Chapter 2: A Stealthy Getaway
"Is he going to be alright?" a female voice asked.
"I believe that he'll be fine. He just needs some rest. Watch over him and let me know if anything else comes up. I have a lot more patients to treat." The older lady sighed. "It's a shame that his parents aren't here for him."
"Yeah, I know. I can't imagine how it must feel to have lost your parents. But, I'll be here for him when he wakes up. Thanks, Mom."
Ryo lay stretched out on an especially soft surface and heard gentle voices talking to each other. Life suddenly began to flow back into his body. Ryo's hand tightened in reflex to his consciousness and he felt in his own hand the smooth, soft touch of another person's hand, a feminine hand. He slowly began to open his eyes and light began to flood his darkened world. Numbness left his body and feeling returned to his nerves and limbs. He soon became aware of a presence sitting close to him and a hand stroking his forehead. Ryo opened his eyes and beheld a familiar countenance overshadowing his own. A friendly smile greeted his weary eyes. In a sweet, kind voice, she gently spoke to him.
"Hi, Ryo. How are you feeling?"
"Hey, Tinaro." Ryo tried to sit up but was soon stopped by the extreme pain that shot up his body. He groaned in pain and Tinaro got up out of her chair and lightly eased him back down.
"Easy now. You took quite a few blows from the attack a couple days ago. You need to rest," Tinaro spoke in comfort as she sat back down in her chair.
"Oh… okay…" Ryo responded as if in a daze. Then her words began to register in his mind. "Wait, a couple days? How… How long was I out? W-what happened?" Ryo strained as he tried to turn over on the bed to face her.
"It's been about three days," Tinaro answered grimly as if hesitant to even bring up that nightmare of an evening. "That night, as I was heading back into town with Tyson, I thought that you had been hurt and I turned around to see if you were okay. But as soon as I turned around, I saw you suddenly fall to your knees, and… and I just… well, I panicked." Tinaro's body started to quiver and shake, but she still continued. "I mean, I was so scared that I didn't know what to do. I called for you and ran to your side and tried to help. I didn't know how to help. I told Tyson to get help while I tried a few things that I had learned that might help. People soon came running over and then the doctors came over. They said that you were pretty beat up and that you needed immediate attention. You were quickly taken to the closest house, which happened to be mine, where after a few hours of examination, they said…"
Tinaro's eyes began to water and her voice whimpered and dropped off. Her hand trembled with the memory of that night. Her throat seemed to dry up in thirst, yet she was not thirty. She suddenly felt sick to her stomach. Her eyes shifted down to the floor unable to keep his gaze and her whole posture slumped in her seat.
"What's wrong?" Ryo asked with great concern. His brow furrowed as he gazed at her trying to read her mind to see what the problem was. He reached out and gently rubbed her hand saying, "Tinaro…"
"Ryo!" she interrupted as she began to sob. "Y-you… should be dead! All of the doctors who looked you over said that you wouldn't live much longer. Even my mom looked you over and said that there was nothing that they could do. Tears streaked down her cheeks the more fervently. "But I- I refused to listen to them. Y- you had a weak pulse… and you had lost a lot of blood… and you had burns all over your body but especially severe burns on your back… On top of that, they said that maybe you'd been poisoned. They did what they could but still only gave you maybe a day to live…"
"Tinaro…" Ryo whispered to the whimpering female.
"I refused to accept that you would die. I mean, we've grown up together and…" she began to weep so much that her words came out more and more vague.
Ryo was at a loss as to what to do or say. He had never seen her like this before, and it hurt him to see her in such emotional torment. He wanted nothing more than to comfort her somehow. Give her a hug maybe. However, he was in such pain that it hurt to move, but he wanted to comfort her in some way. After all, she was in more pain than he could ever have imagined. Ryo reached out and grasped Tinaro's hand in his, giving it a small squeeze in an effort to give her some support.
"What happened then?" Ryo asked, breaking the silence. "How am I still here? Why am I still alive if I was only given a day to live?"
Tinaro wiped the tears from her eyes, composed herself, and answered Ryo's question with a little more confidence than before thanks to the feeling of Ryo's soft hand in her hand. As she looked down at their interlocked hands, a feeling of warm began to flood her body and she felt a bit more confident.
"That's the thing," Tinaro said using her other hand to wipe her eyes. "No body knows. I- I stayed with you ever since they brought you into my house. They were forced to treat my own wounds right here as I sat next to you, though mine were fairly minor compared to your injuries. The next day, they looked you over, but… But they said you'd… have only a few hours to live. I prayed that you would stay alive."
"You… prayed for me?" Ryo asked in disbelief.
"Umm… Yeah…" Tinaro replied shyly. "I didn't know what else to do. But I began to realize just how much you've done for me and just how much I needed you. How much I still need you…"
"Really?" Ryo was completely blown away by what she had just said. Did she just say that she needs me? All right! That's almost like a 'I love you,' or something, right? Ryo thought in excitement. Get a hold of yourself, Ryo! Play it cool. After taking a deep breath, Ryo was able to compose his thoughts and ask, "But what have I done? I haven't done anything that amazing. I was just being myself."
"But you've done more than you think. You helped me on that speech, right?"
