Fated: Act VII

"Chiaki," Kotoha whispered, her voice trembling.

Chiaki look backwards and forwards at the Nanashi on either side of them. He was struggling to think of a way in which they could escape. He couldn't fight and protect Kotoha from harm or being taken back at the same time. He wouldn't risk it.

The Nanashi in front of them began to separate and DayuKage appeared before them, a malicious smile clearly visible on her face. Chiaki could feel Kotoha shake with fear. He wanted to turn and hold her in an attempt to comfort her, but he knew that he was better off where he was, protecting her.

"You really thought you could distract me?" DayuKage spat. "You really thought you could just walk out of here with that thing that pains my mistress so?" She pointed at Kotoha and Chiaki instinctively took a step back. "You're surrounded," she said, seeing his movement. "Do you really think you can escape?"

Chiaki was torn. There was nothing he could do. He wouldn't surrender and give Kotoha up, but he couldn't fight their way out either. They were trapped and DayuKage knew it.

"There's no way out, so why don't you just hand her over. You never know, I might just let you go free."

"You bastard! I'll never give her up," Chiaki replied, boldly.

DayuKage laughed. "Foolish boy," she said. "I'm giving you the opportunity to save yourself and you'd rather risk it for that pathetic creature?"

"I don't care. I'll never give Kotoha back to you, never."

DayuKage stopped and stared at him, at the passion and determination that was burning in his eyes. "What kind of power does she possess over you?" she wondered, saying it more to herself. "Why would you risk your own life?" she asked him, curiosity creeping into her voice.

"I'd do anything for her," Chiaki said and Kotoha's eyes widened at his words. She gripped his shoulder again as she began to feel her legs buckle from the pain and Chiaki took another step back.

This action sparked the Nanashi who all raised their swords and gave out a loud cry as they began to make their way forward. Chiaki's movement also sprung DayuKage back into life and she pointed her shamisen at them.

"I am taking her back," she said, taking steps forward. "I will take her back so my mistress can finish what she started."

Chiaki moved his head backwards and forwards, trying to think of a way out. He gripped his Shinkenmaru tightly as the Gedoushuu closed in on them.

A sudden cry of "Water Arrow!" startled Chiaki and Kotoha, who turned to see several of the Nanashi behind them being taken down by Ryunosuke, as he, Mako, Genta and Takeru fought through the Nanashi.

"Chiaki! Kotoha!" Mako cried, upon seeing them.

"Chiaki, get Kotoha out of here! We'll deal with them!" Takeru commanded, taking down several Nanashi with a swipe of his Shinkenmaru.

This seemed to be the cue for Kotoha's legs to give way from the pain and she collapsed to the floor. Chiaki quickly turned and swept her up into his arms before running past the others who had defeated the Nanashi blocking their way out.

"No!" DayuKage screamed, seeing her prey disappear from sight, the four Shinkengers blocking her path. The remaining Nanashi then ran into the fight, as DayuKage retreated behind them.

XxX

Chiaki ran as fast as he could until they reached the exit of the cave. He was blinded by the bright sunlight now shining down, making him stagger slightly. He stopped to catch his breath and he looked down at Kotoha.

"Are you alright?" he asked her. She nodded, her face twisted slightly as she struggled to deal with the pain. "You're going to be alright now," he said, "we're out of there and as soon as we get back to the mansion, the Kurokos will look after you."

He looked around. There wasn't anyone around. He then looked back at the cave. Should I wait for the others? He thought. He knew he wouldn't go back and help them, protecting Kotoha was more important, but what was he supposed to do now? As if in answer to his unasked question, his Origami jumped out of his pocket and unfolded itself.

Of course! He thought. "Kotoha, I'm going to have to put you down, just a moment, okay?" Kotoha nodded in response and held her breath as he gently placed her on the floor, against a rock. He took out his shodophone and wrote the kanji for 'big' across the Origami. He quickly lifted Kotoha back into his arms and she let out of a low cry of pain. "I'm sorry," he whispered to her.

