Shadow Wolf (Shinobi Saga)

by Sessha Batto

“The voice?”

  “You know, that dominant, commanding one,” Souta continued, warming to the subject. “It always makes me picture him with a ruler in his hand and all I can think is punish me, please.” A wide satisfied smirk spread across the assassin's face as his mind continued to expound on the ramifications of his lover's aggression.

  “Thank you so much for sharing. However, I believe that's something best kept between the two of you.”

  “Seriously, Makoto,” Daisuke cut in. “I’d rather not make it an order. You shouldn’t be alone tonight. If not here, is there someone else you could stay with?”

  “Honestly, I’m just fine on my own,” the interrogator insisted. “I’ll just go home.”

  “And stare at the boxes of Yoshi's things? I hardly think that's wise.”

  “Fine, then I’ll stay in my office, but I have no intention of getting involved in a threesome with you right now.”

  “You will do what I tell you to, shinobi,” Daisuke retorted. “Which is to stay here where I can keep an eye on you. I have no intention of forcing myself on you or anyone else. I have a more than willing bed partner, thank you. I am, however, rightly worried about your state of mind. I need to make sure you don’t rush off and do something you’ll regret.”

  “My apologies, Shuhan-sama, Fukazawa-san. I am distraught. I spoke without thinking. I know you are both honorable men. I didn’t mean to accuse you…” Makoto trailed off into silence as the full impact of his situation hit home.

  “It's alright.” Daisuke pulled the tall man into an embrace. “We’ll get him back for you.”

  “I don’t think he wants to come back,” the interrogator choked. “I’m afraid he's right where he wants to be.”

  “I refuse to believe Yoshi is with Kazuki willingly,” Daisuke insisted. “All the evidence we have points to his being abducted. Until he tells us otherwise I intend to assume his actions are an attempt to stay alive in a very dangerous situation.”

  “Takahashi's a genius,” Souta added. “He's still alive after everything he's been through. I have no doubt he can survive this too.”

  “I appreciate what you’re trying to do, really, but you didn’t see what I did. Yoshi was … he was in control.”

  “You don’t honestly believe just because someone is on top they’re in control, do you?” Souta chuckled. “Hell, I top Dai all the time and I’ve never been in control.”

  “Again, thanks for sharing,” the interrogator gritted out as he pinched his nose. He didn’t need any more information about his Shuhan's bed habits. “But you don’t understand, it was obvious Yoshi was enjoying himself.”

  “Thank goodness,” Daisuke interjected. “The last thing he needs is more trauma, he's been hurt enough.” He pursed his lips in thought before elaborating. “I think you need to concentrate on the positive aspects. After all, we know Yoshi is alive and apparently uninjured, and you avoided capture, that is also something to celebrate.”

  Just then there was a knock on the doors and Koga Aya entered. “I’m afraid I lost the trail again, Shuhan-sama. I can tell you that the man who took Takahashi-san crossed paths with Junko. Perhaps if I were to start at that point?”

  “That's probably a good idea,” the Shuhan decided. “You should know that we have new information. Yoshi is being held by Nakamura Kazuki. Rin has escaped and joined them.”

  “Should I take an extraction team?” Aya asked.

  “No, not yet. We need more information on what we’ll be going up against. Souta,” Daisuke continued, turning toward his lover. “Go with her, find out what you can and report back no later than three days from now.”

  “Is there some way to trace back and figure out where I was?” Makoto interjected. “Then you wouldn’t have to waste time hunting for the trail.”

  “Maybe Hoshu knows a way?” the Shuhan mused, sending a runner to fetch the Hayashi patriarch to see what was possible.

  ****

  Yoshi turned to Kazuki in horror. “Who else?” he demanded.

  “The only one living is Oonishi Hideaki,” the legendary replied. “You do realize the Oonishi clan dying out was no mystery? Hideaki poisoned them, slowly, after the clan decided to send him for ‘special tutoring’ from Kobayashi-sama. Why do you think he hasn't returned?”

  “I never considered that there were any besides me,” the shadow wolf said. “Certainly none after me. Kobayashi-sama kept sending me out until his death. It slowed down to only a few times a year by then. I just assumed that was because we were at peace, more or less. I guess when he stopped using me himself I should have gotten suspicious.”

