Chapter 9

Thank You For Being There For Me

I was lost in thought that I didn't know Goemon was in the room watching me.

"It's okay… We'll find her." Goemon sat on the bed.

"I have to look for her now!" I couldn't just wait and sit here any longer. It's not helping the situation.

"Just wait." Goemon patted on the bed to motion me to sit next to him. "You can't do anything…"

"Why can't I?" I sat close to him.

"Because it's dangerous. You will just get kidnaped like she did, just trust me. I promise you we will find her."

"But-"

"It's an order…" Goemon said sternly.

I knew I was no match for the Shinobu samurais, but I can't just wait until Takara ninjas find her. They don't even know where the girls are located!

"I know I can't fight them, but this is all my fault that Sora got kidnaped…" I wasn't letting this go.

Goemon gripped on my shoulder. "Please just trust me. I will find her and I will make sure she will not be harmed."

"How do you know she is not harmed now?" I asked.

"I just have a gut feeling…" Goemon gave me a small smile. "I had never failed a mission and neither has Yamato and Sakura. We will definitely not start failing now."

"Okay…" I know if I keep pestering Goemon that I will not win. I do trust them, though. I just hope they find her soon, if not I will search for her myself. I will not sleep at night knowing my little sister is in grave danger.

*~*~*~*~*Take My Breath Away~*~*~*~*

I stayed in the mansion all day because I didn't want to deal with the village people and the female ninjas. I also wanted to avoid Nobuyuki… Hiroko told me he was coming back because he completed his mission. He isn't a high-ranking ninja yet, so he isn't staying in this big mansion. I was kind of bored because Goemon left me to talk to Mamoru Masaru about something, so I went into the bathhouse and relaxed in the bath… It was nice and hot, but I couldn't get my mind off of Sora. Before I knew it I started to sob. This is my fault! If I listened to my father then she wouldn't be in this mess! I tried to think about something else, but Sora kept popping in my head… I wouldn't stop sobbing either. I'm sorry, Goemon, but I might have to find her myself… I didn't have any weapons and I didn't have a plan… I started to think then something hit me! If I run away AGAIN then maybe something worse will happen! Maybe I should just lay low…

"Anya?" I heard Goemon's voice from outside the door.

"Yeah?"

"How long have you been in there?!"

"Um, I don't know…" I got out of the tub and started to dry off.

Goemon struggled to get the door open, but I had it locked.

"Do you mind?!" I huffed.

"You are still shy, huh?" I can tell by his tone of his voice that he was smirking.

"Shut up!" I blurted out. I didn't feel like getting teased right now… I hurried and change then I opened the door. Goemon was standing there with a huge smirk on his face.

"I knew you were smirking at me!" I lightly pounded on his chest.

Goemon seemed like he was really in a good mood. He kept smiling… He's up to something!

"Why are you smiling goofy?" I asked suspiciously.

"Am I not allowed to be in a good mood?" Goemon is avoiding my question!

"You are up to something."

"Not at all," He said casually. "Want to get dinner in the village?"

I thought for a moment then shook my head. "No."

"Why not?"

"Um." I didn't want to go outside and deal with the people, but I couldn't think how to tell him.

"Oh, I get it." Goemon patted my head. "Sooner or later you have to come out and see these people…"

"Just not today, Okay?" I pleaded.

"Alright. We will eat here. The chief is really good at cooking." Goemon grabbed my hand.

"That's good! I'm starving!" I haven't eaten all day because I was thinking about Sora and I lost my appetite.

We headed in the dining hall and Goemon asked the chief to make us chicken with rice balls and miso soup. Goemon and I were the only ones here, which made things easier. I didn't really want to talk to anyone. I just want to eat and hide in my room.

"So are you still going to stay in that room all night?" Goemon asked.

"Yeah."

"By yourself?"

"Mhmm."

Goemon frowned. "Don't you want me to keep you company?"

"You don't have to."

"But I want to."

Goemon wants to keep me company? That's kind of sweet, but I don't know if I am in the mood to have someone present when I'm all depressed. Every time I get upset about something I shut off from everyone. I don't want to see no one nor talk to them. I just like to be alone.

"I want to make you feel better." Goemon's words were kind.

"I just don't like to be around people when I'm upset. I don't want to bring others down just because I'm down."

"You won't bring me down because I'll be too busy helping you."

I didn't know what else to say. Of course, Goemon isn't going to let this go because it ALWAYS has to be his way. The maids came from the kitchen and gave us our food. I can't believe how fast the chief cooked it. It looked delicious! We began to eat, just the two of us and it was relaxing. It is just what I needed.

