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The Rose Line	By : Rhonda Category: Gravitation > General Views: 2888 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Gravitation, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
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Chapter 2: The House of Seguchi

The coach had been traveling at breakneck speed for the past day and a half. Shuichi’s ass and his head were killing him. Stopping only long enough to briefly rest at an inn and a couple of stops to both eat and rest the horses, Shuichi and Sakano made excellent time by traveling round the clock.

About ten miles into the journey, Shuichi had asked what the big hurry was only to have Sakano respond with a smile saying—

“My Lord is anxious to meet you.”

That’s the most Sakano would say. They made the rest of the journey in almost complete silence with an occasional bit of general conversation that consisted of Shuichi asking questions and Sakano answering them with the briefest reply he could get away with. Most of the time, Sakano just watched Shuichi openly with dark penetrating eyes and a small smile on his face--something that made Shuichi thoroughly uneasy.

And on the rare occasion when he wasn’t watching Shu, Sakano was checking their progress on one of his maps or looking behind the coach as if he were expecting company. This made Shuichi even more uneasy. What or rather WHO was he looking for? If they were expecting trouble, Shuichi would like to know about it. He had tried asking, but Sakano had waved his questions away with a smile and told him not to worry. Then he’d gone back to watching Shuichi, which of course made him worry even more.

And if the reckless speed and the sneaking suspicion that they were being followed weren’t peculiar enough, Sakano also had the curious habit of frequently looking at a gold pocket watch that he kept in his hand. When he saw Shuichi’s puzzled look he had simply replied, “I like to keep track of the time.”

During the course of the trip, time was something Shuichi had plenty of to mull over the series of events that had brought him to this place.

After turning around to find Sakano standing behind him the night of the concert, Shuichi had been led across the street by the arm to a black, lushly appointed coach with a set of four matched black horses that had stood waiting for them. The coach door bore the unmistakable crest of Seguchi House—a deep red lion rearing on its hind legs against a yellow field.

Sakano had gently but firmly helped Shuichi into the coach by way of not so subtle “invitation.”

Once inside, Sakano had explained that his employer, Tohma Seguchi, head of the House of Seguchi, was a big fan of Shuichi’s work and had sent him, his agent, with an invitation for a private performance at his estate in the east. A performance for which he would be handsomely compensated added Sakano as if the decision hadn’t already been made for Shuichi.

Stopping only long enough to give a rapidly scribbled note for Suguru to his coach driver and to drop by the hotel for a few hastily packed bags, Shuichi hadn’t been given time to even think about declining, even if he had been inclined to do so.

And how could I have possibly done that? Shuichi wondered. In spite of what I said to Mika and K about not accepting, everyone knows, if the head of the House of Seguchi--advisor to a line of emperors that stretches back as far as anyone living or recently deceased can remember asks you to do something, you ask what time it needs to be done by and how often it needs to be done thereafter. And this is regardless of whether two complete lunatics request your compliance before the actual invitation or not!

Shuichi thought about Mika and K and wondered if they’d been telling the truth. Even now with the dagger and the envelope they’d given him tucked among his bags and traveling at lightning speed in a luxurious coach that bore the Seguchi House crest, he still had problems believing their story. Spells and Demon Kings and a house by the sea surrounded by roses…

He fell asleep thinking about his predicament and as he dreamed, familiar images flashed before him.

A garden of roses. A full moon in a starry night sky. And a voice calling him.

“Shuichi…Shuichi…I love you Shuichi…”

“Mr. Shindou? Mr. Shindou?” A hand on his shoulder startled Shuichi out of sleep.

“Are you alright?” Sakano was watching him closely.

Shuichi rubbed his eyes. “Yes. Just a dream.” He yawned and looked out the window at the quaint two story buildings they were passing.

Sakano checked the time. “We’re almost there. This is the sea port town that sits just to the west of the estate.” Sakano sat back into his seat and continued to watch Shuichi.

Shuichi ignored him and watched the rolling scenery. A sign flashed by. The Sea Rose Inn! Shuichi gasped.

“Something wrong?” asked Sakano. There was a hidden edge to his voice.

