Chapter Thirteen: The Dream Comes to an End

Tsukasa walked over with the cup of tea carefully and handed it to Sara.

"There you go. Sorry that's all I got" he replied as he sat down in the other chair.

"Oh no. This is fine" she grinned, taking a sip, and casually glancing around the room, "Well you've done really well for yourself. This is a nice place."

"Well this is only temporary."

"You've been here for practically two months now haven't you? I mean that's what grandfather said."

"And did he tell you?"

"Mhm. But the question is, have you told her?"

"Not yet" he said sadly.

"Well what are you waiting for?" Sara chuckled a little as she asked.

"She's not finished with the dreams yet. I want her to have all the information before I tell her the truth" he sighed.

"How far do you think she has to go?"

"Not too much farther. She probably has about two dreams left."

"Well that isn't much is it? And then you'll tell her everything?"

"Yea. Mind you" he looked at his cousin directly, "It's only a theory."

"But a very plausible one. Oh well. Have you seen much of the Angel of death?"

"Huh?" then Tsukasa burst out laughing with a wide smile, "I can't believe you still call him that."

"Well it suits him doesn't it?" Sara said crossing her arms.

"Yea. It suits him to a T. And no, not really. But lately I can tell he's definitely up to something. Makes me wonder if I should have taken him up on his offer."

"What offer?" Sara asked curiously leaning forward.

"Whatever offer he was going to offer. It would have been the perfect opportunity too" Tsukasa sighed.

"That's throwing yourself in enemy territory" she frowned slightly.

"Yea I know. And after all I have been trying to avoid it."

"Well keep avoiding it and in the meantime keep me updated when I go back to Tokyo."

"Oh by the way, when do you go back?"

"I'm leaving on Sunday."

"That could complicate things."

"Not really" Sara shook her head with a grin, "Dad has given me full permission to come down here whenever you need me. So call me when our girl's been updated."

"I will" Tsukasa nodded walking her to the door, "Thanks for the visit."

"No problem" she replied her eyes twinkling, "I got to get going. I have a date tomorrow."

"Huh?" his own eyes blinked and then he laughed, "Only you could get a date when you're going on a school trip."

"See ya later cous!" she waved as she departed.

"Bye!" he called back as he closed the door satisfactorily.

But as he leaned against the door he became somber again as the thought of telling Stephanie the complete truth made him feel very wary.

(Next Scene)

On Monday afternoon Stephanie walked briskly once more to the library where she was meeting Tsukasa for another research session. But as she approached the library she groaned inwardly. For standing near the door was none other then Takechi Ushida grinning smugly at the passerby's. But when he spotted her he immediately brushed a hand through his short blond hair and turned his eyes on her coyly.

"Well hello" he replied looking at her directly, "Fancy meeting you here of all places Miss Kamiya."

"Uh yes" Stephanie said uncomfortably, "If you don't mind Mr. Ushida, I really have to get past" she added since he was standing in front of the door blocking her entry.

"What's your hurry babe?" he asked.

"I'm meeting someone, and I'm running late. Can you please move?"

"I think you much rather hang out with me then any old boring library. What do you say" he said taking her arm, "How about I treat you to a crepe?"

"Would you let me go" she demanded.

"You didn't say the magic word" he replied.

"Let her go" Tsukasa said appearing from behind him since he was in the library.

"Nakagami?" Takechi replied in surprise dropping her arm, "What are you doing here?"

"I believe the lady asked you to leave her alone Ushida" Tsukasa continued ignoring his question, "So if I were you, I would go."

"I can't. I'm meeting someone too" Takechi answered, "I suppose you're here for the same reason?"

"What?"

"He didn't mention that you were coming."

"Who didn't mention?"

"Your cousin."

"I see. Well actually I am not here to see you" he walked back inside quickly to grab his bag and then appeared again, "I was just leaving. C'mon Stephanie" he took her arm gently; "We'll go do our research somewhere else" they moved away as she nodded.

"Wait a minute!" Takechi shouted, "You dare disrespect me in this manner! I demand a reason to why you're leaving."

"Demand?" Tsukasa replied without even turning, "Let's get something straight Ushida! I don't take orders from you. Not now! Not ever! Maybe my cousin deceived you in that way, but I will never work for the likes of your family" he added looking over his shoulder before turning back around and walking with Stephanie quickly away from the scene.

(Next Scene)

Tsukasa led the way through the small town till they came to the apartment district. Stephanie who was walking next to him as he quietly moved along turned to him concerned.

