One, two, three! Tada! Just like magic, chapter four appears! ::Tries not to get hit by any tomatoes:: Hehehe. I got this chapter out sooner than I thought I would.

And just to let you know... there will be something very dramatic in this chapter. But keep in mind when you get to THAT part that this is PG 13... You'll know what I'm talking about when you get there.

Disclaimer: Enchanted Pink Jade does not own Saint Tail.... Enchanted Pink Jade does not own Saint Tail.... Say it with me now! =P

Signed, Anonymous

Chapter Four: Her Protector, Her Savior, Her Love

By: Enchanted Pink Jade

*~*~*~*~*

Rina frowned. Her frown deepened even more as she read.

It was early in the morning and she was sitting on a bench near the park. A pink book sat in her lap.... It was indeed the same book that Asuka and Meimi communicated through. Sometime last night, she had seen Asuka Jr. coming out of his house, and she decided to follow from a distance, wondering what he was doing out at this time of night. One could say the same for her, but she was only taking a walk outside. It helped her to think sometimes. And she got the quiet and privacy that she wanted.

She stopped and hid behind a tree when Asuka suddenly stood standstill and placed something under a bench. It was too far for her to see what it was, though. Then he left.

Rina thought that it was really weird. But she followed him again, and ended back at his home. When she saw that he wasn't going to go back out anytime soon, she left for her own home, still pondering. She vowed to herself that she would wake up early to see what it was that he had put there, not now because it was too dark.

And there she was, sitting on the bench. Reading the contents of the pink book. Strange emotions were coursing their way through her heart and mind as she read.

So... Asuka Jr. has been writing to someone he didn't know? But... how? she asked herself. Then she figured that the other person might also be leaving the journal at the bench. That's kinda stupid, leaving it here for anyone to find.

She had figured sometime ago that Asuka Jr. was Anonymous #2, and that the other person must've been a girl, since in their entry, the person had written about a guy, and had later signed as Hime.

Tears threatened to fall as she re-read and skimmed through all of Asuka's entries.

"And there's this someone I like, too. This person, really sweet, and kind. But that's when I'm not around. Whenever I am... I don't know, things just seem to fall apart. I mean to say something nice, but something else comes out. I don't do it on purpose. It just happens.........."

Rina lifted her face from the page and rubbed her eyes to prevent any tears from falling. He's talking about Haneoka. I just know that he is. Who else can it be? Asuka Jr. really likes someone, and in all likelihood, it's not me, Rina thought sourly. Then she went on reading.

"I think that it might be love, but I'm not sure. I really care, I've known this person for a very long time now... You could say that we're friends, but you wouldn't know that if you'd only just met us for the first time. But I believe that we're friends. Maybe we can become something more, and yet that seems like I'm hoping for too much."

He.... loves her?

"This other one is very mysterious. And I love trying to solve mysteries. So maybe that's one reason I'm attracted to this mystifying person. I've never really seen this one, and yet I have these strong feelings."

Now he's talking about Saint Tail...

"I think that I'm leaning towards the one that makes me crazy, and not the mysterious one. I don't know... With this mysterious person, I still can somehow think straight. With the other one, my mind goes blank. Is that supposed to mean something? "

And he just might like Haneoka more.... He mentions nothing about me.

A lone tear finally earned enough courage to leave the sanctuary of her eyes, down her cheeks, and into the corner of her lips. Rina could taste its saltiness.

Was... all these years of chasing after him, and warding off all those other girls... a waste? she asked herself. Then went on reading the last entry that she knew was his.

Where were you? I know that I was there. I waited awhile, and was just about to leave when I saw the person that I really liked, in the same café. And since you didn't come... or I didn't see you, we ended up spending the day together. I don't want to sound mean, but I was kinda glad that you didn't show up. Please don't get mad at me. I didn't want to leave you hangin, but like I've said before.... My mind went blank and all the gears stopped turning in my brain. It became a one tracked thing and focused only on that one person.... I hope that you're not offended... We can try meeting up somewhere else again... That is, if you want to.