“No.” Shuichi covered himself. “No. Uhh… I guess I’m just a little nervous about meeting someone as illustrious as the head of the Seguchi House.”

“There’s no need to be nervous,” Sakano replied. “Mr. Tohma Seguchi is a brilliant man. Cunning and smart, it is he that has promoted the Seguchi name the most. Yet, despite his position of power, he is also gentle and generous by nature.” Sakano smiled. “He may seem a little distant at first, a hazard of his position, but once he meets you, I’m sure he’ll love you.”

Shuichi relaxed a little.

“And once that happens, I can absolutely guarantee that you will love him.”

Sakano’s ever-present smile did nothing to mask the edge to his voice or alleviate the hint of something ominous in the words he said. The statement hung heavily in the air as they rode on.

Shuichi went back to worrying.

The coach passed through the eastern gate of the town and left it behind. They wound their way up a road that gradually became steeper. A few minutes later Shuichi found himself looking at a massive wrought iron gate. The gate, which was open, was black and bore the same image as that on the coach--a lion rearing on its hind legs with something that Shuichi couldn’t make out in its mouth.

“…Though the gate to the estate is always open, they can’t leave of their own free will…” Mika’s words echoed through his mind.

Just past the gate stood a large tree. The tree was tall and leafy and running just in front of it and on either side of the gate entrance was a line of beautiful rose bushes with deep pink petals. Their heady fragrance wafted through the air. Shuichi relaxed as the perfume soothed him. Relaxed that is until he noticed something odd about the tree. As they passed, he saw a thick rope hanging from one of the branches. It swayed in the slight breeze and Shuichi could see that it was old and worn and that the end of the rope was frayed as if it had been cut… Looking at that rope made him feel cold. Shuichi shivered in the warm afternoon breeze. He suddenly felt dizzy and nauseous. He couldn’t breathe. He closed his eyes and fought the darkness that was closing in around him, trying not to panic. The coach continued on and a few seconds later the feeling passed.

Shuichi calmed and breathed a sigh of relief. He added his health to the growing list of his recent worries.

The coach continued for another few minutes uphill before cresting and coming into view of a massive house. They followed a stone path around to the front of the house where the coach finally came to a stop.

Sakano jumped out and offered his hand back to Shuichi to help him down. Shuichi took it gratefully, not sure if his knees would support him after being abused for so long.

Sakano then left momentarily to speak with the driver while Shuichi wobbled a bit, trying to get his land legs back. He held onto the coach door for support, taking in the salt in the breeze and the sound of the sea nearby.

He looked up at the house. A huge wood and stone structure, the house boasted three stories. It was elegantly built, yet there was something cold about it. Its appointments were austere and the roof was a bit too steep. Additionally, no attempt at decoration, fauna or welcoming adornments lent a no nonsense atmosphere about the place.

Shuichi let his eyes slip down to the third floor and shielded them from the glare of bright afternoon sunlight. He squinted. There was someone watching him. The light was making it difficult to see, but there was definitely someone there watching.

Shuichi smiled and waved. The figure didn’t wave back.

“Mr. Shindou?” Sakano was suddenly standing beside Shuichi again. “Shall we?” He swept his hand toward the entrance.

“Yes, thank you.” Shuichi walked toward the house. He looked back up at the window. The figure was gone.

*** ***

The inside of the house was very quiet. So quiet in fact that the loud ticking of an unseen clock could be heard from somewhere in the back. That and their footsteps echoing loudly across the highly polished wood floor were the only sounds Shuichi could hear.

The house was also empty. No one, not a servant, not a family member, not a single body save Sakano and Shuichi could be seen. This immediately struck him as being odd as such an important man as the head of Seguchi House should have a household full of retainers and important people and hangers on, not to mention wait staff. The house of the Emperor’s Right Hand should bustle and crackle with life and activity. Instead it was mausoleum quiet. And unsettling.

“…Tohma lives alone save for those he holds captive and a few servants from the town who come at dawn and leave at dusk…”

Two for two, Shu thought. First the gate and now the empty house. What else had Mika and K said that was also true? Shuichi’s worry factor increased by ten.

