Chapter Nine: Why Do You Protect Me?
Tsukasa slammed his door shut furiously and tossed his bag onto the floor. He sat on his bed with a huff and stared angrily at his wall taking in everything that Seitarou had said to him that evening.
"Well there's no doubt about it" Tsukasa told himself out loud, "I have to go to Plan B action now" he sighed, "And I'm not sure" he lowered his head slightly to the floor, "I'm ready for this."
Meanwhile across town Stephanie was bedding down for the night and was once more reading the cat's journal. The Sohma children had been begging Kaye for two days since the story for her to continue, and she wasn't about to let them down. So as she finished the next two pages she found herself exhausted and once again in the dream world where that in the morning she surprisingly woke up still astonished by the outcome of it.
(Next Scene)
It was several nights of dreams and several days of Tsukasa's Plan B taking effect when the two of them met once more to discuss the dreams. But despite all the dreams she had received and with his new mission, the two of them really had nothing to say to each other. In fact it seemed they were avoiding each other quite a bit and their meeting session ended rather quickly. But after that Stephanie began to notice a new development and she was soon to discover more than she really needed to know.
On the next Saturday, just a day before she was to tell another part of the story to the Sohma kids, she was walking home and saw it. Someone had been following her and not just now, but all week long. In fact for two weeks total. However it didn't alarm her, for she knew who it was. But today, because of the familiarity of the act from her dreams she decided to confront her follower. When she arrived at the park she stopped and he pulled in behind a tree that was close by. She sighed and then spoke loud enough for him to hear.
"Why are you following me?" she asked sadly, "You've been following me for almost two weeks now. Even though we have seen each other practically every day. On the weekends too."
"It can't be helped," he said back without leaving his position.
"What do you mean? You act as if I am some kind of trouble all of sudden."
"You are" he replied, "Because of what you're doing, you're in danger. I should have never asked for your help."
"Tsukasa" she turned around completely and faced the tree, "Please come out from behind there. It unnerves me that you're back there when we can just talk face to face."
"Well" he said slowly, "All right then" he pulled his body away from the tree and faced her with a somber expression.
"I thought it was you" she nodded sadly when she saw him, "But I couldn't figure out why."
"Like I said it can't be helped."
"This has nothing to do with the dreams does it? I mean everything that is going on now? You weren't like this before."
"It might" he nodded, "At least it might in the future."
"Is there something you're not telling me? Since you're so far ahead in the dreams."
He turned his head and sighed.
"Tsukasa" she said warningly.
"Look" he turned his face once more and stared into her eyes determinedly, "All you need to know right now, is that your life is in danger and I am going to do what I can to see that you're safe."
"Danger? What kind of danger?"
"It doesn't matter. That's really all I can say" he closed his eyes.
"You've never been this distant from me though. It's almost as if you're not the same person anymore."
"I am the same person, however I have just shifted gears."
"I don't understand."
"You're not supposed to. Not yet anyway" he turned his back to her, "Just know this, I will be around wherever you go. I will protect you" he looked over his shoulder, "I'll be your shadow protector from now on" he added making her eyes wider and then he walked slowly away.
"I don't get it" Stephanie murmured to herself, "Why does this all sound so familiar?"
As Tsukasa walked to a more secluded place he thought about the conversation.
"I can't tell her" he said as he closed his eyes briefly, "I can't tell her that there is more to this then I have been letting on. It's best that she'd get caught up to where I'm at without revealing that information. That way when she does find out, she'll understand it better than she does now. Grandfather. I certainly hope" he looked towards the sky, "That this is really what I am supposed to do here, because it is killing me to lie to her like this."
(Next Scene)
The next morning still bewildered but not showing it, Stephanie met Kaye and Takara at the park and the three of them headed for the main house for another story telling session.
"Hopefully your story won't be too long today" Kaye replied.
"What do you mean?" she asked as they entered the gates.
"I don't want to spend all day at the main house. I was kind of hoping we could spend time together alone."
"Well, don't worry" Stephanie said with a grin, "It won't be as long as the last one. I promise."
"But I'll bet it's interesting."
