Chapter 15

Shou, Strain and Sentence

For some reason…I wasn't shocked to see him. I should be. I should be scared. Shou's a bad man. I know that…but still…I want to believe there is some good in him. That there's something else in him beside's evil. I could be anything underneath that but I can't think of anything that's worse then this evil.

Gakupo didn't say anything he just grabbed my wrist protectively and stared at Shou with anger in his eyes. It was hard to tell what was going to happen next but if Gakupo made the first move, it was going to end badly for Shou. Shou's in no condition to fight…or run for that matter. Frankly I'm shocked he was even able to climb that latter.

"Shou…how did you get out?" I asked. Gakupo looked at me and I knew he was both shocked and angry that I knew him. I could see the emotions playing across his face.

"I broke out myself. You see, I am now so thin that I was able to slip through the bars. If you wouldn't mind, would you make me some food? I'm quite hungry my dear." Shou seemed to be playing the nice guy right now. He knows that's better for his cause.

"Maybe later." I tore my wrist away from Gakupo. "Loosen up will you. I don't need two sprained wrist." I looked at Shou. "I'm afraid I'm not well enough to do much on my own."

"That is quite alright my dear. I know where everything is so I'll do it myself." Shou went for the door but something flew across the room and stabbed into the door before Shou could reach it. It didn't take to long to know that Gakupo had thrown a knife to stop Shou from leaving.

"How dare you order my wife around?" Gakupo snarled.

"Fiancé" I corrected.

Gakupo pushed me behind him as he rose from the bed. "It would be in your best interest to not resist arrest."

"That is where I don't agree with you big brother." Shou looked at me. "My dear Gumi, what do you think Gakupo should do? Sit and let me talk or arrest me? It is a part of marriage to let your wife have a say. Isn't that right big brother?"

I groaned. "Leave me out of it."

"No Gumi, what do you think?" Gakupo asked.

I sighed. "I believe Shou was a bad man in the past but…shouldn't you at least give him a chance. I mean he came here instead of running for his life as far away from here as possible. If I were in his position, I would have run…knowing you you'd catch me though."

"That's right, I would catch you and in record time." Gakupo glared at Shou. "I don't like this."

"Oh come on Gakupo, he's your brother. Have some humanity." I weakly slid off the bed and slowly made my way over to Shou only to fall into him. He caught me and held me up like a respectful gentlemen.

"Are you alright my dear? You shouldn't have gotten up. I could have easily walked over to you." He sat me down on a chair.

"Shou, be serious. Why did you come here in the first place?" I asked.

"Because I like you very much Gumi and I haven't finished my time in this place just yet. Plus you're marrying my brother and I can't miss my loving brothers wedding now can I?"

I looked at Gakupo. He was obviously deciding. "Oh come on Gakupo. At least let him come to our wedding. I want him there." I crossed my arms. "I refuse to marry you unless your full family is there…well the alive ones anyways."

Gakupo groaned. "Fine but he will remain in his cell until the town can vote on his release."

"I am perfectly fine with that. You're the boss big brother." Shou said bowing like a gentlemen to Gakupo.

Gakupo rose from his bed and put on a pair of pants that he had left on the floor. "Let's go Shou." Gakupo grabbed Shou's arm. "Gumi, get some sleep. If you're awake when I get back, I'll be really pissed."

"I know." I looked at Shou. "Bye Shou."

"I'll see you soon my dear." Shou said with a smile. Gakupo snarled at Shou and slammed the door to the room. I could hear Gakupo and Shou bickering as they crossed the town from my room. Finally, when they were out of ear shot, I went to sleep but boy did it take a long time.

Gakupo wasn't there when I woke up that morning. I could tell that today wasn't gonna be good. Not for Shou anyways. Lucky for me, the impact of a Half Breed coming into this town will be pushed under the rug and the attention will drift to Shou. Does that make me a bad person? I don't think so.

But strangely, most of the day was silent and I didn't see any of the guys today. No one visited me and since I could barely get out of bed to go to the bathroom, I didn't really have any reason to go check on what was going on. I kept looking out the window and scanning the town for any kind of panic over Shou…but there wasn't any. Everyone just went on with what they probably did every day.

