Ranma 1/2 Fan Fiction ❯ Lost Memories ❯ Volume 07 ( Chapter 8 )

Disclaimer: I disclaim that I own Ranma Nibun'noichi. (A/N: I also disclaim that I make this disclaimer! HUAHUAHUA!)

Title: Lost Memories

Summary: A boy with a forgotten past unexpectedly arrived and came to live together with the Tendo and Saotome family. How will he affect their lives? And how will they affect his life? How will his past affect them when it came to light? A Ranma and Akane pairing.

Acknowledgements: As usual, I would like to thank ms Ray for her little help on some info and I guess I should thank ms AyanamiReiII of fanfic.net as well hee for what reason read below.

A/N: Morning people. I just realized that Sakura and Rukawa had reverse initials, R.S. and S.R. only after typing the chapter titles over and over again hahaha. Oh well, a volume filled with Rukawa's recollection of his memories (And still the recovered memories is far from over), and little of Ranma-tachi going-on at the Tendo Dojo. No worries, you will still be entertained by my OCs, I assure you. The cliffhanger from last volume will be postpone to volume 8 hopefully as this current volume 7 which was originally intended to contain 10k words only (as usual), went haywire, as I have a sudden case of indigestion and vomit out too many ideas (Really a lot and even humorous scenes for future volumes) and thus an initially intended 1 chapter devoted to Rukawa's flashback scenes as Ryoko somehow expanded to 5 long chapters, contributing to the 30k words volume heh heh. Because of that, the storyline also did make a few turns from the original idea. Meaning is improved muahahaha! I guess ms AyanamiReiII encouragement of don't get anymore writer's block is highly effective keke… Must had work subconsciously in my mind.

Volume 07

Chapter 37: Hachi no ugoki zetsubo saigo

Chapter 38: Rukawa Sakura and Shinguji Ryoko part 1 - Fated meeting

Chapter 39: Rukawa Sakura and Shinguji Ryoko part 2 - Cherishing and treasuring

Chapter 40: Rukawa Sakura and Shinguji Ryoko part 3 - Blossoming friendship

Chapter 41: Rukawa Sakura and Shinguji Ryoko part 4 - Never gonna give you up!

Chapter 42: Rukawa Sakura and Shinguji Ryoko part 5 - Consequences

Chapter 37: Hachi no Ugoki Zetsubo Saigo

Scene: A small tidy room with a study desk by the window and a cupboard filled with books at one corner,

Rukawa: (Lying in a futon) (Open his eyes) Koko ni doko? [Where am I?] (Looks at himself, covered with clean bandages) (Looks around his surroundings briefly before getting out of the futon and makes his way out of the room, staggering a little) (A/N: Literal translation is "where is here?")

Woman's voice: Today is…

Girl's voice: (High-pitched) Miso soup! Yatta!

Man's voice: Calm down, Kaede-chan.

Kaede's voice: Oka-chan is the best!

Woman's voice: Mā, mā.

Rukawa: (Thinking) The living room… (Slides open the door and supports himself on the doorway by the shoulder) (Sees a family of three having dinner) A-ano…

Woman: Ara.

Man: You're up. (Gets up and leads Rukawa to a cushion) Why don't we have dinner and get your strength back first…

Rukawa: Rukawa desu.

Fujiki: Ore wa Sawamura Fujiki and…

Scene: Tendo Dojo, kitchen, meanwhile,

Kasumi: (Recalling images of rushing Genma and Rukawa to a hospital and treating Soun and herself of their injuries as well as her successful pleads to bring Rukawa back home once he was stable yet allowing him to leave a few days ago) (Thinking) Where could you be right now? Who are you with right now? (Looks up at the blue sky) (Sigh) (Softly) I whisper these questions to myself. (Sees Akane and Ryoga trying to entertain a downcast-looking Rei while Ranma, in the background, furiously jealous at Akane's apparent interest with the kid Ryoga had brought as well as Ryoga himself) (Forces out a cheerful smile) Mā, Ryoga-kun is such a good big brother.

Scene: Tofu's clinic,

Soun: (Looking gravely with his eyes closed in concentration, and arms folded) Things are looking serious Saotome-kun. Something is up. The village we visited ten years ago had been protecting something. But we don't know what is it. And apparently the guy from a few days ago, Yamazaki, was after us solely for revenge. He as we know is from Everything Also Can who was also at Golanda ten years ago with their Master remember? The next evening, Ryoga-kun arrived and with him is a little girl close to seven years old. She would only keep to herself or stay by Ryoga's side. She doesn't talk unless for politeness sake. The only answers we received were from Ryoga-kun. Even so he doesn't know much. And he has forgotten when he met up with her. It seems that the place where he was visiting was under attack and it was possibly a massacre of the entire village… Though Ryoga-kun managed to save the girl and make his escape. During the whole incident, Ryoga-kun only managed to hear some information. But the uncanniest part is… The village that he visited and saved the kid is also Golanda. How weir-

#Splash!#

Soun: Ara, ara? (Open his eyes and sees a panda with a cast leg holding two signboards which read 'I am just an innocent panda' and 'This has nothing to do with me') (His hands twitch with exasperation at his friend lack of seriousness or cowardice) Saotome-kun…

------

Scene: Sawamura Dojo, in the dojo,

Rukawa: (Feeling his bandages, the stitches, under his shirt) (Thinking) I didn't realize Tofu-sensei had operated on me. It's weird I wasn't at a hospital when I woke up. Oh well, it doesn't matter anyway.

Fujiki: (Kneeling down in seiza position with Rukawa on the wooden floor) My family used to run a dojo here for many a generation. Long time ago, during the Tokugawa and Meiji era and even before that, the Warring Period, our village had existed here and trained many fighters to defend our village against rouges, bandits and so on. It is like a conscript military for protection. Every male after the age of eight must learn how to fight. Now as peace reign, running a dojo is fast becoming a dying trend. Most families do not train their kids anymore to continue the line and instead are educated in public schools. While me, I am blessed with a cute little girl here… (Smiles)

Kaede: (Waves her hand cheerfully) Yahoo onii-chan.

Rukawa: (Smiles uncomfortably at Kaede)

Fujiki: Of course I can't really expect my girl here to train in martial arts.

Rukawa: (Nods understandingly)

Fujiki: (Places a hand near his mouth, a gesture of whispering) Plus my wife would half kill me. Hahahaha!

Rukawa: Hahaha…

Fujiki: When, Kaede-chan found you, you were in a terrible state. No doubt you had been in a fight before.

Rukawa: Sou yo.

Fujiki: So you're a martial artist too, I assume.

Rukawa: Erm used to is a more appropriate way of saying, I guess.

Fujiki: Sou ka. Talking about that, there aren't many of us now in this peaceful age. And our village doesn't really produce any great martial artist of incredible capabilities. But we do struck terror into our enemies' heart. The men here will not think twice to protect their families. Any man who fell from battle, his family will be taken care together by every other family. (Proudly) This whole village is like one huge family. Without any special fighting abilities, we have developed other ways to defend ourselves. Though it might be too unethical in your view…

Rukawa: Unethical?

Fujiki: Hachi no ugoki zetsubo saigo! This is the technique that we developed to protect ourselves against much superior force.

Rukawa: Hachi no ugoki zetsubo saigo… [Bee's final move of despair…]

Fujiki: Well that's what our enemies named it through time.

Rukawa: You don't mean…

Fujiki: Yes. Our forefathers were similar to the Kamikazes during the Second Great War. Our men will give away their lives in order to protect the village. (A/N: Referring to World War 2. This is what the Japanese refer it as, I think. Hmm Kamikaze… Suicide Bombers… Split the word up into two will translate into God Wind. Hmm…)

Rukawa: Second Great War?

Fujiki: (Raises an eyebrow) You don't know?

Rukawa: Oh Second Great War. I thought I heard something else. (Thinking) What the heck is Second Great War?

Fujiki: (Nods solemnly)

Rukawa: H-how? How does this technique work?

Fujiki: Well we must know how to control the ki within us. Once properly trained, we will then learn how to cast a barrier shield made entirely of our ki, which will envelop the enemies and ourselves. With that no enemies can escape our clutches and we shall summon all our energy, fighting ki energy, reserve energy and life energy and explode it out within the protective barrier.

Rukawa: Life energy?

Fujiki: Life energy is the energy that is required to make your heart beat, allow your lungs to function, energy required to contract the appropriate muscles to breathe in air. Making use of all these energy will result in death of caster since all important body functions will cease to work, as energy is no longer supplied. The release of this total accumulated energy will destroy anything within the protective barrier shield no matter how strong or powerful your enemies are. It is a desperate move to protect our village from invaders. Thus the name, 'hachi', is used. Just like a bee would defend its hive.

Rukawa: Anything? (Thinking) My answer. This is my answer. I'm sure it is the answer to my situation.

Fujiki: Anything and everything will be destroyed as long as it is within the barrier. Absolutely without a doubt.

Rukawa: Sawamura oji-san…

Fujiki: Nan de?

Rukawa: Can you teach me this technique?

Fujiki: Nan da? Why would you want to learn it? It will take your life away my boy if you used it for a fight. You are still young. As I said it is a move for the desperate.

Rukawa: But I am… I am desperate.

Fujiki: (Senses the hopelessness Rukawa's eyes emit) (Nods silently) Kaede-chan.

Kaede: Hai?

Fujiki: Go help your mother.

Kaede: Ara. Hai oto-chan. (Skips out of the dojo in high spirits)

Fujiki: (Turns to Rukawa) Why? Why do you want to throw your life away? Besides that, it would mean killing someone? I cannot teach you something that will have you killing someone as well. I cannot. You will become a murderer.

Rukawa: (Bows down before Fujiki with his elbows spread out) Sawamura oji-san, please I beg you. I implore you. I want to master the technique. I need it. P-please… I-I'm begging you.

Fujiki: I should not Rukawa-san. You do not know what it is like to know that you have taken a life away, including your own as well. You should not stain your hands with blood from murder. Once stained, it will forever-

Rukawa: True I may not know that and the horror of it but I do have experience the awfulness of having my hands stained by the blood of someone who I have failed to protect, to save. Please. I need to avenge the death of someone I love. Also if he is not stopped, more people will get hurt. If you don't… If you don't…

Fujiki: If I don't?

Rukawa: I beg you. I need to avenge. I want revenge.

Fujiki: Rukawa-san, revenge will just yield new revenge… It is a cruel never-ending cycle. It is better to leave it like that and carry on with life.

Rukawa: (Looks straightly at Fujiki) Sawamura oji-san, right now you are talking like that…

Fujiki: Sore kara. [Then]

Rukawa: But… But I-if I killed Kaede-chan, right here in front of your very eyes…. I'm sure you'll be after my head. Will you be thinking of revenge is bad? You know what I'm trying to say. An eye for an eye. A life for a life. What's more I killed Kaede-chan and now also proceed to kill you as well. I want to kill you too. Will you still not fight me to defend yourself? If you can't beat me, wouldn't you still want to use every means to defeat me even at the cost of your life so that you could avenge Kaede-chan death and also protect your wife from future harm? Can you still say that you won't battle me? I need to master that technique. I'm not strong enough to battle evenly with that person. I need to defeat that guy at all cost, Sawamura oji-san. Even with my life if it will take his as well.

Fujiki: Sou… (Sigh) Sou da na. Wakatteru mashite Rukawa-san. I understand the dire situation you're in… (Sigh) I will teach you. But nevertheless do think more before using it. Please value your life.

Rukawa: (His face brightens up at the prospect) Hontō ka? [Really?]

Fujiki: (Getting excited) The training will not be easy in the beginning. But once you grasp the concept, you can start learning and master it on your own.

Rukawa: Sou.

Fujiki: I guess I won't teach you Hachi no Ugoki Zetsubo Saigo. [Bee's final move of despair] It sounds too negative. But I will teach you my own version, Bakuretsu Hīrō! [Explosive hero!] (Shakes his clenched fist excitedly)

Rukawa: Hai Shou-sama. (Bows his head again) (Looks up) (Excitedly) Is that a better and improved version of the skill? (A/N: Shou-sama is Master. Oshishou-sama/Shishou-sama is Honored Master)

Fujiki: Oh. No is not. It is the same. Just the name of the technique is different. Hahahaha! Sounds more glorious don't you think? Over the years, there was never any real name for this technique. So I came up with this. A better name for the skill. So it can be execute with PRIDE! We die with honor! Not die in despair!

#Gomph!#

Rukawa: (Oyakusoku pozu) (Laying on the floor) (Thinking) No comment. He remind me a little of Saotome oji-san.

Fujiki: We will start once you are completely recovered. And you are welcome to stay here. It isn't everyday we get martial artists as visitors. (Grins)

Rukawa: Arigato gozai masu.

------

Scene: Sawamura Dojo, a month later,

Fujiki: (Blocking Rukawa's attacks with relative ease) Your attacks are too direct Rukawa-san. You lack concentration. I may not be a real master in the arts but it is obvious that you are lacking in confidence. I'm sure this is what hindering you from improving. Even if you're aggressive but if your attacks lack confidence, the power of your blows will decrease significantly.

Rukawa: Why are we doing this anyway? This doesn't seem to have anything to do with Hachi no Ugoki Zetsubo Saigo.

Fujiki: Bakuretsu Hīrō desu.

Rukawa: Hai…

Fujiki: Your body must be in good shape as well before you can be trained in the relevant ki practices. (Thinking) He did not seem to have proper training. As if he has not completed his training yet. And strangely his kempo techniques seem to be conflicting as if he is unconsciously using techniques derive from two different art schools. No, maybe three or more.

Rukawa: (Groans) (Thinking) Good shape? I'm already sore all over.

------

Scene: A deserted road, a couple of weeks later,

Rukawa: (His mind wanders along) I'm just walking around blindly… 'Taku, at this rate I'm better off staying at the Tendo Dojo. And Kasumi is also there as well. (Shakes his head vigorously) I am learning a new technique now. I may be able to defeat Yamazaki with it. It was better that I set out looking for my old home and in the process found a new technique to master which is possible to defeat Yamazaki. More meditating, more practices and I may be able to initiate Hachi no Ugoki Zetsubo Saigo. Maybe I should just return to Tendo Dojo and await Yamazaki. Dame… [Don't…] I'm doing it again. Why do I never desire to search out and find out about my past? (Sees a signpost in front of him) (Reads out) Golanda 100 Km. Asagaya 50 Km. (Thinking) Hmm… Asagaya, Asagaya is nearer. Yosh. (Proceeds towards the west) Chotto. [Wait a minute] (Looks in the direction of the south in the direction of Golanda) (Makes a few steps forward southwards) Something is beckoning me. A feeling of tranquil and dread. I don't want to go this way… But the feeling is overwhelming. Golanda… Golanda… Hope I could hitch a ride.

Scene: Golanda settlement, five days later,

Rukawa: (Thinking heatedly) It is either that I look too indecent and dangerous to be picked up for a ride or people nowadays are just plain unhelpful. 'Taku, I'm so tired… (Let out a huge gulp of expired air) Hara hetta… [I'm so hungry…] (Walks around a desolate village, hoping and anticipating a flood of past memories returning) This place is abandoned… I can't possibly had live here. (Squats down, resting for a moment) Where did I live? Why didn't I ever decide to look for my parents and find myself? Why was I so content to stay with Tendo oji-san and his family? And why isn't there anyone here! This place is deserted, ku'so! (Gets up and proceeds furiously towards the northwest, frustrated) Should have gone to Asagaya. (Slows down considerably) But it can't be. I have this feeling of familiarity. I think I did lived here. Shikashi… [However…] (His stomach growls, seeking for his attention) What would I do for a packed lunch by Kasumi…

Scene: Unknown dark area, meanwhile,

Yamazaki: It is ready, finally… (Admires a rustic blade of an old katana) It is true after all. I can feel its power. (Nods to an individual cloaked from head to foot like himself) Good job Nori-kun.

Nori: Hai!

Yamazaki: With this, we can start the revival. And once we gained the strength, we shall avenge our Master's death first and after that… Yosh… (Grins at the wonderful thought)

Nori: Everything is ready, Kakuzo-san.

Yamazaki: How long will it take to complete the process?

Nori: At least half a year.

Yamazaki: Domo. Tonight we celebrate. Tomorrow we get back to work. Tell our comrades that.

Nori: Wakatta Kakuzo-san.

Yamazaki: Half a year… And I will teach that obā-san a lesson, never to mess with Everything Also Can. And half a year, to the dreams… That Master tried to bring for us. Conquest.

Scene: Shinguji Residence,

Rukawa: (Standing silently in front of a sign which hang beside the front gate) (Thinking) Shinguji. It's impossible that this isn't my house. (Looks down at his feet) They feel as heavy as lead. They don't want to enter this house. Naze da? [Why not?] (Enters the house nevertheless, dragging his feet) As expected, dusty and cobwebs… No one has been here for some time. (Explores the whole house) Memories, pieces of memories are returning to me. This was my home… What happened here? Chi-chigau… Why, why am I constantly in conflict with my father? I'm angry. I'm angry at my life? I'm tired? And… (Looks towards the exit) I was always keeping to myself. Keeping myself to some place else, brooding. I lived here but I don't really lived here. I don't understand this disgust I'm feeling now. (Exits the house, tracing old steps that he had taken before) I had done this countless time each day… (Stands at the gate) Turning left and goes straight…

------

Rukawa: …And out of the village. (Sees an old signpost with a sign towards Tokyo, Kawasaki, Chofu and Asagaya) (Place both his arms on his hips) Now what? (Looks around briefly and suddenly realization hit him) (His heart beats faster) A place, I always go to each day to get my mind off things that I dislike. I-I disliked… (Walks in a southeasterly direction toward a thick wicket of trees) The lakeside I always… My life I feel tired of… A place where I waste my time away to forget about reality and… Never trusting people… Especially my parents… My parents… I miss them. I hate them. But I love them. Yet I don't want them. Somehow I do care about them. But I don't trust them. What are all these feelings am I going through? How could I be so disrespectful to them. (Feels disgusted with himself) That can't be me.

Scene: A small lake with numerous trees and thick bushes strewn everywhere surrounding it,

Rukawa: (Muttering) I wonder what Kasumi-tachi are doing now. I hope Kasumi's fine and so is everyone. Kora kora… Must focus on my task now, and not think about Kasumi. Concentrate. But why do my mind keep reverting to Kasumi whenever I think about my family. Why do I not want to think about my family? (Arrives at a little partial clearing with a lake blending with it at the end and numerous trees and bushes strewn around the outer edges of the lake) Well, what brings me to this place anyway? Why do I kind of feel drawn to this place? It does feel more comfortable here than at home. Naze? There was an eerie weird air of doubt at home. I don't understand. (Lumbers towards a particularly huge tree, which stood in the middle of the clearing) (Places his hand on the tree) It feels old. (Sigh) So what if it's old. That's nothing special. (Walks past the tree and sees an odd looking bench, a little rotten, facing the lake) A bench out of nowhere? Why is there one here anyway. Koko wa nan de? [What is this place?] (Removes some dirt on the bench and sits) (Watches the tranquil lake as his hand rubs the woody bench) It, it is settling… Memories of everything.

Scene: Tendo Dojo, living room, meanwhile

#Crack.#

Kasumi: Ara. (Looks in surprise at the broken cup handle, fingering her lip uneasily before cleaning up the mess)

Rei: (Stares at Kasumi quietly)

Scene: Tendo Dojo, outside at the courtyard near the koi pond,

Akane: (Holding P-Chan in her arms, hugging him comfortably close to her) Ranma, Ryoga-kun disappeared again leaving Rei-chan alone here. This is the third time this month. Why don't you look for him or he may get lost too far away. Rei-chan will get lonely, if Ryoga-kun is not here.

Ranma: (Looks at Akane in exasperation with a sweatdrop hanging behind his head)

Scene: A small lake with numerous trees and thick bushes strewn everywhere surrounding it,

Rukawa: This, this place had been a warm place to be. (Looks at the space next to him) You, who were with me right here by my side, are no longer here. You have become memories within me but… Even memories cannot contend with the real warmth of your side. (His elbows rest on his lap as his hands cover his face) In endless repeating time, we know why we are living; we were searching for love, because we want to become stronger. Looking up at the faraway sky and the clear blue water, both of us mourning yet we walk on persistently facing our own lives. Someday our souls will unite. Though it may not happen in this world for… Love's bud will probably be smashed in this cruel world, so touch it, seize it and engrave it firmly. Engrave? (Turns and look at the resting back of the bench, intuitionally brushes off the dirt that smear it… Revealing written sloppy Kanji scratches) Kore wa… (Under his breath) My name… (Reads out) Ryoko no… (Wipes away more dirt) to Sakura no… (Reading out a slightly more neater Kanji nicks) to Mina-san no desu. (Looks at the scratches without blinking as he grazes his shaking hand feeling the hard solid nicks on the wooden board) (Pieces of memories come rushing back, fitting in neatly together with the puzzling recalled pieces of memory at his house) (The disgust forming within himself was understood) I remember… (His knees plop down to the ground) (His eyes close wearily as his palm supports his forehead with his thumb and fingers holding to his temple, his elbow resting tiredly on the bench seat) (Softly) Oka-san, oto-san, gomen nasai. Forgive me. I am far worse than shit. I guessed I'm even worse than Yamazaki. Why was I so disrespectful to you. Even though I changed a little after Sakura, still… My attitude was unforgivable. I was wrong. I was so wrong. I-is this retribution for my sins? To forget everything. Then to remember them again… Regretting, remorseful with my past actions… Why was I so supercilious? Why do I detest my own parents? Is this why I never felt as if I really want to return here? Was I ashamed of myself? What is actually going on with me in the past… Why was I like that? I can't believe I was so… I'm despicable…

Chapter 38: Rukawa Sakura and Shinguji Ryoko part 1 - Fated meeting

(Start of flashback sequence)

Scene: Ryoko's hangout, on a cold late afternoon during the autumn season in November, last year,

Ryoko: (Muttering grimly to himself) My own good. For my own good? What good do I get? Tell me! I know what I want. They don't know what I want. I want to visit the city. I don't want to stay here all my life. Chiku'so! I'm better off relaxing here then hanging around at home, training. (Sigh) Why do I feel so hard to trust people… Especially them. (Yawns) If I have my way… (Stop midway in his tracks upon noticing a dark blue hair pony-tailed girl tied with a big red ribbon in a whitish pink kimono, sitting peacefully on a bench, lost in her own quiet thoughts) (Thinking) And now this girl just came along and violates my personal area. Feh! (Stands directly in the girl's posterior, his finger pointing at her) (Speaks out with contempt in his voice) Teme wa… This has been my place since ever. So get off! I want to sleep.

