Behind the Mask

Chapter 74

Marc's POV

This was beyond insane. We're all standing in the back of the Italian mafia's compound watching Dr. Sean Green fight with a real sword against his long-lost cousin who happens to be the head of the Japanese Yakuza. Yeah, that's your normal Friday morning. When Owen had told all of us the events that unfolded between Sean and Yasu the day before, it seemed surreal. Standing here now, it still didn't seem possible. I mean, putting aside the entire long-lost criminal family thing, there are the swords. Who the fuck knew Sean could even use a sword, let alone was downright skilled.

I watched Marissa cringe at the sound of the metal swords clanging together. I didn't really understand what style of fighting they were doing, but it was impressive. Both men were light on their feet and seemed to move with incredible speed, anticipating each other's moves. North handed us both a glass of water. "If they aren't really fighting, then how do you determine a winner?" he asked.

"Much like fencing, it's based on strikes that could be considered lethal," Owen answered. "Like that one," he said pointing to Sean who held his sword near Yasu's neck. He then pulled the weapon back and they both exchanged a bow before beginning again. "Sean earned another point. That gives him three, and Yasu four."

The two men began their deadly dance again. Marissa squeaked when Yasu landed a strike to Sean's chest, the sword slicing the fabric of his shirt. He instantly withdrew the sword and bowed, then asked, "Are you okay?"

Sean brushed his hand over the spot, smearing a dab of blood as he did it, "Yeah, it's not deep." He bowed and placed the sword in his palms, offering it to Yasu. "I acknowledge my defeat." Yasu took the sword with a nod of his head, then Sean stood again. "Thank you. It's been years since I've had a sparring partner."

"I can't believe it's been that long," Yasu replied. "You're out of practice, but by no means to be underestimated. A very balanced fighter." Sean's cheeks flushed as he nodded at the compliment. The Yakuza leader looked at Marissa and flipped the sword handle first toward her. "Take it."

She looked between him and Sean for a moment before taking it. Yasu took a step back, watching her closely. Marissa shifted the sword as if testing its weight and length for a moment. She was still looking down when Yasu swung. In a split second, she shoved Sean away and raised the sword above her head, blocking the blow. 

"What the hell was that?" she screamed at him.

"Testing a theory," he replied as he took the sword from her. She scowled at him as the rest of us glared. I thought Sean was going to kill him. "Your statement yesterday intrigued me. After seeing your instinctual response to protect Sean, I better understand the risk we face should you be taken."

"And what if she had not been able to block your attack?" Dominic growled.

Yasu grinned, "The moment she took the sword, I knew she would respond. What I didn't know is how quickly or if she would attack rather than defend." He looked at Sean, "The fact that her instinct was to protect makes her more dangerous. Any fool will fight, but few will sacrifice to protect another. Marissa's instinct was to defend, then attack if needed - a natural strategist."

She took a step forward until she was almost touching his nose with hers then said in a low voice, "If you ever do that again, I'll shove that fucking sword down your throat. Find another way to test your theories that won't place my family in danger." Then she stormed back into the house with Sean and Owen rushing after her.

I shook my head, "When are they all leaving? I'm not sure how much more she can take."

North grunted, "Hell, I'm not sure how much more I can take."