"Well…" Ryo shrugged. "That wasn't…"
"If it wasn't for you I wouldn't have put that much effort into it."
"What?" Ryo said caught off guard. "You… The all-knowing, all-A Tinaro not putting effort into her work! That's hard to believe!" Ryo smiled and chuckled slightly.
Tinaro blushed and giggled at the compliment. "I'm not all-knowing. Besides, you helped me out with my schoolwork! You've been a big help to me! I don't know what I would have done without you helping me all these years."
"I… uh…" Ryo stammered as he felt his face flush bright red from embarrassment. He did not know what exactly to say in response, except, "You're welcome." Involuntarily, Ryo clenched his hand trying to hold back his emotions. However, the hand that he did clench was the one with Tinaro's hand in it. Ryo suddenly stiffened and slide his hand out of her's. He then turned his head away realizing what he just revealed.
"Are… Are you okay?" Tinaro asked sweetly.
"Umm…" came the quivering reply. "Ye-yeah… I'm fine. Never felt better. See I can even lean up…" Ryo said trying to lean upwards to prove it.
"No! Don't! You're still not… healed… yet…" Tinaro initially tried to lean Ryo back down but was stopped when she felt a warm, soothing energy waft over her. She was amazed to see that Ryo was able to sit up. It was said that he would survive, but now he was looking much better.
"I don't know… I feel fine…" Ryo grinned at her. It worked! I was able to distract her from her question about my squeezing her hand.
"Do you feel any pain?"
Ryo paused for a moment as if to do a mental scan of his body and came back with his answer: "Mmmm… No. Why?"
Tinaro's face construed in confusion and then a smiled gently crept onto her face. "Lean forward a bit…" she instructed. Ryo dutifully obeyed, but questioned her order. "I want to take a look at your back…" Ryo allowed the folds of the borrowed kimono wrapped around him to lose tension and slip down his back. What Tinaro saw made her audibly gasp.
"What?" Ryo asked alarmed. "What's wrong?"
"Um… Nothing. Your back is… fine. It looks perfectly normal."
"Good. And here I thought that something was wrong," Ryo chuckled to himself as he lifted his kimono shirt back up. Then he suddenly realized why she had gasped. The burns from the melted blades! Are they… Worry leapt into Ryo's throat, but he swallowed hard hoping to take his emotions down with his saliva. After all, he did not want to alert Tinaro any more than she already was. He was still trying to make sense of what happened that night. What did happen? Did it happen or was it all a bad dream?
Ryo cleared his thoughts as best as he could and leaned back down. Worrying about it now would not help anyone, especially Tinaro. He looked up into Tinaro's beautiful blue eyes but detected a slight apprehension.
"I guess I should be asking if you're okay."
"I'm fine. It's just…"
Ryo could almost see her inner struggle of trying to make sense of the past few days. With so many rumors floating around about the assault and with the cleanup of the city and the treatment of the wounded, it was all a lot to take in. But after a brief moment of hesitation, Tinaro smiled and said, "…It's just, I'm glad to see that you are okay. It's a miracle. That's the only explanation."
"What are you talking about, Tinaro? A miracle?"
"I'm talking about you practically coming back from the dead!" Tinaro seemed to realize that she had raised her voice and calmed down. "All of the experts said that you only had about a day to live because of the amount of blood you had lost, the severe burns, as well as the poison that had been injected into your body! And yet, here you are, talking to me as if you were never injured."
"Except normally I wouldn't be in this house talking to you while I'm still in bed in clothes that aren't mine in a house that ain't mine. In fact, this is the first time I've been in your house but, you know, whatever…" Ryo said with a sly grin.
Tinaro smiled too. "Yeah! Anyways, I'm not sure exactly what happened but I'm glad that you're all right. You've… done so much for me that… that the thought of losing you… would be too much to bear."
Tinaro began to whimper and water began to form in the girl's eyes but this time Ryo leaned up out of his reclined position and wrapped his arms around the girl. Tinaro began to cry a little more and small streams of tears flowed down her cheeks. She cried into his shoulder for the longest time and Ryo just held her and stroked her hair.
Finally, Ryo spoke in his soft and soothing voice, "I'm glad that you're okay too. I don't want anything bad happening to you. I don't want to lose you either. I didn't then, and I don't now." Ryo paused for a moment to slyly inhale the fresh fruit smelling aroma of her hair. Intoxicating. Ryo thought. I love the smell of hair that smells like fruit. Ryo smiled as he held her in his arms. "Thank you for taking care of me."
The female looked up into Ryo's big blue eyes and practically melted into his gaze. The look of love and a feeling of deep care showed all over his face. She had known him ever since he was thirteen. But she had never actually considered him as a potential mate. She viewed him just as a good friend. But now, there was something different stirring inside of her. Something that made her look at him in a different light.
In a small, sweet voice, she asked him a question that had bothered her for the past three days ever since the ambush. "Ryo. Tell me, why did you protect me and risk your own life in order to save mine?"
Ryo was caught off-guard by her question. Because I love you, he thought to himself. Because I would do anything for you. You are special and deserved to be treated as such.
