Standard Disclaimer Applies.

CHAPTER XI

Ghost from the Past

"I know the lady nothing more than a determined woman who had done nothing but pure kindness for my family."

"I'm sure you knew a bit of her affairs."

Fujiyama Naoku did not like the way the man emphasized the last word.

"I am sorry. I do not know what you are talking about."

"That's not what I heard from the village people. They point their fingers on you when asked who knew about Takani-san's ordeal aside from herself."

"They already knew what I know."

"That was their version. I needed to hear yours."

Naoku struggled to keep her gaze steady.

"I have none."

"Do I need to lay a card to get your cooperation?"

"It would be a waste. Whatever you are thinking, there is simply no way I could be in cooperation. I do not know anything at all. The onna-sensei had always been resolute in keeping her personal issues to herself. Although I am concerned about her welfare, I need to respect her resolution."

"It's not something new to me."

Naoku watched the man sipped at his tea calmly.

"Such display of fierce loyalty, that is. I have seen that kind of expression so many times. And every time, had been confronted with accompanying thick lies."

The old woman fought to challenge her guest's scrutinizing eyes.

"That would lead me to question your intentions. You could have easily got it from Takani-san."

"That could as well lead us back to your speech."

"What?"

"You said she's quite resolute."

Naoku's stare shifted to look at her cooling black drink. She hadn't been able to lift it to her mouth, scared that her hands would shake in front of the man. That would only portray how her heartbeat fluctuated every time she gave him negative responses.

"Regarding my intentions, rest assured that it's nothing as such of what you are worrying about."

"Then why did you come to me instead, to inquire about Takani-san's matters?" Naoku asked suspiciously. She saw his lips tilted slightly just above his cup.

"It's not that I needed to hear it from you. I only wanted to see it from you."

"W-what do you mean?"

"Although you supplied me with nonsense, I saw favorable responses from you."

"I don't understand."

"Quit it, Fujiyama-san. I am very sure you know what I know."

"What does it had to do with you?" she asked.

"I'd rather say that Takani-san was quite lucky to have found a commendable confidant in you. Although she had quite a few back in Tokyo, she really does need someone from this side of town."

"Indeed. She really needs someone especially from this point on."

She watched him suppress a chuckle while placing his cup neatly back at the saucer.

"I appreciate the time you spared for my unexpected visit." The man watched Naoku's brows twitched. "You had been helpful, Fujiyama-san, in many ways you never thought you could possibly be. "

"I could only hope that those ways would still be for the best welfare of the onna-sensei." She saw him closed his eyes briefly before he stood up.

"Then, it's not wasted. Please keep this meeting from Takani-san' knowledge, for the time being. We can't afford to endanger her yet." Naoku's visitor stood up after saying these.

He made a slight bow to the older woman and took his leave.

Fujiyama Naoku could only watched his sure steps through the narrow road that lead back to the town. Her mind was clouded with the ambiguity of the man's words. He purposely trailed the rough way that lead a bit farther away from the town towards her home. For what? To see how she would react if confronted by inquiries about Takani-san's personal matters. She thought it was odd and it's worrying her. A man like him would not do something as inconsequential as such for nothing.

Another usual midmorning at the Takani residence, Megumi was hanging the clothes Naoku had finished washing. Ryusei did his share of chore by sweeping the floor.

Looking at him, Megumi chuckled. She couldn't distinguish whether the boy was doing his chore or was playing. One moment, he would sweep the rag through the floor like pushing a cart, the next thing he would be on top of it skating through the shiny floor.

He noticed his mother staring at him and began to whine about doing it alone. The playing part, that is. He wanted doing it with his mother so that he could ride on top the rag. Megumi would have to tow him all around the house while balancing on top the rag as her backward steps picked up speed. That had been their way to make their floor shine. Easy, faster and enjoyable.

"Mama, can we play now?"

"We're not finished with the laundry. We'll do it later. Meanwhile, you make it slippery enough."

"Hai!"

"Don't overdo it, dear. Otherwise, we wouldn't be able to step at the floor without slipping," Naoku reminded.

Both women watched him frown with a pout and went to continue his play.

"It's a good excuse to keep him from frolicking outside without your permission," Naoku commented.

"I have to keep him busy. Besides, he will be starting school when he turned six. He needs to learn his letters."

"Ne, Megumi-san, shouldn't Shinomori-san be back by now?"

"Iie. It would take him longer this time?"

"Megumi-sensei, if you don't mind me asking. How long do you know Shinomori-san?"

Naoku noticed the way the younger woman tightened her lips.

"You don't have to answer…"

"No, I don't mind, Naoku-san. I know him way back when I was still at Tokyo."

