Chapter 2 – The Scent of Change, Strangers descend on Portento
Shooting nails into the doorframe to secure it in place, Rory felt a sense of unease probe at him. The shift was subtle, almost non-existent, but Rory knew trouble was coming. Turning off the nail gun, he stored his tools in the carrier at his feet. Rory snapped the tool box closed and stretched his arms above his head to ease the tension in his shoulders.
“Rory!”
Rory jerked into motion, rushing out of the section of the house they were extending. Outside, the morning sun danced over the trees to light their large front yard. Connor Morgan stood on the gravel drive, hands at his hips.
“Dad?”
“Go find a shirt, we have to get to town. Chris was racing that Dolon kid on his motorcycle and they crashed. They were raced to the hospital.”
“Shit.”
Rory went running to the main doors of their house. He took the stairs two at a time until he reached his suite. Going into the bathroom, he splashed water on his face at the sink, washed his pits and his arms. Splashed water on his chest and grabbed a towel. Wiping himself with negligent jerks, he rolled on some deodorant, and hurried out of the bathroom. He grabbed a clean t-shirt from the closet, adjusting his jeans, he removed his work boots, jamming his feet into sneakers. He was out of his room in three minutes, and racing downstairs to his father’s pickup truck.
The car was already running. Once in the cab, his father took off down the drive, speeding down the dirt road through the forest, heading to the main road.
“I don’t understand why Chris has to constantly get himself in trouble. This is the second time this month. Do you know what’s going on with him, Rory?”
Rory didn’t know. About three months ago, Chris’s girlfriend walked out on him. She got on a plane and flew out to L.A. saying she wanted to be in the movies. Chris was devastated. His grief so tangible, it was hard to be in the same room with him.
“Do you think Lori was his mate?” Rory asked. “I mean, she’s—
“No. If she was, and she walked away from him, Chris would be under anesthesia, and not running around like a mad man.”
“Well, then I don’t know what’s wrong with him,” Rory said, shrugging his shoulders.
His father drove too fast. They got to town faster than was legal. Luckily, Connor was the town sheriff, no one would bother ask him questions. Finding a parking spot close to the entrance, Connor and Rory walked into the only hospital in their town. The nurse on duty waved at Connor, and directed them to the second floor.
They heard Chris’s laugh before they saw him. A woman was talking to him, her words heavy with accent. Italian? Or maybe Spanish? Rory couldn’t place it. The scent of citrus and bay leaves mixed in with disinfectant, and Rory glanced at his Dad.
“You’re very healthy,” the Italian woman was saying. “You are lucky. Surviving such a terrible accident is no easy feat. I can only imagine how your parents would have taken the news if things went the other way.”
“Not well,” Chris said. “Luckily, I’m agile.”
“Agile is an interesting way to put it.” She laughed, the sound musical. “I would say you are blessed. Many people would have broken arms, legs and head injuries. Chris, you must stop racing through life so reckless. I’m a great doctor, but even I cannot bring back the dead. Promise to be careful?”
“With that smile, I’d promise the world to you, Doctor Ilaria.”
“Such a Casanova,” the doctor said, her tone amused.
Connor pulled the curtain open, to find Chris lying back on the hospital bed, and the doctor applying ointment on the angry scrape on Chris’s left thigh and knee.
“Yes, how may I help you?” the Doctor asked, when she saw them.
“I’m Connor Morgan, his father.”
“Oh, yes, good you have come. I’m almost finished. Chris has deep abrasions on his left knee, and thigh. We have cleaned the wounds and treated them. Your son was very lucky.”
“He really is,” Connor said, glaring at Chris. “Thank you so much Doctor…”
“Ilaria.”
She removed her gloves and held out her hand, her smile wide and beautiful.
“Ilaria Takeda,” she said, shaking Connor’s hand.
She turned to Rory, and when he took her hand, the scent of citrus filled his nose, coupled with soft tones of the most enticing scent in the world. Holding her hand, Rory took a step closer, moving around the bed.
What was it? That maddening scent, so fresh, so….mandarins! Fresh mandarin oranges, the kind that had you gulping up a whole mandarin in one second. The scent disappeared and he leaned even closer, making Ilaria’s eyes widen.
“Rory.”
His father’s voice pulled him back from the precipice, and Rory let go of Ilaria’s hand. A frown dancing on his forehead, he took a step back from Ilaria and gave her a sheepish smile.
“Sorry, your perfume smells really good.”
Ilaria’s brow lifted in surprise, and then she shook her head and took Chris’s records from the end of the bed.
“Teenagers, sorry, about them,” Connor said with a sigh.
“I have two at home, I know how it is,” Ilaria said.
She returned the clipboard to the end of the bed and smiled at Chris.
“I think you can go home. If your father comes with me to the front desk, we can get you on your way. Remember, no more accidents.”
“But I like seeing you Doc,” Chris complained.
She chuckled and started to walk away.
Rory moved to stop her, curious about that scent.
“Doctor Takeda—
“Please, call me Dr. Ilaria,” she said. “Dr. Takeda is my husband.”
“Are you new in town?” Rory asked.
“How did you know?”
“Small town,” Connor said his tone full of assurance. “Everyone knows everyone.”
“I can’t wait to be the one that tells the next new person that,” Ilaria said with a laugh.
Rory bit his lip. He wondered if it would be all right to tell her that new people moving into Portento was a rarity.
“Speaking of which,” Ilaria said, her brown gaze meeting Rory’s blue. “Please tell me you go to Ashland High.”
“I do,” Rory nodded.
“He’s a senior,” Connor said. “Chris graduated last year. Why?”
“I have a son going into eleventh grade. He will be new and I was hoping…”
“Rory will look out for him,” Chris interrupted her. “Right, Rory? Doc has been so good to me. We should repay that favor. What’s your son’s name?”
“Milan,” Ilaria said with a wide proud smile. “He’s fragile, but very stubborn. It will be nice to know he has someone he can ask questions.”
Milan, nice name.
“Yeah, sure, no problem,” Rory agreed.
“Thank you. Mr. Morgan, if you would come with me. We can get Chris sorted out.”
Rory watched his father walking beside the short doctor. He looked animated, far from the gruff man he usually was. Ilaria’s laugh was charming, and it had Connor smiling. It was nice to see that.