"Where are we going?" she asked.

"To my apartment. I got a lot of books already there that I checked out from the library. They should suffice."

"Are you all right?" she said.

"Yea. I'm okay. This is it" he walked up to the door and took out his key.

He opened the door and flipped the light switch illuminating the room with the small light. Stephanie looked around her and saw a pile of books sitting on the eating table along with two pads of paper. The room was very clean as if no one was ever home.

"Goodness. You really do live on your own don't you?"

"Just for now" he replied walking over to the side where the books were piled.

"Isn't that lonely?"

"Sometimes. But then I remember that I am here for a reason and that puts me back into perspective."

"I see" she nodded, "Well I guess we should get started."

"Right" he agreed pulling out a pair of reading glasses and placing them on his face, "We should probably" he began but then saw that she was staring directly at him, "What?"

"I've just never seen you with your glasses on is all."

"Oh they're just reading glasses. I hardly ever wear them. Now" he cleared his throat as he went through the first pad, "What can you tell me thus far as the dreams go."

"Oh. I had one last night."

"Can you describe it?" he readied his pen.

"Sure" she nodded and then began to tell him all the contents of the dream.

When she was finished Tsukasa took his glasses off slowly and looked down at his pad. He sighed and then placed them back on.

"Wow. So it's finally come."

"What has?"

"Um well according to the information you have given me, it sounds like you only have one dream left to go."

"Just one?"

"Yep the last piece of the puzzle."

"Oh I see" she nodded again but saw the worry on his face.

"Um. Oh man I am such a clod. Can I offer you anything to drink?"

"Uh no thank you. Tsukasa" she began.

"You know my grandfather would be very disapproving of my manners" he replied as he stood up and headed into the kitchen and opened the fridge, "You sure there is nothing I can get for you?" he asked as he stuck his head in.

"No. But Tsukasa."

"I really have to go to the store" he interrupted, "You can tell I'm a bachelor. I have hardly anything in this entire kitchen."

"Tsukasa!"

"Yea?" he asked as he came back.

"Look please stop trying to ignore me."

"I'm not" he shrugged.

"Yes you are. I can tell. That's why you kept talking about groceries. Kaye does the same thing when he's afraid to tell me something."

"I'm not afraid to tell you anything" he denied it.

"Yes you are. It's like as soon as I told you everything you mentioned that it was the last dream and then you got quiet. As if something is about to happen and you know what it is."

"I don't know what you're talking about" he averted his eyes slightly.

"Tsukasa level me. I'm not completely naïve" she stood up, "I think you know something that I don't. And you have known for weeks. Maybe ever since you have got here. I don't know. But I would really like it, if you would be honest with me."

"I can't" he said simply but then saw her face fall, "I mean I can't yet" she lifted her head, "You haven't finished the dreams and believe me you need to finish them so you will understand."

"Well that's fair. And then you'll tell me?"

"Yes. I promise."

"Agreed" she smiled, "But sometime afterI tell the story. The Sohma children are just as anxious as I am to find out what happens in the end."

He chuckled and nodded as she smiled sweetly back.

(Next Scene)

That night Stephanie had the final dream and when she awoke she felt a bit uncertain and definitely surprised by the outcome of it all. Soon it was Saturday and she and Sophie were on their way to the main house to tell the ending of the story. As she sat down in the chair she took a deep breath and then began.

"Okay guys" she began, "Well I've got good news and bad news for you. The good news is, is that this part is going to be pretty long. But the bad news is it's going to be the end."

"Really?" Angel replied.

"Yea really" Stephanie nodded and the kids sighed sadly.

"I guess it's got to come to the end sometime" Mikado said miserably.

"Yea" Stephanie nodded again.

"Well c'mon Stephy" Takara replied, "Let's finish it."

"Yea!" Krysta cheered her on.

"Okay. Well, after Suzuna departed from the woods and returned tothe castle, her thoughts about Tsukasa didn't cease. But time did pass, and soon it was just one week until the wedding. Akihito had arranged for Suzuna to choose a new handmaiden so she waited patiently in her chamber for the candidates to arrive. Still contemplating her love for Tsukasa."

Suzuna's lead servant knocked on the door and she looked up from the chair in which she was sitting.

"Yes?"

"I beg your pardon my lady" the servant replied, "But the candidates for the handmaiden are here."

"Show them in one at a time."

"Yes my lady" the servant bowed and the first candidate arrived.

