Walking My Friends Path Ch. 01

"What about Kate?" I'm not sure I want to know the answer to this one.

"Allow me to ask a question to you, are you going to turn your back on the world and humanity and refuse your duty, the responsibility only you can do and let fear be your guide? Are you going to deny your friends last wishes? Or will you honor him and take the burden of this office for the betterment of civilization? How do you want history to remember you?"

I took a deep breath. "You're right Tsukiumi; I'll do it, but only on one condition."

"What do you wish?"

"Call me Connor." I smiled.

Tsukiumi just shook her head.

"If not that, then I want three things. I would like to take Ayano on a date before we are to wed, I would like to have a crash course in Japanese, and I definitely want to know who is responsible for the murders of the Tanaka family. If I can bring to justice the perpetrators, it will solidify the Brotherhood."

"Sir, all will be accomplished. You should sleep."

I awoke to being thrown over Tsukiumi's shoulders and carried onto the balcony. "What the hell?"

"I disposed of three, but there were too many filtering in from the hall, so we had to leave." Tsukiumi jumped to the neighboring balcony.

"You killed three and I didn't wake up?"

"I can be quiet." Tsukiumi leapt to another balcony.

I looked back and saw several men in black suits following us with guns drawn. "They're going to shoot!" I panicked.

"Relax, Mr. Baldwin; I cannot make these next jumps if you are squirming." Tsukiumi tightened her grip on me and I closed my eyes, not wanting to see my death.

I felt an unusual sensation and opened my eyes. We were in a state of constant stop start free-fall. Tsukiumi was jumping downward on the balconies, crisscrossing her way down the thirty-story hotel. This woman must have arm and leg muscles made of steel. When we reached the bottom, she set me down, took two deep breaths, and we jumped in a cab.

"You are truly a remarkable woman Tsukiumi." I stared at my companion in awe. "Thank you again."

"Mr. Baldwin, you are the remarkable one. Those men were not after me and yet you have not given in to the pressure of surrendering the ring. When I look at you, I see hope."

I shook my head. I was never good at receiving compliments. "Where are we going?"

"I have organized everything as you wished. Later we will delve into linguistics, Kazuki is investigating, but right now we are on our way to meet your fiancé for your date."

We met Ayano at a fancy restaurant, but we didn't eat there. Another cab ride, two stops on the train and a five-minute walk through the snow and woods later, we were now at the small cottage set on a lake that Tsukiumi picked out for the date. If anything can be said about Tsukiumi, she is thorough at her duty. She was the only one to know our location, exactly as she meant it to be.

"Welcome to Chateau Baldwin." Tsukiumi announced as Ayano and I stepped in. "Feel free to give yourself a tour and I'll fix dinner."

"Chateau Baldwin?" I chuckled. "I don't remember owning a Chateau."

"You do today," Tsukiumi called from the kitchen.

It took Ayano and I exactly one minute to tour this "chateau." When you walk in the kitchen is to the left and the living room to the right. There were two doors in front of us, one led to the bedroom and the other to the bathroom. It was scarcely furnished. No matter where Ayano and I were, Tsukiumi would be close by. We decided to take up residence in the living room on a couch that has seen better days. We talked and truly got to know each other.

"So tell me about yourself." I asked with a smile.

"Not much to say really, all my life I've been groomed to be the Mikado's wife. I barely even went outside as I was trained and taught how to be perfect and in the end, it was between me and another girl. When we were sixteen, the decision was made and I was selected. I'm not sure what I would have done if I lost. To be that close and not meet my only goal in life would have heartbreaking. After that day, I've been between excited and nervous about meeting you." Ayano grabbed my hand. "Then when you stood up to everyone at the meeting, I was genuinely proud that I'd be able to declare that you will be my spouse."

"That's so sad. You lost your entire childhood." Ayano was taken aback by my words, but I really felt bad for her. She hasn't had an ounce of enjoyment in her life. "I promise we're going to have fun."

Ayano's eyes lit up. "Fun?'

"Of course." I laughed. "We're going to do all that you missed out doing while you were a child."

Ayano embraced me and I felt a few of her tears as our cheeks meshed together. I think she fell in love with me at that moment. She then let go and looked at me with dreamy eyes. "Your turn."

I told her about my life; a typical youth belonging to an upper middle class family, my friendship with Kagari, my time in High School and college, and of course, Kate. If she's going to be my wife, you have to start with honesty.

