A/N: Sorry for the delay. I planned to update on Christmas or New Year but got completely distracted by the insignificant thing called RL. This is my fave chapter because it's full of angst ^^ Hope you like it as much as I do..
Disclaimer: Prince of Tennis and its characters belong to Takeshi Konomi.
Haven
"She's here." Oishi whispered, panic in his voice.
Tezuka sharpened his senses and indeed felt several new presences in the mansion. One of them stood out in its intensity. It reminded him a little of Fuji though it's not as bright and powerful. It was understandable since this was Fuji's sister presence he was talking about.
He didn't have time to muse this fact because he was quickly ushered to join other trusted werewolves to Fuji's study room. When he entered, Fuji was already waiting with Eiji and another werewolf named Saeki. They were all wearing formal clothes this time because even though it's technically a family reunion, Fuji's sister is married to a leader of another pack which made her an important guest.
On the outside, Fuji didn't seem to care about this arrangement, reading a book to pass time instead of throwing a tantrum or worse. But Tezuka could feel a little displeasure coming from him, perhaps for not having the privacy for the meeting he looked forward to or maybe because he'd been forced to wear an old-fashioned suit with tails. He stifled a smile as he bowed to Fuji before going to his position three steps behind and to the left of Fuji.
"I'll get you for that later." Fuji warned quietly without taking his eyes off the book.
Tezuka bowed in apology but didn't worry about anything worse than bruising kisses as punishment. Oishi gave him a questioning look but Tezuka shook his head, knowing that his relationship with Fuji should not be known by others.
Loud knocking on the door alerted everyone that their guests had arrived. The guards concentrated on their tasks as Fuji allowed the guests entry to the room. Tezuka was slightly nervous but hid it behind a mask of coldness.
A woman who had striking resemblance with Fuji entered. Unlike the other strangers following her, she was wearing colorful clothes instead of black formalwear. She was clad in red dress that reached her knees, held together by big leather belt and accessorized with simple silvery necklace. Her long, wavy, brown hair swayed beautifully as she made her way to the center of the room. She and her formally-dressed escorts bowed to Fuji who had stood up to greet them.
Bravely, she raised her eyes to meet Fuji's. Tezuka noticed that they were the same shade of blue as Fuji's, though her eyes didn't really have the same magnetic pull as her brother's. The siblings stare at each other critically for a while, assessing the change that had happened since the last time they met. Tezuka sensed no hostility, only mild awkwardness that came with years of separation.
"What's with the monkey suit, Syuusuke?" She asked, breaking the tensed silence.
Fuji's laugh lightened the atmosphere. Tezuka could feel tension melting immediately at the sound of the leader's laughter. "I miss you, too, nee-san."
He waved the nervous guards away and they obeyed with some hesitance. To show that she posed no harm, Fuji's sister told her followers to rest in rooms that had been prepared for them. In the end, only Tezuka was left to accompany Fuji, while Yumiko was accompanied by a young female werewolf who was extremely anxious about the idea of leaving her female leader alone.
"This place barely has changed since the last time I came here." Yumiko said after seating herself on a couch while Fuji sat on another couch to her left, smiling at her happily. The attendants stood behind their respective masters, watching the conversation in interest. Tezuka had rarely ever seen Fuji this relaxed in front of anyone. His smiles were often feigned, only done for the sake of politeness. Tezuka had been the only one to witness Fuji's genuine smiles, or so he had thought. It was foolish to feel jealous, but he did. It's strange to have this beautiful woman came in and gained Fuji's entire attention that had mostly been directed to him.
"Don't you think it's more nostalgic this way?"
Yumiko gave her brother a playful look. "I think it only means you lack any talent in decorating spaces."
"I can't say otherwise." Fuji conceded. "How is your husband doing?"
"Oh, he's well. Busy with the pack as usual. We have several newcomers that we're keeping an eye for but let's not talk about that. I don't come here to talk politics with you." She said, waving her hand in dismissal.
