped my form. For a couple of seconds I
stood still, listening to the peaceful chirping of the birds. The soft
rustling sound of the tree's leaves swaying to the wind's melodic
tunes. The silent whispers that emits through the waterfalls. Just
then, the quietness was broken by the birds frantic chirping, followed
by the flapping of their wings as they quickly flew away.

At this point, I was perplexed, to say the least, as to what caused
them to act this way. Then I heard a voice, a voice of a person that
seems to be in deep and grave danger.

I stood there, looking around, trying to locate the voice. Then a
movement caught my right eye and I turned to look. I don't see
anything at all for a second then suddenly, I see a woman of unrivaled
beauty, running for her dear life. From what, I do not know for she is
blocking whatever it was that was chasing her.

As she neared me, I can see clearly now what was chasing her. A troop
of maybe a dozen or so soldiers. She finally reached where I stood and
she hid behind me, begging in her small voice. "Please save me! They
are after me!"

I looked at her then back at the soldiers. They slowly surrounded us,
one by one they stood about approximately 5 to 6 feet away from us, in
a cirlce. I clutched the hilt of my sword by my side, my knuckles
turning white from the tightness.

I was hesitant to fight these soldiers. I was deeply in battle with my
conscience. Just then, the leader of the soldiers spoke.

"Step aside! We are not here to hurt you. Our business is with that
young lady you are hiding from us." said he.

"And what has she done so horribly to have all of you after her
fragile frame?" I asked.

"She is wanted by the Prince of Inabayama Castle. Now, STEP ASIDE!"

"No, not until I hear the reason for his want for this young woman."

At this point, I knew I could not battle all of them for there were
too many. Just too great of a number for me to ever fight off,
especially since there is another lady with me. My mind began to race
with how many possibilities do I have of ever getting out of this
alive.

The soldiers must have taken my stillness/quietness as a sign of my
insubordination, the head soldier then speaks. "Get him!" Him?! For a
second, I completely forgot who he was referring to. Oh, forgive me, I
have forgotten to speak about myself.

I am female. Yes, I know it is rather weird to hear such individual to
live the life of a warrior. Ever since I can remember, I was raised
and bred to be a warrior. For all my childhood year and up to now, I
studied every way there is and was of fighting. I took martial arts,
and everything else.

I have big piercing brown eyes, average built from all my workouts,
long and flowing blackish brownish hair cascading down all the way to
my lower back, red pouty lips. As for my body, not many could tell
that I was female for I always wore my heavy armor everywhere I go.
But I assure you, I have a very well toned body.

Anyways, forgive me for drifting off. The first soldier lunged at me
with his spear and I instantly dodged to my right and the other woman
to my left. I then tripped the man and elbowed him in the back of the
head. I stood up, grabbing his spear and used it to begin hitting the
rest of the attacking men.

Finally, after what seems like hours of fighting them off, I saw my
chance to escape. Excuse me, OUR chance to escape and I gladly took
it. I grabbed the other woman by the hand and ran past these two
soldiers and we ran. We ran until our hearts felt like it would burst
through our chests.

After a long time of running, we slowed down then stopped. We were
both doubled over, trying to catch our breath, hands on our knees. I
was the first to stand up.

"Why are they after you? And who are you?" I asked.

"My name is Kumiko Michiki. My father, King Takeshi of the Inabayama
castle, has sent my brother after me."

"Why would he send your brother after you?"

"I ran away shortly after the announcement of my engagement to a
prince that I despise."

"Oh so you ran away to escape the wedding and the engagement? Is that
it?"

"Yes. I do not wish to marry him."

I then took a good long look at the woman that I had just saved as she
stood straight up and offere her hand for a handshake. I gladly took
it in mine and she gasped.

"What is it?"

"Your hands, they are so soft." she said.

"Oh *chuckles* I know they are soft, aren't they?" I said.

"What is your name?"

"My name is Tashimi Makoto."

"Makoto? Isn't that a ..."

"Woman's name? Yes it is... for I am female."

She looked at me with those brown eyes with disbelief. I could tell by
her reaction that she had originally thought of me as a man. I then
reached out to her, to gently shake her from her reverie.

"Are you alright?" I asked.

"Yes I am. Sorry."

"Oh no need to apologize. I get those alot. Come on, we must get you
back to your castle before your father has his WHOLE army and soldiers
and your future husband's soldiers as well after us."

We then began the long trek towards her home. No one said anything for
the next few minutes, just walking silently, not knowing what to say
or how to "break the ice" so to say. Finally she spoke first.

