Love or Vengeance - Chapter 2：Kiba

“Damn. I missed.” Said Kiba as he took out his phone.

“What news do you have for me, Kiba?”

“I’m terribly sorry, master. I missed. Lady Cana jumped in front of Prince Julius and I shot her instead. I will accept any punishment you see fit.”

“No, Kiba. It’s exactly as I predicted it. I knew Cana would jump in front of the Prince. It’s all going according to plan. Now, get out of there as quickly as you can. I will contact you soon for further instructions. You know what you need to do now, don’t you?”

“Yes, master.” Said Kiba as he held out his right arm and broke it.

◆◆◆

“Don’t worry, my prince. I’m sure Cana will be just fine.” Said the Ishin.

“Why? Why is she risking her life for me like this?” Asked Yamato as he sat with his face in his hands.

“Mochizuki-sama.” Called the doctor as he came towards the two.

“How is she, doctor?” Asked Ishin.

“She is fine. The bullet missed any vital organs. She should be okay after a few days of rest. You can go and see her.”

“Thank you, doctor. Let’s go Yamato-kun.”

Inside the room,

“How are you feeling, Cana my dear?” Asked Ishin as he touched her head.

“I am fine father. The doctor said that there is no problem. He said that I only need to rest and everything will be fine.” Said Cana then looked to Yamato who held his head low.

“I’ll give you two some time alone.” Said Ishin as he walked out.

“I’m sorry, Cana-chan. I’m really sorry.” Said Yamato.

“What are you saying, Yamato? Why are you apologizing?”

“Because it’s my fault that you are in this condition. It’s my fault that you were shot.”

“No it isn’t. I chose to jump in front of you, in order to protect you.”

“But why? Why do you want to protect me? Why do you want to risk your life for me?”

“Because… because you are Prince Julius and I am your knight. I was given this task by my father and I must follow trough.”

“But what kind of prince am I that I can’t even protect those close to me? I’m not worthy of your protection.”

“Don’t say that, Yamato. You are more worthy than you can imagine. You will understand one day. I will always be by your side. I’m your fiance after all, aren’t I?”

Yamato looked up to see Cana smiling at him.

“Yes. You are.”

After some time, Yamato came out.

“Is she doing fine?” Asked Ishin.

“Yes. She is fine.” Said Yamato. Suddenly his expression changed. “I will find who did this to her. And when I do, I’ll tear him limb from limb.”

“It’s clear that the person that shot Cana was actually after you. So we can only assume that the person that shot Cana was working with the assassins that killed your parents.”

“It could be. How are we going to handle this? The news about Cana being shot should be spreading like wildfire by now.”

“It is. As a matter of fact, it’s on every news channel.” Said Ishin as he pointed to a TV.

“This is going to be hard to explain at school tomorrow.”

At school,

“Tanaka-kun? We heard the news. How is she? How’s Cana-san doing?” Asked Akari who surrounded Yamato.

“Don’t worry. She is fine. She just needs to rest for a few days and she’ll be back to her old self.” Said Yamato.

“Kiba-kun?!! What happened to you?” Asked Reina as she saw Kiba walk in with a broken arm and bandaged up.

“Yeah. You left us last night saying that you think you forgot your phone at Yamato’s place.”

“Kiba, are you okay?”

“Yeah. Last night I came back because I thought I forgot my phone and I heard a gunshot. Then I saw a person come down from a tree and trying to run away. So I pounced on him and we fought for a bit, but he managed to break my arm and run away.”

“Did you see his face? Do you know what he looks like?” Asked Yamato.

“No. He was wearing a mask. I couldn’t see him.”

“Damn it!” Said Yamato as he punched the table. “I’ll find him. I’ll surely find him. He’s gonna pay for what he did.”

“You can sure as hell bet on that.” Said Kiba.

“But how are we gonna do that?” Asked Reina.

“Well, first of all we should go to where Kiba saw the person and look for clues.” Said Yamato.

