New Life
Chapter
5 : The Return of the Enigma
a Rurouni Kenshin Fanfiction
by : Sakeena deathstalkker@yahoo.com>
Sometime after the incident with Shinomori Aoshi and his evil attempt to separate me and Ikehara, the Shishio conspiracy broke out and shook the whole of Japan. I heard Himura battousai - indeed a famous dude - was sent to Edo to stop the maniac from taking over the nation, in behalf of the government. Poor Kaoru. Either Himura was just too damn nice to say no or he was just too stupid to risk his life to save Japan, causing emotional injury to poor Kamiya. But whatever they were up against, I can not do anything considering my physical condition , but pray and hope for their safety.
My anger to Shinomori did not subside. It was hard to forgive him, although I have heard that he had changed. Himura brought him back to his senses. Hard to believe, but if someone could pull it off, it was no other than Himura Kenshin, the butt saver of Japan.
My condition seemed to be growing worse and worse each day. I do not remember the name of my illness but I remember it was the same one my late master once had, and that sooner or later, I will die.
Ikehara was more optimistic about it than I was. He made me stop working "temporarily" so that I could rest and "regain my strength" , but I knew better that I had stopped working permanently and there was nothing more I could regain.
Keiichi forbid me from anymore drinking. Heck, from doing anything but eat , rest and some little exercise I could manage. I knew I was lazy, and I must admit, I enjoyed it the first few days. But after a while, it gets boring. Nonetheless, I did my best to abide by his laws, knowing he was working his ass off to keep us both alive and eating.
My life was pretty boring. I stayed home, slept, ate, took a stroll around and sighed and sighed, hating every moment that I became the goody goody loyal maid. I just wasn't used to living a normal, clean, subdued life. Even the mysterious man was nowhere to spice up my dull life. I miss that ass a lot. But boredom made me think, and more often than not, I have thought of my frustrations, of my disease, and as I stared at the running water in the river just at the back of our house, of the memories from the past that gushed back to my mind. Then, every sunset, I would go back to the hut to welcome him home.
I didn't realize it, but I had become so quiet, so fed up in my own thoughts. So gloomy. There are days I didn't even say a single word. Just a single smile for Ikehara.
"You should eat now," he told me as I sat by the door sideways, one leg hanging outside.
"Huh?" I asked absently, staring at the stars outside.
"I sad you should eat now. Before it gets cold."
"I'm not hungry."
He stopped and looked at me. "But you didn't eat dinner last night as well. You should eat. Please. I cooked this barbecued fish just for you."
Barbecued fish used to be my favorite. It still is. I knew Ikehara was doing everything he could for me, even cooking me food after long hard work during the day, but that time, I just could not bring myself even to pretend to like to eat. I wasn't hungry and I meant it. Sighing, I stepped outside. "Let's see the fireflies, Keiichi."
He stopped again at the mention of his first name. I did not normally call him by his first name. His eyes met mine. "Eat first," he ordered sternly.
Irritated, I kicked a stone and walked away. "Fine! I'm going all alone!"
It worked. Quickly, he jumped, closed the door and followed me to the tree not so far away from our house. While we walked, it was complete silence, even until we reached that beautiful tree, overlooking the river. I liked that tree a lot. Fireflies adorned it every night. But that night, the fireflies were few. Nonetheless, their light never ceased to light up the tree, even in their small way.
"What's wrong?" he asked me solemnly.
"Nothing."
"Tell me what that nothing is." I grinned at him. He had known me better than I thought. "Come on. Spill it."
"What made you think there is something?" I asked him.
He looked at the river, kicking a small pebble that fell on the water with a soft clank. It was dark, and was pretty hard to see clearly, but I knew how he must be looking like by the way he said out the words. "You're different. You're quiet now."
"Is that good or bad?"
"Well...it's not normal for you to be like that." He turned to me, and I met his earnest eyes. "You never smiled the way you used to...and I never heard you laugh. I want the old you. I want to hear you laugh."
I let out a sigh, turning my eyes off his and to the river down some five feet below. "I'm gonna die, Keiichi. Don't expect me to celebrate," I told him bitterly. As I turned to him, his hand raised and then all I knew, he had slapped me across the face. My reflexes, even my senses had slowed down.
"Don't ever say that again!" he said in his stern voice.
"I'm sick, Keiichi. And I'm gonna die! Let's face it!" I cried at him in frustration.
"You're not gonna die!"
"I am! And stop making me hope!"
But he had silenced me and had pulled me in his arms tightly. I buried my face on his shoulder. And for what was like the first time for such a long time, I cried.
Not long after, the Tokyo residents, Kenshin-gumi, together with Misao Makimachi, paid me a visit. I do not know whether or not this is because Ikehara begged them to, or out of their own free will.
I was sitting by the door, my favorite spot, in my favorite position, one leg hanging outside, when Sagara and Takani came. Takani, that rapid fire mouth fox lady doctor greeted me with a sarcastic compliment on my upper garment. Such sharp tongues that woman has. But as far as I knew, it served two purposes : one, to test me if I would retort back, and two, to annoy me and give me a new reason to live. But neither did I retort nor was I the least bit annoyed. I was too caught up in my own thoughts. Hell I was cramming for my finals.
"Yours is nice too, Takani," I muttered quietly. I caught her give Sagara a surprised look, before she sort of self invited herself in the hut. From inside, I heard her exclaim some more sarcastic comments about the condition of the house. But I said nothing and let her proceed to clean it.
Sagara was watching me all this time. I just sighed and turned my head away. Frustrated, he pulled me and grabbed the front of my "hot" upper garment -as Megumi had put it - and pulled me up. "What is wrong with you?" he demanded.
I did not bother wasting my strength to resist him and justify myself. I didn't owe anybody anything. But one thing was finally certain : Ikehara did told them about me.
Sagara told me Kenshin and Kaoru would be arriving soon with Yahiko and Misao. They had just stopped by the market to buy something. A little later, they did arrive, with an arguing Yahiko and Misao. They bought food for Megumi to cook. Not so long after that, Keiichi arrived as well and helped around prepare the feast with the fox lady.
I just stayed by the door, sighing to myself.
They were trying their best to cheer me up. But it was not easy. I hated myself for not being able to at least pretend to be enjoying their company, for their time and efforts. Hell, I hated myself for acting like that, pitying myself and worrying so much about my own death. Since when did the thought of death bothered me?? Never before. I have always been a close friend of death myself, but it was only then that I have come to realize that there really is a big line between living and dying.