"I just want to let you know that good things will happen," Goemon said as he slurped his soup quietly.

"What?"

"Good things will happen," he repeated.

"You have been acting strange. Please tell me what you are talking about?" I didn't know if he was just saying anything to make me feel better, but it wasn't working.

"You'll see."

"Why do you do that?!"

"Do What?" He asked innocently.

"Tell me something so bizarre, then not tell me what it means! Then when I ask you, you dismiss it."

"Beats me."

I gave up. I just wasn't feeling on trying to figure out Goemon. It grows tiresome after a short while.

*~*~*~*~*Take My Breath Away~*~*~*~*

After we ate dinner, Goemon showed me his room. It was a nice size for a high-ranking ninja, but there wasn't any decoration. No flowers or plants or paintings. Just white walls and a twin size bed with white sheets. Without thinking, I sat on his bed.

"It is getting dark out…" Goemon looked out the window. "Ready to retire?"

"I guess." I got up from his bed. I know I am not going to get much sleep because of my sister.

"Why are you getting up?"

"I am not going to sleep here with you!" I glared at him.

"Why do you always argue with me? You know I won't do anything to you," Goemon sighed.

"Fine, fine." Again, if I keep fighting with him, he's just going to get his way with me anyways. In defeat, I laid in his bed.

He lied next to me. I couldn't tell if he was watching me, or not because it was pitch black in his room. I started to feel stomach pains as soon as I closed my eyes, and without controlling my emotions, I started to sob.

"Anya?"

"I should leave." I tried to make myself stop sobbing, but it made it worse.

I felt Goemon moving in the bed. "Sit on my lap."

"I should just go back in the guest room." I sat up, but Goemon grabbed me and moved me on his lap.

I felt his forehead on the back of my head. "It's okay… I'm here for you."

I again tried to stop sobbing, but it still wasn't working. "I'm sorry."

"You are doing nothing wrong. Just let it all out. Don't force yourself to stop, Anya," He whispered in my ear. His sweet voice sent chills down my back. He wrapped his arms around my stomach, and he started to rock back and forth. I closed my eyes and did what he said. I kept sobbing until I couldn't sob anymore.

"Do you feel a little better?"

"Mhm." Is all I could manage to say, all that sobbing made me exhausted. I then felt the pressure of his lips behind my head.

"Thank you," I whispered.

"I told you I am always going to be there for you… You don't need to thank me."

I felt myself smiling for the first time today. This whole day was a disaster from all the women flirting with Goemon and being rude to me. From Naomi still being mad at me, and from finding out that my sister is missing. I felt warmth and time froze for me in his arms. I know now that I can't push my feelings down inside me any longer. I can't keep lying to myself. I am in love with Goemon Ishikawa. I will not deny this fact any longer. As I thought this over and over in my head, I felt my eyelids growing heavy. I shut my eyes and after that everything became a blur.

*~*~*~*~*Take My Breath Away~*~*~*~*

I woke up from the sun shining from the window. I yawned and looked over to see if Goemon was next to me, but he wasn't. I sat up and notice that there was an imprint from where he laid. I felt it and it was cold. He has been out of bed for a while now, and he didn't even wake me up! This made me feel furious! Why wouldn't he wake me up? He ALWAYS woke me up before! I got out of bed and adjusted my kimono. I then ran downstairs and saw Hiroko.

"Have you seen Goemon?" I asked without saying good morning, but I must know where he went off too.

"He had a mission and he didn't want to wake you," Hiroko answered. "You should come outside! It's nice out!"

"I don't know…" I knew I couldn't avoid the villagers for long, but I'm not sure I'm ready to face them.

"I won't let anything happen to you," Hiroko said calmly.

"Okay." I took a deep breath. "Let's do this."

*~*~*~*~*Take My Breath Away~*~*~*~*

Hiroko and I went outside, and she was right! It was gorgeous outside. I saw kids playing together, people shopping, and of course, people training. It made me forget that Goemon left me for his mission.

"Do you want to get breakfast?" Hiroko asked. "I know a great café!"

"Alright!" Hiroko's mood has surprisingly put me in a good mood too.

*~*~*~*~*Take My Breath Away~*~*~*~*

We went into a small café, which reminds me of the one back at home, that Sora and I used to go all the time. The only difference is that we were eating outside. I couldn't help but think about Sora. I started to feel depressed again.

"Cheer up, buttercup!" Hiroko patted my hand that was flat on the table. "Things will work out."