Sakura: (Looks up, startled) Hai? Nani ga? (Thinking) Kare wa… Sonna. [He is… It can't be]

Ryoko: Nani ga nani yo?! I want to sleep.

Sakura: But I am here first and am also enjoying the calm, peaceful day. Besides there is more than enough space for two. It is made for two people, you know.

Ryoko: (Thinking) Made for two people… Somehow that really bothers me. (Matter-of-factly) That's why I want you to get off the bench so I can enjoy my sleep lying down on the full space of the bench on this calm peaceful day, alone. BA-KA!

Sakura: (Looks back, unperturbed) (Politely) Calm down, it is not good to be hot tempered. Also can you really sleep here? It is going to get cold you know. You will freeze. (Thinking) What a rude guy.

Ryoko: (Growls) Nani… (Glares menacingly) Ano na ōjo-sama. [princess]

Sakura: (Coolly) I was here first if you don't mind. (Thinking) Calm down Sakura. Obā-sama always says a woman should always maintain good manners and behave passively or it would be most unlady-like. I must not raise my voice.

Ryoko: (Under his breath) Feh! You think I'm blind?

Sakura: Well if you really want to sleep (Shifts her position to the right) here, my comfortable (Pats her lap as an act of gesture) lap for your head. You should really learn how to share ōji-sama. [prince]

Ryoko: Teme… (Walks away in a huff, contemplating his next action)

Sakura: (Thinking) Kare wa Shinguji-kun deshou? [He is Shinguji-kun isn't he] This is the first time I am seeing him up close. He really seems to be the type of person people described him to be. He is so much different from his respectable father. And he is so much different from what I had imagined him to be from afar. Maybe I was wrong about him. Shinguji-kun is such a rude jerk. (Stretch out her arms) Oh well I did stay here for quite a bit already. Everyone at home may get worried if I stay out too long. (Gets up, tapping the dust off her kimono)

#Vrooom!#

Sakura: (Sweatdrops)

Ryoko: (Lying on the bench, filling up the entire seat) My seat, so there! (Palms behind his head, close his eyes, faking annoying snores)

Sakura: (Exasperated) Anata wa… (Thinking) Okay, just ignore him and go home. Iku yo Sakura.

Ryoko: I'm asleep, do'aho.

Sakura: Nani yo? A sleeping person can't talk. Anata wa 'aho desu! (Covers her mouth) (Thinking) Calm down. Calm down Sakura. If ojii-sama heard me, I probably… (Looks at Ryoko, feeling upset) But Shinguji-kun is really asking for it.

Ryoko: People who know me very well, know that I talk in my sleep. So go and make yourself scarce ōjo-sama.

Sakura: My, my. Aren't you talkative Shinguji-sama.

Ryoko: (Opens one eye) Is there a problem?

Sakura: (Looks away, folding her arms) Nandemonai desu. (Thinking) That will make him curious.

Ryoko: (Shut his solo eye back) So get yourself lost now if there's nothing do'aho, baka da teme.

Sakura: (A vein reveals under the skin of her forehead) (Thinking) Kono koitsu… [Darn it with this person…] Calm down. Calm down. There are other docile ways to return him the favor, ne? (Squats down cutely next to the bench grinning from ear to ear, watching Ryoko, breathing down his neck, deliberately aggravating his nerves) This is perfect.

Ryoko: (With his eyes still closed, a bulging vein slowly emerges underneath the skin of his forehead) (Frowns) Why are you still here?

Sakura: (Sweetly) Gomen ne but is my cute little presence that uncomfortable for you?

Ryoko: Wakatte ja ne ka. [So you do understand] So make yourself scarce now. You're such a pest.

Sakura: Why do you act this way?

Ryoko: Sleeping.

Sakura: You know you are hurting everyone close to you.

Ryoko: Snoozing.

Sakura: I know you are listening.

Ryoko: (Instantly gets up to a sitting position and points his finger at Sakura) (Roughly) Dakara teme wa ore ga… [That's why I want you…]

Sakura: (Grabs a spot on the bench to sit in a flash) (Triumphantly) Now is mine.

Ryoko: (Growling) Why you pesky little…

Sakura: (Smiles irritatingly, her nose wrinkles cutely)

Ryoko: (His eyes twitch at the infuriating sight of the girl having fun at his expense) You know, (Draws his thumb and pointing finger close to contact with each other) you're this close to getting strangled.

Sakura: (Waves her hand 'comfortingly') Mā, mā. There is still a lot of free space. 0.1 centimeters at the very least I should think.

Ryoko: You're really trying my patience.

Sakura: (Fakes her aggravating astonishment perfectly well) Wow! I'm real surprised that you had any in the first place.

Ryoko: (Clenches his fists) That does it! I'm sure even Kami will forgive me if I kill you! (Looms sinisterly towards Sakura with outrageous intent)

Sakura: (Inches backwards a little) Chot-chotto matte yo… I was just jo-jokin-

Ryoko: (Points out his finger to Sakura's left shoulder) Eh is that a spider on your shoulder?

Sakura: Kyaaa!

Ryoko: (Grins victoriously) (Thinking) Simple job! Girls feh! (Prepares to gain control of his bench)

Sakura: (Jumps onto Ryoko)

Ryoko: (Shocked at the unanticipated reaction) What the… (Incoherent sounds) Gomph!

#Whum… Thud!#

Ryoko: Ooof! (Lands on the ground feeling winded, lying on his back with…)

Sakura: (Wriggling the side of her body ridiculously on Ryoko's chest with her elbow painfully digging into his diaphragm) Getitoffmegetitoffmegetitoffme-

Ryoko: Itai da! Just get off me ōjo-sama! There's no stupid spi-

Sakura: (Stops squirming) I knew that. I was just preventing you from getting the seat all to yourself. (Gets back on her feet in a flash, grinning gleefully)

Ryoko: (Glares irately at Sakura) … (Thinking) Ano yatsu wa… [This freaking girl…]

Sakura: (Watches the red-faced Ryoko briefly) (Sigh) (Feeling a little guilty with her indecorous action) Let me help you get up Shinguji-kun. (Grabs Ryoko's arm and tries to pull him up to his feet)

Ryoko: (Fiercely slaps Sakura's hand away) Don't touch me!

Sakura: (Getting slightly wound up at the stinging pain of her hand) I am very sorry okay. (Bows) Come on stop your act. (Rubs her hand to soothe the pain down)

Ryoko: Act?

Sakura: The I-don't-care-for-the-world image.

Ryoko: This is me. And it's not an image.

Sakura: Okay, okay. My you sure live up to your stubbornness, your disobedience aren't you.

Ryoko: Feh!

Sakura: Why?

Ryoko: Nan da.

Sakura: I heard you detest your parents? How come? Why do you keep disobeying them? Why-

Ryoko: None of your business! Who do you think you are? Thinking I will just tell you. 'Aho.

Sakura: Ano ne, speak for yourself. Who do you think you are? What kind of attitude is that towards your parents? They raised you and this is how you pay them? You should give them the respect they deserve.

Ryoko: Urusei, damaru! [Shut up, keep quiet!] You're in no place to lecture me. (Glares)

Sakura: Is that so? (Looks around the area irritatingly before turning back to Ryoko) Tell me, where should we go so I could lecture you? The classroom?

Ryoko: (Hovers his undying glare from bottom to top) (Thinking) Those legs of hers… If I could squeeze and mash them to a pulp… 10 yen to Ryoko. That hips of hers… If I could twist it round and round… 25 yen to Ryoko. That slim arms of her, if I could break them into a thousand pieces… 50 yen to Ryoko. That slender neck of hers… If I could grab it with both my hands… 100 yen! Definitely. Strangulation equals no bloody mess plus I can enjoy the look on her face as her life fades away. (A peculiar grin forms by his lips) Heh… Heh heh… Heh heh heh… Feh! A measly 100 yen at most. This person ain't worth my time.

Sakura: (Feels a shiver down her spine) (Thinking) Why is he staring at me with those killer eyes (Sees the weird grin on Ryoko which abruptly disappears) with a perverted mind. (Begins to speak) Okay I just really sympathize your parents. I just want to help.

Ryoko: Why are you trying to help people who you don't even know?! Don't tell me you are a Miss Nice who like to help everyone. That's just lame.

Sakura: It is not lame to do a good deed. The only reason I am talking to you about this is…

Ryoko: Is what?

Sakura: I don't understand why… You, you have a mother, a father, who, I am sure, loves you dearly although you do not show much respect to them. Why? It is so frustrating. I am left with only a little sister and my grandparents. How I miss oka-sama, oto-sama yet you, you who could see your parents everyday however is not thankful for it. You take it for granted, Shinguji-kun.

Ryoko: It's complicated. (Thinking) That deserving idea ain't working on me. And I don't know why I am turned off with my own parents myself.

Sakura: I am listening.

Ryoko: Well I ain't talking!

Sakura: Fine… Be that way then. See if I care.

Ryoko: I never want you to care anyway. Baka da na onna. [Silly girl]

Sakura: You know you are such a jerk. Even when I am trying to help a little, pull you back to your feet but you… (Quickly grabs Ryoko's arm again and pull it hard to demonstrate her caring intention but lost her balance as her footwear slips off a twig on the ground) Ara…

#Gompff. Thud.#

Sakura: (Lying on top of Ryoko) Ah! Ah! Sumi-sumimasen deshita. (Bows her head repetitively) Gomen, gomen ne. Gomen nasai.

Ryoko: Yare yare. Just get off me will ya!

Sakura: Hai, hai. (Straightens back her kimono) Ano… Chotto matte desu. [Hold it] (Looks at Ryoko straightly without blinking an eye)

Ryoko: (Stares back defiantly) (Thinking) What now?

Sakura: Why should I apologize? You should apologize since you were having fun.

Ryoko: (Mortified as he realizes the backfiring situation going against him) What fun? As if there were something to touch or feel anyway! Furthermore the kimono you are wearing is too thick to feel up anyway!

Sakura: So you do admit that you were thinking along that line during that period of opportunity! Or even (Her eyes harden and her cheeks burn) attempting to.

Ryoko: Opportunity? Attempting to? (Glares furiously) What kind of logic is that!

Sakura: … (Turns away hiding her red face, her arms crossed)

Ryoko: (Points his finger rudely at Sakura) You were the one who fell onto me.

Sakura: You are a guy. Being one, you should have saved me gracefully and not letting me fall awkwardly.

Ryoko: (Scowls) Ano na, being a lady you shouldn't have been so clumsy in the first place! 'Taku…

Sakura: (Turns back offended, putting a foot out forward angrily stamping it to reprimand Ryoko) Ano ne anata- (Trips over her disheveled kimono as her foot stamped over it and…)

#Whuuum…#

Ryoko: (His mouth clicks in exasperation)

Sakura: Ara sumimasen deshita. Gomen nasai. Hontō ni…

Ryoko: (Muttering) I'm beginning to think that you're being clumsy on purpose. Tell me… Are you the one who is trying to feel up on me huh…?

Sakura: (Frowns slightly in embarrassment) Anata wa…

Ryoko: Yare yare. I don't want to listen ōjo-sama.

Sakura: You are the one for being so unlikable.

Ryoko: I am not asking you or anyone for that matter to like me in the first place, 'aho.

Sakura: Now you are calling me names, again.

Ryoko: (Sarcastically) Gomen nasai ōjo-sama. Please punish me accordingly.

Sakura: Hai. (Swiftly pull hard at Ryoko's ear spontaneously)

Ryoko: I-itai da! Teme… (Squeeze Sakura's cheeks ruthlessly in response) Let go of my ear, kono onna!

Sakura: (Quickly releases Ryoko's ear) Ite wa yo. You are so rough Shinguji-kun. Ite… (Rub her sore cheeks ruefully) I am just a girl you know.

Ryoko: (Rubs his own aching ear quietly) (Thinking) One dead girl soon.

Sakura: O-kaeri desu. [I am going home]

Ryoko: (Thinking) Good riddance.

Sakura: Aren't you going to say anything?

Ryoko: Good riddance.

Sakura: I think is best if you keep your mouth shut.

Ryoko: I'm glad that we finally agree on something.

Sakura: Heh… You are glad. That is good.

Ryoko: (Looks up at the darkening sky) (Thinking) Kami, please forgive my tortured soul if I commit murder some time soon. I know you would not like it if this little pest comes visiting you via my murder.

Sakura: Ne, at least be a gentleman and walk me home. It isn't safe for…

Ryoko: (Yells) I think is (Emphasizes) MUCH MORE safer if you walk home alone.

Sakura: Mā, I never knew Shinguji-kun could joke.

Ryoko: (Numerous huge ready-to-burst veins pop up under his temple)

Sakura: (Thinking) Uh oh, I think I blew up a fuse. It would be wiser if… (Begins to speak) I guess I will excuse myself… Sayonara.

Ryoko: (Smiles a little upon hearing 'Sayonara')

Sakura: Heh… Is this the first time you are smil-

Ryoko: (His eyes immediately fix on Sakura like a targeting reticule) Gaah ōjo-sama korosu da! Shinuuuuuu!

Sakura: (In her mind) Red alert! Danger! (Yelps in fright) Aieeeee! Kyaaaaa! (Hastily scampers away for safety) (Thinking) What have I done… Iiee…Tasuke kudasai dareka! Onegai desu. [Please help me someone!]

Ryoko: Come back you little devil! (Lunges himself through the air and grabs Sakura's waist from behind)

#Whaam… Thud!#

Sakura: Phew! (Spits out some dirt out of her mouth) Eew… (Lying on her stomach with Ryoko's arms around her abdomen) Ow… I-i-ite… My back. (Looks behind her and sees a very demented maniacal grinning Ryoko, "hugging" her abdomen preventing her from escaping) Gi-ku. [Gulp] (Thinking) Shinguji-kun has totally lost it. (A/N: The way the seiyuus pronounce 'giku' is so cute and combined with the character "nervous" drawing, is really funny)

Ryoko: (Growling) I got you now heh heh… #Exaggeratedly loud lips licking sounds.# (Releases his grip over Sakura's body as he crawls on all fours nearer on top of her with just a small gap in between them)

Sakura: (Turns her body around, facing the advancing intermittent danger and tries her best to edge backwards but failing miserably) (Shivers in fear as her frightened heart continues to thump intensely against her chest)

Ryoko: (Crawls horizontally over Sakura, looking down at her face to face) (Grins disturbingly) How I so much desire to torture you now ōjo-sama…

Sakura: (Lying, her back on the ground, trapped) Ya-yamete kudasai. Gomen. Gomen nasai. I won't disturb you anymore Shinguji-kun. O-onegai. Hontō ni gomen nasai.

Ryoko: (Whispers) No one can hear your cries for help… (Erogenously strokes Sakura's hair behind her ear)

Sakura: (Trembles with terror as her knees shook) Dame. Dame. Dame desu. (Watches helplessly as Ryoko strokes her hair) Su-sumimasen. Onegai. Le-let me go Shinguji-kun.

Ryoko: Heh… (Caresses Sakura's cheek tenderly eliciting multiple goose pimples response to his frightened victim) Utsukushii da… [Beautiful…] Maybe you should know before I made you suffered that I had always desired you from afar… (Guides his head nearer to Sakura while his roaming right hand holds her chin allowing his demented eyes to meet Sakura's frightened brown eyes)

Sakura: Iie. Iie desu. (Blushes badly against her will while shivering with fright) Shin-Shinguji-kun… Yamete kudasai. 'Atashi… 'Atashi wa… (Thinking) Push him off and run away now!

Ryoko: Imagining what lies beneath this hindering kimono. (His eyes look down to her body, her figure) Kirei na… [So beautiful…]

Sakura: Anata ga onegai desu… (Thinking) My knees are too weak with fear. I don't think I could even run let alone dare to push him off. Tasukete. [Help me]

Ryoko: (Stands up abruptly, surprising Sakura a little) (Scoffs curtly) 'Aho! As if I would even be interested in an annoying brat like you. The sky may turn red and fall yet I still won't.

Sakura: (Immediately sits up properly, scared stiff, her face burning red) (Place both her clenched fists against her chest, breathing huge gulps of air) (Thinking) Wh-wh-what was that just now? What was that just now? My heart pounding like crazy… That guy still dares to kid around. (Begins to speak) Anata ne, the-there is no way to treat a girl's feelings, you know. Ara? (Looks around) (Sees Ryoko some distance away already, walking back towards the village with his hands in his pants pockets) Anata ne… (Chases after Ryoko)

Ryoko: Nan da to? (Looks down fiercely at Sakura face to face) (Thinking) Hmm she is pretty small. Barely even reaching my neck. (Curtly) I spared your life and you still dared to disturb me. A minute ago you were (Acts out his imitation of a helpless Sakura in distress, wide eyes and clenched fists under his chin) "Iie, yamete, yamete. Gomen. I WON'T DISTURB you anymore Shinguji-sama". You already spoilt my day.

Sakura: (Breaks down to tears, covering her tearful face, kneeling down on the dark gravel earth)

Ryoko: (Thinking) Go ahead and cry. Make it loud so people from afar can hear you. (Walks away, uninterested) Urusai. [This is so annoying]

Sakura: (Hears footsteps growing fainter and fainter) (Thinking) H-he is gone…? (Wipes away her tears) (Gets up and slowly make her way home) (Wraps herself in her arms) (Sniffing) He is so uncouth… I was really honestly frightened. Such hard feelings. A crying girl doesn't even faze him at all. (Struck her foot under an uprooted tree root and trips) (Yelps) Oww! Itai… (Rubs her ankle gently) Oh dear I think I sprained my ankle. What a day… (Supporting herself against the tree) (Mutters) I hope I can still walk home in this condition. (Applies a little weight on her twisted foot) Ow… I-ite-te-te. (Thinking) Ara, is getting late and my foot hurts and it is getting colder… (Hears a hiss of exasperation) Ara? (Sees Ryoko appears in front of her suddenly) Giku… [Gulp]

Ryoko: (Muttering numerous incoherent mumblings of discontent)

Sakura: … (Thinking) What is the matter with him? He looks really sick…

(In Ryoko's head)

Scene: Courtroom, full with chibi Ryokos of the 'parliament',

Gentleman Ryoko: (Wearing a smart neat suit) (Sitting down on a chair behind a desk) We should help her. It is a tacit duty of all Man.

Punk Ryoko: (Wearing a pair of ragged jeans and torn and tattered singlet) (Bang his tattooed fists on the desk) Ku'so, why should we help? She's been nothing but trouble! If we have our way, we should just kill her and be at peace.

Judge Ryoko: (Bites a double cheeseburger while seated at his 'high' seat)

Gentleman Ryoko: Because she's a girl. It is our responsibility as a guy to ensure that…

Punk Ryoko: Irritating girl does not deserve any of that.

Gentleman Ryoko: This is all about morals. Boku-ra ga… [We should…]

Punk Ryoko: Have you forgotten that we don't have any?

Gentleman Ryoko: We must always start from scratch. (Turns to Judge Ryoko) Ryoko-sama, listen to me.

Judge Ryoko: (Nodding)

Punk Ryoko: Ano na, she's been disturbing us since ever. She deserved this little setback. In fact we should even make this setback bigger for her. Ryoko-sama, I tell you. Lets laugh our head off at her. It would be the most pleasurable thing we could ever do. Imagine the look of horror on her face. We could even taunt her. Don't you agree Ryoko-tachi? (Turns around, facing a whole panel of Ryokos)

Panel of Ryokos: (Cheer and raise their hands wildly in glee) Yeah! Agree! Let's have fun with her!

Judge Ryoko: Heh true true. #Burp.# Excuse me. That would be pretty fun to do I guess. (Dig further in with his burger)

Gentleman Ryoko: Sonna… [No…]

Punk Ryoko: It would be fun I tell you. You need to lighten up Ryoko. Ore…

Gentleman Ryoko: It will only lead to sadness and hatred. The poor girl needs help.

Punk Ryoko: All the better. Hating us would eventually lead to staying away from us.

Gentleman Ryoko: Isn't that we have been doing all this time. Letting people despising us so we could be alone and in fact we are now lonely and confused.

Punk Ryoko: We don't need anyone!

Panel of Ryokos: Yeah! People just hinder us! We just need to think by ourselves.

Gentleman Ryoko: Ryoko-sama, I implore you. Let us help this helpless girl.

Punk Ryoko: Oi Judge! Don't listen to Goodie-two-shoes-san. He knows nothing about the harsh life.

Gentleman Ryoko: Says who.

Judge Ryoko: (Peeks into empty space for a moment) (Licks his fingers) Alright I have made my decision.

Punk Ryoko: (Fold his arms) (Grins) (Rest his feet on his desk)

(Back to reality)

Ryoko: Feh… I'll give you a piggyback ride. (Faces away from Sakura and bends down) Up now quick before I change my mind.

(In Ryoko's head)

Punk Ryoko: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooo!

Judge Ryoko: Sorry Ryoko.

Punk Ryoko: But why… WHY? NAN DE?!

Judge Ryoko: That girl despite her clumsiness is really gorgeous which heh heh… It does play a major role hee!

Gentleman Ryoko: (His cheeks redden simultaneously) My sentiments exactly.

Punk Ryoko: Nan da to! [Say what!]

(Back to reality)

Ryoko: (Shakes his head vigorously to filter out the unwanted and unnecessary feedback)

Sakura: (Looks at Ryoko from the back, weirdly) (Thinking) Is this his way of apologizing for that incident? (Begins to speak) Ha-hai. Arigato gozai mashite, Shinguji-kun. Domo sumimasen.

Ryoko: Feh. (Walks back towards the village, carrying Sakura on his broad back)

(In Ryoko's head)

Punk Ryoko: KAWAII? WHAT IS IT ABOUT HER THAT IS KAWAII?! KOITSU WA… [THIS PERSON IS A…] (A/N: Normally translated as "She is…" but that translation wouldn't show how polite a person is)

(Back to reality)

Ryoko: (Mumbling for his own comfort) Troublesome girl… Waste my time… Took my bench… So clumsy…

Sakura: (Thinking) Maybe Shinguji-kun is not that bad. Well he looks practically humane. (Giggles)

Ryoko: (Rambling on) Keep falling on me… Raise my blood pressure… Annoy the hell out of me… Always lecturing me…

Sakura: Ano ne, I think that is enough comments about me, Shinguji-kun.