"Mhm" she nodded as they arrived at the tree where everyone was gathered including someone they hadn't expected.
"Uncle Shigure?" Kaye replied surprised when he saw him sitting in his chair, his glasses perched on his nose.
"Hello you two" he grinned back with a twinkle in his eye.
"What are you doing here?" Stephanie asked.
"I heard about your wonderful story from Hitomi and came to hear for myself what it was like. I hear you are quite the storyteller Miss Kamiya."
"Well the more the merrier" she grinned, "Thank you. I better get started before they become antsy. See ya later Kaye" she moved towards her chair and the children clapped.
Kaye moved in next to his Uncle while Reiji took his place sitting down with his younger sister.
"So what are you really doing here Uncle Shigure?" he asked suspiciously.
"Curiosity my dear boy. Just curiosity."
"Naturally."
"Okay. Good morning everyone" Stephanie began.
"Morning!" all the kids answered.
"It's good to see all of you again," she replied as Akito and Yamato came over to listen, "Now refresh my memory, where did we leave off?" she asked and several hands went into the air, "Yes Daisuke" she called on the young boy who wasn't sporting his usual baseball cap, instead his short black and white hair was blowing along with the gentle breeze.
"She just arrived back at the palace and found out that Ashitaka Sohma had been injured by that jerk Ushida."
"That's right" she nodded as Mitao and Mikado frowned.
"Not only that" Krysta spoke up, "But he was dying and then at the end of the story, he did die."
"Exactly" Stephanie grinned, "That's exactly where we left off. Thank you for remembering" she took a deep breath and began.
"It had been several weeks till anyone saw her face. The prince Akihito had remained in the lands to the west, due to the constant attacks from the Ushida clan in the surrounding towns. Once discovering that Suzuna had managed to escape Koji Ushida was more determined then ever to get her back. Yes Raiu?" Stephanie stopped when she saw his hand, "You have a question?"
"What about that guy who helped her? That Nakagami guy?"
"You'll see" Stephanie smiled.
"You mean we're gonna see him again?" Hitomi asked.
"Well you'll see" Stephanie repeated, "Anyway. Akihito remained and like everyone else, he was very worried about Suzuna's condition."
Rentatsu Kim walked along the corridors of the castle with a somber expression. He was in so much of a daze that he didn't see where he was going and almost bumped into Akihito Sohma."Oh your highness" Rentasu bowed his head apologetically, "Forgive me for almost bumping into you."
"It's quite all right Rentatsu" Akihito replied, "I actually came to inquire about your sister's condition. Has it changed?"
"Mnm" Rentatsu shook his head sadly, "She won't leave her room and when the girls went to visit along with little Taka they just said she just started crying" Akihito closed his eyes, "She must have really loved your brother sire."
"Yes" Akihito nodded, "I have it on good authority that he loved her just the same. But I am concerned about her now. She can't go on like this."
"I agree. But what can be done?"
"She must leave this place."
"Huh?"
"I am going to suggest that she along with the rest of your family accompany you and me back east."
"Tell me sire" Rentasu said after a short pause of thinking, "Do you still love my sister?"
Akihito looked at him and then nodded slowly.
"Yes, very much."
"Then might I suggest that even though that this might not be the best time, that you reissue your affections towards her?"
"What do you mean Rentatsu?"
"Perhaps you should ask her to marry you again."
"Do you think that I really should? I mean would she accept after what's happened?"
"It's a possibility. I want my sister to be happy sire. And I believe that you're the one who can make her happy."
"Hmm."
"Of course taking them with us to the east is a good idea. I wouldn't want to leave them behind anyway. Perhaps you should wait till we get to the east to ask her. Give it some time."
"Yes. Perhaps I might consider it. But in the meantime, will you ask her to come with us?" he looked at him directly.
"Yes. I will ask her tonight. When I go see her. Until then sire" he bowed his head and walked away.
"And with those final words Rentatsu and Akihito decided on Suzuna's future hoping for the best."
"I think that's silly" Takara replied.
"Hmm? Why's that Kara?" Stephanie looked over at her.
"She just lost her one true love."