It wasn't until that night when I was just about to go to sleep, did anything happen. Just as I was looking away from the window, I saw a sudden bright light. Turns out, that sudden bright light was a fire. Torches actually. People began to gather in the square. I opened my window to listen.

As far as I could tell, this was something important. Seconds later, a giant cage was being carried into the square. It only took a second longer to realize it was Shou. This must be a voting thing. I forced myself up and began to ever so painfully walk to the square. I'm not gonna let Shou die because I can't speak on his behalf.

Gakupo's Point Of View

Father had me, Rai, Ron and Kaen carry Shou's cage. Shou seemed a lot calmer then I expected. I mean this could be the death of him. If he wasn't my little brother, I wouldn't have any problems driving a sword through his black little heart…but he is so…I guess I understand why Gumi wants to trust Shou so badly. Honestly, I do love my little brother no matter what he had done in the past but he needs to be punished and I won't be the one to oppose his death penalty…but I secretly hope someone does.

We dropped his cage in the middle of the plat form in the middle of the square. Dad sat in a wheel chair next to where we dropped Shou.

"Good evening father. It has been a few decades since I've seen you." Shou said. He seemed way to calm for someone who's gonna die soon.

Father ignored Shou. "My people! Today we will be voting on the fate of Shou Kamui! His charges are as follows! The murder of three werewolves and two Half Breeds and three Nymphs, resisting of arrest and the attempted murder of Gakupo Kamui!"

Shou sighed and looked at me. "You know the only reason I tried was because you were trying to kill me right?"

"I know." I murmured under my breath. As much as I'd like to admit I didn't hold a grudge over Shou, I did. I hated that he refused to let me arrest him and I hated it even more when he tried to kill me to avoid it. I know Shou feared jail more then anything in the world…but still…he needed to be punished.

"All in favor of the death penalty?" Father announced. Everyone in the crowd raised there hand. "And those who wish to the dropping of all charges?"

"Me! I do!" someone yelled. The crowd began to disperse and there she was. Gumi was weakly crawling towards the stairs. I could see the tears running down her cheeks and the small cries she made with every move she made. Youe and Akaito went to her aid and helped her up. "I…I wish the dropping of all charges."

"Gumi, did you hear those charges?" father asked.

"I am aware of the charges." She said through her tears. "But were said charges investigated? Was there any investigation? Shou could have been falsely accused."

"Shou was seen at the seen bent over a Nymphs body. There was no need for investigation." Ron answered.

"He could have been trying to help. Isn't that a possibility?" she asked. The people around the platform began to gossip. "I ask for an investigation. I'll do it myself if no one will volunteer. How bad would you feel if you put an innocent man to death for a crime he did not commit?"

Father groaned. "All in favor of an investigation." A good amount of people raised there hand. "Does anyone wish to conduct the investigation with Gumi?"

"I'll do it!" someone yelled. The crowd dispersed around Tsubaki.

"Tsubaki." Shou whispered.

"I will help as well." Youe said.

"Anyone else?" father asked.

"I will too." Rai said.

"Rai." Ron said hitting him up side Rai's head.

"He's out Brother Ron." Rai snapped. "If anything, the only thing he'll be convicted of is the attempted murder of Gakupo."

"Thank you Rai." Shou whispered.

Gumi stared at me as if she was begging me to help her but I just couldn't bring myself to help. Not after how much pain I had to suffer to get better after Shou tried to kill me. I knew Shou, at least, understood why I wouldn't help.

"An investigation will be held. You have three days." Father announced.

"Only three?" Gumi asked.

"Shou's had decades. You're lucky you get more the 24 hours." Father said.

Gumi nodded. "I understand. Thank you Aizo."

"In three days we will reconvene. Shou will remain here until the three day time limit is up." Father said then wheeled himself off stage. The crowd slowly dispersed. Youe and Akaito helped Gumi on stage.

Gumi looked at me as if she was both angry and sad at the same time. But she looked away and turned to Shou. "Did you really do what you were charged with?" she asked. Shou looked at her with fascination.

"Did you really crawl all the way here in your condition? You must have suffered a great deal my dear." Shou said.

"Answer my question." Gumi said coldly.

Shou grabbed the bars and pressed his face against the bars. "I didn't. When I arrived, that is what I saw. No one ever believed me."

Gumi grabbed his hand. "I'll do what I can."

"Thank you Gumi."