"Really?"

"Yeah."

"And how well did you know him?"

Megumi glanced at the older woman.

"Quite enough."

"I see."

Naoku's eyes stared unfocused at her laundry.

"Something's troubling you, Naoku-san?"

"N-nothing." She looked at the doctor with a veiled worry.

"I know you had doubted Shinomori-san's persona," Megumi said knowingly.

"It's not that. It's just…" Naoku couldn't put into words what she really meant, suddenly lost in her doubts.

"I would rather be surprised if you haven't asked. I was bit worried. Shinomori-san had been staying with us for almost a month already and still you didn't ask until now."

"Megumi-san… "

Megumi hid a giggle.

"That man.. His mere appearance stirred fear. I do not know if he was even aware or, was he doing it intentionally to intimidate people, but his presence had always reflected a dangerous aura.

"He is a dangerous man…"

Megumi noted Naoku's comment was somewhere between a question and a statement.

"All I know, Naoku-san, is that Shinomori Aoshi is neither a felon nor a hero, neither a sinner now a saint. He is simply a man."

"And that's enough?"

Megumi looked at her and smiled reassuringly.

"That should be enough, Naoku-san." I am unfit to judge him beyond that, she added mentally.

"I see. But, you really should be careful."

She eyed the older woman, confused. However, Naoku refused to meet the inquisition in her eyes. She just kept scrubbing the bubbly bloodstained sheet she had been working on. Megumi suspected that something was on, judging by the crest on the woman's forehead

The uncomfortable silence was broken by Ryusei's thin, piping voice. He emerged from within the house informing them that someone was on their front door.

"I'll get it."

Before Megumi could react, Naoku was on her feet wiping her wet hands on her apron. Her gaze followed the woman's retreating form then shifted to Ryusei.

"Come here, Ryu-chan."

Hearing his mother's sweet beckoning, Ryusei ran up to Megumi and flung his arms around his mother's neck.

Surprised, Megumi almost lost her balance from her sitting position.

"What's up, Ryu-chan?"

"Mou, just want to play."

"Ain't you done playing? You smelled all sweat already." She looked at his small face and ran her wet fingers through the boy's raven hair already matted with his own sweat.

"That was hardly called playing. I was alone. If only Aoshi-sama's here," he whined.

Megumi laughed. She cupped his face and dropped a kiss on his forehead.

"Missed him, huh? He has work to do. Now, go take a bath."

She wrapped the boy in a towel after taking his sweat-drenched clothes.

"Jiyu-san stocked water in the barrel this morning. Do not play with it. Don't take too long."

"Hai." Ryusei replied in a cheerful high-pitched tone and hopped playfully down the bathroom.

"Megumi-san…"

She glanced up to see Naoku at the porch, her face almost white with a mixture of fright and disbelief.

Her gaze moved to identify the figure just behind Naoku. At that instant, the same air that was occupying the older woman hit her. Naoku's expression might as well be replicated by her own, she thought.

"Y-you…." She mumbled almost inaudibly.

"Mid- morning, really, is the best time for house activities, nah? Something's never changed."

"I-it can't be…"

"What's with the gaping, Takani-san?"

"Y-you… A-Akira Ueji?"

An amused chuckle came audibly.

"Yo."

"Have you seen him around?"

"I can't find him," replied the younger man.

"Could he be…."

"Probably."

"He had reasons to do so, though."

"I would understand. However, if he would draw harm along with him or haul them into it, I won't forgive him."

"Of course, he knew he had been pursued by threat. He would let them be long before he'd be spotted."

"That won't assure me."

"You are a very cautious man, my friend."

The man frowned at comment.

"I won't hesitate to break his bones if he gets in the way."

"I must add that you are quite passionate, too," he laughed amusedly at the man he was teasing.

"Saa… What about the child? When will I meet the boy?"

"Soon…. If your kin won't mess up with me."

"Good. As I had expected from you. Good."

He smirked satisfyingly looking at the still frowning younger man.

Megumi filled his cup with the warm black liquid and sat across him.

"Where have you been all these years?"

"Hiding. Threatened. Constantly pursued by danger," Akira replied calmly.

"Authorities, you mean. Not to mention you're guilt."

"The authorities had long ceased the chase. Regarding the guilt, there had been none, except that one of which I hadn't kept my promise to Izumi-san."

She observed the clenching of jaw of the man.

"So, you are denying your crime."

"If you really did believed that story you would not let me in your house."

"You broke in."

"That's hardly called breaking in. I hadn't broke anything. I knocked at your front door and Fujiyama-san let me in."

"You scared her."

"That can't be helped. Everyone else thought I was dead."