~419119

And this means that.... he had spent a lot of time with Haneoka. I wonder why she was there, a coincidence? Even when I told her to stay away from him... But it's not like he's pulling away from her either... It seems as if their feelings are mutual. Haneoka... she just doesn't see it. Asuka doesn't realize it.

Deciding that she had had enough, she closed the book softly and placed it back where she had found it. Then walked for home. It was a Saturday, and she didn't have anything else to do. When she got to her room, she climbed back into bed, curled up and cried, as softly as she could, as if people were around and she didn't want them to see her in this state. The tears dampened the pillows, but she paid it no heed.

Asuka Jr. loves Haneoka. She was sure of it. There was no other explanation. All signs indicated that he was head over heels in love with the redheaded girl. And that she loved him too. There was no use in trying to deny it anymore. Everything was confirmed in what Asuka had written to this mysterious person.

The blushes. The awkward moments that they frequently had now. And there were times when they were actually really nice to each other. Haneoka became so quiet around him, and Asuka Jr. seemed as if he daydreamed a bit too often. He never did before, and he never did space out. He would also look at the sapphire-eyed beauty so longingly... And when Haneoka thought that no one was watching, she'd look at Asuka Jr. with such sadness in her eyes.

Why hadn't she seen it before? All these other things, she noticed, but never thought more of. From all the observing she had done...

Why didn't I realize it sooner? she asked herself woefully. She also knew that both of the people were NOT aware of each other's feelings. They were just too stubborn to see. When she thought about it now, Asuka and Haneoka seemed like a good couple. What Asuka's friends said was true.

Rina decided that she had had enough with this, and a plan formulated into her mind. Her warning for Meimi hadn't worked, so she was going to approach this situation differently now.

I'm gonna do something about it. I don't care what anyone else thinks. This'll all be for the best, for everyone. To hell with what they feel. What about what I feel? This time, things will be different. I'll get things straight with Haneoka, no one can stop me. Not even Asuka, Rina thought with a vengeance.

Asuka Jr..... loves her, and not me...

She closed her eyes, and fell asleep... still crying.

*~*~*~*~*

Meimi sighed as she sat on the couch, watching Ruby play around, doing her little antics. She had called Seira the night before. But there was nothing new for Saint Tail to do. Her parents were out of town, and would be gone for a couple of days.

Meimi smiled to herself. The reason why her parents were gone was because someone had requested her dad to come. Apparently, someone had recommended a guy named Haneoka Genichiro, for his magic works are amazing. And Meimi's mother had gone along because there were going to do an act together. She knew that her parents would do well.

She sighed again in boredom. She had done almost nothing all day. Meimi hadn't gone and checked for the journal, thinking that it was too early for it. So instead, she went around town, in hopes of bumping into Asuka Jr.

No such luck.

She knew that Seira was busy, because she had said during their phone conversation that she was going to help some of the other nuns with a charity organization. Meimi didn't want to go to Ryoko's or Kyoko's, knowing that they would have teased her mercilessly. And then she ended back home.

Meimi glanced at the clock again. It was only 6:45 PM, but it was getting pretty dark outside. She sat up all of a sudden, causing Ruby to fall over from surprise. "I think I'll go check for the journal. You stay here, okay Ruby?"

Ruby squeaked a small response and Meimi smiled. She knew that Ruby would behave. Ruby watched her friend disappear upstairs, only to come back down wearing a light jacket over a shirt that she wore with her skirt. Even now, late at this hour, it was still a little humid out.

"I'm going now!" she said as she closed the door behind her.

As she walked, her mind started wandering off to some things, or more like SOMEONE. Meimi sighed dreamily for what seemed like the hundredth time that day, and chuckled when she remembered some of her friends' "wise" words of advice. It had happened about 2 weeks ago, but it was still fresh in her mind.

