Chapter 11

She's Not A Ghost, She's A Stalker!

Today is going to drag on like it did yesterday, but Goemon did promise me that he will try and finish up early so he can see me!

After Goemon left me, I decided to clean the home. I hate cleaning but it will get my mind off of Goemon and the ghost for a little bit. While I'm dusting the shelves, though, I heard a loud crash! It sounds like glass breaking or something…

I went to see what broke and it was one of my tall vases that I had placed in the corner in a room for decoration, but why would the vase break if it were on the floor? I didn't knock it over because I was in the other room… Freaky!

I was going to kneel down to pick up the pieces, but I felt someone's presence from behind. I wanted to turn around yet it was too late because a kunai knife is pressed against my throat from behind!
"You don't deserve to be Goemon's wife," I heard a voice say coldly.

"What are you doing!? Who are you?!" I cried out.

"I'm the girl who has been coming around you… Silly, girl you thought I was a ghost." The woman laughed.

The woman I saw at the market is real!

"What do you want?!" I felt tears rolling down my cheeks and my body shaking.

"I want Goemon as my husband and the only way it will happen if I kill you right here and now!" She chanted.

"Please, no! Don't!" I pleaded.

I felt the knife pressing against my throat. She's going to kill me! This is the end and I can't say goodbye to Goemon because he's fulfilling his duties somewhere!

I closed my eyes, praying that my death will be quick and painless until…

"GAH!" The woman cried out.

I opened my eyes and saw Goemon standing by the doorway, glaring at the woman. I didn't hesitate to run to him!

"Goemon, I was so scared! I thought I was going to die! She's not a ghost, she's real!" I sobbed.

"There, there. Everything will be fine; I'm here," Goemon soothed.

I wanted to hug him and sob in his chest but I know he has to take care of this woman first!

"Who are you?!" Goemon asked sternly as we watched her slowly take the kunai knife that Goemon has thrown at her out of her arm.

"You don't remember me, Goemon? I was your lover. You promised to stay by my side, forever," the woman whispered before standing up from the ground.

Goemon looked puzzled and I can tell that this woman is probably one of his "women" from back in the day. Geez, he's causing way too much trouble!

"Taki Simori, remember?" The woman gently smiled at him.

"Um…" Goemon rubbed the back of his head nervously.

"We did a mission together! We made love eight years ago!" Taki shouted out.

"Honestly, I don't remember, but it doesn't matter, you have harmed my wife and I shall kill you for laying a finger on her!" Goemon took his sword out and pointed it at her.

"But we belong together!" Taki freaked.

"No, I belong to my wife!" And with that Goemon charged at Taki and sliced her stomach causing her lifeless body to fall on the ground.

Great, now I got to clean up blood!
 "Are you alright?" Goemon asked in concern.

I didn't answer but instead, I threw myself on him. "How did you know I was in danger?"

"I felt her presence around our home before I almost left," Goemon explained.

"Really? So, was she a ninja and not a ghost?"

"Yeah," Goemon chuckled.

"Geez, I thought I was a goner and I thought I would never see you again." I cried out and buried my face in his chest.

"Sh, I would never let anyone harm you. No matter what I will always protect you," Goemon whispered while rubbing my back.

"What about your mission?" I looked up at him.

"I sent a letter that I wouldn't be able to do it," he answered.

"Won't you get in trouble?"

"Nah."

Goemon used his thumbs to wipe my tears away. I felt safe yet my body is shaking up. I still feel like that woman's knife is pressing against my throat.

"I'm sorry I caused you this much trouble. If it weren't for my past then this wouldn't have ever happened," Goemon sighed.

"Honestly, I would go through hell and back even though it's scary but I know you'll always be there for me, but I did have my doubts today and I'm sorry," I confessed.

"I promise to protect you with my life," he murmured.

"Well, don't do that! I want to live with you, not without you!" I whined.

"Ha, fine, then I will fight for both of us."

"Thank you!" I grinned.

We both chuckled and he picked me up in a cradle to take me to our bedroom. He then set me down on our futon and I begged for him to lay with me.

"Thank you for protecting me… Hey, on the positive side, we can hang all day together now!" I cheered.

"Anya, I think you should rest. You went through a lot just now," Goemon lectured.

"But, I want to relax with you!" I cried out.

"How about we lay in bed all day?" He suggested.

"Okay, but you can't leave!"

"Fine." He laughed lightly and lied next to me. I rested my head on his beating heart while his arms are wrapped around me. I don't know why I get scared when I know Goemon is always there to protect me.