None of his thoughts seemed to make things easier. He wanted to tell her just how he felt about her, but, even now when he was all alone with her, he still could not tell her how he really felt. Fear of rejection by this beauty loomed in his mind and it paralyzed him. He tried to form the words of his heart but they never came. The awkward silence was soon broken by Ryo's stumbling and stammering for the words to say.
"I…er…umm…well…You see, y-you mean a lot to me," Ryo mentally smacked himself. That was intelligent, ya idiot! "…and I couldn't stand the thought of someone hurting you. I wanted more than anything to protect you from danger. I mean, just like the knights in those old stories did."
"Like a knight-in-shining-armor saving the fair maiden type of story…" Tinaro commented as she raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah! Exactly! I wanted to protect your honor, and stuff… I, uh, I was willing to fight to protect you. I was willing to die for you if that's what it took." Ryo was speaking so fast that he suddenly paused realizing what he had just said. His eyes widened in fear but, he stood firm in what he had said. "That… was, uh… is how far that I am willing to go."
"Ryo… I had no idea that you felt…" Tinaro began softly. Suddenly, a loud banging on the door cut her short. Both turned to see the door swing open and a tall male figure walk into the room where they were. He was dressed in the traditional soldier outfit and his steel armor shimmered from the light cast by the sun from the nearby window. He was an imposing sight to behold and his skills with the blade were top notch.
He briefly glanced at the scene before him not even breaking a smile. He strode to Tinaro and he spoke quietly in her ear. "Can I talk to you outside for a moment?"
She looked back at the speaker realizing that it was Tyson. She looked back at Ryo who proceeded to nod his head and say, "It's okay. I'll be fine. Don't worry." He then motioned for her to leave and continued with a smile, "Go on. It seems as if you are needed. Besides, I don't think that I'm going anyway anytime soon. I need my rest."
Tinaro nodded her head and turned toward Tyson. As they left, Tyson gave a sudden but swift glance at the teen resting comfortably in the bed. Ryo would have missed it, but his focus left Tinaro for a moment to notice the discontenting glare from the soldier. The door was then shut.
Something's not right… Ryo thought. Instead of resting like he should have, Ryo carefully got out of bed and scuttled stealthily toward the door, hoping to overhear the conversation that apparently was only intended for Tinaro. The pain he had once felt seemed to be almost completely gone, one thing that Ryo was thankful for.
As he approached the door, he began to hear the familiar voice of Tinaro and the voice of the soldier Tyson. The sounds were muffled, but he could hear them none the less. But it seemed more quiet than any typical conversation. Almost as if they were whispering. Ryo placed his ear to the door and was able to eavesdrop on their conversation. The conversation had already begun and Tyson was already in mid-response to an apparent statement from the charming Tinaro about Ryo's condition.
"No burns? Are you sure?"
"Yeah! I saw him myself. He seems almost completely healed! Isn't that great?"
Tyson paused figuring out a way to say what he had to say. He did not want to douse her enthusiasm, but she needed to hear what he had to tell her. "Listen to me. For your own safety, I can't allow you to be around him anymore."
"What? What are you sayi…"
"That kid is dangerous! Did you see what he did to those guys a few days ago?"
"Umm… No, why?"
"The investigation department reported that it looked like some kind of bomb exploded in the area where you guys were found. However, numerous reports indicate that those people didn't even use bombs! And the magnitude of the blast radius…"
"What are you saying?"
"I'm saying that it's a miracle that he's still alive and that, according to you, he bears no evidence of burns from the explosion! There's something about him that's not right, can't you see that!" Tyson realized that he had raised his voice and took a deep breath to calm himself. He brought his voice back down to a whisper. "We found on either side of the explosion two charred bodies that have been identified as two of the assassins. They were so badly burned that they barely looked human. At this point, the police force highly doubts that there was any friendly fire involved because there were no type of bombs or explosives on any of the other ninja bodies recovered. Using things like that would have ruined their element of surprise. But if Ryo had some kind of bomb and used it against them, then why doesn't he have any burns on his body?"
"Well… umm…"
"There were also found multiple swords without blades. It looked like the blades were melted away by extreme heat. Steel does not melt that easily. I'm telling you, there's no telling what he'll do next! There's no other way to say it: Ryo is a threat to our city."
"Wait just a minute! A threat?" Tinaro's voice shrieked. "He's no threat! He protected me when I thought that I was going to be killed! I owe him my life!" Tinaro countered rather loudly, appalled that he would say that Ryo was a threat.
"Shhhhhh… Not so loud…" Tyson whispered quiet loudly. He sighed and warily looked at the closed door where Ryo was "resting" hoping that the boy had not heard anything. Satisfied by the silence, Tyson looked back at Tinaro. "I'm sorry, but orders are orders…" Tyson murmured somewhat regretfully. He then caught himself as he spoke his last words. The look of alarm on the soldier's face to what he had said was quickly dissipated, but it did not go unnoticed.
"What do you mean? What orders?" Tinaro pressed for the information that had just now slipped from Tyson's lips.
"Hmm? Never mind. It's nothing," Tyson said trying to dodge the question.
But as with any curious, beautiful female, Tinaro rendered his attempt futile thanks to her wiles which is something instilled into every woman.