The Origami grew larger and Chiaki and Kotoha were transported inside. Chiaki sat Kotoha against the wall and then placed his Shinkenmaru in its designated position as he directed the Kuma Origami in the direction of the Shiba mansion.

XxX

The Kuma Origami arrived at the Shiba mansion. It shrunk to its normal size as Chiaki jumped out, an unconscious Kotoha in his arms. The mansion was a bustle of activity, the Kurokos waiting for the Shinkengers' return. The Origami jumped onto Chiaki's shoulder as he raced to the entrance.

"Jii!" He shouted, "Jii!"

Hikoma appeared in the doorway, panic and worry visible in his features. "Chiaki!" he gasped, "Kotoha!" Chiaki arrived next to him and Hikoma asked, "Where are Tono and the others? What's happened?"

"I'll explain in a minute," Chiaki replied quickly. "But first I need to get Kotoha some help."

Hikoma noticed Kotoha's wounds and gasped. "Quickly, this way," he said rushing in, Chiaki right behind him. He called to some of the Kurokos, who followed them.

They arrived at Kotoha's room and without a second thought, Hikoma entered. He ushered Chiaki to place Kotoha on her tatami, before pushing him out of the door as the Kurokos swarmed around her.

Hikoma slid the door closed then turned to Chiaki. "What happened?"

Chiaki quickly explained to him everything that had happened, how he had followed the light from her shodophone; how the two Origami had led him to her and that the other Shinkengers had helped him to get her out by fighting the remaining Nanashi. As he spoke, he watched as Hikoma's face grew increasingly shocked.

When he had finished, Hikoma sighed. "Thank goodness you found her," he said. He looked at Chiaki and saw how pale and drawn he was. "I think you should get some rest."

"No, I can't," Chiaki replied. "I have to stay here in case she needs me. I promised her I wouldn't leave."

Hikoma placed his hand on the boy's shoulder. "She'll be out of it for a little while. You need to rest; you won't be much help if you're tired." Chiaki made to protest again, but he raised a hand stopping him. "You're not breaking your promise," he continued, "and when she wakes I'll make sure I get you straight away."

Chiaki thought about it for a moment. Even though he wanted to stay where he was, he knew Hikoma was right and he reluctantly nodded. Hikoma led him to his room. Chiaki slid the door open and turned to him.

"Thank you, Jii," he said.

Hikoma nodded before rushing back to Kotoha's room.

Chiaki entered his room and slid the door shut. He faced his empty room. It was unearthly quiet and he suddenly felt tears spring to his eyes. He couldn't stop them from falling as he slid down against his door and cried.

XxX

Takeru rushed into the mansion, closely followed by Mako, Ryunosuke and Genta.

"Jii!" he called.

Hikoma arrived and bowed to Takeru. "Tono."

"Chiaki, Kotoha, have they made it back?" he asked.

"Yes," Hikoma said and the Shinkengers sighed with relief.

"Where are they?" Mako asked.

"In their rooms. The Kurokos are working on Kotoha, she is very badly injured and I sent Chiaki to his room, hopefully he is resting." Takeru nodded. "Are you alright, Tono? Chiaki told me everything that happened."

"Yes, just worried now," Takeru said. "I should go and talk with Chiaki soon."

Mako placed her hand on his arm. "Takeru, I think I should talk to him first." Takeru looked at her, confused, so she continued. "It's just, he might open up to me more."

Takeru stared at her. "Are you sure there isn't something you're not telling me?"

"No," Mako lied. "Just let me talk to him."

"Alright," Takeru agreed, still frowning.

"What are supposed to do now?" Ryunosuke asked. "I take it we can't see Kotoha?" he directed the question at Hikoma, who shook his head.

"There's nothing we can do," Takeru said.

"Except wait," Genta sighed.

