Missing
Part V
by
Chibijem
Disclaimer: See Part I
Saya walked towards the lone figure standing at the cliffs. She studied Hagi as he stood watching the sea; he looked incredibly handsome sporting a cream wool turtleneck sweater. His hair had come loose and was blowing around his head in the cold breeze. "Hagi?"
He turned and held out a hand to help her make her way over the rocks to him. "Is there something wrong?" He asked after several minutes, watching her as she stared out at the turbulent sea.
"Iie, dinner's almost finished. You should come in; it's getting too cold to be out." She wrapped an arm around his elbow, laying her head against his arm.
He looked down at the head resting against him. They had come to this coastal area of Scotland two weeks ago and Saya was still saddened from leaving all the friends they had made in the valley in France. On the way they had detoured to see how Kai and the others were faring; in retrospect it had been a bad idea: Saya's mood had become almost morose. Thankfully it had passed even if he had been worried for several days. They were making acquaintances here but she seemed wary of making more close ties. He understood that and wished it could be different. There was one bright spot in their lives: they had grown closer than ever. It was almost like when they were at the Zoo before calamity arrived. When he felt her shiver, he turned and resting an arm around her shoulders, they began the walk back to the their isolated cottage.
As he was helping clean after dinner, Hagi mentioned his plans to go into the village the following day. "Is there anything you need?" He asked drying a plate.
"May I come with you?" She handed him a wet bowl. "I thought I would see about Christmas decorations," she told him. During one of their many talks, she learned he hadn't celebrated the holiday since they were at the Zoo. She was determined to make sure they did this year. "And I need to get a few things." She told him as she preceded him to the common room where he had a chessboard set up and a fire was blazing. She sat and watched as the firelight played across his features. "We can make a day of it, maybe have lunch in town." She suggested as she moved a pawn.
"I would like that," was his soft reply as he moved a chess piece.
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As they approached the village center, Hagi steered Saya down a narrow street to a nondescript house. "This should not take long," he told her as he knocked. They were escorted in by a middle-aged woman who seemed to know Hagi; entering a surprisingly bright room, Hagi returned the greeting of an elderly man seated in front of a huge fireplace.
"It's good to see you, Hagi."
Hagi inclined his head, "You as well, Ian."
Ian motioned to Saya, "Is she the one?" he asked, smiling her way.
Hagi turned to look at her and smiled as well, "Yes. This is Saya."
"Well, is the cottage working out?"
Hagi nodded and felt Saya's confusion. "Ian knows; he is the oldest member of Red Shield. And a very old friend." Hagi looked at the man in question.
"How long...?" Saya asked from her seat next to Hagi. She smiled in thanks as the housekeeper set a tea service before her. At Ian's nod, Saya began pouring tea.
"A very long time, indeed." Ian sipped the tea she handed him. "Very good tea, young lady. Hmmm, lets see. We first met before World War II, I was in Paris with my wife on our honeymoon. She became besotted with his cello playing and with Hagi as well, the young rascal." He laughed.
"I did nothing to encourage her, Ian." Hagi replied, accepting tea from Saya.
"You didn't have to." Ian replied, watching with interest as Saya studied her Chevalier. He saw there was more to their relationship than either was admitting to.
"Were you part of Red Shield at that time?" Saya asked, wanting to know more about his shared past with Hagi.
"Sort of. Before my marriage, I had witnessed and heard some strange things and was recruited. I was still considering their offer." His eyes took on a faraway look. "While we were there, Mary, my wife, and I were attacked by those monsters and my mind was made up."
"Your wife?" Saya asked, dreading the answer.
"She didn't survive," he replied, his voice soft and broken. Clearing his throat, he looked at the couple. "I would have died too if it hadn't been for Hagi." He reached out and patted Hagi's knee. "I'm grateful to this day."
"I wish I could have done more." Hagi's voice was softer and sadder than normal. "I enjoyed her company and yours."
"She loved to hear you play. Do you still?" Hagi nodded, "Good, good."
While shopping, Saya asked why he had introduced her to Ian, "You didn't with your other contacts." She picked through some vegetables.
"If something happens, I want you to know you have a place to go." Hagi replied, placing her choices in the basket.
Saya froze then whirled on him. "Do you think something will?" Fear coloring her words.
"It has been too long without any movement." Was all he said, moving to a display.
"Hagi?"
"Just in case."
"If you know something, please tell me." She pressed him as they were walking back to their cottage.
"The longer nothing happens, makes it all the more likely something will." Hagi replied, pulling the cart they had borrowed from Ian, loaded with their purchases, including a small Christmas tree.