“If only she was single,” Chris said from the bed.
Rory sighed, and turned to look at his older brother.
“Why the hell were you racing Dolon?”
“Don’t start lecturing me.”
“Why not?” Rory scowled. “It was your leg this time, who knows what will happen to you next time? If you smash your brains out, no one can put them back in to that empty head.”
“Dr. Ilaria looks capable,” Chris said with a sheepish grin.
“Be serious, Christopher.”
Rory sat on the edge of the bed, careful to choose the right side. Chris’s thigh looked very angry, even as the skin knitted in the healing process.
“Don’t wrinkle your nose at my leg. It was much worse,” Chris said. “The healing process kicked in before the paramedics showed up. I don’t know how I ended up under the care of Dr. Ilaria. It’s a good thing it wasn’t so deep when she was working on it.”
“Scrapes are easy to deal, she won’t know the difference. Best to keep out of her sights for the next month or so. She’ll expect to see scabs if you meet her next week.”
“You’re right.” Chris looked toward the door. “How do you think she moved into Portento?”
“Who knows,” Rory shook his head. “I’m sure Dad will get right on that mystery. Meanwhile, he’s freaking out about you. Is this about Lori?”
“Fuck Lori. Dolon said some shit I didn’t like, so I challenged him. Don’t ask me the details, he got what he deserves.”
“Chris.”
“I’m a Morgan first. Trust me, Rory. If I challenge a bastard, it is for a good reason. Don’t push it.”
Rory sighed, knowing there was no way Chris was going to tell him. He patted Chris’s right leg.
“Alright, but maybe you should talk to Dad. Before he starts thinking you are losing it.”
“I’ll find the time,” Chris said. “So, excited to meet this Milan kid?”
“Why?”
“I saw you leaning into the Doc. You must have scented something good. Must be from the Doctor’s family. A lingering scent from someone close to her.”
“Whatever.”
Chris shook his head.
“I can’t wait for you to find your one, Rory. I really can’t.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“I’m just saying,” Chris said with a shrug. He touched the edges of his bloody shorts. “Help me up. I need to piss, and my leg is killing me.”
The Sukiyama Estate’s one strong and true defense was its ability to hide from the naked eye. A parting gift from the mistress of the estate. No one could explain the phenomena, well, no one outside the direct family.
Ogun stared at the mass of trees that shrouded the tarmac road leading into the estate. His fingers caressing the steering wheel of the black van he drove. His gaze shifted to the rear view mirror where Koji sat staring at the canvas he had not let go since he left Daye’s club.
Beside Koji was Andre, whose attention was on Tomoyo and Leon. Tomoyo held two identical syringes. The contents of which acted like a sedative. Thanks to the strange protection on the estate, Andre and Leon would not be able to enter the Sukiyama Estate without suffering extreme nausea and severe hallucination. Once inside the estate, the symptoms disappeared, but as long as one was outside, the hallucinations and nausea turned a normal person into a mad man.
The first time was the worst. After years of trial and error, Saya finally decided that drugging strangers was the way to go. When they woke up in the safety of the main house, they all acted as though the lingering nausea was a symptom of the drug.
Ogun studied Leon who wore a skeptic expression as he stared at the syringes Tomoyo held. Poor bastards didn’t know what they were getting into here.
“Will you trust us?” Tomoyo asked Andre and Leon. “This is the only way in. We’re concerned about security. There are those who will seek you out for answers even though you think you don’t know them. For that, we must protect the location of our home. Please understand.”
Andre turned to look at Koji.
Ogun had noted the man kept doing that. Too often. That gaze full of longing. Ogun understood that kind of longing, had seen it in Tomoyo’s eyes when she looked at the boss.
When Koji didn’t speak, nor make any effort to justify the syringes, Andre met Leon’s gaze, gave a nod and extended his left arm to Tomoyo.
Tomoyo was quick. She injected the sedative into Andre without a second thought. Turning to Leon after, and doing the same. Stowing the metallic syringes into their carrier, she settled back in her seat and met Ogun’s gaze.
“This is going to be a nightmare,” Ogun said to her, aware that Koji paid no mind to the consequences. “Tama-sama will not be happy.”
“He needs something new to be angry about,” Koji responded this time, meeting Ogun’s gaze. Ogun shuddered when Koji smiled. “This will teach him to keep me locked up too long. When you call him, tell him I’ve lost my mind.”
“Koji.” Tomoyo chided.
Koji shrugged and turned to look at Andre and Leon who were now unconscious.
Ogun was surprised when Koji reached out and took Andre’s hand.
“Let’s go, Ogun,” Tomoyo urged from the back.
Ogun drew his gaze away from where Koji still held Andre’s hand and focused on driving into the estate.
***
“Koji returns today,” Saya said, her tone conversational.
Her fingers worked fast, braiding long hair into a thick braid. When she finished, she placed the braid on the pillow, her fingers trailing over cool pale skin. The woman lying on the comfortable hospital bed remained asleep. Eyes closed, with only her chest moving to show she still breathed.
Saya wished for a glimpse of expression on the very beautiful face lying so still.
“Koji has grown up so fast. I worry he won’t soon forgive my many transgressions against his family.”
Saya sighed and stood from the edge of the bed, adjusting the covers with a last pat on a green duvet, she met the longtime doctor’s gaze. He stood at the foot of the bed watching their mutual patient.
“Let me know if anything changes,” Saya reminded him.
“You know I will.”
Saya nodded.
“Don’t worry about Koji.” The doctor smiled at her. “He wants answers. You should consider giving them to him.”
Saya wished it was that easy. Giving the doctor a small nod, Saya left the basement level of the guest house, making sure the doors were locked, and stopped to take in a deep breath.
Her most favorite season was spring. The flowers bloomed. The air was fresh, and life seemed to gain a new sparkle.
Adjusting the key around her neck, she folded her hands behind her back and started the stroll back to the main house. Her thoughts on the occupants who lived there. This home she now called hers in place of her very best friend. The children she now viewed as hers.