Ayano's face fell when I mentioned Kate. "Did you love her?"

"I'm not sure. If it wasn't, it was close," I answered honesty.

"You can still choose her and be the Mikado. I know there is an exemption you could request." I can see a deep fear building inside Ayano.

"It must have been really hard for you to say that. Very admirable, so I should say thank you for telling me, but that life is over for me now." I put my hand to her cheek. "I have accepted my duties and all they entail and that includes you." I shook my head and laughed. "Besides, me being a gaijin is hard enough on the rest of the members of the Brotherhood. I don't want to make more enemies by asking for exemptions."

"Dinners ready," Tsukiumi interrupted.

I stood and held out my hand and Ayano greedily accepted. I then pulled out her chair. I don't think she had anybody do that for her before. Dinner was excellent and soon after we were done, Tsukiumi started clean up.

"You ready for some fun, Ayano?" She exuberantly nodded. "Then grab your coat." Tsukiumi shot me a hard glare. "Relax, we won't go far Mother."

Ayano chuckled at that, Tsukiumi just continued to stare. I never know what she's thinking.

Ayano and I walked by the lake for a short while, just enjoying each other's company. She pointed out a pair of snow birds and told me that they mate for life. I spotted a deer and when she was distracted, I hit her lightly with a snowball. She didn't understand why I did that. With some encouragement, she flung one at me and laughed when I slipped to avoid it.

"Come join me." I laid in the snow.

"Why?" Ayano was puzzled.

I smiled. "Trust me." That did it. Ayano lay next to me in the snow. "Now make like you're doing a jumping jack." I moved my arms and legs and she followed suit. After a few moments, I stood and helped her up. I pointed at her snow angel. "That's how I see you, an angel."

Ayano kissed me briefly on the lips and then pulled back just as quick, unsure of how I'd react. I cupped her chin and leaned in. Our lips met and it became a magical moment. Both our mouths opened slightly, each of us wanting more. My tongue slithered in and lightly caressed hers. They tangled and weaved until the need for oxygen forced us to end our embrace in a huff.

"Wow." Ayano breathed out and put her hand to her lips.

I smiled. "My sentiments exactly."

We walked hand in hand back to the cabin. We entered and noticed it was empty. We both feared the worst until Tsukiumi startled us from behind.

"Where did you go?" I asked, shaking my head.

"I was within ten paces from your position the entire time, Sir."

Ayano and I looked at each other and then back at Tsukiumi. "Don't you make any noise?"

"That would defeat my purpose Mr. Baldwin. It's getting late; we'll be leaving after I finish cleaning up."

Ayano took me by the hand and we went to the living room.

The week in hiding went quickly. Several hours of Japanese language training, secret rendezvous with Ayano, and updates from Kazuki every day dissolved all my time. I also decided, at Tsukiumi's suggestion, that I would only wear the ring to meetings. She did not want us garnering undue attention to us. Like her having her katana strapped to her back when we are in public doesn't draw every eye in our direction. I chuckled at the recommendation, but followed it. By hiding the ring, it protects my position as Mikado.

Soon Thursday was upon us. I was extremely nervous about the weekend. First, facing the members of the Brotherhood of Japan had me wound tighter than a spring. All I have to do is go over the progress of last year's goals, which I don't know, make new resolutions for this year, in which I have no clue, listen to new business, which I can't expect, and ruin the plans of several members by ensuring the anti -oil device is a priority. No big deal. At least no one will try to kill me there with the entire Akita clan present. If all that wasn't enough, I'm getting married Sunday. To help me relax, Ayano and I are going to a small shopping district. Tsukiumi protested, but I want to get to know the people of Japan if I'm leading a secret society to help them.

"These are nice." I pointed to a set of wedding bands in the corner.

Ayano smiled. "Very nice." It's a great feeling to not have to have your fiancé talk slow to understand her. She appreciates it too. I can also tell she has been doing the same with the English language, it is much better.

"Do you see any you like?" I kissed her.

Ayano glanced over the glass case again and then began biting her lower lip. I followed her eyes and hastened the sales woman over. "We would like to look at these, please." I pointed to the expensive bands.

Ayano immediately shook her head. "Too much money." She didn't do a whole lot to convince me she didn't want them.

"We'll take them." I handed the clerk my credit card and squeezed Ayano's waist.

"They were too much." Ayano shook her head.