Fuji nodded. "Very well. Has he been treating you right?"
It was a question that would shock if not offended many, but Yumiko merely laughed. "You never change, Syuusuke. Of course he's been treating me right. Do you think I will let him treat me less than favorably?"
Fuji smiled but Tezuka could read tension in his posture and the curve of his lips. "I don't want to lose another sibling."
This time Yumiko didn't laugh or smile. "That's right. Yuuta… he was…" She stopped, staring at her clenched fists. "I know he wished to join the fight despite not having sufficient experience but… Sometimes I wish he hadn't gone."
Tezuka had heard of Yuuta. He was Fuji's beloved younger brother who died alongside their father during a terrible territorial dispute nearly a decade ago. Their deaths were mourned by the entire pack for days. Tezuka vaguely remembered hearing sad howls at night during that time. He had also been informed that Fuji's mother died only months after that due to broken heart. Fuji early years as a leader must be very lonely. Tezuka could only imagine how difficult it was for Fuji to rule without any help from a mentor or support from those he loved.
"It was his decision, just as it was father's decision not to ask help from your husband." Fuji said quietly. It was very difficult for Tezuka not to reach out and hold Fuji to give support and comfort. When he felt a barely-there caress in his mind, he quickly projected as much compassion as he could muster. He wanted to tell Fuji that he wasn't alone now, that Tezuka was here with him, but it wasn't the right time for that now. "It was sad but they died honorably. Let's remember them for that instead of mourning their deaths endlessly."
Yumiko nodded and wiped away tears from her cheeks. Her attendant quickly gave her a silk handkerchief to dry her face. "I know, Syuusuke. I know. That's why I couldn't return here before today. This place reminds me too much of them."
"It's all right, nee-san."
"I'm really sorry. You must be lonely all these years. Letters couldn't be enough. I should've been brave enough to visit much earlier." Yumiko said, leaning forward to hold Fuji's hands.
"In case you didn't notice, nee-san, I don't really live alone here." Fuji said, trying to lighten the conversation. "I have plenty of company. In fact, I'm very rarely left alone. Right, Kunimitsu?"
Tezuka knew it was a lie since Fuji did like to sneak out alone every now and then and thus frustrated his subordinates. Maybe he's rarely left alone, but he definitely tried to be alone once in a while. But Tezuka couldn't refuse his master's order so he lied as best as he could. "Yes, ma'am."
The look Yumiko gave him was a little unsettling. However since he didn't feel any mental probing like he used to feel when Fuji read and manipulate his mind, Tezuka wasn't worried. Maybe she was just curious with the new attendant. He kept his face stoic as the conversation continued.
"Syuusuke, you know it's not what I'm talking about. I'm also barely ever left alone. I had to throw a major tantrum to make them leave the room when I gave birth to my first son!"
"Yes, I've heard about that." Fuji said with a chuckle. "The talk reached all the way here. I'm glad they've learnt their lesson the second time around when you gave birth to Yuu."
"In my defense, the pain didn't help to improve my mood. You know how difficult it was to give birth to a purebred."
"No, actually I don't. But judging by your stories, it was a very painful experience."
"It was. It definitely was. That's why my husband won't dare giving me any crap." Yumiko leaned slightly forward, her face suddenly serious. It was obvious that she had now reached the topic she came here to talk about. "Speaking of family, I think it's about time you take a wife."
Tezuka felt his heart sank though he didn't express it. Wife? In front of him Fuji looked as calm as ever, as if he was actually considering Yumiko's request. Or was he really considering it? What was he going to say? What kind of excuse could he give? Would Yumiko buy it? Should Fuji refuse at all? Fuji's silence seemed to last a little too long to Tezuka.
"No, nee-san. I don't want to take a wife yet."
"Syuusuke, you're almost twenty-five. I'm not saying that you're old but do you remember how difficult it was for our father to keep up with you and Yuuta? Besides, we're not immortal. We'll eventually die and someone have to replace us; our children!"