*Flashback*

"But Ryoko, how do you know that Jokudo Mayu is in love? How is it so obvious?" Meimi asked. Kyoko gave an exasperated sigh.

"Because she's always sighing. And she always has that faraway look in her eyes, as if she were somewhere else," Ryoko said patiently.

Kyoko nodded her head in agreement. "And then you would always catch her smiling to herself, as if she has some sort of secret that she won't tell. And when you ask her... she'll ask what you're talking about and then daze off again."

"But how will you know for yourself?" Meimi asked

"You just do, Meimi. It will sort of happen. Like chemistry. You'll just... know. Because you feel it with your heart, Meimi. When you're in love, suddenly everything seems to have a rosy color and feel. You heart will beat madly, making you feel like you'll explode. You'll find that you can't take your mind off of that special someone. Even unintentionally, he'll creep into your mind without you knowing until it's too late. And well, you know..." Ryoko explained.

"Yeah, and there's really more to it than that. But that's basically it. Why, Meimi?"

"Why what?" Uh oh... She didn't like the gleam that she saw in her friend's eye.

"Why are you all of a sudden so... interested, hm?" another friend wanted to know.

"Nothing. I was just curious... That's it. I swear." Meimi said, trying to sound honest.

"Oh! I Bet I know what it is! You're in love aren't you? And you were just asking us to confirm that your suspicions were true! So, tell us, who is it? You don't have to be shy. We've known you for a long time now."

"There isn't really anyone right now. Really," Meimi protested.

"Ah... so I assume that the red tints in your cheeks are just fast appearing sunburns?" Seira said coyly.

"Or she could be sick... Love sick," someone said, and then snickered. Meimi moaned.

"Love sick about me, right?" Sawatari suddenly cut in. But they told him to butt out and go away. He did so, but not before giving Meimi a wink.

"You know what Meimi? I think that you should go out with that guy. He practically worships the ground that you walk on," one girl said.

"Yeah... he does that. But she's not for him. There are some other guys that come to my mind..." Ryoko said with a sly grin.

"Who...?" Kyoko asked, and looked at her friend. When she saw the look on Ryoko's face, she knew. "Ooooooohhhh. I see. Yeah, that would be perfect..."

Meimi glared at her friends, and was about to say something back when a noise of books slamming onto a desk could be heard. They all looked to see what it was, only to find that it was Asuka Jr. who had caused it. He wasn't sitting too far away either.

He slammed down another book grumpily. When he saw that they were staring at him, he told them to mind their own business. He got up and left the room, slamming the door behind him.

"What a grouch. I wonder what's gotten into him..." Meimi pondered out loud. Seira giggled.

*End of Flashback*

Meimi smiled to herself once again. Was she in love? All the signs that her friends pointed out said that she was.... Sawatari, he was just a friend, and his compliments always did raise up her confidences up a notch. But was she truly in love? Yes... her mind decided, especially when she looked around and saw that she was nearing Asuka's house.

Wait... wasn't I supposed to be heading to the bench? This route takes up a lot more time... She thought it weird at first and she was going to wondering about it more when suddenly, someone grabbed her arm and pulled her into a small passage.

"Well, well, well. Looky what we have here." Meimi looked at her captor, or more like, captors. There were three of them, clad in all black, and they all looked to be about two years older than her. The one holding her had blue eyes, the one to his right had brown, and the other had green eyes specked with gold. All with brown hair and strong builds. And they all had some sort of maniac-like gleam in their eyes...

Meimi knew that this wasn't good.

"What a surprise..." said the one with brown eyes. He exchanged looks with his companions and turned back to her. "Do you remember us, honey?" He took one step closer to her and put his hand on her shoulder. Meimi jumped at his touch and walked backwards until she hit a wall. She looked to her side and saw that it was a dead end. There was no way out; they were blocking the only exit she had.

