Chapter 36 - A guardian and his charge
Masamune whined as he blinked awake, feeling a throbbing pain in the back of his head. 'Where are we?' He thought, looking up to see the inside of a roof, and surrounded by what seemed to be hay.
'hay, are we in a stable?' Masamune thought
Masamune sat up, brushing hay out of his hair as he realized he couldn't hear anything from Kojūrō.
Masamune looked worriedly over to Kojūrō.
"Kojūrō?" Masamune said worried
There was no reply, as Kojūrō was on his injured side in a pile of hay nearby. Masamune stood up and walked over to Kojūrō. "Hey Kojūrō wake up please" Masamune said his worry increasing
Kojūrō still didn't reply, and his face looked really pale as Masamune walked over.
Masamune gulped and shook Kojūrō a little "Come on Kojūrō wake up, do something to let me know your still alive" Kojūrō still didn't respond to the shaking. Masamune was frightened and looked around "Come on wake up Kojūrō" 'he couldn't have died on the way right hopefully not i got to find an infirmary that's got to have something to help with his wound' Masamune thought worriedly
Suddenly Masamune was grabbed and pinned to the ground by something heavy, with larger and stronger hands pinning his hands to his back. Masamune screamed a little at the sudden force. "Hand's off me!" Masamune growled trying to get free. There was familiar laughing above him as the force on him eased. Masamune growled as he struggled a little more before he got free.
"Come on kid, after years of waking me up, you had to have seen that coming." Kojūrō chuckled.
"I thought you were dead" Masamune said with a huff as he sat up.
"It was rather cute, hearing you get scared over me." Kojūrō said with a soft smile.
"I am not cute, now let's find out where we are other than in a stable" Masamune grumbled crossing his arms.
"Aw! Little baby Masamune's mad because the grown up got the better of him." Kojūrō said in a voice like he was talking to a baby.
" I am not a baby Kojūrō, im a child so stop babying me" Masamune huffed standing up.
"At least let me pretend. It makes me feel much less old." Kojūrō chuckled. "At least i got you though." Kojūrō teased.
"ugh fine, only because it makes you feel better" Masamune sighed before sticking his tongue out at Kojūrō.
"Maybe we can find a safe spot sometime later. It's way past your nap time after all." Kojūrō said fondly, standing up and ducking to avoid the roof.
"How would you know?" Masamune grumbled walking out the stable before walking back to Kojūrō.
"Parent sense. Besides, i was told children need 12 to 14 hours of sleep, and based on your bedtime, that's about a 3 to 4 hour nap." Kojūrō said, walking over to a ladder and starting to climb down. Masamune fallowed Kojūrō. "Well im far from tired"
"That's because you've been running around and have had candy. Don't worry, the energy will die out in a little while." Kojūrō chuckled, sliding down the ladder expertly.
"Or from all the time i have actually slept here" Masamune grumbled
"You still haven't reached your full sleep need yet. You'll have to sleep a little more to have your full sleep schedule for the day." Kojūrō said smiling. "Besides, wouldn't you prefer nice kid dreams to this place?"
"not really, I would prefer the real life than to both" Masamune said climbing down the ladder.
"Surely your dreams are way better to this place. Besides, in comparison to sleep, real life is a bit boring, no?" Kojūrō said, waiting patiently at the bottom of the ladder, gripping his wound a bit.
"don't really dream much i'm just so used to nightmare's their like dreams, plus real life is fun, i get to bother you, play with Yuki and my brothers, play and fight" Masamune said happily.
"Nightmares? Do you need to start sleeping in my bed again?" Kojūrō asked, concerned.
"No i just need to hear you snoring or talking to know you're fine and everything's alright" Masamune smiled reaching the bottom of the ladder.
"I snore? Since when?" Kojūrō asked, looking surprised.
"Since forever" Masamune laughed.
"Well at least the 'ghost' in my room is gone." Kojūrō said smiling, with a faint blush on his cheeks.
"I guess, well let's find someone or the infirmary" Masamune said looking at Kojūrō.
"Oh kid i envy your innocence." Kojūrō mumbled with a smile as he stepped out into the stables, surprised to be met with a mix of ghost and living horses. Masamune fallowed Kojūrō and looked amazed at the mix of horses. One of the ghost horses stepped through its stall door and walked over, sniffing Masamune. Masamune smiled at the horse "Hey what's up" Masamune said happily to the horse. The horse didn't reply but nibbled on Masamune's hair, revealing it had no teeth except for a pair of teeth that had been sharpened into fangs. "You got some cool teeth there" Masamune said looking at the teeth. The horse moved to his left ear, nibbling and one of the fangs bit the ear, making Masamune wince as the horse bit through the ear.