"You won't keep things from me?" Saya asked, stepping ahead and turning to face him.
Hagi, forced to stop, sighed. "Iie, I will not keep anything from you." He didn't want a replay of what had happened after Liza/Amshel had revealed to her what she really was and the relationship she had with Diva.
"I could go to London. To Kai." She reminded him.
"You are not ready to rejoin the battle. Physically, you may be, but not emotionally." He told her, hurting as he saw the effect his words had on her. "I know that hurts you, but it is the truth, Saya. I will not risk you." The question in her eyes, made him explain. "To win a battle, any battle, one must be strong both physically and emotionally. One without the other spells failure." He started walking again; Saya followed, pondering his words.
After getting everything put away, Hagi set up the Christmas tree in the front room in the spot Saya had picked out. He also started a fire as the day had become cold and the wind howled around the cottage. As Saya entered the room carrying boxes and bags full of decorations, she turned on the television. They rarely turned it on preferring each other's company instead. There was a special weather bulletin airing, warning of the coming winter storm telling of high winds, heavy snow and falling temperatures. Hagi lifted his head and looked out the window to see storm clouds moving quickly across the steel colored sky, snow already beginning to fall. He stood, "I will bring in extra firewood. This looks like it could go on for awhile."
Saya followed, "Do you want some help? Two will be faster than one." She added seeing the negative reply in his eyes.
He cupped her cheek in his hand, "Iie, it is becoming too windy. You should work on the decorations."
"But..." She started and was halted by his finger against her lips.
"Stay inside where it is warm. I will not be long." With that he slipped out the door into the blustery, ending day.
Saya closed the door and watched as he fought against the strong winds, "Please be careful." She whispered to the figure quickly disappearing into the swirling white flakes.
It took longer than expected and by the time Hagi had replenished their stores of firewood to his satisfaction, he was soaking wet and ice had begun to build on his clothes and exposed skin. He stood in front of the fire and stripped out of his sodden garments as Saya fetched dry clothes and a towel for him. He had wrapped a throw around his hips and was studying the tree when she returned.
Saya stood in the entryway and watched him; she smiled as she remembered the time in Russia when they were chasing Gregori and had fallen into a stream. Hagi had donned something similar then. He hasn't changed at all physically with the exception of his right arm, she thought. A bit more somber and quiet, but that's my fault. If I hadn't hurt him in Vietnam all those years ago, would he have been as quiet as he is now? She came up to him, "Here, you should dry off and get into these warm clothes."
He smiled tenderly in thanks and took the clothes and slipped out of the room. He came back carrying a comb and sat in front of the fire. He ran the towel over his dark hair, and hoped the fire's warmth would dry the rest. He was running the comb through the black locks and took his ribbon in hand.
"Leave it."
Hagi looked up at Saya who had come to stand next to him. "If that is your wish." His words soft, eyes glittering with firelight.
"It looks good down." Saya replied, gently running her fingers through the drying mass. She smiled when Hagi closed his eyes, concentrating on her caress. She took the comb from his limp fingers and set it aside, preferring to use her fingers to help the drying process. His hair is so silky and thick; it feels so good too. Why haven't I noticed it sooner? Saya thought, losing herself to the sensations. She took the opportunity to study him and was struck by how attractive he truly was. Maybe after this is over, we can... She quickly put a halt to that line of thinking knowing the futility of her desire.
"Saya?"
"Gomen ne." Saya answered, slightly flustered at being caught.
Hagi tilted his head at her tone; he had caught her looking at him and smiled to himself as she turned away, returning to the decorations. He stood and retreated to the kitchen, giving Saya some time to compose herself. For some time he had felt the chaotic state of her emotions regarding himself. If only there were more time, he thought sadly, putting on a kettle for tea. Staring out the window at the blowing snow, he had come to hate the passing of each day as it meant there was one less day to have with her and one day closer to her long sleep. If it was not those thoughts, then it was the one of how he would have to fulfill his promise to her. He was relishing this time together; he wondered if their life would have been like this had Saya not needed to fight and defeat Diva. I wish I could stop time from passing so that we could stay like this forever, he thought. Hagi was so lost in thought he never noticed the kettle he had put on, boiling, nor Saya entering the room. He blinked and looked down into concerned brown eyes.
"Are you alright?" She asked as he put together tea and a snack on a tray.
"Hai, heki." He whispered, not looking at her.
Saya followed him as he returned to the main room; setting the tray on the small table, Hagi poured tea and handed her a cup, still not meeting her eyes. Saya was now worried; in all their time together, she could count the number of times Hagi had not looked her directly at her on one hand. "Hagi?"