"May I ask you a question?"

"Sure, ask away miss."

"What possessed you to lead a life like this?"

"I was fairly young when my father and mother died. They were killed
in a raid, led by the father of my rival. My uncle and my aunt then
took me in. Back then, while they were living of course, they had a
dojo and my uncle used to teach martial arts and everything else one
can use to defend themselves. I tried and I begged him to let me join
his class yet he reasoned I was too young. So, I learned in secrecy.
Everytime his class would commence, I would hide out in the next room
and would listen to his command and try to imitate it.

One day, my aunt caught me yet I begged her not to tell and she
didn't. Instead she, too, joined in my "training" and we had great fun
together. Then a couple of years later, a burglar broke into our
house, and killed them both. I, on the other hand, was at a friend's
house. By next morning, there were "cops" all over the temple and they
took me to a foster home instead.

Those people were so mean to me. They forced me to stay in a small,
tight, cramped place as my room. They fed me food that not even their
dog would eat. I was forced to do jobs around the place that not even
the most poorest and desperate people would do. But I did it, for my
freedom. They had promised me that when I turn the age of 16, I can
have my freedom. So I worked and worked hard. By the time I turned 16,
they went back on their word and decided to keep me forever. I would
have none of it. That same night, I packed my things, or whatever was
there to begin with, and ran away. And haven't looked back since
then."

"Do you regret ever running away?"

"Do I regret it? No, if even given the chance to do it all over again,
the only thing I would change is the night where my aunt and uncle
died. I wish that I would have been there to at least defend the
temple."

"How do you survive?"

"I survive on pure will and dependence on my abilities to work hard
for anything. If I am in need of shelter or food, I go to anyone who
will accept me for the night and feed me."

"Is it hard?"

"Is what hard?"

"Living like this..."

"Yes it is. I do not recommend it to anyone else. But, it is all I
know how to do. I have gotten used to it by now that it feels like I
have been doing this forever."

Everything then fell silent and once again we find ourself in utter
silence. Suddenly, an arrow comes out of nowhere and hits me right on
my right side. I groaned, more like howl in pain, and fall to my
knees, a hand over my wound and the arrow.

"Makoto!" Michiki screams.

Then a shower of arrows begin to fall all around us as we hear the
approaching footsteps of a veiled enemy. I forced myself to stand and
protect this young woman. I couldn't tell where he was, he was
apparently a ninja. He was very good at stealth and movement. I
suddenly feel a punch thrown and land across my right cheek/jaw and I
fall once again to my knees, blood dripping from my lips.

I tried to focus my attention and my senses but before I can do such
thing, a hard kick connects with my left side and I was thrown on my
back, howling in pain. Then a weight decsends on top of me and I feel
two hands beginning to choke me. I open my eyes and see it was in fact
a ninja. My rival, Akashana. We struggled on the floor, most of the
time me pinned down and him whipping my butt all over the forest
floor.

Suddenly I begin to feel myself drift from reality and blackness for
blood lost I am suffering from my wound is causing me to black out.
Then the next thing I know is his weight on me. It took me a while to
realize what had happened. In all of Akashana's hasteness to kill me,
he completely forgot about Michiki, who had found a discarded log on
the ground, picked it up and used it to hit Akashana upside the head,
incapassitating him.

I grunted and Michiki rolled him off of me and kneeled down to pull
the arrow out of my sides. Once that was done, she helped me up.

"Is there a waterfall nearby?" she asked.

"Yes there is. Just about a couple of yards away." and with that said,
we proceeded to make our way as hastily as we can towards it.

Upon reaching it, she gently laid me down to the cool grass and begin
to slowly strip my top armor and my raggedy blouse, laying it to the
floor. She then runs to the small stream accompanying the waterfall to
drench my shirt in it, and using it to wash my wound out. Once
cleaned, she then ripped a long piece off of her kimono and used it as
a "gauze" to cover over my wound. I tried to protest but she would
have NONE of it. So I gave in and she had my wound dressed in seconds.

I sat up, slightly groaning from the pain, and smiled at her. That was
the first genuine smile I have ever given anyone ever since after my
aunt and uncle's death. She then smiled back and we sat there in
silence.

She slowly rose to her feet and began to strip. I looked away, a red
crimson creeping across my face. Michiki then, once naked, made her
way towards the shallow end of the lake, swimming for a little bit
then she sits on the bank to begin the task of washing away the grime
of the day.