Tsubaki ran onto the platform. "Shou!"

"Tsubaki!" Shou shouted. Gumi stepped away and Tsubaki smacked right onto the bars. Shou seemed all too happy to see her.

Tears ran down Tsubaki's face. "I thought I'd never see you again." Tsubaki kissed him.

Shou smiled. "Quit crying. It doesn't suit you." He used his thumb to wipe away her tears.

"Oh Shou." She reached out and laid her hand against his face.

"Tsubaki, it's illegal to fraternize with prisoners during an investigation." Ron said.

"Sorry." Tsubaki whispered. She smiled at Shou. "I'm gonna get you out of here if it kills me."

Shou kissed her. "Be careful my dear."

Tsubaki nodded. "I love you Shou."

"Tsubaki" Ron warned.

"Love you to my dear" Shou said as he ran his hand down her cheek.

Ron grabbed Tsubaki's arm. "Tsubaki." Tsubaki nodded and walked away crying happy tears.

"We'll start up tomorrow morning." Rai said.

"Alright…do you think you could get me a wheel chair?" Gumi asked.

"I'll see what I can do." Rai said.

"Sorry Gumi but the fraternizing thing is over your head too." Ron said.

"Ok." Gumi said. She looked at me. "Would you carry me home please?"

I nodded and took Gumi from the guys. Gumi didn't say anything as I carried her back to the house. I feel like she's angry with me but he face doesn't say anger. It says sadness. Maybe she's sad that I didn't offer to help. I mean what does she expect me to do? My brother tried to kill me. Give me a break.

"Gakupo?" She asked as I opened the door to our room.

"What is it?" I asked. I guess I sounded harsh cause Gumi flinched when I spoke.

"Do…do you really hate your brother?" she asked sheepishly.

I set her down on the bed. "No…" I sighed. "I just can't forgive him…it's complicated."

"Do you hate him?"

"No."

"So you love him but you hate what he's done?"

"If you want to simplify it…then yes…I guess that's about it." I looked at her. She looked very concerned for me. I don't see that to often so it brought a half smile to my face.

"If I prove that someone else killed all those people, will you forgive Shou a little bit?" Gumi laid her hand on my shoulder. "All I want for you is to be happy…but I'm not sure if I could ever be happy knowing I had such a troublesome relationship with my brother…so I want to fix this."

I kissed her cheek. "Thank you."

"You still won't help?"

"My brother tried to kill me Gumi. I'm not going to help you with this. You'll have to do it on your own…however, I will answer any questions you want me to answer about what I know of what happened."

"Thank you Gakupo." She hugged me. "I love you."

"Love you too."

"I'm a lot to deal with aren't I?"

"Completely but I feel like at some point, you'll be worth it."

"Jerk." She mumbled.

"I know."

Someone knocked on the door. "Come in" Gumi said.

Rei walked in holding a folder. "Aizo told me to give this to you Gumi!"

"Thank you. Can you put it on that table?" Gumi asked pointing at the table next to the door.

"Sure!" Rei smiled. "I'll make you breakfast tomorrow, ok?"

"Thank you so much Rei. You know…for everything you've done for us."

"Yes, thank you Rei." I said.

"No problem at all! Gakupo is my best friend! I'd do anything for Gakupo!" Rei smiled and left shutting the door behind him.

"He's so nice." Gumi said with a smile.

"I agree." I said.

"How long have you known Rei?"

"Since I was born. If you can believe it, we were born at the exact same time. It's extremely rare for something like that to happen so the town considers us to be brothers. We've always been close. Even when I lived with Kaito and everyone else. Sometimes I feel like Rei is more of my brother then Rai and Ron are."

I chuckled. "I can see the resemblance."

I half smiled. "Thanks babe."

"Babe?"

"I'm tired. Good night." I fell back on the bed and fake snored.

"Your gonna wake up the whole town." Gumi said placing a hand over my mouth. I licked her hand and she shrieked and removed her hand immediately. "Gross! Gakupo!"

I laughed and slid under the covers. "You should have seen that coming."

Gumi slid in next to me. "I hate you."

"I know."

Gumi punched me lightly in the stomach. "You suck." She mumbled.

I smiled and slid my arms around her. "Get some sleep. You're too weak to be doing anything else right now."

