Love and Duty: Prologue

[write_my_dreams]

Title: Love and Duty
Author: write_my_dreams 
Genre: Historical, fantasy, some drama
Disclaimer: All characters and writing belong to me. Don't ruin my hard work by stealing it.
Rating: PG
Chapters: Prologue/?
Summary: While returning home from the temple, Kouhei gets lost in the woods and meets a strange boy who will have a huge impact on his life.
Author's Comment: I can't remember the last time I struggled so much with a story. I've fought with this one since February. I developed this idea out of a desire to write something historical and to use a Japanese setting. I feel like it still needs more editing, but I'm just insecure and frustrated with the Prologue. I've decided to post it anyway and move on with the story. 

 

 

Kouhei shivered and ducked his head as the wind blew snow into his face. It wasn’t a pleasant day to be outside. The morning had started out well, but the weather had taken a turn for the worse since he’d left the temple with his guards. The monks had advised him to stay another night, but he’d refused since he couldn’t afford to delay his homecoming.

Isamu, the head of his guards, turned to him as he saw him shiver. “Are you cold, Lord Miyamoto?”

Kouhei straightened in his saddle. His five guards showed no sign that the cold affected them even as the wind cut through their clothing. If his guards could be strong, so he could he. “It’s nothing I can’t bear.” He was only a child of ten, but he would show his guards that he could be as strong as they were.

“We aren’t far from the village, my lord. We could stop there to warm up if you so desire.”

Kouhei shook his head. “No, we mustn’t tarry.” He’d gone to the temple to pray for the health of his ailing mother as well as the unborn child she carried inside her. He needed to return to see how she fared and wouldn’t allow the cold to prevent him from doing so.

“Very well. We’ll do our best to reach the castle as soon as we can.”

“That’s all I ask.” And for the health of my family, Kouhei added. His mother’s sickness worried him. He’d seen her strength as she’d brought his younger sister and the twins into the world, yet this new child had constantly plagued her health. He felt so helpless and wished he could do more, but all he could do was pray and bring herbs back from the temple.

Isamu bowed his head and silence fell between them again. Kouhei adjusted his kimono and grasped the reins again, listening for sounds of village life. After a few minutes he could hear voices up ahead and the village came into sight once the company broke free from the trees. They rode their mounts through the village and the peasants stopped to bow as they recognized who led the party.

Kouhei dipped his head in greeting as he saw the village elder. He stopped his horse and looked at the man. “How do the people fare, Eiji?”

Eiji bowed deeply. “The cold invades our homes and chills us to the bone, but we will survive.”

“And food?” Kouhei prompted. The harvest had been poor this year and the winter had been unusually harsh. He, like everyone else, longed for the gentle touch of spring.

“We will endure, Lord Miyamoto.”

Kouhei glanced at the other villagers, seeing their thin frames beneath the ragged garments. He wished he had the power to distribute food to his people and ensure that everyone would have enough to eat, but it was his father who controlled the province. “I’ll see if I can do anything to help you.”

Eiji bowed again. “Thank you for your kindness, Lord Miyamoto.”

“Has there been any news of Lady Miyamoto’s health?” Kouhei asked. He’d stayed at the temple for a week and had received little news of the outside world.

 “I’ve heard nothing new.”

Kouhei nodded. “Pray for her health tonight.”

“I will, Lord Miyamoto.”

Kouhei turned away. “I will pray for her health and better weather.”

“As will I, my lord.” Eiji stepped back to allow them to pass by. Kouhei would have liked to linger longer and speak to more of his people, but the weather and concern for his mother’s health prevented him from doing so. The snow was starting to fall harder and he didn’t want to risk being trapped here overnight.

Kouhei nudged his horse forward and he continued down the road, riding back into the forest. It was an about an hour’s ride to the castle in good weather, but he could only imagine how long it would be now.

He stopped his mount, frowning as he heard the sound of approaching footfalls. “I hear someone.” The guards eased their horses closer to Kouhei for protection as a boy stumbled into view, a hand clasped over his side. Blood stained the pure snow as he came closer and bowed his head.

“Forgive me for troubling you, Lord Miyamoto, but I beg for your aid.”

“What happened?” Kouhei asked. The boy’s kimono was torn and looked as if some creature had dragged its claws through skin and fabric.