Ryoko: Feh!

Sakura: How about giving some compliments for a change.

Ryoko: Doubt any exist for you.

Sakura: Well then let me comment about you.

Ryoko: (Threateningly) Will drop and leave you here right now if you say a word.

Sakura: …

Ryoko: (Thinking) That really shut that pest up. Ah… Peace is peaceful.

Sakura: (Examines the back of Ryoko's head interestedly) (Thinking) Come to think of it… (Unconsciously blushes) This is a first time a guy is carrying me on his back. Who knows maybe next time he will carry me protectively in his arms and my head would be resting on his chest or maybe his shoulder. Then I will be looking up smiling at his manly face. And he would also look down at me caringly, lovingly… (Swoons and giggles girlishly to herself, covering her mouth) Hee hee, what am I talking about? I rather have a handsome prince carrying me, not this ungentlemanly uncouth rude shabby rough and also totally not handsome guy. (Expresses some vomiting display for her own benefit) #Retching sounds.# I did called him ōji-sama earlier just now. Ah… I feel sick…

Ryoko: (Thinking) Now she's giggling and making sickening sounds. Really mad no doubt about it. Feh. I'm crazier since I actually carried this mad girl on my back. Heh… That cliff looks real tempting. But then it would be too fast for my personal pleasure. Hmm come to think of it, a quicksand would be practically enjoyable. Slow and torturous. Muahahaha! It would be a great show to watch. (Sigh) Where's a quicksand when you need one?

Sakura: Ne Shinguji-kun, is this the first time you carried a girl on your back.

Ryoko: No.

Sakura: No? I see…

Ryoko: This the first time I'm carrying an annoying pesky brat.

Sakura: A- (Stops herself from retorting back) (Thinking) Never mind. I am mature. I am mature. I am a modest young lady and as obā-sama always says, I must behave like one. But honestly it is very hard with a guy like Shinguji-kun. (Yawns) I do feel sleepy. (Snuggles closer, and tighten her arms around Ryoko's neck slightly) And this feels so comfortable… Just like when oto-sama was still around…

Ryoko: (Thinking) Is she trying to choke me or what? (Begins to speak) Oi… Teme… (Hears little snores) Lazy pig… 'Taku… Asleep in a blink. What is she?

------

Scene: Golanda settlement, evening,

Ryoko: (Thinking) 'Taku, I don't know where she live… Heck I don't even know who she is. Feh. So troublesome. (Sees some teenagers staring at him) Is it so fun and interesting to watch me? Don't they have anything to do? Gossiping within themselves about me. 'Taku! Hmm maybe they might have some use after all. Heh… (Approaches the teenagers) (Sees the teenagers running away, frightened) Bloody hell. (Gives chase and easily catch one of the skinny-looking boys, holding him by the collar with one hand) Oii! Stop running or I'll beat you up.

Boy: (Trembling fearfully) H-hai.

Ryoko: Do you know this girl here? (Gestured his head to where Sakura's head is peacefully resting)

Boy: Huh?

Ryoko: (Shakes the boy roughly) You heard me. Talk!

Boy: (Feeling giddy) H-hai. She's my classmate, Ru-Rukawa Sakura-san.

Ryoko: Rukawa… Rukawa… Rukawa Kazumi. Ano jiji. [That old geezer] Feh… That ojiji. What luck. Oii boy, so you do know where she lives?

Boy: Eh, (Points out his hand to the north) over yonder at the edge.

Ryoko: Good. Now you carry her and return her there.

Boy: Huh?

Ryoko: (His head moves closer in a flash, cracking their foreheads together aggressively) (Glares intimidatingly) You got a problem with that? I hope not for both OUR SAKES.

Boy: (Rubs his forehead) (Meekly) No, no. Of course not. None at all Shinguji-sama.

Ryoko: Good. Take her.

Boy: (Feels the weight of Sakura on his back) Eh, I don't know if I could carry her.

Ryoko: True. She is probably too heavy for you. Feh clumsy girls are always heavy even if they're small in build. 'Kay you may go. (Thinking) Heavy girl. Must be because of the weight of sins she earned from irritating me. Hahaha! That must be it. She's so small in stature and slim. It can't be the weight of her body.

Boy: (Runs off without hesitation) (Thinking) Thank God I was able to leave without a scratch. Why is he with Sakura-san anyway? What did he do to her till she lost consciousness?

Ryoko: Feh. And I'm the world biggest idiot for carrying her so protectively on my back. (Mutters) And what will I get in return… According to my luck, most likely a scolding, no doubt, from the dear old geezer. Feh!

Scene: Rukawa Residence, front gate, later,

Ryoko: (Sees a servant wiping clean the sign at the front gate of a huge double storey house with a courtyard filled with trees and bushes) (Approaches the middle-aged woman)

Servant: Ara, konbawa… Shinguji-sama ka? Is there anything…

Ryoko: You can take this package off me. (Turns around) She hurt her ankle.

Servant: Ara? (Sees Sakura sleeping soundly) Ara. Sumimasen deshita Shinguji-sama. [Sorry for the trouble]

Ryoko: Yeah she's been nothing but big trouble.

Kazumi: (Appears at the scene) Otohime-san after you're done, please… (Sees Ryoko and Sakura "together") Get your filthy hands off Sakura-san, Shinguji Ryoko! Kono yatsu… Kisama wa…

Ryoko: (Turns around with anticipation and sees an elderly clean shaven scowling man in a hakama with a thick untidy mop of white grayish hair) Teme jiji, shouldn't it be get this girl off my back!

Kazumi: Rambō na otoko da… [This rude young man…]

Ryoko: Jiji no yarou… (Glares boldly back)

Otohime: Mā, mā, calm down Rukawa-sama, Shinguji-sama. Shinguji-sama has kindly brought Sakura-sama back. It seems that she had hurt ankle.

Kazumi: Che! Probably he is the cause of it.

Ryoko: Hn… Sōdesu ne. (Thinking) Always on my case. Feh! See if I care.

Otohime: (Carrying a soundly sleeping Sakura in her arms with Kazumi's assistance) (Bows her head) Arigato gozai mashite, Shinguji-sama.

Ryoko: Yare yare. (Crudely leaves the scene) (Thinking) Finally disposed myself of her. 'Taku, such a heavy sleeper. (Pauses) What's her name again? Hmm… Sakura. Rukawa Sakura. Feh. I have no need to know her name. Definitely no use for it. Absolutely so.

Kazumi: (Watches Ryoko disappears down the lane in silence, deep in thought, a faint somber look in his eyes)

Otohime: (Thinking) Did I see… Iie desu. I must have imagined it.

------

Chapter 39: Rukawa Sakura and Shinguji Ryoko part 2 - Cherishing and treasuring

Scene: Ryoko's hangout, a week later, afternoon,

Ryoko: (Sitting down, watching the lake, deep in thought) (Mutters) I'm bored. I'm always bored.

Sakura's voice: Kon'nichi wa Shinguji-kun.

Ryoko: (Froze with unlikely fear) (Thinking) Kami, let boredom continue to accompany me please. Just let her (Turns around…) disappear! Hah! (Sees a smiling healthy Sakura standing wearing a thick red jacket over a long blue dress with a skirt that reaches her ankles) Ku'so! Failed.

Sakura: (Waves her hand happily)

Ryoko: (Sigh inwardly) Why are you here again?

Sakura: Ara, to see you. Aren't you glad?

Ryoko: I would be gladder if you ain't here.

Sakura: Mā, don't act as if you are not all glad to see me.

Ryoko: Fine, fine. Whatever.

Sakura: (Brushes off crumbles of snow and sits down next to Ryoko) Ne Shinguji-kun.

Ryoko: Nan da.

Sakura: (Nods her head politely) Arigato gozai masu.

Ryoko: Fine.

Sakura: So you do know why I am thanking?

Ryoko: Yeah is rather obvious… For letting you sit down on my bench even though I am here first.

Sakura: (Face-faults) (Thinking) He is so… (Begins to speak) Iie desu… It is for sending me back home last week when I was hurt. Besides this bench is not your bench.

Ryoko: Is that so? Okay whatever sure. (Thinking) Not my bench she said. Feh… What do she know. I found it. It's mine.

Sakura: Ne Shinguji-kun…

Ryoko: (Roughly) Don't you ever get tired of talking?! I want some peace here.

Sakura: (Looks at Ryoko, her feelings hurt) Hai…

Ryoko: (Senses the upset he had caused to Sakura) (Thinking) Feh, I ain't gonna apologize. And she really talked too much.

Sakura: (Watches the lake quietly) (Thinking) I was only trying to be friendly.

Ryoko: (Feeling unusually agitated at the odd silence) (Fidgeting uneasily) (Thinking) For some reason, having her and silence around me really bugs me… And not knowing why this bugs me really bugs me even more. Chiku'so! (Sigh defeatedly) (Begins to speak) Why are you here? I'm sure there are other people for you to disturb. Beside, your grandfather is no fan of mine. Did he really permit you to… To…

Sakura: (Brightens up upon hearing Ryoko starting a conversation with her) See you again?

Ryoko: And…

Sakura: I didn't tell him. (Grins mischievously)

Ryoko: So you came all the way here to thank me for last week.

Sakura: Partly.

Ryoko: And also?

Sakura: See you.

Ryoko: Feh, there are other kids your age at the village, nicer than me, better than me.

Sakura: Of course. I do have friends in school. In fact I became more popular this week just before the winter holidays start and is all thanks to you. (Giggles)

Ryoko: (Grunts)

Sakura: They were all interested to know what is going on between you and me. Ever since last week when people saw the moody Shinguji-kun gone soft with me, taking the trouble to carry me all over the village just to send me home… Oh dear… (Put her hands on her cheeks, shaking her head, blushing) How my clean little girl status has been tarnished… As they wondered what I had been doing to you that might change the hardheaded Shinguji-kun to be so nice and caring.

Ryoko: (Groans to himself) (Thinking) Give me a break…

Sakura: They were all like "Hontō ka?" [Really?] when I said Shinguji-kun is actually pretty nice and not as bad as he seems to be.

Ryoko: (Sigh to the Heavens) (Thinking) Pretty nice she said. I attempted murder and I'm referred as nice. If I happened to be really nice to her, she may yakked to those friends of her that I worshipped and licked the ground she walks.

Sakura: Then they were all like "Sugoi!" when I said Shinguji-kun actually talked to me and not merely grunt as he usually does. They keep praising how brave and courageous I was…

Ryoko: (Thinking) Dear Santa, I wish for a torture chamber even more destructive than any torture chambers that Hell used, for my Christmas present this year. And make it especially designed for this little pest. And most importantly make the present delivery as early as now.

Sakura: They were all shocked when I mentioned that I had fun with you.

Ryoko: (Thinking) Speak for yourself. I lost a good deal of personal private time, let alone my poor sanity. I'm really going crazy with all these desirable thoughts of torturing her.

Sakura: So thank you for that day. It was really fun even though I hurt myself. Sore ja Shinguji-kun.

Ryoko: (Taken aback) Eh you're going already? (Thinking) She's really going? She won't be disturbing me anymore? She won't be here to criticize me any longer? She won't…

Sakura: Hai. (Studies Ryoko's expression curiously) Heh… (Smiles merrily)

Ryoko: (Looks at Sakura weirdly) Nan-nan da? (Thinking) Is she reading my thoughts?

Sakura: Are you disappointed?

Ryoko: Zettai ni chigau yo! [You are absolutely wrong!] I'm perfectly elated at the prospect of not seeing you anymore.

Sakura: (Feeling a little insulted) Fine. After all the trouble I took to see you.

Ryoko: Nobody ask you.

Sakura: (Gets up) Hai. Sayonara. (Walk away a few steps before turning back) Okay I decided to stay a bit longer since I am already here. (Returns to the seat)

Ryoko: (Roll his eyes) (Thinking) This girl seeks pleasure in tormenting me.

Sakura: Ne Shinguji-kun… Why are you so moody everyday?

Ryoko: (His body shakes a little) (Looks at his twitching hands) … (Thinking) My hands are starting to itch for blood. HER blood.

Sakura: You know you are ice cold to everyone just like the winter season.

Ryoko: (Growls) Then just stop warming up to me. Just ignore me like everyone does.

Sakura: Well last week unexpected experience with you tells me that there is some warmth in you.

Ryoko: Well that's where you're wrong.

Sakura: Am I?

Ryoko: Feh, you can't break this impregnable ice.

Sakura: Breaking is one thing Shinguji-kun… Melting the ice is another thing. It is on your own accord.

Ryoko: Feh!

Sakura: (Thinking) He is always closing himself up.

Ryoko: Anyway why did you have to visit this place last week. If only you never came here then I would have been at peace just like I always have been.

Sakura: Mā, don't say that Shinguji-kun. Well before the start of the winter holidays, ojii-sama had me trained in flower pot arrangement. It was fun but after some time it got boring.

Ryoko: That should be pretty tough for a clumsy girl like you.

Sakura: You just love to wind people up don't you? For your information, I have completed bridal training and performing tea ceremony, you know.

Ryoko: There's no need to tell me. Even if you complete them, it is not like I am going to marry you.

Sakura: (Getting very offended by the increasing insulting remarks) … (Thinking) One, two, three… Ten. (Takes a deep breath) (Begins to speak patiently) Hai, hai. Anyway that day I got pretty bored and Rei-chan, 'atashi no imoto [my little sister], was sick, and everyone in the house was busy taking care of her. They didn't allow me to see her at all. So I got lonely and sneaked out to spend some time with myself. And as you know, I found this place by accident and you came along…

Ryoko: Bad luck huh, to meet me of all people.

Sakura: (Shakes her head) Iie. I really had fun, even though we were arguing half the time. (Thinking) It took me six years before I could finally meet and chat with you again. And I still want to get to know you, behind your brash self. Wanting to know which is the real you. This crude person on the surface or the one I met when I first met you. The one with the kind eyes. What happened Shinguji-kun? Why do you change so suddenly? Or am I wrong? Is this person with the scowling face really you?

Ryoko: Feh… (Thinking) More like the whole time.

Sakura: But most importantly, (Place her palms together in front of her) I found out more about Shinguji-kun. Shinguji-kun is such an interesting guy. I want to discover more about him.

Ryoko: You seriously need to see a doctor if you think that way.

Sakura: Despite his numerous infinite bad points… I like to think more about his good qualities.

Ryoko: Maybe you should visit the city and go for mental therapy. (Thinking) She's good. Very good.

Sakura: And imagine what kind of person Shinguji-kun would become if he opens up himself more.

Ryoko: I think a psychologist would be even more ideal for you. (Thinking) She's really stubborn. I wonder how long it would take before she blows up.

Sakura: (Frowns angrily) Anata wa…

Ryoko: (Comprehends the obvious resentment in Sakura) (Quickly assumes a defensive posture for an unanticipated "assault" by the unpredictable girl) Na-nan da yo? (Thinking) Oh looks like she's finally losing it. So beat it girl and leave me alone.

Sakura: I keep complimenting about you and you keep criticizing me. I was being nice to you, too nice. I let things slide and you take advantage of it. You are not being fair.

Ryoko: I don't need people to be nice to me.

Sakura: (Softly) Fine then…

Ryoko: (Feeling a sense of triumph within himself) Good. Fine! That's the way I like it!

Sakura: (Flares up) FINE!

Ryoko: FINEE! (His eyes glare fiercely)

Sakura: FINEEE! (Her cheeks burn a bright red)

Ryoko: FINEEEE! (His nostrils flare out "smoke")

Sakura: FINEEEEE! (Gasping for breath)

Ryoko: FINEEEEEEEE! (Wheezing for breath)

Sakura: (Tries to maintain her glare) (Thinking) Mattaku… Talk about maturity. It is not as if the one who yell louder and longer is the winner.

Ryoko: (Thinking) I win! YOSH! YATTA DE! (Raises a fist in the air) WAHAHAHA! She lost! Now if only she would realize that losers drop their tails and get the hell out of here. That would be such a wonderful prize.

Sakura: (Sweatdrops at Ryoko's ridiculous victory pose)

------

Sakura: How is it going on with you and your parents, Shinguji-kun? (Swings her legs as she sits on the bench)

Ryoko: Same as always. Hardly talk to them. (Thinking) She either got tremendous amount of patience or she just find it pleasurable in annoying me or she is just plain dumb or she really got nothing better to do and is bored to death and so decided to torment me.

Sakura: Not even during meal times?

Ryoko: I eat alone. (Thinking wretchedly) Don't she understand that losers have to get out of the winner sight…

Sakura: Oh… Isn't it nicer to eat together with your family?

Ryoko: Doesn't matter. (Thinking) I give up.

Sakura: You know, before my parents passed away, we always eat together with ojii-sama and obā-sama. That time, ojii-sama is a bit more nicer compared to now and mealtimes were always fun. I always look forward to them. Now ojii-sama is very strict and highly-strung.

Ryoko: You missed them a lot huh. (Sees Sakura pondering quietly) H-how did you lose your parents? If you don't mind that is… (Thinking) Why am I interested to know? (Pauses) Why? Why? Is not like I'm interested in her… It's something else… What the HELL is it! Chiku'so! What is wrong with me? Damn it.

Sakura: (Smiles a little) Heh…

Ryoko: (Yells roughly) URUSEI!

Sakura: (Taken aback) (Looks at Ryoko timidly, a little frightened)

Ryoko: Iie… (Holds his forehead) Never mind.

Sakura: H-hai. (Looks down, studying her fingers) (Remembers Ryoko's question) It was six years ago. I was nine then. My parents brought my baby sister along with them to work, leaving me with my grandparents at home. Somehow, no one knows why, their workplace caught fire. And my sister was the only survivor. After that incident, ojii-sama became more temperamental. You know what I mean. Shinguji-kun is always facing the brunt of ojii-sama wrath due to your attitude.

Ryoko: Feh, I'm not afraid of him. (Thinking) Six years… Six years ago… What happened six years ago? Something happened six years ago… I don't know. Why am I interested?

Sakura: (Nods silently)

Ryoko: Oi ōjo-sama, so Rukawa jiji is like this after his daughter's death?

Sakura: You see Shinguji-kun, ojii-sama already disliked oto-sama from the beginning, preferring my mother to marry another man that he had picked for her. But oka-sama refused and rebelled against his wish. Oka-sama married oto-sama and our family took him in. Oto-sama then promised ojii-sama he will take care of oka-sama well. Time passed and the tension between ojii-sama and oto-sama decrease little by little. But after the unfortunate accident, ojii-sama was really furious at my late father. He was angry because oto-sama didn't protect oka-sama as he had promised to. Ojii-sama never forgave oto-sama till this very day. He's always cursing oto-sama each day and kept mentioning his regret over his decision to allow his daughter to marry a lousy man like my father. (Sigh softly)

(A/N: "our family took him in" This means that her father changed his family name to Rukawa)

Ryoko: You still love your father? Why don't you hate him for not protecting your mother just like Rukawa jiji is?

Sakura: Could anyone ever possible hate her own father, Shinguji-kun? Besides don't be so narrow-minded. It is not like it is entirely his fault. Like he caused the fire.

Ryoko: …

Sakura: Unless he betrayed oka-sama, then that's different. At any rate somehow or other, they managed to protect Rei-chan. I don't know the full story though. Ojii-sama never actually relate to me.

Ryoko: Sou ka.

Sakura: What about you? You are also the son of one of the four Guardian families. Your disobedience towards your parents has always been the talk of the town. And I really wonder why your parents put up to it.

Ryoko: Feh!

Sakura: You know the legend, Shinguji-kun. You are a Shinguji, a proud descendant of your forefathers. You have an important role to play, to carry on.

Ryoko: To what?! Guard a stupid sleeping demon under here?! (Tap his feet roughly into the snowy surface) Come on. It's just a stupid legend. I got better things to do.

Sakura: Like what Shinguji-kun? Sitting around, lazing around, sleeping here? Shinguji-kun, legends are usually derived from truths. And it has been our family tradition to follow this.

Ryoko: Feh, traditions are make to be follow and broken as well. For all we know that so called demon doesn't even exist at all.

Sakura: Well you may not believe but outsiders do believe the legend.

Ryoko: Dare ga?

Sakura: I heard that someone by the name of Yamaguchi-sama discovered the village legend since as long as at least ten years ago.

Ryoko: Who the heck is he? Beside nothing happened right. Life still hasn't changed a single bit.

Sakura: If I remembered correctly what obā-sama had related to me, Yamaguchi-sama was the Master of Everything Also Can School. But something happened nine or ten years ago, which interrupt whatever plan, he had. It was rumored that some visitors killed him after he had moved nearby. The village headman said that he did die.

Ryoko: It's just a stupid legend. There's no buried demon under the ground.

Sakura: Even if it is so, there is news that Yamazaki-san, an old student of Everything Also Can is gathering all the ex-students. The students who had disappeared upon Yamaguchi-sama death are rumored to be back, now at present. They knew the story and are following their Master footsteps.

Ryoko: Hmm I heard that before… Six years ago? I think.

Sakura: Is that so? I didn't know. I only know that Yamazaki-san is planning something currently.

Ryoko: (Thinking) Yamazaki… It sounds familiar… Why is that so? Where did I hear that name before? But from this girl's knowledge, it is as if Yamazaki had just appeared at present. Not six years ago? Nah. I'm sure she's right. I can't really depend on this brain of mine. Yeah, I'm just mixed up. Now that I'm thinking clearly, Yamazaki doesn't even sound that familiar.

Sakura: So Shinguji-kun, one day they'll come here to wake the demon up. They may be getting ready and planning out to arouse the sleeping demon this very minute. They will strike at our families since we are the Guardians. And with us gone, the villagers, our friends, will all be sacrificed as well.

Ryoko: (Slightly interested) So… Why would they want to rouse the demon from his sleep? What do they benefit from it?

Sakura: Shinguji-kun, you mean you don't know?

Ryoko: Never listen to my father's preaches.