"You used that opportunity to get passed her."

"I didn't. I greeted her 'hi' but she almost fainted. I caught her and that's when she brought me inside to meet you."

Megumi sighed. He really hadn't changed. He was the same Akira Ueji after five years. Stubborn and shrewd.

"Who's chasing you then?"

"Someone who wanted me long dead. I had been made a criminal in people's mind for a carnage that I barely came out alive. What a joke of fate!!" He chuckled bitterly.

"Izumi-san went believing you were dead and hating her family."

"If only I came back sooner."

His tone was heavy.

"I'm sorry."

Silence.

" I believe you have been told."

"About what?"

"Someone told you about the crime they framed me."

"Izumi-san's brother, that is."

"That bastard."

"You really do hate each other, do you?"

"You don't know a thing, Takani-san."

"Yeah. That is why I still don't trust you."

"Tsk. Whatever."

Akira's gaze landed at the child who was half-hidded just outside the door.

"Look who's here."

Megumi turned to follow his gaze. She saw Ryusei in exactly the same position.

"He took after Izumi-san after all."

"You are mistaken. He's my son."

"Really, Takani-san? I hadn't even thought of such possibility."

"Ryusei is my son, Akira," she said pointedly.

"Allow me to prove you wrong, Takani-san." He motioned for Ryusei to come.

"You are Ryusei, right?"

Ryusei eyed his mother but she didn't looked at him. He strode across the distance and sat beside her. He stared at the stranger cautiously.

"Hi." Ueji grinned at him.

"Hello."

"I'm Akira Ueji. Ever heard my name yet?"

Ryusei shook his head. "Please to meet you, Akira-san. "I'm Takani Ryusei."

Megumi listened to the formality of Ryusei's introduction. The child was obviously uncomfortable around Akira.

"You're a nice boy."

"Thank you."

"You mommy taught you well ,huh?"

"Hai." The boy looked up again to his mother but Megumi had her eyes fixed at Akira.

"You really do look like your mommy," Akira commented making sure Megumi caught the taunting in his voice.

"Hai. Except for my eyes. Mine is blue." The boy pointed a finger on his eyes.

"Yeah. Reminds me of someone with eyes like yours."

Megumi's eyes narrowed ever so slightly.

"Really? I got mine from my Otousan." Akira noticed the sparkle in the his eyes just by being able to mention the father he hadn't known.

"But mine is not blue."

Megumi cast Akira a warning glare at his obvious goading and intent of confusing the child.

She glanced at Ryusei looking up at her, puzzled. As if being chided for giving a wrong answer which he thought was fact. The silent appeal in his eyes was asking her to supplicate a statement that would support his claim. He never really heard it from his mother but since he didn't get his mother's hazel color then he obviously got it from his father, Ryusei deduced.

Before he could even read anything in his mother's eyes, he heard Akira's voice again.

"How old are you, boy?"

Ryusei looked at him stiffly. He was starting to dislike this Akira guy for a number of reasons already.

One, because he's confusing. Two, Akira was affecting his mother. Three, it was clear that his mother doesn't like the man. Last, because this guy was suspiciously cool.

Akira noticed the comtemplative gleam in the boy's eyes.

"I'm five," Ryusei answered, not trusting the smile on the man's face. He saw how Akira eyed his mother sneeringly. Ryuusei watched her mother's face seemed perfectly unaffected.

"And when is your birthday?"

Ryusei thought for a moment whether to answer or not.

"Twenty third of December." He supposed that by telling honest answers he could not be mistaken again. However, seeing Akira grinned smugly at his mother, he regretted it at once.

Noticing how Megumi's eyes narrowed, lips tightening, at Akira's remark, Ryusei felt sorry for his reckless response.

"Gotcha. See, Takani-san..." Akira smirked triumphantly while Megumi throw him a murderous glare. Apparently, the child had sense the tension between the two adults. Megumi instantly felt Ryusei's disconcertment when he had his head bowed, small hands fisted in his lap.

When did honest answers become so wrong? The child pondered, deranged. He had been taught that truth would never get him wrong. So how can the simple truth of his birthdate be a gain to Akira and a loss to his mother? He realized that they were in the middle of mental argument when he entered the room. His appearance had only entailed his mother's defeat.

"I'm sorry."

Both Akira and Megumi stared at the speaking child.

"Mama, I'm sorry, I don't..."

"Ssh. You've done nothing wrong, son." Megumi cupped his cheek. She looked straight to his eyes that were on the verge of crying and smiled assuringly.

"You go now to Naoku-san. I supposed she finished preparing your bean cake."