  “I’m so sorry, pretty. It hurts even more knowing you weren’t special.” Kazuki pulled the lanky figure tighter and kissed his cheek.

  “It should make me feel better,” Yoshi mused. “So why do I feel even dirtier?”

  “We are special. We survived, you more than anyone else. As far as I know, you and your father were the only ones used as ‘barter’.” The spell-caster turned his attention back to Rin. “Did you use anyone other than Yoshi for your little ‘exchanges’?”

  “No,” she replied haughtily, “I’m not a pimp. As I said before, it was in Kobayashi-sama's instructions to his successor.”

  “That does not excuse what you did,” Kazuki hissed. “There is no excuse. You ruined Yoshi's life. He might have recovered after Kobayashi-sama's death if not for you.”

  “No, I wouldn’t,” the shadow wolf interjected. “I had nothing to live for.”

  “You would have found someone eventually,” Kazuki insisted. “Are you, of all people, excusing her behavior?”

  “Of course not.” Yoshi shook his head sadly. “But talking about it doesn’t change what happened. Better me than someone else.”

  “Why would you say that? Why would you rather be hurt than someone you don’t even know?”

  “I swore my allegiance to the shuudan and its people,” Yoshi explained. “My job is to protect them, all of them, even at my own expense. Why should this be any different?”

  “You truly are shinobi,” Kazuki said with a touch of awe. “Did you never consider killing them all and disappearing?”

  “Of course not. It was my duty. I helped build alliances for the shuudan after the clan wars. True, I resented it, but I wouldn’t have wished it on any of my comrades. If it had to be done then I was willing to do what was required. I got Sasaki-san released from Iwagashi shuudan and influenced the signing of treaties we depend on. I'm not ashamed of the things I did, they were a necessary means to an end. I just wish…”

  “What do you wish for, Yoshi?” Kazuki asked. “What would give you peace?”

  “I wish I had confided in someone, perhaps Hideaki could have been spared. It's my fault, all those lives could have been saved if I had just abandoned my pride.”

  “No, no,” Kazuki assured him. “Hideaki's father acted without knowing about you. I’m not even sure he knew what the ‘special lessons’ involved. I doubt his son ever talked to him about it.”

  “Have you seen Hideaki? Is he alright?”

  “He murdered his entire clan to assuage his injured pride. How do you think he is?” Kazuki shook his head. “Seriously, pretty, I’m afraid he's quite mad. Apparently he lacked the emotional resilience you and I have. Perhaps that's the hindrance of growing up in a so-called loving family.”

  “Perhaps,” Yoshi muttered. “Still, I would have appreciated the opportunity.”

  “This is all very touching,” Rin broke in. “But I’m still waiting.”

  “And you will continue to wait until I’m ready to deal with you,” Kazuki retorted. “Honestly, princess, I expected better behavior from you. Why so much hostility?”

  “I didn’t expect to be left to cool my heels while you wiled away time on idle chit-chat. After all, I’ve been setting all this up for years. I think I’ve more than proved my loyalty. What I don’t understand is why you’re wasting precious minutes comforting that.” She indicated
the shadow wolf with a tilt of her head. “He's nothing but a tool, and a broken one at that.”

  “She's right,” Yoshi interjected. “No one should waste time on me. You two go take care of whatever you need to.” He turned to Kazuki and shyly continued. “Could I maybe have a bath and some clothes?”

  “We’ll both bathe and dress first,” the legendary decided. “You need to give me your opinion before I can proceed.”

  “As you wish,” Yoshi agreed, bowing his head so his bangs flopped into his eyes.

  “Rin.” Kazuki turned to address her. “Why don’t you go find Kenta and Junko. Have them bring you up to speed on what needs to be done. We will join you as soon as we’re ready.”

  The kunoichi snorted, but moved toward the door, stopping to throw a parting remark over her shoulder. “Try not to get distracted again, my patience has its limits.”

  The spell-caster ignored her, totally engrossed in his new companion. “Come, Yoshi, let's get cleaned up and have breakfast. Then we can worry about everything else.”