Sakura: (Sigh) Mattaku… Enter one ear and exit the other ear is it?

Ryoko: Chigau wa. Nothing enters my ear at all in the first place.

Sakura: (Sweatdrops) Anyway the legend has it that, once you awaken the demon from its seal, it will reward you with incredible powers. Once awaken it will start to devour every living creature on this land, the Kanto region, before it hibernates again. (A/N: Kanto region is Japan main island hosting Tokyo city)

Ryoko: Now there's a flaw to it. Then why would anyone want to awake him. Hah!

Sakura: The world is wide Shinguji-kun. The one bestowed with great powers could easily leave Japan and ruled the rest of the world, ne?

Ryoko: Feh. That is if the demon really existed and will be so grateful enough to reward the one who awake him. For all you know it will just devour the person who had awaken him from his beauty sleep.

Sakura: Our forefathers, Rukawa, Shinguji, Kagurazaka and Nagase, had been given the role of guarding the demon that reside deep beneath this very ground since for so long. You and me, we are the eighth generation. You cannot lightly break this tradition. Our families have produced best of the best fighters to be the Guardians. You Shinguji-kun, the two Nagase brothers and Kagurazaka-kun are the only four young men of the present generation. You four are the one supposed to continue this proud fighting line. Yet you only trained halfway by your father and you stopped, refusing to continue on learning. None of us understand why you act this way. My family on the other hand has no male heir.

Ryoko: (Arrogantly) I'm already happy with what I know. No one can defeat me. End of story.

Sakura: It has been more than a year Shinguji-kun. Nagase-kun and Kagurazaka-kun have completed their training and are still learning new things. While the younger Nagase brother is just starting his training. You meanwhile, have already stopped…

Ryoko: Nah. I'm still not easily defeated.

Sakura: Where do you get your confidence I wonder.

Ryoko: Feh.

Sakura: (Walks about, folding her arms for warmth)

Ryoko: (Watches Sakura) You desired them don't you?

Sakura: (Turns around) Nan desu ka?

Ryoko: You missed your parents.

Sakura: Iie desu, Shinguji-kun. (Smiles) I love them but it is more important to treasure what I have at present first. Rei-chan, obā-sama soshite ojii-sama. I don't find it ideal to covet for things that we don't have. That is why; I want you to treasure what you have now. Your never know when the people you loved, will be taken away from you. You don't show your true feelings now, who know you may never have the chance to show in future. I may not understand the rift between you and your family but you should know this. Parents love their child dearly no matter what. There's no doubt about it Shinguji-kun. It already took a lot of love to bring you out to this world. Do realize how important you are to your parents.

------

Scene: Shinguji Residence, kitchen, evening,

Ryoko: Haha-ue. [Mother] (Thinking) That girl, her voice keeps echoing in my head. (Begins to speak) Ano…

Haruka: Nani ka Ryoko? (Stirring a pot of miso soup with a ladle)

Ryoko: What kind of experience is it? I mean how do you feel when giving birth to me? I don't mean like it was painful and so on…

Haruka: Ara Ryoko? Dōshita no? Why the sudden question?

Ryoko: I'm just curious that's all. Absolutely nothing more.

Haruka: Hai hai. (Smiles, wiping her hands on her apron) Well, no matter how scary the experience was, it was still a cherished moment.

Ryoko: (Thinking) Bad experience?

Haruka: Amatsuka-sensei [Doctor Amatsuka] warned me that there were some complications when we were getting to bring you out. He mentioned that it is likely if I continued to give birth to you as normal, I could die and even you may not survive.

Ryoko: Sou…

Haruka: Amatsuka-sensei advised me to abort you as even if I managed to safely give birth to you, he warned that you could be deformed or retarded. Hmm actually he wasn't just advising me. When I decided to carry on with it, Amatsuka-sensei did all he could to persuade me to allow him to operate on me and remove you so that he could save me.

Ryoko: Shikashi… [But…]

Haruka: But he was wrong. (Smiles) My son is so big and healthy now. I don't think Ryoko is retarded. (Pats Ryoko's head lovingly)

Ryoko: Why? Why do you still continue to give birth to me even with those warnings? Naze? Naze da? Aren't you afraid?

Haruka: Of course I'm very afraid. But I want my son to at least be given a chance to live even if the risks are high and I may die giving birth to you. Your father said he don't mind whatever decisions I took. He will support me whichever I decide. Well here you are. So why are you asking me this.

Ryoko: Just curious. (Leave the kitchen quietly, abruptly)

Haruka: (Smiles as she watches Ryoko leaving) (Thinking) Are the effects fading finally? Yokatta…

Ryoko: (Thinking) I feel like shit. Worse than shit. Haha-ue… Did not think twice about giving birth to me. The pain of giving birth to me. The pain to raise me from scratch. Yet how do I always treat her. I keep disobeying her wish and never lift a finger to help her. Sometimes I dislike her for siding with father most of the time but even so… I'm such a terrible person. Why… Why am I this way? That pesky girl… She's the one who made me realized just how lucky I am… To still have my parents, to be loved by them… But… Why don't I trust them… I don't have any reasons not to trust them. Right? Whenever I see them, I want to loathe them. Wakaru nai… I really don't understand.

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Chapter 40: Rukawa Sakura and Shinguji Ryoko part 3 - Blossoming friendship

Scene: Ryoko's hangout, a couple of days later, morning time,

Ryoko: (Sitting on the bench) I didn't expect to see you here again.

Sakura: Why not?

Ryoko: (Smirks) So you sneak out again without Rukawa ojiji's knowledge.

Sakura: Nope. I am a decent girl, you know.

Ryoko: Feh.

Sakura: Why are you always here, Shinguji-kun?

Ryoko: Shiru ja nai. [Don't know] I just like this place.

Sakura: There is something that draws you here?

Ryoko: Sōdesu ne. [Yup] So you managed to get Rukawa ojiji permission, is it?

Sakura: Of course. This is a free country. Ojii-sama can't always keep me away from you. (Looks at the bench) May I?

Ryoko: (Sarcastically) I thought it is a free country.

Sakura: This is called being polite.

Ryoko: Yare yare. Even if I said no, you will still sit down. You call that being polite.

Sakura: (Giggles) Maybe. (Sits down)

Ryoko: Why did you come here anyway?

Sakura: Just to be by myself.

Ryoko: What for?

Sakura: Aren't you always by yourself.

Ryoko: Wakatta. Then why do you come here to be by yourself when you clearly know that I would be here.

Sakura: Saa… [Who knows] (Thinking) I just want to spend this remaining time with you.

Ryoko: …

Sakura: Why is this bench special to you Shinguji-kun?

Ryoko: Why do you say it's special to me?

Sakura: Well besides you always loiter here, (Points a spot on the bench) I did saw this.

Ryoko: (Sees the spot where he had scratched out "Ryoko no" in Kanji) (Shrugs)

Sakura: Come on tell me. You know good friends tell each other secrets.

Ryoko: Ano na, since when am I your good friend?!

Sakura: Well since you never had a proper conversation with anyone, I did like to think that even with a little conversation with me, it must mean I am somehow special to you.

Ryoko: Crap.

Sakura: I am special aren't I? I am special aren't I? (Shakes Ryoko enthusiastically, facing him) Tell me, I am sure you think I am special. Tell the truth Shinguji-kun. (Her nose wrinkles cutely directly in front of Ryoko) Come on don't lie. You can't hide it from me. I must really mean something to you.

Ryoko: (Glares irately at Sakura's twitching annoying nose) Teme wa… [You little…] (Pull Sakura's nose out of irritation)

Sakura: Ah ite-te-te, ite wa yo. Yamete Shinguji-kun. Onegai desu. (Hold to Ryoko's arm)

Ryoko: Wahahaha! (With one hand pulling Sakura's nose, his other hand envelop across her shoulders, the back of her neck and to the front, posing a fake strangulation on his part) Finally, this is your weakness ain't it.

Sakura: Wakatteru desu Shinguji-kun. I will stop teasing. Please let go of my poor nose.

Ryoko: Mahaha this is absolutely fun. You know… Uh… (Notices a bald guy watching them briefly from afar before he ran off)

Sakura: (Frees herself from Ryoko's weakening hold) Nani yo! That is no way to treat a vulnerable woman like me.

Ryoko: Yare yare. Someone saw me with you, just now… (Thinking) Why is there suddenly someone visiting this place? No one had ever come here for years already. Feh, except for (Turns his gaze to Sakura) this pest recently.

Sakura: Ara? Oh… Maybe it is just somebody who ojii-sama sent to make sure I am all right since there is a dangerous guy right next to me. (Thinking) Aoi-san ka?

Ryoko: (Changes his view back to the empty area where the guy last stood)

Sakura: Heh… Shinguji-kun does not want to be caught having fun with a woman friend?

Ryoko: What woman? You're just a girl.

Sakura: I am fifteen.

Ryoko: You may be twenty-five but you would still be a girl.

Sakura: (Offended by the insulting remark) Ano ne, anata wa…

Ryoko: (Muttering to no one in particular) I'm gonna catch that fella. And when I catch him…

Sakura: Matte yo desu. (Grabs Rukawa's arm) What's wrong with him noticing us?

Ryoko: I ain't having him spreading news around that I, Shinguji Ryoko, is losing himself, going soft with a girl.

Sakura: That is not true. You were never soft with me. (Thinking) Hmm except for that piggyback ride.

Ryoko: Feh.

Sakura: What is wrong with having fun with a friend?

Ryoko: (Turns his head back) Ano na…

Sakura: (Her eyes narrow as realization hit her) You never had a friend right. There was no one who supported you.

Ryoko: (Growls) What the heck are you talking about?

Sakura: You are insecure aren't you. (Thinking) Things we did not realize. Things we did not see. Because he is always moody on the outside. Every matter significant or insignificant keeps his face frowning and unsmiling. Yes he is always scowling, showing people the bad side of him. Why didn't I notice it before…? Why didn't I see the truth…? It is so obvious… And I should have realized it earlier… How could anyone be fine all alone. No one in this world would feel all right being alone. No one…

Ryoko: Don't be stupid? Why should I feel insecure anyway? I'm not afraid of anyone. I don't need to hide in fear from people.

Sakura: Maybe Shinguji-sama trained you with every intention for you to become strong so that you can play your role as the Guardian. But you feel insecure because you think your father only care about traditions and so on. You think you detest him because he does not seem to care about your feelings about what you want. That's why you go against him. Your mother on the other hand would always side with your father so…

Ryoko: Baka na. (Thinking) Is that it? Is this why?

Sakura: That is the truth isn't it? No one support you. No one was on your side. That induced you to rebel against everyone around you. You are lonely.

Ryoko: Why do you insist so much on my business with my parents? (Thinking) Maybe. I don't know myself. Feh. Who cares!

Sakura: I have no parents. I can't stand the thought of anyone who have parents but does not appreciate and love them back.

Ryoko: … (Thinking) Don't she has any better things to do but think about other people life? Feh!

Sakura: Beneath that confident tough guy exterior, you are actually…

Ryoko: Enough! So what if you're right? So what tell me! (Thinking) Feh, I'm not even sure myself about it myself.

Sakura: (Thinking) "Become the kind of girl who can believe in others. That will surely bring strength to someone." Oka-sama… (Begins to speak in a soft voice) I am with you.

Ryoko: Nan da… To… [What did you… Said…]

Sakura: (Whispers) It is okay if you don't believe in anyone. Because there are still people who believe in you.

Ryoko: Th-there are?

Sakura: Your mother and father. I am sure they believe in you. Maybe that is why they tolerate you. They still have faith that you would understand eventually. So do I.

Ryoko: Why do you say you believe in me too? You hardly know me.

Sakura: You are lonely. You may be wrong. But you still dreadfully need someone who supports you. Someone who would encourage you in all times. Isn't that so. Isn't that what you are looking for. You are lonely for a friend. But you act as if you don't need anyone. With your personality, you are too proud to admit to yourself that you need company.

Ryoko: (Thinking) This pesky girl is too perceptive for my liking.

Sakura: Ne Shinguji-kun, you really should open up more, you know. It is no use wallowing in self-pity or doubt, whatever it is.

Ryoko: Is that so? Then tell me what should I do?

Sakura: I don't know, after all (Sticks out her tongue cheekily) I am just a fifteen year old LITTLE girl.

Ryoko: (Face-faults)

Sakura: You are the adult, Shinguji-kun. You are hmm twenty now isn't that so. Honestly you are just like a kid.

Ryoko: (Stares at Sakura intensely) Kodomo ka?

Sakura: (Grinning widely) Sōdesu ne, Ryo-chan. (A/N: The prefix -chan is also frequently used for little. Remember Yahiko-chan in Rurouni Kenshin)

Ryoko: (His eyes harden) Oh? Ryo-chan ga ima desu ka? [Ah is Ryo-chan now is it?] (A/N: He took it as Sakura is being too familiar with him, -chan as a sign of closeness plus her calling by his name and not his family name)

Sakura: (Amused) Anything wrong Ryo-chan? (Her little nose, instinctively wrinkles again, unknowingly putting itself immediately at risk)

Ryoko: (His eyes twitch at the sight) Yeah nothing wrong with this also right, ōjo-sama? (Pull Sakura's nose wickedly for the second time while his other arm swiftly wraps around her small shoulders past the back of her neck and binds back to her throat, gripping her to a tight lock)

Sakura: Eii ite ja ne ka. Let go. Let go Shinguji-kun. I won't be able to breath.

Ryoko: Hahaha! (Thinking) This is fun. (Begins to speak) I think your mouth is big enough for… (His actions froze as he focuses his attention to a group of inquisitive villagers, who were watching his rare antics with Sakura, and a bad temper old man holding a stick leading them, approaching him) (Thinking) Chiku'so! The timing always sucks when I am just about to have fun.

Sakura: (Faintly) Giku… Ojii-sama…(Her eyes look up and realizes Ryoko and herself being very close to her) (Thinking) Uh oh… Shimatta…

Kazumi: (Snarling) I heard someone was trying to kill Sakura-san… And what I see now is exactly what I heard.

------

Sakura: (Sigh) Now I'm grounded for a whole week. And the winter holidays had just started you know.

Ryoko: Not my problem. (Walking around restlessly)

Sakura: Anata wa… I helped you and this is what I received. What gratitude.

Ryoko: (Brusquely) So next time don't help me if helping me will change that jiji's mind from the idea of me trying to BRUTALLY KILL you to you IMMODESTLY FLIRTING with me. I never asked for your help!

Sakura: (Sigh) (Softly) Hai, hai. Gomen nasai. Sumimasen deshita. (Hugs her legs dolefully close to her chest while sitting on the seat)

Ryoko: (Watches Sakura sitting glumly by herself, with a little twinge of guilt lingering in him) (Thinking) "I'm with you." Ku'so… (Shakes his head furiously) Nothing to do with me. Nothing to do with me. Nothing to do with me.

Sakura: (Rests her chin on her folded arms which rest on her knees as she watches the calm lake quietly, in her own little thoughts)

(In Ryoko's head)

Scene: The familiar courtroom,

Punk Ryoko: MAHAHAHAHA! That girl finally gets what she deserves!

Gentleman Ryoko: She did not deserve that for helping us…

Punk Ryoko: Who cares! She had it coming anyway. Right guys? (Turns around)

Panel of Ryokos: (Soft murmurs) Yeah…

Punk Ryoko: Pathetic bunch. 'Taku… Why the heck are you all crying?!

Panel of Ryokos: Nothing. The place's just dusty that's all. You didn't do your cleaning duty yesterday.

Punk Ryoko: 'Taku, if I know any better…

Panel of Ryokos: Waaah! It's so sad! (Blow their noses into tissues)

Punk Ryoko: (Sweatdrops) (Muttering) Useless bunch. Getting all tearful over a mere thing.

Gentleman Ryoko: But she helped us. She supported us just now. She defended us from Rukawa jiji. She could just kept quiet knowing her grandfather violent attitude and let him lash out at us. No. Instead she tried her best to stand up against him for us as respectful as she could but unfortunately got herself scolded instead, as her grandfather took her attitude as being rude to her elders.

Punk Ryoko: (Faintly) Feh…

Judge Ryoko: What's the verdict Ryoko-tachi?

Panel of Ryokos: Erm… (Blow noses into already damp tissues, again)

Gentleman Ryoko: Let's try our best to comfort her. It is the best we can do for her, ne.

Panel of Ryokos: Yeah. Let's.

Judge Ryoko: (Turns to Punk Ryoko) What about you Ryoko?

Punk Ryoko: Feh, whatever. The majority always wins unless Ryoko-sama differs. (Fold his arms) You don't have to ask me.

(Back to reality)

Ryoko: (Sits down next to Sakura uneasily) Uh… (Awkwardly pats Sakura's shoulder lightly) Go-gomen.

Sakura: (Staring into space) (Faintly) Nan desu ka?

Ryoko: (Scratches his head) Ore, ore… Arigato Ru-Rukawa. For… For, for supporting me. For standing up for me. For being with me. (Shrugs his shoulders feebly) Feh, even though I didn't need any of your help.

Sakura: (Looks up at Ryoko, realizing) (Softly) Ryo-chan… (Thinking) He has never once addressed me by my name before. It was always either ōjo-sama or teme. (Begins to speak) It is nice to hear that, you know.

Ryoko: Nani?

Sakura: Never mind. Thanks for trying to comfort me and apologizing. 'Atashi wa heki desu. [I am fine]

Ryoko: (Nods his head gawkily) Hai, Ru-Ruka…

Sakura: Sakura, Ryo-chan. Sakura. (Smiles a little)

Ryoko: Sou. (Sees Sakura's lips curl upwards slightly) Uh… You see Sakura…

Sakura: Nan desu ka?

Ryoko: Uh, nothing.

Sakura: Hai.

Ryoko: Ano… [Urm…]

Sakura: Nan desu ka?

Ryoko: …

Sakura: Ne Ryo-chan, daijobou. 'Atashi wa heki desu.

Ryoko: (Turns his gaze to the lake) Iie. Koko wa… Here in this village… Ore…

Sakura: (Thinking) Is he trying to open up?

Ryoko: I felt like I was constantly watched by people, everyone. It was like being trapped in a cage. I yearned to have a normal life but I could not break away from this life with mother, father, everyone. I feel like a part of me is missing. I know it sounds weird. There's something missing about me I think. So I just enclose myself away in defiance, afraid that I will lose other parts of me as well. I never seem to fit in with people not even with my own parents. People don't feel comfortable when I'm around. It doesn't help since I'm scowling most of the time. I can't help it. There is a buzzing of voices in my mind that annoy the hell out of me. And it's also confusing my judgment. And before I knew it, there was like an invisible line, a barrier, between others and myself. It's the way I am. I can't get past my fears, my insecurities. (Thinking) I was unconsciously waiting… Waiting for someone. Someone who would support me, encourage me. Help me. I'm confused.

Sakura: You were running away. You reject others so you can never be hurt. (Thinking) Buzzing of voices? Maybe it is his imagination. A part of him missing? What does he mean?

Ryoko: Maybe. The invisible bonds that people formed terrified me. I was afraid so I closed my heart. What you were talking about me just now was true. I was lonely. I was fed up. I'm tired of following traditions since I truly believe that no such demons exist under us. With such contrasting thoughts between my father and me, undoubtedly a rift would eventually form I guess. And haha-ue [mother] will of course side with chichi-ue [father], and naturally I will be the bad guy for being rude to my parents. I don't really want to live here all my life. (Thinking) And I don't really believe them. (Begins to speak) I don't want to stay here in this village, stuck here because of a demon, training Kempo. (Thinking) And with my parents… Sure I'm deeply indebted to them but still…

Sakura: It must be hard to share it with someone isn't it, Ryo-chan.

Ryoko: Uh…

Sakura: But you have made me happy.

Ryoko: (Looks at Sakura strangely) Happy?

Sakura: It is the first time you have opened up to me. I wanted to know about your sad times… The rough times… The happy times… About your feelings and your thoughts. I am glad that you talked to me seriously. It means a lot to me. You have share so much with me today about yourself. I feel like I am much more closer to you now.

Ryoko: That makes you happy? (Thinking) She's weird.

Sakura: Um. [Yes] So sometimes you can show me your weak side.

Ryoko: Feh… I don't have a weak side. (Turns away)

Sakura: (Smiles quietly)

Ryoko: (Thinking) I didn't believe that anyone could love me. I even thought that I don't deserved to be loved. Is this how it feels to trust someone. (Begins to speak) Now you made me sound like I was whining just now!

Sakura: So what? You are not alone anymore.

Ryoko: (Thinking) Not alone? Not alone… (Sees Sakura still sitting beside him) Yeah… (Unconsciously his lips curl up) Wait a minute! (Starts to frown) What do me whining and not being alone have anything to do with it! And who was whining anyway!

Sakura: (Thinking) Why is he frowning now. I almost got to see his first smile. (Recalling back) Ryo-chan is so strong. He can overcome anything if he wants to. I know that. Me, I cannot even share my true feelings to people close to me.

------

Scene: Shinguji Residence, living room, a few weeks later, winter season (late December),

Ryoko: (Thinking) Sakura… (Smiles dreamily to himself) You are really a special person…

(Start of flashback sequence)

Sakura: (Holding up a lump of snow in her gloves) (Excitedly) Ne, ne Ryo-chan. Do you know what snow turns into?

Ryoko: (Thinking) Is she taking me for an idiot? Everyone knows snow turns into… (Begins to speak, boredly) Water duh…

Sakura: (Giggles) (Cheerfully) No you are wrong, Ryo-chan. You are wrong.

Ryoko: Huh?

Sakura: (Readily smiles) I didn't ask what snow turns into when it melts?

Ryoko: Then?

Sakura: Snow turns into spring.

Ryoko: … (Thinking) She's sick. Too much snow. It's supposed to be winter turns to spring.

Sakura: No matter how cold winter is now, spring is undoubtedly always around the corner. This winter season reminds me of you Ryo-chan.

Ryoko: What about me?