It was hard for me to cooperate. But there are times that even smiling had become a great effort. My face seemed to forgotten how to smile the way I used to. I only sighed and sighed.
Of course, they were still fun and nice people. The constant rivalry between fox lady and Kamiya sparked every once in a while, Yahiko and Sano fought for the throne of SUPER PIG, Misao continued to tell a story that nobody really bothered to listen, while Ikehara and Himura were both too engrossed in their conversation. Once in a while, they would throw a question to me in an attempt to pull me in. But I had drifted apart. So far apart.
But Ikehara would do anything to pull me back. Fine, he must have thought. I'll fire my last bullet. And what the hell was that? Sake.
"Why don't I go and buy a bottle of sake right now? What do you say?" He asked hopefully, looking at me. "You can drink, but limit it."
I grinned. A little but genuine smile. Ikehara would do anything to cheer me up.
Kamiya, who was probably the one most bothered by my behavior, stopped Ikehara with her arm. "No, Keiichi-san. We'll go , won't we?" She turned to me with a smile.
"Sure," I agreed without much thought. The question of who to buy sake was never really a big deal before. Ikehara agreed, probably hoping Kamiya presence would help me, but requested Yahiko to join us. Kyoto streets were not exactly women's place, especially during nights.
The nearest bar where I could buy sake was some hundred meters or so from our hut. Just as I expected, Kamiya attempted to give me a pep talk. Even Yahiko was cooperating and stopped whining about his food when Kamiya stopped me from walking, and with an arm on mine, gave me a look that was hard to understand.
"You're gonna get better. I swear you will. Megumi - well, we're not exactly best friends, but I can tell you she's a great doctor. She can help you," she assured me with the most earnest eyes.
"Kaoru --" I began, feeling really uncomfortable. It was a shame my self pity was pretty obvious to all of them. That or Ikehara told them about it. How pathetic of me.
She shook her head and stopped me from saying anything more. "Don't you worry now. You'll live. I swear you will."
"Kaoru --" I tried to go on but this time, the boy interrupted me in support of his sensei.
"Kaoru's right. Megumi's a great doctor and great cook too! And don't forget Doctor Genzai! They can help you get well!"
I let out a sigh. There was no point explaining myself. "I hope so," was all I could say.
"Now give me a smile!" Kaoru beamed at me brightly. I tried so hard to produce one, and hated myself later for not trying harder. SHe pulled me to a hug. Then we proceeded to the bar, both of us hoping we made each other feel happy.
I volunteered to enter the bar alone. The bartender recognized me, and smiling, exclaimed loudly. " Oh there you are! One of my most loyal customers ever! You haven't visited for some time. I wonder why?! By the way, what will you have? The usual?"
I couldn't help smiling back as well as being thankful Kaoru and Yahiko were outside and unable to hear his words. One of my most loyal customers ever! wasn't exactly fit for women, especially if you were talking about bars, and bars that were actually in Japan. I shook my head at the guy and gave him my orders.
He was surprised. "Hmm...just a bottle? Boy, you people sure change in so short a time!" He handed me my order which I paid for quickly and with some more polite greetings and farewell, left. Kamiya and the boy met me outside and we headed home. Along the way, the two of them took turns telling me the fun things that happened during my absence.
But right in the middle of the street on the way back, as the wind blew my hair back and amidst Yahiko's and Kaoru's cheery voices, I felt something different. I stopped on my tracks. I may be sick but my supposed to be declining senses, much to my gladness, did not fail me this time. Hopefully, my instincts were still accurate.
"What?" Kamiya and Yahiko both asked in surprise.
My eyes widened. We were not alone. "Run, Kaoru," I hissed at her.
She was confused. "What?"
"Run." I turned to Yahiko. "Take her to the hut."
The boy, also confused, was going to ask why when something grabbed Kaoru. At first it was hard to see what suddenly pulled her in such great force that she screamed, but a little later, I realized it was strings that wrapped around her body. I dropped the bottle I was holding, my senses high on guard, but too late. It took time before I could detect the source of the strings.
Everything happened so fast. Or maybe just too fast for me. My body could no longer respond as quickly as before.
A laugh came from the atop a tree. I followed it and saw a mad man clutching Kaoru, one hand covering her mouth to keep her from shouting.
"Give her back!" I demanded, but my demand was interfered by my cough. Stupid stupid cough.
The mad man laughed at my pain. "Tell Battousai I want him here. Or this girl dies. Tomorrow night, same time, same place. He should go alone."
"Wait!" I yelled. The mad man looked like he was in a hurry to leave.
Suddenly some four men surrounded me and Yahiko before I had any chances to go after him. One I managed to beat up, the remaining, by the boy. He was indeed growing up to be a good swordsman. When I looked up to see the mad man, he was gone. Immediately, we ran back to the hut as fast as we could, but only to find the hut in chaos. Some unconscious men were littered around. A guy flew across the street at Sagara's punch, flying out of the window. Some men were still up, but he decided to chase after the others who seemed to be retreating.
"What's going on?" Yahiko asked in confusion.
"Himura!" I yelled at the red head who was dealing with a thug. "Kaoru's been kidnapped!"
HIs purple eyes widened. "What?!"
I told him exactly what the man told me. He asked if I could take him to the place. I agreed, but Himura probably sensed I was too weak to do anything much, as my breathing came in gasps, and asked the boy instead.
"Don't worry, Himura! We'll be in charge!" Misao assured the redhead with a wink as she battle several more thugs with Ikehara.
Coughing I crawled inside the hut. A cough escaped me. Blood stained my hand. Ikehara and Misao were both occupied with the battles going on. And there I was, too sick to even stand up. I must do something to help. Ikehara called at me and motioned for me to stay close to him, to which I replied with a nod. But the run had eaten up my strength.
I was by the door on my way to the where Ikehara was, crawling, when something stopped me at the sight of something at the corner of my eyes. Someone. He...was back.
The mysterious man watched me from a distance, outside, his large straw hat smirking arrogantly. I could not clearly see him, but I knew it was him. I could feel it. His presence, his aura.
It was confirmed when he let out darts. Darts again. Not so long ago, Keiichi was harmed by darts. But I felt happier it wasn't going to happen again. I closed my eyes. I seemed to be paralyzed in my position.
But I wasn't hit. Ikehara was. Much to my dismay, history repeated itself. Damn! He had shoved me away and saved me. Again. Three darts hit his body : one by the neck, one by his upper arm and last one by his leg.