"Who are you? Just let me go... I mean no trouble..." Meimi said, trying to conceal her fear, and failing miserably. Oh my God... what are they planning to do with me? Please... Please let me go! Where's my magic now that I need it the most? Meimi thought, but she was frozen place, petrified.

"You don't remember? Tsk tsk tsk," said the one with the green eyes. Meimi took a good look at her captors this time, trying to dig in her memory, if and where she had ever seen these three....

Then her mind snapped. She knew who these people were.

*Hey, sexy. If you want a real man, call me up.*

They were the people from the small fast food restaurant... the same day that Asuka Jr. had apologized.

"You remember now, don't you? My name is Chino Fumio," the one with the blue eyes said. He pointed to the brown-eyed guy. "Kaneko Jin," he said and then pointed to the other guy. "Hanari Sachi." Fumio caressed her cheek. When Meimi tried to pull away, he laughed. "Tell me, will this be your first time?"

What do these guys want? They introduce themselves, and then ask me if this will be my first time....

Meimi's eyes widened when she realized what they had meant. "You can't!" She tried to go backwards, but her back was already plastered to the wall behind her. "Let me go." Scared stiff, she prayed that a miracle would happen. This can't happen to me... No! It wasn't even an hour ago when she thought the she would have died in boredom, and now her palms were damp and cold with apprehension. Her fear, overpowering everything else.

"Alright. We'll let you go," Jin said.

At these words, Meimi made a go for the exit, but Sachi stopped her. "But not yet, sweetheart."

"Why not?" she demanded.

It was Fumio who answered her next. "Because before you go, the three of us are gonna fuck you."

Now Meimi tried to make a run for it this time, but Fumio grabbed a handful of her hair and yanked her back. The pain caused tears to form in her eyes as she tried to free her hair from his hands. But he was just too strong for her. While her arms were raised in the air, trying to pull away from his grasp, Fumio snaked an arm around her waist and pushed her to the ground. Meimi could hear herself pleading with them to think about it, to let her go. Only, her pleas fell on deaf ears.

She kicked and tried to hit back, but they laughed at her futile attempts. "A feisty one, aren't you? That's good. That's exactly how I like my girls." She could faintly hear Fumio telling Jin to get her hands, so she punched harder. Jin took a hold of her wrists and pinned them both above her head.

Fumio was already lying on top of her. "Let me go! You scoundrel. I'll-" Meimi didn't get to finish what she was going to say, because then, Fumio was already kissing her, bruising her. . She felt him push her legs apart and he dug his knee into the inside of her thighs. That was when she screamed and kicked furiously. Then she felt her ankles being held onto the ground. Sachi must've been holding them.

Fumio ripped open her blouse, but her left her bra on. His hands felt like they were everywhere, touching her, violating her. Meimi squeezed her eyes shut in shame. She bit her tongue hard, until she tasted the metallic tang of blood in her mouth. More tears flowed out of her eyes as she felt him touching her legs; his palms rubbing alienated patterns.

"I always did like girls in skirts... Such smooth legs," he cooed. He crawled back up and kissed her, jabbing his tongue harder inside her mouth, making her want to retch. Meimi screamed on the inside, but the only noise that she made was that of a mewling kitten. The power in her, the will, the strength. They were all gone and spent. Oh my god...

"Please don't. Please..... stop." Meimi moaned out. "Help! Someone!" Someone please save me.

"Hurry it up, will you Fumio? I'm already horny as hell from this point of view. Don't take all night with her," Jin said.

Fumio chortled. "All right, all right. But these things can't be rushed you know. Especially when it's someone's first time." His sickening smiled made Meimi turn away in disgust. Utter revulsion. Again, she tried screaming for help, in hopes that someone will hear her and get her away before it was too late....

"Scream all you want."

