Asami's Shadow (Ryoma's POV)

Chapter 4

A loud thud startled me awake and I saw a very scared Keiko looking around frantically.  I frowned and grabbed her gently under the arm and put her back in bed.  "You'll reopen your wounds if you keep this up."

She looked at me curiously and scowled as she looked away.  Cute...  "Most women are starstruck by my beauty and this little tigress looks away in disgust." I couldn't help myself, but the fact that she didn't even recognize me hurt.

She still refused to look at me and I pulled her sword out and slowly slid it from its sheath.  "Wonder what this tiger was looking for so frantically."

That got a response, but not one I anticipated as her head whirled in my direction and she tried to tackle me.  "Give it back!" Nothing about her wound slowed her other than she hit the ground as I dodged.  She glared up at me hatefully.  It's important to her.  That's flattering at least.  "Give it back."

I gave her a wary look.  She'll kill me as soon as she gets the chance.  I held my hand out instead, again taken off guard as she tossed me to the floor and straddled me.  Her hand was on my throat, making me struggle for breath, but I kept the blade away from her.  She really will kill me...

She dove and scrambled to the corner, clutching it to her chest as she wiped away her tears.  Okay she didn't draw it at least, but... we can't keep this up.  So, I stood rubbing my neck.  I never knew a pint sized teenager could be so strong.  "This is the second time you've tried to kill me in my own home.  You can at least tell me your name since I know you can talk now."

Her frown was adorable, but she refused to speak.  Okay, domineering never got anywhere with her anyway.  I warily offered my hand to help her up again.  "I'm Ryoma... I found you by the lake and brought you here." Maybe... guilt?

She slowly grabbed my hand and I had to keep myself from smiling.  "I'm..." She seemed at a loss.  Did she lose her memories again?  "It doesn't matter."

I helped her to the bed.  Okay... different tactic...  I took out the flyer for her missing princess that Youta gave me yesterday.  Now, we had an even bigger problem on our hands.  If she was here... where was she? They were damn near identical, so, was she helping the princess escape Wei and assumed her identity or did the princess get away as she was defending her?

There were too many unanswered questions to just assume.  "It matters very much actually..." I gave her the paper.  "Who is Sayomi?"

She tilted her head as though confused.  "What?  Sayomi?"

I bit my cheek.  Is she protecting her?  After everything she has clearly been through... fine, the princess route.  "Stop with the games, you are in a safe place, princess.  No one knows you are here."

Her head tilted the other way as she decided.  "I won't confirm, I am this girl.  But I won't deny it either."

She was making me angry, I only wanted to help and she was being difficult.  I stood and rounded the bed so I was in front of her.  "That's fine, Little Tiger.  When you are ready, you will tell me, for now what shall I call you?"

Her eyes flicked to the window.  "Kaida... call me Kaida.  You said your name was Ryoma? I will never forget your kindness."

Now she sounded like a princess, but I nodded anyway.  "Well Lady Kaida..." I saw the corners of her lips turn down slightly.  Never could stand the title... "Welcome to the Kingdom of Wu."

I left the room, lingering would only make her more uncomfortable.  I stopped a servant.  "Find the nurse and tell her she is awake."  I stayed by the door, though I knew she was is no condition to walk.  I also knew she had a habit of disappearing.