"Tyson, what's going on? Please. Tell me." Tinaro begged with her eyes ever so big and ever so pleading that she could make them. He quivered at her truly pathetic look and with a roll of his eyes he reluctantly addressed the matter.
"All right, but…" Tyson waved his finger in front of him. "I'll have to whisper it in your ears so that no one else can hear." He cautiously looked around and purposefully waited to make sure that the area was secure and that no one would be listening in to what he had to say.
Ryo strained his ear against the door trying desperately to hear what Tyson was about to say. Unfortunately, if he was going to say something in her ears then it would be nigh impossible to hear. Suddenly, something seemed to tug at the back of his mind like a dormant thought coming to the forefront of his mind. It seemed like a little voice. And it seemed to echo in his mind: Reach out with your mind and feel your environment around you. Focus on your Jupiter element. Ryo looked around the room confused.
What was that? He wondered mentally.
Again the voice seemed to speak with him. Concentrate on the wind currents…
Ryo shook his head. I must be going crazy. I'm either talking to myself or I'm hearing voices in my head, neither of which are a good sign. But still, I would like to know what Tyson has to say. Ryo closed his eyes and concentrated hard on trying to hear the conversation on the other side of the door. A brief moment passed and suddenly Ryo felt different somehow, almost light headed. He could feel the gentle whispers of the airflow in his room. Ryo concentrated even more as he let his senses follow a trail of air that flowed underneath the door. Then he heard it. It was faint at first, but Ryo focused on the tingle in the air. Is that breathing? His question went unanswered as he soon became aware of the gentle whispers of a man's voice. It went something like this: "I have orders from my superiors to arrest Ryo and have him tried for crimes against the city."
"WHAT!" Tinaro yelled.
Ryo on the other end of the door jumped back surprised by the sudden outburst. He soon resumed his post and listened further with widened eyes and with a heart that beat faster and faster as the moments passed.
Tinaro could not believe what she had just heard. "Ryo's not a criminal! He hasn't even done anything wrong!"
Tyson quickly placed his hand on her mouth and shushed her. "Shhhhhh! You're not supposed to know these things."
She removed his hand from her mouth. "These 'things'? Is there's more?" she asked in utter shock. What more could be brought against Ryo's report.
"Ugh…" Tyson sighed in anguish. The captain will have my head for sure. He thought. "Well, yeah, but please! Will you keep your voice down?" He paused to listen if anyone had heard the girl's exclamation. His eyes fell upon the door where Ryo was and casually took a step toward it to hear any sort of ruffling of the bedding. After he was satisfied, he continued speaking in his quieted tone. "We've received an anonymous tip saying that Ryo was the cause of the attack. We weren't sure at first but after receiving a second tip saying about the same thing, we have no choice but to look into the matter."
"But, he didn't do it, Tyson," Tinaro pleaded on Ryo's behalf.
"That may be the case, but until further notice, Ryo is under house arrest and will await further interrogation. If we find out that he was involved, he could face imprisonment, exile, or even death."
"'If he was involved'? What are you saying…? He's not being accused of the attack on our city two days ago, is he?" Tinaro quizzed with surprise intermingled in her voice.
"The first tip we received indicated that Ryo was the cause of the attack. But the second tip that we got claimed that a Ryouto Yanjan was the one responsible for the assault on our city. We don't have much to go by so we have to explore every possibility. I think right now he's being charged some minor damage. But he may also be charged with the deaths of those who were killed in the attack. I'm sorry. But my orders were to 'bring in the suspect at all costs so that he may be investigated and tried for his crimes if convicted,'" Tyson recited as if he was reading his orders.
"Minor damage…?" Tinaro asked confused.
"Umm… Fire damage…" he answered bluntly.
"So that explosion is something you guys are trying to pin on him!" Tinaro accused.
"There's nothing set in stone… yet… However, Ryo is not allowed to leave the city. If he tries then he will be charged with the assault and tried for his crimes. For now, my orders are to wait until he is fully conscious and then take him into custody."
"No! This isn't fair! He was defending my life…" Tinaro trailed off, shocked at this new revelation. Her mouth gaped open and she leaned up heavily against the wall due to the shock and sheer magnitude of the crimes charged to Ryo's account. How could they do this? Who would accuse him of such things?
On the other side of the door, Ryo covered his gaping mouth with his hands and backed away from the door slightly. Sweat dripped from his body. I haven't done anything… He thought shocked at the accusations. In fact, he had saved a life. He should not be tried for crimes he did not commit; but rather, he should be lifted up as a hero for the life that still yet lives because of his efforts!
The thought of running away crossed his mind as his eyes fell upon the nearby open window. If I try to run then they'll take me in. But if I stay here then they'll still take me in anyways. Hmmm. The voices outside of the door continued again, instantly drawing Ryo closer to it. Listening intently, Ryo readied himself for what was said next.
"Are you… g-going to t-take him now?" Tinaro sniffled, tears streamed down her face. She had almost lost Ryo once and now she was threatened with the loss of him once again. It was too much for her to bear.
Tyson looked at the trembling body before him and gave her a warm, loving smile. She obviously cared for Ryo more than what she had made evident before. "Here." He reached in his satchel and pulled out a handkerchief and handed it to her.