Ryusei hesitated until he felt his mother's thumb pressed a bit more on his cheek. A sign that demanded him to obey. He pushed himself up and left with an apologetic, confused look in his eyes. Megumi just keep her assuring smile until he was out of sight. She turned to Akira with a totally different expression that unsurprisingly sent Akira briefly frozen.

Silence hanged momentarily between them. Megumi regarded him with an unusual edge in her eyes but the whole of her expression was devoid of emotion. Her thoughts was an enigma to Akira as of the moment. He felt a bit anxious about the atmosphere around them.

"You know very well that you can't keep it hidden forver. I just made you realize it," Akira broke in, quite apologetic about the way he brought up the topic.

"Your little discovery won't change anything."

"Of course, I had known it after all. I just don't know if it's the same with, say, the village?"

"They would rather believe a scandalous issue about me that they could be feasting about than a story of kindness."

"Confident on that corner, huh? What about his blood relatives? The Takatoris' quite an empire."

Akira was stunned by the sudden flare raging in the woman's eyes.

"Your discretion on this matter would be very appreciated," Megumi said rigidly.

"Even if I would, what could you do against those people who had all the intention to uncover the secret you kept locked away for the past five years, at the expense of your name and career? What can you do, Takani-sensei?"

Megumi's nails were now digging painfully at her palms, but she seemed not to feel any pain. She felt numb all over. She felt that the time was near. The indications were there. First was Takatori Toshiki's appearance. Then, Akira's.But even before, she felt it. Ever since Aoshi came, she felt that the time she was dreading will come soon.

"I believe you are getting at something, Akira," her tone was as piercing as her gaze.

"What do you think Izumi-san's bastard brother doing here?"

"Izumi-san's family had started investigating, huh?"

"I'm afraid 'started' is not the most appropriate word as of this moment, considering that he already had contact with you."

Megumi felt a wave of panic washed over her. So that had been the reason of Takatori's appearance in Aizu, she thought. They are close, very, very close to her.

"That man had reasons to be here though."

"What do you mean?"

He gave her a bitter laugh.

"How else would I know? We're not the best of friends, remember?"

"And here I thought you could help."

"In a way. Actually, it's merely impulse that brought me here to pay visit, for old times sake."

"I expected an impulse to see the boy."

"Not as much."

"Don't you really care, Akira?

"You cared much more than I could. I guess that's more than enough."

Megumi chuckled unbelievingly at his lack of concern.

"What would Izumi-san say if she were alive?"

"Look, Takani-san, I care about the boy. Why do you think I came here? To simply blurt out Takatori's advances?"

"There you go. At least..."

"It's not that," Akira cut her words. "It's not as simple as you think. Besides, Izumi-san would understand if she were alive."

"Well, I don't. And what's with the 'not as simple as you think' thing?"

Akira sighed. "Let's put it this way, Takani-san. You had rather be misunderstood by people to guard certain issues regarding my wife. I'm merely doing the same." He watched her expression mellowed a little, trying to follow him.

"I just don't understand how could it affect your attention about the boy."

"You're a smart woman. Eventually, you would.The important matter here is for you to be very, very careful about things and people around you, including me. I can't even assure you full safety with my presence here."

Akira found the onna-sensei actually heeding his words attentively.

"Be very vigilant, Takani-san, for his sake."

Megumi's eyes regarded him, assessment in her steady gaze. Finally, she nodded.

"Saa... What else can I do?"

"Just let me see him before I leave."

"Certainly."

Sitting in a tatami, the man in gray suit and trousers heard the light rapping at the shouji door of his room.

"What is it? he demanded.

"We found him, boss."

He opened his eyes instantly. A chilling excitement rushed through his blood.

"Where?"

"At the onna-sensei's clinic," answered the man behind the closed door.

"Takani?"

"Hai."

A sinister grin spread across his handsome face.

"Very well. We'll leave in ten minutes."

"Hai, Takatori-sama."

"Are you sure it's alright just looking at him that way, Akira."

"Yeah."

They stood by the kitchen doorway watching Ryusei munched his bean cake, the aroma of the jasmine tea Naoku prepared for the boy filled the air around them.

"Bean cake and jasmine tea. His favorite combination having bathed after doing his share of housechore."

"Geez. A bit odd."

"I thought you just have to know a bit about him."

He chuckled watching the boy intently, almost seeing Izumi in his smile.

"Akira, I suggest you talk to him even for a while."

"This is just fine."

They saw Ryusei glanced at their direction as if sensing their presence.

"Too late. Guess you simply can't leave without a word."

Akira sighed. "What a pain."

Ryusei watched his mother and Akira approached at the table to join him.

"Enjoying yourself?" Megumi asked the boy.