Tama was busy, immersed in Sukiyama business. She worried that he couldn’t see more than the quiet power he now held. He lived and breathed his obsession to protect his family’s estate and Koji. So deep was he in his quest, Tama ignored Tomoyo who only saw him. What a mess that was. And here she had thought she would be planning a wedding soon. Ha!
Tomoyo spent most of her time throwing all her unrequited love and care into the two brothers and this estate. Her gratitude turned to deep love. Tomoyo truly saw the brothers as her only family. Seeing it all, Saya wanted to give Tomoyo the wedding she deserved. See her named a Sukiyama. Saya sighed at the thought of having to wait longer for this plan to come true.
Then there was Koji.
The special child with a gift that was quickly reaching its peak. Koji’s twenty-first birthday was fast approaching. She remembered Misato’s warning well. Koji was to find a partner to help him carry the burden of his gift. Someone as special as he was.
Saya scoffed.
How Koji was going to achieve that she had no idea. What with Tama keeping him under lock and key for what seemed like the rest of his life. Koji himself seemed clueless about making bonds, building trust. She had yet to see him trust anyone enough to love them, except for the one time he was in school and kissed a boy.
Saya chuckled.
Poor Koji passed out for three days over a simple kiss. Gosh, how she wished this would get easier. Love wasn’t something one ordered on Amazon Japan. If it was, she would have already ordered three boxes just for the three stubborn children living under one roof.
Shaking her head, Saya chose to take a path that would lead her to the front of the house. The gardens were waking up, and she wanted to see how the summer roses were faring. Saya couldn’t help the smile as she made a turn into the front yard and saw a black van driving up the drive.
Forgetting the flowers, she changed direction to meet the van at the front entrance. Koji and Tomoyo were home and she had missed them so much. Ogun stopped the van at the main doors.
Saya frowned when two of his men came hurrying out of the house. Worried that Koji was hurt, Saya broke into a short run.
“Ogun?”
Saya stopped as she watched Ogun’s men remove two men she did not recognize from the van, and hurry into the house.
“Saya-san,” Ogun said, as he came out of the driver’s side. “I can explain—”
Saya held up her hand stopping Ogun, she moved to the open van door and peered into find Koji watching her.
“Care to explain?” she asked.
“Yes.” Koji smiled at her. “This is a wonderful afternoon to explain things. Let’s go inside, I have questions.”
“You have questions?” Saya asked in disbelief.
Koji moved her out of the way and jumped out of the van. He didn’t wait for her to ask as he headed straight into the house.
“Koji Sukiyama!”
He didn’t stop, forcing her to turn to Ogun and Tomoyo for explanations.
“He insisted,” Tomoyo said, when she got out of the van. She looked tired, a frown creasing her brow. “Koji hasn’t spoken much since we raided Daye’s club and the lab next door. Something is bothering him.”
“Well, two strangers in the house are bothering me. Your reports did not include their names.” Saya pointed in the direction security had headed. “Who are they? Why are they here of all places?”
“They’re involved with Daye Chang, and the case in Kyoto,” Ogun offered. “Koji promised help. We couldn’t say no.”
Saya narrowed her gaze at that. Koji had never promised to help an outsider before. Interactions with anyone not living in the estate were difficult for him. She arranged all such cases. She met Tomoyo’s gaze and read amusement.
“What am I missing?”
“You’ll see,” Tomoyo said, walking into the house with a small grin.
***
Koji took the painting to the main living room, spreading it out with care on the large table by the windows. He used flower vases from around the stands closest to him to anchor the painting. Then he took a step back and stared at his mother. She would have to know the painter to sit for this. She looked relaxed, happy…Koji frowned.
It irked him hearing Takino Yuki call her the love of his life.
“Koji.”
Saya entered the living room, clearly upset about Andre and Leon. Tomoyo followed her in.
“Are you going to explain yourself?” Saya asked, when she reached him.
“Why would Takino Yuki have our mother’s painting?” Koji pointed to the canvas on the table.
Saya gripped his left arm in surprise.
“Where did you get this?”
“Takino’s office,” Koji answered, studying her.
Saya’s shock was evident. Saya was great at poker faces, but the surprise in her eyes was evident. She gripped his arm tight.
“Koji.”
“I want the truth.”
“Can’t you wait for your brother?”
“No. All he does is lie,” Koji shook his head. “Why would a man who loved my mother kill her?’
“It’s complicated—
“Simplify it!”
Koji shook off Saya’s hold and moved closer to the painting.
“If this Takino Yuki loved my mother, why would he come here to murder them in cold blood? Why did he do it?”
“I can’t explain the mind of a mad man, Koji.”
Koji scoffed and looked at Tomoyo.
“I was eight when she died. An eight year old should have a million memories of a mother who took care of him, day and night. Remember her touch, her smile, her laugh,” Koji chuckled. “Her scolding tone…I have none. Does that make sense? What kind of son does that make me?”
“Isn’t that what you’re really angry about?” Saya asked. “The fact that you can’t remember her? So, you run around the country hoping to find clues about who she was, hoping it will make you remember. You get angry at me and Tama for not telling truths we don’t know.”
“Truth you don’t know,” Koji scoffed, shaking his head in disbelief. “I know you best, Saya-sensei. Your ability to hide the truth rivals my own for finding it. You have kept Tama’s memories hidden from me. Don’t think I don’t know.”
Saya stared at him, not saying a word. She knew he was right.
Koji returned his gaze to the canvas, his mother smiling at him…no, she was smiling at the painter.
“Do you know who made this?” he asked. “You can at least tell me that, can’t you?”
Saya moved closer to the table, shifting the vase on the left bottom corner of the canvas. She turned it over, and Koji stared at the name signed there.
“Syaon,” he murmured.
“Your father,” Saya said. “Before he married your mother. He changed his painting signature after the wedding to Sukiyama. Koji—,”
“Have a long talk with Tama. I want the truth, otherwise, I’ll—
Koji broke off trying to think of what he could do that would shake them up. When he couldn’t find anything to say, he shook his head.
“The two who came with us are my guests. I’m allowed that much, aren’t I? Don’t touch them. I’m going to think of what I’ll do if you don’t tell me the truth soon.”
Koji left the living room fighting off a wave of frustration. He wanted to tell Saya that he felt as though his mother was alive, but that would only make Saya more worried about him. Shaking his head, he headed upstairs to his suite to think of a punishment.
