Chapter 3

Fight To The Death?!

Jun didn't answer his father as he took his sword out of his scabbard. "I will destroy you for killing the people in Isamu Village!"

Makoto Shiori began to laugh. "You are worried about those worthless people? They were a wasted space. Is that why you killed your own brother because of them? Pathetic."

Jun grunted as he charged at his father, but Makoto blocked his attack with his own blade. Makoto smirked before counterattacking.

"Gah!" Jun cried out in pain as his father slashed him in his stomach.

"Fool, you are a poor excuse of a leader. You lost your childhood village, you go against your brother and me, and then you lost your wife to a ninja," Makoto said mockingly.

How did he know about Goemon and I getting back together?

"Shut the fuck up!" Jun spat as he went to slice his father's neck, but his father blocked it instantly with his sword.

"Admit it, you are nothing," his father whispered.

"You are the one who will be nothing!" Jun countered as he tried to slash at him again, but of course, his father blocked his attack.

"THERE THEY ARE!" A Chiyoko ninja yelled out.

Oh, no! We are getting ambushed!

"I got it!" Goemon took a deep breath then he blew fire from his mouth at the ninjas!

"GAH!" They all screamed as their bodies were in flames. They were burning alive!
"Stay close to me, Anya," Goemon commanded softly.

I nodded as I went behind him.

"How does it feel, Jun? That the woman you changed for picked another?" His father asked as he slashed at his stomach again!

"UGH!" Jun screamed.

"JUN!" I shouted.

I went to go to his aid, but Goemon grabbed my wrist roughly.

"Don't, Anya," Goemon warned.

"But, he's hurt!" I argued.

More Chiyoko ninjas came up the stairs. I guess there's too many of them for our allies to handle. I went to position my bow, but Goemon attacked all of them with his fire ninjutsu from the palms of his hands.

"SMOKE BOMB, NOW!" A ninja ordered his men.

They threw small bombs down on the ground and in a blink of an eye, smoke surrounded us; Goemon cover my mouth so I would not cough out a lung, but we couldn't see anything!

After a short period of time, the smoke has cleared and Mamoru and his men were gone.

"DAMMIT!" Jun slowly stood up and punched a hole in the wall.

"We'll get him next time," Goemon soothed.

"I'm sick of him! I want him to suffer for what he has done to my childhood village!" Jun spat.

"Jun," I whispered his name in sorrow.

Jun will not forgive his father for what he has done to Isamu Village unless he gets revenge for those villagers. It's sad he won't be satisfied until his father is dead just like his brother, Rokuro.

"Well, no use in staying here. Let's go back to Madoka Village," Goemon sighed.

"Whatever," Jun mumbled.

We left the mansion to reunite with our allies, but they were all out of breath. The good news is that they didn't get hurt, but Jun is really in bad shape. His father attacked him twice in the same area. It's like he did it on purpose to see his own son suffer.

How cruel.

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

We were on our way back to Madoka Village, but I'm concerned about Jun's injuries. He told us countless of times to not stop for his sake. He said he could handle his own even though he looks like he's suffering.

I couldn't take my eyes off of his bloody stomach. The wound is really deep…

"We should stop for a little bit. We are already halfway there," Falitna commented.

"I second that," Katashi said bluntly.

"Me too," Yamato agreed.

"I'm the one who is injured and you all want to lay around?" Jun snorted.

"Come on, Jun. You need your rest. Stop acting tough." I glared at him.

I can tell Jun is in a really bad mood after his encounter with his father. I hope he will get out of his awful mood, but it might take some time…

"Fine, whatever. I need to talk to Goemon anyways," Jun sighed.

"Uh-oh!" Falitna shouted playfully.

"What about?" I raised a brow.

"It's a private matter," Jun answered.

"Okay, let us talk then." Goemon nodded.

We all rested around the river while Goemon and Jun went somewhere together to talk privately; I felt my stomach forming into knots once they were out of my sights. I wonder what they are going to talk about? Does Goemon have a clue on what they are going to be discussing?

"What's wrong?" Falitna asked as she sat next to me.

"You know what's wrong," I whispered.

"Awe, don't worry about them. What's the worse they can talk about?" She paused then gasped. "Oh, maybe their sex stories about you!"

"Stop!" I whined. That would be terrible!
"I'm only kidding!" She nudged me playfully.

"It's not funny."

We sat in silence until Yamato and Katashi joined us. I'm surprised Katashi didn't try to lecture me about Goemon, but I'm not going to complain.

I tried my best not to think about Jun's and Goemon's conversation, yet it still kept haunting my mind.

"We're back," Goemon announced.

"What did you guys talk about?!" I immediately questioned.

"Not important," he answered simply.

"Ugh!" I groaned. If it is not important then he can tell me!

Jun came up to us with a smirk on his face. Something is going on between them and I want to know now! Does it have to do with me, or someone else? Is it about the war? No, it can't be. I WANT TO KNOW!