"Help!" she cried weakly. But she knew that no one would come. Meimi sobbed, knowing that this will change things, forever. She would be tainted. How could she ever look into Asuka's eyes again? Or Seira's? She was a nun-in-training... How could she ever face her parents? Ever? And if she became pregnant? It was the right time of the month. Right in the middle of her cycle. She knew, because her period was supposed to be due.

And now... this.

It all seemed like some sort of terror movie. But Meimi was experiencing it first hand. The scared feelings she had when watching them was nothing compared to this reality.

"Asuka Jr.!" she screamed.

"That's it. Shout, scream, cry and shriek all you want. No one's stopping you. No one will come for you." She could now feel his full weight on her, crushing her into the ground. Meimi whimpered as she felt his sex through the fly of his pants.

He was hard.

"Like that ey? This is only half the fun. Just wait until I'm inside you, I'll thrust you so hard you'll scream even louder, for more," he said into her ear, his breathing heavy and labored. Meimi thought that she was going to pass out then.

Maybe it was better this way. If she wasn't awake while... they went through with it... Maybe it wouldn't be so bad... But Meimi knew that she couldn't live with the knowledge. She's have to change her name and move to another city. Another state. Another country.

Suddenly, Meimi felt Fumio rise off of her. Her arms and legs were freed from their captive. She could barely hear it, but she knew that voice. Meimi opened her eyes a little. And true enough, even with her semi-conscious mind, she saw Asuka Jr. pulling Fumio away and slamming him into the nearest wall. She tried sitting up then, but she found that she couldn't. Sachi and Jin were gone. They had probably fled when Asuka came.

Only Fumio was left of the three guys. And he was facing one angry detective at this moment. Asuka's hands were clenched into small mallets as he took one step in Fumio's direction. "Bastard," he spat out.

"It wasn't our fault. She'd wanted it. She came onto us," Meimi heard Fumio say. And this got her angered all over again, but her mind was too drowsy, as if she had been drugged.

"Do I look dumb to you? You were taking advantage of her you son of a bitch." Fumio was about to say something else, but thought better of it. Instead, he lunged at Asuka; his fists ready to cause pain of any sort. But Asuka ducked the attack that he knew was coming, and aimed for Fumio's stomach. It caused him to loose wind and the hit left him wheezing for air. But he rushed at his opponent still. Fumio threw numerous and powerful punches and kicks in an unsuccessful attempt to inflict some sort of damage.

Left hooks.

Back kicks.

Undercuts.

Roundhouse kicks.

Uppercuts.

Spin kicks.

Right Hooks.

All these attacks were aimed right at Asuka, but none of them made any contact. This made Fumio all the more furious. Why weren't his attacks taking effect? He always worked out everyday, and made sure that he was physically fit. This other guy looked to be younger than he did, so how was it possible that he himself was loosing? Fumio scowled as another hit was blocked.

Asuka Jr. merely dodged, sidestepped and blocked them all with amazing grace and ease, as if this was simply a stroll in the park. He decided that he'd finally had enough of this ring-around-the-rosy and threw a right cross punch, sending his adversary sprawling onto the floor. He quickly got up, gave him one look of contempt and scurried away.

"Goddamn coward," Asuka muttered as he watched him go. A moan to his right made his senses snap. In less then a second he was kneeling next to her, helping her get up. With his right hand, he closed her blouse up, as to not have her front so exposed. His usually deft and dexterous fingers were now slow and clumsy as he tried to button back her shirt, at least, what was left of it.

Meimi was beyond shame now, and was full of thankfulness. God heard my pleas after all.... No, it was Asuka who heard me... He came for me... How did he know?

"Are you okay?" he asked in concern. "Did they hurt you? Because I swear if they did..." He helped her stand up. She staggered at first and almost fell over if it weren't for him. He steadied her with his arms and she leaned onto him for support.

Meimi sobbed then. "Oh God. They had almost gotten away with it Asuka Jr. I was so scared. I was so scared. I was helpless and I couldn't do anything. I didn't like that feeling... and..."