Beyond the cavernous foyer was a large, opulently furnished open area. Plush couches and exquisite tables sat meticulously arranged before the widest staircase Shuichi had ever seen. Flanked on either side by curling banisters, the wooden stairs were carpeted with a centrally placed oriental runner that led up to the first landing. It was there that Shuichi saw the clock. Massive and overbearing, the gothic looking grandfather style clock stood on the landing in front of a large stained glass window. Dark and foreboding, it cast a deep shadow across the stairs below it and the floor below them, breaking up the red and gold fractals painted there by the backlit colored glass panes.

The shadow swallowed Shuichi as he stood there.

“This way, Mr. Shindou,” Sakano called. Shuichi hurried to catch up.

Sakano quickly led Shuichi past the stairs and down a hallway. Shuichi, almost jogging to keep up, nearly ran into the back of Sakano when he stopped abruptly to the door at the end of the corridor.

Sakano gave him a look then knocked.

“Come in,” a voice called softly from beyond.

Sakano opened the door and ushered Shuichi inside.

“My Lord, may I present Mr. Shuichi Shindou.” Sakano smiled wryly and bowed his head as he addressed the head of Seguchi House.

“Mr. Shindou, the House of Seguchi is honored by your presence. Please come in.”

Shuichi stepped forward. Tohma Seguchi, head of the House of Seguchi sat directly before him in a high back leather chair, behind a massive and elaborate desk. He sat there like royalty, his fair hair and pale skin glowing softly in the streaming afternoon light.

Shuichi bowed deeply. “No, Sir, the honor is mine. An invitation to perform for the House of Seguchi is an enormous honor and I would like to thank you for the opportunity.” He looked up. “I will do my best.”

Tohma smiled. It lit up his entire face and made his large eyes shine with pleasure.

“I’m sure you will. The House of Seguchi--I, am pleased that you accepted my invitation. I realize that it was rather last minute and abrupt, but I trust my dear Mr. Sakano wasn’t overly persuasive?”

“Oh no,” Shuichi answered quickly, “I was honored to accept.”

“That’s good,” Tohma replied. “Mr. Sakano has been known to be a bit ‘insistent’ in his dealings. I trust you had a pleasant journey here, then?”

Tohma’s eyes slid to Sakano who was still standing by the door.

“Yes, uneventful,” came the reply. “No unexpected delays at all.” Sakano smiled. “We made excellent time.”

“Well done, Mr. Sakano. Would you please see that Mr. Shindou’s bags are sent to his room?”

“As you wish.” Sakano checked his pocket watch, bowed to Shuichi and left the room with that wry smile on his face. Shuichi couldn’t help but feel that there was more said in that exchange than was actually spoken.

“Please sit down, Mr. Shindou. You must be exhausted after your trip.”

“Thank you. I am a bit tired.” Shuichi sat down gratefully in one of the two chairs arranged before the desk.

“You’re being very kind. I know how Mr. Sakano operates and it’s a wonder you can walk at all with the way I am sure he abused the coach and the horses getting you here. He means well, but the dear is very preoccupied with time as you may have noticed.” Tohma spoke softly in a whispery voice, carefully pronouncing each word with a slow, hypnotic rhythm. It set Shuichi at ease, who, with all that’d happened, hadn’t been sure what to expect.

Tohma gestured toward a liquor cabinet to Shuichi’s right.

“May I offer you refreshment?”

He had long slender fingers, one of which was adorned with a simple gold band. A wedding band, Shuichi thought as he realized it was on his left hand. The ring gleamed in the afternoon light as it peeked out from the long lace sleeve that cuffed Tohma’s dark blue waistcoat.

“Water, please, if it’s not too much trouble.”

“No trouble at all.” Tohma stood. He was a lot taller than Shuichi had thought. He had seemed a lot smaller when surrounded by his huge desk and chair.

Tohma’s gait was a stately one as he crossed the room to the cabinet and poured Shuichi’s drink.

“You may be wondering why I’ve summoned you here with such urgency.”

“Yes, I did wonder.”

Tohma turned and gave Shuichi a heavy cut crystal glass filled with water.