"That's what Goemon said, but I'm sorry…. I just won't believe it until Sora is found." I didn't want to ruin Hiroko's breakfast with my sorrow, but I couldn't help it. You can read my emotions on my face. I couldn't hide it even if I wanted too.

"Katashi is still looking. I got a letter from him earlier this morning. Also, Sakura and Yamato never came back, so they are really looking for them, girls. They probably didn't get much sleep. They both want to find them as soon as possible," Hiroko said.

"Do you think Sora got captured for sure?"

Hiroko bit her lip and averted her eyes from me. "Yeah."

"Me too," I sighed.

"Don't think down on it. If Sakura and Yamato find the girls then she will be with them," Hiroko said sympathetic.

"You're right." I agreed.

*~*~*~*~*Take My Breath Away~*~*~*~*

Hiroko and I stayed in the little café for a long while. I, of course, was enjoying my hazelnut coffee and chocolate muffin. Hiroko got a regular coffee with a lot of cream in it. She also got cinnamon rolls with icing. I was having a great time with her. We were joking around and having a blast.

"So, I went to stop at your room last night, but you weren't there…" Hiroko sipped her coffee.

"Oh, um I was in Goemon's room." I blushed.

"Just be careful, okay?" She warned.

"We didn't do anything!" I said in defense.

"Alright, I just don't want you to get hurt. Don't get me wrong… I do think he has a little thing for you because he does seem to care for you a lot. It's just…" I can tell Hiroko was searching for the right words to say. "I don't think he will ever be ready to settle down and get married."

"Who said anything about marriage?!" I spit my coffee at the shock of her words.

"I mean I know you aren't thinking about marriage right now, but don't you want to settle down one day?"

I never really thought about it, to be honest. I think the reason why is because of my father and Nobuyuki. Every time I even heard the word "marriage" I thought about Nobuyuki and it made me uneasy. I guess I would love to have a family, one day, but I can't see me with one now. I never thought about my future like that before. I'm the type of person that worries about the present than the future. That's just how I am.

All I manage to say was… "Yeah, one day."

"Goemon has changed a little bit, though."

"How?" I asked.

"Well, he wasn't really caring for any women before, and when he met you he never even looked at another woman. He doesn't seem that interested in playing his dirty games, but I don't want to curse it! KNOCK ON WOOD!" She knocked on the wooden table violently.

I couldn't help but giggle. I know I have deep feelings for Goemon, but I could NEVER come out and tell him or anybody. I do think everyone can tell, though… I just hope I don't get hurt like Hiroko said. I'll still try and not get my hopes up on him. I too can tell that he will never settle down and get married. It's just not in his nature.

One thing did keep popping in my mind, though… "Hiroko?"

"Yeah?"

"Can you tell me about this Falitna girl?" I really wanted to hear more about her even though I don't know exactly what I wanted to know.

"Oh." Hiroko scratched her head. I can tell she felt uncomfortable. "She's one of the high-ranking ninjas here…"

"WHAT?!" I was in shock. She looks too proper to be a high-ranking ninja!

Hiroko looked at me like she was going to give me horrible news. "Well, Goemon kind of talked her into it…"

I felt my face growing pale. "Did they have a thing?"

"Not really…" Hiroko lowered her voice. "You sure you want to hear it?"

I kind of didn't want to hear the truth, but I know it's going to bother me if I don't know the whole story. "Yeah."

"Long story, but four years ago Goemon and Kenichi had a mission to go to Manami Village, which is one of the richest villages in the country! We are allied with them, of course. Anyways, Goemon's and Kenichi's mission was to get more ninjas from the village and bring them back to Takara to train with us because there was a battle coming up. Goemon met Falitna Manami who was the daughter of the headman at Manami's Village. She was known to be the most spoiled girl in the land. Falitna immediately fell in love with Goemon, He was attracted to her, but he didn't have the same feelings as her. Kenichi had an idea to make a bet with Goemon about Falitna. If Goemon could turn her into a ninja then Kenichi would request not to do mission with Goemon for a year, (since Goemon doesn't like to do missions with him) if Goemon doesn't turn Falitna into a ninja then Goemon has to tell all the women in Takara Village how Kenichi is a lot stronger than Goemon." Hiroko shook her head. "They both were young and naïve, so it was a dumb bet… Any who. Goemon seduced Falitna and lied to her. He said that he could only marry a ninja because that is what his parents would've wanted. She asked her father if she would train with Goemon to become a ninja. Her father was hesitant but realized it would be for the best for her to fight for his village. Goemon trained her and with his hard training she became a high-ranking ninja in only three years, which is pretty impressive. Kenichi lost his bet and had to ask Mamoru Masaru to not do missions with Goemon for a year."