“My family was attacked by yōkai. My father is badly injured, but he was able to fight them off long enough for me to run for help.”

“Isamu, Hajime, and Hotaru will accompany you,” Kouhei said. “Help this boy and his family. Kill the yōkai if you can.”

The guards nodded and Isamu lifted the injured boy onto his horse before riding away. Kouhei’s hand fell to the hilt of his wakizashi as he watched them go. He would not be unprepared if the yōkai attacked.

“Do you wish to continue on, my lord?” Ryota asked.

“The yōkai won’t prevent me from returning.” Kouhei knew his people shared their land with the yōkai, but had never encountered one himself. It was easy to pretend they were merely tales meant to frighten unruly children into behaving until confronted with their existence.

Ryota nodded and didn’t speak again as the three rode deeper into the trees. Kouhei listened for sounds that could alert them to the presence of the yōkai, but all he could hear was the howling wind.

They continued on until Madoka stopped abruptly. The company halted and Kouhei tensed as he saw what had caught his attention: blood staining the pure snow up ahead.

“See if you can find the source,” Kouhei instructed. Madoka nodded and rode ahead. Ryota hesitated, clearly reluctant to leave Kouhei’s side. The boy signaled him to follow Madoka and other obeyed. Kouhei watched his guards dismount their horses and study the blood. Ryota stepped into the trees to investigate, and Madoka glanced back at Kouhei before following.

Kouhei was about to ride towards them, but paused as the sweet sound of birdsong reached his ears. He turned his head and was immediately captivated by the brilliant red feathers of a bird perched in a nearby pine. He’d never seen such a beautiful creature before. Kouhei longed to get closer, to study the bird. As if in a trance, he found himself dismounting his horse and approaching the bird. It flew away into the surrounding trees as he approached and he followed the bird, consumed by his desire to see it. All thoughts of yōkai, his guards, even his mother were wiped from his mind as he followed the bird away from the road and deep into the trees. Kouhei’s trance was broken as he stumbled and fell into the snow, the cold shocking him back to his senses. He shivered as he rose to his feet and brushed the snow away from his face and clothes. The bird chirped at him, but he covered his ears and turned away.

“Fool,” he cursed himself. His journey home had been disrupted by yōkai, and he’d just put himself at one’s mercy. No ordinary bird could have compelled him to leave the safety of his guards. Kouhei scanned the trees to see if the bird had let him into a trap, but when nothing emerged he turned back the way he’d come. He couldn’t remember how he’d reached this place or how long it had taken him. The way here had been a blur and he was afraid the snow would destroy his trail.

Kouhei followed his footprints, heart quickening as he saw a gap in the trees up ahead. Had he reached the road? He stepped out of the trees and fought back a sob as he realized it was only a small clearing. His footprints circled back and forth, tramping the snow and making it impossible to find a clear trail. Kouhei struggled not to give in to despair as he studied the prints. One set would led him back to the road, but which one? Kouhei chose and followed the prints back into the trees, flinching as the trail ended and the prints turned back on themselves. A false path. He turned back the way he’d come and chose another set of footprints, only to be met with the same fate. His third and fourth attempts bore no luck and by the time he returned to the clearing for a fifth try, the snow had covered the remaining tracks. Kouhei felt tears coming and squeezed his eyes shut. He wanted to be strong and refused to let the tears fall.

The boy reopened his eyes and took a deep breath. His trail had failed him so all he could do now was continue searching the road. And if that failed, he would find shelter and pray that he would survive the night.

 

*   *   *

 

Kouhei rubbed his arms for warmth as he scanned the darkening forest. He’d given up on finding the road and had taken shelter beneath an enormous oak tree. If it could survive centuries in this forest then maybe he could survive the night. He wondered if his father knew of his disappearance yet. Taiki would send out a search party, comb the forest until he found his son… but would he find him in time? The forest was massive and with the yōkai present…

The boy shuddered and pressed back against the tree. He wouldn’t last long against a yōkai. images sprang to his mind as he recalled the tales that his elder brother Tarou had told him.  He’d spoken of creatures that prowled through the trees and lured unwary travelers to their death, yōkai with fangs as long as his arm that would tear him apart and devour him, or the dreaded Yuki-Onna who killed men with her icy touch. Kouhei tried to push the tales from his thoughts, but the shadowy trees made it difficult for him to escape his imagination.