Gumi nodded and snuggled against me. "Good night." She slowly fell asleep but I stayed awake a little while longer.

As I looked out the window, I could tell Shou was looking directly at me from the square. I could tell in his eyes, all he wanted from me was forgiveness for what he's done but no matter what he'll say to me…I'll never forgive him. Not after all the pain I had to suffer through. I hope he get's punished for that at least. Honestly, I believe his sentence in his ceil was torture enough and a pretty good payment for what he's done. If I was my father, I'd probably let him walk free but…I won't forgive him for it not matter what sentence he is given.

Not a day of my life has gone by when I don't think about Shou. My little brother that I saved only to turn around and try to kill me. If we had switched places, I would have stood down. I would never hurt my brothers. No matter what the circumstances, I would never hurt my brothers. Despite being the younger then Ron and Rai, I act like more of a big brother then they do. I always end up protecting them in some away or another. There my brothers, what can you do?

Still…things being the way they are, I might as well just take the position I was offered. It would be a better life for Gumi. A safer life. I could make my own decision on Shou's sentencing. I could do anything I want…but I know that's not what I should do.

If I'm going to protect my wife, we'll eventually have to leave. I really didn't pick the best hiding place. I'm shocked they haven't found us yet. I lived here for over a century. I'm shocked they didn't look here first.

Despite what has happened, I'm glad were here. Gumi was right, I really did want my family's approval of her. If mom was here, I'm sure she would have loved Gumi. Mom was always a kind women. She'd probably insist on making Gumi's wedding dress herself and getting Gumi ready for the big day. If there's one thing mom loved, it's dressing up people.

When I was kid, mom would force me to wear a tux to every big event and she'd do my hair even though I was perfectly capable of doing my hair myself. Because my hair was longer then Ron and Rai's at the time, she'd play with my hair a lot. She always wanted a girl but ended up with four boys. I guess I was the next best thing. I didn't mind too much.

She wasn't in the best health after I was born. Honestly, if the raiders didn't kill her after Shou was born, her disease would have killed her with in a month's time. The only reason I was able to over come her death was the fact that she was going to die soon anyways.

I looked out the window. Shou was still staring at me. I reached over Gumi and closed the blinds.

Gumi rubbed her eyes. "Gakupo? What's going on? It's late?" she complained sleepily.

I smoothed her hair. "Nothing, go back to sleep."

"You don't have to tell me twice." She snuggled up next to me and laid her head on my chest. "Quit lying to me when I'm tired."

I chuckled. "Nothing to worry about love."

"Minus five points." She said sleepily. Her eyes drift shut and was fast asleep moments later.

I kissed Gumi's hair. "I'll protect you."

Shou's Point Of View

Ron left me along after a little while. He knew I wasn't going anywhere. Not when my case was finally being looked at. I had been waiting for this moment for decades. I was finally going to be proven innocent…if Gumi can solve my case that is.

That night…I remember hearing screams from my house. I lived on the outskirts of town. I had lived there for a few decades. As soon as I was old enough to leave Gakupo I was gone. No offence to Gakupo but he was way to over protect of me. Yet another reason why I had a total of 0 friends when I grew up.

When I went to that warehouse, I saw a man in a cloak jump out the window after killing an old friend of mine. I had met her while I was shopping at the bakery. At the time, she was the only one who ever really tried to befriend me. She'd visit me in my little house quite frequently. When I saw her drop I ran to her and held her close crying over her slowly dying body.

"Shou." She had whispered to me.

"Yes Cul. I'm here." I had clutched her hand.

"Shou. Don't forget…" And then she died. I remember crying for a few hours before anyone actually found me. I bet they wouldn't have found me at all if I hadn't been crying like a baby. Cul meant a lot to me so could you blame me for being extremely hurt?

I've always favored being alone which made falling love difficult for me. It took decades for me to move further in my relationship with Tsubaki and she understood why. I'm not the most social person if you can believe that. I rarely start conversations with people. I guess my time being in jail made me more sociable…or maybe Gumi brought my talkative side out of me. Either way I have gotten more confident.

It wasn't until I was dozing off in my cage when I heard footsteps coming towards the stage. I looked around. Sure enough, there was a figure coming towards the stage. It didn't take long for me to realize it was Tsubaki. I stood and grabbed the bars of the cage. She walked onto the platform with a serious look on her face.