"For an hour Suzuna saw each and every handmaiden and by the afternoon she was quite tired but luckily for her there was only one left. The young girl entered the room and Suzuna could tell from the start that she was different from the others."

"So" Suzuna replied at the end of the interview, "I have to ask, why do you want to be a handmaiden when you're so young?"

"My family has been serving the Sohma family for many generations my lady" the young girl said, "But we had to leave when the lord was killed months ago. I only want to carry on in my family's great tradition. My mother herself was handmaiden to Princess Takara when she lived here."

"I see" Suzuna replied impressed, "And what is your name?"

"My lady?" the young girl said surprised.

"Please I wish to know."

"My name is Saki. Saki Himura."

"Well Saki. Welcome to the castle. I would be honored if you would be my head handmaiden."

"Thank you my lady" Saki said gratefully bowing low, "I won't fail you."

"With a new handmaiden at her side Suzuna felt more comfort, because now she had someone to talk to. Someone her own age. The others had been so old. She informed Akihito of her decision and he too was thrilled with her choice. For he had heard of the Himuras."

"Not only have you got yourself a handmaiden" he replied, "But a protector as well."

"Protector my lord?" she asked surprised.

"Yes, a rather skilled one too. She will serve you well" he took her hand.

"I suppose so" Suzuna nodded.

"Only a week" he smiled gently down at her, "And then you and I can come together. I am so happy" he embraced her tightly.

"Yes" she nodded, "My lord" she sighed as contently as she could even though she felt the sharp pain in her heart.

"She can't marry him" Angel interrupted.

"Hmm? What did you say Angel?" Stephanie replied looking towards heras the others glanced at their cousin quizzically.

"She just can't marry him" she repeated, "She doesn't love him. She loves Tsukasa."

"Well you have to remember Angel" Shigure spoke up from his chair, "This is a different time. Suzuna is well basically a member of the Sohmas people and is required to comply with the lord."

"It's not like he's forcing her though" Raiu replied, "She said yes."

"It still doesn't seem fair" Angel said as Naoko nodded.

"No it doesn't. But as the saying goes, every cloud has a silver lining" Stephanie replied, "I wouldn't worry about it."

"Can we get on with it?" Daisuke asked impatiently.

"Okay. As Akihito had predicted Saki was an invaluable asset to Suzuna and soon became a very close friend. Especially with the impending day upon her. One day, just three days before the big occasion they were walking in town per Saki's suggestion neither of them noticing that Tsukasa was watching them the entire time, eyeing the new girl suspiciously. He had reason for doubt because Saki was not all she seemed to be. In one flash moment a cart came bellowing toward the two girls out of nowhere and Saki grabbed the frightened girl's hand pulling her away farther from the castle and into an abandoned storehouse. Suzuna walked over to a window as Saki drew a dagger and rope from her pocket but dropped them both suddenly as she felt the cold of steel against her throat.

"Drop it" Tsukasa hissed as Suzuna turned around.

"Tsukasa?" she replied in surprise, "What are you doing?"

Saki placed her hand on top of his as he held on her throat.

"Who are you?" she seethed.

"The question is who are you? I've been watching you all day. And it's obvious to me that you are up to no good especially since you were about to kidnap the lady."

"What?" Suzuna replied, "Saki?"

"He lies" Saki said angrily.

"Oh really, then what's that on the ground?" he indicated the rope and dagger, "Do you always carry those sorts of things around?"

Saki gritted her teeth even more and Suzuna moved forward.

"I had no choice," Saki said gasping out at last.

"Please Tsukasa let her go" Suzuna pleaded when she saw Saki's pained expression, "And let her explain herself."

Tsukasa pulled his sword from her throat and thrust it back into the sheath. Saki fell to her knees and gasped for breath. Then she turned her face to the ground and Suzuna could see the tears slide down her face.

"Damn" she muttered, "Now I can't save them. I failed."

"Save who?" Suzuna asked gently as she kneeled down and placed her hand on the other girl's shoulder, "What are you talking about Saki?"

"Forgive me my lady. I didn't want to deceive you, but I had no choice. My family is in danger. The Ushida clan soldiers attacked us when we were returning to the capitol. They are being held prisoner on the outskirts of town until I return with you. That was the bargain."

"The outskirts of town you say?" Tsukasa replied.

"That's right. Whoever you are. I was supposed to come back with the princess and then they would be let go. But I failed."

