Chapter 1

Things Keep Getting Complicated

A couple of weeks have gone by since I found those letters Jun has been hiding from me. I wanted to confront Jun right away about them, but Goemon told me it wasn't worth it. I think Goemon knew I wouldn't be able to control my anger about it. Every time I even think about Jun hiding them makes my blood boil.

I told Naomi about the letters and she couldn't help but be mad too. I've been avoiding Jun by sleeping in one of the guest rooms. I want nothing to do with him right now. Jun has been trying to talk to me, but I would just brush him off saying how I wasn't "feeling good". I know he can see right through me, yet I could careless.

"Ready to train?" Goemon asked as I walked up to him.

Goemon has been training me in the woods while Jun has been training his men. I want to get stronger for Goemon. I'm tired of him always being the one who protects me.

"Yep!" I grinned.

"Okay, we're going to climb trees today."

I groaned. "Ugh, really?! Can't we work on target practicing?!"

"We did that three days in a row. You can't keep avoiding climbing, Anya. It comes in handy."

"Alright, fine," I muttered.

I slowly began to climb up the tree trunk, but my foot is already slipping. I hate doing this! I rather jump in the cold river than climb this stupid tree!

"Go faster, Anya!" Goemon ordered.

"Yeah, yeah." I finally reached the first tree branch! At least, I'm done climbing up the trunk!

Everyone knows about Goemon and I "talking" again. I think they are judging me besides Falitna, Naomi, Hiroko, Sakura, and Osamu. My brother took it pretty hard and told me numerous times how I bring shame to our family and how it looks really bad that I might break my engagement off for another man. Of course, I'm not going to listen to a word my stupid brother has to say. It's not like Goemon and I have been hooking up! We even stopped kissing each other because I keep feeling guilty for cheating on Jun even though I'm really upset with him!

I told Goemon I would be all his when I officially break off my engagement with Jun. I wanted to do it as soon as I found out about the letters, but I still can't find the right words to end it with Jun…

"Halfway there!" I called down to Goemon.

"You should've been up at the top by now," he said in a low voice.

"Whatever, at least, I didn't fall down!"

"Yet," he sighed.

I rolled my eyes at his comment as I kept jumping from tree branch to tree branch. Every time I jump, I almost lose my balance… It's pretty sad, to be honest.

It's strange how none of the Takara ninjas know anything about Makoto Shiori's plan about ambushing us. I would think he would attack us soon since one of his sons is dead.

We all have been training hard though just in case Makoto tries to surprise attack us; everyone is more than ready for him, well, except for me, I have a long way to go.

CRACK!

My heart dropped when I heard the branch crack! In a blink of an eye, I'm falling to the ground, but wasn't surprised when Goemon caught me in a cradle.

"I was almost there!" I whined.

"You did better than last time. Good job." Goemon gently smiled at me.

Goemon went to lean in to kiss me, but I turned my head.

"Goemon…"

"I know," he sighed.

I got out of his arms and frowned. I miss kissing him… I can't wait until I'm not engaged anymore.

"When are you going to do it, Anya?"

"Break it off? I don't know…" My voice trailed. "I will soon."

"You said that for weeks now," he mumbled.

"It's hard, you know?"

"Yeah, I guess."

I took Goemon's hands in mine. "I promise you I'll do it before the end of this week. I want to be with you, Goemon. Please, just give me a little more time. I just can't find the right words; it's not like I'm holding on for him."

"I know, Anya. I'm annoyed I can't even kiss you. I don't know how long I can wait…"

"It's really hard for me too. I miss being with you," I confessed.

Goemon gently smiled at me as I returned his smile, but we heard someone clear their throat behind us.

"Sorry to interrupt, but this is kind of important," Sakura said.

"Long time, no see," Goemon greeted her.

Sakura and Mamoru are officially together, and I haven't seen Sakura this happy in my entire life. I mean she's always in a good mood, but she's super chipper after he confessed his feelings towards her. She also told him about her past, hoping he would accept her for being raised at one of the Shinobu villages. He obviously didn't care which is good news for her. I couldn't be happier for Sakura. I hope they get married soon!

"I see you two are hanging out more and more," she smirked.

I felt my face heating up as Goemon sighed.

"Just tell us what's so important, Sakura," Goemon said annoyingly.

"Some of the spies found out that Makoto Shiori will be in Natsuko Village tomorrow morning for an important meeting with the headman of the village," Sakura explained.

"So, in your hometown, right?" I asked.

"Please, don't remind me." She huffed.