She accepted it and wiped the tears from her beautiful, tear-stained face. After she blew her nose, she looked pleadingly into his dark brown eyes hoping that he would answer her.
Tyson, the hardened soldier that he had become after his combat training, was not able to resist the assault of the beautiful female's gaze into his eyes. It was so intense that he had to avert his eyes away from her because as she looked upon him, her gaze pierced his soul and her emotions were clearly evident that if he would have denied her request, any chance of spending time with her would be out of the question. And with feelings he could not deny, he wanted nothing more than to give her more time. But he could not defy his orders. It might cost him his job.
He gave her question considerable thought and he finally came to a decision and relented to her request, even if that decision meant delaying the orders given to him by his superiors. If it meant that he had any chance of having a future with her by delaying his capture of Ryo then he was willing to do it. He would merely say that Ryo was unable to move or something.
"I tell you what. I'll give you the rest of today. But tonight, I'm coming for him."
Tinaro's eyes lit up at his generosity, but Tyson raised one finger indicating that he was adding in one more stipulation. "I'll only do this if, and only if, you do not tell him what I have told you. The moment he knows, then I'll be forced to take him into custody. All right?"
Gratefully, Tinaro wrapped her arms around him in a big hug with her fingers crossed behind her back and replied, "Thank you, Tyson. I owe you one. I promise that I will not tell him, no matter how hard it gets. Thanks again." She released him from her hug and smiled. She was about walk back into the room where Ryo was but was stopped by Tyson.
"Hold on… Don't make it look you were crying. I don't know what he'll think but if he thinks that something is wrong with you, then I may have to detain him right now." Tinaro wiped her eyes and face with Tyson's handkerchief and handed it back to him. After gaining his approval that she looked fine, Tinaro reached for the door handle to spend what could quite possibly be the last moments that she and Ryo would spend together.
Ryo, who was on the other side of the door, heard everything and was moved with compassion by what Tinaro had done for him. He was also moved with rage at such outrageous charges. However, he now had a bigger problem on his hands. The authorities wanted him and, for whatever reason, they wanted to take him out quietly. This was evidenced by the fact that only one soldier was sent to take him into custody.
I have until tonight before they will come for me. I don't know what's going on, but one thing is certain, they will take me into custody and I may never find out who attacked our city. I'm not about to stay here and wait this thing out. Ryo thought to himself as he slowly traveled to the bed and lay down. Why would they make false accusations towards me anyway? But also, who would do such a thing. This makes no sense to me at all.
Just then the door opened and Tinaro walked in the room beaming with her usual bright and cheerful smile. Ryo caught a glimpse of Tyson who seemed to be smiling at him. Tinaro turned her back on Ryo and made eye contact with Tyson who nodded as she shut the door rather slowly. Was he… smiling? Ryo wondered. He then turned his attention to Tinaro who looked just a little bit shaken. She won't tell me, even if I ask. I'd better be prepared to make a midnight run tonight. But I'll have to keep my plans for tonight a secret even from her. But, what would I need?
"Is everything okay?" Ryo asked, trying to get confirmation on what he already knew.
Tinaro wanted to warn Ryo so bad that it hurt. But she knew that if she enlightened Ryo with the news now that he would certainly be captured by Tyson and interrogated immediately. She would probably also be captured and sentenced for helping a criminal. However, his punishment loomed in her mind, but she made a promise and intended to keep it. At least until she could tell him secretly. So for the moment, she lied to him.
"Ohh. Everything's fine. Tyson just asked me if everything's alright and told me that the police are still investigating the cause of the attack," she said with her back still facing him. She could not look at Ryo in the eyes for very long and openly lie to him. Instead, she faced the door and glared through the door almost as if she could see exactly what the soldier was doing… listening. I'll tell him when I know that the soldiers won't be around to hear me tell him. Tinaro thought to herself. She then turned around and smiled at Ryo.
I knew it. But I do respect her for keeping her word. I'll need to get some supplies stocked before I leave tonight. And I'll need some new clothes and armor, if I can find any, and I'll need to get a sword. A real one. Ryo stroked his chin as he soon became lost in his own thoughts. I wonder if they confiscated any swords from that night. Tinaro might know something of it. A weapon must be the first thing I get.
"Hey, Tinaro…"
The day seemed to drag itself out until it had finally began to darken. The sky shimmered with the colors of the setting sun over the horizon. A cool gentle wind blew in from the sea, wafting the city in the sweet smell of fresh air. All that was distinguishable by ear was the soft shuffle of feet as a few people made their way back to their homes.
The sun lowered itself past the horizon and the light it gave to the city of Cyril slowly faded. The empty streets soon became gloomy and shadows cropped up around the buildings nearby. These dark shadows offered concealment to any who would find shelter in the comfort of the dimness. But most of the citizens were already in their homes and would not roam the streets. Typically, only the soldiers would walk the streets at night to keep an eye out for potential danger. This normally would be a good thing any other nights other than tonight.
A figure, dressed in a long dark robe, stealthily scuttled from shadow to shadow to avoid human contact of any kind. His violet handled swords rested comfortably at his waist with the strap of the sheath of the larger sword slung across his body and resting on his right shoulder. The smaller blade was tucked in his belt and was just as secure. Both swords were hidden from view due to the fact that the hooded figure firmly grasped the front of the robe fairly tightly around his body.