****
Andre woke up to the sound of music, and soft humming to the rhythm. He lay on a very comfortable chaise, staring at a very high ceiling in a bright sunny room. Andre shifted to ease his muscles, turning to his left on the chaise, he took in a breath at the sight before him.
The room was an art room, windows taking up one side, showing off a Japanese garden beyond. Light poured in, gracing the surfaces and the hundreds of canvases resting on stands, on the wall, and on shelves. The floors were hardwood, a large work table laden with a wild collection of painting supplies stood to one side. At the end of the worktable by the windows stood Koji standing before a large canvas. His right hand swiping a brush over the surface, deep in concentration. The afternoon sunlight playing with his wild hair, leaving gold hues on the crown of Koji’s head.
Koji perched on a stool, the white t-shirt he wore paint-stained. His jeans ripped with use, feet bare, toes curled on the floor.
Andre watched him, unable to look away. Folding his arms across his chest, Andre imagined Koji painting at the Villa Lacome. Mornings in the sunroom were the brightest, Koji would love the light streaming in there. He would have to get Leon to purchase all the supplies Koji needed. Andre blinked at that last thought. He wanted Koji at Villa Lacome.
Sitting up, Andre moved his feet to the floor, drawing Koji’s attention.
“You’re awake. I thought you might sleep the afternoon away.” Koji placed his brush in a container on the table next to him and turned to face him. “How do you feel?”
Andre frowned. “Woozy, but it’s lifting away.”
“No nausea?” Koji asked, studying him intently.
“No.”
Koji nodded, remaining perched on the stool, his gaze on Andre. They stared at each other for a minute, then two.
“I like you.” Andre stated.
Koji chuckled, his gaze breaking away to stare at his hands.
“I’m drawn to you too,” Koji said, his tone full of wonder. “I don’t know if I can explain the reasons right now. I think, you would think me crazy if I did.”
“I’m crazy too for liking you,” Andre said, sitting back on the lounge chair. “Leon tells me you and I are impossible.”
“Why is he such a pessimist?”
Andre chuckled.
“I’ll have to ask him.”
Koji nodded, and pushed off his stool. He walked the not so short distance between them and came to stand before Andre. Andre looked up at him, raising his left brow in question.
“I want to explore something,” Koji said, biting his bottom lip.
Andre took Koji’s left hand, running his thumb over paint-stained knuckles. Koji’s answering smile sent a thrill through Andre. Then Koji moved to straddle Andre’s lap, and Andre took in a deep breath, loving Koji’s weight on him, his hands moved to steady Koji.
When Koji was settled, their faces were inches apart. Andre found he could not look away from curious blue eyes, his breath coming a bit too fast. Koji traced fingers on both sides of Andre face, touching but not, an electric current followed Koji’s caress.
Andre reached up and pressed Koji’s palms to his jaw not caring if he got paint-stained too. Koji’s gaze riveted on the streaks his fingers left on Andre’s face, a small smile curving his lips, drawing Andre’s gaze. Wanting to taste that smile, Andre tightened his arms around Koji, moving him closer, so that he could press his lips against Koji’s smile. The effect left them both gasping. Koji closed his eyes, biting his inner lip when Andre moved away to escape the intensity. Seeing Koji biting his lip, Andre decided he wanted more, and took. Taking Koji’s lips in a gentle kiss, that turned hard and needy when Koji responded by opening his mouth allowing Andre access.
Koji’s fingers slid into Andre’s hair, bunching it when Andre invaded his mouth, his tongue exploring Koji’s warmth, taking in his sweet taste. His erection filled, hard and needy, his hands holding Koji tight as he took, loving Koji’s needy moan, when he broke their kiss for a second.
Koji tightened his grip in Andre’s hair and pulled him in for more. Andre smiled, sliding his hands under Koji’s t-shirt to caress his back, moaning with approval when Koji arched into him, breaking their kiss with a harsh moan, trembling.
“Is it always like this?” Koji asked, closing his eyes when Andre pressed his lips on Koji’s neck sucking on delicate skin.
“With the right man,” Andre murmured against Koji’s skin, blowing on the red mark he had pulled up on Koji’s skin.
“I never knew,” Koji murmured, meeting Andre’s gaze. “I think I might like you a little more now. Can we do this often?”
Andre chuckled, the offer so tempting he felt like stripping Koji right here and taking him until they both couldn’t move.
“Koji. I’m going to turn into a beast because of you.”
“Is that a good thing for me?” Koji asked, studying him, his gaze expectant.
Andre suddenly realized he might be Koji’s first, and the idea excited him, even more.
“We’ll need to get to know each other more to find out,” Andre said.
Koji combed his fingers through Andre’s hair, his gaze on the soft strands, then he met Andre’s gaze.
“Then let’s get to know each other,” Koji murmured.
Andre smiled, and wrapped his arms around Koji holding him tight, feeling carefree for the first time in years. When Koji sighed and rested his head on Andre’s shoulder, Andre closed his eyes and decided to ignore Leon’s warnings. He wanted this.
***
Saya stepped back from the art room door, her gaze on Koji who sat on the man Ogun called Andre Lacome. She had come looking for Koji to talk about Misato’s painting. Now all she could do was stare. Koji couldn’t stand touching strangers. Not for anything, the overload of information was too much to him. Unless…
Saya gasped, sliding the door closed quietly. She hurried away reaching for her cell phone to call Tama back home.
Su Yi, the great general of Qi, was captured by enemy country’s army. Faced with the downfall of his country and interest from opposing country’s king, how will he react?
War Prisoner Review
As the title states, this story is not fluff, but seriously epic. The main characters end up in very tough, and graphic situations, so if that is not your cup of tea, don’t check out this one. However, if you are brave enough, this story is seriously beautiful. Wanyan Xu and Su Yi are a couple I find quite interesting. Wanyan hellbent on creating a prosperous kingdom, while Su Yi doing the best he can to fight for his own kingdom which is now under Wanyan’s control. There is loyalty, there is insane attraction, terrible personal betrayals, and the beginning of a love that takes Su Yi through hell. Truthfully, reading this story led me on an insane emotional roller coaster. I was angry, and happy at times, sad and happy other times, still I kept reading. So, a nod to Li Huan Yan Yu who created a very epic tale in War Prisoner.