  The shadow wolf obediently turned toward his new lover, accepting the arm that wrapped around his waist, pulling him close. “Not so solemn, pretty,” Kazuki whispered. “You have a truly lovely smile. It's been a very long time since anyone's smiled at me like that.”

  “I was just thinking about Hideaki. Why didn’t you do this with him?” Yoshi asked. “Maybe then he’d be, well, better, at least.”

  “By the time I came across Oonishi-san he was already beyond redemption,” the legendary explained. “Besides, he reminded me too much of myself. I said you were the first person I’ve been attracted to. Something about you calls to me.”

  “I was his senpai when he joined black ops. He tried to get close, talk to me. I brushed him off like I did everyone else. I didn’t take care of him the way I should have, he was my responsibility,” the shadow wolf explained. “I failed him. I’ve failed so many people. I meant it when I said no one should waste time on me.”

  “I hardly consider any time we spend together wasted. I feel better than I have in years. Just having someone who understands means a great deal.” Kazuki stopped to lock gazes with Yoshi's wary mismatched eyes. “You mean a great deal to me. Please remember that.”

  ****

  Rin made her way through the underground maze, eventually locating Kenta and her aide in a deserted laboratory. “You’re supposed to fill me in on what's going on. While you’re at it, can someone please explain to me what the hell is going on between Kazuki and Yoshi?”

  Junko looked at her mistress in shock. “How did you get here?”

  “Makoto brought me,” she said with a snicker. “Boy, did he ever get an eyeful. He was so shocked he dropped me and headed right back home.”

  Kenta growled at the implication. “What exactly are you alluding to, Rin? What do you think is going on between my master and Takahashi?”

  “What's going on between them is sex,” the former Shuhan replied breezily. “It doesn’t surprise me too much, but I never took Kazuki for a bottom, he's acting like a love struck fool.”

  “Explain yourself,” the apprentice demanded. “You’ve got no right coming in here making accusations.”

  “I’m not accusing anyone of anything. I merely thought he wanted Takahashi for the transfer. His ki reserves are, after all, extremely high.”

  “No,” Kenta yelled. “Yoshi's supposed to be mine. He was always supposed to be mine. Besides, my master has never been bothered by the needs of the flesh, he wouldn’t waste precious time that way. Why don’t you stop spreading disgusting rumors and concentrate on what has to be done.”

  “I’m sorry if it upsets you,” Rin retorted. “But I have no reason to lie about it. When we arrived they were quite intimately entwined. They’ll be joining us after they bathe and have breakfast.”

  “Breakfast,” the apprentice screeched. “They are not eating breakfast together.” He stormed out and headed towards Kazuki's chambers, eager to dispel the lies and once again take control of the situation.

  Kenta threw open the double doors and stormed in unannounced, anger overriding his usual instinct for self-preservation. He stopped dead when he caught sight of his master, bent over the end of the bed, pleading with his obsession.

  “Please, pretty, I need to feel you inside me.” The shadow wolf slowly inched his way into Kazuki's tight passage, capturing his lips in an attempt to distract him from any discomfort.

  “What the hell is going on here?” Kenta bellowed. “Get off of him.” He yanked Yoshi up by his hair, tearing the lovers apart. The apprentice jerked the shadow wolf to his feet and shook him like a rag doll.

  Yoshi drew himself up to full height as he gathered his ki in anger for the first time in years. “Who the hell do you think you are? I never asked you to interfere in my life, yet every time I turn around there you are. No more.” He surged forward, only to be stopped short by an arm wrapping around his waist and pulling him tight.

  “I still need him, pretty one,” Kazuki husked. “Kill him now and you kill me too.”

  The elite relaxed minutely, lip still drawn back in a feral snarl. “Your master has saved you for now. Next time you won’t be so lucky. Get the hell out of my sight.”

  Kenta staggered out of the room, breaking into a run as he headed back the way he’d come. “Rin, I apologize,” he gritted out when he finally reached the lab. “You were right. Takahashi even tried to attack me. We need to eliminate him.” Even he could see the need to abandon his dream in the face of this new, and unpleasant, reality.