Kouhei froze as a branch snapped nearby. What was that? He pressed back against the tree and drew his wakizashi, tensing as he heard footsteps. Something was out there. But what? His father, an animal… or a yōkai? Whatever it was, it was coming closer. He moved into a fighting stance as a boy dressed in a faded grey kimono stepped out of the trees. A knife was tucked into his obi and a bundle of firewood was strapped to his back. He wore his hair pulled back from his face in a low ponytail, a style similar to Kouhei’s although he’d taken out the cloth that held his hair back to keep his neck warm. The boy paused as he noticed Kouhei, and the noble sucked in a breath as he saw the other’s golden eyes. His youthful face was narrow and angular – just like a fox. A kitsune!

“Stay back,” Kouhei ordered. Kitsune were tricksters and couldn’t be trusted.

The kitsune looked amused as he studied him, taking in the high quality of his kimono and hakama as well as the wakizashi in his hand. “Will you strike me down with your blade if I approach, little lord?”

 Kouhei bristled at being called little. “Stay back so I don’t have to,” he replied, sounding braver than he felt. He’d never taken a life before and didn’t feel ready to spill another’s blood.

The kitsune sighed. “I won’t harm you. I’m returning to my home, and you should do the same. The forest isn’t safe at night.”

“I know that.”

“Are you lost?”

Kouhei shook his head. “No.”

The kitsune looked skeptical. “You wouldn’t linger on a night like this if you knew how to return to your home. I can bring you to mine if you wish.”

Kouhei scoffed. “Do you take me for a fool?”

“Would you prefer to stay the night beneath this tree?”

“No.”

“Then come with me.”

Kouhei’s eyes narrowed. “How can I trust you? You’re a kitsune.” He had no way of telling whether this one was a good fox or a malicious trickster.

“How can I trust you?” the kitsune retorted. “Accept my offer or stay here and risk becoming a yōkai’s dinner.”

Kouhei hesitated. He had no desire to stay here, but could he trust this kitsune with his life? He was right though, if Kouhei stayed here he risked death. Perhaps it would be safer to go with the kitsune than to remain here… where anything could find him.

“Tell me your name.”

“Yukio. What is yours, lord?” He inclined his head in respect, the mockery from earlier now gone from his voice.

“Hayashi Akihiko,” Kouhei lied. He didn’t want Yukio knowing he was the daimyo’s son.

“Follow me, Lord Hayashi.”

Kouhei trailed after him and made sure to keep a wary eye on the forest in between watching Yukio. He still wasn’t sure which he should fear more: the woods or the kitsune.

“Where do you live?”

“A small cottage on the outskirts of the village.” Yukio frowned as he turned his gaze skywards. “We must walk faster or night will take us, Lord Hayashi.”

Kouhei matched Yukio’s pace. “How old are you?” He’d never spoken with a kitsune before and wondered how long this one had lived.

“I’m eight years old.” Yukio glanced over his shoulder, looking amused as he saw Kouhei’s shocked expression. He’d never expected Yukio to be so young. He’d merely assumed the other had chosen to appear in a child’s form. “I’m only half kitsune.”

“I see.” It felt strange to be older than Yukio. Kouhei studied his companion’s face, searching for features that would show the blend between human and kitsune. He saw little though since Yukio’s face was too otherworldly.

The two were silent after that as they focused on reaching the cottage. Kouhei longed to ask Yukio more questions, but understood that a conversation could draw unwanted attention. He shivered as he remembered Tarou’s chilling stories. What chance would he and Yukio have against a bloodthirsty yōkai? They were only children.

“How much further is it to your home?” Kouhei asked, keeping his voice low.

“We’re almost there.”

The two were quiet again, and Kouhei let out a sigh of relief as he saw Yukio’s cottage up ahead. It was made of wood and built in a similar fashion to the other homes in the village. A heavy piece of cloth covered the doorway and Yukio brushed it aside so he could enter. Kouhei hovered outside. He’d followed Yukio all this way, but now that he was here would he truly be safer inside? He glanced over his shoulder at the dark forest and decided he’d rather risk spending the night with Yukio than staying here.

He took a deep breath and followed Yukio inside. There were no bloody weapons or corpses of those who had been foolish enough to place their trust in Yukio. Instead, he saw a clean-swept floor and an old woman around his grandmother’s age sitting at the fire pit in the center of the room, warming her wrinkled hands over the dying flames. Her clothes, like Yukio’s, were old and faded.