Read Translations here:
The chapters are split between sites. I hope this is helpful to you.
Rain fell in sheets. The night darker than black. Alarms blared through the five-acre Sukiyama Estate. Constant, deafening, enough to make his brain hurt. None of it stopped Tama Sukiyama.
This would be Sukiyama Estate
At fifteen years old, Tama’s determination was stronger than most. He could move a mountain if he wished it. On this night, he cut across the Northwestern lawn, running to the unsettling bamboo forest on the outskirts of the property. On a normal night, Tama preferred the neat laid out paths on the edge of the forest to get to the dirt road. On this terrible night though, Tama decided to cut through the bamboo forest. Night was thicker in the forest and Tama hated the darkness. He pushed aside his fear, running into the trees without hesitation. His breath came in gulps, his chest heaving with exertion. His muscles burned, and his heartbeat filled his ears. Sweat poured down his forehead, down his neck to his back, making his shirt cling to his slender body. His black pants were muddy at the bottom, his shoes sloshed with water from the grass, and now from the muddy forest floor.
Tama swiped his left wrist over his forehead, pushed strands of hair out of his eyes. Branches swatted at him, stinging nettle swept across his ankle, the painful sting not enough to break his focus. Gritting his teeth, Tama ignored all discomfort, determined to get to the dirt road.
His mind filled with one thought, saving his little brother. Koji was eight. Earlier in the afternoon, Koji had gone to visit their neighbors, close family friends who loved having Koji over. The Takadas were like family to the Sukiyama Clan. Koji loved visiting the Takadas because the family had children his age. Nana and Rei. No one at the Sukiyama Estate had worried about Koji staying at the Takada home too long. When it got late, Shizuka Takada would usually call the estate either to say she’d drop off Koji, or to let them know he was sleeping over.
But tonight…tonight was different.
Tonight, the Sukiyama Estate was under attack.
The thought renewed waning adrenaline through Tama’s body. He pushed through thick bamboo trees hoping to see the dirt road soon. His brain filled with his mother’s panicked order.
Misato Sukiyama never panicked. When she did, Tama imagined the world was ending. She had screamed for him to get Koji home as fast as he could.
“He must be safe, Tama-kun!”
Tama tasted the bitterness of panic just as he came out of the forest on to the wide dirt road. Crossing the road, he climbed up a gentle slope of green to find a smaller compound fenced with trellis panels. Tama hurried along the cobbled path that led to a side gate on the property.
The alarm from the estate was distant. Tama imagined Shizuka Takada would meet him to ask what the problem was.
The wooden gate into the compound was partially open.
Tama didn’t give it a thought. He walked up the path, around a beautiful garden, and came up to the back of the house. Climbing up the short steps to the deck, he didn’t bother removing his muddy shoes. Shizuka would have his head but it didn’t compare to delaying his mother’s orders. Aware of the mud tracks he left in his wake, Tama promised to make it up to Shizuka later and entered the warm kitchen.
“Shizuka-san, Koji-kun,” Tama called, looking around the clean room.
The silence was unnerving.
It was never this quiet in the Takada household.
Shizuka’s two children, Rei and Nana, teamed with Koji, usually filled the house with activity and noise. Shizuka would have appeared by now to yell at him for messing up her clean floor.
Frowning, Tama hurried into the short hallway that would take him into the living room.
“Where are you guys? Okaasan is calling,” Tama said, the last comment added to impress urgency.
Shizuka would understand his urgency. Whenever Misato Sukiyama called, everyone obeyed.
Touching a fern growing in a pot on top of a high stool by the living room entrance Tama wondered why Shizuka wasn’t on him yet. The sound from the television was welcome. The kids were watching their favorite anime. It was only eight o’clock. Koji was going to be very upset with Tama for dragging him back home.
Entering the living room, Tama pasted on a smile to soften the coming argument and froze.
His heartbeat, which had calmed from the run, revved up and flung itself into a volatile beat that threatened to deafen him. A hoarse scream escaped and his vision narrowed down to colors.
Red, on every corner of the living room.
The walls, on broken furniture, the television screen, the carpet, the flowers Shizuka liked to place on stools.
Tama gasped, his lungs failing him. His chest felt too tight. He couldn’t breath. His stomach lurched; his dinner felt alive and wanted out. His brain finally managing to process that the red color was blood.
Blood painted on the walls. Nausea rose up with vengeance and he bent over, letting out the contents of his dinner.
Where was Koji?
Panic sucked away vital energy, his hands braced on his thighs, Tama looked around the room. He had to find his little brother. There was so much blood. Was he too late?
No.
Koji was safe, he shook his head and straightened up, fingers clenched into tight fists. He just needed to find Koji first.
The room was a mess: couches overturned, the coffee table broken, shelves emptied.
Tama saw a woman lying in a mess of broken glass by the windows. Her hair was all he could see of her face. A large map of red on her pink dress. The fabric ripped in the middle of the blood spot, it looked like a stab wound.
“Shizuka-san,” Tama hurried to her side, knowing even as he shook her that she wouldn’t be lying so still if she were breathing. Sorrow filled him. He loved her like a mother.
Tears filled his eyes and he looked around the room.
Please let Koji be alive, the chant started in his head. His little brother couldn’t be dead. He was alive. Looking around the room, Koji frantically searched through debris. Koji had left the house in a blue t-shirt. He’d caused such a fuss over it too. Misato had laid out a green t-shirt this morning for him, but Koji wanted the blue one, something about the color being Rei’s favorite. Koji had wanted to match Rei today. Their mother had given in after a short fuss. It was always like that with Koji. No one wanted to disappoint his sweet face.
“Please let him be alive,” Tama murmured.
He pulled at broken wood panels, and tagged torn fabric. His heart hammering so loud he wished it would stop. The harder he wished the louder it got, sending him into panic. His hands were shaking. Tama took in a deep breath and forced his brain to focus.
Shizuka had gone down with a fight. She’d left nothing standing in the living room.