I sat on my spot and watched her natural beauty unfold. She was really
something else. Those piercing brown eyes, those sexy lips, and the
way she spoke to me as if I was a dear friend. She always knew what I
wanted to say without even saying it. (ESP, no?) I blushed profusely
as I realized of the thoughts I was thinking of her. I shook my head
and stood up, removing the rest of my clothing. I then took her bloody
kimono and brought it over to soak in the shallow end of the stream,
then I ran and jump into the small stream, splashing water on her.

She squealed and growled then jumped in as well, swimming after me. I
swam away from her yet since I was wounded, she quickly caught up with
me and splashed me back. We then engaged in a water fight as if we
were lil 10 year olds. For a while this is what we did, then I got
tired and we both made our way to the edge of the stream, sitting
there, and talking about anything.

Then once again everything was silent. We sat there, listening to the
waterfalls hitting the bottom of it. Suddenly I catch her watching me
so I turn to look her way. She then surprised me by leaning in and
kissing me right square on the lips. I let instinct kick in and I
kissed back. We then find our selves engaged into kissing each other,
as if to put out the fire that had began to roar inside of us.

~*~*~*~

We both lay, panting and breathing heavily on the cool grass, trying
to catch our breaths. That was the most amazing experience I have ever
had. She was simply a goddess. She was every man's perfect dream.
Making love to her was something I would never forget.

By this time, the sun has began to set and we watch it disappear over
the horizon, curled up in each other's arms. I then stood up and
helped her up as well as we made our way towards our clothes back. She
had to borrow my spare for her kimono was not yet dry. So we just
wrapped it in a pouch I carry and walked hand in hand towards her
castle.

The moon was already high over our heads by the time we reached her
castle. There were guards everywhere. She then took my hands and lead
me to a secret passage way that leads directly to her room. I began to
walk towards the door, yet she stopped me and pulled me to her, her
lips matching with mine in a gentle yet deep kiss, as her hands made
their way around my waist.

I kissed her back with the same passion, even more as I feel a warm
tear wash over my cheek from her eyes. I broke the kiss and looked
into her eyes. Seeing the hurt and the pain in them. I knew what she
was feeling and what was going through her mind, for I feel the same
way. I did not want to let her go, but my duties as a warrior is
telling me to do the right thing.

"I must take you to your father now." I said.

She did not speak but looked down instead as a torrent of tears came
pouring down her face. I lifted her face to meet mine and I kissed her
tears away, fighting back the tears I feel that is threatening to
escape my own eyes. I then held her hand in mine and walked off
towards the King's throne room, with her in tow.

As we approach, the king then jumps to his feet and instantly sweeps
his daughter off her feet into his big, burly, arms. The two hugged
and kissed as long lost relatives. Everything was going fine until her
brother walked in.

"There you are! Do you know how much trouble you have caused?!" he
said.

"I am sorry my brother but..."

"No buts! You have certainly messed up Michiki! Big time!" He
continued to scream at his sister.

"Hey! Stop yelling at her!" I said to him and he turned to glare at me
and I showed no fear.

"Who are you?" he asked, in a menacing tone.

"I am Tashimi Makoto and I am her protector."

Just then her father broke in.

"Mamoru! Calm down. The good thing is that your sister is back in one
piece. Now, as for you young lady, I am deeply indebted to you for
returning my precious daughter. Is there anything you wish for a
reward?"

"No your highness. Seeing your daughter back with you is simple thanks
enough for me. I wish you good luck on your upcoming wedding
Princess," with that, I turned around and begin to walk off. "

Makoto wait!" Michiki calls out. I turn.

"Yes?"

"Please stay until my wedding. Please?" The look on her face and her
eyes showed that this is what she really wanted so I nodded and agreed
I would stay.

I spent the night in her room, talking and laughing like little girls.
Then the room fell silent, as we looked at each other and she begins
to cry. I moved and sat beside her, pulling her close to my body and
holding her tight, comforting her. She broke away from me and looked
into my eyes and I knew what we wanted. We didn't wait for any signal
and we just leaned in, kissing once more as she slowly laid on her
back, pulling me along with her.

~*~*~*~

The sun was shining through the windows, it's rays softly cascading
over her face and her gentle curves as I opened my eyes and smiled,
kissing her forehead. She stirred beside me and opened her eyes,
smiling gently, pecking my lips. Just then a knock came to her door.

"Just a minute!" she called out.

We then quickly got dressed and I opened the door to let a guard in.