I could see the happiness in her eyes. "Ayano, I only plan on getting married once." I kissed her.

"Connor!" A voice yelled from a few shops over. "There you are. I've been worried sick."

I looked up to see Kate running towards me. When she was within ten feet, Tsukiumi halted her onrush abruptly. I didn't even know Tsukiumi came, but I should have guessed.

"Tsukiumi, you can let go." I walked toward the two of them. "Kate, what are you doing here?"

Once Tsukiumi loosened her grip, Kate shook her off and embraced me. "Your Mom called me to see what I was doing for the holidays." She let go of me and immediately went into her pissed off stance, hands on her hips and a face masked in anger. "Imagine my surprise when I said sorry for your loss. After that, it was easy as I went through your internet history and saw flights and hotels to Kyoto, Japan. Now tell me what are you doing here?"

"It's kind of a long story." I ran my hand through my hair as Ayano slipped an arm into mine, clutching me and the bag with our wedding bands tightly.

"And who is this?" Kate demanded.

"Kate, I'm sorry, but something happened and I'm getting married." I tried to convey my apologies.

"What?" Kate screamed.

"This is Ayano, my fiancé." I futilely introduced.

"Explain. Now!" Kate was adamant.

I tip toed through the events that led me to Kyoto. I was vague as I mentioned a secret society that Kagari belonged to and how the leadership of it passed to me. I then explained how I had to marry Ayano on Sunday.

Kate calmed visibly. "Here is what we're going to do." She wrapped her arms around me, sliding between Ayano and I, trying to break her grip from my arm. "You're going to ask for some sort of exemption or something and you'll marry me."

I could feel Ayano's trepidation. "I can't do that." I broke free from both girls. "I'm sorry Kate."

"You're saying you'll rather have little Miss Washboard than a real woman?" Kate then stared down Ayano. "I have three days to get him back. I don't mind competition, do you?" Kate kissed me with a hunger.

It took a moment, but I pulled away. "Kate, let's be civil about this."

"We'll see." Kate gave me a smile that I was not prepared for as she sauntered away. It was one of wickedness.

"That was unexpected." I then faced Ayano. "It's me and you." I smiled. "Me and you."

Ayano wiped the tears from her eyes and nodded.

At that moment, I understood I chose Ayano. I liked Kate, maybe even loved her. Kate was everything a man wants in a woman. She has beauty, intelligence, and is always full of energy. I never knew why she approached me that first day of college, but I wasn't complaining. Ayano, however, has a plain beauty and her innocence to the world astounds me. The simplest things give her pleasure. I knew I liked her and I can grow to love her, but that didn't matter. As soon as I accepted my post, I knew I was forgoing my life for the greater good, and that includes love. Ayano was best suited for the role as my wife because I knew very little about my position. If all things were equal, I don't know whom I would've chosen.

The next day found me fidgeting as Tsukiumi and I went to pick up Ayano. We were supposed to make a grand entrance at the meeting to signify our future union as Mikado and the selected bride. The elevator beeped, signifying our arrival at Ayano's floor. When we exited, the hallway was empty. In a blink of an eye there were several samurai coming from each direction and more filtering in from the other rooms. Tsukiumi pushed me back in the elevator right as it shut. I heard swords clanking as I desperately tried to hit the door open button. I didn't want anyone to die for me.

"Tsukiumi!" I slammed both fists at the closed doors.

"Hit the button for the third floor." A voice from above stated.

"No." I replied firmly. "I need to help Tsukiumi."

"I don't think you understand the gravity of the situation." I then heard a clicking sound.

I looked up at the shadow looming above me and I could see the end of a gun barrel. I tentatively pressed the three button on the panel and we were there in an instant. Two samurai and two other men in suits with guns greeted me. The two in suits appeared to be of Middle Eastern descent. The four surrounded me and ushered me to a room.

"Ayano!" I screamed as I saw my fiancé duct taped to a chair. I made a move to rush to her side, but was halted before I even took two steps.

A tall, very muscular built American man stood behind her. "We understand you've grown quite fond of her, Mikado." His voice was deep and deterring.

"What do you want?" I said in a tone that implied my anger, but had a willingness to compromise.

"We want to make this new found technology disappear." The man had an air of smugness about him. "At first we wanted the ring for ourselves, but with the Akita's investigating the death of the head of their clan, we decided to keep you as a figurehead. I'm sure she fought gallantly until the very end."