“That sounds like a good idea.” Said Akari.

“We should go there this Saturday. We’re all free, right?” Asked Reina.

“Yeah, but first we should go and see Cana-chan.” Sad Yamato.

“What does she like, Yamato-kun? You should know better than any of us.” Said Akari.

“I love red things. Red is my favorite color.”

“Well, she loves red things. And I know that she really loves roses and strawberries. We should get her that.” Said Yamato.

“That sounds great. But you should get the roses, lover boy.” Said Reina.

“Alright. Let’s go then.” Said Kiba.

At the hospital,

“Before we go in, nobody mention that Kiba got injured by going after the shooter, okay?” Said Yamato.

“Yeah. It’s better if she doesn’t know. Just say you fell or something.” Said Akari.

“Fine.” Said Kiba.

KNOCK, KNOCK!!!

“Come in.” Called out Cana.

“Hi there, Cana-chan.” Greeted Akari and Reina as everyone came in.

“Everyone. It’s so good to see you.” Said Cana with a smile.

“How are you doing? We were so worried when we heard what happened.” Said Kiba.

“Oh my. Kiba-kun, what happened to you?”

“Oh, this? I just fell down the stairs this morning. Nothing to worry about. More importantly, are you doing okay?” Asked Kiba.

“Yes. I’m fine. It doesn’t hurt like before.”

“Here. We brought you some roses and some strawberries.” Said Akari as she placed them on the table next to Cana’s bed then turned to whisper to Cana. “Thank Yamato-kun for that. It was his idea.”

“Really?” Asked Cana as she turned to look at Yamato who was talking to Kiba. She smiled and turned to Akari and Reina. “I’m sorry for worrying all of you.”

“We’re just glad you’re okay.” Said Reina.

“Yeah. you just rest up. When you get out, let’s go somewhere fun, okay?” Said Akari.

“Chill out, Akari.” Said Yamato as he gave her a little knock on the head. “Let her get better first.”

“Ouch. That hurt. Why did you do that for?”

“Someone is getting overprotective.” Said Kiba.

“Well, that’s what you get when you are about to get married.” Teased Reina.

“It’s nothing like that. It’s just…”

“Just what?” Asked the three of them.

“Umm…well…”

“Ah, young love. No fair. I want one too.” Said Akari.

“I’d be happy to be of service.” Said Kiba.

“Pass. Besides, you’re broken.”

Everyone just laughed.

The four of then turned to see Cana laughing so hard that tears started coming out.

“See? Even Cana thinks so too.”

“Hmm. You’ll see. One day I’m gonna get married to a princess and you’re gonna wish that you hadn’t laughed at me.”

“Sure. Whatever you say, Prince Charming.” Said Akari.

Later after they left,

“Thank you.” Said Cana.

“For what?” Asked Yamato.

“For everything. For bringing everyone to see me, or bringing my favorite things and for being here.” Said Cana as tears started coming down her cheeks. “If you had died last night, I don’t know what I would have done.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll always be here.” Said Yamato as he held her hand.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

At home,

“Welcome home, master.” Said Ayumi as she bowed.

“Thank you, Suzutski-san.”

“Ah, Yamato-kun. Welcome home. I hope you had a good day at school.” Said Ishin.

“Thank you, Mochizuki-san. Everything went well today. And I have an update on our current situation.”

“Very good. What is it?”

“It’s my friend Kiba. Who was here last night. He saw the shooter. Not only that but he also fought him.”

“Did he see his face?”

“Unfortunately the shooter was wearing a mask. The attacker broke Kiba’s arm before running away.”

“Hmm. This is getting more and more complicated. Have you told Cana about it yet?”

“No. I didn’t want to worry her”

“I have a bit of information myself.” Said Ishin. “Look at this.”

“This is footage from that night.”

“Yes. And look at the time.”

“It was half an hour before we arrived.”

“Yes. Meaning that the attacker was here before you arrived home.”