Misao let out a scream at us. Quickly, I tried to regain myself and think to help my Ikehara by removing the darts. Lifting one dart to my nose, I smelled it, and surely, I was right. It was dipped with something. But it was not taking effect just yet. Nothing unusual was happening yet, although he was hurt and was bleeding. I cradled him in my arms and lifted his head to mine until my lips was before his wound by the neck. Without hesitation, I sucked out the blood that more likely contaminated by the dart. Then I spit it out to suck out more.
I did the same on his arm while Misao struggled with the remaining men. One last guy landed on his back at her powerful kick. Immediately after that, she came to us to lend her help.
I was going to do the same on his leg and was already tearing off his trousers when Misao gasped, looking at the door where she was directly facing. Looking up, I saw the reflection of what she was seeing in her wide eyes.
A laugh emanated from outside. Though I did not have to see who it was, I did to find the mysterious man with some more fifteen or so men outside. My blood began to boil. That was what I hate about that bastard. He never learned to play fair.
Ikehara stirred in my arms. I turned my head back at him as he opened his eyes. I was more than ready to scold him for his actions when his eyes closed again and I panicked. The laugh interrupted me. One of his guys stepped up front and became his speaker.
"The dart used on him is dipped with poison that will cause temporary paralysis on their victim unless treated immediately. Otherwise, he will die within four hours."
"What ?!?!" I yelled furiously.
Misao placed a hand on my shoulder. "I'll deal with them," she told me but I stopped her with my head shaking.
"They want me," I lifted Ikehara and placed him in her arms, standing up slowly. To them, I turned and asked. "What do you want me to do?"
"We have the cure. Surrender yourself with no more resistance and we'll supply the cure. For tonight."
My eyes narrowed at them. The speaker, sensing my confusion, proceeded to explain. "He needs a dose every four hours. We'll provide the medicine by a box of six on daily basis provided you keep your end of the deal."
"And then what?"
The guy was about to speak when the mysterious man stopped him and walked forward. "I'll think of something."
I gave in. It was not like I had much of a choice at all. Misao would not let me, but I nodded at her in assurance. "I'll be fine."
"But--"
"Take care of Keiichi for me please."
She shook her head. "No. Please don't go. Don't let these thugs fool you. Besides, you're sick."
I smiled at her in confidence, and even gave her a wink. She was left speechless. Holding both my hands up, I went outside in surrender. I walked until I was a but a foot away from the mysterious man.
"AYA!" I heard Keiichi's voice calling out my name. I turned around to see him, standing by the door, his arms around Misao's shoulders for support, his eyes wide, shaking his head. It was one of the very few times he mentioned my name without any honorific suffix. The intensity in his voice..the look in his usually gentle eyes...
I could not help but yell back at him, and call out his name, forgetting the situation for a moment. "Keiichi!" I called out at him, one of the very few times I called him by his first name. I attempted to run back to him, in my desire to touch his face, even for the last time. Keiichi held out his hand at me.
But as I reached out my hand to him, the mysterious man had wrapped his arms around me and had flown up high in the air around me. WIth outstretched arms, I clutched at Ikehara's shrinking image as best I could with my hand. I remembering seeing his eyes, his face, and his open had as we both tried to reach each other in vain.
And then total blackness.
I had no idea where I was, where he brought me and what happened next. When I regained my consciousness I was in a cell, dark, cold, dirty cell. Both my wrists and ankles were chained. I coughed. Again with blood. I still felt quite sick but I did not want to show how sick I really was. With a sigh, I leaned back against the cold wall, pulled my legs to my chest and wrapped my arms around it in a position the chains would permit.
It wasn't the first time something like that happened. That mysterious man made sure he drops by regularly to keep my life miserable. But, I must admit, his presence kept my life from being a total bore. However, right then, at that moment of discomfort, I regret to have missed him and to have taken my "boring" life for granted. I was really the great idiot.
The mysterious man rarely played fair. He was talented and skilled, fast, and I longed to kill him with my own hands. I have never seen him defeated before. Well I rarely see him unless he wanted himself to be seen. But what I wondered most about him - and even probably admired - was the fact that after all this time, he was still able to retain the mystery that surrounded him. I still draw no clue - after being abducted, hired, bribed, forced to work and being his 'puppet', falling in to his traps numerous times - as to who, or probably even what that mysterious man is. He was still, indeed, a mystery.
But one thing was different. This time, he abducted me himself and did everything himself, contrary to his previous actions where he would be content playing mastermind and pulling the strings safely behind the curtains. Now it was completely different. He meant business. But if there was one person in the world who was more determined to defeat him - and reveal his true nature, that would be me. And as I sat there in the cell, I renew my vows to catch him this time.
Letting out a sigh, I learned my head on my arm, shutting my eyes. I had no idea what time it was. I could ot even grasp how fast or how slow it was flying. Within the empty cell, time itself seemed to have stopped, along with the rest of the world that had drifted far away from me. I was alone. And dying.
Some noise later interrupted me but I did not bother looking up, pretending to be asleep. I heard several more clamor and no sooner, I was being dragged outside by some men. They brought me outside before him, the Might Mysterious Man. "Long time no see, Mister!" I greeted cheerfully in between yawns and stretches.
He seemed to be grinning. He nodded at his men to step back, leaving me before him who was unsheathing a sword.
"What?!" I went on without much thought. "But we were just reunited!" Before I could reply, a blade was pointing by my neck, silencing me.
"Today," he said clearly but firmly, " is judgment day."
But before he could strike, a voice cut him off. Another one which was awfully familiar. "Wait! Please wait!"
I opened my tightly shut eyes. I regret doing that.
Even the Mighty Mysterious Man stopped at the latecomer.
A tall lanky man with, well built figure stride closer. Half his face was burned, one eyes patched. His smirk was familiar. "Spare her and lend her to me for some time. I'm sure I can cook up something up that can give her some sort of use, even for amusement purposes only." He met my eyes. "Right, my love?"
My eyes widened. At the back of my head, I remember someone who called me that. My love. My love. My love. "You ---" I could not remember his name, but it was at the tip of my tongue. HIs voice....that ugly face....Sa...Sawagi?! It can't be! Wasn't he supposed to be in hell already?!
He grinned, reading my mind. "I'm back, sweetheart. Alive and breathing."