"Nee-san." Fuji said as politely as he could. Tezuka could tell that he had difficulty denying his sister anything, already Fuji found difficulty finding excuses. Would he relent if Yumiko wouldn't give up? Would he leave Tezuka? "I'm enjoying my single life."
"Are you really single?" Yumiko suddenly asked.
Fuji froze for a split second but quickly erased any trace of surprise from his face. "Why, yes."
It hurt. It hurt to not be acknowledged. It hurt to think that Fuji might leave Tezuka to be with a woman. But it hurt so much more to know that there's nothing he could do, because he didn't have the right to do anything but wait.
As predicted, Yumiko wouldn't give up on the subject of marriage though Fuji kept refusing. The entire pack quickly caught up with the news and it became a hot topic. Everywhere Tezuka turned someone was talking about a prospective wife for Fuji. The leader had apparently been given marriage proposals from other packs more than once in the past, but he had always refused. Each time the topic quickly dropped because no one dared to question his decision but Yumiko's persistence changed things.
Of course Tezuka couldn't say that he didn't want Fuji to get married. Not only their relationship must remain secret but the idea of not taking a wife itself was unacceptable. As a very powerful purebred, Fuji was under a lot of pressure to get married and build a family to continue his precious line. And once he chose a woman as his wife, there would be no place for anyone else until the day he died. Tezuka would be tossed aside, forgotten.
To escape the stifling thought, Tezuka walked around the expansive garden, wishing Fuji was here with him. Before Yumiko's arrival it was rare for him to be separated from Fuji, but now he barely saw Fuji except during parties thrown to entertain Yumiko. Maybe Fuji send him away because he didn't want Tezuka to hear more about Yumiko's plea for him to marry, but Tezuka felt abandoned. He was aware of his duty and his limitations. He also knew that the relationship he had with Fuji might very well not be lasting –as it shouldn't have. He wouldn't stand in the way if Fuji decided to marry. He'd step aside and tried to forget if that's what Fuji wanted. Even if that's not what Tezuka wanted.
It's not his decision that mattered. It's never his decision. He was just a subordinate, just another replaceable person in Fuji's life. He should've known better than to think that what they had would last forever. He should've been ready to accept the fact that Fuji might choose a wife someday. Tezuka had been such a fool, forgetting his place as a mere beta member of the pack. His job was to satisfy, to protect, not to hold his master back from the future obviously meant for him
A growl was his only warning before he was suddenly attacked by a black wolf. He fell to the ground, arm caught between sharp teeth. Searing pain shot through his body as the wolf attempted to bite his arm off. He didn't recognize the werewolf but how did an unknown wolf enter this place? Had the security been slacking? Was it one of Yumiko's attendants? Tezuka knew it's useless to ask so he quickly shifted into his wolf form, the change causing the werewolf to release his arm. Tezuka swiftly moved away, putting a safe distance between them.
Now also in a wolf form, they were more or less equal in power. Tezuka growled in warning, his left front leg limping slightly due to the wound. This meant he couldn't run very fast or very far. He had to fight back as well as he could with his injury. He bared his teeth and growled menacingly but the black wolf was undeterred. It growled back and leapt forward. It clawed and bit Tezuka, especially his around his wound and his neck whenever Tezuka let his guard down.
Thankfully, Tezuka's trainings with Fuji paid off. The wolf's attack was nothing compared to Fuji's. Loud growls and grunts filled the once peaceful garden as Tezuka returned each bite and claw. Tezuka attacked viciously, not holding back since he knew that he was being attacked for real. The attacking wolf whined in pain but the fight was far from over, as the whine signaled the wolf's companions to help it.