“Yes. He destroyed the camera and made his way in. So that must be the same way he used to get out.”

“Exactly.”

◆◆◆

That Saturday,

“So this is where you fought him?” Asked Reina.

“Yeah. As I was running, I saw a light up in this tree and then heard a gunshot. I came running just as the guy was coming down. We fought for a while but he managed to escape.”

“Did you see which way he ran off to?” Asked Yamato.

“Yeah. He went that way.” Said Kiba as he pointed towards a fence.

“Hmm. Yamato. I found something.” Said Akari.

“What is it?”

“Looks like a few unused bullets.”

“There’s more over here. Looks like they’re going in that direction.” Said Reina.

“Damn it. I completely forgot about them.” Asked Kiba in his mind.

“You okay, Kiba?” Asked Yamato.

“Yeah. Just wondering what all these bullets are doing here.”

“Let’s follow them.” Said Akari.

As they followed the bullets, they get to a fence.

“They all lead to this fence.” Said Reina.

“Look! That security camera is broken. You think he did it?” Said Akari.

“Must be. Well, at least we have some clues that we can use. I’ll go tell Mochizuki-san what we found. I’ll tell you what he says on Monday.” Said Yamato.

“Alright. When is Cana-chan coming home?” Asked Reina.

“She should be allowed to come home today.” Said Yamato.

“That’s great news. Say hi to her when you see her.” Said Kiba.

“Sure. See ya on Monday.” Said Yamato as he waved goodbye to his friends.

As his friends left, one of the guards came to speak to Yamato.

“Excuse me, sir.”

“Yes. What is it?”

◆◆◆

“Welcome home, my dear.” Said Ishin as he hugged his daughter. “I’m glad to see that you are doing better.”

“Thank you father. Yes. I feel much better now that I am home. Where is Yamato?”

“He is outside with his friends looking for clues regarding the incident. Ah, there he is.”

“Good afternoon, Mochizuki-san. Welcome home, Lady Cana.”

“Come on, Yamato. Didn’t we agree to act more like lovers?” Said Cana.

“Wh-what?” Said Yamato as he blushed.

“Haha. Not to worry, my prince. The two of you are engaged after all. No need to be shy around me.”

“If you say so.”

“Now tell me. Have you found out anything?” Asked Ishin.

“Yes I have. And it’s rather shocking.”

“Cana my dear, we will talk later. Go and rest. Yamato will be with you shortly.”

“Very well father.” Said Cana as she went to her room.

“Now, what is this shocking news?”

“Well, when my friends and I arrived at the spot where Kiba said that he saw the shooter, we found some unused bullets that pointed to the same fence we were talking about and sure enough, the cameras there were out of commission.”

“Alright. Nothing too out of the ordinary. Except for the bullets.”

“True. But as my friends left, one of the guards approached me and told me something. He said that he was close to the place where the attack took place. When he got there, he managed to see one man running towards the fence with a bag. Possibly the gun bag. And by what he could make out, the man’s arm was broken.”

“How is that possible? I thought it was your friend who had his arm broken.”

“That’s the thing. Not only that he said that he fought the man and the attacker broke his arm, but it’s also the issue that the guard only saw one man. Not two.”

“I’d like to speak to him.”

“Alright. I’ll call him.”

“Mochizuki-sama!!!” Called Suzutski as she came rushing in.

“What is it?”

“One of our guards has been found dead.”

“What?!” Asked Ishin in shock as both he and Yamato stood up.

Outside stood a few men that surrounded the body of the dead guard.

“How is this possible?” Asked Yamato in shock.

“What is it Yamato-kun?” Asked Ishin.

“He is the guard I told you about.”

“This man?”

“Yes. I truly believe this was not a coincidence.”

“You are right. Which could only mean one thing.”

“That there is a traitor among us.”

“Where did you find him?” Asked Ishin.

“We found him near the place where that attack took place.” Said Suzutski.