"You're going to get in trouble my dear. You should go." I said but I really didn't want her to. I love Tsubaki more then anything in the world. When I see her my heart skips a beat and when we kiss…I can't describe in words how wonderful it is.

Tsubaki slid her delicate hands around two of the bars. "I needed to see you. If we fail at solving your case, I'll never see you again. Ever second I have left with you is important."

I ran my hand down her cheek. "Oh Tsubaki. How long I've waited to see you again. Every second was torture. Every moment, an eternity but it was all worth it to see that smile on your face."

She smiled and gave me a quick kiss. "I love you Shou."

"I love you to my dear Tsubaki." I laced my fingers with hers. "Now why did you really come here?"

"What do you mean? I cam e here to see you."

"You know I can see through you like a glass wall." I said with a chuckle.

She sighed. "I want you to tell me that you didn't kill all those people."

I could see in her eyes that she was struggling to believe. Every ounce of her cried to believe I didn't kill those people but after years of believing I was a murderer, I knew she'd have a hard time coming terms with innocents without hard facts. She was always someone who didn't believe something without hard facts. That's what I get for falling in love with a Doctor.

"I didn't kill anyone. I've never killed a single person my dear. I swear to you I'm tell the truth." I said.

Tsubaki nodded. "Then I believe you." But her eyes said other wise though most of her tension subsided. At least she half believed me now and that's good enough for me. She's never been absolutely sure of anything anyways. I'll take what I can get.

"Solve my case Tsubaki." I said.

"I'll do everything I can to find the culprit." She glared at me. "But if it is you, we're done."

"I understand." I touched her cheek. "But if I'm freed from this cage, will you marry me?"

She blinked. Of all things Tsubaki is good at, answering serious questions is not one of them. "I uh…I don't know. I can't believe you're asking me this now."

"If I die tomorrow night, I want to know your answer. I believe I could die happily knowing your answer."

Her face welled with tears. "Yes. Yes I'll marry you that day if that's what you want." She kissed me. "I'll marry you…and we'll live in your little house together."

"Yes. Together." I smiled.

"Tsubaki, what did I tell you." Ron snapped as he walked onto the platform.

"Sorry." Tsubaki said she smiled at me then walked off the platform.

Ron looked at me. "You're lucky I let her stay so long."

"I know. Thank you big brother." I said.

"I'm not your big brother until your proven innocent." Ron said with his back turned to me.

"I understand." I half smiled. "Still I appreciate what you've done for me so I thank you."

"Thank me when you're not in a cage." Ron said calmly.

"You sound like you don't think I killed those people." I pointed out.

"Because I know you didn't kill them from the beginning."

"How'd you know?" I asked curiously.

"Oh come on Shou." Ron said in exasperation. "You and I both know you'd never kill Cul. You treated Cul like she was some goddess. If you had actually killed her, it would have been an accident. That girl meant more to you then your own life. I bet if you hadn't met Tsubaki, you probably would have married Cul. Beside's, you could never go for the kill anyways."

"I might have married her if she hadn't slapped Tsubaki that one time. I love cat fights as much as the next guy but no one smacks my woman around."

"You definitely haven't changed Shou." Ron walked towards the stairs that took you down off the platform. "I'll see you tomorrow. If I find you with Tsubaki again tonight, I'm holding her in jail until the investigation is over."

"Thank you Ron."

"Thank me when you're not on death row." He disappeared into his house and didn't check on me for the rest of the night.

.

.

.

Thanks so much for reading guys! Hope you enjoyed this chapter. It took forever to come up with a good idea for this chapter so sorry for the wait. It has been a while.

I'd like to say thanks to SkySkyXAnime for helping me out. She gave me a great idea for the chapter after the next chapter. It's gonna be pretty awesome. I believe it will blow your mind. Also, if anyone wants to see my character list (which has awesome pictures of all the characters in the story so far) put in a review saying you'd like to see and I'll contact ya so you can check it out. I actually have a character for Kyousei too so if you'd like to see that, put in a review for Kyousei In One Voice and I'll give show you that one also.

Also, feel free to send me some pictures of any of the characters that you think is better then the ones I have on my list cause I'm always looking for new pictures. It helps me visualize what each character looks like so I can write better. Thanks so much for reading guys!