I was speechless for some time, my eyes wide. That bastard. Why can't the dead stay dead? He survived, that asshole. But it can't be. Didn't the building explode?! Wasn't the fire enough to burn him?! How- how- how the hell -- "You sonofabtich!" I cried out at him. "Aren't you supposed to be burning in hell?"
"I'm waiting for you. I'll make hell for you here while you stay with me." Like a maniac, his laughter erupted, the only noise in a moment of silence. At the sound of that, some birds flew off the trees. HE ahd changed. He had become more terrifying, more demonic, and less laconic, more suitable for his name. Unable to contain myself, I gave him one big blow on his face with all my remaining strength my hatred could express. The blow caused him to temporarily lose his balance as he stepped back at the force but he was aware how I had become, and the evil grin never left his ugly ugly face.
"Fine," the mysterious man spoke, obviously uninterested. "Since you two seem to have missed each other so much, I'll give you two time to recap."
Sharply, I spun at the mysterious man to protest. I'd rather die! But the mysterious man was already walking away, his cloak flowing smoothly behind him. "But," he went on in his calm voice as he walked away. "I will have her when I choose to. And --" He spun at Sawagi sternly. I strained my eyes to see his face but failed. "I will have the privilege of killing her."
Sawagi winked at me as he nodded at the mysterious man. "Yessir!" He replied very eagerly.
"Wait a minute!" I yelled at the mysterious man. But he was gone. I was going to shout out more but instead, a cough came out from me and I sank to the ground, feeling all the strength drain from me.
Demonically, Sawagi smiled down at me.
What Sawagi had in mind was definitely something I should not take easily. From the look in his eyes, I was certain he would only make sure I get the piece of hell in this earth just as he did. He would stop at nothing to get his sweet revenge on me. Probably even to his death, he will make my life very miserable.
That same night, he and his own men took me to their headquarters where a merry making was being held. There were more of his subordinates and their whores. He made sure I sit close to him during the feast. "We," he had told me, the demonic smile never leaving off his ugly ugly face, "will reign in hell." With that, he offered me wine which I found hard to resist. I could not believe I would be killed ever so easily had that been poisoned. But I knew Sawagi feared the mysterious man, from the way he stood before him not so long ago, and he would not do anything that will displease my original abductor. But really, I could not care less.
My thoughts wandered to Battousai and Kamiya. I wondered what happened to them. Deep within me, I prayed they would only be safe. To Sagara and Takani....for whatever reason Takani was kidnapped, I prayed they would be well. ANd then my thoughts landed on Ikehara. My Keiichi. I pray he would be well soon.
I had no idea how long I was sitting there, or if the partying had died. At times, I was oblivious to the world, even to my immediate surroundings, every time I was in deep thought. Hell, the world could be in flames without me noticing it. Hours, days, weeks, months...heck I could be sitting there forever. But it told me it was just one night when Sawagi decided to confront me of what he had in mind.
"Tomorrow, your lover boy will need six doses of the cure to survive the day....."
I gave him one long hard stare.
What Sawagi had in mind was this great ultimate plan of resurrecting the drug business f the late crook Takeda. But not only that he also intended to head his own yakuza gang and follow the footsteps of Shishio. But what was more, he needed my help to execute his plans. To this, I could not afford to say no. Keiichi's life depended on my cooperation, and even if I didn't like anything one bit in his proposal, I said yes. My Keiichi must live. I would do everything for him. Even sell my soul.
My job everyday was to make deliveries/ From the port where smuggled good were imported, it became my business to deliver them to Sawagi's Drug Industries, past the authorities. According to him, his men had aroused suspicion from the authorities and they need to constantly change ways of deliveries to keep the supply alive. Creativity was a great asset. So from being the sick, depressed, self pitying woman I as, I suddenly became the chief head of shipment of Sawagi's illegal business, inc. And if something went wrong and I was caught, I could be pointed to as the main antagonist in the scene and face severe punishment. It was a great risk. Oh what a life I had.
But one reason I agreed was primarily because he accepted my side of proposal on the deal : that I be the one to deliver Ikehara's cure every dawn. He agreed, but with me most of the time was his trusted right hand, Takuya, to watch my every move so that I refrain from spilling any information.
Ikehara, I had learned , as at Misao's place with the other members of the oni gang helping him to recovery. I was most relieved that he was in such good condition and with formidable warriors around to protect him when the need arises. To let them know of how to avail the cure, Takuya sent a message to them, relating Sawagi's oh-so impressive idea of the delivery. And so, it was that every dawn of about 4 am , I would be preparing Ikehara's cure in a box, and with Takuya, head for the rose garden, near the river and leave it there for one of the oni gang to pick up. It was Sawagi's golden rule that I would not be seen by anybody from the other side or else he would cut short the supply. There was not much of a choice but to follow.
But, luckily, Takuya was a man of kind heart. Oh yes, he did have one, unlike his bss. He was young man of medium built with a chin length dark hair and cold dark eyes. Few stitches ran around his face making him less than good looking. Several more scars on his face and burnt scar on his neck. His eyes were cold and empty at first look but when you have gotten used to it, I realized there was much beneath the coldness. He never harmed be, but was pretty loyal to Sawagi, following his every little rule, and I knew he would not hesitate to kill me if ordered.
Every dawn would be the long awaited time when I would make the deliveries of Ikehara's cure. It seemed as though it was my only link to the my old "boring" life, and a link to Keiichi. At least, through it, I was given hope. I would place the box underneath the largest tree in the center of the rose garden, hide behind a tree with Takuya as one of the onigang picks it up. Sometimes it was Misao, sometimes Okina, sometimes the other oni members. Shinomori came to pick it up one time.
I was still placing the box beneath the tree when he appeared suddenly. I jumped up in surprise. Takuya was just watching behind me, I knew. "What the ---?!" I gasped. I had forgotten he had changed. The last time I saw him, we were enemies. Instinctively, I withdrew a weapon. A breast dagger, for the matter, which Sawagi had given me as my sole weapon.
But his face was calm, very least bit bothered as though he was expecting it. "Ikehara misses you. He won't get well until he sees you," he told me.
I withdrew my weapon. The look in his eyes had changed. He had changed, indeed. "I miss him too," I told him.
"Come with me."
I shook my head, looking at the ground without another word. But when I looked up, Shinomori was staring at something behind me. I followed his eyes. Takuya. He had revealed himself from the shadows, staring back at Shinomori. I had broken one rule. Before anything could happen, I stepped back and joined Takuya.