“This is getting more and more complicated.” Said Yamato.

“I don’t want this incident to get out to the public. Make sure you keep it a secret.” Said Ishin.

“Yes sir!”

“Yamato, can I have a word?” Asked Ishin.

“Yes. What is it?”

“There is something bothering me about this whole ordeal.”

“Me too. And I don’t like what’s been going through my head.”

“How so?”

“I’m thinking about how Kiba fits into all this. The guard said that he saw just one man with a broken arm, carrying a black bag and running towards the fence.”

“But your friend said that he fought him and got his arm broken in the process.”

“Both these stories contradict each other.”

“Yes and we don’t know which one is true.”

“Father, what is going on?” Asked Cana.

“Nothing my dear. Everything is fine.”

“But why are there so many people gathered here? And why do both of you look so worried?”

“It’s nothing, Cana-chan. Everything is fine.”

“Mochizuki-sama, we have sent the body for examination. They will contact us as soon as they are done with the autopsy.” Said Suzutski.

“Body? Autopsy? Father?”

“Huh. Thank you, Suzutski-san. Cana. One of our guards was just killed.”

“What? Why? And by whom?”

“We don’t know, but what we do know is that it has something to do with that attack.” Said Yamato.

“It does? How?”

“He saw the attacker that night as he ran away.”

“So the attacker must have come back in order to get rid of the eye witness.” Said Ishin.

“Hmm. This is complicated. So what now?” Asked Cana.

“We don’t know. All we can do is wait for the autopsy and go from there.”

◆◆◆

“Did you get rid of him?”

“Yes, master. I’m sorry I caused so much trouble.”

“Just be glad that he is gone and that nobody found out about what really happened. Make sure that Yamato doesn’t know anything. We need to move to our next phase. So be ready.”

“Yes, master.” Said Kiba as he cut the call.

◆◆◆

“Cana-chan! I’m so glad to see you’re alright.” Said Akari as she hugged Cana.

“It’s good to see you too, Akari-chan!” Said Cana.

“We were so worried.” Said Reina.

“Especially Yamato. He was crying so much.” Said Kiba.

“Shut it Kiba.” Said Yamato as he punched his arm.

“Ouch! My arm is still a bit broken you know.”

“Let’s all hang out after school and celebrate Cana-chan’s recovery.” Said Akari.

“That sounds great.” Said Kiba.

“I’d love that.” Said Cana.

“Alright. It’s settled. Let’s all go out today.” Said Reina.

“What’s the matter, Yamato?” Asked Kiba.

“Oh. Nothing. Just thinking.”

“About what?”

“Nothing much.

“Don’t worry, Yamato. Nothing will happen to me.” Said Cana as she held his hand.

“That’s right. And besides, we’ll all be there with her.” Said Akari.

“You’re right. There’s no need to worry. Come on. Class is about to start.” Said Yamato.

After school, at the mall,

“Wow! It’s so big.” Said Cana.

“You mean you’ve never been in a mall before?” Asked Reina.

“Well, no. I didn’t really go out much.” Said Cana.

“Figures. Being royalty and all.” Said Akari.

“But with this disguise, nobody will recognize you.” Said Yamato.

“So what do we do first?” Asked Reina.

“How about we go to the arcade.” Said Akari.

“What’s the matter, Kiba?” Asked Yamato.

“Oh..um..nothing. I’m need to go to the bathroom. I’ll catch up.” Said Kiba.

“Sure. Let’s go guys.” Said Akari as she went on ahead.

In the bathroom,

“We’re here, master.”

“Good. Just keep going according to the plan. I don’t want any more mistakes.”

“Yes, master. This time I’m sure to kill Lady Cana. But I don’t understand why I’m supposed to kill her and not Yamato?”

“Because Cana is the protecting him. If Cana dies while protecting him, Yamato will feel responsible and leave the mansion so that he won’t cause any more harm. That’s when we will strike.”