"Oh. Wow." It was impressive that Goemon turned her not only a ninja, but he turned her into a high-ranking ninja. So, she just turned into a high-ranking ninja this past year… "I take it he slept with her…"

"Yeah, he did a couple times. Then he dumped her," Hiroko muttered.

"Wasn't she mad he used her?"

"Yeah, she tried to kill him a couple of times, now she actually thanks him."

"Why?"

"Because she felt like he made her into a better person." Hiroko shrugged. "It's a messed up story."

"Does she still have feelings for him?" I was afraid to hear the answer.

"Like every woman he slept with, yeah."

"I see. Is that why she was mean to me? Because she thought Goemon and I have something?"

"You guys do have something!" Hiroko corrected me. "But, yes she was not too pleased to hear how you two are getting along, and I think she is jealous of you."

"OF ME?!" She's really gorgeous even though I don't want to admit it, but it is the truth.

"Well, why not? You are very beautiful!" Hiroko smiled. "Falitna never was jealous of anyone before until she heard about you."

"Oh." I felt bad all of a sudden. Goemon used her for his own benefits, and not only with her but with other women too. Now I have an awful feeling that maybe he is using me too? This is very unsettling for me.

*~*~*~*~*Take My Breath Away~*~*~*~*

The rest of the day I just hung out with Hiroko, Osamu, and Kenichi outside. I'm glad Hiroko talked me into being outside because it was fun to be with them. They also made me feel a little better about Sora. They gave me hope that Yamato and Sakura will find her. I also didn't even pay attention if the other villagers were looking at me or not because I was enjoying my time with my friends. The sun started to set and the three of us headed inside the mansion to have dinner. As we were waiting for our food in the dining room, Falitna sat next to me.

"You should be honored that I am sitting with you," Falitna said.

"You don't have too." I didn't want to deal with her after hearing Hiroko's story.

"I just want to chat. That is all," She said innocently.

"What about?" I asked bluntly.

"Goemon."

"What about him?" I really didn't want to talk about Goemon to her. The whole situation between them is strange and I don't want to be a part of it.

"Falitna, Don't bother her." Hiroko sat on the other side of me.

"I'm just getting to know her." Falitna spat.

"She is going through a hard time," Hiroko said.

"I just want to know her and Goemon's relationship." Falitna shrugged.

"You already know," Hiroko sighed. "Don't start trouble."

"Whatever." Falitna got up and moved to a different table.

"Thanks," I whispered to Hiroko. "It was getting weird."

"I figured. She is a good person once you get to know her. It's just she needs to accept that Goemon doesn't want her," Hiroko explained.

I rubbed my temples. I hope I don't end up like her or the other women that still is obsessed with Goemon. Hiroko is right; he'll never change how he is. I'm just afraid that I won't be able to accept it.

*~*~*~*~*Take My Breath Away~*~*~*~*

While we all started to eat, a villager bust opened the dining room door.

"GOEMON AND THE OTHERS ARE BACK!" He hollered.

The whole room gasped and everyone ran outside! They must be really excited to see Goemon. Is it always like this when he comes back from a mission? I wonder. I followed everyone outside, and it wasn't just Goemon outside, but Yamato and Sakura too. There were also young girls and young women with them. Did Goemon help Yamato and Sakura find them? Is that why he and Hiroko said everything would be fine because Goemon was helping out to find Sora? I looked for Sora, but I couldn't see her anywhere.

Mamoru Masaru was the first to speak to them. "You found them?!"

Yamato and Sakura looked at each other like something was up.

"I need a bath," Goemon said quietly as he walked away from the crowd.

I went to stop him, but he just patted me on the head. "I'll talk to you later," He said without looking at me. He seemed like something is bothering him.

"He's still pissed," Yamato said to Sakura.

"Yeah, but he did the right thing," She answered.

"Why is he upset?" Mamoru asked.

"Well…" Sakura went to explain, but Sora came running in the village with…. JUN?!

"ANYA!" Sora gave me a tight hug.

"SORA! YOU ARE OKAY!" I hugged her just as tight. I felt tears running down my cheeks.

"Yeah, Thanks to Jun, Goemon, Sakura and Yamato!" She buried her face on my shoulder.

"Prince Jun helped?!" Osamu gasped.