"You should be a little more carefull with those" Masamune said
Kojūrō growled and smacked the horse, making it jump away from Masamune with a whiny, it's ghostly neigh bouncing off the walls.
"You okay- ouch, kid." Kojūrō said, looking at his bit ear.
"Fine just a bite" Masamune said with a pained smile.
"Come on, before something comes checking that horse's noise." Kojūrō said, opening the stable door while holding Masamune's hand. Masamune nodded gripping Kojūrō's hand. Outside it was snowing hard, nearly a blizzard, and Masamune shivered at how cold it was. Kojūrō noticed the shiver and put his jacket around Masamune, ignoring the cold he felt. Masamune looked at Kojūrō worried "You should also stay warm Kojūrō" Masamune said holding his bitten ear.
"I'm a grown up, i can handle it." Kojūrō said with a smile, as he stepped into the snow, making a pained face as he felt the burning sensation. Masamune looked worried at the pained expression but remained quite.
"Stay on the porch, Masamune. I'll clear a path that you can walk through. This snow's way too deep for you." Kojūrō instructed, gritting his teeth as he went deeper into the snow, the snow nearly reaching his hips now. Masamune nodded "okay but be careful please Kojūrō" Masamune said watching Kojūrō go deeper into the snow.
"Nothing's out here- ow!" Kojūrō hissed as the sound of metal snapping shut could be heard. "Son of a bitch!" He growled as he pulled the trap apart, a couple of holes in his boots now as the freezing snow made it's way inside. Masamune jumped at the sudden outburst and resisted running out there.
"I take that back. Somebody thought it'd be funny to put traps out here, apparently." Kojūrō said, going further towards the main building.
"probably one of the red spirits" Masamune said.
"Watch yourself. My boot stopped the trap, but you're wearing shoes so be careful." Kojūrō warned.
"I will" Masamune called back.
Kojūrō continued walking jumping back as he came across more traps, and gave a sigh of relief as he made it to the other side.
"It's safe!" Kojūrō yelled, and started pulling his boots off to dump the snow out. Masamune gulped as he stepped out feeling uncomfortable at the height of the snow compared to him and kept a careful eye if front of him. He let out a whine of pain as he felt the cold burning feeling from the snow. Masamune kept walking seeing the trap Kojūrō had stepped in he made sure to keep his eye out for any more. He felt a bit of fear as he got to a part where the snow towered over him, part of him fearing the snow wall made by Kojūrō would collapse and bury him. Masamune gulped a little when he saw a part where Kojūrō had jumped over knowing there was a trap under the remaining snow.
"Give your biggest jump over the traps." Kojūrō called encouragingly.
"Okay!" Masamune called as he jumped over the trap getting snow on his feet as he jumped and hissed at the freezing cold snow.
"You okay over there?" Kojūrō asked, putting one boot on and taking off the other.
"Fine!" Masamune called back ignoring the burning feeling in his feet. Masamune managed to reach the other side, with Kojūrō sitting cross legged as he dumped snow out of his boots. Masamune smiled at Kojūrō happily. Kojūrō gave a smile as he stood, stuffing his wet socks into his boots and walking over to the door barefoot.
"Nice work kid. You handled the snow well." Kojūrō complimented.
"I guess playing in the snow and being locked in a freezing pantry helped my cold resistance" Masamune chuckled.
"Through this whole trip you've played in the snow twice now. So i guess you're having fun at least." Kojūrō chuckled as he opened the door, revealing a study.
"Make the best of each situation" Masamune smiled and looked into the study.
"I'd play in the snow with you if i could, except this snow kinda hurts." Kojūrō chuckled, walking in and avoiding knocking over piles of books.
"I know" Masamune said walking into the study looking around.
"So supposedly your ghost and mine are supposed to be around here. Wonder how they are." Kojūrō said, picking up one book and glancing at the title.
"I hope so it will be fun to chat with an older me" Masamune said happily looking around.
"You sure? Maybe older you is boring." Kojūrō chuckled, flipping through the book and noting the contents.
"I doubt it. It's gotta be yours that's boring" Masamune teased.
"You're saying i'm boring?" Kojūrō looked at Masamune with a grin.
"At times yes" Masamune smiled picking up a few papers on the desk looking at them
"Oh really? How's this for boring?" Kojūrō smirked, creeping up behind Masamune and started tickling him. Masamune dropped the papers and dropped down laughing
Kojūrō laughed along and tickled more.
"Am i still boring?" Kojūrō chuckled.
"N-n-no" Masamune laughed
Kojūrō chuckled and pulled Masamune into a hug, patting his back as he sat on the floor.