"Hm. A meeting with your father; I wonder what about?" Goemon ponder.

"Ew, please don't remind me of that either!" Sakura groaned.

"You sure it isn't a trick like last time?" I questioned suspiciously.

Jun's brother, Rokuro Shiori tricked all of us into thinking his father was in Jiro Village, but he wasn't nowhere near there! I hope it's not the same situation!

"No, it's true. I guess the meeting is about Makoto trying to recruit men for the Shinobu since he heard we have a lot of ninjas from a different country," Sakura answered.

"Hm. Well, I'll definitely check it out then," Goemon said simply.

"Can I come?" I pleaded.

"Sure, why not?" Goemon ruffled my hair.

"Falitna, Yamato, and Katashi is going with you as well," Sakura commented.

"Ugh, my brother is going?! Never mind, I don't want to go." My brother will get on my nerves the whole time! I don't feel like getting lectured on everything I do!

"No, I want you to come with me to keep me company, plus I don't want you near Jun while I'm gone," Goemon whispered.

"What? Don't you trust me? I'm sleeping in another room, Goemon. There's no way I would go with him. You have nothing to worry about," I insisted.

"Goemon are you seriously telling Anya to not be with her fiancé?" Sakura snorted.

"It's not funny, Sakura." I glared.

"It kind of is, though." She chuckled.

Goemon ignored her. "Come on, Anya. This mission will be boring if you don't come with me."

"Fine," I mumbled.

"That a girl!" He grinned at me.

"Jun probably wants to come too, I mean it is his father." Sakura chimed in.

Great, not only would I be dealing with my brother, but my fiancé too? This is going to be the most awkward mission ever!

*~*~*~*~*Always And Forever~*~*~*~*

I prayed to myself over and over that Jun wouldn't come with us to this mission, but just my luck he's coming with us. I shouldn't have been shocked since he wants to kill his father as soon as possible.

This war is coming to an end and I hope we win so there can finally be peace in this world.

A banquet is being held in Jun's mansion to celebrate how many ninjas Goemon and the others have gathered from another country. I honestly didn't think it's a good idea to party if we all have to leave in the middle of the night to go to Sakura's hometown, but I would never turn down alcohol.

As I am getting ready for the banquet, there's a knock at the door and I check myself in the mirror for one last time before answering.

"Hey," Goemon greeted.

"Hey," I smiled gently at him.

"You look amazing," he whispered.

"Thanks." I blushed.

I'm wearing a purple tight-fitting kimono with my hair pinned up. I never feel my best until Goemon compliments me. I don't know how he does it, but he makes me feel warm inside every time he tells me I look good. He defiantly builds my ego up a little bit.

"I wish I could hang out with you all night," he muttered.

"Yeah, me too," I sighed.

Goemon and I never hang out one-on-one in front of Jun because it would be rather heartless for me to do that to Jun, plus it will look bad even though EVERYONE knows Goemon and I are trying to work out our relationship. I guess it's more of a guilty thing than anything else.

"We'll secretly meet up, right?" I asked pleadingly.

"Of course." He nodded.

"Great, see you later."

He kissed me on the forehead before leaving me. I watched him walk away and I wonder if things will get less complicated once Goemon and I end up together.

*~*~*~*~*Always And Forever~*~*~*~*

"Hey, Anya!" Falitna walked up to me.

The banquet has started and I'm already a little tipsy. I blame the stress in my life that's causing me to drink.

"Hey, Falitna," I greeted her.

"I'm glad you are coming along with us on the mission. I thought you were going to bail since your brother, fiancé, and your lover is going to be around. Talk about awkward." She chuckled.

"Please, don't tease me. I'm already second guessing my decision." I rolled my eyes.

"It'll be fine. I got your back since you have mine about my secret lover." She grinned.

"Yeah, yeah."

"You didn't tell anyone, right?!" She snapped.

"No, Falitna, I didn't."

"Good."

"Anya!"

My body froze in place when I heard Jun calling out to me. I really don't want to talk to him right now. How am I going to avoid him this time?

Falitna took the hint and walked away as Jun is walking up to me. I cursed her mentally for leaving me alone with him.

"Hello, Jun," I said in a low voice.

"Are you done avoiding me?" He asked harshly.

"I don't know…" Ouch, that was harsh of me, but I'll blame it on the sake.

"What have I done to you? I was always there for you and as soon as Goemon showed up, you've been avoiding me! You told me that I had nothing to worry about, yet you ran back to him!" He argued.