"Tell Keiichi I will go home...soon."
I feared Takuya would tell his boss what I had done, and I was afraid Sawagi would withdraw his supplies of cure. I didn't know for sure if Takuya did tell or not, because after that, everything was the same. Probably, Takuya did tell Sawagi, but since no information was relayed, Sawagi did not care. That or Sawagi knew I was doing a good job being a crook and that he could not risk losing his chief of deliveries. He strongly believed that the life meant for me was the life similar to his, and that instead, I should be thanking him and rejoicing that he brought me back. He believed in one simple philosophy : Once a devil, always a devil. And for that matter, to him, I will always be his muse.
It was one night that I felt worse in days. It was in one of those days that I would bow down to no one. The day was bad, the weather was terrible, the local cops gave me a hard time, the negotiation with the importers pissed me off and I was tired and sick. "I'm sick. I'm going to see him!" I declared firmly.
"I'm afraid that is not possible," Takuya told me quietly.
"DAMN YOU!" I cursed at him furiously. He had been with me whole day but he still managed to regain his self control. Overly controlled people piss me off .Wasn't he least bit affected by the fact that it was a terrible hellish day?!! He was silent. I banged my fist against the wall. "I'm going to see him. Can't you see?! I'm sick and tired and I hate him!!! I'm going to kill him once and for all!!"
He tried to stop me but I went on walking. The headquarters was huge and I myself, after weeks of service, have not been around it. I stride faster and faster, not really aware of the place but constantly opening doors that could be opened and banging them shut, demanding for the a$$hole. It was the time of the night, however, that the headquarters seemed to be empty. Takuya continued to tell me not to go any further but he could not bring himself to use force either, since it was Sawagi's rule that none of his men were given the right to lay a finger on me, unless otherwise ordered.
Upon opening another door, I was lead to the room where from outside, I could see a small light emanating from within. I ran to it, Takuya quickly after me. A room before me had a glass transparent window that seemed to be one way only. I could see clearly though it when I got closer but the people within the room didn't seem to be able to see me.
It was like a lab. Some five people were within, doing something with powders, chemicals and all that stuff. A big wooden table was set before them were some device unknown to me were assembled. Some lamps were lighting up the room. But what caught my eye was the person at the corner consumed with something. It took time before my eyes could recognize who it was.
I gasped.
Takani!
She didn't look too happy at what she was doing. In fact, she seemed to be detesting every minute of it. At first I was in total confusion as to what that lady doctor was doing in a place like this, but I remembered. When Kamiya was kidnapped and we ran back to the hut, Sagara was also after some people, saying Takani was kidnapped too. But what would these people do with her? What did she have that they want?
And then I remembered. She was the only one who knew the ingredients in making opium. I recalled tidbits of her past in my head, and I remembered she once worked for Takeda.
I tried getting her attention by slamming at the window but none of the people inside seemed to be bothered by the noise that was created. Perhaps they couldn't even hear me shouting and banging at the window. This time, Takuya knew he must interfere. But I spun at him sharply before he could even touch me. "Leave me alone!" I yelled at him frantically. I withdrew my breast dagger and attempted to hit him with it, but he quickly got hold of my wrist, massaged it so that it fell from my hand , and sidestepping, twisted my arm behind me. Normally, I knew I could be able to fight him but that time wasn't normal, and my temperature was above normal. I coughed.
"Woman, you have gone against a number of rules already. I can't let you have your way now."
My body weakened. When he sensed this, he weakened his hold on me. Gradually, he released me and I fell sitting on the ground, picking up the dagger which fell from me. "Let's go to your room," he told me, his voice back to its calm tone.
"Tell me, Takuya. Is someone I know also being held captive? Aside from me and Megumi?"
He broke another rule. He told me the truth. "Yes. I think his name is Sagara."
"Where is he?"
"In his cell. He had been beaten."
Then he helped me in my own room. I knew I would have been in the cell, but being the chief of deliveries had its privileges.
The next day, I decided to approach Sawagi. Making me work for him was bad, but keeping Takani and Sagara was just worst. I could not tolerate it anymore. But then, that same day, the mysterious man wanted to have me back. It was probably after three weeks service that the mysterious man decided our 'recap' was over. I didn't know whether or not to be happy, but I didn't have much of a choice. After I made the deliveries , Takuya lead me to another place, telling me that the time had come.
That late afternoon, he brought me to another place where an awfully familiar looking guy accepted me in behalf of the mysterious man. Upon Takuya's departure, he told me that he had the box which contained Ikehara's final cure, and that all I had to do was lend him my services for that night. I was afraid that what he may have in mind - considering how he smiled demonically at the word 'night' - was something to do with the great perversion sweeping most men in Japan. But on the other hand, I knew he didn't look too stimulated at the sight of ill coughing girl, and that to spare himself or anybody of my disease, they better stay away. For that matter, my illness became a defense factor in disguise.
But that was not what he had in mind. Because he sensed my doubt, he showed me the box of cure which he claimed the mysterious man entrusted him. He even told me, with pride, his name - Yamazaki Kojiro. In exchange for the box, I should be doing something for him in exchange. I finally agreed. Not like there was much of choice. He gave me sword, saying I just had to guard someone.
There was already some battles going on as I heard. Noises of shouted, footsteps echoed the hallway. I could not be certain, until finally, Yamazaki brought me out to the scene.
"What am I to do here?" I asked without much interest. We were on the second floor of the building, the first floor serving as the arena. I didn't care, and didn't even bother to look. I knew it was my last day. My thoughts were constantly preoccupied with Keiichi.
"Keep the newcomer from touching my hostage," he told me frankly.
"Where is the hostage?"
"In a minute."
Some of his men brought out the hostage who was blindfolded and bounded in the arms and wrists.
I gasped in disbelief at the recognition. "Kao -"
Yamazaki laughed, showing me the box. "Keep your end of the deal. That's all I ask for."
This was too much. I was getting tired of being their puppet, consistently being played upon. Why of all the other formidable men they had, they wanted me to do it? Was this to test my loyalty? Or just to make enemies with my friends? It was obvious : they just wanted to play with my life. But deep down, I knew it wasn't just Yamazaki. How would Yamazaki know who I was acquainted with? Of course, it was just one person : the mysterious man. It was all his plans. Yamazaki was merely someone who was executing it for him.