Sakura: (Holds to Ryoko's left arm) No matter how cold it is now… Someday the snow will eventually melt. It surely will. (Sees an out of sorts Ryoko) Ryo-chan, you are cold aren't you. (Places Ryoko's hand to his chest) I mean in your heart. You were cold before. You feel like you have to be cold to everyone around you. You want to maintain a distance from people. But I believe, without a doubt, one day surely your heart of ice will melt leaving the true you, the warm and kind person. I am sure of it. And you will be someone who everyone will like. Ryo-chan, as a matter of fact, you are melting now. (Smiles amiably)

Ryoko: Is that so…

Sakura: Sōdesu ne. No matter how much snow there is, it's all going to melt away. Melting to spring. I think spring is my favorite time of year. (Put on a thoughtful look) Hmm of course autumn is nice too. Well we can't have spring without it.

Ryoko: (Bends down, gathering cold snow into his hands) Ba-ka. (Mischievously shoves snow under Sakura's coat) Let's see how it melts under there.

Sakura: Iiiieeee desu! Hitoi desu! [Noooo! You are mean!] (Instinctively slams the snow in her palms directly into…)

#Splack#

Ryoko: … (Watches stupidly as lumps of snow slowly crumbles off his face)

Sakura: (Scampers away laughing while shaking off the snow in her coat)

Ryoko: (His brain finally register the events) Matte yo! (Chases after the scuttling Sakura)

Sakura: (Shouts) The look on your face is priceless Ryo-chan!

Ryoko: Omae na! [Why you!] (A little curl creeps up his lips)

Kazumi: (Watches the two kids from afar) (Under his breath) Ryoko… Ano yatsu… Never mind. Sakura-san already promised me. (Walks away) (Thinking) Sakura-san seems so happy. Just like I was before… That person changed.

(End of flashback sequence)

Ryoko: (Thinking) Sakura… A week of winter with you… Is like a year of summer alone. Knowing you for one month is as fulfilling as a year, seen and the time felt as short as a day. And I'm worried about myself. I'm spending most of my time with her. I… I longed to see her whenever I'm not with her. What's the matter with me? Letting in someone into my life just like that… And a little, little (Grins to himself) pest at that. Before I knew it… Yet so naturally… Sakura is by my side. Sakura is by my side. I think I really like her. A lot. She's nice. Very nice. What does Sakura see in me? Does she feel the same way as I am to her. (Sigh) It seems unlikely that Sakura would like someone like me. Well she does spend most of her free time with me. That must mean something right? Right… But-

Haruka: Ara, Ryoko, just the person I want to see. (Shakes Ryoko lightly) Ne, wake up Ryoko.

Ryoko: Huh? Nan da yo haha-ue?

Haruka: I have been hearing news that you are seeing a girl.

Ryoko: Huh?

Haruka: And Rukawa-sama granddaughter at that. (Smiles)

Ryoko: (Feeling uncomfortable) Feh, don't believe stupid rumors haha-ue.

Haruka: Rumors? I think they are truths.

Ryoko: Yare yare.

Haruka: Ryoko like Sakura-chan don't you. You are denying it now but deep in your heart you like her don't you.

Ryoko: What? But-

Haruka: And you are scared as well. Because you are not used to having someone close to you.

Ryoko: Chigau da yo haha-ue. Ore…

Haruka: (Grins) I'm your mother, Ryoko. It's no use trying to hide that little obvious fact.

Ryoko: (Sigh) I can't help it. I'm just not cut out to live with others, I guess.

Haruka: But you're still able to communicate with Sakura-chan right.

Ryoko: Sore wa…

Haruka: Many people are like that but in your case you just lack the experience. You have been hiding away in your little hole far too long. Someday you are going to find someone who likes you and you will have to get along. Or even maybe you might have already found that person. (Smiles knowingly)

Ryoko: Haha-ue…

Haruka: You know a girl's heart is… (A/N: I'm not gonna bother myself to research on this part keke. Besides does an answer really exist? For all we know even the girls themselves don't know it =P. If you want an answer then I will just say a girl's heart is made of a mass of muscles and surrounded by coronary blood vessels)

------

Scene: Ryoko's hangout, one month later in early January, noon,

Sakura: Ne Ryo-chan, you never told me why this place is special to you. It is so special that you even scratched your name on this seat.

Ryoko: The word is engraved.

Sakura: The correct term is vandalism.

Ryoko: (Face-faults)

Sakura: Back to topic Ryo-chan. Back to topic.

Ryoko: It's just a place that I always go to every day. I feel like I could find what I was looking for here at this place.

Sakura: (Grins) Heh, any chance that the answer you were looking for is me.

Ryoko: (Grins) Who knows.

Sakura: No? (Makes a pitiful face)

Ryoko: Feh, if it's you then you were late for six years already, 'taku.

Sakura: (Thinking) Six years is it… Did he found this place six years ago, and alone? Is he the one who set up the bench as well? But why a bench here of all places?

Ryoko: Now, how about you go off and come back later after lunch.

Sakura: Ara? Dōshita no?

Ryoko: You'll find out later.

Sakura: Hai hai. It'd better be a nice surprise. (Grins authoritatively)

Ryoko: (Face-faults) What if it's not.

Sakura: Then I will be "more" than just a friend.

Ryoko: Yare yare. (Grins) Define more than just a friend. I would love to know that. Maybe I won't even mind it.

Sakura: A nagging troublesome irritating younger sister. (Sticks out her tongue cheekily)

Ryoko: (Face-faults)

Sakura: (Runs away homewards) (Calls out) Disappointed Ryo-chan? Don't expect anything more in that perverted mind of yours, Ryo-chan.

Ryoko: (Shouts) Urusei! I ain't thinking any perverted stuff! And you're already doing a good job of being one.

Sakura: Uso desu! [You are lying] I am such a good friend.

------

Sakura: So what is it, Ryo-chan?

Ryoko: There. (Points to a spot on the bench)

Sakura: Hmm? (Read out the Kanji "engraved" characters) Ryoko no to Sakura no.

Ryoko: Like it?

Sakura: Iie.

Ryoko: Why not?

Sakura: Come give me that tool.

Ryoko: Na-nani ga?

------

Sakura: (Stroking her chin satisfied, smiling) Now this is better.

Ryoko: (Reads out the scratched Kanji) Ryoko no to Sakura no to Mina-san. [Ryoko's and Sakura's and Everyone]

Sakura: You should be more sharing, you know.

Ryoko: Up to you. (Nodding knowledgably) So now you had also vandalized.

Sakura: Gikush… [Gulp] (Sweatdrops) I forgot… Look what you made me done now.

Ryoko: No comment… You practically grab it from me.

Sakura: Joudan desu. (Smiles) Nobody comes here anyway. It is all right I guess.

Ryoko: (Shrugs) (Mutters) So much for being a good and decent girl.

Sakura: Arigato gozai masu, Ryo-chan.

Ryoko: Nan da?

Sakura: For allowing me to befriend you.

Ryoko: Arigato Sakura.

Sakura: (Smiles) I know. For me, (Counting her fingers accordingly) being your good friend, your wonderful companion, your helpful sister, your best pal, your superb-

Ryoko: (Acts uninterested) I get the message.

Sakura: (Reflexively her nose wrinkles as she felt amused) (Quickly covers her nose protectively)

Ryoko: (Amused at the comical sight) Hahaha!

Sakura: I can't help it when there's a maniac who seems to lust after my poor but sexy nose.

Ryoko: Is that so…

Sakura: It is true.

Ryoko: Then why do you keep meeting this maniac?

Sakura: That is because deep within the violent maniac is actually a kind and interesting person.

Ryoko: (Involuntarily smiles upon hearing the remark)

Sakura: Ryo-chan, you should smile more often. Just like me. (Smiles) (Put her palms across her cheeks) See how cute it makes me.

Ryoko: (Face-faults)

Sakura: You cannot disagree right.

Ryoko: Yare yare Sakura. (Turns away)

Sakura: Heh… (Peeks) You are blushing.

Ryoko: Did not.

Sakura: Uuu wah! Now you are making me blush too. (Covers her cheeks) I am so flattered.

Ryoko: (Face-faults) (Thinking) Here's a really good example of how not to act humble.

Sakura: (Smiles brightly) Joudan, joudan desu. (Pats Ryoko amiably on the shoulder)

Ryoko: Nah, your beauty is no joke.

Sakura: Ara?

Ryoko: (Covers his mouth in shock) (Thinking) What the heck did I just said?!

Sakura: Sou yo koto… [So that's how it is]

Ryoko: Na-nan da?

Sakura: Ryo-chan is attracted to me. (Smiles mischievously)

Ryoko: I didn't say that.

Sakura: Hehehe… You don't have to… (Finger Ryoko's shoulders with each hand)

Ryoko: (Sweatdrops) Sonna ja ne. [It's not like that]

Sakura: Heh… Then how is it like?

Ryoko: My mouth is zipped. (Winks)

Sakura: Heh…

------

Scene: Golanda settlement, at the market, a week later, early morning,

Sakura: Heh Ryo-chan, (Points) you should pick this fish… See their eyes. When fish's eyes look as bright as this, it mean they are fresh. Ne Ryo-chan, are you listening to… (Turns to look at Ryoko)

Ryoko: (Stares at Sakura, his eyes fix on her bright shining face)

Sakura: Nan desu ka Ryo-chan?

Ryoko: Ara? Nothing. (Turns away, embarrassed)

Sakura: Nan desu ka? Nan desu ka? Come on tell me Ryo-chan.

Ryoko: I was just asking myself, is it my imagination or had you become more beautiful now…

Sakura: Ara?

Ryoko: (Thinking) I feel a tingling in my heart as I see you beside me. A little shade of warmth embraces me, soothing me. I don't want it to go away.

Sakura: (Thinking) Beau-beautiful? Ayase obā-sama did…

(Start of flashback)

Scene: Sakura's room,

Ayase: (Brushing Sakura's hair) Ne Sakura-chan, you have grown more beautiful.

Sakura: (Sitting in front of the dressing table) Sou ka. Well it can't be help that my obā-sama is a beauty herself. (Turns around looking at her grandmother, grinning good-naturedly)

Ayase: (Laughs softly) No, no. I don't mean that. (Lays a hand on Sakura's shoulder) Though yes you are beautiful.

Sakura: Eii?

Ayase: Here. (Places her hand over Sakura's chest) Anata no kokoro. [Your heart]

Sakura: Nan desu ka obā-sama?

Ayase: You are a lot happier now aren't you?

Sakura: Uh…

Ayase: You are shining Sakura-chan. You are glowing. That is because all girls start shining once they fall in love.

Sakura: Obā-sama…

Ayase: Sakura-chan like Ryoko-kun ne?

Sakura: Sonna. Masaka. Also… Besides there is the promise…

Ayase: (Sigh) You should voice out Sakura-chan. You know what you want.

Sakura: I want to keep to the promise obā-sama. That is what I want.

Ayase: Are you sure?

Sakura: Hai.

Ayase: I don't want you to regret your decision, Sakura-chan.

Sakura: (Smiles) I won't obā-sama. Of course I won't. (Thinking) I don't want to break my promise. I will regret more if I broke the promise.

Ayase: (Sigh) (Worried)

(End of flashback)

Sakura: Yesterday obā-sama did said exactly the same thing and even mentioned girls in love usually grow up faster and become more beautiful… Hinting at me about something. Is it… Am I… Am I falling for Ryo-chan? For real? Iie… I can't. (Looks at Ryoko) Ryo-chan is… So much nicer now… But I had promised ojii-sama… I can't. I had promised.

Otohime: (Appears nearby with a bag of groceries) Sakura-sama, I'm finished. Let's go.

Sakura: Ara, hai Otohime-san. Ja Ryo-chan. See you after lunch later okay.

Otohime: (Bows) Sumimasen Shinguji-sama. [Please excuse us]

Ryo-chan: (Nods) (Sees Sakura and their family maid disappear around a corner) (Turns back to the fish stall) (Rubs his chin wonderingly) (Thinking) Now which fish is fresh hmm… They all look exactly the same. 'Taku… How did haha-ue pick the fresh ones anyway?

------

Scene: Shinguji Residence, Ryoko's room, middle of January,

Sakura: (Thinking) I can't believe that Ryo-chan read this kind of stuff. (Giggles)

Ryoko: (Watches Sakura interestedly as she silently read a book; her lips moving cutely unconsciously) (Thinking) When I see your lips… It feels like your song is there. (Gazes at Sakura as she read a book while he laid on his bed) Somehow I feel like I would like it to be more. Wouldn't that be perfect? But Sakura never shows any signs or indications that she might wants to be closer…

Sakura: (Turns to face Ryoko) Ne Ryo-chan, (Sees Ryoko grinning stupidly) what are you thinking about? Nan desu ka?

Ryoko: Huh. Eh. Nothing.

Sakura: Nan desu ka, Ryo-chan. These past few days, you have been in a daze a number of times already. What's the matter?

Ryoko: Huh? Is that so?

Sakura: (Nods) Um hm… (Closes the book)

Ryoko: I guess, just thinking.

Sakura: Ne Ryo-chan, why don't you share it with me. Don't keep it to yourself only.

Ryoko: Sure?

Sakura: Hai.

Ryoko: What if you freak out?

Sakura: Ara, why would I freak out?

Ryoko: Uh… Okay.

Sakura: And?

Ryoko: I think I'm feeling nervous already.

Sakura: (Frowns lightly) Honestly Ryo-chan, the way you had been behaving could easily suggest that-

Ryoko: (Sees the frown) (Quickly) Suki da.

Sakura: Eh? (Her eyes widen at the unexpected declaration) (Thinking) Ryo-chan is confessing his feelings? Ryo-chan likes me? He says he likes me. He likes me. I, I am not sure if I should be happy or sad? De-demo 'a-atashi wa dekinai desu. [But I am unable]

Ryoko: (Sees the surprised look on Sakura disappear from his view as she looks downwards)

Sakura: Go-gomen.

Ryoko: Sakura…

Sakura: Sumimasen. (Runs out of the room in a hurry)

Ryoko: (Whispers) Sa-Sakura… (Thinking) Wha-what have I done… I took the risk… Now maybe she will start to avoid me. I should have known… A person like me can never deserve someone as wonderful as Sakura. (Sits on a chair, dejected)

Scene: Patchy street between rows of houses, meanwhile,

Sakura: (Walking slowly) (Wiping her tears) (Thinking) I hope he isn't chasing after me. I can't face him… I couldn't face Ryo-chan at all. If I did… Looking at him… I will just melt under his gaze. I will answer him… An answer that I, I, I want but I could never do. What should I do… Oka-sama… Oto-sama…

------

Scene: Ryoko's hangout, the next day, afternoon, snowing,

Sakura: Ryo-chan…

Ryoko: (Sitting on the bench) (Turns around) Yā… Sakura. (A/N: Yā is also a form of saying Hi)

Sakura: I knew I would find you here. Even if it is freezing. (Shove her hands into her thick coat)

Ryoko: (Shrugs)

Sakura: A-ano…

Ryoko: Sorry.

Sakura: Ara?

Ryoko: Sorry about yesterday. I was selfish… I guess.

Sakura: (Thinking) No. That is not being selfish.

Ryoko: It is just a selfish longing of mine. To want you by my side. It will soon disappear I guess.

Sakura: Do you really mean that?

Ryoko: Uh… Sōdesu ne.

Sakura: Iie. I mean about you liking me.

Ryoko: Uh… I don't know. (Looks away) I feel something when I look at you. I have this desire and imagine how wonderful it would be if we could be more than just friends since…

Sakura: Since…

Ryoko: You are honestly someone very special to me.

Sakura: Ah sou.

Ryoko: (Turns back to Sakura) But it's okay if you don't share the same feelings as I do. And I am grateful that you are my friend. My only friend. I hope we can still be friends Sakura despite…

Sakura: (Feel the tears forming in her eyes) (Thinking) Friends? Friends… It can't last Ryo-chan… Gomen. Maybe I shouldn't have… Maybe I should have just stop seeing him.

Ryoko: Sa-Sakura… Why are you crying?

Sakura: (Thinking) I'm sorry Ryo-chan… But we can't even be friends anymore soon.

Ryoko: What's the matter? Is it something I said? I… I'm sorry. I didn't mean…

Sakura: Gomen ne Ryo-chan. It is not you. Uh… It is just that I don't know how to break this to you in the first place… I can't return your feelings…

Ryoko: Wakatta Sakura. Daijobou da yo.

Sakura: Because I am already promised to Nagase-kun, Ryo-chan.

Ryoko: Huh?! Wha-what are you talking about?

Sakura: Ojii-sama make a promise with Nagase-sama to engage me to his oldest son, Gendo-kun. Ojii-sama doesn't want me to follow oka-sama footsteps. He wants to choose my husband so that I would and stay happy. The official engagement will be on my sixteenth birthday, in two weeks time.

Ryoko: T-two weeks…?

Sakura: Hai. After the engagement…I am not allowed to see you anymore… I'm afraid.

Ryoko: Nan-nan de?

Sakura: I-I accepted the engagement. It is my grandfather's wish for my own good.

Ryoko: You want to be engaged?

Sakura: Hai. I promised ojii-sama I would accept it. I have to keep my promise. I want to do this.

Ryoko: Sou ka. (Swallows his bitter disappointment) Omedetō Sakura. [Congratulations]

Sakura: (Bows her head) Arigato gozai mashite.

Ryoko: (Thinking) I can't see her anymore after she's engaged… This can't be happening… (Watches Sakura ruefully) (Begins to speak) Hey… Chi-chin up okay.

Sakura: (Smiles a little) Speak for yourself…

------

Scene: Rukawa Residence, front gate, later,

Ryoko: Ja Sakura. (Walks home, hiding away his misery)

Sakura: Take care Ryo-chan.

Ryoko: (Grunts)

Sakura: (Looks sadly at the depressed Ryoko) (Thinking) There's no need for Ryo-chan to know that I trade my agreement to the engagement for permission to continue seeing Ryo-chan, and befriend him. It will only hurt him more.

Otohime: Daijobou desu ka Sakura-sama?

Sakura: Hai. Daijobou desu Otohime-san.

Otohime: (Understanding the current situation) Ano… (Notices Sakura watching the slowly disappearing Ryoko) Are you really fine with the engagement? Do you really want to go through with it?

Sakura: Hai Otohime-san. I already promised ojii-sama. I must keep that promise.

Otohime: But is it really worth it? Six years ago when you were nine, you declined it even after much persuasion, I heard. Then ten weeks back, you accept it just for Shinguji-sama. Is it really worth it Sakura-sama? We are talking about your future.

Sakura: Otohime-san… I never regret making the compromise with ojii-sama. In those past ten weeks, I was able to befriend Ryo-chan. This winter season… It is far the best time of my life I have ever live. There was something to look forward to each day. I have at least taken these important memories with me. My first meeting with him, interacting with him, was enough to persuade me. When he carried me on his back out of kindness, I know… I know that I want to spend some time with him. I want to get to know him, to know which is him. I have watched him since he argued with ojii-sama at this very place six years ago, some time after oto-sama and oka-sama were taken away from me. I also met him for the first time even before that, the one who warmed my heart and stole it… I want to know which is the real person. And that unexpected walk which I took, led me to meeting him ten weeks ago… Was a chance beckoning at me to get to know him. With ojii-sama disproving me to see him again after that, I could not just give up. I had to compromise with ojii-sama. I am glad I compromised. I am really glad.

Otohime: Still agreeing to an engagement that you don't really want to just for permission to continue seeing Shinguji-sama is too… That doesn't balance out at all. After all it is your life we are talking about.

Sakura: I have no regrets Otohime-san. Don't worry about me. Daijobou. (Smiles) (Thinking) Besides… My family comes first. (Begins to speak) Arigato Otohime-san. For worrying about me.

Otohime: Who wouldn't? Even if I know you for about a month I would still be worried about you. It's already been three years since I started working here.

Sakura: (Smiles) Arigato.

(Start of flashback)

Scene: Ryoko's hangout, half an hour ago,

Ryoko: Most people don't want anything to do with me. What is to you? Why did you want to know about me in the first place? Why were you so interested to know me? I'm known to be a rough, rude, bad guy. Aren't you scared?

Sakura: (Smiles) Never mind about that, Ryo-chan. It's not that important.

Ryoko: Still… I'm not allowed to see you anymore… It is too unacceptable.

Sakura: Gomen ne but ojii-sama did not really want me to see you like I always do, but since I had already promised him to be engaged to Gendo-kun, ojii-sama was less strict. But ojii-sama still dislikes you.

Ryoko: (Nods submissively) All right… (Thinking) What's that jiji problem anyway.

Sakura: Don't worry Ryo-chan. I have our treasured moments together to keep me company for a long time.

Ryoko: I don't know if it will be enough for me.

Sakura: Be strong for us both okay. (Lightly punches Ryoko teasingly on the chest) I thought you are a strong guy Ryo-chan.

Ryoko: (Immediately looks up with an air of confidence) (Puff out his chest) I am (Thumps his chest with a fist) strong.

Sakura: (Smiles) I know it is not possible but whatever the future that holds for me, I do like you as well, Ryo-chan. (Hold both his hands with hers) You have always been an interesting companion for me.

Ryoko: Promise you will always be happy okay.

Sakura: Hai. So Ryo-chan…

Ryoko: Nan da?

Sakura: (Fingers Ryoko's shoulder) Ano… Anata wa 'atashi dai suki dōshite desu? [Why do you like me?]

Ryoko: (Taken aback) Eh?

Sakura: Come on Ryo-chan out with it.

Ryoko: Ara? (Thinking) She's as usual good at changing topics. I'm still not used to this.

Sakura: Ne, tell meeee. (Shakes Ryoko vigorously) Is it my cute face, or is it I had grown into a woman before my sixteenth birthday, or you are attracted to my beauty, or is it you can't find any other girls beside me since you are so unsociable and scary thus desperate, or…

Ryoko: Wakatta, wakatta da yo. [All right, all right I get it] I will talk. You, you sort of saved me, Sakura.

Sakura: Ryo-chan…?

Ryoko: I was lost. I was wild. I had no direction in life. My confidence was low. I know people always think that I'm a confident person and don't care what others say about me. But the truth is you have been my light since the day I first met you. Finding myself to be equivalent to living in the dark enclosed world of my own has turned me into this cold person, detesting everything in life, tired of life, being confused. Sakura, you're my radiant light, shining brightly leading the way for me. Though at first it was an irritating light… I tried to shade myself from you but you were so dazzling… I can't help but follow the lit path you light up before me. I found the place where I feel I belong to when I met you. (Thinking) And also… Somehow the buzzing of voices in my head had stopped after you were at my side.