  “I have an idea,” she said. “But I need to know when the next ki exchange takes place.”

  “As soon as possible,” Kenta hurried to explain. “My master has, at best, two months left before he has to perform the procedure. Any longer than that and it will be too late. He'll continue to burn through whatever ki reserves he may have and when they're gone he'll be dead.”

  “What if Yoshi were the only choice?” Rin asked. “If we eliminate the other possibilities he’ll be forced to use Takahashi or perish. There's no way he’ll risk that.”

  “But mistress,” Junko piped up. “What about your reward? Kazuki-sama won’t give you what he promised if you thwart him.”

  “So I get him to pay up first, or wait until afterward, he’ll see reason then, surely,” the kunoichi decided. “In any event, we can’t let things go on as they are. If nothing else, Takahashi is sure to turn him against us.”

  ****

  Daisuke paced in front of his desk while he waited to hear what the investigation uncovered. As soon as Hoshu revealed Kazuki's location, Makoto turned to address the Shuhan. “Let me go with Aya and Souta. I have the best idea of what we’re up against.”

  “No, Sasaki-san. I’m sorry, but I need you here,” Daisuke insisted. “We have to bring the other clan heads up to speed on what's happened and figure out what we’re going to do. Trust me.” He placed a supportive hand on the interrogator's shoulder. “We will get Takahashi-san back. I won’t abandon him to Kazuki's clutches.”

  “We need to get going, Dai. I’ll see you in a few days.” Souta kissed the Shuhan passionately, heedless of the onlookers. “Makoto,” he said when the embrace finally broke. “I expect you to keep an eye on Dai for me. Don’t let anything happen to him while I’m gone.”

  “I’ll keep him safe,” the interrogator assured him. “Just help me get Yoshi back.”

  “Are you sure? I wouldn’t blame you if you never wanted to see him again.”

  “Of course,” Makoto replied. “I owe him, more than I can possibly repay. I could never abandon him.”

  “Then I’ll make sure he gets back to you,” the assassin said with a smile. “And you’ll owe me a foursome.”

  “I never said…” the interrogator began to protest, giving up with a strangled groan when the Shuhan and his lover merely laughed. “Fine, but you get to explain it to Yoshi.”

  “I can’t wait,” Souta chuckled. “I�
�ll tell him when he gets back.”

  “Get going,” Daisuke said, giving his lover a push toward the door. “The sooner you leave, the sooner you’ll be back. Makoto, stay please,” he ordered before summoning two black ops and sending them off to gather the clan heads. “Hoshu, do you think you could go find Genki and ask him to join us?”

  “Certainly, Daisuke.” The elder studied the younger man critically. “But don’t you think this can wait until morning? You look like you could use a good night's sleep.”

  “I at least want to bring everyone up to speed. I promise to keep it short, we’ll make our plans when we all have clearer heads,” the Shuhan decided. “Maybe if we all sleep on it we’ll come up with some ideas.”

  As soon as the doors shut behind the head of the Hayashi clan, Daisuke turned serious eyes on the interrogator. “Makoto, you will be my night guard while Souta's away. That way I can keep an eye on you.”

  “I don’t need a babysitter,” he argued. “I said I’d stay and I will.”

  “I’m more worried about your mental state. You shouldn't sit at home brooding over Yoshi's things. No matter how you deny it, I know you’re still upset by what you saw, anyone would be. I don’t want you jumping to conclusions and making everything worse.”

  “What could possibly be worse?” Makoto asked. “At the very least I’ll have to interrogate him. Assuming, of course, that he returns. Do you really think he’ll trust me after that?”

  “You can’t be the one to question him,” Daisuke decided. “That wouldn’t be fair to either of you. We’ve kept this quiet so I think Hoshu or Genki would be a good choice. Maybe I’ll do it myself.”

  “I assure you I can remain impartial. I have never let my personal feelings interfere with my job.”

  “Of course you haven’t,” the Shuhan soothed. “I didn’t mean to imply anything of the sort. I just assumed it would be uncomfortable for you to have to hear Takahashi-san talk about his time with Kazuki.”

  “Why would I be uncomfortable?” The interrogator gave a studied shrug. “It's not like there's anything between us.”