Sakura sat at her brother's side the entire night. At Hatori's insistence Tohru had stayed at the main house and had gone to bed while Kyo remained in the room with Sakura and was now asleep in the other chair by the door. Reiji came in the next morning and tapped his uncle's shoulder.
"Uncle Kyo" Reiji said startling the older man a little.
"Huh? Uh what?" Kayo replied stammering, "Is Kaye awake?"
"No not yet. Uncle Yuki called saying Kunimitsu wanted to know if you were opening the dojo this morning."
"Oh. I guess I'd better go call him" he said moving groggily from his chair, noticing Sakura's head on her brother's hand, "Sakura honey" he whispered, "You really ought to get some sleep."
"I'm not leaving his side till he wakes up dad" she said softly without even raising her head, "Go make your phone call. I'll be fine."
Kyo stared at his daughter sadly and then departed the room, whispering to Reiji as he went.
"Keep an eye on her for me."
Reiji nodded as he left the room and then moved closer to the bed.
"So uh" he began, "Any change?"
"Not yet" she shook her head raising it at last, "What have you heard?" she looked at her cousin imploringly.
"The police are still looking for her, but so farit's been kept quiet that she's missing to the public. But you know how long that will last in this small town. Considering there are tons of cop cars surrounding the temple and quite a few at the Kamiya residence right now. Someone even came over to the main house this morning to talk to Katsuya, but Hatori told them to go away."
"What's your personal opinion about all this Reiji?" she said looking into her brother's face.
"Hmm?"
"You must have one. Do you think the Ushidas are behind this?"
"Actually, no I don't" he shook his head.
"How come?"
"This isn't their style at all. The Ushidas always tend to prepare an elaborate scheme to trap us in. This was done directly. The Ushidas never take a direct approach."
"That's true. Then maybe it's someone against the mayor. After all she was the only one taken."
"That's what the police think too. But still" he hesitated.
"But still?"
"I don't know. What if that's what the person wants us to think?"
"You think that's a possibility?"
"Maybe. I'm not sure. You do look exhausted though Cherry. And you haven't eaten anything since last night. Maybe you should go get something, like a strong cup of tea."
"Will you watch him for me until I get back?" she nodded finally relenting.
"Of course. And I'll inform you the minute he wakes up. Why don't you go to my house? My mom always has a fresh pot of tea available.
"Okay" she nodded again, "I don't want to disturb anyone over here after all" she walked to the door, "I'll be back as soon as I can," she added leaving.
(Next Scene)
Sakura walked out of the main house and was heading for Reiji's house when she spotted a familiar person standing at the gate.
"I don't believe it," she gasped as she ran over.
For standing behind the gate was Stephen with a very worn and worried expression on his face. She smiled wanly at him as she noticed that his eyes looked as tired as hers.
"Stephen. What are you doing here? Oh" she realized, "Oh you're here because of the abduction?"
"I came as soon as I heard from Sam. I caught the earliest plane I could last night and arrived just ten minutes ago."
"But what are you doing here at the main house though?"
"I came to talk to Katsuya" he replied seriously till he saw her face fall, "Sakura what's wrong?" he asked in concern.
"Come on in" she opened the gate, "And I'll tell you."
He walked through the gates and stood next to her as she sighed heavily and began to explain.
"You can't talk to Katsuya right now."
"Why not?"
"Because he's unconscious that's why."
"What?" Stephen replied stunned.
"Apparently when your sister was taken someone else was beating up my brother so he couldn't follow. When Reiji and I found him at the temple we brought him here as fast as we could."
"The police didn't mention that" Stephen frowned.
"I doubt Hatori would tell the truth either at this point. You know how secretive my family is."
"Because this is about the Zodiac curse?"
"I don't think so. Reiji doesn't either."
"Then it could be about my stepfather's position."
"Maybe. I'm afraid we won't know much of anything until Kaye wakes up."
"You look exhausted" he replied gently placing a hand on her shoulder.
"I've been by his side all night" the tears stung her eyes as she spoke, "But he hasn't awoken yet."
"Oh Sakura" he wrapped his arms around her, "I'm so sorry" he added as she cried.
"I really wish he'd wake up soon. I've never seen him like this before. He looks so helpless lying there. I don't know how to help him."
"All you really can do is stay by his side" Stephen said pulling away and looking at her directly, "I wish I could stay by your side too, but I have to get back. I told my stepfather that I would help out in the investigation."
"Do you really think you should involve yourself in this?"
"She's my little sister. I got to do something. My mom's a wreck and Sophie and Sam are trying to comfort her as much as they can. Listen Sakura, I don't want to pressure you but" he took her hands into his own, "The minute he wakes up or you hear something, anything, please call me on my cell phone."
"I will. I promise. And you be sure to do the same?" she nodded.
"Of course" he agreed, "I got to go now" he kissed the top of her head and then dashed out of the gates.
Sakura stared at his retreating figure and was about to head towards Reiji's house once more when she heard some running from behind her.
"Sakura!" Takara called as she ran over from the main house.
"Takara? What is it?"
"Reiji sent me to get you" Takara said out of breath, "Kaye's waking up."
"Take me to him" Sakura replied without a moment's hesitation.
(Next Scene)
Seitarou stared at the crumpled pieces of paper on the floor with a slight frown.
"Well I see you were serious" he replied sarcastically, "Good thing I made copies."
"I'll never reveal that information to you" Stephanie replied defiantly, "And you can take the cake back" she crossed her arms.
"Oh you will reveal that information. I'm a Nakagami" he said looking at her directly in the eye his own icy blue eyes flashing, "Which means I don't fail when it comes to accomplishing my tasks. I can be either nice about this or I can be mean. It's your choice."
"You don't scare me" she turned her back on him.
"I don't scare you yet. But trust me" he clamped on another list onto the clipboard and walked over to the table that she was standing close to and slammed it down making her jump, "I'm not one to be trifled with. If you don't cooperate with me I'll show youthe worst kind of fear that you will ever know."
She stared at him, the fear rising in her eyes and wondering if he was bluffing or was he positively serious about his threat.
(Till Next Time)
Authors Note: That's it for this week. See you all next week!
Next Time on Curse Renewed:
Chapter Eleven: Sniffing out the Culprit
Reiji, Sakura, Aki, and Angel at Kaye's request go back to the scene of the abduction where they finally come face to face with Stephanie's kidnapper. See what happens next time!
And
Chapter Twelve: First Confrontation
Now that Kaye knows the truth he sets up a meeting with Nakagami and a challenge is extended. Don't miss a minute!