Sakura: (Smiles) You make me feel special and flattered you know.

Ryoko: Heh, I thought you made me feel special about myself.

Sakura: I hope you will continue on the same path without me to direct you, Ryo-chan.

Ryoko: (Nods) Hai, hai. I will never be lost again.

Sakura: Yokatta na. You know Ryo-chan…

Ryoko: Nan de? (Thinking) I know I will never be lost again if I could shape the future where we are together.

Sakura: I can fairly recall someone mentioning that the sky may turn red and even fall but he still would not be interested in me. (Looks at Ryoko innocently yet, evilly) Do you know who, Ryo-chan?

Ryoko: Uh… (Strokes his chin wonderingly acting naive) I wonder who might that erm strong manly tough resilient kind guy be…

(End of flashback)

Sakura: (Covers her mouth as she lightly giggles) (Sigh) (Thinking) I will really miss Ryo-chan. "I'm known to be a rough, rude, bad guy. Aren't you scared?" Why am I not scared of you, you asked me. I was afraid yes but… "It's not easy to see the good in people. In some people, you may even doubt is there at all. But if you can somehow find a way to believe in… Sometimes… Sometimes that is all it is needed. Sometimes that is all it takes to help someone, to give them the strength to find the good in themselves." Oka-sama… Ryo-chan was cold. He really was but he did. He really did become warmer. You are right.

(End of flashback sequence)

Rukawa: (Thinking) I guessed in the end I could not let go of her. I remembered Sakura. I remembered what you were referring to before you passed away. Was what I did so special to you? I thought I was just trying to keep you by my side. Being selfish even. (Snickers at himself) I crashed the party… Uninvited, a fortnight later.

------

Chapter 41: Rukawa Sakura and Shinguji Ryoko part 4 - Never gonna give you up!

(Start of flashback sequence)

(Ryoko's thoughts/dreams)

Taisetsu na mono wa nan da? [What is the one thing that is important to you? / Who is the one person that is important to you?] Don't betray your memories. Don't try to forget all those times. Don't try to hide away again and go back to your old life. Whose life had you share these past few months. In the cold dead of winter, who have appeared in your life, warming up to you, melting the icy cold exterior that you built up to protect yourself. Who is the person who shines brightly in your dark lonely world? Who is the person who never did judge you straight away? Who is this person that look at you under different eyes unlike the others? #Knock, knock.# There… Isn't that her? The only person you really truly trust and believe in. She's knocking on the door. Why aren't you answering it? Why are you hesitating? Isn't she the person that you've left in the far reaches of the gray sky? Hadn't you been searching for this person as you wander around aimlessly all this time? Yes. No. Didn't you found your true place in life… #Ryo-chan…# In Her! Isn't that her! An innocent kindness is right there, behind that very door that is dividing between you two. It won't change. The dream you had painted. Together forever with her, you know. You definitely know. You can overcome any hardships as long as she's next to you, supporting you. Yes. You are remembering now. It was a wondrous chance meeting. Don't take too long now… #Knock, knock…# Wasn't it recently that you felt like if she was the raining sky, you want to be the sea to collect her tears. Even if she was the sun and you the moon separated by millions of miles, you could still catch her light. That's it. Yes. Don't try to forget her. Instead embrace her. Come and open the door. Quick now. Hurry up. #Creak…# Emptiness. You're too late. Sakura is gone. You. Gave. Her. Up. Will you? Did you? Give her up or give in to her? Taisetsu na mono wa nan da? She's important to you isn't she. Do you wanna lose her. Or rather ask yourself this. Can you live without someone as wonderful as her?

(End of dream)

(A/N: I will explain why "taisetsu na mono wa nan da" was echoing in Rukawa's mind in Chapter 30 of Volume 5 at the end of this volume)

------

Scene: Rukawa Residence, Kazumi's room, morning,

Sakura: Obā-sama…

Ayase: Nani?

Sakura: Can I ask you something?

Ayase: Of course Sakura-chan.

Sakura: Can you please keep an open mind about this?

Ayase: Of course I will Sakura-chan. Nan desu ka?

Sakura: Obā-sama, I was wondering… Is it wrong to for a person who is engaged, to fall in love with someone else?

Ayase: (Smiles understandingly)

Sakura: Ne obā-sama, please be open minded about this.

Ayase: Hai, hai.

Sakura: (Looks at her grandmother hopefully)

Ayase: You can't help it Sakura-chan. You can't help if you've fallen in love.

Sakura: Sore kara… [Then…] (A/N: Literal translation is 'After that')

Ayase: But a situation like that will put your husband to be, the person you have fell for and yourself all in pain. So instead of being in limbo… It is better to go the way that is most comfortable to you and which would provide your happiness.

Sakura: Sou ka…

Ayase: It's okay to tell people what you want Sakura-chan. It's okay for you to complain, or say what you want or desire for, once in a while.

Sakura: Dakedo… [Still…]

Ayase: Nani?

Sakura: Nandemonai desu. Sumimasen obā-sama.

Ayase: (Nods) (Returns her attention to the dressing mirror)

Sakura: (Notices a photograph frame facing down on a rack next to the bed) (Thinking) Hmm? (Sees her grandmother busy applying makeup) (Quietly takes hold of the frame and proceeds to take a look)

Kazumi: (Enters the room)

Sakura: (Hastily returns the photo frame back to its original position) Shitsurei shimasu ojii-sama. [Please excuse me]

Kazumi: (Nods)

Sakura: (Thinking) Whew… Hmm… Why was I so nervous at just looking at an old photo? (Shrugs) (Walks away) (Thinking) Ryo-chan… You have been avoiding me ever since that day. I miss you. (Brings her hand up, holding on to the cloth at her chest, her heart) I really miss seeing your scruffy self, your awkward smile and your efforts to please me… (Giggles) Hoping that I will take more interest in you.

------

Scene: Ryoko's hangout, late afternoon,

(A/N: Just a reminder "__" are Sakura's words)

Ryoko: (Thinking thoughtfully) "Hai. I promised ojii-sama I would accept it. I have to keep my promise. I want to do this." Feh, she wants to do it. I can't stop her. She wants to do it. She wants to marry Nagase. (Sigh) (Muttering to no one in particular) It is her decision. She decided on Nagase. She wants to keep her promise to Rukawa jiji. She doesn't want me. I should respect her decision. Damn it man! I can't very well disturb their (With contempt) wonderful special occasion. (Dishearteningly) It will only make Sakura sad. And worsen my already bad name. FEH! What am I doing? Sakura is the most special thing that has ever happens to me. I must not give her up. (Sigh) Isn't that being selfish? Arghhh. Headache. Headache. 'Taku, if Sakura never rubs off that troublesome selfish lecture onto me it would made my life so much easier. (Sigh) Besides Sakura did choose Nagase, didn't she? She could just reject Nagase if she likes me. If she prefers Nagase and I came to disturb, I would only end up getting hated. I already made my feelings know to her haven't I? She already answered that she could not return back my feelings. That's enough to show that I'm not wanted. Oh Kami… (His shoulders slump) Now I'm feeling tremendously depressed. (Sigh) 'Taku, I been sighing a lot lately. (Sigh) "Snow turns into spring." Sakura… I want… I really want to see spring… "I think spring is my favorite time of year."… See the cherry blossoms … Together with you… Fine. Alright then. I will confess my feelings to Sakura again. But Rukawa ojiji will never allow me to see her. Feh, watch me ojiji. I will do everything to steal Sakura's heart. (Knock his knuckles together) It is not fair that she stole my heart. (Grins) I will come for you Sakura… Because I truly love you. I will never give you up until you are beyond my grasp. Because… Since I met you, I found the place where I truly belong. At your side. (Laughs crazily to comfort himself of his apprehension)

Scene: Rukawa Residence, living room, meanwhile,

Sakura: Hah chiiiuuu!

Kazumi: Sakura-san…

Sakura: Ah sumimasen ojii-sama. Sumimasen deshita.

Kazumi: (Looks at a clock) It's almost time. Hurry up and get changed.

Otohime: Iku wa yo Sakura-sama. You need to get ready for tonight.

Sakura: Hai, hai.

Scene: Sakura's room,

Otohime: Ne, that was one big sneeze. Are you catching a cold? (Places her hand on Sakura's forehead)

Sakura: Iie. (Rubs her nose) I don't think so.

Otohime: Sou ka.

Sakura: I could not help myself. It was so sudden and, and… Explosive.

Otohime: Maybe someone is talking or thinking hard about you, ne.

Sakura: Mā, who would.

Otohime: How about Nagase-sama?

Sakura: Masaka…

Otohime: Or would you prefer it to be Shinguji-sama. (Smiles, her eyes twinkle)

Sakura: (Her cheeks burn a bright red) No, not really… (Thinking) Ryo-chan ka? (Sigh) Gomen ne Ryo-chan… For entering your life and… Then leaving you abruptly… I feel so mean, so selfish.

Otohime: (Thinking) Sakura-sama is so vulnerable, so fragile … Well who wouldn't be against Rukawa-sama. Everyone is scared of his fiery temper and all respect him without any questions. The way Sakura-sama is raised to be a gentle and mild woman; she can't possibly speak out against Rukawa-sama however much she wants to, however hard she tried to summon her courage. What she needs is someone. A guy who would protect her… Who could support her to express her real feelings. Is this why Sakura-sama was interested in Shinguji-sama in the first place? That boy… He's too single-minded to be afraid of Rukawa-sama. Just like her late father. Except that her father is not as offhand as him. And while getting to know Shinguji-sama, Sakura-sama fell in love. (Begins to speak) Sakura-sama…

Sakura: Hai?

Otohime: You should think more for yourself.

Sakura: I can't. I can't stab my family in the back. Otohime-san, you know very well that I can't… Besides I also want. I want to do this too. It is not just about the compromise. I want ojii-sama to be happy. He wants me to do this.

(Start of flashback sequence)

Scene: Rukawa Residence, porch, six years ago,

Sakura: (Sitting down on the porch, hugging a doll)

Kazumi: (Turning to his side, looking at the nine year old Sakura) Your mother Hazushi was a very kind and good woman. But your father was a worthless man. Even though I was against it, Hazushi still married him. That man promised me that he would make her happy, so I eventually let her go. But his workplace caught fire when he brought her and Rei-chan along… And both of them died, leaving you and Rei-chan alone. He could not protect Hazushi. He was a worthless man who could not keep his promise.

(End of flashback sequence)

Sakura: Ojii-sama was very saddened when he lost my mother. That is why he arranged this, so that would not happen to me.

Otohime: But you know…

Sakura: After much thought… I was being selfish, Otohime-san. Ojii-sama just wants the best for the family and me. I have to fulfill my promise. Don't worry about me. I want to do this. I am not just fulfilling the compromise I made three months ago.

Otohime: Sakura-sama… (Thinking) She is still reluctant to change her mind even after seeking advice from oku-sama. [Madam] (A/N: Oku-sama is referred to Ayase, Sakura's grandmother)

------

Scene: Rukawa Residence, garden, evening,

Guard: Hey, kimi! Nani suru… #Whack!# Ow…

#Thud#

Ryoko: (Pull the man and hides him beneath a bush) (Looks around) (Thinking) If I'm not mistaken, Sakura's bedroom should be on the second level east side… (Runs towards the target destination…) Wait a minute. (Slows down slightly) Did Sakura ever tell me that? (Shrugs) Nah who cares. As long it's right. It doesn't matter.

Scene: Rukawa Residence, living room,

Kazumi: Nan da to? An intruder?

Guard: Hai. He had just knocked Shinji-san unconscious.

Kazumi: Ku'so! (Grips his walking stick tightly with exasperation) 'Taku, if I know it any better… Come, quick, to Sakura-san room. (Mutters) Forever causing trouble, that idiot.

Scene: Sakura's room, outside the window,

Ryoko: (Peeks in and sees Sakura in a striking black and gold kimono) (Under his breath) Sakura… Ki-ki-kirei… (Gulps)

Otohime: You look beautiful Sakura-sama.

Sakura: (Blushes and smiles coyly) Mā, you are embarrassing me, Otohime-san.

Otohime: The kimono looks like it's made for you. Kirei na! [You're so beautiful]

Sakura: (Giggles) Since you like it so much why don't you wear this and go in my place Otohime-san?

Otohime: Iie, I'm sure Nagase-kun would not fall head over heels for me and Rukawa-sama will be breathing fire down my neck. (Giggles)

Sakura: (Giggles) Sou ne, Otohime-san. [That's true] If not breathing fire, ojii-sama will be wielding his katana.

Ryoko: (Hears more sickening girlish giggles) (Thinking) Oi, just go away will you. Later those old men will come and take Sakura away before I could do anything.

Otohime: (Hears a knock) Ah come in. (Opens the door)

Ryoko: (Sees Kazumi and some men arriving) (Thinking) Ku'so! Ku'so! Ku'so! Ku'so!

Kazumi: Are you ready Sakura-san?

Sakura: Hai ojii-sama.

Kazumi: Good. Iku zo. [Let's go]

Sakura: Hai. (Follows her grandfather respectfully as he lead the way)

Ryoko: (Thinking) Now or never or later. Jan ken pon! [Scissors paper stone] (Sees two clenched fists on both his hands) Wait a minute, what the heck am I doing? Now! Now! (Yells authoritatively) Matte! MATTE YO! (Quickly forces himself to squeeze through the small window and clumsily lands on the floor with a bump)

Kazumi: (Turns around) (Frowns at the anticipated scene) Kisama wa…

Sakura: (Her eyes widen with mixed horror, shock and delight at seeing Ryoko) (Turns to Kazumi) Sumimasen ojii-sama. It is a mistake. (Thinking) Ryo-chan, please go. Don't cause any trouble. This is not the way I want to see you again one last time.

Kazumi: (Continues to glare at the looming Ryoko)

Men: (Thinking) Get him!

Ryoko: (Advances slowly towards the group of people with a peculiarly solemn expression on his face and an occasional dangerous glare directed towards the guards)

Men: (Thinking) Ko-kowai yo… [Scary…] Erm… He hasn't do anything… Anything… Anything improper yet… Just wait first I guess hahaha…

Sakura: (Approaches Ryoko and put both her hands to Ryoko's chest, stopping him) Gomen ne Ryo-chan. Don't worry about it anymore. I want to do this okay. Daijobou. I really want to do this. No one is forcing me to.

Kazumi: Baka yarou! Step back! What do you think you're doing here! You think I'm gonna let this go. Kisama!

Man: (Appears at the doorway) What's the commotion, Rukawa-san?

Kazumi: (Turns and sees a smartly dressed middle-age man) Oh Nagase-san. I'm very sorry. This idiot is interfering.

Ryoko: (Ignoring every other individual presence as he looks at Sakura seriously) Suki da.

Sakura: (Taken aback by the sudden remark) Eh? (Thinking) What is Ryo-chan thinking he is doing? In front of everyone. On the engagement day as well.

Ryoko: Ore Sakura ga dai suki nan da. (A/N: The nan da is doesn't mean "what". It is more like a street-talk, slang)

Kazumi: (Glares furiously at Ryoko) What are you saying, kisama!

Ayase: (Watches the scene with a smile, the palm of her hand on her cheek) (Thinking) I can't help but feel amused.

Otohime: (Massaging her temple) (Thinking) This boy never ceases to amaze me with his absurd actions.

Sakura: No Ryo-chan. I'll be all right. This is a promise. A promise that I made. I don't want to break the promise.

Kazumi: Yes do that. Talk some sense into this idiot.

Ryoko: I didn't make any promise so I don't see why I should have to follow any promise of yours, Sakura.

Sakura: (Nervously) Demo sore wa desu… [But that is…] (Thinking) Ryo-chan, what has got into you?

Ryoko: (Intensely hold Sakura with both his hands by her shoulders and looks earnestly into her eyes) Ore no kokoro ga omae no ano da yo. [My heart is for you] I want to marry you. Because I really love you, Sakura.

Sakura: (Whispers weakly) Ryo-chan…

Kazumi: (Raises the stick in his hand and hit Ryoko squarely on the shoulder) Stand away you bastard! Remove your filthy hands from my granddaughter!

Sakura: (Shrieks) Ojii-sama yamete kudasai.

Ryoko: (Bends down clutching his sore shoulder, grimacing) Hn! (Stands up straight smugly, glaring defiantly at Kazumi) That didn't hurt at all Rukawa ojiji. I'm not going to let anyone take Sakura. It would hurt me more to let go of her. (Points his thumb to himself) I'm the one that is going to make her happy! I'll be the ONE!

Sakura: (Thinking) Ara, Ryo-chan will get into deeper trouble with his coarse language towards ojii-sama. (Weakly) Onegai Ryo-chan. Yamete nasai. Just leave… Or else… (A/N: Yamete nasai is pronounced as "yame nasai")

Nagase: (Thinking) Ara, ara. He's trying to make my son look bad but now he already angered Rukawa-san.

Ryoko: (Looks around) (Thinking) Which one is Nagase Gendo? (Randomly points out to a familiar-looking bald guy in the crowd) (Begins to speak) You, I'm talking to you. I can make Sakura happier than you could possibly imagine.

Bald guy: Ara? Watashi ni? [Huh? Me?] (Points to himself in surprise)

Sakura: (Whispers) Ano Ryo-chan, that is not Gendo-kun. He is Aoi-san one of the guards.

Kazumi: Kono kisama! A stupid youngster like you, what do you think you're saying. Do not take those words lightly! You don't understand anything about the weight those words carry. You're spitting lies, bastard!

Ryoko: Sou da. I am.

Kazumi: Nan da to. [What did you say]

Ryoko: I used to be a bastard. Until I met Sakura. I thought I had nothing. I lived day by day with no interests in anything. I just waste my life away doing nothing productive. But when I met her, she showed me how truly fortunate I am. It all changed. Life becomes interesting. I finally woke up. She taught me many things. I've something to protect. I have an aim in life. I want to protect Sakura. I want to be with her. I want to keep a smile on her face. I am NO longer a bastard!

Sakura: (Thinking) Ryo-chan, anata… You, you made me feel safe, secured. You look so responsible now.

Kazumi: Stop spitting lies you idiot! (Hits Ryoko with his stick repetitively)

Ryoko: (Grimaces in pain but remain obstinately defiant through the whole ordeal)

Sakura: (Pleadingly) Yamete onegai ojii-sama.

Kazumi: (Roars sternly at his granddaughter) Omae wa damaru!

Otohime: Rukawa-sama, please calm down.

Kazumi: (Glares fiercely at the servant) Kisama wa…

Otohime: (Stammering) O-o-onegai.

Ayase: Yamete nasai Kazumi.

Otohime: (Shrinks away)

Kazumi: Nani. (Sees his wife approaching him) (Disbelievingly) You're also stopping me Ayase? Omae wa…

Sakura: Obā-sama onegai desu.

Ayase: Remember that we agree to void this engagement agreement if a man appears to be more qualified than Nagase's son. It is you who put forth this promise for the sake of Sakura-chan.

Kazumi: Damaru! What are you trying to do! You believe this shabby kid? This son of Shinguji is more qualified? Horrendous! I tell you this is unspeakable of. This boy is not even a fraction of his father, Shugo-san.

Ayase: I believe in this young man. His words are not merely words. It is his will. You know that better than I do, don't you. (Thinking) Kazumi. You still had not forgiven Ryoko-kun.

(End of flashback sequence)

Rukawa: Words? Will? (Sigh) Shimatta…

(Start of flashback sequence)

Sakura: (In a faint but bliss evident in her voice) That was the most treasured, most special moment of my life, R- (Starts to breath in sharply and painfully but eventually the gasps for life fades away) (Her hand unavoidably drops to her chest)

Ryoko: (Sees her eyelids shut her once bright cheerful brown eyes away from him for eternity) (Stammers in disbelief) Sakura… Sakura… (His hand that is holding Sakura's hand stiffens) Wake up please… Sakura… Don't leave… I don't want to be without you… Sakura… Open your eyes… Please. (Looks at his bloodied hands) My hands, covered with her blood, I promised I would never allow anyone to hurt her but… (Stares at Sakura for a brief moment) Sakura… (Close his eyes) WAAARRRGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! (Holds despairingly to Sakura's lifeless body to his own) (Mutters unpleasantly) Yamazaki… (Thinking) I shall make you pay and I will die trying! (Open his eyes, raging fire burning madly in his dark dull eyes) (Places Sakura down on the ground gently) (Yells) Yamazaki!

(End of flashback sequence)

Rukawa: (Mutters to himself) Keep Sakura happy? I let her die… (Feels disgusted with himself) I broke my promise. I'm worthless.

(Start of flashback sequence)

Kazumi: Che! If he had such a strong will he won't be like this Ayase.

Ryoko: (Thinking) "You know that better than I do, don't you." "If he had such a strong will he won't be like this Ayase." What the heck are they talking about… What wrong did I do? Can't they argue about simpler matters?

Nagase: You say some interesting things boy. Then let me ask you, in what ways are you superior to my son, Gendo? What makes you think you could do more for Sakura-san instead of my son?

Ryoko: Ore wa ore da yo! [I am myself!] I won't compare myself to your son's level no matter if he is supposedly superior or inferior to me.

Nagase: Heh you think we Nagase are not well trained in martial arts. Son, show him the results of a complete fighter. Show him how inferior he is.

Gendo: Hai. (Cracks his knuckles)

Ryoko: (Sees a center parting brown long haired young man with pretty good looks and slightly better built than himself emerges out from the crowd) Heh… (Grins) (Thinking) Never ever look down on me. I really hate it. (Growls) I'll lose to nobody.

Sakura: (Worried) Yamete nasai Ryo-chan.

Ryoko: No problem Sakura. I will win it for you. Don't worry. I told you before I will not be defeated by anyone.

Sakura: Sonna…

Kazumi: Stop it. He is too advanced for you. A slacker like you who have not finished your training can't possibly beat him.

Ryoko: Then if I win please take the nullification into consideration.

Kazumi: Impossible.

Gendo: (Initiates his fighting stance) I can't allow my fiancée to be with the likes of you. Nothing personal.

Ryoko: Fiancée? You ain't engaged yet!

Gendo: Relax. We'll be once I took care of you. (Grins)

Kazumi: And you! Stop this instance. Stop grinning.