"I won't get tired of this," Ryusei chirped.

Megumi laughed amusingly. Akira's eyes just twinkled, bemused.

"Do you want some tea, Megumi-san, Akira-san?" Naoku offered.

Megumi nodded. Akira declined.

"No need to fuss, Fujiyama-san. I won't stay long. I just want to have a word with Ryusei."

Naoku's eyes sought Megumi's. In response, Megumi gave a smile.

"A word with me?" Ryusei asked, surprised.

"You see, I'm a little fond of you."

"Oh?" Ryusei saud untrustingly. "But I don't like you," he added in an almost inaudible whisper.

"Ryusei." Megumi berated.

Akira laughed.

"Just as stubborn. But you are a nice boy, ne?"

Ryusei just stared at him, his hand holding the cake, suspended in the air.

"It can't be helped. I did confused you, right?"

The boy eyed him with defiance.

"Ryusei, it's alright to be confused at your age. A lot of things come wrapped in a puzzle when you are young. You are fortunate you have a smart mommy to help you."

Ryusei took a quick glance at Megumi. He felt overwhelmed hearing the admiration in Akira's words. And for that, Ryusei adored his mother more than ever.

"Listen, Ryusei, I didn't call you nice for nothing. You may throw any other words you heard from me. I won't hold it against you. I am a stranger to you after all. But this, I want you to hear. I want you to listen to every word your mother says. Obey her and believe only her words. It's for your best."

"Aoshi-sama said just the same," Ryusei commented.

"Oh?" Megumi muttered.

"Well, just a little brief. But it meant the same. He even made me recite it just so I could remember. 'Whatever happens, listen to your mama's words only.'"

Megumi frowned. Sure, Aoshi cared about Ryusei but to leave with that kind of words to him... It can't simply be coincidence... Whatever happens...

"Aoshi-sama, huh?"

Megumi noticed Akira's pensive face.

"You hadn't meet him. He's on business." Ryusei informed.

"Yeah. I guess so."

She noted the hint of sarcasm in Akira's tone. She tried to ignore it but uncertainty had started to sank in.

"Saa... I won't stay much longer." He rose to his feet.

"I'll take you to the door. " Megumi offered.

The man sitting by his desk took the folder held out to him. He scanned through the clippings and the neat handwriting of detailed report about their subjects.

He groaned inwardly, satisfied.

"The efforts you exerted were incomparable, essential."

"That's the kind of outcome you expected anyway."

"Only because it was you."

"In return, Inspector, I request you to act without delay before your subjects find time messing up with somebody else's business."

"Of course. From Tokyo until here, you've been of great help. We will not disappoint you."

"If he messed up with me. I won't hold back."

"Now, now. Do you really think you're the only one who wanted to get these things over? Taichou would be delighted the sooner I settle the ruckus here. He got lots of load for me when I get back to Tokyo."

The latter nodded. "I must take my leave then."

"Ja ne, Shinomori-san."

The broom-haired man watched the shinobi went and disappeared behind the door.

"Akira, do you know Shinomori Aoshi?"

He paused to look at Megumi.

"The sound seemed dangerous. No, I don't think I know him. Is there anything I need to know?"

"Nothing. I just thought you're up to something when you heard it from Ryusei." She sighed.

"So, I wouldn't be seeing you for a long time again."

"I guess. But for the time being, I'll just be on watch."

"That's kind."

They were almost a meter from the front door when a loud bang broke the wood and it's impact sent the two of them flying across the room.

Megumi felt her whole body wracked with pain as she forced herself to sit up. Still dazed and unable to grasp what had just occured, she strained to see Akira, apparently recovering first from the blow, staggered keeping his balance.

Her gaze scanned the room and halted at the same direction where Akira's deadly glare was. She saw three figures by the wrecked doorway, two were armed with katanas while the other, standing just a little closer, was pointing a gun at Akira.

She gasped when her impact-clouded mind was clear enough to recognize the intruder.

"It's been a while, Akira Ueji."

Malice was crystal clear in his voice. He smirked, raw contempt evident in his eyes.

"Bastard."

It was all Akira could mutter with equal animosity before a gunshot sent Megumi's eardrums ringing.

"Akiraaaaa!!"

END OF CHAPTER XI

A/N: My apologies for a delayed update. Thank you for your patience. This story is finally up to the climax... In case you guys are wondering about Akira Ueji, he is Takatori Izumi's husband. And that Inspector Aoshi was talking to... it was Chou. The Taichou (captain) he mentioned was Fujita-san, Saito Hajime, of course. Sorry for the errors, I'll check it later. Any words are welcome. I don't appreciate flames... Ja ne!!