"Relax, Anya." Goemon gave me a gentle smile.

"I won't relax unless you both tell me what is going on!" I snapped.

"What are you worried about? It does not concern you," Jun said sternly.

"Then why are you guys keeping a secret from us?" I freaked.

"We aren't," Goemon and Jun said in unison.

"Gah!" I threw my hands in the air. "Whatever, I'm over it!"

"No, she's not," Falitna chimed in.

"Hush!" I stuck my tongue out at her.

I decided to get wood for us to start a fire. I need time to myself anyways!

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

"Stupid, Goemon… Stupid, Jun," I muttered to myself as I'm picking up wood for us. I hate not knowing something! I'm not really into secrets and it's killing me that Jun and Goemon has a secret against our group, no fair!

I might be overreacting, but I don't care. I want to know the secret.

"Anya?" I heard Goemon call my name.

I ignored him as I continue to collect wood.

"There you are." He gently smiled at me as he took the pile of wood out of my hands.

"Well, look who it is, the mysterious man!" I pouted.

"It's not a big deal, Anya."

"Then why can't you tell me, Goemon?"

Goemon took a deep breath. "Jun and I are dueling when we get to Madoka Village."

I gasped. "Why?!"

"We are dueling for your hand in marriage…"

I felt my blood boiling. I ended my engagement with Jun for a reason! Why is he trying to marry me again? This whole situation is done and over with! What, I don't have a say anymore?
"Goemon, you were there when I called it off. Why does he think he can still be with me?" I clenched my teeth.

"He said he can make you happier. I beg to differ, but he said he won't let you marry me unless we duel to the death," he explained.

My eyes widened. "WHAT?! DUEL TO THE DEATH?! No, no, no!"

"Anya, calm…"

I interrupted him. "NO, I'M NOT LETTING THIS GO! THIS IS STUPID!"

I walked away from Goemon to confront Jun about his stupid duel. Why would they do this?! I picked Goemon over him so can't he just take a hint? I mean it was hard breaking our engagement off, but still! I made up my mind!

"Jun!" I yelled out.

"Yes?"

"The duel is off! I already ended this!" I said harshly.

Jun only chuckled. "Anya, I know I can make you happier than him and he did agree to this duel, so don't get in our way."

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN DON'T GET IN YOUR WAY?! THIS HAS TO DO WITH ME!" I raised my voice.

"Anya, calm down," my brother sighed.

"No! Not until Jun calls it off!" I argued.

"I'm not calling it off and neither is Goemon, so deal with it," Jun smirked.

I turned around and glared at Goemon before storming off.

I'm so mad I can't voice my own opinion!

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

It was the next day and we were back at Madoka Village. I haven't spoken to Jun or Goemon all last night or the way back here. I'm pretty pissed they agreed to duel for me when I already made up my mind on who I want to be with.

I thought they were kidding about "dueling to the death", but I guess I'm wrong. This is all stupid and we have other things to worry about than their stupid rivalry.

"Hey, Anya," Naomi greeted me as I walked up to her in town.

"You're not going to believe this, but Goemon and Jun are dueling to the death later today." I rolled my eyes. I need to vent to someone about this.

"Over what?"

"Me I guess."

Naomi's eyes widened. "You're kidding, right? This is ridiculous! What are you going to do?"

"Nothing." I shrugged.

"What? Really?"

"Yeah, they don't want me to get involved so, whatever."

"Geez, Anya."

"I need my mind off of this. Can we get coffee or something in the café?"

It's been ages since Naomi and I got coffee together. She's always with Alvah while I'm dealing with Jun and Goemon. I thought the three of us was passed this.

"Yeah, let's go!" She grinned.

We went into the café together and I thought we were going to be relaxing with just the two of us until…

"ANYA!" Kenichi came up to us out of nowhere.

"Hey, Kenichi," I greeted.

"Did you hear about Jun's and Goemon's duel tonight?" He asked in excitement.

Great, it's going around town about them dueling.

"Sadly, yes," I muttered.

"EVERYONE is going to be there!" He praised.

"Oh, boy," I said in a low voice.

"Anya, I think you should do something. This is crazy they are both risking their lives for you!" Naomi frowned.

"I'll figure something out, don't worry." I took a big sip of my coffee.

There's no way I'm letting Goemon or Jun risk their lives over their stupid rivalry.

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

It is already nighttime and I went to Goemon's guest room to try and talk him out of this stupid fight before it's too late.

"Goemon?" I knocked on the door lightly.

Goemon opened the door and gently smiled at me. "You aren't mad at me anymore, that's good to hear."

"When did I say I wasn't mad?" I crossed my arms over my chest.

"Come on, Anya. It's no big deal. Once he's out of our lives, we can enjoy being together. Isn't that what you want?"

"No! I want us to worry about this war. We need you both for it!"