Ryoko: Yosh! (Sets out a foot and pull back his fist to start his momentum) Yarrrr!!! (Thinking) I'll win this and Sakura shall be freed from whatever promise she made and I am free to win her heart. I WILL WIN NO MATTER WHAT! (Charges out his fist towards his opponent)

Gendo: (Thinking) You're too direct. I will just grab your fist first and… (Stops Ryoko's punch with both hands and moves his body swiftly forward to perform his own counter)

Kazumi: (Thinking) Incredible… That bastard putting his whole body into it…

Nagase: (Grins) (Thinking) Shinguji-kun is going down once…

Ryoko: Rrrggghhhh!!! (Put his whole body momentum into the punch, forcing through his fist against Gendo's firm block and…)

Gendo: (Watches in horror as the unexpected powerful force penetrates through his sturdy blocking hands) (Thinking) He couldn't have broken through my guard. It's impossible. I didn't even manage to counter yet…

Ryoko: (Crashes the full impact directly on Gendo's face)

Kazumi: (Thinking) Anyone who stands in his way will…

Gendo: (Flies backwards crashing into the dressing table, unconscious)

Ryoko: Heh… (Grins) (Shakes his winning right fist in front of him) (Proudly) This is the power of my will for Sakura! Anyone else wanna experience what Nagase had received from me? Bring it on!

Sakura: (Looks on with awe) (Thinking) Ryo-chan… Ryo-chan defeated Gendo-kun in one punch? Sonna… That's not possible…

Nagase: (Rushes to Gendo's side) Gendo, Gendo daijobou?

Otohime: (Thinking) Oh dear… Who's gonna be cleaning up? Poor me.

Ryoko: Ja! I shall take Sakura with me then. (Turns to Sakura, grinning ecstatically like a child) Let's go home together Sakura.

Sakura: Ara, sore wa sou nan desu kedo… [Well, yes, but…] (Thinking) But isn't this my home…

Nagase: Kisama wa, (Points to Ryoko crossly) stop it right there!

Ryoko: Ja mata ne! Mahahahaha! (In a single swoop, carries Sakura off in his arms and runs away at top speed out of the house) Iku da yo Sakura. [Let's get going Sakura] (Smiles) I have freed you from your promise.

Sakura: (Surprised at being whisked away suddenly) Ha-hai…(Put her arms around Ryoko's neck, securely, as the crooked of her knees and the back of her shoulders lay in Ryoko's strong arms) (Thinking) Now he's carrying me in his arms… 'Atashi no ōji-sama… [My prince…] Ryo-chan. He may not be gorgeous but he looks dashing to me. (Smiles blissfully and tightens her arms around Ryoko, afraid to lose him)

Ayase&Otohime: Ara ara… [Good grief…]

Men: Stop him! (Rush towards Ryoko)

Ryoko: (Dodges all the guards' futile attempt, kicking them away before they could lay a finger on him and disappears down the corridor and out of the house)

Kazumi: (Growls)

Men: Itai… (Rubbing their various sore aching areas)

Nagase: (Approaches Kazumi) Rukawa-san, I won't let you go for this! This is humiliating!

Kazumi: (Scowling) Che… Kore wa… Ore… Che! Ryoko kono yarou…

------

Chapter 42: Rukawa Sakura and Shinguji Ryoko part 5 - Consequences

Scene: Rukawa Residence, garden, later,

Ryoko: Okay… I'm ready.

Sakura: (Sitting down on a bench) Nani?

Ryoko: You can start scolding me for spoiling your engagement party.

Sakura: It is not some fight between kids you know… I don't think this will end here but… I give up. Gomen nasai. I have to go this far before I truly understand my own self. Baka desu. 'Atashi wa baka desu. (Starts to shed tears) (Bends forward hiding her crying face)

Ryoko: (Feeling troubled with Sakura's strange behavior) Sakura… (Thinking) What is she apologizing for? (Begins to speak) Ne… Ne…

Sakura: (Looks up at Ryoko with tears streaming down her cheeks smearing her makeup slightly) But I was really happy. Ureshii desu. (Laughs)

Ryoko: (Feeling uneasy with the situation presented before him) (Thinking) Happy and crying and laughing at the same time… What am I suppose to do when Sakura is like that?

Sakura: (Sees Ryoko comically putting out his hand and withdrawing it hastily back a few times) (Giggles) (Thinking) Ryo-chan wants me to take his hand? (Quickly grabs hold of Ryoko's hand the next time he brought it out)

Ryoko: (Trembles a little as the warmth of Sakura's hand transfer to his own cool skin) Ano… Sakura, you, you could…

Sakura: Nani? (Comes closer to Ryoko)

Ryoko: (Whispers) You could lean on me and cry you know… I… I'll make you feel better. I'm here for you. I'll protect you, Sakura. You can depend on me. I'll take care of you. I'll work hard and make us both happy. You said I should be more sharing. So what about you Sakura… Share to me your tears, your happiness, anything. That will make you feel better.

(End of flashback sequence)

Rukawa: I made promises… But I was never fit to protect you from the beginning. (Clench his fists tightly, angrily)

(Start of flashback sequence)

Sakura: (Covers her mouth, giggling helplessly)

Ryoko: (Feeling slightly annoyed and embarrassed) What's so funny? (Thinking heatedly) I'm already trying my best to…

Sakura: (Clap her hands together cutely in front of her) Gomen, gomen ne. But are you really Ryo-chan? Who are you and what have you done to Ryo-chan?

Ryoko: Why don't you ask yourself that question.

Sakura: Are you sure I am the cause. (Smiles)

Ryoko: (Grunts)

Sakura: Hai… (Rests her forehead against Ryoko's chest, her hands holding to his, at waist level at the sides)

Ryoko: Hey, are you okay?

Sakura: (Whispers) Ryo-chan, even if my heart aches, or I am crying because of you…

Ryoko: Nani…

Sakura: (Looks up, fixing her wet brown eyes deeply into Ryoko's dark ones) If I am crying because of you, it does not necessarily mean I am sad.

Ryoko: S-sou… (Thinking) I don't actually understand but it did sound like a good thing.

Sakura: (Hears footsteps growing louder and the familiar tapping of a stick) (Realizes that her grandfather is approaching them) Ojii-sama looks really angry…

Ryoko: Feh… It will be fine, just fine. I'll face him. Don't worry, Sakura. I'll take care of this troublesome-

Sakura: (Pats Ryoko on the shoulder) (Smiles) Let me handle it Ryo-chan. You have done enough, both damage and help. (Gives a little giggle)

Ryoko: Ano na, ore ga…

Sakura: Shh! Shh!

Ryoko: … (Turns his view to Kazumi) (Thinking) He looks really angry. I guess I shouldn't make him angry anymore.

Kazumi: (Stops a few meters in front of Ryoko and Sakura, looking fiercely at Sakura, ignoring Ryoko)

Sakura: (Walks forward) (Places her right hand over her left, bows respectfully) I am sorry ojii-sama but I cannot keep that promise.

Kazumi: (Points to Ryoko) You choose that disrespectful idiot like him over a fine young man like Gendo-kun? (A/N: In Japan it is considered rude to point your finger at others. Ryoko also did a few finger pointing in previous scenes if you noticed. Plus the "familiar" bald guy called Aoi just now which Ryoko "mistakenly" took him for Nagase Gendo was the same guy who informed Kazumi and brought him over to Ryoko's hangout when he saw Ryoko "murdering" Sakura aka Sakura flirting with Ryoko)

Sakura: (Looks downward humbly) Hai.

Kazumi: You choose to follow the same path as your mother?

Sakura: Hai.

Kazumi: Even though she lived such an unhappy life? Your father promised me that he would make her happy but he could not keep his promise. Your mother was an unhappy woman.

Sakura: (Thinking) Chigau… [No, she was not…]

Kazumi: Now if she had followed my wish, she would have been happier marrying a better and fine man. She would have been alive! She has her whole life in front of her!

Sakura: (Faintly) Chigau masu… [No, she did not…]

Ryoko: (Fold his arms impatiently, fidgeting edgily)

Kazumi: She died so young. I should be dead first not my daughter! She had nothing to cherish in her life!

Sakura: (Softly) That's… That's not true…

Kazumi: If she had not chosen him…

Sakura: (Looks up eye to eye with Kazumi) Chigau ojii-sama, I never thought oka-sama was unhappy. (Sees Ryoko placed a hand on Kazumi's shoulder) Ara?

Kazumi: (Glares at Ryoko) Nani, kisama-

Ryoko: (Slaps Kira)

Sakura: (Widen her eyes in utmost disbelief and horror) (Thinking) Ryo-chan… What, what do you think you are doing?

Kazumi: (Glares at Ryoko) Onore…

Ryoko: What made you think that you can talk to Sakura like that?!

Kazumi: What manner is this Shinguji Ryoko!

Sakura: (Holds to Ryoko's sleeve) Yamete nasai Ryo-chan. (Thinking) You are making it worse.

Kazumi: You don't know what you're doing boy.

Ryoko: Damn well I know what I am doing. I just regretted slapping you. I should have punched you instead!

Sakura: Ryo-chan!

Kazumi: Ano na!

Ryoko: This is why Sakura turned out like this. Think before you speak Rukawa ojiji. You said Sakura's mother had nothing to cherish in her life. You really think she had nothing to cherish in her life?

Kazumi: Nani?

Sakura: (Softly) Ya-yamete.

Ryoko: Think again! Sakura ga… Sakura was born. And there's also her little sister! Though I have not met her yet I know any mother would be happy to have them as her daughters!

Kazumi: (Stares in surprise and ultimately disgrace as he finally realizes his mistake) … (Thinking) What have I done…

Sakura: (Holds to Ryoko's arm) (Her head low resting against his biceps) Ryo-chan…

Ryoko: Don't say like she was born to worthless parents. Because of you… Because of you, Sakura grew up worrying about you rather than herself. You idiot! You are just as shitty as me!

Kazumi: Sou… Sou da na… (Bows) I'm sorry. I am really sorry. I never thought about that. No child wants to hear insults about their parents.

Ryoko: (Calms down) As long as you understand… (Thinking) What did I just did…

Sakura: (Approaches Kazumi and hold his hands) Ojii-sama…

Kazumi: (Looks up) I'm sorry Sakura-san.

Sakura: Sonna [No] ojii-sama. 'Atashi wa… (A/N: Sonna also means no. It has a tone like you can't believe your ears. No way/ That can't be/ Are you sure)

Ryoko: Ano… [Um…] (Anxiously) I guess I will leave you two to talk things out. Ja. (Rushes off hurriedly to leave the scene) (Thinking) SHIMATTA! What the hell am I doing? Told ojiji to think before he speak yet I hardly think and just slapped him. Dieeee! I'm in deep trouble! And I had just told myself not to make him angry. (Shakes his head, horrified at his action for the first time in his life)

Ayase: (Calls out) Ryoko-kun! Come over here. (Beckons to Ryoko to come into the house)

Otohime: (Smiling) (Thinking) She couldn't do it but she found someone who could. Someone who helps her express her true feelings to Rukawa-sama.

------

Scene: Rukawa Residence, living room, much later,

Kazumi: (Sitting down on a cushion, facing Ryoko and Sakura with Ayase beside him) Your father is a noble man Sakura-san. I'm sorry. Because I lost my daughter, I failed to see it. Your father, he did all he could to at least save Rei-chan. She survived because of his quick wits. The rescuers found Rei-chan in a damp wooden box, a little burnt, protected by your parents own charred bodies. They did all they could to protect her. But due to my ill contempt, I kept seeing them as worthless. The fact is they were brave till the end. They weren't worthless. They give me two wonderful granddaughters to be proud of. I am wrong.

Sakura: (Nods quietly)

Ryoko: (Thinking) So that's how it is.

Kazumi: (Looks at Ryoko firmly, silently)

Ryoko: (Thinking) Nan de? Feh. (Begins to speak) Don't worry. I'll make her happy. (Tightens his hand over Sakura's) Only a Nagase will let go of her.

Kazumi: (Whispers) He's just as rude as ever.

Ayase: (Whispers) Just like you Kazumi. You must have had rub that into him. You are done explaining to them so come on, let's leave them alone.

Kazumi: (Whispers sternly) Now don't be rude to me Ayase. He's nothing like me.

Ayase: (Whispers back) Hai, hai. If I know any better, Ryoko-kun is your son.

Kazumi: (Mortified) Nan da to! Are you saying that I-

Ayase: Joudan. Joudan desu. Mattaku, Kazumi, you better watch your blood pressure. I can't always take care of you. Iku wa yo. [Come, let's go]

Sakura: (Rests her head on Ryoko's shoulder, giggles a little at her two bickering grandparents)

Ryoko: (Put his arm around Sakura protectively)

Kazumi: (Shrugs off Ayase's attempt to get him away) I am not done yet. (Turns to Ryoko) The engagement to Nagase-san may be nullified but it doesn't mean that I will allow Sakura-san to see you yet.

Ayase: Kazumi.

Sakura: Ojii-sama.

Ryoko: Feh.

Kazumi: Tell me Ryoko, why should I hand over Sakura-san to you? How do I really know that you really love Sakura-san and will take good care of her.

Ryoko: Ore-

Kazumi: All I see is a young hard headed hot blooded young man who of course would have eyes for beautiful women.

Ryoko: (Thinking) He did not even give me a chance to speak. 'Taku…

Kazumi: And my granddaughter Sakura-san is indeed beautiful. Anyone would be attracted to her. How do I know that you're not only eyeing her beauty? Tell me. Speechless are you now, huh?

Ryoko: (Turns and takes a look at Sakura who is sitting next to him on the cushion)

Sakura: Nani?

Ryoko: (His lips curl up just the slightest bit) (Turns back to Kazumi) Yes Sakura is beautiful, ojiji. She's very beautiful. In fact she is incredibly beautiful.

Sakura: (A slight redness creeps up her cheeks) Ara Ryo-chan…

Ryoko: Yes I have two eyes and I could see that she's beautiful without a doubt.

Kazumi: Nan de, omae wa? [What are you trying to say?]

Ryoko: But don't just use me as an example. Because even a BLIND man can SEE that Sakura is beautiful. No one would be attracted to Sakura even if she has the most gorgeous looks but has a personality like you.

Ayase: (Shakes her head) (Thinking) I guess Ryoko-kun could be a little impertinent… (Glances at Kazumi) Uh oh…

Sakura: (Sweatdrops) (Thinking) As usual Ryo-chan is straightforward. Too straightforward… Ojii-sama looks like he is going to explode… (Finger her lips nervously) Oh dear.

Otohime: (Peeking from a doorway to the kitchen fearfully) (Thinking) Shinguji-sama is going to have a short lifespan.

Kazumi: (Numerous big fat almost bursting veins materialize under his forehead) (Thinking) That answer infuriates me more than-

Ayase: Mā, mā. (Pats Kazumi's chest, trying to calm him down) Ryoko-kun meant well. (Sees her husband's eyes almost bulge out of their sockets)

Kazumi: (Blurts out) Meant well? Which part of his answer meant well? Tell me.

Ayase: He did answer your question didn't he?

Kazumi: Answer yes. Settle my mind at ease? No! Who are the people who raised Sakura-san to become the person she is. We are the one. Answering like that… In fact now I'm feeling-

Ayase: Okay Kazumi. Let's go. Sakura-chan will be fine with Ryoko-kun, ne. (Pull Kazumi up from his sitting position)

Ryoko: That goes without asking.

Sakura: Hai.

Kazumi: But I am not done yet.

Ayase: No buts young man.

Sakura: (Turns to Ryoko after her grandparents left the room) Ne Ryo-chan, I never thought I would actually break my engagement with Gendo-kun for you.

Ryoko: (Haughtily) Heh. It's so simple. You got a better guy in me. Look, I even defeat the so-called best fighter of my generation with only half my training in a single punch. (Maniacally) Wahahahaha!

Sakura: (Amused) (Thinking) He is more relieved than he is trying to show.

Kazumi: (Walking away with Ayase leading him, within hearing distance) (Thinking) Fluke or no fluke. He really was determined to keep Sakura-san by his side. Such incredible confidence he has. Although cocky and arrogant now but he oozes confidence. His confidence is his strength no doubt but should he ever loses that confidence, he will become dreadfully weak. I'm sure of it.

Ryoko: (Unexpectedly loud) Rukawa jiji is too stupid if he think Nagase is good enough for you. What the hell is he thinking?

Scene: Rukawa Residence, in the next room,

Kazumi: (Muttering vehemently) Ano yarou… I can hear you. (Marches towards his katana display)

Ayase&Otohime: (Realizing Kazumi's obvious crazy intention) (Immediately rushes towards Kazumi) Yameru kudasai Kazumi/Rukawa-sama. Please calm down.

Scene: Rukawa Residence, living room,

Sakura: (Hugging Ryoko from impulse, making him blush a dark shade of red) (Thinking) He always fought for what he believes in. The self-belief in him, is what makes me feel so… "Most people don't want anything to do with me. What is to you? Why did you want to know about me in the first place. Why were you so interested to know me?" You may have forgotten it. You did not even recognize me let alone know me when we met the second time at the lake after six years since our first meeting. The truth is because…That very first time… You took and hold my hand… Reassuring me… When I was feeling down and hopeless… I never felt so comforted. Ojii-sama awfully wanted to raise me to become a gentle woman, stressing its importance to our family for what reasons I have no idea. He was very scary and strict. Always emphasizing on the gentle nature of a woman. I don't know why… I really don't know why. Can't I just be an average girl? Ojii-sama always emphasizing on a woman's manner, behavior, attitude… I guessed it is because he just wanted to marry me off to Nagase-kun. I was really very upset and saddened at my apparent inability to please ojii-sama.

Ryoko: (Lightly rubs Sakura's back and inhaling the sweet shampoo scent from her soft hair) (Thinking) Omae wa suki da, Sakura. Ore omae wa dai suki. [I love you Sakura. I really love you]

Sakura: (Thinking) Then he suddenly appeared… Encouraging me… Those kind eyes… I didn't know who he was or why he was there at my home. But it doesn't matter at that time. It felt so right. He looks so sincere. It was a week later then. The fire. My parents died. Ojii-sama in a fearful mood. And when I saw him again… He was already in a dreadful spat with ojii-sama which continue to this very day. I found out his name then. Shinguji Ryoko. I don't know why but watching Ryo-chan arguing with ojii-sama intrigued me. Everyone in the village including the village headman is scared of ojii-sama and usually relents to ojii-sama. Ojii-sama is such a fearsome person but Ryo-chan stood up against him, defending his own belief even if they were wrong. I was envious of Ryo-chan, I admire his courage to be able to stood up to ojii-sama. I did not like ojii-sama taking my life matters into his hands even if he meant well. I wanted to tell ojii-sama my real feelings. But I could never do so. I am fearful of ojii-sama. When I saw Ryo-chan again, from afar… I marveled at the way Ryo-chan is not turned off by ojii-sama scary nature. I wanted to meet Ryo-chan. To know him. To understand him. Why? It is strange. The person who encouraged me last week look so warm and friendly. But the guy who was arguing with ojii-sama appeared like a totally different person. But still Ryo-chan, he reminded me of oto-sama. That was why I was rather interested in him. He is the one with those kind eyes. And fate led me back to him three months ago… I could finally get to know him and unconsciously found myself falling in love with him. He is rough and rude but as oka-sama taught me… Given a chance… "It's not easy to see the good in people. In some people, you may even doubt is there at all. But if you can somehow find a way to believe in… Sometimes… Sometimes that is all it is needed. Sometimes that is all it takes to help someone, to give them the strength to find the good in themselves." There is softness in him. And I love his soft side along with his rough side. That is what made him to be him. I never thought I would actually develop feelings for this uncouth guy… But I did. I am glad I did. He is not just an uncouth guy. Within him, he is also my ōji-sama. (Begins to speak) Ryo-chan…

Ryoko: Nan de?

Sakura: Do you really meant all the things that you said.

Ryoko: Of course!

Sakura: Including what you said to ojii-sama.

Ryoko: Definitely. I love everything about you. Everything except…

Sakura: (Softly) Except…

Ryoko: Rukawa jiji.

Sakura: (Face-faults)

Ryoko: Well he is a part of you. Part of your family.

Sakura: (Smiles) I guess I could live with that.

Ryoko: Heh.

Sakura: Ryo-chan.

Ryoko: Nan de.

Sakura: Anata wa ai shite imasu. (Buries her face into Ryoko's chest, as her arms reach through the side of his chest under his arms and her hands clasp back at his shoulders tightly)

Ryoko: (Trembles slightly) (Faintly) Yo-yokatta…

Sakura: (Surprised at the little shakes) (Looks up) Ryo-chan… You are crying…?

Ryoko: 'Taku, this is embarrassing. (Turns his head away from Sakura's view) I don't know why… Hontō ni yokatta demo… [I'm really so very glad but…]

Sakura: (Faces Ryoko and put a finger on Ryoko's mouth as her other hand wipes away his tears) Are you really that happy…

Ryoko: Hai. (Nods a few times) Ureshii da yo… Arigato Sakura. (Wraps his arms around Sakura tightly) I adore you so much… I just couldn't let go of you. I really don't know your true feelings towards me. I know you chose Nagase but a part of me couldn't accept that fact. I felt like I should not gave up and told myself to go all out fighting before it was too late… (Thinking) Too late in opening the door and let you into my heart… (Whispers) And you will be out of my grasp.

Sakura: What made you decide to return for me?

Ryoko: In the end I concluded that if I were to live without you… It would be very different. I'm scared by the thought of not seeing you anymore. I need to be by your side. I want to be at your side. I can't spend my life without you. Hahahaha I sound crazy right.

Sakura: Ryo-chan…

Ryoko: But seriously, I'm so delighted that… That I still have a chance with you.

Sakura: Mata 'atashi wa desu. [Me too]

Ryoko: (Grins through his tear stained face) I will love you, always. Believe me. No other women will enter my heart. Just you, Sakura. Just you. I promise.

Sakura: (Hugs Ryoko tighter) Me too, Ryo-chan.

Ryoko: (Pulls away a little) That's not fair. Of course no other women will enter your heart.

Sakura: (Amused) Ryo-chan no baka.

Ryoko: (Tenderly pull Sakura's wrinkling nose) You were opened, Sakura.

Sakura: (Smiles joyfully) Sōdesu ne. You should be gentle like that with me.

