Chapter 8

He Will Always Be A Playboy

As soon as I saw Goemon go into the brothel house with the other men, I hurried and ran back to Ume Wakana's house before he saw me. When I was back I tiptoed upstairs and went into the guest room, hoping Ume didn't notice that I was gone. As I lied down on the futon, I couldn't get my mind off of Goemon going in there. He just told me he would never get bored with me. I know he's a smooth talker, but did he just tell me what I wanted to hear? How cold and heartless! I kept tossing and turning in the futon. There is no way I am getting any sleep tonight… I was too upset to even close my eyes. As I stared at the ceiling, I felt tears rolling down my cheeks. How could he do this to me? I really am not good enough for him… I should've listened to Falitna and the other women in Takara Village. He just did the same thing to me as he did to the other women. He lied, he NEVER changed! I want NOTHING to do with him after this mission is over! My eyelids started to feel heavy and without another thought, I blacked out.

*~*~*~*~*Temptation~*~*~*~*

"Little rebel?" I heard a soft voice.

I opened my eyes. I felt very sluggish… "What do you want?!"

"What do you mean?" Goemon crouched down so he was on the same level as me.

"I SAW YOU GO INTO THE BROTHEL!" I yelled without meaning to. I couldn't help it, I was just so angry.

"Let me explain…"

"No! You didn't even come here to see if I was okay or not." I didn't want to hear his excuses!

"I knew you were safe, Anya. Please just let me tell you why I was in there." Goemon went to touch my cheek, but I flinched away, stubbornly.

"Anya?" I heard Ume's voice from outside the guest room's door.

"Ugh…" Goemon jumped out of the window as soon as he heard Ume's voice.

"You BASTARD!" I shouted in anger even though I knew he wouldn't have heard me… He was long gone.

"Is everything alright?" Ume asked. She still was talking outside the door.

"Yeah."

"Whom are you talking to?"

"Um, sorry… I had a bad dream… I was talking in my sleep." I lied.

"Okay… If you need anything, I am in the other room!" I heard her footsteps leaving my door.

How am I suppose to fall asleep now?! I kind of regret not hearing what Goemon had to say whether I would believe him or not. I started to toss and turn to try and make myself fall back asleep. I tried to think of an explanation Goemon would've told me, but I couldn't come up with any. I mean what do you say to that? Oh, I went to the brothel to investigate? Investigate what?! Investigate how there's a bunch of naked women getting paid to sleep with men… I started to feel tears rolling down my cheeks. I tried to stop crying, but when I do, I just sob.

*~*~*~*~*Temptation~*~*~*~*

The next morning I woke up in a bad mood. I was still tired and I didn't get much sleep because I was up all night thinking about Goemon and the brothel. I sat up from the futon as I heard footsteps coming towards the room.

"GOOD MORNING!" Ume opened the door wide open. She was holding a tray full of fresh fruits and tea. She was in a good mood, which I envy.

"Morning." I tried to say it in a happy tone, but it didn't work out so well…

"Are you still worried about that playboy?!" She set the tray in front of me. That was nice of her! I never had breakfast in bed before.

"No." I lied as I started to munch on some strawberries.

"You were just like my granddaughter..." Ume sat on the floor next to my futon.

"Your granddaughter dated a playboy?" I asked with my mouth full.

"Yeah, it was Goemon…"

"GOEMON!" I almost spit my fruit out of my mouth! Now I get why Ume doesn't like Goemon, it's because he played her granddaughter. "When was this?"

"It was five years ago…" She said in disgust. "He came in this village to do a mission and he met my granddaughter. They had sex when they only met one day, then the next day he was talking to another woman."

"That's awful." I don't think I can eat anymore. I lost my appetite… How could Goemon be so cruel? Yes, I knew he played a lot of women, but being with someone then going with someone else the very next day is just sick! I was mad at Goemon already, but now I am even angrier with him! I am giving him a piece of my mind today!

"I just don't want the same thing happening to you."

"Thanks for looking out for me." I took a sip of my tea.

"You should meet my grandson, though! He would LOVE you." Ume grinned.

"Um…" I didn't like her suggesting that…

"He's very handsome, you know! PLUS he isn't a player like Goemon!"