I couldn't help the few tears that escaped as I thought about Tsukiumi.

"You marry whom we tell you to marry and surround yourself with our bodyguards." The man continued. "If you don't do what we ask, if you even think about trying to leave, you're family dies." A wicked smile curled his lips. "Oh yes, we know exactly where you're mother, father, and sister are located."

"What about Ayano?"

"Her death will serve as a warning." He pulled a knife and put it to Ayano's throat.

"Ayano!" I tried to go forward but the four men holding me back were too strong.

Seeing my futile attempt, the man smiled. "Say goodbye."

"Wait." In walked Kate from the adjoining room. She caressed my face as I was still being held. "I tried to be, what was the word you used, ah yes, civil about this, but you just had to choose this trained cunt over me."

"Are you telling me you're behind this?" The betrayal echoed in my voice.

"Not exactly." Kate laughed. "I believe I told you my father was in advertising, but that was a lie. He actually owns the largest oil refinery in the United States. I went to Georgetown to get close to Kagari. Since he was engaged, what better way to get close to him than to be with his best friend? With the information I gave, he was an easy target. Your relationship to Kagari got him killed." She forcibly grabbed my hair and made our eyes lock, mere inches apart. "You know, I really did fall in love with you. So what did this harlot do to you to unravel the months of effort I put into our relationship?" She released me and walked over to Ayano. "It certainly isn't looks. I'm one hundred times more beautiful. Was it sex? It can't be intelligence because she's tied to a chair because she thought I came to apologize. Stupid Bitch." She slapped Ayano. "Tell me, Connor, what made her so damn special!"

I looked at Ayano and couldn't help the slight smile as I remembered the week together. I answered honestly. "It was her innocence." I nodded, reaffirming my statement. "Her every reaction to even the most insignificant detail was always one of wonder. It was like I was showing her the world for the first time."

"I can be like that for you. At least I now know how to act to please you when we are married."

"Wait. What?"

Kate grabbed the knife from the man and looked at Ayano. "I also lied about minding competition. I fucking hate it. It's time to rid myself of mine forever."

At that moment, Tsukiumi flew through the window, her bloodied katana drawn. She appeared as if she already fought in the battle of her life; sweat dripping down her face, her hair matted down, and she was breathing heavily. Everybody's attention now focused on her. She used everyone's mental lapse to her advantage, as she wasted no time or movements. Her first action was the immediate threat of the knife. She karate chopped downward with her left hand, causing the knife to fall and stick in the floor between Ayano's legs. The two samurai charged. She blocked the first man's swipe of the sword with her katana then immediately ducked to avoid contact from the second. She used her left leg to kick the second man in the stomach, pushing him back. The first swordsman was now on his second attempt to cut down Tsukiumi. From her lowered position, she did a somersault into the man's blind spot and used her right leg to sweep kick him to the floor. She then brought her left elbow down hard on his throat. I swear his throat went as a flat as a pancake before expanding back, followed quickly by blood coming from his mouth. The second man lunged at her, but she had to have seen him through the mirror as jumped up onto the dresser and did a back flip over him. I saw the point of her katana come through his chest and quickly back out.

"Do something!" Kate commanded to the muscle bound thug next to her as she was still rubbing her wrist from where Tsukiumi hit her.

He wrapped Tsukiumi from behind and squeezed. She struggled, but to no avail. "Your fancy little moves are no match for my strength." He tightened his grip and Tsukiumi gasped. "It was entertaining."

Tsukiumi flipped both her legs up and they engulfed his neck. I cannot believe her flexibility as her feet are literally behind her head. As the man's clutch weakened, the rest of her body slipped down. Her whole body then twisted and the crack that came from his neck reverberated in the room. The sound sent a shiver down my spine. Or that could have been the two guns now aimed at the back of my head.

Tsukiumi popped back up in an instant and put her blade to the throat of Kate. "Mine for yours."

After a moment's pause, I was pushed forward but I could still sense their guns were pointed at me.

"You're turn." One of them said in a heavy accent.

I slowly turned and backpedaled as Tsukiumi walked Kate forward, her blade never leaving her neck. The two men instinctively backed up, with me still in their crosshairs. They were scared of my bodyguard. The man on the left grabbed a hold of Kate's wrist and pulled her away. As he did, the other pulled the trigger, but Tsukiumi saw it and her sword removed his hand at the wrist. I flinched as the bullet grazed my ear. The three fled down the hall.