"You're a good kid, you know. Don't ever change, even if you're told to 'grow up'." Kojūrō mumbled with a smile.
"I promise" Masamune smiled
"Good." Kojūrō said, patting Masamune on the back as he stood up, looking around the study and pulling books off the shelves, looking through them. He looked disgusted as one he pulled out was dripping blood.
"That's nice." Kojūrō muttered, putting the bleeding book on the table.
Masamune stood up and noticed a jar off to the side of the desk. Kojūrō was busy flipping through the wet soggy pages of the book, looking for anything of use. Masamune looked over at the jar and saw that whatever was in it was now gone. "Well it looks like either you're ghost or mine has there organ back." Masamune said picking up the bloody jar.
Kojūrō pulled out a surprisingly dry note from the book, and silently read it as Masamune was looking at the jar. Kojūrō let out a deep sigh as he read, setting the paper down. Masamune looked curiously over at Kojūrō hearing the sigh.
"What's wrong?" Masamune asked curiously
"Ah, depressing stuff kid. Adult stuff." Kojūrō said, clearing his throat and folding the paper. "If you want to read it, here ya go." Kojūrō said, handing Masamune the folded paper.
Masamune took the paper eagerly opening and read over it.
"Investigation: Katakura Kojūrō
So far nothing major has been found in the beheading and death of Katakura Kojūrō. So far most of the suspect list has been shortened to Lord Date Masamune, several of the servants, and the possibility of an enemy ninja, including but not limited to Sarutobi Sasuke, who outright denies any involvement. The circumstances are unique, knowing that Masamune was present during the murder, and likely committed the murder, helped with it, or was witness to it. Lord Masamune claims to have no memory of the murder, and claims he was in his room asleep during the time of murder. Sarutobi Sasuke helpfully pointed out the wound was a katana, of which Lord Date Masamune is in possession of. For now, all weapons of everyone in the house has been confiscated, and all areas of possible weapons is monitored closely. There has been great sadness in the aftermath of Katakura Kojūrō's death, and a proper burial has been set for a week from now, of which we will have to solve the case. There is great suspicion of Lord Masamune, and his sudden reclusiveness creates much suspicion that there may be a case of murderer's guilt within lord Masamune. It was pointed out by many of the servants that the two had some relationship problems, including Lord Masamune even wishing death upon Katakura Kojūrō. It was also noted that the two had common fights, and Lord Masamune often took issue with Katakura Kojūrō's protectiveness." The note read.
Masamune frowned at the note.
"It doesn't really shock me that much but it hurts to think you and me fight, and that my own servants would accuse me of your death" Masamune grumbled.
"A lot of suspicion would be raised over the 'wishing death upon me' part. Besides, people's loyalties sway when their friend and superior is killed and their lord is suspected." Kojūrō replied. "I'd find it rather strange that you would be present at the time of my death, yet there is no evidence from you."
"Even if I wished death on you you're the best parent i have I wouldn't kill you I know that for a fact. In times of shock people deny what they saw and trick themselves into believing they didn't see anything. plus if there was more than one person to take part they would knock me out first because i would protect you but I would need more evidence to put two and two together" Masamune said handing the paper to Kojūrō.
"Knocking you out, killing me before i react, dragging you and sneaking you all the way back into the house, then leaving, all in the span of a few minutes with no one seeing anything? Rather impossible, you have to admit." Kojūrō said skeptically.
"unless of a spy or enemy ninja, a spy could say that we had a fight and you knocked me out and told him or her to bring me back to the house. a ninja could impersonate me and then kill you without me even really being there" Masamune pointed out.
"Still, it takes a bit of time to take a person's head off, and a lot of strength to do it in one swipe." Kojūrō pointed out.
"A spy could easily have enough strength if they went as a spy in the army" Masamune suggested
"Whoever did it really wants everyone to believe it was you. Then again, a lot of the evidence does lead to you being a prime suspect." Kojūrō said. "More so, who would want you out of power so badly as to kill me and frame you? I don't even know how they would manage to kill me without a fight. You know me, i'm too cautious to fall for surprises easily. The reclusive part doesn't surprise me though."
"Yeah i guess only you know that i don't like to cry in front of people" Masamune said "But who is a good question we need some more evidence to figure it out"
"I can only imagine how my ghost must be taking this, only having the perspective of being the victim." Kojūrō said, looking troubled. "All of the evidence he'd have would point at you being his killer, after all."
Masamune gulped "Well then i am hiding behind you if we run into him" Masamune said worriedly
"Don't worry. He wouldn't kill himself." Kojūrō said with a reassuring smile.
"But he might try to kill me in revenge since he thinks i did it" Masamune said shakily
"He won't. Not if i'm there." Kojūrō said. "Besides, you've never seen me fight angry."