Another realization hit me. Yamazaki was the abductor. The lean man with ashen skin, almond gray eyes, long chin....why I didn't recognize him before was that he was wearing something else during the abduction. But it was him. The laugh that suddenly came from him convinced me it was indeed him. How could...??!
But I knew the mysterious man was the one behind this. He could only be the one. He was pulling the strings. How else would Yamazaki know anything? He could only get the information from the mysterious man. And Sawagi....didn't Sawagi take orders from the mysterious man himself? So both of them were being supported by the a$$hole. It maybe Sawagi who abducted Megumi Takani to help him with his plans, and Sagara to make Megumi do as he wanted, while Yamazaki kidnapped Kamiya to control Battousai, but it was the mysterious man's golden plans. Not only was the strategy to divide the attention and strength for our side, but was also to damage the friendships and distract us using our emotions. And while Sawagi and Yamazaki begun it , so he abducted me to finish the job. Of course, it was the last job, wasn't it? The "last" job he had been referring to all this time. He had twisted the situation to decrease our will, and interrupt in our abilities. As for Himura, the mysterious man knew Himura would not fight his own ally. But he would be forced to, just as I was being forced to, and the a$$hole would rejoice at that. He would love to see me suffer, so that I get killed by the very people I trust. No need to lift his finger and I would be gone. On the other hand, if miracles would permit, if I defeat Himura, this would also be beneficial for him, and many other crooks. Either way, the mysterious man wins. I was furious.
I looked down to the 'arena'. Indeed it was Himura. He was slashing his way through, but never killing. In seeing the need, the men who brought Kamiya outside jumped down to face the Battousai. I was the only one left the guard her.
It took only minutes after Himura defeated him. Then he looked up to see me, unsheathing the sword. He was surprised. It was my time to fight. I must fight him. All I wanted was the box.
I knew Yamazaki was watching. So I jumped down to meet the Battousai in a battle.
"I don't see any reason why we should fight," Himura told me.
"I have no choice. I'm sure you now comprehend what the circumstances are."
"Still......"
"I just want the cure for Ikehara."
"And I just want Kaoru."
"This is understandable. We're both fighting for the people we love." I lunged at him with my blade. At first, he just continued to defend himself. I hated it. My self pity was overcoming me, and my feeling became intense. Why wasn't he fighting back when I knew he could? I was giving this battle my everything. It meant so much to me. I decided to be aggressive and tried my best to hit him. It didn't take long before he decided to take offense.
An explosion took place, and the building shook. I stopped.
Even Himura did. "I told them not to come."
I suddenly attempted to hit him while he stood still but he knew what I had in mind and blocked it with his sword. Several more explosions, but we went on. We knew there was fire somewhere because of the smoke that began to spread. But I didn't stop. He continued trying to make me see, but I replied to him with attacks. Until finally, he was forced to give me a blow that sent me down on the ground.
Smoke was beginning to spread quickly, and I wasn't able to see what happened to Himura and Kamiya. I was certain Yamazaki would no be able to se through the thick smoke either, and there were chances I could just steal the box from him. After all, I used to be a pickpocket. It might help.
But something caught my eyes. As I lied there on the ground, I saw the mysterious man step on Yamazaki's body, staring at something before him. Someone.
Ikehara.
He was there, sitting by the entrance. What..what was he doing there? They seemed to be exchanging some words. But something was wrong with Ikehara. He could not move from his stiff position.
Quickly, I stood up and ran to them, shouting at the mysterious man to fight me and leave Ikehara alone. He took my challenge, and soon, we were battling each other. Again. This time, I was determined to know his identity and who he really was.
"Who are you?" I asked in frustration, attacking him one way or another.
"Do you really want to know who I am?"
"You bet!" I answered. His sword got past my defenses and wounded my left arm. I stood, breathing hard, feeling myself getting stronger. Sweat ran to my face and to my chest and back. He stopped a few feet away from me, and then took off his straw hat.
I was paralyzed. For a moment, I could neither move nor speak. "Master....Tan..." I croaked out. Tears formed in my eyes. It was him. My master. His face, his eyes....it was just him. But it couldn't be....
"Don't ever call me Master Tan!" he yelled at me angrily.
Suddenly, I seemed to be losing my strength, my will and my ability. The man that I had loved all my life, the man I had looked up to as my father...he was the one causing all this misery. My mind searched for answers as my eyes turned to ask him. There must be some valid reason why he was doing this to me. I thought he was dead all this time. I loved everything about him. Everything. I respected him and his memories kept me alive. But he was there, standing before me, revealing to me that he was the one person I most despise. There must be a reason. A reason for all this.
"But Master --" I could not help it. I cried, my tears falling down on the blade of my sword.
"I said I am not your master!"
I shook my head, tears blurring my eyes. And then I remembered something. Master Tan had a scar on his chin. When my eyes cleared, I tried to see. It wasn't there. This gave me new strength and lifted up my spirit. He was right after all. He wasn't my master at all. Although he looked awfully so much like him...
"I don't understand...." my voice trailed off.
Then I heard something. I turned my head. Keiichi. he was saying something, but whatever that caused paralysis on his body was giving him a hard time even uttering a word. But I heard it clearly. "Fa...ther."
I was again struck by shock. Father? The mysterious man was Keiichi's father? I looked up to the mysterious man. He was acknowledging it. I looked back at Keiichi. He was still paralyzed, but he was looking at his father with longing.
"I am your Master's twin brother," the mysterious man told me. "And I have returned to end your life!"
I was forced to continue the battle since he was being aggressive. At least, I knew it was not my Master, my sinking spirit began to rise up once more. I'm sorry, Keiichi, but I have a vow to keep. He took one aggressive move that I had to leap back to miss it. But when I did, I lost him, and could not see him because of the smoke. I kept my eyes wide, trying to feel his presence. I had no idea where he could be coming from. It was all smoke.
A blade gleamed behind me, and I turned, readying myself. I was relieved and surprised to see Keiichi holding the sword. He had overcome the paralysis and was walking towards me.
"Keiichi --"
But he drew up his sword and aimed it at me. I was horrified. WTF?! I shook my head at him , refusing to take any offense. He continued to advance, and even took the first move when he was closer. I had no choice but to defend myself, hoping to get himself back.
His gentle eyes were now deadly. So deadly. It was the first time I saw Keiichi fight - and actually experience it. I didn't know he could fight. From the way he looked, the way he smiled and laughed, he didn't look like he was capable of fighting. I was a fool to assume that. Looks were deceiving. Besides, it was obvious that Master Tan's family were composed of fierce warriors.
