Sakura Wars Fan Fiction ❯ Runaway Cherry ❯ In the hard path ( Chapter 3 )

Hi this is Benji Himura. I am now starting a new Sakura Taisen/Wars fanfic. I don't own Sakura Taisen or any of the characters. I own Benji Himura and others characters that will show up in the story. It will be show violence and sex in the story so if you are underage of seventeen are warned the content might be too improper to your age. Read by your own will and risk. In anyway enjoy the story.

Signed: Benji Himura.

 

Benji and Sakura enter in the stay in silence. Both of then are with ripped clothes:

I am tired of this.

Sakura says in a tired voice:

Me too.

Benji says:

It is your fault you know it.

Sakura says angry:

Excuse me?! I am tangled in this mess too.

Benji says getting annoyed:

When you took me you said that would be a one shot story. And we are in the third chapter.

Sakura says angry looking at him:

I know. I was originally planning a one shot story. But I am not good with then. I make the plot get too thick and interesting filled with points to be used to create a good story. That happened in Anata midori no me.

Benji says pointing a fact:

But in there I wasn't chased by Maria-san and Lachette-san.

Sakura says:

Me neither.

Benji says:

Not that I mind the two loves scenes that we have made. It was good I admit it. But why Ogami-san is so evil?

Sakura asks:

You are stupid? He is a demon! He already has under his control Maria, Kaede, Kasumi, Yuri and Tsubaki.

Benji says recalling her of the last chapter:

I know it! I read the last chapter! But what we will do? You are a miner and I already know

part of your plans to me.

Sakura says:

Well for the incoming six years we won't do a thing. At least you will be resting.

Benji says:

Excuse me but I didn't like of that idea.

Sakura says:

Let's stop it. We might tell to the audience too much.

Benji says:

Fine. Can at least we enjoy some peace while we can?

Sakura says:

Yes, last chapter all that we did was live peacefully.

Benji says:

I was drunk in most of it.

Sakura says to him angry:

That is because you were still mourning. Now you are sober.

Benji answers to her calmly:

Not that I mind it. But how much more times you will write sex scenes in the story?

Sakura says:

With you or with out you?

Benji asks her:

Counting everything?

Sakura ask him back:

I don't know. Lots for sure.

Benji answers her:

You will end getting me pregnant.

Sakura says in a worried tone:

Well is time to begin the story. Let's go Sakura.

Benji says clearly changing the subject:

Why you changed the subject?!

Sakura ask worried.

And Benji is walking away ignoring her:

Benji you are not planning in knock me up, are you?! Benji talk to me! I don't want to get pregnant!

Sakura shouts at him. And Benji leaves the stage and Sakura run after him.

 

Runaway Cherry, chapter three: In the hard path.

 

Miosame village January twenty second 1928:

 

Benji and Sakura arrive in house:

Home sweet and beloved home.

Sakura says happily:

Come on Sakura you make it sound like this place is a palace and we have been out of it for ages.

Benji says:

I like this house. Is so warm and welcoming!

She answers him. And she enters in the house. Benji smiles at her and he is about to enter when he see the man that where following then. He walks inside the house and see the man take a look in the house and walk away. Benji see him walking away:

What is wrong anata?

Sakura says opening the package and picking up brand new clean panties:

Nothing.

Benji says back to her. And Sakura began to put on the panties:

At least I can walk around with out worrying on people seeing me if I fall.

Sakura says in a content tone:

And they will see your panties.

Benji says:

Better than more than that.

Sakura answers back. She picks the package and walks to end of the house to the dressing area and stores her panties in the chest of drawers. Benji is still looking outside and he sees the man looking at the house. Benji leaves by the side and picks a wood cutting cleaver in a log and put it on the back of his sash. Benji moves hidden and he sees that the man realized him because he begun to run. Benji run after him. In the house Sakura looks around confused not seeing her husband. She began to fix the dinner knowing that he would not do anything stupid. Meanwhile in the edge of a small lake the man draw a tanto:

So I was right. You were after her.

Benji says:

You are very perceptive. I was going to take her in the middle of the night to make it look like she went away. Now I will have to kill you to take her.

The man answers coldly. And he charge at Benji. He draws the cleaver and blocks the knife. Benji is surprised with the man skill. Since Benji is mostly blocking the attacks. But after an attack Benji grab the man arm and pulls him. Losing the balance both of then fall in the ice cold lake. The knifes fall by the edge and the man is over Benji forcing his head under the water. Benji grabs the man neck. Being far stronger than the man Benji hears a snapping sound. He feels the man remove his hands from him. Benji let him go and see the man reach for his own neck. He tries to breath but somehow he can't. Benji get out of the freezing waters. The man falls dead. Hit his teeth clicking with the cold Benji tosses the man into a hole and cover it with few rocks. He grabs his cleaver and walks back to the house. As soon he enters in the house:

Benji?! Oh my god! What happened?!