"I'll go and see if Chiaki's awake," Mako said, leaving the other three. She walked down the corridor passed Kotoha's room. She could hear a bustle of activity within and resisted the temptation to slide open the door and help out, but she thought that Chiaki was the one who needed her help more. She arrived at his room and quietly knocked. When she didn't hear a reply she called his name before knocking again. "Chiaki, its Mako." Once again she didn't get a response, deciding that he must be asleep, she thought that she'd try again later and made to leave, when the door slid open. Mako took this a sign that she could enter and walked into Chiaki's room.

Chiaki was sat against the wall. Mako slid the door closed and went and sat next to him. Jii was right, she thought, he does look tired. She noticed his watery, red-rimmed eyes and sighed, placing her arm around his shoulders.

"It'll be alright," she said. "Kotoha is going to be alright." Chiaki didn't respond, instead he continued to stare at the shodophone in his hand. Mako recognised it as Kotoha's. "Chiaki, she's going to be fine. You rescued her," she told him, trying to reassure him, but he shook his head.

"I should have gotten there quicker," he replied, his voice hoarse.

"Chiaki," Mako begun, but he shook her off.

"I should have been faster." He stood up and faced her. "You didn't see her, Nee-san. You didn't see her in that cell. You didn't see the pain in her eyes. You haven't even seen the extent of her injuries, but I have! I should have saved her from that!" He couldn't stop the tears falling again then and instantly Mako was on her feet next to him, wrapping her arms around him, allowing him to cry on her shoulder.

"You're right, I'm sorry," she whispered, stroking his hair.

They stayed like that for a few minutes, until Chiaki stopped and pulled away from her.

"I'm sorry, Nee-san," he said, wiping his eyes.

"It's alright, I understand," Mako replied.

There was a knock on the door. Chiaki went and slid it open. Hikoma was standing in the doorway.

"Chiaki, Kotoha's waking up," he said.

Chiaki turned and quickly looked at Mako, before running down the corridor. Hikoma was slightly surprised to see Mako in his room as she followed Chiaki down the hall, but decided not to say anything as he too went after them.

They arrived at Kotoha's room to see that she now fully awake, quietly talking to Takeru, Ryunosuke and Genta. Chiaki paused in the doorway and looked at her. Now that she was bandaged up with most of her body hidden under her blanket, her wounds didn't look so bad, but she was still incredibly pale. He remembered the last time they had all be crowded around her bedside like this and back then he still would have done anything to save her life. He felt Mako place her hand on his shoulder and give it a light squeeze, but he still didn't enter the room.

Kotoha stopped talking and slowly lifted her head to look towards the doorway. She winced with pain and Takeru helped her lift her head. She saw Chiaki standing in the doorway. He saw her eyes sparkle with happiness at the sight of him and he couldn't resist a small smile.

"Chiaki," she said so quietly he barely heard her. He took this as his cue to enter the room and he went over and crouched beside her. She lay back down with the help of Takeru and she reached out and placed her hand on top of Chiaki's, who turned his hand so that he was holding hers.

"We'll give you two some space," Takeru said, standing up. He gestured to Genta and Ryunosuke to do the same. Ryunosuke giving him a confused look. Chiaki nodded in response.

"Tono-sama," Kotoha said and Takeru turned to face her. "Thank you."

Takeru smiled. "We're just glad to have you back," he replied, before leading Ryunosuke and Genta out of the room.

As they left, Chiaki turned to see Mako still standing in the doorway. She gave him a slight nod before sliding the door closed. Chiaki turned back to Kotoha.

"I'm so glad you're alright," he said.

"Thank you, Chiaki," Kotoha said. "Tono-sama said that you were determined to rescue me and you did. You saved me."

Chiaki shook his head. "There's no need," he replied. "I would always have come for you." He gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

Kotoha smiled. She then looked unsure and asked, "Can I ask you a question?"

"Of course."

"Can I, I mean, would be okay if I," she paused and Chiaki saw a little colour appear in her cheeks, "can I rest my head in your lap?" she eventually asked, keeping her eyes diverted from his. Chiaki was slightly taken aback by this. He had never expected her to ask him something like that. When he didn't respond, Kotoha said, "Oh, forget I said anything.' And her eyes filled with tears.