"Yea" Hitomi agreed as several of the kids nodded, "It doesn't seem right of them to ask that of her just now."
"Which is why they are waiting" Stephanie said.
"But still if it were me" Hitomi retorted and clasped her hands together; " I would never want to love any other person" she looked to her left at Raiu who grimaced slightly.
"I feel the same way" Stephanie nodded glancing at Kaye, "But you have to remember the time we're talking about. The feudal era is very different from now."
"That's true" Shigure spoke up and they all looked back at him, "During those days women had to listen to the oldest man in the family. Even if you were the mother you still had to obey the oldest son, if the father wasn't around."
"Well said Mr. Sohma" Stephanie nodded.
"Just doing my part" he grinned, "Carry on please."
"Okay" she nodded again, "That night Rentatsu went to his sister's room to talk her about the trip to the east."
Rentatsu entered the room slowly and saw Suzuna sitting in a corner her eyes sad and searching.
"Suzuna" Rentasu replied walking over, "It's me."
She turned her head slightly and smiled wanly.
"Rentatsu."
"How are you?" he asked kneeling down, "I'm sorry I haven't been here. I've been busy with my training."
"I know. The girls told me."
"Suzuna, I came here one to see how you are and two I have something to ask you."
"Hmm?"
"The wars are getting worse and worse in the west and lord Akihito will be departing for the east very soon, and I will be accompanying him. He asked me to ask you something."
"What is it?"
"He wants you and the others to come with us."
"To the east?"
"Yes. You must leave this place Suzuna. There are too many sad memories here. It would be a fresh start for you. And who knows maybe you'll find the happiness that you so rightfully deserve. Besides I don't want to leave you all behind."
"So you agree in the decision then?"
"Whole heartedly. And I beg you to consider it."
"Go to the east? Now?"
"It's the perfect time. There's nothing left for you here Suzuna. And it's no longer safe. Please say you'll go?"
"Rentatsu is there more to asking me this?"
"Huh?"
"I get the feeling that there is. Please tell me what you really want to say."
"You really want me to?"
"You've always been honest with me. I would hate to think that you would stop now."
"All right. I will be honest with you. His lordship is very worried about you. He still loves you and I believe that you should reconsider your decision on marrying him" she looked at him, "He can make you happy. He can protect you. I know this is the worst time to ask you this Suzuna considering you just lost Ashitaka, but you do have to move on with your life. Ashitaka would want you to. You have to think of your future now."
"And you believe that marrying Akihito is my future?" she said slowly.
"I have believed that all along. He cares for you deeply. He won't come out and say it right now, but somewhere down the line he might say it again and I ask you when that time comes to accept his hand, for your sake, more than anyone else's. But for now will you come with us to the east?"
"Mhm" she nodded slowly.
"You will?"
"Yes Rentatsu. Thank you for telling me the truth. Father would be proud of you, you know."
"Why?"
"Just now. You sounded just like a man. In fact you are a man now aren't you? You're a soldier in the Sohma clan's army" he smiled slightly, "And since you are the eldest son, I am required to do as you ask. Out of respect and honor" she bowed her head.
"Suzuna" he took her hand gently, "I don't want you to do anything you don't want to."
"I will go to the east. With you and his lordship. And I will consider what you have asked me with much thought."
"Thank you" he smiled again as they embraced, "This is going to be the start of better things Suzuna. For both of us."
"I hope so" she nodded letting a tear drop from her eye as he held her tightly.
"Within days the trip was planned. Queen Takara despite her son's protest had decided to stay in the west and accepted the decision graciously. Akihito and Rentatsu along with several soldiers traveled ahead to the castle in the east, while Suzuna and her family, along with Akihito's remaining soldiers would follow a few days later. Little did they know the dangers awaiting them traveling along the treacherous lands. They set off in a small caravan the next morning and by noon they arrived in the center, in the open."
The soldiers halted the carriage as in the distance they could see several riders coming their way.
"Is something wrong?" Suzuna asked peering out of the carriage.
"Forgive me my lady" the head soldier replied, "Someone's coming. Riders on horseback."
"Riders?"