"It is nothing." He replied, sitting.
Saya set her cup down and knelt in front of him, "It's something if it troubles you."
Hagi stared intently into the chocolate depths of her eyes, I will miss her eyes, and he let a tiny smile curve his sensuous lips. "We will probably be cut off for a few days." He said changing the subject, hoping she would as well.
Saya looked out at the worsening weather, "It was a good thing I stocked up while we were in town then." She smiled at him; she knew he had deliberately evaded her but knew he would tell her in time.
They spent the rest of the afternoon decorating the tree and the rest of the house; they kept the radio on to keep abreast of the weather and for the holiday music. When Saya asked, Hagi told her the storms here could last quite a while and were very dangerous. They were enjoying their evening chess game when the lights flickered and finally went out. When he suggested they stay in the main room to conserve the firewood, Saya nodded and lighting a candle, went to change and gather pillows and blankets; Hagi followed to do the same and help carry her things.
Hagi watched with amused indulgence as Saya arranged a bed in front of the fire, tossing pillows and fixing blankets. "Settled? Comfortable?" The light laughter plain in his voice.
Saya turned her head on the pillow to stare at him, sitting in a tall-backed chair. "Hai, arigato."
He had been reading and listening to radio reports when he noticed Saya shifting. Another nightmare?, he wondered as he set the book aside and dropped to his knees. "Saya?" He called out quietly. He brushed back her hair and saw she was shivering, teeth chattering. "Saya?!" When she opened her eyes, he could almost see her request in her eyes. He slipped off his shoes, loosened his belt and crawled beneath the covers with her. "Alright?" He asked, lips brushing her delicate ear.
Saya pulled his arms tightly around her, snuggling back against him. "Arigato Hagi."
He looked down at the dark head resting against his breastbone, pulling her closer and resting his chin atop her head, he watched the flames and he felt her drift off. The hours passed and as the wind whipped outside, Hagi kept watch over Saya; she began to stir and mumble, her movements becoming more erratic and took on the qualities of a fearful person. Hagi sat up and lifted Saya into his lap. "Saya, you are safe. I will allow no harm to come to you." When she whimpered, he soothed her. "Shhhhh, I am here."
She came awake suddenly, her body stiff in his embrace. As she realized who held her and where she was, she relaxed and settled in the warm haven of her Chevalier's arms. "Gomen ne, Hagi."
"Iie." He whispered into her hair. "What were you dreaming?"
Saya studied the fire and looking up into slate blue eyes, "Everyone I've...we've lost."
"Saya..." He embraced her closer.
"And you. You were there...I lost you, Hagi." She cried, wrapping her arms tightly around his slim waist, burying her head against his chest through his open shirt. "I lost you..." She repeated, tears wetting his skin.
Hagi let her cry and when she fell lax in his arms, raised a hand and brushed the tears from her face. "Saya, I will always be with you. Always." When Saya shifted and wrapped her arms around his neck, Hagi returned the hug.
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In the middle of cleaning a few days later, there was a knock on the door. Hagi opened it to find Ian standing before him. "Ian?" He beckoned him inside.
Ian noticed the gaily decorated cottage and smiled at the young woman coming from the kitchen. "And how are you this fine day, young lady?"
Saya smiled and laughed softly which made Hagi smile gently as well. "Very well. And you?" Saya replied, gesturing to a chair.
"Good, good." He watched Saya as she left the room and then returned carrying a tea service. He accepted the steaming cup. "I see you made it through the storm."
"Yes, the electricity came back on early this morning." Hagi sipped at his tea.
"I came in the sleigh; the roads are still a mess." He explained. "There's a party this evening to celebrate the holidays."
"Ian..." Hagi began, unsure.
"Hagi?" Saya interrupted. He turned to look at her, "I would like to go." Saya voiced to his surprise.
He gazed fondly at her, his eyes warm, "If that is your wish."
That evening Saya entered the grand salon and looked for Hagi. Everyone there was dressed casually and there were many village children running about. She saw him sitting in a corner with Ian, dressed as most of the men there. He looks so relaxed and so good in that gray sweater, she thought as she adjusted the dress she was wearing.
When Hagi noticed Saya in the entryway, he excused himself and made his way to her, dodging children and young women wanting his attention. He stood before her and a warm light entered his eyes, making them sparkle. He felt a tug on his pant leg and looked down to see Ian's grand-niece looking up at him, pointing. He looked above his head to see mistletoe hanging. A rueful expression came over his features; he knew of the custom.