"Then i order you not to leave my side" Masamune said
"Did i ever show any intention of doing so?" Kojūrō said with a smile.
Masamune smiled happily "Good"
"I hope there's more clues somewhere in here." Kojūrō said, picking the bleeding book and putting it back on it's shelf, wiping his bloody hand off on his jacket.
"Are you sure you heard voices?" Said a voice from down the hall.
Kojūrō tensed and put a hand on his katana, hiding behind several book cases and waving for Masamune to join him. Masamune quickly ran over to Kojūrō, who held him close and hid him in his jacket, one hand on his katana.
"I'm sure!" Said another voice coming from down the hall
"I hope you're not losing it on me already" Said the more deeper toned voice
"Im sure of it, I think it might be Masa!" the lighter tone voice said happily
"Really, you sure he can handle seeing me like this?" the deeper toned voice asked
"If i can, i know he can" the lighter toned voice replied
"I hope you're right, i'm sick of people screaming and running from me" the deeper toned voice said
"come on slowpoke" the lighter toned voice said as there was now footsteps that could be heard.
"Ugh i'm not as young as i used to be and this armor doesn't help" the deeper toned voice replied.
There was now a metallic like sound with more footsteps. Kojūrō quietly drew his sword, keeping to the shadow of the bookcase to keep his sword from shining.
"I think there in the study, if that's still on this side" the lighter tone voice said now seeming closer
"Really back to where we just came from, ugh if only we hadn't been dragged from there" The deeper tone voice grumbled
"Well i was worried when i heard Sasuke scream okay" the lighter toned voice could now sound familiar
"Yeah i know it startled me, i still kinda regret going through" the deeper tone voice said sadly
"Oh come on Sasuke won't let him be mad at you forever, smile" the familiar lighter toned voice said
"Hopefully he'll listen to Sasuke" the deeper tone said
Kojūrō frowned at the lighter voice, his suspicions raised as he gripped Masamune to keep him from going to the voice.
"That sounds like Yuki" Masamune whispered
"Remember what Mitsunari said, about the monster imitating people." Kojūrō whispered.
"Right" Masamune said
"I wish at times he wouldn't be so stubborn" the deeper tone said
"He has to be with you, since you never listen to him" the lighter familiar tone said.
"I listen, but it would be easier if he didn't stay the same tone every time he lectures me" the deeper tone grumbled.
Masamune giggled a little covering his mouth. Kojūrō rolled his eyes and shushed Masamune.
"Right sorry, but it sounds like there talking about you" Masamune whispered.
"It's because they are. It's to lure you out." Kojūrō said, gripping his sword tighter.
"Well you should still listen!" the lighter familiar voice scolded.
"Yeah yeah, i know" the deeper tone sighed.
"Here we are the study!" the lighter familiar tone voice said.
"Great lets hope they don't try to kill me" the deeper voice said sarcastically.
"I doubt our Kojūrō would" the lighter familiar voice laughed.
"Hopefully, one Kojūrō hating me is more than enough" the deeper tone voice said sadly.
The sound of the study door opening was heard as a pair of foot steps walked in. Kojūrō held his position, frowning at the blue light flooding the study. Kojūrō backed a little further into the corner, holding his sword in front of him as he gripped Masamune. Masamune wanted to see but backed up with Kojūrō.
"Looks like they're gone Yuki, you must be going crazy already" the deeper tone sighed
"No i swore i heard Masamune and Kojūrō's voice in here" the lighter familiar tone whined.
Kojūrō held his breath as he listened for footsteps getting closer.
"I'll look over here you look over there Masamune" the lighter familiar tone voice said
There was a sigh from the deeper toned voice "Okay but I don't think they're in here" the deeper tone said as the metallic heavy footsteps came closer to Kojūrō and Masamune's hiding spot. Kojūrō's wrist turned so he could strike diagonally across the person's chest, and narrowed his eyes. The blue light lighted up the darkened space as the metallic heavy footsteps came closer. Kojūrō's stance adjusted and pushed Masamune a bit behind him as he got ready to charge, both hands on the katana grip for a powerful blow.
"When i strike, run for the door, either the one that leads to the stables or the hallway. I'll be right behind you." Kojūrō whispered to Masamune.
"Okay" Masamune whispered a little scared.
Kojūrō patted Masamune's head briefly before returning his stance.
"Hey me, Kojūrō you over here?" The deeper tone voice asked sarcastically stepping out into view. Kojūrō charged, swinging his sword on the ghost's injured side, then slicing again on the other side, before jumping back with his sword in front of him defensively.
"Shit!" The ghost said stumbling back.