“You are right, master. I will kill her just as you ordered.”

“Don’t let anything go wrong.”

“Yes, master.” Said Kiba as he cut the call.

Outside the bathroom, Yamato was listening to the conversion.

“I don’t believe this. I suspected him but I never wanted to believe it. So Kiba is the attacker? Why? And who is he working for?”

Yamato quickly runs as Kiba comes out of the bathroom.

“Hey Yamato. You waited for me?”

“Um…yeah. I didn’t want to leave you behind.”

“Thanks, pal. Come on. Let’s go.”

“Sure. You go on ahead. I forgot to call Mochizuki-san to tell him where we are.”

“Alright.” Says Kiba as he goes on ahead.

“Hello. Mochizuki-san.”

“Yes, my Prince.”

“It turns out that our suspicions were correct. Kiba is the attacker.”

“Oh my word. How did you find out?”

“There is no time to explain. Kiba has been ordered to kill Cana.”

“What?! Well, it’s a good thing I had my men keep watch over you.”

“You have?”

“Yes. They have been keeping you under surveillance since the attack. Just contact the head of security and let him know about everything.”

“Alright. Thank you Mochizuki-san.”

“Please be on your guard.”

“I will.” Says Yamato as he hangs up and looks up to see the head of security walking towards him.

“Tanaka-sama, I have been told to come and get all the details about the situation.”

“Yes. Please keep an eye out for anything suspicious and for any action from this man.” Said Yamato as he showed him a picture of Kiba.

“Right away, sir. Sir if I may.” Said the head of security as he handed Yamato something, went away and began informing all his men.

“I hope all goes well. I should get back before something happens.”

“Hey Yamato. What took you so long?” Asked Akari.

“Oh, nothing. Mochizuki-san was just busy telling me to take extra care of Cana.”

“Well, it’s only natural that he’d be worried. But he shouldn’t worry too much. We’re here with her. Right Cana?” Asked Reina.

“Yes of course.”

“Come on. I want to play some games.” Said Kiba as he began walking ahead.

“Wait up. We wanna play too.” Called Akari.

“Is everything alright, Yamato-kun?” Asked Cana.

“Y-yeah. Everything is fine. Why do you ask?”

“Well, you seem worried about something.”

“Oh it’s nothing. Just thinking of how Mochizuki-san seemed to be worried.”

“Don’t worry. Nothing will happen.”

“Come on love birds. We don’t have all day.” Called Akari.

“Coming. Shall we?” Asked Yamato as he took her hand.

“Lead the way.”

“Aren’t you all lovey-dovey.” Said Kiba. “Girls, both my hands are free.”

“Put them in your pockets.” Said Reina.

A few hours later,

“Wow. That was fun.” Said Akari.

“Yeah it was. We should do this again sometime.” Said Reina.

“Well guys, I’m heading home. See you at school.” Said Kiba as he waved goodbye.

“Yeah. Bye guys.” Said Akari.

“Bye everyone.” Said Cana.”Yamato-kun, can we take a walk in the park for a while?”

“Hmm.”

“Yamato-kun?”

“Huh? Did you say something?”

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yes I’m fine. What is it that you wanted?”

“I asked if we could take a walk through the park.”

“Oh. Yeah. Sure. Let’s go.”

“What is going on here? I thought Kiba was gonna make a move today. But he left. Nothing happened. Did I misinterpret what he said?”

“It’s so beautiful tonight.” Said Cana as she looked up at the stars.

“Yes it is.” Said Yamato as he looked at Cana.

“It seems that we are not talking about the same thing.” Said Cana as she looked at him.

They both stared at each other.

“Cana, I…”

“Yamato-kun, I…”

“Isn’t that nice.” Said someone from behind.

“Who’s there?”

“Hmm. No need to stress yourself. I’m right here.” Said the masked man.

“Who are you?” Asked Yamato.