"Keiichi!" I yelled at him helplessly.
His warms eyes were now cold, distant. "I'm sorry, but I must kill you."
"But why?!" I screamed at him. Why I was dragged in the situation , in the first place, was because of him. I loved him. I still do. And he wanted to kill me?!! I didn't understand, but it was my instincts to protect myself. After he managed to hit my leg, I still could not bring to hurt him.
"Aya! Keiichi!" A voice from above us yelled. It was Yahiko's voice. They were probably on the upper floor, witnessing our battle. We completely ignored them, and continued to battle. He to offend, me to defend.
The mysterious man suddenly joined. Great. Father and son against me. But what surprised me was his actions. He pointed his sword at his own son, threatening to kill him if I do not drop mine, which I had pointed at him. But what was even more ironic was that Keiichi was pointing his sword at me, so that I would drop the sword that was threatening his father.
We were all still. I didn't drop my sword. Never. I took the pause as an opportunity to get back my breath. My mind was searching for some way to solve the situation. That was hard. I wasn't exactly the brainy type. Besides that, Keiichi's actions did bother me so much. Why was he more than willing to side with his father who had caused him his misery and at the moment, pointing a sword at him? That I didn't quite understand. I decided to let go of my emotions. It was tough. I love Keiichi, but I had to do something and no one, not even him could stop me. Besides, he didn't seem to be in his senses. If he was, he had changed so quickly.
The one person I wanted to battle was the mysterious man, who at the moment was no longer mysterious. I had no business with Keiichi whatsoever. Quickly, although against my will, I kicked Keiichi and got in a duel with the a$$hole. Ikehara stumbled back, and then, the smoke covered him up from my sight as we were shielded from him. I still could not believe Keiichi would do fight me out of his own free will. He must hypnotized or something. I forced myself to believe that.
The mysterious man told me his name as we battled. Mamoru. He was indeed a good swordsman. Probably even better than Master Tan himself. "Why are you doing this to me?" I asked him.
"Because I hate you. You've caused me grief. Sorrow. You...you are the reason why me and my brother were separated."
I was confused. "What are you talking about?" I demanded irately.
"I would not have killed him because of you!"
This got to me. I slashed at him, regaining my quick reflexes back. At some point that I was totally aggressing over him and he could not take any offense, he leaped back and disappeared in the smoke. I took the time to breathe hard, at the same time feeling my enemy. I felt someone coming from my left so I prepared myself. It was Keiichi with his sword, aiming at me. But one thing caught my eyes. He was holding a gun.
I didn't know what to do. He seemed to mean business. And he didn't look hypnotized. I stared at him helplessly. "Keiichi...."
"I'm sorry," he told me, then continued to lounge. At first I just tried missing it, trying to get him to talk to me, but he didn't say anything else. He looked completely in himself. I was compelled to use my sword against him.
But Keiichi was skilled. JUst as I took the offense on Mamoru, he took the offenses on me. But not only that, he was strong and fast, and in no time after retreating backwards, I was back to back against the wall. But I wasn't to give up. I tried resisting him, and finally, all I managed was to kick his sword away. But I forgot one thing : he had a gun.
He stood so close to me we were almost face to face. I felt his breathing on my cheeks, his eyes so fierce. A tear slid down to my cheek as I tried reading what was in his eyes. "Keiichi...why?" I felt so hurt, so betrayed. He was the man I loved to the bottom of my heart. He was staring back at my eyes, but it was just empty. What happened that you were so cold I almost fear you?
He was unmoving for some time, but I realized that he was holding the gun that was pointed at my stomach. He wasn't looking at it, but there was no way he could miss. I could not help it. I cried. "Keiichi....please..."
He pulled the trigger. My eyes were wide with shock. He didn't look if he missed or not, but he suddenly blinked and probably realized what he was doing. I wasn't hit however. He did miss. I was just shocked that he could pull the trigger as he threatened. His eyes softened, at loss of words.
A black shadow was nearing from behind him, a blade pointed at Keiichi's back. Quickly, I pushed him away, and my sword met Mamoru's in another duel. During this time, Keiichi was trying to recover from his own shock, giving me and his father the opportunity to finish our duel. During this time, Mamoru continued his story as he fought, his eyes blazing with anger.
"Some years ago, my family was massacred in Tokyo. My wife, my daughter - they're both dead. I blamed my brother for this, left Keiichi and my home and for some time, searched all over Japan for him. During that time, he had adopted you, you little witch. And so, I wanted to get my revenge back at him, I decided to kill him. But after his death, I was still unhappy, maybe even sad. Then I realized what the problem is - who the problem is. It is you, Akemi, you!"
"What have I got to do with your problem?"! I demanded angrily. So he killed my Master. I will avenge him. Wait a minute. Did he call me....Akemi? I was surprised and confused.
"Akemi! You are the reason! You separated me and my brother!"
"What are you talking about?" I cried furiously. My name wasn't Akemi. Was he seeing things?
"But now that I've seen you and my brother, I knew. You're not the only one who's gonna die. You're both gonna die!" He took several more strong offenses which I was having a hard time counteracting.
I was not sure what Mamoru was talking about, but I knew one thing : I was going to avenge my Master. He had admitted it himself. He was behind it. He may have not done it literally, or he may have made someone else do it, but it was his plans.
But Mamoru was angrier, and he continued his accusations. "You and my brother were having an affair! You betrayed me, Akemi. I loved you dearly, my wife, and what did you to me in return? I did everything to make you love me, but you never did!"
"What are you talking about?!!?!" I yelled in frustration. Why was he calling me Akemi and accusing me of having an affair with his brother? And why did he just call me wife?! WTF was going on?!?!?!?! "I'm not Akemi, and I never had an affair with my Master! You're out of your mind, mister. And you actually attempted to kill your own son!!"
"You know he is not mine, Akemi. He is the fruit of your affair."
This time, I was certain that the mad man had gone out his balls. But he was really furious and struck me on my arm. I was no match against him, indeed.
I didn't know Ikehara was watching. I yelled at him to leave, but he just stared in space in shock. What was going on? The time I turned to him gave Mamoru the opportunity to knock me down the floor.
Coughing, I tried regaining myself, shaking my head and looking up to Keiichi to tell him to run and leave. But that time, he was just staring in shock. I heard several more explosions, and I felt hot. This told me the fire was spreading. But if we were not going to die of burn, we were going to die of suffocation.