"Hmm?" he nodded, "All right then" he picked up the dagger and tossed it Suzuna, "Suzuna you stay here. I am going to see if what she says is valid."

"Well what's the dagger for?" Suzuna asked confused.

"To protect yourself. If she is not lying you'll have no need for it. I'll be back as soon as I can" he left the storeroom and Suzuna turned to Saki once.

"I hope I won't have to use this" Suzuna replied.

"Believe me" Saki said standing and then sitting down on a bale of hay, "You won't."

Tsukasa rode his horse to the outskirts and came upon the camp. He spied the soldiers from his perch and pulled outhis sword.

"Seven soldiers" he told himself with a grin, "This should be a piece of cake."

"And good as his word he stopped the soldiers in their tracks. Without any knowledge of his name he left the terrified family on their own to find their way to the village. Then he returned to the storehouse where Suzuna and Saki were still waiting."

"Well?" Suzuna asked as both girls stood and he entered the building.

"It's okay now" Tsukasa replied, "Your family" he turned to Saki, "Are on their way to the capitol. I took out all the soldiers."

"How can I ever thank you?" Saki said in tears.

"Don't" he shook his head, "Just go to them. Suzuna under the circumstances you should go too."

"Yes" she nodded, "I will go" she agreed, "But Saki go to your family and I will meet you in the square. I, I need to talk to Tsukasa first."

"Yes my lady" she nodded, "Thank you again" she added to Tsukasa he merely bowed his head.

Saki disappeared and then Suzuna looked at him directly.

"I'm sorry I got you mixed up in this."

"There's no way you could have known that she was going to betray you. That's what I am here for. However, you probably don't need me anymore."

"What?"

"You're gonna keep her aren't you? Because what she did was so honorable? I know the Himuras are excellent fighters andshe can take care of you. Besides you'll be married soon and the Ushida's have placed a price on my head. I can't get you involved with that."

"So what are you saying?"

"I'm saying that this is the last time that we are going to see each other" he replied, "I'm leaving this place. I'm not sure where I am going but I can't stay here anymore."

"You're really going?" she stepped forward heartsick.

"I'm afraid so. So I guess this is."

"No" she ran to him and flung herself into his arms, "Don't say goodbye. I don't want to hear those words from you."

"Suzuna."

"Please don't. You don't know what you're doing to me right now do you? Leaving me like this. Leaving me all alone. I need you. I love you."

"Suzuna" he pulled her face upward and then lightly kissed her, slow at first but then into a passionate hold.

Then he pulled away.

"You have to go your way and I have to go mine. Rest assured though, you'll never be alone. And neither will I. Because we will have each other here" he placed his hand on her chest where her heart would be, "And that's all that matters. Now you should go. Go and be happy."

"I can't" she shook her head.

"You have to."

"Then you must take something with you" she removed the necklace with the heart pendant from around her neck and placed it around his, "I want you to have this as a reminder that you'll always have my heart" she kissed him one last time.

"Suzuna cried as she looked at him but reluctantly turned from his face, he in turn could not watch her leave for the pain in his own heart wouldn't subside. Suzuna returned to the palace with Saki who promised to keep the secret of Tsukasa to her grave. Soon the night before the wedding arrived and Suzuna sat in her room with Saki who tried her best to comfort her."

Saki stood up from her chair with an angry huff.

"Forgive me my lady" she replied, "But I must speak."

"What is it?"

"How can you do this? How can you marry someone you don't even love? Especially when the one you really love is out there?"

"It's complicated."

"Well I don't think I could do it. And personally I don't think you deserve it."

"Suzuna pondered her words and let them sink in. Then she turned in for the night, not knowing that her sleep would not be complete for Ushida had plans of his own. Without them knowing it he had gathered outside the gates with his army, and without a moments hesitation had attacked the castle itself. Akihito and his soldiers went to fight while Suzuna and Saki took the remaining members of the castle to a safer place close to the woods. But soon the wait was too long for Suzuna and she directed her handmaidens minus Saki to take care of her family so she could find her fiancée. The battle had ended, and the Ushida clan had won. Most of the Sohma soldiers had been defeated but as she and Saki looked on the worn battlefield they saw the lord, alive and breathing but in pain so she rushed to him.

"My lord!" she called out as she ran to him and took his hand, kneeling on the ground.

Akihito opened his eyes and smiled when he saw her.

"Suzuna you're all right?"

"Yes. Everyone from the castle is all right" she nodded, "They're perfectly safe."