"It's the Ushida Clan!" another soldier shouted since he had spotted their flags.
"What?" the lead guard yelled back.
"We have to get them out of here!"
"All at once in a panic they began to ride, the carriage being pulled along bumping up and down as it rode over the treacherous terrain. As it shook the three children were terrified clinging to their sister. However it wasn't long before the horses overtook them and the soldiers began fighting the other men. Before the carriage could be attacked Suzuna and her brother and sisters along with help from the lead soldier managed to jump from it and began to run in the tall grass" Stephanie spoke in a rushed voice with excitement and the boys listened very enthusiastically while thegirls eyesbecame wider, "Two soldiers of the Ushida clan caught up to them, running their swords through the lead guard and we're just upon them when a strange rider appeared, dressed in all grey."
The rider in grey who wore a mask that covered everything but his eyes pulled his sword out and staved off the enemy who had managed to separate Suzuna from her siblings. He looked to his left through the chaos to more soldiers coming their way and galloped over to fight them. The children ran to another Sohma soldier who was waiting for them while Suzuna fled in the opposite direction hoping to lead the Ushida clan away from her family. The rider in grey saw her run away from two more soldiers and then turned his horse abruptly charging after the young girl.
"Suzuna!" the children called as they saw her take off.
She ran as fast as she could, not even stopping for breath when she heard the sound of a body falling off a horse. She turned to see in slow motion and saw the grey rider plunge his sword into one of the riders and knock the other one off his horse. He rode his horse up to where she was standing still completely out of breath and looked back over his shoulders at the soldiers heading their way.
"Get on!" he said his voice muffled through the mask.
"Huh?"
"Give me your hand! Hurry!"
"She didn't know what possessed her to give him her hand, but she handed it over and found herself on the back of his horse galloping towards the east, in the same direction that she was headed before. The rider in grey kicked the sides of his horse and they rode faster until the Ushida soldiers were so far behind them, left in a trail of dust.It was quite a while till he slowed the horse down and he spoke once more to her."
"I don't think they're following us anymore" he replied.
"Who are you?" she asked her eyes wide.
"I'm no one to be trifled with. But you were very foolish my lady, you and your soldiers for traveling along this dangerous road. Especially during war time."
"I had no choice. We're heading towards the east."
"I know you're heading towards the east. I've been following your caravan ever since you left the west."
"Following me?"
"I knew you would bein trouble again eventually my lady, so I've been watching you."
"Something in his voice was soothing and familiar that Suzuna felt a great sense of fear life from her heart."
"Please where are we going?"
"I 'm taking you to where you belong. Don't worry about the others. The soldiers will get them to the east and we will meet them."
"I must know who you are? And why you helped me like this?"
He slowed down the horse to a halt and looked up at the sky with a sigh.
"We're not going to make it before dark. We should stop right here and make camp. They're so far behind us they'll never find us now" he hopped off the horse, "Besides, if I know them they'll be making camp too."
"You're not going to tell me," she asked as he had his back to her.
"Let me help you down from there and then you'll see for yourself" he took her hand and lifted her down to the ground.
Then he slowly removed his mask, his long brown hair came tumbling out and she gasped at the sight of him.
"It's you. I remember you. You're the one who save me."
Tsukasa Nakagami nodded pulling his hair back with a tie.
"But I don't understand. Why did you help me again? Won't you get into trouble?"
"It doesn't matter anymore" he shook his head as he began to gather wood, "I am no longer with the Ushida clan."
"What happened?"
"Koji found out that I was the one who let you go. But I got away from him before he could find me. I'm neither with the Ushida clan or any other. Because of my last name I could never join another one so, consider me an outlaw now."
"Outlaw?"
"Outsider. Not welcome anywhere."
"Yet you helped me, even though I am involved with one of your former enemies."
"I helped you because I wanted to. It has nothing to do with either of them."
"And you've been watching me?" she asked as she sat down and he started the fire.
"I've only been watching you since you left the west. Knowing the Ushidas I knew that they would attack so I rode as fast as I could to get to you."
"But why didn't you" she began.