"Kotoha." Chiaki let go of her hand and repositioned himself. He carefully lifted her head and placed it in his lap before taking her hand back into his.

She sighed peacefully, a small smile on her face. Despite the pain she was still feeling, being with him, like this, made all of her pain disappear. Being back in the Shiba mansion, she knew that she was safe and knowing that it had been Chiaki who had rescued her and brought her back reassured her – she knew that he would protect her.

"Do you think they'll come after me? After us?" she eventually asked, he voice shaking slightly, breaking the silence.

"Probably," Chiaki replied. He felt her tremble slightly, then added, "But I'll protect you, I promise. I promise that they won't take you back."

"I know you will," she replied.

He leant forward and gently kissed her forehead. "Are you ready to tell me what happened?" he asked, but instantly regretted it as she closed her eyes and looked away from him. "I'm sorry," he said, "I shouldn't have asked that."

"No," Kotoha replied, "it's okay. I just, I just can't, not yet, but," she looked back up at him and stared directly into his eyes, "I'll will only tell you when I'm ready."

Chiaki nodded and gently stroked her hair. She sighed and closed her eyes, a small smile visible on her lips. Within moments she was asleep. Chiaki wasn't sure what to do now as he continued to stroke her hair, thinking. The fact that she had asked to put her head in his lap, did that mean she felt the same way? He wondered. Maybe now was when he should have told her, but then he remembered the reasons that had stopped him earlier, she was still so vulnerable. He decided then that he would tell her, no matter what, once she was fully recovered. He looked down at her, even covered in bandages, she still looked incredibly beautiful to him.

There was a soft knock on the door. It slid open to reveal Mako.

"Can I come in?" she asked.

"She's asleep," Chiaki replied.

"Oh," Mako replied. She then saw that Kotoha's head was in Chiaki's lap and she couldn't help but smile. "I actually wanted to talk to you," she said.

Chiaki paused. "I can't leave her," he said.

"It'll just be for a minute," Mako replied. "I'm sure one of the Kurokos will sit with her while we talk." And as if by magic, a Kuroko appeared next to her.

Chiaki thought about it. He couldn't leave, he didn't want to, but he needed to talk to Mako without taking the chance that Kotoha could wake up and overhear them. Somewhat reluctantly, he agreed. The Kuroko entered the room and helped Chiaki to place Kotoha back on her tatami correctly. She stirred slightly in her sleep and Chiaki left the room, closing the door behind him.

"How is she?" Mako asked once they were alone.

Chiaki shrugged. "I don't know."

Mako placed a hand on his shoulder. "How are you doing?"

He shrugged again. "Better," he replied. He looked back at Kotoha's closed door. "Better now that she's back."

They walked out onto the veranda, the sun was shining brightly in a cloudless sky. Mako looked up at the sky.

"Have you told her yet?" she asked.

Chiaki looked at her. "What do you mean?"

She looked back at him a look of slight annoyance on her face. "Have you told her you love her?"

"Oh." Chiaki shook his head. "I can't."

"Why not?"

"I can't tell her yet. I want to, I really want to. I mean, when I was rescuing her, there were a couple of times when I felt like I was actually going to kiss her."

"What stopped you?"

"She did." Mako looked confused, so he continued. "I mean her emotional state. I can't tell her while she's still recovering from this. I don't know what impact it would have on her. She's fragile and vulnerable and may think I'm taking advantage of that. I know that's what Ryunosuke would think."

"I see."

"Also, I guess a part of me is scared as to what she'll say."

"You won't know unless you tell her," Mako said.

"I know and I will. I-"

He was cut of the sound of screaming. They both looked back into the house.

"Kotoha!" Chiaki gasped running back in, Mako close on his heels.


A/N: I had to stop myself writing here, otherwise this chapter would have gone on for far too long.

Anyway, please read & review, I really appreciate all of your comments =)