"We'll see." I can't turn down her offer. That would be rude, but I want to see Goemon and confront him!

"I'll invite him over for dinner tonight!" Ume beamed.

"Ugh, okay. I am going to go into town. I'll be back!" I hurried and got up from the futon. I didn't want to stay in this house any longer!

"Okay, I'll see you later, dearie!"

*~*~*~*~*Temptation~*~*~*~*

I rushed into town to look for Goemon. I wonder where he is? He better not be with any women! I couldn't help but to sprint all around town. I was getting nervous that I didn't spot him yet. People probably think I am crazy because I am running around like an idiot! I kept running around until I heard his voice behind me…

"Anya!" He called out.

I turned around to face him and scowled.

"I know you are mad at me, but will you finally just listen?"

I wanted to talk about Ume's granddaughter first! "No, you listen, GOEMON!" I pointed my finger at him. "I heard what you did to Ume's granddaughter!"

He closed his eyes and inhaled. "I knew she was going to tell you about it…"

"How could you?!"

"I was a different man back then… It happened years ago. That's why I didn't argue with that old bat about you staying over her house because she would hit me again like she did before."

"She hit you?" I asked. Well good! He did deserve it!

"With a wooden spoon in front of everyone." Goemon blushed.

"Well, what do you think she would've done? Let it go?"

"I don't know." Goemon shrugged. "The point is, that it was a LONG time ago and I don't play women anymore because I have you now." He went to hug me, but I backed away from him.

"Yeah, that's why you went into the brothel last night!" I spat.

"I went there because I am trying to recruit ninjas there!"

"Oh, so prostitutes are ninjas too," I said in a sarcastic tone. Does he think I am stupid?

"Not the women in there, the men." Goemon rolled his eyes.

"ANYA!" A loud voice called out.

I turned around and saw Ume approaching us. "Hi there."

"Oh God," Goemon mumbled.

"Anya, what did I tell you? Don't waste your time on that man! Come with me; we should buy some food for tonight's dinner! I want it to be perfect for when you meet my grandson." Without hesitation, Ume grabbed my arm. She sure is pushy.

"Why would she want to meet your grandson?" Goemon asked sternly.

"Because I am setting them up! She deserves a nice man, unlike you!" Ume started to drag me away from Goemon.

Goemon immediately grabbed my other arm, forcing Ume to let go of me. "I treat her just fine," he said coolly.

Was Goemon jealous? I stared at him, trying to figure him out… "Ume, I am happy with Goemon, and he does treat me right. He did change for the better…"

"You are making a mistake…" Ume hissed.

Before I could stick up for him anymore, three women approached him…

"GOEMON!" One woman grabbed his arm.

"I missed you!" The second one grabbed his other arm.

"What are you doing tonight?" The last one hugged him.

I felt a sharp, jabbing pain in my heart. "Let's go, Ume."

Ume gave me a huge smile. "I told you, dearie. He will NEVER change, he will always be a playboy."

I didn't answer, but we both left him and the three women. He didn't even bother to yell my name out. I think he knows I am completely done, and he knows he can't explain himself. He lied, he didn't go to the brothel to recruit men; he went in there for the women… I am not good enough for him. I felt depressed and numb. Has he played me all this time? Why did he say he would marry me? Why did he say he loved me? I feel so stupid.

"Don't be so hard on yourself! When you meet my grandson, you will forget about him!" Ume patted my shoulder.

"Yeah…" I didn't feel like talking anymore. I just wanted to be alone and crawl under a rock and die.

Ume got the hint that I didn't want to talk and we just shopped in the markets for food for tonight. Goemon didn't even try to approach me. I wonder if he felt guilty? Probably not…

*~*~*~*~*Temptation~*~*~*~*

After we finished shopping, we went back to Ume's place to start to set up for tonight's dinner. It was only the afternoon, but she bought A LOT of food, so by the time we cook and set everything up, it will be dinnertime. Ume started to cut up fruits and vegetables while I started to set up the table with silverware. As I was laying out the silverware, my mind was all about Goemon. I tried to get him out of my mind, but every time I tried to think about something else, he just pops in my mind again. I still can't get over the fact that he didn't even try to stop me while those women were all over him. He ALWAYS at least calls out my name!

