The Assassin In Twisted Wonderland

The Unspoken Past

The businessman graciously led Soma to the grand foyer, setting the stage for their anticipated sword battle. Delving into his impressive armoury, he retrieved two swords and generously lent one to the woman with short blue hair. Despite his gesture, Soma couldn't help but regard him with suspicion, a reflection of her lack of trust.

However, the businessman persisted in offering her his trademark warm smile, attempting to reassure her. Positioned at a comfortable distance from each other, they assumed their battle stances, ready to engage in a duel of skill and strategy. As they began wielding their swords, the tension in the air heightened, creating an atmosphere charged with anticipation and excitement.

Soma lunged towards the businessman with her sword as soon as he initiated their sword battle. With a graceful swing, she clashed her sword against his, creating a symphony of steel. Their dance of blades resonated throughout the grand foyer, each strike filled with intensity and passion.

In the heat of battle, Soma managed to slice a few strands of his ebony hair, but he remained undeterred. In retaliation, he delivered a powerful blow that forced Soma to step back, creating a space between them.

Despite the fierce combat, Soma felt a surge of determination within her. With a determined spirit, she leaped towards the businessman once more, her eyes ablaze with fiery determination. Their swords clashed, creating sparks that illuminated the room with a dazzling light.

As their blades met, a moment of stillness washed over them. In that fleeting instant, their eyes met, and amidst the chaos of battle, they found a moment of peace and connection.

"In the midst of our intense confrontation, a moment arose where our eyes met, capturing a glimpse of something unexpected. I was taken aback by the warmth and tenderness reflected in his gaze, a stark contrast to the life I lead as a seasoned assassin. The desire to end his life momentarily waned as my heart raced and I found myself ensnared by the depth of his gaze. As our blades clashed and then hesitated, our shared gaze remained unbroken, holding a silent conversation of its own."

"Yet, the reality of my mission came crashing back into focus, jolting me from my reverie. With determination, I pushed against his sword, seizing the opportunity to strike at his neck. However, a sudden inner turmoil halted my hand mid-action, a voice within urging me to stay my blade. Frozen in that suspended moment, my weapon poised near his neck, the businessman's unwavering gaze remained fixed on mine, unfaltering even in the face of impending danger."

"Soon after, a soft, tender hand of his reached out to my cheek, gently caressing it. It astonished me how he was unfazed by the danger right under his neck. His softened black eyes solely focused on nothing but only mine. Then, he whispered four words to me, surely and confidently."

" What did he whisper, Mother?" Tokaku asked curiously.

"I found my one," Soma answered.

"After that, I spared his life and he spared mine. While doing so, he showed me my compassion. From that moment, I knew that I found the man in my life. I secretly formed a relationship with him. Soon after, he proposed to marry me and we wed a year after our meeting. During our married life, we stayed at his mansion, away from your grandmother. I was afraid that she would eventually know that I am married to a member other than the Kuzunoha and she'll find a way to eliminate your father though he had several times convinced me that he won't die by the hands of mortals,"

"Mother, where is Father?" Tokaku asked.

"He is sleeping inside you, yet to be awakened," Soma answered, pointing to Tokaku's heart. Tokaku glanced at where her mother pointed.

"How can he sleep within me?" Tokaku questioned her mother, confused.

Soma glanced at Mako with a gaze that asked if it was the right time to reveal the truth to Tokaku. Mako nodded in response. With a heavy heart, Soma began to explain to her daughter.

"When I was pregnant, your father suddenly informed me that a nemesis was coming to kill both me and you. He quickly gathered our belongings and whisked us away from our mansion. He even reached out to your aunt for help, contacting her through a cell phone. However, by the time your aunt arrived in her car, his nemesis had already come with twenty men. He insisted that your aunt drive me to safety without him. I didn't want him to leave me, so I begged him not to go. But he reassured me, saying that if his fate was to perish, his spirit would live on within you. Until you find true love and swear to protect them with your last breath, his spirit will rest inside your soul until the day it is awakened."

"With that, I let him go to protect us though it was the hardest decision for us. Your aunt took me away from our residential area. That was the last time I saw your father" Soma explained. Then, she asked her twin sister to continue the story.

"I brought your mother to the city where I lived in an apartment. I took care of her until her labour day. I was so sure that your grandmother wouldn't know that your mother was pregnant. Not until she was about to give birth. I took your mother to the hospital and there she gave birth to you. I was taking care of your mother at the ward until suddenly, we heard a scream. A nurse burst into the ward, informing me that you were taken by an old lady who claimed herself as your grandmother. The news shocked your mother and I."

"At that time, your mother had weakened to the point she couldn't lift a finger. She was unable to chase after your grandmother. She was at her final breath. Before she passed away, your mother begged me to not let you raise in the way of our bloodline and I must not let you become the head of the family. I did promise her but in the end, I was killed by your grandmother," Mako empathetically explained.

"Grandmother," Tokaku sighed expansively. She was always preoccupied with the idea of me continuing our assassin bloodline that she went so far as to eliminate both of her twin daughters," she muttered with disdain. "I hope she faces the consequences in the afterlife," she cursed angrily.

Soma lowered her gaze, her gentle hand delicately holding her daughter's cheek, coaxing her to meet her mesmerizing blue eyes. "She is facing the consequences now, Tokaku. Please try not to dwell on your malevolent grandmother. Instead, focus on Jade, the love of your life, and Jack and Epel, your two closest friends. These are the individuals who should be at the forefront of your thoughts, regardless of the challenges you may face. Your aunt and I will always be there for you, offering spiritual support whenever you need us. We will be your guiding light in times of confusion and vulnerability," she assured her daughter warmly.

As Tokaku gazed into her mother's warm and tender eyes, a sense of comfort enveloped her being. The affectionate gaze of her mother had a remarkable way of dispelling all worries of failure that weighed on her daughter's mind. It was as though her mother's loving support was a shield, urging Tokaku to muster her courage and never falter in safeguarding those dear to her. This unwavering encouragement from her mother made Tokaku feel as if she was never alone; her mother had always been by her side, even before she could consciously grasp their connection, much like her aunt. It was in these moments, perhaps even in dreams, that Tokaku felt the reassuring presence of her family, guiding and bolstering her every step of the way.

"Now, let's finish our get-together for today. You need to wake up now. Jade and his family are very worried about you," Soma said.

"Okay, Mom," Tokaku nodded.

"Tokaku, please give my best wishes to Jade," Mako suggested.

"Wait, did you actually communicate with him through dreams?" Tokaku asked.

Mako chuckled. "Yes, I did. I'm the one who told him to kiss you while you were sleeping on his bed."

This shocking news left Tokaku feeling confused, as Jade had lied to her about dreaming of kissing someone else instead of admitting that her aunt had actually asked him to kiss Tokaku in his dream.

"Please don't be upset with him. He wasn't sure if telling you that I, your deceased aunt, asked him to kiss you in his dream would make you believe it," Mako said.

"I'll discuss that with him later," Tokaku said.

Shortly after, she said goodbye to her mother and aunt. She even hugged her mother for the first time, with open arms. Closing her eyes, Tokaku drifted off to sleep. When she woke up, she found herself lying in a hospital bed.