Two more werewolves entered the fight and very soon Tezuka was overwhelmed. Wounds had been torn on his torso and legs. One werewolf had even managed to tear a deep wound on his neck. Tezuka lay on the ground, doing his best to graze his attackers as they kept attacking mercilessly. This scene reminded him of the day he was captured by the pack he now belonged in. He had thought he'd grown stronger but it seemed like he wasn't as strong as he predicted. He was still losing; he was still an easy victim. He thought of Fuji, wishing for another rescue and yet he didn't want to be seen in this pathetic state.
He heard a loud crash when a window on the third floor of the mansion broke as a silver wolf jumped through it. It landed on the ground easily, its powerful legs taking the impact effortlessly. An angry growl was issued before it attacked the three black wolves that were still attacking Tezuka. He knocked away two of them with its paw and bit the last one by its neck before tossing it away. It then stood protectively in front of Tezuka who was changing back into human. The two werewolves circled the silver beast fearfully, not daring to attack but wouldn't retreat before ordered to do so by their master. The other wolf, the one that attacked Tezuka at first, lied motionless on the ground and slowly morphed into a nude corpse of a girl.
There was a commotion as people came to the garden to see what's going on. Upon seeing their leader defending one of their friends from foreign wolves, some of them changed into their wolf forms and stood in front of Fuji, ready to charge at the slightest provocation. The two wolves were getting more scared but still wouldn't leave. It seemed like they have been ordered to kill Tezuka and wouldn't return before the order was fulfilled.
"That's enough, you two." Yumiko said, stopping the would-be war. She walked in front of the black wolves, protecting them from the wrath of her brother. At her command, they immediately turned back to their human forms and bowed in apology to her.
Fuji looked at his sister angrily but then change back into human. Oishi immediately covered the leader's nude body with a coat he was carrying and stepped back nervously. The other wolves still stood in front of Fuji as they hadn't been ordered to back off and there was still a chance of another attack, this time to their leader. Fuji didn't seem to notice any of this, blue eyes flashing with anger directed to his sister. Though he was smiling, there was no mirth there, only concealed rage.
"What is the meaning of this, nee-san?"
"Since you kept refusing my request to select a suitable bride, I have no choice but to resort to drastic measures." She glanced at Tezuka, looking displeased by her own order. "I only want the best for you."
"And that would be having my attendant attacked by three of yours?" Fuji said, piercing blue eyes showing nothing but anger. The tension was suffocating, even in his state of injury Tezuka could feel anger tearing into his mind. Fuji couldn't stop it, he knew. He was too upset to control his power. Frowns appear on everyone faces as they tried not to be distracted by the intense storm of emotion.
Yumiko shook her head slowly. "As I said, I have no choice."
"You do. You could just stop asking me to marry."
"I won't stop." Yumiko replied stubbornly. "I might not have your gift, Syuusuke, but I could feel what you don't want anyone to know." She looked at Tezuka angrily. Only due to respect of her brother's authority that she refrained to mention about Tezuka. "Let's make an agreement, Syuusuke. If you agree to my request, I won't hurt any member of your pack."
Fuji closed his eyes and the anger inside the pack's mind intensified to a peak before slowly easing down. He had come to a decision, one that he didn't want to take in the first place. Tezuka could feel the resignation before Fuji completely blocked access to his mind. Tezuka gritted his teeth as he tried to reach Fuji, needing assurance now more than ever. It only resulted in more pain. He knew he'd only make his condition worse if he tried to move. He looked at Fuji, calling him in his mind to draw his attention. But Fuji didn't even turn around. He didn't even look at Tezuka.
"Let's talk inside." Fuji said quietly. "Oishi, take Kunimitsu to his room and call the doctor. Once he is strong enough, take him to my family's house."
With that said, Fuji left them to lead his sister inside. Tezuka tried to protest, tried to stop him but the verdict was out. He shouldn't stay in Fuji's life any longer.
TBC
A/N: In case you're wondering, Yumiko has the ability to read people's emotion here. Next chapter is the most difficult one to write. I can't promise that it's going to be out soon. Anyway, R&R!
