Ninja Love Story

Chapter 3

We passed through the deep mountains and finally arrived at the capital.

"This city..." I couldn't place it, but it was familiar somehow.

Hanzo stayed beside me and noticed me looking around. "Do you remember it...?" he asked quietly.

"Yes, I do..." I answered, taking it all in. "It's hazy, but I get the feeling I've seen these buildings before..." I felt light hands on my shoulders and realized Yoshitsune was behind us. 

"It's possible you've been here in the capital before then." He looked to Hanzo. "Kazemasa, bring Sheeta around town later."

"...As you wish." I could tell Hanzo was less than enthused to be stuck with me again. Of course he is; I'm nothing but a nuisance for him.

As we traveled through the town, we came to a stop at a splendid home. "What is this place...?" I asked in wonder. 

Yoshitsune answered me. "This is our secret base but don't worry, only our members know about it. There's no way the Heishi Clan could ambush us so you'll be safe here."

"Thank you, but I wouldn't want to impose..." I bowed my head in appreciation, "You've already done enough by bringing me to the capital."

Hanzo spoke up, "Isn't shelter what you really want from us?"

I couldn't lie: I still couldn't remember anything and they were politely offering their home to me. Still, I felt rude for being so reliant on them. 

Yoshitsune took my silence as an opportunity to speak, "Then it's settled. Until your memory returns, you shall stay with us." he said with a smile. 

I bowed my head again. "Thank you both so much." And we all walked inside.

Their secret base was a stately mansion. As I continued to gawk over the interior, Yoshitsune addressed me, "Think of us as your family and make yourself at home. If you need anything, please don't be afraid to ask the maids."

I shook my head. I'm an amnesiac, not a comatose. "This is too much. Please let me at least work for you while I'm here. I can clean and cook and mend clothes and such."

Hanzo looked skeptical. "Can you really...?"

I raised an eyebrow at him. "Do you doubt me?"

"Truthfully, yes. If you can't do it, don't interfere. You'll only end up making more work for us to do." Be careful Snowman. You'll freeze like that...

However, his words put me off and made me nervous. Can I really do all these things? "I- I can at least do... ummm, housework!" 

Hanzo mirrored my action and raised his eyebrow as we watched me struggle to speak. "On what basis?"

I stopped to think. "On the basis that I have nothing to lose." 

I actually saw surprise fill his eyes as he asked, "What do you mean?"

"I have to keep on living as best I can. That means I have to learn to do what I think I can't. Also, that's the only way I can repay you since I have nothing to give you..." 

"You're quite spirited..." he said after a moment. Hanzo's expression remained emotionless, but I could feel a hint of warmth in his voice.

Our conversation was interrupted by Yoshitsune. "There's still some time before supper. Feel free to stroll around, that should help you relax." Yoshitsune is really a kind and forgiving person. The polar opposite of Hanzo...

"Thank you for the invitation, but I was actually hoping to help out with supper-" He held up his hand to stop me and smiled. "Please don't fret over such things. You are my guest and I would hate to subject you to subordinate work."

I shook my head again, adamantly this time. "Please, I still feel like I should. I would love to help out in any way I can."

Yoshitsune's smile widened at my words. "You are quite straightforward. Well then, perhaps I could trouble you to do some shopping? I'd like to place some flowers in the vase in the alcove. Any flowers of your choice."

I sighed, grateful for his decision to let me help. "Yes, of course." I smiled in appreciation. 

"Kazemasa, you look after Sheeta."

"As you wish." He said without hesitation.

"W-Wait a second. I don't want to bother anyone; I can go shopping by myself. It's not a problem, really." I wanted to give Hanzo a break from his babysitting job of me and remain on whatever good side he had.

"Yoshitsune's orders are final. Let's get going." He said as he looked down at me.

"Alright..." I said quietly.