Geez, when I first met Goemon I could care less about this stupid war, but now I have a total new outlook on it. Wow, I must've really grown up…

"Everything will be fine. I want to worry about us right now, okay? He said he forbids you to leave and our duel is the only way to get him to back off," he explained.

"Are you kidding me? He can't forbid anything! I'm not engaged to him anymore! This isn't right."

"That's why I'm fighting, Anya… It's for us."

"Is there anything I can do for you to forfeit?" I asked pleadingly.

"I'm afraid there is not unless you want to be with him for the rest of your life…" His voice trailed.

"I DON'T!" I shouted.

"Then I have no other choice." He ruffled my hair.

"This is silly, Goemon…"

"Don't tell me you are worried I am going to lose to him?" He glared at me.

"No, I didn't say that!"

"Then what are you worried about?"

"Nothing, I just think this is pointless!"

"I'll see you down there, Anya. I have to get ready."

I went to protest again, but he closed the door on me!

I have to do something…

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

I felt my heart drop when I realized everyone and their mothers were crowded around in the middle of town. Jun and Goemon stood in the middle, ready to fight to the death.

Naomi and I pushed our way to the front so we had a better view of the two, even though I rather not be around… I can't just stand there and watch these two fight each other.

"ARE YOU TWO READY?!" Sakura stood in the middle of them and screamed out so everyone could hear her.

Goemon and Jun nodded as they got in their fighting stances.

"Okay, I would say I want a clean fight, but since you are both fighting to the death, I can't say that." She paused then cleared her throat. "Now, FIGHT!"

Sakura immediately moved out of the way so they can fight each other. Jun is the first to attack with his blade. He used his wind to try and blow Goemon away, but Goemon blocked it with his fire ninjutsu from the palms of his hands.

"GO, GOEMON!" A villager shouted.

"NO, GO, JUN!" The other argued.

I'm glad everyone is enjoying this, but me.

Goemon formed fireballs and kept throwing one after another at Jun. Jun dodged a couple of them, but most of them hit his stomach.

"THAT'S A CHEAP SHOT, JUN IS ALREADY INJURED THERE!" A man cried.

"SHUT UP, IT'S NOT HIS FAULT HE WAS HURT BEFORE THEIR BATTLE!" A woman yelled at the man.

Jun clenched his teeth before he charged at Goemon with his sword. Their swords kept clashing as they kept blocking and countering each other's attacks.

The crowd went wild as they kept slashing at one another until Jun knocked Goemon's sword out of his hand.

Jun used this opportunity to slash at Goemon, but Goemon dodged his blade by doing backhand springs away from him. Goemon then threw kunai knives at Jun, but Jun blocked them effortlessly.

"TAKE THIS!" Jun chanted as he summoned winds from his blade.

Goemon went to summon fire, but he was too late! The wind hit Goemon so hard that he fell on the ground.

Everyone, including myself, gasped. Jun summoned wind again from his blade until…

"STOP!" I ran out in front of Goemon to shield him. This whole fight is pointless. I don't want anyone to die!

"ANYA!" Goemon grabbed me roughly so we both would dodge the winds.

"Are you alright?" Goemon asked gently.

I nodded slowly.

We both looked at Jun who had his jaw dropped. He then put his sword back in his scabbard and sighed.

"You win, Goemon," he muttered before turning his back on us.

I expected the crowd to boo, but instead they all stood there in silence as they watched the king of the village walking away.

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

"Jun?" I knocked on his bedroom door.

"What?" He called out bluntly.

"Can I come in?"

There's silence until he finally opened the door. "What do you want?"

"I want to talk."

Jun sighed before letting me in his room.

"I'm sorry," I whispered.

"No, I understand that you rather be with him instead of me. I mean I always knew this fact, but I thought I could make you happier…" He paused and took a deep breath. "Then I realized if I killed him then you won't forgive me like I haven't forgotten what my father and brother did to my childhood village."

"Jun, I do appreciate everything you have done for me, but you know my true feelings… You'll find someone who will give you their whole heart, not just a part of it."

Jun snorted. "I don't want anyone else, you know this already."

"You say that now, but when she comes in your life, you'll easily change your mind."

Jun and I locked eyes before I stepped forward to give him a big hug. I know Jun will find someone to love. He deserves nothing but the best…

"Well, I'll let you go back to him," he muttered as he pulled away from my embrace.

"Yeah, we're still friends, right?" I bit my lip nervously.

Jun gently smiled. "Yeah, friends."

I returned his smile before leaving him to go see the other stubborn man that doesn't know when to let things go.

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

"No more silly rivalries, got it?" I sat up from lying on his guest bed and glared at him.

"Maybe," he hummed.

I rolled my eyes as he began to chuckle.

"I won't do that ever again as long as you promise me you will never use yourself as a shield for me."

"Maybe," I said innocently.

Honestly, I can't promise him that I would never protect him. He's the only person I would risk my life for. I can't live without him. He might think it's reckless for me to protect him, but I think otherwise.

I need him, I love him, and I will risk all that I have for him.