Tama felt despair fill him when he spotted little Nana. She was on her stomach too, in the corner of the room, behind the television stand. She was in a green dress, her hair in a ponytail. Tama jumped over broken chairs to her. Grabbing her small shoulder, he turned her over, and a cry escaped when he found two wounds in her stomach. Her eyes were still open, the fear in them frozen forever.
Screaming, tears tracking down his face, he closed Nana’s eyes gently, and reached for a throw blanket tucked behind a bookcase to cover her. His heart clenched painfully when he revealed a boy in a blue shirt lying under the blanket. The back of his shirt was red; the stab wound in the middle sickening.
Tama’s hand froze, a second ticked and then insanity filled his brain.
“No.” He abandoned Nana and reached for the boy. Lifting him up, Tama turned him to see his face. It was traitorous, the wave of relief that filled him when he recognized Rei. Rei’s eyes were closed, his body too still.
Tama bit his lip, carefully laying Rei beside his sister. Taking the blanket, he covered them both, and turned to the bookcase. Pushing it further away from the wall, a gasp of relief escaped when he saw Koji tucked into the corner.
He gave the bookcase a hard shove and hurried into the space. Koji sat with his head buried into his lap, his arms wrapped around his knees. Tama gripped skinny upper arms tightly and with barely controlled strength, he shook his little brother.
“Koji,” Tama said, his voice heavy with tears, kneeling in front of his little brother. There were no wounds on Koji. He looked whole. Still, when Tama shook him, his head fell back, to reveal open unfocused eyes.
Sitting back on his haunches, Tama pulled Koji onto his lap, holding him like a baby. Touching his forehead, Tama hissed. Koji was cool to the touch. He didn’t seem like he was breathing, so Tama pressed his fingers to Koji’s neck, seeking a pulse. He took in a deep breath when he felt a slow pump against his fingers.
Tama stared at his brother puzzled. Koji was too still. His eyes open but no reaction to light or him. His black pupils were dilated; the peculiar blue of Koji’s irises was such a contrast. Tama felt relief flood him when he caught the small flair of Koji’s nostrils proving that he was breathing. Shaking, Tama decided the best option right now was to carry Koji to safety.
Whoever had done this would pay, their parents would see to it, but first, he needed to take Koji home. Misato would know what to do to help Koji.
***
II –The Woman with a Fierce Heart
Tama carried Koji on his back, hurrying along the dirt road. Thankfully, the rain had stopped, but the night was cold. He had found a blanket in one of the bedrooms at Shizuka’s house and carefully wrapped Koji with it. He hoped his little brother was warm.
Before leaving home, Tama had heard his mother say she was heading to the shrine attached to their home to meet their father. The dirt road would lead him to the shrine. Tama held Koji tighter just glad his brother was alive.
A line of bamboo trees ran along the spring that flowed through the Sukiyama property to his right. Those bamboo trees thickened into the forest he’d ran through earlier. On his left, a field of grass morphed into the entrance to the shrine marked by Torii. There was no one around the entrance, and for a moment, Tama wondered if the adults had returned back to the estate. A grief-stricken cry filled the night, and Tama stopped at the Shrine gates, staring at the stairs.
The panic he’d felt at the Takada house returned. Tama started up the stairs into the shrine, needing to know who had made that terrible cry. He climbed up the stairs barely feeling the weight of his brother on his back. Clearing the stairs, he walked up the lighted walkway to the sanctuary ahead.
When he reached the entrance, he paused before entering the partially opened double doors.
In the middle of the large prayer hall, his mother, Misato Sukiyama, knelt on the floor. Her long hair falling down her back in an untidy wave. His aunt, Saya Matsumoto, knelt on the other side of the prone figure between them. Saya’s face was the only one he could see. It shook him to see Saya’s face wet with tears.
The air was filled with the despair he’d heard in the scream.
“Where is Yuki?” Misato demanded, her voice rough.
It suddenly occurred to Tama that the scream might have come from her. Walking closer, Tama recognized the man lying between the two women. It was his father. His mother’s hand was pressed against a wad of cloths on his father’s stomach. The white fabric turning a deep red. Misato’s other hand, stroked strands of hair away from Syaon Sukiyama’s face. He seemed in peaceful sleep.
“The perimeter guards report that Yuki is trying to find the main entrance into the estate,” Saya answered. “Thank goodness the shrine obscures our boundaries. Our men are doing the best they can at the front gates, but Yuki came heavily armed. There is a lot of gunfire.”
“Has anyone seen my children? Did they return to the house?” Misato asked.
“No.” Saya’s answer was quiet. “Please don’t face Yuki. Think of the children. Koji is only eight. Tama just turned fifteen. He needs guidance to run this place now.”
“They have you,” Misato said, her tone firm. “These attacks won’t stop. We’ve lost too much, so many people that we love, our friends and now my husband is gone. I refuse to give Yuki my children too.”
Lost? Tama frowned.
His father wasn’t lost. He was right there. What did she mean?
“Misato,” Saya started, but stopped when she glanced up and noticed him.
“Tama,” Saya gasped.
His mother turned to look at him. The shock on her face reflected his. He had never seen his mother cry. Tears tracked down her soft golden skin. Her eyes were red. Her shoulders slumped in defeat. It was impossible. Misato Sukiyama was the rock of the family. She always remained unmoved in the worst situation.
“Oh no,” Misato sobbed, scrambling to her feet, she rushed to him. Her hands moved over Koji’s back, shaking her head, when Koji remained unresponsive. She looked at Tama for answers.
“He’s alive,” Tama said, his voice trembling. His gaze trailed back to his father. His father hadn’t moved. Syaon would have moved when he saw them. “What’s wrong with Dad?”
“Let’s put your brother down first,” Misato said. “Saya, come and help. They’re both freezing. We need to get them warm.”
Misato took Koji from him. She had to remove Tama’s fingers one by one, as his grip on his brother was tight. Once he let go, Saya and Misato laid Koji on the floor.
“What happened? Where is Shizuka?” Misato asked.
“Someone attacked their house,” Tama said, his gaze on his father as he knelt beside his mother next to Koji. “Shizuka, Nana and Rei are dead.”
Saya rubbed a hand over his back to comfort him. For a moment, the familiar gesture felt out of place. So much had happened in the space of thirty minutes. Comfort seemed a strange emotion.