"The king wishes to meet with you before you get ready for this
afternoon's ceremony." the guard said.

"Yes, we shall be there in a few minutes." she said.

"Yes Princess" the guard said as he looked me from head to toe then
walks out as I close the door behind him.

She then ran into my arms and we gently kissed once more as she rested
her head against my chest, savoring her body against mine. For a few
minutes we stood there like this, savoring the feeling that was
flowing through our bodies. Yet reality sets back in and told us that
the king was waiting. With a heavy sigh, we pulled away from each
other and walked out, towards the king's room.

As we entered the throne room, talking to ourselves as usual, a boy of
maybe her age comes running up towards us, throwing his arms around
her, crying like a little boy. (Can someone say CLINGY?!!)

"My Michiki! I am so glad you are fine and ok! I was so worried!" and
he continued on and on as I caught the look Michiki gave me. A look of
disgust.

I simply smirked and made my way beside the king as I watched the
prince huggle her to death. It took me everything I had in me not to
burst out laughing, so I won't be rude. I leaned in towards the king.

" I take it that he is the prince that is to marry her?"

"Yes he is. He is handsome is he not?" He said.

"Oh yes he is." I said, almost dejectedly.

"Prince Gabriel, that is enough for now. Please come and sit down so
we may proceed with the meeting." Said the king.

Prince Clingy then let's the princess go, even though one can see that
he did not want to. We all then seated to the prepared table and
discuss the agenda for the day. By the time it was that time to get
ready, he wanted to follow her. She quickly stopped him.

"The groom is not allowed to see his bride before the wedding.
Besides, I wish to speak to my maid of honor. Come on Makoto." she
said and turned to walk to her room.

If looks could kill!! The look the prince gave me was a cross between
"You-are-so-lucky-she-is-here" and "I-want-to-kill-you". I simply
smiled at him smugly and followed the princess into her room, shutting
it hard behind me.

~*~*~*~

Finally the wedding is on it's way and I stood beside the rest of the
bridesmaid, waiting for the bride's arrival. The song began that she
was to walk to and what stood at the other end of the runway, blew me
away. There, clad in pure white satin gown, trailing behind her, was
Michiki. She looked absolutely breathless. She took my breath away yet
I had to remind myself that she was someone else's and I had to become
stoic.

As she passed me by, she looked at me and I looked away, avoiding her
gaze. I knew she was probably hurt by that but I had to be cruel to be
kind. The ceremony then commenced.

By the time we got to the point where the priest says "If anyone is
against... blah blah blah", no on spoke up. Everyone seems like they
wanted this wedding to take place. Suddenly I hear a "I object". I
turn to see who said this and much to my surprise, it came from
Michiki, the bride herself. Everybody gasped and some fainted, but I
was happy.

"What do you mean you object?" The prince asked.

"Like I said, I object. I do not wish to marry you. I am inlove with
someone else." she said.

"With someone else? Who?" demanded the king.

She then turned to me and reached out her hand to me, which I gladly
took. Everyone once again gasped and some fainted (People please do
not overreact in my dream again! Or I shall be forced to kill you!) 
"Her, I love her." she said and smiled at me.

"Her?! But she is a woman! You cannot marry a woman! That is against
the kingdom's laws! A princess must marry a prince in able for them to
take the throne after I pass." Said the king.

"I wish to marry her father. Now if you have a problem then too bad.
But either way I am marrying her." she said.

"If you wish to marry her then you must renounce your throne." The
king said.

"Then... I shall renounce it. As long as I am with her, I still feel
like a princess."

"Alright then you may marry her."

The wedding proceeded with me as the "groom". We then continued to the
wedding reception and we danced all night long. Feeding each other
cake and all that good stuff. By the end of the night, we packed her
things and hightailed it out of there. We never once looked back.

It has been 5 years since we got married and I still love her up till
to this very day.

"I love you, my Nemesinian Angel. Always and forever." I said to her.

"I love you as well, my Emerald Crescent. Always and forever." she
said back.

With that said, I gently opened my eyes, and sat up, expecting to see
my angel beside me. But she was not there. Then it dawned on me. It
was all a dream. I then sighed and layed back in bed, feeling
depressed knowing that I can never find true love as I just had in my
dreams.

It felt so real to me. It felt so real that I can reach out and feel
it. Feel her lips against mine. Feel her soft caresses whenever we
made love. The way she looked into my eyes and told me she loved me.
But I guess this is where reality mixes and blends with fantasy. Life
does imitate art. Or does it?