His blond hair swayed in the breeze created by his hasty movements. But the hood on his robe covered his head effectively so as to hide any light color in his dark environment that would give his position away, especially to any soldiers. Any color from his hands and arms were concealed beneath the length of the sleeves. The robe was long enough to even cover his sturdy, reliable leather boots.
Ducking behind one of the city's inns, he peered around the corner to his ending destination, the city gate and eventually past that. Much to his dismay, the exit to the city was guarded by four men clad in shining steel armor. They were armed with spears and a sword which was sheathed by their side. Two more soldiers paced past the gate and then disappeared from sight. A few torches lit up the area just enough to see where one was going.
I count at least six guards. He thought to himself. But there may be more. However, my quarrel is not with them. I don't want to hurt them, but I will do what I must. He stroked the handle of his blade but left it sheathed. I wonder if I can sneak past them somehow.
The young man crouched down and continued to scope out the landscape, trying to find some way where he could easily sneak past the soldiers or distract them so he could make a dash for the exit. But before he could act, a new figure marched towards the other soldiers and spoke to them. Unfortunately, the concealed man was unable to discern what was being notified to the other soldiers. Then surprisingly, all the soldiers started to leave quickly with the taller man. Upon closer inspection, the blond man recognized the lead man as the one called Tyson and then made an educated guess as to where everyone was going.
Now's my chance. I'm more than sure that they are heading off to arrest me. Won't it be a surprise when I'm not there? Carefully watching the party disappear, the robed man waited until he was sure that he could make it out of the city successfully. Then, when he was sure, he made his move. Slithering along the wall of the inn, he sneaked to the end of the inn wall. He continued to sidle to the gate and was nearly there when suddenly a voice called out from behind him.
"Hey! Who's there? Ryo? Is that you?"
Ryo froze in mid-stride and dread instantly gripped his heart. He feared that his midnight run would be stopped short. He turned around to see a young lady holding a small lamp in her hand. She held it up to her face and Ryo instantly recognized the countenance of his pursuer.
"Tinaro! What are you doing out here?" Ryo asked surprised, pulling back his hood. He ran up to her, but also kept a wary eye for any potential danger.
"Ryo. I'm sorry. I should have told you. But if I would have with Tyson right there…" She began to articulate her struggle with telling him the truth, but emotion of lament filled her words and she began to whimper and was unable to continue. She lowered her head trying to conceal her tears.
"It's okay." Ryo reached his hand to her face gently caressing her chin and lifted her head to meet his eyes. "I understand. You gave your word and I respect you for that."
But I wasn't going to keep my word. Tinaro thought to herself.
Ryo continued. "I've always respected you. I've looked to you for strength and guidance and friendship. You've done so much for me that I don't know how to repay you. Thank you for being one of the few who cared for me. But now, I have to leave."
Ryo turned to leave as he said he must but a hand on his shoulder prevented his advancement of freedom into the darkness of the night.
"I don't want you to go. Please, stay," Tinaro begged the blond haired man as she began to feel her eyes well up with tears.
With his back turned to the girl, he sighed and responded quietly, "No, I can't. I won't stay. I'm sorry. For whatever reason, I've been set up and I want to know why. I need to know who gave the police false information."
"Huh? Did you hear what Tys…?"
"Yeah, I did. I heard everything that Tyson told you." Ryo turned around to face the girl. "That's why I can't just sit around and let them 'investigate' these lies. Somebody wants me behind bars or worse and I need to know who and why."
"But if you leave then it will make you look even more guilty! They'll charge you with the attack! Don't you see, it's safer to just stay here!" Tinaro pleaded the tears now streaming down her cheeks.
"That… may be… but…" Ryo exhaled and thought his next words carefully. "I don't think that I want to come back."
"What? Why? Why don't you want to come back? Ryo, tell me." Tinaro gave a look of surprise and finished in anguish as she gripped his arm.
Ryo bowed his head and closed his eyes as if he were in a deep meditation. He thought for a moment and answered her in a low, dark tone. "I'm not very liked in this city."
"That's not true!" Tinaro countered. "You are very liked! I like you…" Tinaro stopped immediately and gasped at what she just admitted.
"Really?" Ryo's heart leapt within his breast as he made eye contact with his longtime crush. Did she… just say what I thought she said?
"Umm… Yeah…" Tinaro replied sheepishly.
Ryo finally had his chance, and for once, he would take it. He took in a deep breath and continued, "To tell you the truth, I've liked you for the longest time. But I just couldn't seem to tell you. I guess that I was afraid that you wouldn't feel the same towards me. It's actually very reassuring, and yet, very… vexing."
Confusion instantly construed Tinaro's face, but Ryo put a finger on her lips to silence her response. "Listen. I've… spent the majority of the afternoon debating whether or not I should go. To be honest, the only reason I could see to stay was to be with you. However, I… I… just couldn't allow you to be associated with a criminal."