Sakura shouts at him worried. And she rushes by his side. She began to help him to take out the clothes:

I was taking a walk by the lake and I slipped in the snow and fell inside it. I am fine.

He says shivering with the cold:

No you are not fine! You can get a cold!

She answers worried. And she takes the now naked Benji near of the fire. She wraps him with a futon. She undresses herself and slide inside the covers hugging him:

God! Benji you are so cold!

Sakura says worried about his temperature. And she holds his hands between hers and she rubs his hands blowing hot air into then. Feeling Sakura warmth in many ways Benji can't avoid in getting a very natural reaction. Sakura let out a small cry of surprise when she feels something poke under her:

Benji!

She exclaims in surprise:

I can't help. But is a good way to get warm.

He says to her in a calm tone:

But the food?

She asks worried with the stew:

It is a stew Sakura. It won't burn.

Benji answers her. And she nods blushing lightly. She turns to face him softly placing her hands on his shoulders:

It is so odd. His skin is normally so warm but I can't help feeling how interesting it is making love him while he is so cold.

Sakura thinks with her blush deepening. Wrapping his arms around Sakura slender waist Benji kisses her:

Benji.

Sakura softly cries during the kiss. She moves her hips feeling his erect rob under her respond to her motion. Benji moves his hands to her bottom placing one hand in one of her ass cheeks raising her easily. Sakura slide her left hand between her warm form and his still cold form. She reaches to his member and places the tip in her entry. Benji lowers her slowly, a soft low purring sound leaves Sakura throat, Benji licks her cheek gently:

Koneko-chan.

He says gaining his response a light lick in the tip of his nose. Sakura wraps her legs around his waist and feels his cold skin getting warmer as they move more intensely. Benji licks her white neck taking from her another cry of pleasure:

How it can be that his member is so hot inside me and his body is still cold?

Sakura wonders with her mind confused with pleasure. She licks his cheek and his lips lightly. Benji licks her tongue and he moves faster. Soon they come together. Still holding the other sharing the warmth gained from they love still joined as one.

You are warm now.

Sakura says resting her chin on his right shoulder.

You gave me warmth.

Benji answers to her resting his chin on her right shoulder. The thick stew is slowly boiling and the warmth and the food scent fills the air.

You want to take a bath before the dinner?

Sakura ask concerned.

No. I already faced a bath today. But if we play in the bath in might consider another one.

Benji answers to her kissing her earlobe. Sakura shivers in his arms from the feeling.

I might decide to play now and forget the bath.

Sakura says in a teasing tone.

Well aren't you getting very horny? Not that I mind.

Sakura blushes and Benji licks her neck moving up to her ear.

Well I like of it. And I know that you are not done since you are still hard inside me.

She sexily wiggles her hips taking of him a cry of pleasure.

Ready for a round two?

Sakura says now facing him. Her answer is a deep kiss. Her body is moved forward as Benji leans her in the floor gently. She cries softly in pleasure as he slowly move inside her teasing her.

 

Teito January twenty second 1928:

 

Kanna is beating a punching bag in the training room.

Maria is odd actually. Kaede and the sannin musume too. There is something wrong. Since Sakura left they have become more distant.

Kanna muses during her train. She is soaked with sweat. She stops and walks to a small stall. She picks a towel and dries the sweat from her body. Iris walks in the training room in her usual dress and with Jean-Paul in her arms.

Over already Kanna-neechan?

Kanna smiles at the young girl.

Yes. I am not in the right mood Iris.

The French girl is now in her early teens. In the blossoming age of fifteen years old, even young Iris body is growing in a very attractive shape. As her breasts and waist enlarge and her waist slim the dress now becoming shorter to the growing girl letting people see the girl ankles. Iris hair now longer than before looks at Kanna breasts with interest.

Don't worry Iris you will grow then too.

The little girl blushes with the comment and Kanna chuckle.

It is true. Your breasts are growing more and more each day. I guess that is time to buy you new clothes and your first bra.

Iris face glow with delight.

Iris first bra?!

Iris says in a mix of surprise and expectation.

Yes. Otherwise they will make your shoulders hurt as you grown. Go call the snake woman tell that in one hour we will go shop you more grow up clothes.

Kanna says patting the girl in the head. Iris runs to call her older friend. Kanna walks to the showers. In there she strips from her gym attire and enters in a stall. She turns on the water letting the warm caress relax her muscles. About fife minutes later she hears the door open. She looks at the person.

So what took you so long?

Kanna says with a smirk. Sumire in her normal kimono walks closer of the stall.

I can't come running every time that you finish to train. I have to keep the appearances.