“Who I am doesn’t matter. But who you are matters, your Majesty.” Said the masked man as he bowed.

“Cana, get behind me.” Said Yamato as he took out the gun he got from the guard.

“Ha. Are you sure you can use that? And even if you could, can you use it against your best friend?” Said the masked man as he removed his mask.

“So it is you, Kiba.”

“Kiba?! But why?!” Asked Cana.

“Oh so you knew about me.”

“Yeah. I just found out today. I heard you talking to someone. Who was it? Who is behind all of this?”

“That I can’t tell you.”

“At least answer me this. Is he the one behind the death of the king and queen?”

“Yes he is. Now what will you do with that information?”

“At least I know that much. Now I’ll just need to beat the rest out out you.”

“Let’s see you try. But this isn’t fair you know. I should have a gun too.” Said Kiba as he took out his own gun.

“Now, this is much better. So what is it going to be? Shall we proceed Yamato? Oh sorry. I mean Prince Julius.”

“I don’t need this to take you down.” Said Yamato as he put the gun down.

“Such a brave guy.” Said Kiba as he threw his gun away as well.

“Yamato-kun, don’t do it.” Said Cana as she grabbed onto him.

“It’s alright.” Said Yamato as he touched her hand. “I’ll be right back.”

“You really think you can take me down?”

“I don’t have any other choice. But tell me this. The person that shot Cana that night. It was you, wasn’t it?”

“You know me so well. Yes it was me.”

“And you broke your own arm in order to cover your tracks? You’re despicable.”

“Well, I didn’t cover them that well since a fool like yourself managed to find out everything. Now, don’t you think it’s about time we settle this? Or are you sacred?”

“Scared? He he. Yeah. I’m scared that I might do more than just beat the hell out of you.”

“We’ll just have to see. Come on. Give me your best shot, your Majesty.”

“KIBA!!!”

Yamato launches at Kiba aiming for his head. Kiba dodges and catches Yamato by the neck and tackles him, bringing him down.

“That was fast. Is that all you’ve got?”

Yamato gets up and starts punching the air as Kiba dodges every attack. Then Kiba suddenly hits Yamato in his stomach with his knee. Yamato spits blood as he falls down, holding his stomach.

“B-bastard.”

“Oh come on Yamato. Is that how you talk to your best friend? Look at yourself. Don’t you feel embarrassed in front of your so called fiance? Yes I know that you guys are in this relationship so that Cana can be there to protect you. Ha. A girl protecting a guy. How much more pathetic can one get?” Said Kiba as he grabbed Yamato’s hair and pulled his head up.

“Leave him alone!” Said Cana as she launched at Kiba.

“I was wondering when you will come at me. Tired of seeing Yamato so useless?” Said Kiba as be jumped out of the way.

“You don’t know him at all. So don’t you dare look down on him or I’ll make you regret it.” Said Cana as she tore the bottom of her dress off ready to fight.

“Oooh. Scary.”

“Mochizuki-sama, Tanaka-sama!” Called their guards as they came running towards them.

“Looks like it’s time to go. We’ll meet again soon, Yamato. Very soon.” Said Kiba as he ran off into the distance.

“Mochizuki-sama. Are you alright?” Asked one of the men. “Follow that man.” Said the man to the other guards.

“No. Let him be. Yamato-kun needs help.” Said Cana.

“Don’t worry about me. I’m fine.” Said Yamato as he struggled to stand.

“No you’re not. You need to see a doctor. Let’s go.”

“We’ll help you, Tanaka-sama. Take it easy.”

“He’s right. I really am pathetic.”

“No you’re not. Don’t listen to him. He is nothing but a criminal.”

“Cana, I have a favor to ask.”

“Yes. Anything.”

“Will you teach me how to fight?”

“There is no need for that. I will protect you.”

“But who will protect you?! I can’t keep being so useless. I need to be prepared for the next time I encounter Kiba. Next time I’ll take him down for sure.”

“Very well. I will train you.”