"But you're not…"
"Either way," Ryo interrupted, "If I stay or if I go, I would be looked at like a criminal. And that was a burden that I didn't want you to have to bear as well. Which is why I came to the decision that I have. I think that you should… forget about me…"
"No! I can't! I don't care what they call you…"
"…But I care, what they call you. Tinaro, liste…"
Hands suddenly wrapped around Ryo's head and before he knew it, his lips were pressed against the soft lips of Tinaro. Being taken completely by surprise, Ryo's eyes were still open as his mind finally caught up with what happened. His heart rate increased dramatically and he soon relaxed into the kiss and returned Tinaro's fierce embrace. Ryo was at a loss of words. Nothing he could imagine could describe that intimate moment that he shared with her. They parted lips and their eyes met. Both were still embraced in each other's arms.
"Can't I convince you to stay?" Tinaro asked alluringly.
For a brief moment, Ryo reconsider his decision that a moment ago he was so set in doing. The taste of her lips, the feel of her body against his, the warmth of her embrace — all of these things seemed to try to deter him from his goal. For a brief moment, he considered the possibility of what it would be like to stay and to be with Tinaro.
"I…" his voice croaked less sure than it was a moment ago. He smiled weakly. "I would love too… if I wasn't being labeled as a criminal. I care too much for you to let you throw your life away because of me. I'm… going…"
Ryo lifted his head and with watering eyes he said, "But, if I can, I'll come back. I promise. I will not let your friendship pass from my mind or my heart. Now, please. I must go. And… don't try to stop me." Ryo lifted his hood above his head and was about to turn around to leave when Tinaro reached up and grabbed his arm.
Tinaro gazed into his aqua blue one last time and gave him a sheepish smile. This would most likely be the last time that she would see him again. She studied his handsome face one last time and tried to imprint his features in her mind. Then, she leaned up and kissed him on the cheek. "Good luck," she whispered. Her grip on his arm loosened and he slowly turned toward the gate. A short moment passed when suddenly Ryo spun around and embraced Tinaro in a loving embrace and kissed her passionately on the lips.
Tinaro was caught off guard by his sudden action but soon accepted his kiss and wrapped her arms around his slender, yet muscular body. She then felt something about him that she had not noticed about him before. She felt, in that moment of intimacy, the pure and deep love and compassion that Ryo had for her and his true reason for risking his life for hers. He had the greatest type of love: one so strong that he would lay down his life for her.
As their lips parted, Ryo gazed into Tinaro's sweet and innocent eyes one last time. He reached up and wiped away her tears with his hands, feeling the soft, supple touch of her cheeks.
"There's no need to cry for me. Remember, I made you a promise." Ryo looked up and saw the flicker of lights coming closer and closer. Ryo gazed one last time at the girl as if taking a mental picture and slowly backed away. This time, he turned towards the open fields beyond the city and departed. His pace was slow at first, but then he quickened his pace to a sprint fearing that if he looked back at that lovely, celestial beauty he would be compelled to stay.
His departure from the city and from his long time crush was the hardest thing that he had ever done. The tears that had started to well up in his eyes before came streaming down his cheeks. His vision blurred as the rush of air passed over his face as he left his crush, his woman, his love standing behind him perhaps for forever. He began to question his decision and every decision, for that matter, that he had ever made in his life up to that point. He had to leave right? It seemed like the logical choice. But he did not want to leave. The prime reason he was reluctant to leave was the ravishing Tinaro.
Just the thought of her made his heart quiver. As much as he wanted to stay and be with her, he had an equal desire to keep on living. And he was sure that if he stayed that he would, for some reason, be convicted of these crimes and killed for them. He had an unsettling feeling that he would be killed. It was just an intuitive feeling that he had. He had been right on his instincts on past experiences so why should this sense be any different from the others? Ryo was not going to take his chances and wait around. His life now became one of an exile and a wanderer seeking answers where he did not know where to find them.
Tinaro watched on with tears in her eyes as Ryo dashed off into the night with the realization that this was the last time that she would see Ryo. She hated to say good-bye to anyone and Ryo's departure was a hard issue to deal with. She watched intently as he finally passed the city's gate, hoping that he would change his mind and come back. But, unfortunately, he did not change his mind and his silhouette soon became camouflaged with the night terrain.
A saddened Tinaro watched for a few more moments past the gate promisingly before deciding to go back home. The moment she turned around, however, she was greeted by the sight of one tall strapping, dark-haired young man dressed in a soldier's outfit. Tyson. And behind him were the many soldiers that were ready to arrest Ryo.
"You there! You're under…" Tyson stated commandingly but soon realized that it was not Ryo. "Oh… Tinaro, what are you doing out here at this time of night?"
"I just came outside for some fresh air," Tinaro lied as she faked stretching out trying to hide the fact that she had been crying. "I couldn't sleep and I thought that a walk around would help tire me out so I could sleep." She wiped her face in an effort conceal any evidence that would contradict her statement.
"Is that so?" Tyson was having a difficult time in believing her. "It doesn't look like you were trying to sleep seeing as you are still dressed in your clothes from earlier."
Tinaro froze in realization that he was right. She had not changed since he had seen her earlier in the day. She had to think of something fast. An idea suddenly struck her. I need a diversion to take away his suspicion of me. I know! Tinaro suddenly collapsed to the ground, making sure that she did not hurt herself as she "fell."