“I have important guests coming on Saturday and would like you to perform for them. These are very important members of the Emperor’s personal advisory team as well as many members of his personal staff. They will be accompanied by high ranking members of Seguchi House as well.” Tohma gazed down at Shuichi with large, deep eyes.

“Of course, that’s not my only reason. I was hoping that you would spend a few days here with us at Seguchi House and consent to giving us a few private concerts before the arrival of my guests.” His never wandering gaze continued.

“I have some houseguests that I believe are quite bored with my company. You see, they’ve been here some time and I’m usually busy with business matters and cannot spend as much time with them as I would like. I was hoping that you could alleviate some of their tedium. They’re quite lovely, my guests, and I am sure you would get along well with them.” Tohma leaned closer. “You would be handsomely compensated for your time and performances, of course.”

Shuichi looked back into those eyes. He felt like they were looking for something. Probing, questing, drinking in everything.

“I would be honored to meet your guests, although I am sure you exaggerate regarding their boredom of your company.” Shuichi smiled. “I cannot guarantee that my company will be sufficient to relieve your guests of any tedium they might feel.”

“Oh no.” Tohma moved in closer still. “I can assure you that you will be perfect.” And closer still. “When I first heard of your sweet voice and your astonishing performances, I knew right away that you were just what we all needed—that you were…just what I was looking for.”

Shuichi felt like he was losing himself within the deep blue depths of Tohma’s eyes. Tohma stopped with his head just a breath away from Shu’s…

Shuichi felt his heart begin to race.

A knock came at the door and Sakano stepped inside. “Mr. Shindou’s bags have been taken to his room. Do you require anything else?”

The interruption broke the flow.

“Yes, please stay. We have some business matters to discuss once Mr. Shindou is settled in.” Tohma moved back to his desk and sat down.

“How do you normally handle the business arrangements for your services, Mr. Shindou?” asked Tohma.

“My manager, Suguru Fujisaki, usually handles that sort of thing. I’m afraid I have no head for business.” Shuichi blushed. “I’m also afraid that he doesn’t know how long I’m going to be here. I assumed that this would only be for a few nights, not until the end of the weekend and I’m afraid I have been booked for another engagement.”

“Oh my, this is a conflict, isn’t it?” Tohma frowned. Sakano said nothing.

“No, not at all,” Shuichi said quickly. “If I could just get word of your request and a copy of my contract to Fujisaki, I am sure he can work something out and if he can’t, maybe I could leave for my booked engagement in a few days and then come back for your guests on the weekend?”

“Contract?”

Shuichi blushed. “Yes, my manager usually handles the contracts. He insists that a contract be drawn for each performance so that there are no miscommunications and everyone understands what’s expected of them.”

Tohma looked at him blankly.

Shuichi realized how that must sound and quickly made a move to make amends. “It’s not that anyone is questioning the word of the honorable House of Seguchi or anything. It’s just something that Fujisaki takes care of. He says I’ve no head for business and he’s right actually, I’m terrible at it, but I’m sure for the House of Seguchi, he’d be willing to forgo…”

“Oh dear! I certainly don’t mean to cause you trouble, Mr. Shindou.” Tohma interrupted with a smile. “A contract is a fine idea. It’s something I should have thought of myself. Please, think nothing of it—your manager Mr. Fujisaki sounds like a man after my own heart, taking care of his interests in such an efficient manner. A written contract really is the only way to be sure of what one is getting themselves into.”

“Thank you.” Shuichi bowed. “I am sorry for the trouble. I should have thought to bring one of my own. If you could include everything you’ve just said, that would make my manager extremely happy and I would be grateful. And relieved.” Shuichi smiled shyly. “I really have no talent for this sort of thing. Fujisaki tells me that all the time. Every day in fact.”

Tohma laughed and removed a small box that Shuichi hadn’t noticed before to a desk drawer. He took out a piece of paper and began writing.

“No trouble at all. I’m sorry Mr. Fujisaki is not here to witness this, but hopefully he will overlook it just this once?”

He looked over at Sakano. “Mr. Sakano, will you act as witness to this transaction?”

“Certainly, My Lord.” Sakano came forward to stand at the back of Shuichi’s chair.