"Anya?" Ume's voice made me come back to reality.

"Yeah?"

"I forgot the wine. Can you go out to the markets and get some?"

"Sure." I kind of wanted to be alone anyways…

*~*~*~*~*Temptation~*~*~*~*

I walked back into town and while I was walking I saw the three women that approached Goemon earlier! They looked very upset.

"Geez, he wasn't into us at all!" One of them whined.

I slowly walked past them, so I could hear their conversation. They were definitely talking about Goemon! I didn't want to make it obvious, but they didn't seem like they were paying attention to their surroundings.

"I know! The women at the brothel were bitching how he was talking to all the men in there… He wasn't even paying attention to any of the women..." The other woman said.

"Do you think he turned gay?" The third asked.

"Nah," all three said in unison.

I felt joy well up inside me. Goemon was telling the truth! I can't believe I questioned him again, but I saw it with my own eyes... It did look suspicious, but he was telling the truth the whole time! I should try and find him, but then Ume will get mad that I took to long to get the wine. Maybe he'll get me tonight. I didn't want to be rude towards Ume. She was only looking out for me. I hurried to get the wine and rushed back to Ume's, praying to myself that I will see Goemon soon.

*~*~*~*~*Temptation~*~*~*~*

"Ah, you are back!" Ume greeted me as soon as I stepped into the kitchen.

"Here you are!" I handed her the bottle of wine.

"You seem like you are in a better mood, I am glad."

Little did she know I was in a good mood because I found out Goemon wasn't playing me… All I could do was just nod and smile at her.

"I started to cook everything. The sun is going to set soon."

Today went so slow for me. I am not used to being away from Goemon this long. As soon as I see him, I am going to jump on him and give him a big hug! I am so happy! Can't believe one person can affect my mood like that…

After everything was cooked, Ume and I started to lay food out on the table. The sun finally set and I was waiting anxiously for Goemon to get me! I need to see him now! As we kept putting food on the table, there was a knock at the door.

"I'll get it!" I ran to the door, hoping it was Goemon… It wasn't him.

"Hi there." A young man and a young woman greeted as they came in the house. This must be the grandson Ume was talking about.

"You guys are finally here!" Ume gave each of them a hug. "This is Anya, and Anya, this is Kiku Wakana and Junichi Kanon. They are my two grandchildren. I wish you would meet my other grandchild, but he lives in a different village."

They both shook my hand. They were very friendly just like Ume.

"How did you meet my grandmother?" Kiku asked.

"I saw her with that sleazy playboy," Ume answered my question. Oh, no she is going to talk down on Goemon again. This is awkward because Kiku has to be the granddaughter Goemon played… Kiku is very pretty; she had curves and beautiful light blue hair.

"Goemon Ishikawa?" Kiku's face darkened.

Yep, that's the woman Goemon played; great just my luck! I didn't say anything. There really wasn't anything to say to that…

"He played me and I never want to ever see him again." Her voice was shaky. I didn't blame her, though. I would be the same way if he played me.

"Let's not worry about him tonight! Why don't we all start eating dinner?" Ume asks.

We all sat around the table. Ume made sure Junichi and I sat next to each other. It was VERY awkward. I just wanted to enjoy dinner without getting pressured into making conversation with a man I am not interested in. Junichi was attractive, but my mind and heart will always be with Goemon. As we all started to eat, Junichi tried to make small talk with me.

"So, where are you from?" He stared at me.

I swallowed my food fast so I could answer. "Sachiko Village."

"You are very beautiful." He put his hand on my thigh!

I lifted my thigh up fast, hinting I want his hand off me now! He took the hint and immediately took his hand off my thigh. Ume tried to do small talk, but I wasn't really listening to what she was saying, I was too busy thinking about Goemon… I snapped out of it when I heard a big bang coming from the front door.

"Anya!" Goemon came running in the dining room.

"GET OUT OF MY HOUSE!" Ume shouted.

"Hello, Goemon," Kiku said in a sour tone.

Goemon ignored her and Ume and grabbed my arm, forcing me to stand up.

"Goemon!" I blushed. We are being rude.

"Let's go!" He said harshly.