Ryoko: (Grins a little) (Release his hand off Sakura's nose and places his forehead to contact with Sakura's) (In a low voice) Sakura…

Sakura: (Blushes slightly) Hai?

Ryoko: (Naturally tilts his head to accommodate them both and draws closer with his right hand holding up Sakura's chin)

Scene: Rukawa Residence, doorway connecting to the adjacent living room,

Ayase: (Peeking at the couple) Would you look at mood Otohime-san.

Otohime: Yes, yes oku-sama.

Ayase: When one forgets to put the emotion in her heart to rest, they burn the color of passion. Sakura-chan wa…

Otohime: The ambience is perfect. Ah Sakura-samaaaaaa…

Ayase: Eh, this doesn't seem right. It's as if there's a disturbance in the air… A really violent filled with rage… (Turns around and sees Kazumi marching towards them with a sheathed katana in his possession, his face dark with fury) Oh dear… (Thinking) I thought I told him to go cool himself down with a bottle of sake in the kitchen.

Otohime: Gik- [Gulp]

Scene: Rukawa Residence, living room,

Sakura: (Understanding the anticipated yet unexpected kiss) (Close her eyes and feels the warm breath of Ryoko, inducing the freefall of her heart and the tingling of her toes) (Thinking) I should only share this exclusive moment with a special someone. (Softly before they lock lips) Iie. Yamete kudasai Ryo-chan.

Ryoko: (Open his eyes, realizing Sakura's reluctance) (Uncomfortably) So-sorry. (Thinking) Ku'so. I really feel bad for being disappointed.

Sakura: (Grins impishly) That is because only my husband is allowed to kiss me.

Ryoko: (Brightens up considerably at the hinted prospect) Sōdesu ka?

Sakura: Hai. Besides ojii-sama will have a fit if he found out that I kissed you when we are not even engaged and it is just after nullifying my engagement with Gendo-kun. Ojii-sama may even wield his sharpest katana out for your head. I don't want Ryo-chan to be without a head, you know. I want my Ryo-chan to be complete, from head to toe, and nothing missing.

Scene: Rukawa Residence, doorway connecting to the adjacent living room,

Kazumi: (Holding his katana, trying to unsheathe it) Let go of me. They're going to kiss! I know they are, even if we can't hear what they are talking about. I could even sense that ridiculous atmosphere from the kitchen! Kids these days! See their heads so close together! It's going to happen anytime now! Let go of my arm Ayase, Otohime-san!

Ayase&Otohime: (Trying their best to contain Kazumi) Calm down. Calm down. Trust Sakura-chan to do the right thing. We have taught her well didn't we? (Thinking) I hope…

Kazumi: You didn't teach her enough!

Scene: Rukawa Residence, living room,

Ryoko: (Grins) Sou ka… (Withdraws his head away) (Strangely polite) Then do I have your permission to become your husband, Sakura, (His hand holding Sakura's graciously yet…) ore no ōjo-sama. (Bows in a totally inelegant manner)

Sakura: (Smiling widely, a little amused) That would depend.

Ryoko: On?

Sakura: If I have yours to become your wife, 'atashi no ōji-sama.

(In Ryoko's head)

Scene: The crazy courtroom, in a commotion at the moment,

Gentleman Ryoko: (Smiling, his arms fold) (Nodding calmly) Of course. She can.

Panel of Ryokos: (Jumping up and down and making waves) (Loudly) We all agree! YAHOOOO! Sakura's a great girl!

Judge Ryoko: Case closed. (Grins) She can cook also. Maybe she would even learn how to cook exotic dishes to please us.

Punk Ryoko: I guess it can't be help. (Punches out a fist upwards) (Deafeningly) WAY TO GO MAN! You have our vote of confidence! KAWAII! Kirei na!

Gentleman Ryoko: Chotto matte yo. But what about her grandfather?

Punk Ryoko: Who cares about that old geezer? Is not like WE are going to marry HIM.

Gentleman Ryoko: …

Panel Ryokos: (Laughing gaily) So true! We aren't marrying that short-tempered old man!

Gentleman Ryoko: You know what I meant.

Judge Ryoko: Relax Ryoko. I'm sure all will go fine. Trust me. For now let's celebrate!

(Back to reality)

Ryoko: (Grins from ear to ear) You have all the courtroom members' absolute support, Sakura.

Sakura: (Blinks in surprise) Ara? (Thinking) Courtroom members?

Scene: Rukawa Residence, doorway connecting to the adjacent living room,

Ayase: (Triumphantly with a twinge of disappointment) You see, they didn't kiss at all.

Kazumi: Che, if I know any better they already did while you were taking my attention away.

Otohime: Iie. They really didn't.

Kazumi: Then that's because I taught her well. Che. (Walks back to the kitchen)

Ayase: When Sakura-chan behaves badly, it means I didn't teach her properly.

Otohime: Sou, sou. When Sakura-sama did well, it means Kazumi-sama did a good job.

Ayase/Otohime: (Looks at each other) Men. Typical.

------

Scene: Kazumi's room, an hour after Ryoko had left,

Sakura: (Sneaks in) (Thinking) I don't know why I am so curious nevertheless… Quickly now before ojii-sama and obā-sama get to bed. (Takes the photo frame off the rack and takes a look) (Disbelievingly) Isn't… Isn't that… But… It cannot be… Ojii-sama had always loathe… And vice-versa.

------

Scene: Shinguji Residence, later,

Ryoko: (Changes into his pyjamas) Oyasumi haha-ue, chichi-ue.

Haruka: Oyasumi nasai Ryoko.

Shugo: Hm. Ryoko…

Ryoko: Nan de.

Shugo: Congrats on your successful capture of Sakura-hime-sama. (Grins) [Princess Sakura]

Ryoko: Urusei na. The word is 'Rescue' alright. Feh. (Enters his bedroom)

Haruka: Everything went rather well didn't it, dear?

Shugo: Perfectly well. This could also unexpectedly help in our own cause together with Kagurazaka-san.

Haruka: (Smiles) We have Sakura-chan to thank for.

Shugo: (Grunts) Guessed so. She somehow cured him. And the effects have almost all faded.

Haruka: Sou yo. Ryoko have finally got over and done over those lingering doubt towards us in his mind that had lasted for six long years. Although we did our best to remove every part of his memory concerning that event… Still…

Shugo: Sou da na. It was hard since we don't want him to lose all his memories of his life. It isn't easy to make one forget a specific memory of one's life with our abilities.

Haruka: I'm glad. If not…

Shugo: Don't worry Haru-chan. Ryoko has forgotten. He is also slowly return back to his old self before that incident. Now is time for Kagurazaka-san to contact Yamazaki-san and we can start the first phase soon.

Haruka: Sou yo. Nagase-kun will be unhappy with Rukawa-sama and their trust with each other will dissipate due to Rukawa-sama decision to null the engagement. It will certainly make our job easier.

Shugo: Sōdesu. After delaying for six years because of Ryoko, we can finally commence back our plans.

Haruka: Better late than losing Ryoko.

Scene: Ryoko's room,

Ryoko: (Lying on his bed his hands behind his head, pondering to himself) What did obā-san meant when she mentioned I've been to their house before. I thought tonight was my first time.

(Start of flashback sequence)

Scene: Rukawa Residence, living room, when Sakura is outside in the courtyard with Kazumi talking,

Ryoko: Nan de, obā-san?

Ayase: You may wait here while Sakura-chan talks with her grandfather for a while.

Ryoko: All right. (Sits down on a cushion) (Thinking) What a night.

Ayase: Kazumi is very old-fashioned minded and also obstinate as well. Even this house, it is still the same way it has been since ever even before you visit us when you were younger. We never change anything… Even though we could afford a sofa and so on. But Kazumi prefers the traditional cushions.

Ryoko: Eh I did? I visited here before? Masaka.

Ayase: Ara? Ryoko-kun was always visiting us to see your dear Rukawa-jii-chan, last time.

Ryoko: (Startled) What do you mean? That Rukawa jiji?

Ayase: (Surprised at Ryoko's reaction) You didn't?

Ryoko: Iie da.

Ayase: (Gives Ryoko a strange look) I was tremendously surprised when you and Kazumi argued that day at the front gate of this house. I don't know what happened to start it off. Both of you were such an inseparable pair. Kazumi always wanted a son though I never did blessed him with one. He also did hope that Hazushi would produce a son. But after he got acquainted with you, he was very happy. He even started to get along with our son-in-law, Hazushi's husband. Of course I don't know whatever personal problems you were having but the row that day with Kazumi was like applying oil to the fire as it was just after our later daughter and our son-in-law death. Kazumi keep muttering the insolence, the impudence, the impertinence, and the audacity of you and so on after the spat, and the inseparable pair was broken on that fateful day. And of course, soon after, I heard gossips about you starting to be rude, violent and so on until recently where the gossips start to die a bit and new gossips surface. Ryoko-kun the bad boy is changing for the better. And Sakura-chan also starts to get along with you very well.

Ryoko: Iie da! Sonna! [No! It can't be!] I don't like jiji one bit at all. I would have remembered if I ever did. Just the thought can make me retch, obā-san.

Ayase: Sou ka na. (Thinking worriedly) What is going on… However I look at it, Ryoko-kun really looks honestly surprised about this as well.

(End of flashback sequence)

Ryoko: Eh? (Sits up on his bed abruptly, clutching his head) Why am I thinking of this? I had forgotten something more important! CHIKU'SO! CHIKU'SO! I forgot to wish Sakura happy birthday and her birthday present! (Yells in frustration) ARGHHHHH! What will she think of me now! I look so insincereeeee!!!

(A/N: Nobody's perfect right! I can't let Ryoko do almost everything right on that night. And I'm very sure that you also forgot that it is Sakura's birthday because of the whole excitement. Engagement on the sixteenth birthday. I know because I also did forget as well keke. Thank God I remembered it later on and so add this little piece of Ryoko also forgetting it as well for a little humor)

Scene: Sakura's room, meanwhile,

Sakura: (Lying down on her bed) (Thinking) What does it mean? This is so weird. Both Ryo-chan and ojii-sama clearly loathe each other… But why is there a photo… Of ojii-sama and a younger Ryo-chan, together, posing their catch of the day for the camera at that place…

(Start of flashback sequence)

Sakura: Ne Ryo-chan, you never told me why this place is special to you. It is so special that you even scratched your name on this seat.

Ryoko: The word is engraved.

Sakura: The correct term is vandalism.

Ryoko: (Face-faults)

Sakura: Back to topic Ryo-chan. Back to topic.

Ryoko: It's just a place that I always go to every day. I feel like I could find what I was looking for here at this place.

Sakura: (Grins) Heh, any chance that the answer you were looking for is me.

Ryoko: (Grins) Who knows.

Sakura: No? (Makes a pitiful face)

Ryoko: Feh, if it's you then you were late for six years already, 'taku.

Sakura: (Thinking) Six years is it… Did he found this place six years ago, and alone? Is he the one who set up the bench as well? But why a bench here of all places?

(End of flashback sequence)

Sakura: (Thinking) What happened between them? Ojii-sama did have a past with Ryo-chan when I was too young to remember or understand anything much around me. But Ryo-chan can't be hiding anything from me. I really trust him. Maybe I should just ask him about himself and ojii-sama. But what happened six years ago? My parents died in a fire accident. Ojii-sama and Ryo-chan had a face-off spat outside the house. Are they related? And a week before that, I met Ryo-chan for the first time. I thought Ryo-chan was like this before because he didn't have a friend. But the photo proved otherwise. He had a friend. A very close friend possibly. With someone who I never would have thought it was possible…

Scene: Kazumi's room,

Ayase: (Giving soft light snores)

Kazumi: (Steals a glance at his sleeping wife) (Turns to the rack on his side and picks up the faced down photo frame) (Looks at the old photo of himself in a hakama and a younger Ryoko standing together, with fishing poles resting on their shoulders, while Ryoko in a white singlet and shorts had one feet up on the bench seat, grinning gaily and proudly displaying their caught fish respectively while the lake sparkles with the sunlight in the background on one side) (Thinking) Heh… Seems like I am a good carpenter after all. That bench I put up is still as good as new after all these years. It still looks solid when I visited there recently at that time when Aoi-san informed me of Ryoko strangling Sakura-san. How many years has it been? Nine, ten years? Time has passed so fast. (Focus his eyes on Ryoko) (His lips curl up a little) It had been a good three or four years having fun together with you in your younger days, Ryo… -chan… Ah the good old days… Sitting on the bench I set up, waiting for fish to take the bait, having lunch there occasionally as well… Sure help my old back. The old days… Before his attitude change to like a yakuza [gangster] six years ago. Che! (Sigh) Why did he change… I just hope he will change for the better now for his sake and Sakura-san as well.

(End of flashback)

Scene: Tendo Dojo, in the kitchen, evening,

Kasumi: (Chopping carrots into slices quietly) (Thinking) The sudden break of that cup handle this afternoon has been continuously giving me an ominous feeling. Rukawa-kun… Masaka.

Scene: Shinguji Ryoko and Rukawa Kazumi's old hangout, meanwhile,

Rukawa: (Kneeling down on the ground, his forehead rests miserably on the seat as his fingers dig painfully into the earth in frustration) Oh Kami-sama… I miss her warmth by my side… I miss the way her nose wrinkles endearingly every time she's amused at my silliness. I miss her sweet smile that makes me feel so alive whenever I look at her. I miss wrapping my arms around her, knowing that she is close to me. I miss her beautiful soft wavy hair, and getting a whiff of the shampoo she used to wash them. I even miss watching her reading a book by herself, watching her lips move silently. I miss everything, Sakura. How I wished I could sleep on the same bed with you each night and be able to say I love you before we go to sleep. How… (Bites his lips as his body trembles a little) I want to see you right away. I want to hold you tight, feeling you so close to me, smelling your scent… What would I give to see you alive again… Why… Why do I have to lose you?! I may have been a terrible person but you are so gentle and kind. Why must that person took your life away… It should have been me. It should have been me… Life is so unfair. Sakura… My heart is aching for you. I'm not sure what was going on with my past with my incomplete memory but it is simple. You, you had die because of me. I am ready to die to avenge you. I will… I will master Hachi no Ugoki Zetsubo Saigo for us, no matter what.

------

End.

A/R=Author's Ramblings.

A/R: What do you know… As the volume concludes, Ryoko's own parents seem to been hatching a plot with Kagurazaka where even Yamazaki is involved together with them which seem to be against Rukawa and Nagase. Heh… Things are getting even more complicated. Doesn't seem to go the simple and straightforward way of the simple idea of Yamazaki kidnap Sakura and Ryoko chased and ended up defeated and Sakura die, isn't it. It is getting more and more complicated. Instead of weaving a love story between two persons, there is even the involvement of a demon, or is it just a stupid legend? As we know Ryoko detest his parents but even so he doesn't actually know why and that troubled him a lot. Ever since Sakura enters his life, this hatred diminish little by little as Ryoko tried to get along with them and eventually it is revealed that his own parents are fabricating their own possible sinister plot which was supposed to begin as early as six years ago where Ryoko witness something and his memories of it had to be erased by his own parents.

"A part of me is missing." This is referring to Ryoko missing the old memories of himself. His time with Kazumi and so on.

Frustrated with the feeling of "A part of me is missing.", he felt insecure and there was an uneasy buzz in his head. He also unconsciously does not trust his parents, due to a lingering doubt.

That's why Lost Memories not Lost Memory, mahahaha. Ryoko lost his memories twice. Anyone every wonder about it keke? Don't you ever wonder why Rukawa remember this name 'Rukawa' in volume 1 which became his present name but never did recall his memory of Sakura until volume 6 even though her name is Rukawa Sakura? He used to call Kazumi, Rukawa-jii-chan. So it is possible that his closeness with the grumpy grandfather actually linger in his mind, thus the name Rukawa and not because of a lingering remembrance of Sakura in his mind for he always call her as Sakura not Rukawa. So did he actually remember his relationship with Kazumi before Chapter 0 occurred? It remains to be seen.

"Taisetsu na mono wa nan da" Now if you were wondering why this phrase kept repeating in Rukawa's mind in Chapter 30 in Volume 5, let me explain. Ryoko first "asked" himself this when he knows he was going to lose Sakura to Nagase Gendo. It was concluded that he cannot live without her thus persuading him to "Never gonna give you up". And fast forward to the time of the first indication of his memories are returning was the vision of his bloodied stained hands. When Kasumi was put into danger, a part of him knows that he is going to lose Kasumi. In a similar sense, this time he was going to lose Kasumi just like he was going to lose Sakura to a Nagase Gendo thus stimulating the question that he asked himself earlier "taisetsu na mono wa nan da?" except Kasumi's situation was much more direr, she's dying. Knowing that Kasumi was important to him and he was going to lose her to an attack, the identical fashion of losing Kasumi and her being an important person to him eventually return him his memories of another person, another important person of his life, Rukawa Sakura, and the event surrounding her death. With that "taisetsu na mono wa nan da? Hai. Kanojo wa moidasu." And hence the other question was put into place before him. Can you live without someone as wonderful as her? No he can't, leading to his decision to "Never gonna give you up" as well as protecting Kasumi from harm without caring if he will die.

A short explanation on why Sakura changes her mind about the engagement. Sakura felt that she was being selfish even after seeking advice with her grandmother. She had a duty to perform for her family. She's been "teaching" Ryoko so much about his duty but what about herself? Her grandfather wants her to be engaged to a fine young man like Nagase Gendo for her happiness but she declined. Feeling ashamed and bad about herself, she decided that she want to accept the engagement not because of the compromise but because she wants to, as her duty to her family, as mentioned during the conversation with Otohime in 2 different scenes. But Ryoko crashed the engagement event and confessed his feelings to her again, trying every means to get her. Due to that she knows she could not deny the fact that she really love him (and he truly love her as well) and may have to reject her grandfather wish for her own happiness, which is what her grandmother Ayase and Otohime-san wanted for her. She realized that nobody could make decisions for her and for her happiness except herself, which is why she called herself stupid while Ryoko has no clue what she is crying about since he doesn't even know half of the going-on.

Brief Timeline.

10 years ago - Yamaguchi was killed and the school was driven out. Courtesy of Happosai, Soun and Genma. Yamaguchi is rumored to have a motive that is involved with the secrets of Golanda village.

Between this timeline - Kazumi and Ryoko seemingly are good pals, went out fishing together. Somewhere before Ryoko meet Sakura for the 1st time, his parents were already scheming with Yamazaki.

6 years ago (1 week earlier) - Sakura met Ryoko (14 years old) for the 1st time at the Rukawa Residence.

6 years ago - Sakura's (9 years old) parents were killed in a fire accident. Only Rukawa Rei survived as a 5-month-old baby. A few days later, Ryoko had seemingly lost his memories, courtesy of his parents, started to feel the effects and his personality and attitude change, leading to fallout with Kazumi.

Some time later - Kazumi propose to engage Sakura to a decent guy in future which Sakura rejects.

Between this timeline - Ryoko grow up with a reputation of a bad guy while his parents were patient with their son, knowing its their own doing. Tolerated it. Meanwhile, Kazumi and Ryoko are especially on bad terms.

6 years later since Sakura's parents death, in late autumn in November of last year (Last year referring to the year before present year starting in Chapter 0) - Ryoko met Sakura. (2nd meeting) and events in Volume 7.

Present year in January - Sakura's 16th birthday and engagement day.

Between this timeline - Unknown events occur. Unrevealed yet. With only two known events are to have occurred. During spring time of present year (February possibly). Ryoko and Sakura watch the cherry blossoms together, as mentioned briefly in Volume 6 Chapter 33. Another event that took place was mentioned briefly by Soun to Genma. A massacre seemed to have occurred in Golanda while Ryoga visited the village and from then on Rukawa Rei followed him. And closely during this event is…

Spring time of present year (1st week of March) - Enter Happosai! Sakura died. Rukawa arrived at Tendo Dojo.

Few days forward - Volume 1-4 and chapter 25 of Volume 5 events.

2 months plus a few days later (May 9th which is Mother's Day) - Yamazaki appeared before Ranma-tachi and Rukawa starts to remember his lost memories with Sakura's death being the first piece.

Next day - Rukawa left Tendo Dojo. Happosai return. Rukawa succumb to injuries and was found by Sawamura Kaede, the little girl. Rukawa Rei the 5-month baby survivor during the fire accident, makes her appearance with Ryoga.

The time after Sakura's 16th birthday and the goings on before Chapter 0 had not been recalled yet. Heh heh will there be more flashbacks? Will Rukawa remember them? And what part will Sakura's little sister, Rei, shall play? Rei didn't even appear in his flashback yet. So it seems that the 4 Houses who were Guardians since a long time ago, were defeated by the ex-members of Everything Also Can, and the whole village was desolate. What happened to everyone? And what is this demon and legend thingy? And amidst all these, the Shinguji and Kagurazaka are seemingly writing a script of their own behind the backs of Rukawa and Nagase together with Yamazaki. If they were in cahoots with Yamazaki, are they still alive? What happened between the 4 Houses? Betrayals seem abound. And how did a 14 year old Ryoko was involved 6 years ago till his parents have to erase his memory to save their precious son and also cover up their scheme. Residents of Golanda vanished. What are the authorities doing? How did Rei ended up with Ryoga? Some questions about Ryoko's past answered and more questions surfaced up. Do I have your curiosity all fire up?

Lastly, Sakura is a gentle mild polite girl as trained by her grandfather (Well she tried her best at being one). Kazumi emphasizes on a woman's manner, behavior and attitude onto his granddaughters. Why is that so? There's a reason why he does that. And it's not to marry them off to decent men as thought by Sakura.

Hope you like my version of Lost Memories. See ya next time. Enlisting into the army. Less time to write but I know I will finish this story. Might have to wait volume 8 for months. Sorry guys. This volume 7 took me 2 months to finish up plus at least 50 editings and 3 revisions from original concept, and took 1 month plus just to get uploaded haha 'cause I just keep editing to improve it. No joke haha. The reason why the volume stretches so long was mainly because of the 3 revisions. And it took me 5 hours just for a final draft and 2 hours for 1 last check before I upload it and to army camp. 30k words in 1 volume are a pain. If you have any ideas that you might want me to add into the story or views to improve just email me at rokawa_1123@hotmail.com Thanks.