“Ah, just in time.” She raised her head and smiled at Yukio. “The fire’s nearly out.”

Yukio shrugged the bundle of firewood off his back and joined her, feeding the flames with fresh wood. Kouhei watched them for a few moments before removing his sandals and soaked tabi. They seemed to be peaceful folk.

The old woman frowned as she looked up and noticed Kouhei hovering in the doorway. “Yukio, who is this boy?”

 “His name is Hayashi Akihiko,” Yukio replied. “I found him in the forest.”

She bowed to Kouhei. “Please join us at our humble fire, my lord.” She gave Yukio’s kimono a sharp yank and he bowed as well.

“Thank you.” Kouhei settled down near the fire pit, sighing in relief as he held his cold hands over the flames. It felt like an eternity had passed since he’d felt such warmth.

“I’ll fetch you one of my son’s old kimonos.” She rose to her feet and rummaged in an old trunk in the corner, taking out a dark green kimono with a simple pattern and a brown obi. Kouhei took it gratefully and shed his soaked garments before slipping into the kimono. He tied the obi around his waist and rolled back the sleeves of the too-large kimono, laying out his soaked clothes before sitting by the fire again.

“Are you hungry, Lord Hayashi?” she asked.

“I am.” Hours had passed since Kouhei’s last meal in the temple, but he’d been so concerned with his safety that he hadn’t realized how hungry he was until now.

The old woman nodded and fetched two bowls, handing one to Kouhei with a bow and giving the other to Yukio. It was nothing grand, just a few vegetables and some cold rice. “I’m sorry I don’t have more to give you.”

Kouhei offered her a small smile. “There is no need to apologize. I’m so hungry I would gladly eat anything.”

Her eyes widened and she immediately sank into a deep bow, hissing at Yukio to do the same. “Forgive me, Lord Miyamoto. I didn’t recognize you until I saw your face.”

Kouhei sighed and told them to rise. He’d hoped he wouldn’t be recognized, but she must have seen him in the village before. “I hid my identity because I wished to be careful.

“If you hid your name because of Yukio, my lord, then you need not be afraid. Yukio is kind and won’t hurt you.”

Kouhei looked at the half-kitsune, who was brazenly studying his face. Peasants never dared to look at him openly, but Yukio was nothing like them. Other nobles would have snapped at Yukio to look elsewhere, but Yukio intrigued him. “I thought it would be safer to hide my true name. I don’t know yours though, what is your name?”

“I am Sachiko, the village midwife. You’ll be safe with us, Lord Miyamoto. Yukio will bring you into the village tomorrow morning. Your father’s soldiers came here earlier to look for you and more will return tomorrow.”

Kouhei nodded and resumed eating his meal. He wondered if his father would find him in the village or if he would stay with his mother. Either way, Kouhei knew his father would forbid him from leaving the castle for some time. He lowered the bowl once he’d finished and Sachiko took his and Yukio’s empty bowls away, cleaning them out with a rag before returning to the fire.

“Have yōkai been encroaching on the village?” Kouhei asked. “My guards and I were stopped by a boy in the forest. He was bleeding and said his family had been attacked while they were gathering firewood.”

Sachiko frowned. “No, I’ve heard nothing of any yōkai attacking the villagers lately.”

“Did the boy mention what kind of yōkai attacked him?” Yukio asked.

“No, I didn’t ask him. I didn’t want to waste time with further conversation while his family could be dying.”

“I’ll speak to the headman about this,” Sachiko said.

“I’ll question my guards once I return to the castle.” Kouhei frowned as the old woman stifled a yawn. It was late and she was clearly tired. “There’s no need to stay awake for my sake.”

“I can stay awake if there is anything else you need, my lord.”

Kouhei shook his head. “You’ve given me food and shelter. There is nothing else I would need tonight.”

Sachiko slowly rose to her feet. “Very well. Yukio is at your service if you need anything.” She rolled out two futons and laid out a few blankets, taking one for herself and lying down on her futon with the blanket over her. “Use Yukio’s futon when you wish to sleep, Lord Miyamoto.”

“Good night,” Kouhei said.

Yukio waited until Sachiko had fallen asleep before during his attention back to Kouhei. “What’s it like in the castle?” he asked, voice low so as not to disturb Sachiko.