"Kiss...Kiss." The little girl encouraged.
"Hagi?"
"It is the custom for two people who are caught under the mistletoe to exchange a kiss." He explained, looking down at the grinning child.
Saya reached for his hand, smiling up at him. "We shouldn't disappoint her."
Hagi's eyes widened in surprise. He leaned into Saya's hand as she cupped his cheek. "Saya." He leaned down as she stood on tiptoe and their lips connected with the other's cheek. Hagi lifted his head first and seeing something in her eyes, pressed his lips to her cheek again. He drew in a swift breath when she turned her head and their lips met in a soft caress. They drowned in the sensations, losing themselves; everyone and everything fading into the background.
Neither knew how much time had passed until Ian cleared his throat behind them. "Thank you for showing us the right way to enjoy the tradition." He laughed as the crowd applauded. Saya blushed and Hagi looked abashed. "No need to be embarrassed," Ian continued clapping a hand on Hagi's shoulder. "It's wonderful to see young love." Hagi turned his head and met Saya's gaze. They smiled at each other.
It was almost past midnight when Hagi escorted Saya to her bedroom door. They had accepted Ian's invitation to spend the night. Saya turned and rested her back against the door. "Well..." She played with the lace of the dress, not meeting Hagi's eyes.
"Hai." Was all he said.
"Ne, Hagi? Are we still shopping tomorrow?"
"Hai. With the holiday coming in a few days, many villagers will be leaving to visit family and closing their shops until the new year. We need to restock and I need to..." Hagi's voice drifted off.
"You need?"
He turned his gaze to look at the moon shining in the window. "I need to shop for your present." His voice soft.
Saya giggled quietly and watched as the moonlight played across his features. She stretched up and pressed a kiss to his cheek. "I'll see you in the morning." She finished and pressing something into his hand, she slipped into her room.
Hagi just stared at the closed door, pondering what had just happened. He looked down and saw a red lily much like the ones she always gave Joel. He sighed contentedly and walked down the hall to his own room, twirling the flower in his hand.
The afternoon of Christmas Eve found Saya trudging through the snow to where Hagi was gathering firewood, or was supposed to be. She found him leaning against the door of the woodshed, staring out into space. When he heard her footsteps crunching the snow, he began collecting the promised wood. "Hagi?"
"Gomen ne, Saya." He replied, not looking at her.
She knelt next to him and rested a hand on his arm. "You've been preoccupied lately."
"It is nothing." He turned his head, their faces mere inches apart.
"Is this about the kiss?"
His eyes dropped to look at the hand on his arm. "Hai...Iie..." He shook his head.
"Hagi." Saya began, placing a finger underneath his chin to raise his eyes to hers. "You and I have known each other a very long time. I care very much for you."
"Saya," Hagi felt himself sinking. "I care very much for you as well." His words soft and heartfelt.
Saya smiled at him and leaning into him, pressed a kiss to his cheek. "If we were anyone else..." She said sadly, the knowledge of their promise between them.
"Hai," he agreed. "Saya?" Her name a question and a request.
"Iie, my blood cannot be allowed to go on." She pushed herself up. "I need your help with dinner and preparations for tomorrow." She told him walking away, then turning back to him. "We need to live today and let tomorrow take care of itself." The smile on her face not quite reaching her eyes.
Hagi, recognizing her desire, stood with his arms full of wood, "Hai," he replied in his usual, soft timbered, voice.
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It was late February and Saya walked to the cliffs to see Hagi staring out over the sea, his hair blowing in the strong breeze. "Hagi."
He turned and saw her standing several yards away, her hair flying every which way. He watched as she held her hair away from her face so she could see. He let a small grin wash over his face and he carefully climbed over the rocks and approached her. "Would you like me to cut it?" He asked lifting a hand to brush errant strands from her eyes.
She clasped his offered hand and they began the walk back to the cottage. "You used to back at the Zoo," she reminisced.
They entered the kitchen and Hagi took the dark red leather coat from her. He had given it to her for Christmas and she was never without it. He hung his own jacket next to it and began setting up a chair and rummaged for scissors. Saya returned with a towel, which she laid across her shoulders and sat. She handed him a comb and waited for him to proceed.
"Do you want it short, as it was in Okinawa?" He asked, running the comb through her silky hair.
"Hmmm...Iie. Just shorten it a bit."
Hagi was running his hands through her shortened hair when he felt a presence he had dreaded. He knew their time alone was coming to an end. "Stay here."
Saya, sensing the change in him, followed. "Hagi?"