"Yeah, Goemon came to help us and we saw Jun. Goemon asked Jun even though he didn't want too, and Jun immediately told us where the Shinobu was hiding the women. Deep in the forest there was a hidden tunnel that was never seen before, and that's where they kept the women," Sakura said. "No one was hurt or violated, but they were in cages."

"Why did you help them?" Mamoru asked suspiciously.

"Because this little girl told me she was Anya's sister," Jun said casually.

"You went against your own people because of this girl?" Mamoru raised an eyebrow.

"My brother was the one who imprisoned them, not me. I just wanted to bring Anya's sister back to her."

"You think it's a trick?" Kenichi raised his voice in the crowd.

"I don't know," Mamoru answered.

"I don't want your trust," Jun snorted. "I just wanted to help Anya out."

"Why?" Kenichi asked.

Jun was silent. "No reason," he finally said.

I walked up to Jun and without thinking, I gave him a big hug. "Thank you."

"Anya?" He was shocked by my actions, but I didn't care.

"Trust him or not. If it wasn't for Prince Jun we still would be looking for these women." Sakura rocked back and forth.

"Yamato?" Mamoru turned to look at him.

"I think we can trust him," Yamato sighed. "We did need him."

"I see." Mamoru examined Jun. "We are holding a banquet tonight to celebrate the finding of the young women. You are welcomed to celebrate with us."

Jun shook his head. "No thanks. I don't associate with ninjas."

I thought for a moment. I won't really have anyone to talk to. Naomi is mad at me, plus Goemon will be busy with the other women. I mean I have Sora and my friends, but they will probably do their own thing at the party…

"No, I think you should celebrate with us!" I chimed in. "You are the one who really helped them out!"

"Do you really want me to stay?" Jun asked me softly.

"Yes!" I nodded.

"Fine," he muttered.

*~*~*~*~*Take My Breath Away~*~*~*~*

Everyone in the village started to set everything up for the last minute banquet that Mamoru requested. While everyone did that, Jun, Sora and I sat under a Sakura tree. There were pretty pink petals flying around us.

"Did they hurt you?" I was checking Sora's body out.

"No," She answered.

"Why did you run away?" I asked.

"Because I missed you and wanted to find you!" She gave me a weak smile. I think she knows what she did was reckless.

"Sora, you know that was dangerous." I began to lecture but realized that I had no room to talk.

"I know, but I really wanted to see you. I figured you were in Asami Island, so I left home to try and find you." Sora rested her head on the tree trunk.

"She's reckless like you," Jun commented.

"Yeah. It's not a good thing…" I laughed in embarrassment.

"SORA!" Katashi ran up to us. I guess they let him know he can stop his searching because she is found.

"Big brother!" She got up and gave him a hug.

"Let us go… I want to make sure you are alright." Katashi returned her hug.

"No, I want to stay with Anya! I missed her, plus I'm fine!" She argued.

I didn't want Katashi to be upset with me because this was my fault… "Sora, go with brother… I will see you at the banquet tonight!"

She studied me and sighed. "Alright."

*~*~*~*~*Take My Breath Away~*~*~*~*

After Sora and Katashi left Jun and I just sat and enjoyed the weather.

"Thank you again." I really was grateful that Jun helped out.

"It's nothing," he said coolly.

"You are just like me after all…" I smirked.

"What do you mean?"

"You do your own thing without worrying about consciences."

"Guess you are right…" Jun laughed softly. "Why did you want me to stay for the banquet?"

"Um." I kind of didn't want to admit that I wouldn't have anyone to talk too.

"Is it because you don't want to see your little boyfriend flirt with a bunch of drunken women?" He teased.

"Yeah," I admitted in defeat.

"Hm. If I had you… I would never look at another woman again." I saw his face get a little rosy.

"Is that so?" I titled my head. "Why do you care about me? I'm nothing special."

Jun looked at me like he saw a ghost. "What are you talking about? You are beautiful."

His boldness made me blush. "Um."

"It's true…" He muttered.

We sat in silence for a while, but I finally spoke up. "Jun?"

"What?"

"Thanks for being there for me…" I whispered sincerely.

*~*~*~*~*Take My Breath Away~*~*~*~*

Jun and I stayed sitting under the Sakura tree for some time. It started to get dark, but we didn't mind. I am grateful that he and Goemon are here for me through these rough times. They both have big hearts, and they are both good deep down. It must have been hard to ask Jun for his help because Goemon's pride is way too big, but I am glad he came through. No matter who you are, you have to rely on someone. You can be strong or weak, but everyone needs someone from time to time. I prayed in my head that I could always rely on Goemon and Jun! I also prayed that maybe one day I could be there for them like they are for me.