Page 20 of Behind the Mask

"Yes, that would be a pity," Jun agreed.He wiped a stray drop of blood away with his thumb."It's a shame you are too dangerous to keep alive, I can think of much better uses for you than protector."

Kasumi sneered, but said nothing.

"I will ask you one more time," Jun said."Tell me what I want to know."

"No."

Jun motioned, and the man moved to Minoru, roughly grabbing his hair and pressing a knife to his throat.

Kasumi bit back an angry protest, glaring furiously at Jun."You will pay."

"So you keep saying," Jun said."I wish you would see reason."

"All I see are many reasons to kill you the very moment I am free of these bonds."Which, hopefully, would be soon.Unless he'd made a horrible mistake…for some reason even thinking that twisted his gut.He turned away from the thought and focused on Jun.

Who stroked his face with far too much familiarity."Pretty Kasumi, why do you fight me?I could use one of your skill and ability."

"You just said I'm obviously lacking in skill," Kasumi retorted.

"One as pretty as you would have many skills, I'd imagine," Jun said."Besides, even a subpar shadow warrior is ten times better than any grunt I could hire.Share your secrets, give me your skills…declare me your master and I will let Lord Minoru go.I never wanted to kill you, Lord Kasumi.Surely you know this."

Kasumi said nothing.

Minoru laughed.

Jun whirled around to look at him."What do you find so amusing?"

"That you honestly think Kasumi would say yes.He'd never accept such an offer from one such as you.The idea is ridiculous and amusing."

Jun jerked his head sharply, and Minoru was roughly cuffed by one of his men.

Kasumi barely kept himself in place."Master."

"No worries, Kasumi.If I was not prepared for the repercussions, I would not have spoken."

Grimacing, Kasumi fell silent.He was getting impatient.

Yet even as he thought it, he heard a telltale muffled thud—then the room began to fill with pungent mist.

"What the—" Jun cut himself off and motioned for his men to act.

Too late.

Twisting his wrist just so in his bonds, Kasumi freed the tiny blade hidden within, just peeking out of the special slit in his glove.It sliced through the ropes as though they were gossamer.

He toppled, feet still confined, but that was quickly overcome as the mist enveloped the entirety of the chamber.

Standing, he moved into the mist and swiftly took out the remaining guards, retrieving his knives from where he'd seen them stashed.Reequipped, he turned and moved to Minoru, who had sat quietly throughout.

From the far side of the room came a pained shout, followed by a familiar laugh.Resisting an urge to roll his eyes, Kasumi freed Minoru and helped him stand."Master, are you all right?"

"Perfectly fine, Kasumi.Nothing good food and a bit of rest won't cure.My bones aren't that old yet."His cheek was given a fond, light pat."Well done."

Kasumi brushed the words aside."Stay here, Master."Not waiting for a reply, he pushed through the mist to where he knew the masks lay.His own had still been in Jun's grasp, unfortunately—but he'd have it back soon.Working as best he could in the mist, he swiftly bundled all the masks back up and stowed them in the chest, closing and locking it, lifting it by one of the side handles.

He returned to Minoru's side.

"Kasumi!"

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