"They are near." Was all he said as he opened the door. He ran out and saw the Chiropterans coming over the hill, the setting sun at their backs. He charged and the battle began.
Saya stood, not wanting to believe their idyll had come to an end; coming back to reality, she ran for her sword. When she returned she found Hagi had disposed of two of the three but was badly wounded for his efforts. Saya ran her palm across the blade and ran to defend her Chevalier. The creature dodged and Hagi moved to intercept, forcing it back into Saya's path. It let out a anguished howl as the sword pierced it's chest; falling to it's knees, it crystallized and shattered. Saya turned to see Hagi stumble to his feet and losing his footing again, fell over the cliff. "HAGI!!" She ran to where he had disappeared from view, falling to her knees, she looked down. She saw him clutching an outcropping of rocks far below her. "Hagi!"
He took a breath and looked up to see Saya bent over the edge of the cliff. "Saya," he began and coughed up some blood. "Heki desu." He called up to her.
"What can I do?" She asked, the memories from that day flooding her mind. All she could see was his body at the bottom of the cliffs near the Zoo, resting in a pool of his own blood. She pushed that memory away and concentrated on the here and now.
"Stay there." He let out a gasp as his wounds pulled as he began his ascent. As he reached the top, he felt Saya take his hand to help him the rest of the way. After cresting the top, he lay on his back, trying to catch his breath, his head in her lap.
Saya examined him and saw several wounds still bleeding but the minor cuts were already healing. She brushed the hair from his eyes. "Can you move?"
Hagi opened his eyes and moved to sit up and thought better of if. "Give me a minute?" After a few, he managed to get to his feet and with Saya's help, they made their way back.
Leaving him resting in the kitchen, Saya ran to the bath and started to fill the tub with warm water; she then gathered a change of clothes for him and went back to the kitchen. She stopped in the doorway, studying him as he let his head drop back. "Hagi." He turned his head in her direction. "I've run a bath for you. You should wash the blood off."
He let out a sigh and carefully stood. As he came abreast of her, he raised a hand to cup her cheek, "Daijobu desu ka?" he asked, searching her face for any indication of injury.
"Hai. Hagi?" She asked, looking away briefly then returned her eyes to meet his. "Gomen ne."
"Iie," he said, caressing her cheek. "We knew it could not last." He told her, sorrow in his voice.
"I know...I had hoped..."
Hagi raised her face to his gaze. He smiled gently at her and pressed the softest of kisses to her lips.
A couple weeks later and with the altercation with the Chiropterans fading into memory, Saya was strolling through the village doing a bit of shopping. She heard some of the ladies discussing the next village over and the strange crime that had taken place. She dropped her parcels and stared sightlessly. When the ladies asked if she was alright she nodded, hastily gathered her things and left. She made her way quickly to Ian's house where Hagi was visiting. She was ushered in and when Hagi saw her, he stood, concern plain in his eyes.
Saya dropped her packages on the floor at their feet and grasped the collar of his shirt. "Is it true?"
"Saya..." Hagi rested his hands on he trembling shoulders.
"Is it true?!" She asked more firmly, shaking him.
Hagi met her eyes, "Hai." he replied softly, knowing what this would do to her. He felt her legs give way and swept her into his arms, carrying her to a chair. "Saya."
She turned her head into his neck, tears falling. "That poor family...their children."
Hagi wrapped his arms around her, let her rest against him. "Saya, it was not your fault."
"They were after me. It's always me." Her grief over the death of a family by Chiropteran hands, a heavy burden.
"You could not have known." He tried to reason with her.
"Iie. We both knew the possibility was there." She argued.
"The possibility was there whether you were here or not." Ian interjected, handing a copy of a London newspaper to Hagi. It was folded to accentuate one article concerning bodies being found with their blood drained and strange sightings of animals never seen before. "My contact in London tells me the government is trying to keep this situation from causing a public panic."
Hagi and Saya were sitting across from each other at the chessboard, his cello resting against his shoulder; he had played for her trying to ease her pain and guilt. He had noticed Saya beginning to distance herself from everyone and her appetite was not what it should have been. It had been a week since they had learned of the deaths of the young family and Saya was taking it very hard. He knew what was coming and dreaded it; for at the end, he would be forced to keep his promise to Saya made all those years ago.
"Hagi."
"Hai."
"We must go to London."
He sighed, "I will contact Ian and make the arrangements."
"As soon as possible, please."
"Hai."
"It's time for me to quit hiding and rejoin the fight." She said, her eyes resting on him. "Hagi, will you help me?"
"Always, Saya. I will always be with you."
End Part V