"Reveal my identity" he finished looking at her directly, "Because I am not going to. Not even when I return you to the east. In fact I would prefer it if you told no one that you saw me" he walked over to his saddlebag and brought out some food to eat.
She hesitated.
"I know you didn't mention meeting me before when I rescued you from the castle and I would prefer it if you would do the same thing now."
"But why?"
"I don't want anybody to know about me. Like I said I am an outlaw now."
"But I know."
"And you're the only one I want to know."
"And when you return me to the east then where will you go?"
"I'll be around. Even though you may not always see me."
"I don't understand."
"As long as Koji Ushida is around, I will be around. To protect you."
"Protect me?"
"Like a shadow. I will be your shadow protector from now. No one will know I exist or even that I am around, except you."
"You saved me from the castle. You saved me from Ushida's soldiers. What is your reason? Why do you feel the need to protect me?"
"I have my reasons. But just know" he looked at her directly as he sat back down, "No matter what happens, I'm always going to be around. So try not to get into too many scrapes my lady," he added with a slight smile.
"The next morning Tsukasa carried Suzuna to the eastern lands. He rode to the main gate of the castle and let her off easily. She looked up at him one last time before he disappeared and he nodded slowly down to her with his mask once more, and then rode away. Moments later she was reunited with her family and they were happy to see her and that she was all right. Asking many questions that she was unable to answer for she had promised. Later that evening she sat in her room pondering about the mysterious Tsukasa Nakagami."
"What is his reason?" Suzuna thought, "Why does he protect me the way he does? And will I know when he's around? Will I ever see him again?"
"All these thoughts and more circled through her head as she finally laid down and fell fast asleep. To be continued" Stephanie concluded.
"Aw!" the kids complained, "That's it?"
"Sorry you guys" Stephanie shrugged, "That's all I got for now."
"Well I think that's good enough" Sakura replied, "Let's give her a round of applause everyone."
The kids clapped and Shigure walked over to talk to Stephanie as she and Sakura passed out refreshments. Reiji stood up and walked over to Katsuya who was still standing in the back.
"Hey Kaye."
"Hey."
"Interesting developments huh?"
" Mhm. Sure is."
"Makes onewonder doesn't it?"
"About what?"
"About our own personal Tsukasa Nakagami."
"What about him?"
"I don't know if you have noticed as of late that he has been following your girlfriend quite a bit."
"Following?"
"Mhm. At first I thought it was because he was just like his cousin and that we had been deceived by him."
"Reiji" Kaye warned looking at him.
"But now I think that it has something to do with these stories. He's acting a lot like the Tsukasa in the story. Protecting her from a distance like a shadow."
"But her character in the story is in danger."
"I know" Reiji said knowingly.
"Do you think she's in trouble?"
"I don't know. She might be because Seitarou is back in town. If I were you I would have a talk with him."
"You know maybe I will. But Reiji, you do it too. Watch her I mean."
"I'm looking out for you."
"I know" Kaye nodded, "Which is why it never bothered me but why doesn't anyone think I can protect her myself?" he said a bit annoyed.
"It's not that Kaye, it's just we're there when you can't be."
"Hmm. Maybe."
"Kaye."
"Huh?"
"Never mind. It's not important."
Katsuya looked at his cousin questionly but saw that Reiji was now looking towards the kids and had aseriousness in his eyes so he decided to forget it for the time being.
(Next Scene)
Stephanie and Katsuya left the main house for lunch at his home afterwards and Tsukasa watched from his position.
"Good" he thought, "Katsuya's with her. Which means I can go home now. There's no way that Seitarou's around anymore. He probably gave up and left" he looked to his left where Seitarou's truck had been parked only an hour before, "I won't let Seitarou do whatever he wants" he thought as he began to walk home, "And I'll do whatever it takes and pray that my hunch isn't right about this whole thing" he sighed walking down the street.
(Till Next Time)
Authors Note: Hey guys! I'm back. Only two chapters this week and here's the first long one coming at ya! See you guys later!
Next Chapter: Snake Attraction
Sophie Kamiya is having a small problem at school and her older sister sets out to find out what's bothering her. Find out all that happens next time!