"Wow, I never saw this side of him before," Kiku mumbled.

"Let go of her at once!" Ume growled.

"No, I don't appreciate you trying to set my future wife with your grandson," Goemon said coldly.

"You are actually getting married?!" Kiku gasped.

"You are getting married to him?" Ume freaked. "You know he's going to just cheat on you!"

"No, he will not!" I stuck up for Goemon. "I'm not going to lie, I had my doubts on him, but he always proved me wrong. He never cheated on me and I know he truly cares for me because he shows me each and every day."

"Anya." Goemon's face got red.

"I am sorry Ume. Thank you for letting me stay at your house, but I should get going," I said. "Just let me get my things upstairs…"

"I already got it!" Goemon started to drag me away from everyone.

"YOU WILL REGRET YOUR DECISION!" Ume shouted behind us.

*~*~*~*~*Temptation~*~*~*~*

Goemon and I were walking side by side. He said he gathered up some men and we have to meet them in town. I found out the reason why he hasn't gotten me was because he didn't feel like wasting his time fighting with Ume, and he was too busy trying to find men for the war. I totally understood his reasoning. He also told me he couldn't bare to see me set up with another man…

"Goemon…" I whispered.

"Hm?"

I did what I said I was going to do in my mind. I jumped on him and gave him a big hug. "I LOVE YOU!"

"Anya?" Goemon seemed shocked with my actions, but he immediately supported me and hugged me back. "I love you too."

Before he could say anything else, I kissed me hard.

He kissed me back then pulled away from my lips. "If you kiss me like that, I will have to strip you right here and now."

I gulped. He was being serious... I finally got off of him and we continued to walk into town to meet the men Goemon recruited.

*~*~*~*~*Temptation~*~*~*~*

We finally were in town and all the men were clumped together. They all looked at us as we approached them.

"No wonder you didn't flirt with any women. She's beautiful." One of the men looked me up and down.

"Yeah, you were right Goemon, she's breathtaking." Another commented.

"You talked about me?" I looked up at Goemon.

"Um, yeah…" He scratched his head.

"He couldn't stop talking about you! He's really love struck!" Another man laughed.

"Who knew Goemon Ishikawa would change for a woman!" A different man said.

I felt kindness in my heart. I am so grateful for Goemon…

"GUYS, GUYS! CHIYOKO NINJAS ARE COMING!" A man came running towards us out of nowhere.

"What?" Goemon clenched his teeth. "We must fight then!"

"YES FOR MASTER GOEMON!" The men chanted.

"Here!" One of the men gave me my bow and quiver full of arrows.

"Thanks!" I hurried and positioned my bow and arrow. I was ready.

"Everyone, make sure they don't go through the village. We must stop them right here and now!" Goemon ordered.

Chiyoko ninjas started to charge at us out of nowhere, but the men all charged after them without hesitation! Goemon pulled his sword out of his scabbard and started to attack the ninjas. I started to shoot arrows at them and I was actually hitting them! The men, Goemon and I were doing great! We kept hitting the Chiyoko ninjas one by one without them even touching us! As we kept fighting, I heard a voice…

"ANYA!" It was Ume!

"That old bat is here?" Goemon asked in annoyance as he kept attacking the Chiyoko ninjas.

"Ume I am busy. Stay back or you will get hurt!" I yelled out to her.

"No! I want you away from him!" She hollered.

Her two grandchildren came running towards us too! This is no good; they will get hurt if they are around… I then saw five Chiyoko ninjas going to ambush Ume and her grandchildren!

"GOT IT!" Goemon inhaled and then he blew fire from his mouth. He hit the five Chiyoko ninjas and they all screamed in pain. They lied dead next to Ume and the grandchildren …

The other men killed the rest of the ninjas and we finally won! The men were amazing! Goemon did a great job picking them! The ninjas were all around us dead. There was blood EVERYWHERE from them…

Ume slowly walked up to Goemon. "Why did you save me?" She asked softly.

"Because you took good care of Anya…" He answered gently.

"Wow, you really did change. You must really like Anya," Kiku said.

"I don't like her, I love her." He put his arm around me.

"I was wrong about you, Master Goemon," Ume whispered. "You have changed…"