Ninja Love Story

Chapter 9

The following evening, I surprised everyone with their share of rice dumplings. Everyone seemed happy, laughing and joking as we all sat at the table to enjoy them. After another whispered thanks to Yoshitsune, I retired to my room to relax. "Ahhh," I sighed happily as I stretched, "I'm full. I'm glad everyone liked the dumplings."

I sat back on my window perch in delight when a sudden gust of wind blew my candle out. I stared at it in confusion. My window is shut tight so what could have caused that...?

Rumble rumble...

I looked back at my window as I heard the sound of a large group of people approaching the mansion. What's going on?!

I felt the breeze from my door slamming close and I jumped from the sound of the impact. I whirled and saw Hanzo breathing heavily. "Hanzo?!"

"Calm down, it's only me. It's an ambush; aware of Shizuka's betrayal, Yoshinaka has launched a direct attack," he said calmly. 

"What do we do?" I asked fearfully.

"I'll bring you somewhere safe. For now, follow me."

Bang bang bang! The sound of heavy fists slamming against the door enveloped the room. I looked to Hanzo who stared intently at the door. "Open up now!" muffled voices cried. "We want the girl!"

Hanzo grabbed my hand and took off just as the men broke down the door. We slipped right past the soldiers, breaking their ranks, and ran through the reception hall. "It's Sheeta! Grab her, men!" The man in front yelled and commands of my capture resounded in my ears, pumping more adrenaline in my system. 

"I'm not handing over Sheeta!" Hanzo snarled over his shoulder. Our legs flew but we were thinking unclearly. Hanzo and I took a wrong turn and hit a dead end in a hallway whilst the soldiers nipped at our heels. Hanzo retreated to a corner and hid me behind his back. He drew his katana, taunting the men to come closer. 

"Yagghhh!" they all cried, closing in on us. I shut my eyes tight and held my breath. 

"Piercing Storm Edge!"

Wind shrieked in my ears as I struggled to keep my balance. I clung to Hanzo's kimono, expecting the wind to rip us apart. After a moment however, it was quiet. I peeked around Hanzo's large frame and saw the soldiers out cold on the floor. 

Suddenly, we heard the bellowing of voices and saw the shadows of more soldiers darken the adjacent hallway. I looked to Hanzo, who was breathing heavily. 

"Hanzo, I'm dragging you down! We've got to split up if we're to have a chance!" I all but yelled.

"But, I must protect you-!" Hanzo began.

"I will escape by myself. I know I can survive! You saved my life already, Hanzo. I won't be reckless." I said, hoping to appease him slightly. 

The shadows grew closer and Hanzo had to make a brash decision. "...Alright Sheeta. I'll trust your judgment, but..." He reached under his sleeve to pull out a beautifully crafted dagger and handed it to me, "It's dangerous to go alone, take this!"

"Thank you, Hanzo," I said as I sheathed the blade in my kimono. We crept down the hallway to where it split. As we peered the corner, we saw the soldiers busying themselves turning the place upside down. Luckily, the hallway led to the doors outside. We walked as calmly as we could, but my foot fell on a creaky floorboard. 

Creeeak! That one small sound was deafening as we saw the soldiers' attention snap to Hanzo and I. We ran for the door, a few steps ahead of them.

As soon as we felt the night air on our skin, we ran for the rear of the house where it was seemingly quiet. "Jasper!" Hanzo cried.