Saya turned her attention to Koji. She looked into Koji’s eyes and touched his little brother’s left wrist. Meeting Misato’s gaze, Saya said, “He’s in shock.”
“My poor baby,” Misato said, rubbing Koji’s arm. She leaned down and pressed a kiss on Koji’s forehead. Sitting back on her haunches, she closed her eyes and let out a soft breath.
Tama worried, seeing his mother this way, he couldn’t take it. Then she pulled off the ring she wore on her right index finger. Tama’s eyes widened. In all his years, he couldn’t remember a day his mother had removed that ring.
“Okaasan, what are you doing?” Tama asked.
The gold ring had blue stones intricately embedded on the surface, with a large blue/green stone as the centerpiece. His father once jokingly referred to it as Misato’s light.
“I’m saving you and your brother,” Misato said. She took Koji’s right hand and paced the ring on Koji’s right index finger.
Tama watched in awe as the ring fitted itself to the size of Koji’s index finger.
“Tama, stay here and look after your brother. Saya will stay with you.”
“Where are you going?”
Tama couldn’t stop the hysteria in his voice. His father was gone…dead…it hurt to think that word in relation to his father.
“You can’t go. Who’ll help Koji if you go?”
“You, Tama,” Misato said, looking at him. “Okaasan needs you to stay strong. Take care of your little brother. You are his guardian now. Teach him the things your father and I have taught you. Be there for each other. You must always do this, promise me.”
“Okaasan,” Tama shook his head.
She was everything now. Without their father, she was their world. How could they be without her?
Misato cut into his fear when she moved closer and placed her hands on his shoulders. The warmth that seeped into his skin through his damp shirt made him want to make the promise. Even though it felt like their world was ending. Wherever she was going, seemed like she wouldn’t be returning. He met her light blue eyes and found strength to answer her.
“I promise,” Tama said in a whisper.
Misato gave him a swift nod and pulled him into tight hug. She enveloped him in warmth that rejuvenated him. Then as quickly as that warmth wrapped around him, it was gone. Misato pulled back and leaned down to Koji. Her fingers trailed over Koji’s cheek.
“The ring will protect him until he’s old enough to remember,” Misato said to Saya. “Like me, and every second child born into previous generations in my family, he’s the keeper of the Seiryu Spirit. Guide him well, and Koji will do much good for others, Saya-chan. It was easy for previous generations in the family because we only had this power to protect and wield. It will be harder for Koji because he has also inherited his father’s gift of sight.”
“The stone contained and hid your power; will it not do the same for Koji?” Saya asked.
“Until he’s twenty, then it gets harder to contain without help. I planned on assisting him through his coming off age year,” Misato said, her voice trembling. “You will have to do it for me, Saya-chan.”
“Misato—,”
“Listen,” Misato cut her off. “Syaon was more than my husband, Saya. He was my mate, part-holder of my power. The Seiryu Spirit keepers love young. When we turn twenty-one, the power multiplies and is shared with the right person. The right mate. Fate is useful in finding such a partner, but I botched the process during my time.”
Misato shook her head, her gaze on Koji.
“I led Takino Yuki into believing he would be my mate. By the time, I realized it was Syaon, Yuki was obsessed with possessing what isn’t his to have. I caused this massacre upon us. Koji’s life will be in danger if Yuki finds him. Yuki will try to force him to share this power, if not try to take it away all together. Saya, you must not let this happen.”
“Which is why Koji needs you to stay,” Saya begged. “Stay, Misato. We’ll go into hiding.”
“Yuki has breached our home and murdered my husband. I have no choice but to stop him. I need to protect my family, and you,” Misato said. “Tama is Koji’s guardian. Teach my children everything you know until they’re old enough. Their lives depend on it.”
Misato hugged Saya then.
“My dear Saya, please guard my treasures fiercely.”
“I will,” Saya promised.
Tama hated the finality of the moment. He squeezed Koji’s shoulder, hoping his brother would wake up and then their mother wouldn’t have to go. Koji stayed still, unseeing. Tama watched helplessly as Misato stood, and went to their father. She stood over Syaon for a moment, her head bowed.
When she turned away from Syaon, her eyes were filled with resolve. She didn’t pause when she reached them. Instead, she walked by without a single glance and headed for the exit doors.
Tama jumped to his feet ready to run after her.
“Okaasan!”
Strong arms wrapped around him and he struggled.
“Let me go,” he demanded of Saya.
“Okaasan,” he called, watching his mother reach the double doors.
Misato gave him a slight smile and closed the doors with a slam.
“Your little brother needs us here,” Saya said, when he started to struggle in earnest determined to go after her.
Saya refused to let go, no matter how much he fought against her. She held firm. So tight was her hold, he started to cry. The tears fell fast. His sobs hard and wrenched from a part of him that felt damaged.
His mother was going to her death.
Why would she do it so calmly? Why was all this happening? What were they to do without the woman with a fierce heart?
***
III – Head of the Sukiyama Clan
“Sign here” Saya said, the next morning.
They were in Koji’s bedroom on the second floor of the main house. Koji was asleep. His eyes finally closed. Tama wasn’t sure what his brother dreamed about, but Koji sleeping was better than looking at unmoving Koji with open eyes.
Tama looked at the papers Saya held out to him and frowned.
“Why don’t you sign them?” he asked.
“I can’t. You are the head of the Sukiyama Clan now. It is your birthright, Tama. You need to sign this so that we can start the funeral arrangements.”
“Funeral,” Tama said his voice a whisper.
His gaze returned to his brother. Koji would wake up to a different world. At some point in the night, their mother’s death was confirmed. The man Saya called Yuki had stabbed her at the main gates. She had lost a lot of blood, and no matter how many times Tama begged, Saya refused to let him see her body. Tama wiped a palm down his face.
“There are more formalities to get through, but we’ll wait for your brother to wake up,” Saya said. “I know you are worried about him. For now, sign these paperwork so that we can arrange to put your parents to rest.”
Tama shivered.
There were no tears left. He had changed into comfortable clothes: a black t-shirt, sweater and black slacks. His feet were in warm thick socks. His hair dry. The room heated. Yet, he felt so cold; he could hardly move his fingers to take the pen Saya offered.