"I am so glad. But I'm afraid that we've lost. The Ushida's have completely taken over the lands. I'm a failure as a lord."

"No" she shook her head, "You did the best you could. Can you stand?" she began to help him up.

"I think so. But" he took her hand, "I don't know what became of your brother."

"I'm sure he's fine. Akihito what will you do now?"

"Start over. But not as a Sohma lord. I shall return to the west with my people. I believe the Sohma clan will be dissolved now and we will go into hiding so our enemies won't find us."

"I see. Then I must ask a request of you my lord."

"Anything" he nodded as both women shouldered him.

"Take care of my family. My sisters and my brother."

"But won't you be there?" he asked.

"No" she shook her head, "I can't go with you. Up till now I have done everything everyone has asked of me. I have never followed my heart but I must now. Akihito I shouldn't have agreed to marry you when I felt love for another."

"I see" he replied his eyes gentle, "I understand. I should have known I could never compete with him, whoever he is. Whether he is my brother or someone else."

"Akihito" she began sadly.

"Please don't. I'm okay" he smiled, "You will go your way and I will go mine. And Suzuna I only hope you find the happiness that you so rightfully deserve" she embraced him and then turned to her friend, "Saki will you go with him?"

"Yes" Saki nodded with a smile, "If that is what you want?"

"It is my last command of you. To go with him and protect him from danger. I am no longer a princess. just an ordinary woman" Suzuna turned from the two of them and ran in the direction of the woods uncertain of the direction but following her beating heart.

"Good luck Suzuna" Saki whispered as Akihito and she headed in the opposite direction for the rest of the castle group.

"The rain began to fall as Suzuna ran through the woods, the rain dripping off her bangs. Soon it was inevitable and she collapsed. She didn't feel the strong arms carrying her. Or feel the soft sheets wrapped around her. All she knew was the next morning she was looking up into the kind face of her brother Rentatsu."

"Rentasu?" she replied.

"You look a lot better" he grinned.

"What are you doing here?" she asked sitting up.

"Looks like you and I have the same savior. In fact he has been your savior all along."

"What?"

"Into the room Tsukasa came and stared at the girl who stared back surprised at the sight of him. Then without even a moment's hesitation she jumped from the bed and ran to his arms and this time he didn't hesitate to embrace her tightly back. Later that evening after he had been informed about lord Akihito's wishes Rentatsu said goodbye to his sister telling her that he would be rejoining his lord in the west. Tsukasa saw him to the edge of the wood and then her brother turned to him.

"Well, Nakagami I leave her in your hands now. But there is something you should know."

"What's that?"

"Something my father told me before he died. You are a Nakagami, my sister is a Kim. It's a most unlikely union but a dangerous one."

"I don't think I understand."

"My father simply said that there is something about our family and yours that is relevant to the Sohma and Ushida clan. He wasn't too clear but I got the point that if the Ushida's found out that the two of you are together your lives would be in more dangers then one. Or rather your child's will."

"Our child?" Tsukasa asked as Rentatsu mounted his horse.

"Yes. Take care ofher Tsukasa. And watch over your children. For as long as you can" he added and then rode away quickly.

"Tsukasa pondered his words and about a year later when their son was born as he held onto him for the first time and Suzuna lay resting he stared into the big brown eyes with a frown but a wistful look in his eyes."

"I will protect you. I promise."

Stephanie looked up at the children and smiled slowly but a bit warily.

"And that my dear children. Is the end."

"Aw!" the kids complained.

"That can't be it!" Daisuke replied, "How could the Ushida's have won that battle?"

"Well remember Daisuke" Shigure spoke up again; "We Sohmas were in hiding for the longest time. Her information was accurate. Well done Miss Kamiya" he clapped.

"Thank you" she nodded as the others clapped then she turned to Sakura, "If you don't mind Sakura. Would you take my sister home? There is somewhere I have to be right now."

"Sure" she nodded, "Are you all right?" she added as the girl stood up in a hurry.

"I'm fine!" she called as she ran to the gate and as fast as she could towards town.

(Next Scene)

He heard the pounding on his door and walked over to answer. He was surprised when he saw her dripping with sweat as she tried to catch her breath.

"Stephanie" Tsukasa replied.

"I need talk to you," she said gasping on each word.

"Well, c'mon in" he said letting her in, "And we'll talk."

(Till Next Time)

Authors Note: One more left to go!

Next Chapter:

A Confession

Still not telling!