Kouhei blinked. The castle was so complex he didn’t know where to begin. “It’s always alive with activity and never seems to sleep. It’s cold in winter, but keeps me cool in the summer. Noble families often come to the castle to speak of politics with my father.”

“What’s your life like there?” Yukio had ceased to address him as politely as Sachiko had. Again, Kouhei could have reprimanded him, but he didn’t. Yukio had saved him from potential death in the forest. His lack of proper manners would be forgiven.

“I have lessons every day. Swordsmanship, archery, calligraphy… my life is ruled by training.”

“Do you have any servants?”

Kouhei nodded. “I do.”

“Do you…” Yukio trailed off as Sachiko sat up and gave him a stern look.

 “Yukio! Address Lord Miyamoto properly. He is not your equal,” she scolded, bowing to Kouhei. “Please forgive Yukio, my lord. He has not yet learned how to speak with the noble class.” She glared at Yukio until he sank into a bow and apologized for his rudeness.

“All is forgiven.”

Sachiko looked relieved. “Would you like to sleep, my lord?”

Kouhei knew he should rest. He had slept poorly the night before, haunted by dreams of his mother and he was exhausted after his ordeal in the forest. “Yes.” He lay down on the futon and set his wakizashi nearby before pulling the blanket up to his chin. He could feel the hard wooden floor beneath the thin padding of the futon. Yukio draped a blanket over the floor and lay down, pulling another blanket over him.

“Wake one of us if you need anything, Lord Miyamoto,” Sachiko said.

“I will.”

“Good night.” Sachiko lay back down.

Kouhei closed his eyes and shifted into a more comfortable position. He could feel the hard wood beneath him, but gradually let the sound of Yukio and Sachiko’s gentle breathing lure him into peaceful sleep.

 

*   *   *

 

Kouhei rubbed his arms for warmth as he stepped out of the cottage with Yukio. It was no longer snowing, but yesterday’s snow had covered the ground in a thick layer of white. Walking or riding would be difficult in these conditions, but he wouldn’t let the snow stop him from returning home. Yukio started walking and Kouhei followed him. He glanced back over his shoulder at the cottage, thinking of Sachiko. She’d woken them with the dawn, fed them and instructed Yukio to bring Kouhei into the village. Although she’d tried to hide it, she couldn’t mask her relief at seeing them go. As if Kouhei’s presence troubled her. He couldn’t help but wonder what he’d done to bother her so.

“Is Sachiko your only family?”

“Yes.”

“What happened to your parents?”

Yukio frowned. “I’ve never met my kitsune father. He seduced my mother at a festival and her parents disowned her when they discovered she was with child. She came to this village and met Sachiko, who took her into her home. My mother abandoned me when I was six years old so Sachiko, even though she isn’t related to me by blood, is the only family I have left. And I am hers since her husband and sons have all been killed in your father’s wars.”

Kouhei winced. That explained Sachiko’s eagerness to see him go… he reminded her of his father, who had been responsible for the deaths of her family. “I’m sorry for your losses.”

“Every family has experienced losses,” Yukio said. “One grows used to it early in life.”

Kouhei couldn’t deny the truth of that statement. “You’re right.”

Yukio offered him a faint smile, but stopped abruptly. The noble halted as well and gave him a questioning look. They’d left the cottage about five minutes ago, so why had Yukio stopped so suddenly? “I hear hoof beats.”

“You do?” Kouhei couldn’t hear anything. Yukio must have stronger senses than he did.

“Yes, coming from the west.”

“Can you tell how many?”

“At least five horses.”

Kouhei nodded and looked to the west. All he could see were trees, but after a few minutes a horse and rider flanked by mounted soldiers emerged from the forest. Kouhei smiled as he recognized his father and raised a hand to wave. Yukio immediately sank into a deep bow as Miyamoto Taiki noticed them. He dismounted his horse and came closer, relief crossing his features as he recognized his son.

“Kouhei! Where have you been?”

The boy bowed his head in apology. “I’m sorry, Father. I let a bird lead me astray and could not find my way back to the road or my guards. Yukio found me and I was able to stay the night with him.

Taiki turned his gaze to Yukio. “You may rise.”

Trembling a little, the half-kitsune obeyed. He’d been so calm around Kouhei, but was clearly nervous about being in the presence of the daimyo.