“I hope you find it to your satisfaction?” Tohma handed the paper to Shuichi who tried very hard not to let his mouth drop open when he saw the amount Tohma was offering him for a few days work and a weekend performance. It was more than he made in a month of back to back concerts! Suguru was going to kill himself with happiness.

“I would hate for you to lose out on your booked engagement because of me,” said Tohma, “so as you’ve requested, I’ve included a statement that if you need to leave before my guests arrive that would be fine. And of course, you’ll be compensated for your time and travel to and from here. Hopefully this won’t cause your manager any consternation.”

Consternation was Fujisaki’s middle name, but instead of saying so Shuichi closed his mouth and tried not to drool over the money he was going to make.

“Is everything satisfactory then?” asked Tohma.

“Yes, quite. Thank you for your generosity.”

“I’m sure I’ll get my money’s worth.” Tohma handed Shuichi a quill for him to sign the contract and when Shu was done, he signed it too.

“Mr. Sakano, once we’ve finished our business this evening, would you be so good as to messenger this to Mr. Fujisaki?”

“As you wish, My Lord.”

“Will it get there in time?” asked Shuichi. He counted the days to Saturday and it didn’t leave much room for a two day journey there and another one back again. His engagement was at the end of the week.

“Yes, Mr. Shindou,” Sakano said, “Seguchi House messengers are extremely fleet. Like me, they have an appreciation for timeliness. I can assure that your manager will receive this with more than enough time to spare to send back a haste reply.”

“Well, I’m glad that’s all settled.” Tohma smiled. “I’m sure you’re exhausted after your trip and would like to rest before dinner, which will be served at 7 sharp. Mr. Sakano, would you be so kind as to show Mr. Shindou to his room?”

“Certainly, My Lord.”

“I’m very glad that you have come, Mr. Shindou.” Tohma stood and shook Shuichi’s hand, probing him with that look again. Shuichi felt a little faint. The feeling increased when Tohma suddenly squeezed Shu’s hand and pulled him over the desk toward him. He gazed at Shuichi for what seemed like an eternity.

“Welcome to the House of Seguchi.”

*** ***

Sakano closed the door behind him.

“Is he in his room?”

“Yes, My Lord.” Sakano bowed and sat in the chair Shuichi had occupied just minutes earlier.

“My Lord, are you sure it’s him?” Sakano watched Tohma closely.

Tohma leaned back in his chair, absently stroking the small box which he had out on the desk once again.

“Oh yes,” he replied softly, staring off into space. “That hair, those eyes. I would recognize him anywhere.” He stroked the box. “I would recognize him any time.”

“I’m not sure his health is up to par. He became ill when we passed the gate,” Sakano informed him. “It passed soon after, but he still looked quite pale.”

“Really? Very interesting. And you’re sure they made contact?”

“Yes. I observed them leaving a few minutes before I myself spoke with him. There’s no doubt they’ve returned and are waiting nearby to hear from him.” Sakano checked the time. “What do you intend to do?”

Tohma thought for a moment. “It’s been a long time since we’ve had a guest in this house and I understand that he truly is a talented vocalist.”

“Very sweet, My Lord.”

Tohma smiled. “Ahh, then we shall make our little songbird feel welcome and hear him sing.”

“And the others, My Lord?”

“I’m sure they will enjoy hearing such sweet music as well. You know, Hiroshi is actually an accomplished musician. He performed with a concert house orchestra in his city before he became acquainted with our cycloptic friend. Perhaps I will have him accompany Mr. Shindou’s performances.”

“Do you think that is wise, My Lord?”

“I’ve already had the ‘talk’ with everyone. There will be no miscommunications and everyone understands what is expected of them,” he said sarcastically, mimicking Shuichi’s embarrassed statement. He continued to stroke the box gently.

“Yes, I see no reason why we all shouldn’t enjoy Mr. Shindou’s considerable talents.”

“And Eiri, My Lord?”

Tohma snapped back to the present and looked down at the box. It was small, rectangular and deep red in color with gold markings etched across the top and around the sides.

“With Eiri…we shall see, Mr. Sakano. We shall see…”

*** ***

End. Chapter 2: The House of Seguchi
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The Rose Line