Tama had so many questions to ask Koji. His brother must have seen the people who attacked the Takada house. Investigators assumed the same intruders attacked the estate, but they needed proof to start a case against Takino Yuki. If Koji could remember—
Koji moaned slightly and Tama forgot the documents. He moved to Koji’s side, as his brother turned his head from side to side then opened his eyes.
“Koji-kun,” Tama said, leaning over him. He took his brother’s hand and gave it a slight squeeze. “How do you feel? Does anything hurt?”
“Nii-san,” Koji said, his voice filled with pleasure, the single word like manna to Tama. Big brother, Koji said. Koji’s trust in him so clear. Tama closed his eyes, feeling like he didn’t deserve it. Koji’s best friends were dead and he hadn’t been there to protect Koji.
“Are you okay?” Tama asked, in a strained voice.
“I’m fine,” Koji said, his voice heavy with sleep. “Why are you so sad? Did something happen?”
Koji’s gaze found Saya and he smiled.
“Saya-san, you’re here too.”
Tama stared at his brother in shock. Did Koji not remember? How? Tama turned to Saya in panic. How was he supposed to tell Koji?”
“Why are you frowning, Nii-san?” Koji asked, taking Tama’s hand, and giving it a squeeze. “Did I fall and hurt myself again?”
Koji sat up on the large bed, rubbing his eyes with a small yawn.
“Koji, do you remember what happened at Rei and Nana’s house last night?” Tama asked gently.
Koji stared at him.
“Did Rei hurt himself?”
“He can’t remember,” Saya said. “Tama, don’t force it.”
“But why?” Tama shook his head.
He looked away from his brother, conflicted. How was he supposed to explain that their parents were dead? What explanation could he give? He was trying to formulate a story, when Koji gripped his right hand tight. Turning to look at his brother, Tama stared at the tears running down Koji’s cheeks.
“Koji, what’s wrong? Does anything hurt?”
“They are dead,” Koji said, sobbing hysterically. “Mom and Dad, they are dead. You were thinking it right now. They are dead!”
It took hours to calm Koji down after that.
He cried so hard, Tama worried it would make Koji sick. Tama climbed into the bed and held his brother while he cried. Saya had to go find a mild tranquilizer to help calm him. Tama rocked his brother until he slept.
Leaving the room, Tama followed Saya downstairs to the dining room. She laid out the documents she wanted him to sign on the table, and he started pacing.
“Why can’t Koji remember?”
“I don’t know,” Saya said. “We should take it as a blessing in disguise.”
She pulled out a chair and sat her gaze on him.
“You need a strong shield for your thoughts. I’m not without power of my own. I will work on protecting your thoughts. If Koji can’t remember, we won’t have him reading the truth off you so easily.”
“These abilities mother spoke of have started too early,” Tama said, his knees suddenly feeling weak. He pulled out the chair at the head of the table and sat. “What will happen if someone tells Yuki about Koji?”
“You let me worry about that,” Saya said. “Tama, your parents left you their holdings. As the head of the clan, the responsibilities on your shoulders triple. I promise to guide you the best I can.”
Saya’s words were important. He knew that, but for some reason, the meaning refused to sink in. His brain was stuck on the fact that the Sukiyama Family was down to him and Koji now. There was no one else. Saya wasn’t a Sukiyama. They called her aunt because she had been a part of their lives all his life.
“Your father’s position has both enemies and friends. There are those who will kidnap you or your brother for money, or leverage, the world is quite unreasonable. Now that your parents are dead, these attempts might increase. Tama, you must grow your strength, show no cracks even when it seems impossible.”
“Enemies,” Tama murmured, his dark gaze moving to study Saya. “Do you mean like Takino Yuki? The man who killed our parents last night? What exactly did he want?”
“Takino Yuki is dangerous. He wanted what was inside your mother, what is inside your brother. He will do anything to get into this estate to accomplish his goals,” Saya said bluntly. “Your mother, Misato, died casting a protection spell over this estate. I don’t know how long it will last, but for now, you are both safe. No one can enter the estate without invitation.”
“Spell,” Tama said, rolling the words on his tongue, trying to digest them. “Does that mean that anyone who enters the estate uninvited will die?”
“Yes,” Saya said, with a sigh. “She created a sanctuary. No one can find the estate at random. A good thing for now, not so much when you are grown up and want to have friends over. We’ll need to find a solution to that barrier in time. Right now, we need to move forward. First, Tama, please sign these papers so I get started on the funeral arrangements.”
“Saya-san,” Tama said, terrified.
When she looked at him, he sighed.
“You won’t leave us, right? Please stay with us. I can’t do this without you.”
Saya smiled then, and got up, moving to where he sat. She placed a hand on his left shoulder and squeezed.
“This is my home too, Tama. I will not leave you.”
Tama nodded. It was enough. If Saya was here too, he could be strong. He would fight through the fear and face what was coming. He would protect Koji for a lifetime. Reaching for the papers, he took the pen Saya offered. Giving them a short perusal, Tama signed his name on the designated lines.
****
IV – The Hidden Card
A week after the Sukiyama funeral, Tama and Koji went to visit their parent’s grave, leaving Saya in the estate. Once she saw the car leave the main compound, Saya left the main house using a side door, and hurried to the Sukiyama store house used for food storage decades before. In recent years, Misato had renovated the building wanting to use it as a warehouse for a gallery she wanted to open. One of her many projects left incomplete.
Keying the code into the doors, Saya walked into the large open room and sighed when the doors locked behind her. She turned left and went down steep stairs leading to a hidden basement.
She once again keyed in a code into the lock and the door hissed open into a well-lit room. The man sleeping on a stiff metal chair jerked awake, and stood when he saw her. She closed the door and her gaze moved to the large bed in the middle of the room. The machines around the bed hummed steady rhythms.
Saya was unsure whether she should feel relief or despair. This scenario was far from ideal.
“Well?” she prompted the sleepy man in a white lab coat.
“Touch and go,” the man said. “Only time will tell now.”
Saya took in a deep breath and let it out slowly with a small nod, her gaze on the figure on the bed.
eye. A parting gift from the mistress of the estate. No one could explain the phenomena, well, no one outside the direct family.
War Prisoner
Sui Writes 