“You have my thanks for aiding my son. Where do you live?”

“With Sachiko the midwife in a small cottage beyond the village, my lord,” Yukio said.

Taiki nodded. “This deed will not go unrewarded.” He mounted his horse and Kouhei climbed on behind his father.

“Goodbye, Yukio,” he said.

Yukio bowed his head again. “Goodbye, my lords.”

Kouhei wrapped his arms around Taiki’s waist as he turned his horse and rode back the way he’d come. “You’re lucky that boy found you. You could have been killed in the forest. If you wish to continue leaving the castle then you must be more careful. You will double your guard and if you slip away from them again, these excursions will no longer be possible.”

“I understand. I’ll be more careful from now on,” Kouhei said. He’d learned his lesson.

“Let’s return to the castle.”

“How is Mother?”

Taiki sighed. “Her illness grew worse three days ago. She lost the child, but she is recovering.”

Kouhei flinched at the words. His mother had been fortunate during her pregnancies and had given birth to strong, healthy children. She’d never had a miscarriage until now, even though Kouhei had prayed as hard as he could. “I’m sorry.”

“As am I, but there’s nothing we can do about it,” Taiki said. Kouhei knew his father was right. All he could do now was be there for his mother.

 

*   *   *

 

“This is their cottage,” Kouhei said. A week had passed since Yukio had found him in the forest and he’d come to express his gratitude. He would have asked permission to come here earlier, but knew he was needed in the castle. His mother still mourned the loss of her child, but was slowly regaining her former health as she comforted herself with her five living children. Taiki had granted his permission and sent him out with a larger escort than last time along with strict orders not to stray, orders that Kouhei had no intention of disobeying. He and his guards dismounted, and Kouhei approached the cottage.

“Sachiko? Yukio? Are you here?” he called.

Yukio moved the fabric covering the doorway aside, looking surprised to see Kouhei. “Lord Miyamoto,” he bowed. Kouhei told him to rise and Yukio straightened. He could tell by the confusion on the half-kitsune’s face that he had no idea why Kouhei was here.

“My father said he would reward you for what you’ve done for me. I am here to give you that reward.” Kouhei signaled one of his guards, who untied a bundle from his saddle and presented it to Yukio. Two warm blankets and a sack of rice were his gift.

“Thank you.”  Yukio took the bundle and bowed once more. “Sachiko is in the village, but I will tell her you came when she returns.”

Kouhei gave him a small smile. “It is I who should be thanking you. Had you not found me, I shudder to think of what could have become of me. Give Sachiko my thanks as well.”

“I will.”

Kouhei stepped back. “I must return to the castle, but I hope to see you again.” Yukio intrigued him.

“I hope so too, Lord Miyamoto. Be safe.”

           “I wish the same for you.” Kouhei turned away and mounted his horse. Hopefully the blankets would help keep out winter’s bite and the rice would fill their bellies until spring thawed winter’s hold on the world.

 

Comments

[lunafair.livejournal.com]

This is really good! :D
I'm curious about more of this :3
(wow, how long has it been that I read a story only for the story without the extra drive of having characters in it that are somewhat familiar? xD)

[write_my_dreams]

Thank you!
The story has two parts... the first part is little time skips of when Kouhei and Yukio are kids.
I know what you mean. It felt weird writing it too, haha. So used to Gackt and Hyde

[a_deux_vitesses.livejournal.com]

This is really very interesting, I really enjoyed it :) And you did a great job, it doesn't show that you had trouble with it at all~ Will you be posting the next parts to this?

[write_my_dreams]

Thank you! I wasn't sure if anyone would read this if I posted it on LiveJournal. I'm glad the trouble doesn't show. I think I just struggled with it so much it gave me a complex, haha. I definitely will, I just need to write the rest of it first

[eadwine63.livejournal.com]

this seems so interesting. Though I'm not a fan of history, I kind of do like reading historical stories. Especially when there's a bit of myths and the like in them. so I am curious as to how the rest will go!

[write_my_dreams]

Thank you :) I like reading historical stories as long as it's a time period I'm interested in. I started out as a fantasy writer and in terms of original writing I always have some of that in there.

I hope you like the rest! I'm hoping to get another chapter done this month. My goal was to finish Part 1 before I went back to school... but 90% sure that won't happen