Chapter 190 - We have to be patient

Whenever she is in deep thought about anything, she ends up in a daze. But this didn't last long when Setsura felt a slick hand slide on the open slit of her dress. It was then she realized how close Mitobe got to her. She grabbed his wrist and pulled him towards the ground. Mitobe's reflexes, however, were better than she thought. He reacted quickly and reached out for his pocket before he drew out a knife. Mitobe immediately leaped through the air and headed towards her. Despite his clumsiness, he landed a scratch on her arm — a straight, vertical cut of blood. The wound stretched from her elbows to her shoulders.

A deep red color of blood gushed down her arm, and Setsura grunted in pain. She was already feeling strange earlier, but now things were worse. The cut was minor, but she was losing blood quickly. It caused her vision to blur, and she fell on one knee. Even then, Setsura reached out for the knife in her pouch. Two can play that game, however, before Setsura could do anything. She hears the sound of screaming and a thud sound. That scream, however, didn't come from her.

She glanced up and saw the source. Mitobe's arms covered in flames.

Standing over him was a person she knew all too well.

"I apologize that I was late, Setsura. Are you hurt anywhere?" Akito offered a hand out to her.

Setsura averts her gaze. "I don't need a prince to save me," she murmured. Setsura wanted to lecture him for being late. However, she knew now wasn't the time for that. She grudgingly took his hand and dragged herself up from the floor.

The moment she stood up, Akito pulled her into his embrace, one of his arms wrapped around her waist. The other gripped hold of her hand. Setsura rested her head on his shoulder. There was something warm, calming, and comforting about this. Subconsciously a smile appeared on her face, but she quickly shook it of. It would be bad if he noticed though Akito isn't the type of person to take advantage of her. She doesn't want him to know how much she cares about him. The moment he finds out, she is scared that he will think badly of her.

Setsura didn't want Akito to think that she is clingy, annoying, and too needy. That's why even though she gets jealous, she doesn't show it.

A pounding sound appears in her head, and she felt more blood falling from her arm.

"I apologize for the disturbance, Mitobe." Akito politely apologized. However, Setsura could sense that there was something off with his words. Akito can smile and look deadly at the same time.

Mitobe tore his jacket and threw it on the ground. He started stamping on it, and soon the jacket was consumed in flames. Setsura's eyes widened when she saw the fire and glanced at Akito's palm. Fire..? Did Akito do that?

"While I apologize, I would think twice before you touch my lady again," Akito's gaze turned cold. The same smile from moments ago remained, but it was so deadly — a sharp look and yet burning sensation from his palms.

Mitobe quickly scrambled off his feet and rushed off.

"Wait a moment," Setsura proceeded to chase after him. However, Akito held her tightly, causing her to frown. "What are you doing?" she questioned.

"Stay put; there is no use chasing after him."

"But.."

"Stay put; our criminal investigation will get to the bottom of these crimes eventually. We just have to be patient, okay?"

Patient, huh? Her thoughts broke of when Akito grabbed hold of her arms. He slid the sleeve of her dress up, revealing red markings on her arm.

"So, you finally noticed. It took you long enough," Setsura commented.

Her gaze cold, it's not like she did this for attention. Nor does she recall exactly when she did it. But, even when they were so close to each other last night. He didn't notice anything; that is what upsets her the most.

"Setsura, sorry. I..."

Setsura shook her head, "You don't have to explain yourself. I can't expect you to deal with everything I'm going through."

"Does it hurt?"

"Not anymore, it's fine. It happened a while back."

Akito looked away with a guilty expression. "I'm very sorry."

"I told you, apologizing is the last thing I would want."

Akito cupped her cheeks, "Your precious to me. But, sometimes, I'm afraid that you'll leave me."

"There is no need, despite everybody's protest. I've decided to remain with you. However, I cannot remain here unless I complete the mission. Akito, you seem to know a lot more about the Guardians than I thought. You of all people should understand what I'm talking about."

"It's because I understand," Akito murmured. "Because I understand the situation, that's why I don't want you to get involved with them. Setsura, the Guardians aren't good people."

"What are you talking about?"

"They aren't good people, so I want to make sure you keep your distance."

Realizing that Akito would say no more than that, Setsura sighed. It seems like he won't her say any more than this. "Let's head back; you don't want the mafia to catch you here right, Akito?"

Akito, however, suddenly hugged her from behind and brought his lips to her ear. The words he said surprised her, and for a moment, she simply froze when Akito drew back from her. "You're injured, let me find a place to treat your injuries."

..

Due to all the commotion, it was easy for them to find a quiet room where nobody was around. It seems like the Long family group has infiltrated already.

"There, all done." Akito finished tightening the bandage.

"I am surprised. You did an all right job with bandaging my wound." She glanced down and examined the bandages on her arm and legs after that awkward talk when Akito started to treat those injuries.

"Does it please you?"

"Yes," Setsura admitted and trailed off. Akito grabbed hold of her hand and placed a stream of gentle kisses there. The sensation certainly felt nice, but she should not focus on that. Why is he doing something like this?

"I'm glad."

"..Stupid."

This was all Setsura could say to him; she was doing her best to cover her embarrassment; she did not think he would say something like that. What a foolish person. She saw his lips curve to a smile and sighed.

"Enough of your games." Setsura looked away from him. She honestly felt drained and depleted of strength. What happened tonight was not on her plans at all. She didn't think Mitobe would escape. No, his reflexes were sharper than she thought. Even if he isn't a fool, is it possible for him to evade her so easily? The answer is no.