"I can't help how I feel, Jun. I'm sorry! I feel really guilty for falling for him, I do, but I can't help it!"

"Yes, you can. He's going to hurt you again, Anya! Don't you realize I'm the only one for you?" He clenched his teeth.

I snorted. "He always cared about me Jun especially when he wrote me sixty-five letters!"

Jun's eyes widened as everyone around us dropped their conversations to eavesdrop.

"You found them," he muttered.

"Why would you hide something that's important to me!? Is it because you knew I would never accept your proposal once I realize Goemon never forgot about me?!" My voice rose.

Jun averted his gaze. "I just wanted you all to myself. I guess I grew selfish and I thought once I had you then I would have nothing to worry about," he confessed.

I didn't know what to say to his confession. What is there to say? Yeah, he tricked me into thinking Goemon wanted nothing to do with me, but I'm the one who moved on to be with Jun. I feel guilty for trying to replace Goemon with him, and it almost worked until those nightmares of Goemon kept haunting me.

I never forgot about Goemon, yet I feel disgusted for myself for trying. It's true that no one can force love. If true love exists between two people then love will find away no matter what. I know for a fact Goemon and I are meant to be together.

"Anya…"

"I need to be alone for a little while." I turned my back on Jun to go outside. I felt everyone's eyes on me, but I refuse to make eye contact because my main concern is to get some fresh air.

*~*~*~*~*Always And Forever~*~*~*~*

"Anya?" I heard Goemon say my name softly.

"Hey," I whispered.

I'm sitting on a tree stump in the woods to be alone, but I'm happy Goemon came to see me. He's the only person I want to see right now.

"That was rough," he commented.

"You were there?" I honestly didn't pay attention who was in the dining room while I freaked out on Jun…

"Everyone was there," he said simply.

"Great."

Goemon rubbed my back as I buried my face in my hands.

"You've been drinking a lot tonight, huh?" He asked.

I looked up at him and shrugged. "I know I shouldn't have since we are leaving late tonight, but I couldn't help it. A lot is on my mind, yet I'm happy I let Jun know that I know about him hiding those letters…"

"Me too."

"We're one step closer to being back together, Goemon."

Goemon leaned in and kissed my cheek. "I can't wait to have you all to myself."

"Same."

We both stared at each other until Goemon took a deep breath.

"He's coming," he mumbled.

"Jun?" I questioned.

Goemon only nodded in response as he jumped up on a tree branch to hide from Jun. Great, Jun's the last person I want to see!

"Anya," he whispered my name as he approached me.

"I want to be alone," I said sternly.

"I want to apologize. I shouldn't have hidden those letters from you. That was very low of me."

I felt tears forming in my eyes, but I immediately wiped them away.

"I can't do this anymore, Jun. I want to be with Goemon and you knew this from the very beginning. It's my fault for trying to get over him, and not only did you trick me into thinking that he's over me, but I tricked myself into thinking I could move on. I was so wrong." I bit my lip from sobbing.

"So, you want to break off our engagement?" His voice sounded hurt.

I only could nod. "I'm so sorry, Jun. You deserve someone who will give you their full attention and I know she's out there just ready to give you all her love."

Jun just snorted. "I doubt I'll find someone better than you."

"Sure you will." I took my hands in his.

"No one can compare to you," he whispered.

"Psh, a lot of girls can compare to me, trust me," I said in all honesty.

"I don't want to let you go." Jun squeezed my hands.

"You have to. You can't force love and neither could I, I'm sorry, Jun," I slowly let go of his hands and took my engagement ring off my finger and lightly placed it in the palm of his hand.

Jun stared at it for a brief minute before putting it inside his kimono. "I'll never stop loving you, Anya."

I felt a tear rolling down my cheek as we locked eyes. I kept delaying the bad news for Jun because I knew I would break his heart, but also because I knew this would be a lot harder than I could ever imagine. He's done so much for me. He might not believe me, but he'll always have a place in my heart.

Jun slowly turned his back on me and walked away as I wrapped my arms around me to secure myself. It's finally over and I feel awful inside.

Goemon waited until Jun was out of our sights before jumping down to see me. He wrapped his arms around me from behind while he rested his chin on top of my head.

"I did it." I choked out.

"Sh, It's okay," Goemon whispered.

I turned my body around from where I am sitting and wrapped my arms around his waist. I then started to sob in his chest while he soothed me.

After tonight, I refuse to be an emotional wreck. I want to be happy again with the love of my life by my side. I don't want to go through any more tough obstacle courses of love, but instead, worry about the war and focus on bringing peace on this earth.