But as Keiichi stared in space I thought I saw a tear slide down his cheek. "You mean....I am not your son?" he asked Mamoru, turning his head to him.
Mamoru didn't say anything as he walked to me and finish me off. Suddenly, I understood everything. Master Tan and Akemi, Keiichi's mother, had an affair. But why I didn't get was..why was he referring to me as Akemi? Why was I dragged into the family problem in the first place?
But Keiichi had stood up and had picked up his sword. He was striding towards Mamoru, regaining his composure. "Leave her alone," he ordered Mamoru firmly.
"Oh come on. You don't love this little bitch here do you?" His blade came to my neck.
"Don't dare, Mamoru. Don't dare."
"Stop pretending you love her. One reason why you helped her is that she looks like your mother, right?"
"Shut up!!"
"Don't worry there boy, that makes two of us. My goal in life is to kill both of you because you remind me of my brother and Akemi." He laughed wildly.
But Keiichi had ran to him and was already giving him offenses. Mamoru had no other choice but to withdraw his weapon from my neck and defend himself. I was paralyzed where I was, hurt at the truth said before my face. So Keiichi....
As they fought, I decided there must be some other things I could do to help than focus my mind on the painful truth laid out before me. I was deeply hurt by the revelation, that I served only to commemorate memories of Keiichi's late mother, both for Keiichi and my Master. Although I would be honored, it hurt to know that both of them - father and son - primarily came to my lives because of one woman which was not exactly me, and never will be me. Of course, what else would be another explanation? It answered many questions I have always asked. So in short, my Master must have helped me, not basically out of his own free will and good virtues, but because I reminded him of someone else. I tried to control the tears coughing blood.
I tried to stand up, and managed to. I didn't know how it happened, but I saw both of them wounding each other, almost close to killing. I thought I saw so much of Master Tan's resemblance in Keiichi while fought. Oh yes. How could have I not known? They look so much alike. My heart was overwhelmed with love. I realized it wasn't just Keiichi who committed the crime, but me as well. Perhaps one reason I liked Keiichi was because he looked so much like my master. It was only then that I saw it,
I didn't know how the battle ended. I was losing consciousness. The wound on my arm was deep, and it hurt. And to add to that, I have already having a hard time breathing. I felt dizzy. Weak. Helpless. Hopeless.
But as I was about to fall, someone caught me. I only had a little strength left to open my eyes. I did, and saw Keiichi, supporting me. I cried. Was he still helping me because I reminded him of his mother? Nonetheless, I shook the thought away. I loved him, not for any other reason, and I will continue to love him until the end. "I love you, Keiichi," I whispered in his ears.
I heard him whisper back to me. It was nice. Then I passed out.
That was how my adventures with the mysterious man ended. After that, I learned that the Oniwabanshuu had decided to attack the headquarters side by side with the cops. However, when the cops lost its forces and retreated, it was all up to Misao and her group to arrest the villains.
Yamazaki Kojiro, I learned, was a friend of Jine Udo who came back to avenge his friend by kidnapping Kaoru, just as Jine did, with the help of Mamoru Ikehara. Likewise, Sawagi also came back with the support of Mamoru Ikehara to resurrect Takeda's drug business. Sawagi, who was defeated by Himura in a battle, was arrested, while Yamazaki Kojiro was found dead on the same place I last saw him when Mamoru stepping on his body. According to the investigation, and to Keiichi himself, Mamoru killed Yamazaki when the latter attempted to apply a permanent paralysis on Keiichi, a somewhat similar technique used by Jine on Kaoru some time ago. Luckily, the technique was not fully applied on Keiichi. I was plagued by answering the question, 'why?' but Keiichi told me that Mamoru spoke of his anger towards Jine Udo and his comrades as he killed Yamazaki. His uncle had also revealed that it was Jine Udo, Yamazaki Kojiro, and their companions were the one responsible for the Tokyo massacre that caused the death of Keiichi's mother and sister. In short, it was clear that Mamoru Ikehara planned his actions carefully before hand. His real motive was revenge alone.
The headquarters fully burned down after explosions after explosions. According to Ikehara, it was the Oniwabanshuu - specifically Shinomori and Misao who helped us both outside, some seconds before the HQ completely exploded. It was also them who decided to accept us in their home and treat us with Himura, Kamiya, Sagara , Takani and Myoujin. The bodies that remained within were burned down so that identification was completely hard. Takuya, I heard, also died in the explosion. However, no description of the corpses fit Mamoru. Keiichi admitted he was not able to kill him - he couldn't, and the possibility of Mamoru alive was high.
--------
Later on, the K-K gang as well as the Oniwabanshuu decided to set me and Keiichi up. As I rested in our little hut, waiting for Keiichi to return (which was fixed with their help as well), Takani and Misao suddenly arrived, Megumi giving me her usual dry stare and snide comments about my clothes while Misao as bright and active as usual. A little later, Kaoru and Yahiko arrived with stuffs bought from the market. Even without my consent, they tidied up the house, cooked for which I assumed was another "feast". But later on, it wasn't just the house they wanted to tidy up - it included me. Kaoru almost dragged me to the bathroom, and made me take a bath. RIght after that, she and two other women were still not happy. They wanted to dress me up in kimono! I wanted to refuse - kimonos were not exactly my type of clothes, and it had been a long time that I last wore one. I didn't even know how to wear one, goodness! BUt they insisted, and told me it was bought by Keiichi himself for me. So with a sigh, I agreed.
When Keiichi arrived late at night, everything for the "feast" was prepared. Except that, my companions suddenly disappeared into thin air leaving me and Keiichi alone. I didn't know how to face him while wearing a kimono.
He stared at me for a long time without a word that I felt stupid. "Oh, God. This is a bad idea, isn't it?"
He shook his head. "No no, of course not. In fact, it looks good on you."
I looked at him in surprise. "It does?" My eyebrow raised.
"You're --" he stopped, looking at me in silence, as though searching for the right words. "--lovely," he finished with a smile.
I was embarrassed by what he said, and I could not help looking down at my feet. Even my hair was not spared by my 'designers' - it tasted comb after such a long time. It was the first time I felt like real woman. When I looked up, I smiled at him. "It must be the kimono, huh?"
He smiled back at me. For some time, we were just smiling at each other without a word.
I offered him my hand which he took without hesitation. Together we ate and had our little feast.
I never felt happier.
February 2000 © Sakeena