"Tinaro!" Tyson yelled and rushed to her side. He caught her as she started to collapse and checked to see if she was alive. He felt a pulse but something just did not seem right about this whole situation. He then turned to the other soldiers, "Keep searching the city until you find him. I'm gonna take her back to her house." He then turned to the "unconscious" form of Tinaro and smiled. His smile was suddenly changed and he looked up toward the city gate. Ryo, you may have gotten away this time but next time you won't be so lucky. We'll find you. I promise you that.
The dark hooded silhouette of the short-haired blond teen known as Ryo slowly faded from viewing distance of the city of Cyril. He had been walking for quite some time, hours perhaps, but it did not seem like he was getting any close to his next destination. He was huddled more than usual as if he bore a heavy burden. His arms and hands, concealed by the large sleeves of the coat, rested closely in front of his person in an attempt to stay warm on this particularly cold night.
Light began to shine down from the sky and he looked up to see that the moon had finally been freed of the cloud barricade that had concealed its light. However, when Ryo looked up, all of the emotions that he had been carrying with him for the past many years began to manifest themselves. Tears rolled from his eyes onto his cheeks as he gazed at the brilliance of the moon.
He began reminiscing on his past experiences and he remembered something that one of the ninjas had said to him. "It's you! You're the one! Ryouto Yanjan!" Had they come just for him? Had someone hired them to take him out? If so, then why him? Ryo was thoroughly confused by the whole matter.
Tinaro crossed his mind time and again and he longed to see her just one more time so that he could express his feelings to her. He gazed at the moon for the longest time, basking in the comfort he found in the pale light and the relative darkness when suddenly a long and ominous howling filled the silence of the night.
What was that? It sounded close too. Ryo halted his movements and reached for his katana. His eyes shifted from side to side scrutinizing the landscape, looking for potential danger. The howling came closer but no animals showed themselves in the dim light of the moon. Ryo began to get nervous due to the lack of light and the proximity of the ravenous monsters.
If I stay here, then I'm sure to be caught by them. My map showed that the city of Kalay is nearby. If I can make it there, then I'll be safe for the night.
Ryo secured his belongings and then suddenly dashed as fast as he could toward where Kalay should be. Dodging the various trees and rocks which speckled the landscape, Ryo began to hear the faint pitter-patter of feet from his animal pursuers. After a few more moments of running, Ryo began to see the tops of the buildings of Kalay.
I finally made it to Kalay. Only a few more minutes and I'll be there. I'll be able to rest for the night and have a good meal in the morning and then head out. Ryo burst from the forest out into the open landscape with incredible speed as he was spurred on by what awaited him in the city. He was nearly there when suddenly a lone wolf that he had heard earlier skidded in the dirt right in front of him. The beast snarled at him with his vicious teeth dripping with a blood lust to kill.
Ryo stopped suddenly, his feet sliding in the dirt as dust rose up around his feet from his sudden stop. He dropped his extra baggage and reached for his blade. He started to breathe heavier and he felt his pulse quicken. But he kept his eye on the animal waiting for him to strike. Suddenly, more wolves emerged from the darkness. The wolves began to form a circle until the blond teen was surrounded by the hungry, snarling monsters.
Crap. Not good. He thought to himself. What do I do now?
As if in answer to his question, the lead wolf charged in and leapt to unbelievable heights to pounce down on Ryo. However, Ryo was not quite ready to counter attack. He darted forward and rolled underneath the airborne creature but despite his evasive roll he was still caught in the back by its sharp claws.
The flesh was ripped away from his back and blood oozed from the wound. Ryo knelt in pain and tried to keep a sharp eye on the rest of the beasts. He glanced back at the wolf who then side stepped and leapt once more into the air. This time he was ready. Ryo rolled in the dirt towards the aerial wolf and quickly stood to a kneeling position and unsheathed his sword in one smooth motion. His blade and arm were extended in a pose as the unfortunate animal fell to the earth cleaved in two. The other wolves seemed to be in shock but one decided to go for it. The wolf charged at him but Ryo side-stepped and leapt over the animal with his sword down which effectively ending that creature's life.
He was feeling fairly confident when suddenly Ryo felt another slashing pain across his lower back. Ryo spun around with his blade in front of him but hit nothing. He collapsed to his knees and looked up to see the wolf glaring at him with a sort of smile, if one was possible on a wolf.
Ryo felt the anger and hatred well up inside of him until he could not take it anymore. Raising his outstretched hand to the wolf, Ryo summoned all of his anger to attack the ravenous beast. Suddenly, a blue aura surrounded his body and small fireballs appeared from his outstretched hand and rained down upon the animal. A few moments later, the assault stopped and the chard body of a wolf lay lifeless on the ground. Ryo stood up and faced the other wolves. The wolves looked at each other and seemed to communicate the same thing. They then turned and scampered back into the darkness from where they came.
Once the wolves disappeared from sight, Ryo looked at his hand in wonder. What was that? He slowly walked back to where he had dropped his things. That makes twice. What's going on with me? Just as he bent down to grab his stuff, a pain shot up his back. I had better hurry to the city and try to get some help for my wounds. With that, Ryo grabbed his gear, sheathed his sword, and limped off to the city of Kalay.