"Shhhh... It's all right. I'm here. I won't let anything ever happen to you. Never. I'll always be there, for you. You can count on it," he said consolingly. He brought her lithe form closer to himself, and she buried her face in the crook of his neck. Asuka didn't know how long they stood like that, but it felt as if years had passed before either one of them stirred again.

"Come on, I'll bring you to my home. It's not too far from here," he said.

"Don't think I can move," Meimi said, her speech a little slurred.

Asuka frowned. He didn't like how limp and frail she felt at the moment. Suddenly, her knees bucked and she gave way. Asuka caught her on time, before she hit the ground and brought her up. With his hands supporting her back and knees, he carried her all the way to his home.

His father was there when he carried Meimi in. What a sight it must've been. Asuka had practically kicked open the door. His clothes were rumpled from exchanging blows with Fumio, and he had an unconscious Meimi in his arms. Her hair was mused, her clothes were torn and a little mud streaked. But even in this state of being, Asuka still thought that she was the most beautiful being he had ever seen. To think what had almost happened...

"Son, what the heck happened here? Did you find her like this? Isn't this girl one of your classmates?" Asuka's father asked. Before he answered any of them, he laid her ever so gently on the couch and made sure that she was comfortable. He straightened himself up and breathed in deeply.

"It was attempted rape."

"Jesus Christ. Did they....?" he said, leaving the question to hang in the air.

"No. I got there in time."

"Who was the guy?"

"There were three of them. Two were holding her arms and feet. The other...."

"Can you describe them for me?"

"All had brown hair, were about my height, maybe a little taller. One had blue eyes, green eyes and the other had brown. Brown hair, not too much older than me, and they were all wearing black. When I got there, the two that were holding her ran, and the last one fought with me."

"Mmmm.... That doesn't help me much."

"But this will," Asuka said, as he pulled out what looked like a wallet. He threw it at his dad and he caught it. "There's an I.D. in there. The one that I fought with. I guess he dropped it in his hurry to get away, and I picked it up."

"This is some proof... but I'm going to need her to come and-" the father detective was cut off by his son.

"No."

"They'll need to interrogate her. You know that."

"No," Asuka Jr. said again, more firmly. "She's had enough for one night. Tomorrow. She can deal with that tomorrow. Let her rest for now."

Seeing his son's determination, he relented. "Alright. I'm going to the department to report this, and try to get a lead about his whereabouts and any info on this guy. You call her parents."

Asuka nodded as his dad left through the door. He then turned his attentions back to Meimi. He went over to where she was sleeping. Her brows were creased and a frown was present on her features. Asuka kneeled down beside the couch and took one of her hands into his own. Thank the Gods that I got there before anything had happened. If I was 10 minutes later.... 5 minutes later.... Who knows what would have happened....

Asuka Jr. shuddered at the thought. He cradled her head in his arms and held her close. Nothing like this will ever happen again, Meimi. I swear it to my dying day. Even when you don't know that I'm there, I'll keep watch over you always, making sure that you're okay. Always.

*~*~*~*~*

Author's Note: Weeeeeeeeell, that was interesting. Though to tell you the truth, I'm kinda worried about this chapter. You people don't think that it goes over the rating of PG 13, do you? I draw my line at passionate kisses and stuff like that, but attempted rape... Was that over doing it in this chapter?

Oh well. Just tell me what you think in your reviews, k? You know, the usual, what you thought, and this time, what you felt while reading it. Were you surprised that I made this happen? I was already thinking about doing this chapter when I wrote the second one...

Rina is so sad right now, but she's got some sort of plan going on. Hopefully her plan won't cause a big rift between our favorite couple, ne? And Asuka Jr. KICKED ASS!!!!!!! Oh yeah! Hahahhaa! ^_^

Be on the look out for Chapter 5!

~Enchanted Pink Jade

E-mail: lyricalaznangel@aol.com