Sumire answer in a serious tone. She loosens her sash and let her kimono slip out of her slender form. After remove all the clothing Kanna open the stall door allowing to the brown haired girl to enter. Sumire sigh content felling the warm water.

At least is not ice cold like last time.

Sumire says with a smile. Kanna hugs her from behind.

But it felt really good. I know it and you know it.

Kanna whispers on Sumire ear making her shiver with the contact. Sumire blushes and Kanna licks Sumire wet neck from behind.

And the shopping?

Sumire asks moving her right hand between Kanna legs moving up by her inner thighs.

I said one hour. “Gasp” More than enough time. “Gasp” Not so strong!

Kanna answers while Sumire teases her. Kanna fills her hands with Sumire breasts. The brown haired woman moves her left hand between her own legs and caresses herself in the same pace as she does with Kanna. In another part of the theater, Reni and Orihime are in the music room. Iris is listening to then play. Reni now with nineteen years is a fully developed woman. And very attractive. But she still has the same fashion sense that she always had. Or she is wearing man clothes. Lachette is on a special training room builded just for her. Many meters away from her there are a wood dummy filled with knifes. She tosses more at the dummy all in deadly points. Maria is on the shooting range with a sniper rifle. Her revolver is on her waist and she is aiming by the rifle scope.

 

Miosame village July seventh 1928:

 

It is the night of Tanabata festival the village is filled with small stands with games and food. As all the villagers Benji and Sakura are in the city enjoying the festival. Sakura is wearing a light pink floral kimono. On the back of her sash near of the lace there is a paper fan. Her hair is styled in a simple ponytail tied with a blue ribbon. Benji is wearing a dark blue kimono. Thanks to Sakura pesting he is not wearing a same color hakama. Sakura is with a grilled squid on her hand eating it slowly.

If you keep eating that much you will get fat.

Benji says in a teasing tone.

No I won't. We expend huge loads of energy every night. Do be honest I am bellow my normal weight.

Sakura answers to him. When Benji opens his mouth to say something Sakura shove the grilled squid inside his mouth.

Eat it then!

Sakura says in a slight angry tone. Benji take the squid from his mouth.

Come on Sakura I am just worried about you. In the last festival you complained because I let you eat too much. Now you complain when I tell you that you are eating too much? This is the seventh grilled squid that you had. That not forgetting the roasted corn, the two sweet potatoes, the tray of mochi, one and a half gyozas that you already ate. And that half was from my portion.

She sees Benji raising a finger to every thing that she ate in the festival as he said then.

And the night just began.

Benji ends the sentence. Sakura blushes and lower her head shyly.

Come on Sakura it is almost that you are eating for two of us.

Benji says softly pulling her close. Sakura nods shyly.

Okay I admit that usually we only eat fish and vegetable with rice. And that in a festival is a great chance to change the menu. So I guess that you really want to eat different things more often.

Benji says to her.

I like of our meals. It is just that it is so different eat in a festival. The food tastes much better than it would be normally.

Sakura says shyly. Benji smiles and he pulls her close.

I know. So instead of asking two sets of food why not one. I help you to eat. So you won't gain much weight.

Benji says before take a bite of the squid and the giving it back to Sakura. She nods agreeing. And they walk around the festival. Way later they are sited in a hill side looking at the fireworks. Both from they village and from Kyoko at distance. The clear full moon is seen with the totally clear sky. Benji and Sakura are sited very close and Sakura is happily looking at the fireworks.

It is so beautiful!

Sakura says excited. Benji nods absent minded. Not hearing an answer or a comment Sakura looks to her husband worried.

Are you okay?

Sakura ask with concern dripping in her voice.

I guess that I shouldn't have eaten those ells.

Benji says in a soft tone.

Why? Are you feeling ill?!

Sakura says while worried touches his forehead.

You are not with a fever.

Sakura says feeling his temperature by her palm. Benji picks her hand and moves lower and places it over his groin.

The problem is here.

He says while Sakura blush madly feeling his erection thru the kimono.

This wasn't only the ells!

Sakura says still touching it.

No. To tell the truth is your fault too.

Benji says in a casual tone making Sakura very worried.

You are too pretty.

Benji finishes his sentence making Sakura blushes even more. Benji get up and picks Sakura up and take her to the woods that cover most of the hill. He puts her down letting her stand by herself.

Benji not here.

She softly cries to him.

I can't walk around like this. I might do something that I might regret. Besides people don't come here.

Benji answers sliding her kimono top aside exposing her breasts.

It is cold…

Sakura cries feeling the cool air stinging her breasts and nipples.

I will warm then.

Benji answers covering her right breast with his left hand and putting her left nipple between his lips sucking it.

Ah! No….not that….

Sakura cries feeling her weak resistance fades with his caresses. Benji softly bites her nipple getting a louder cry from her. He exchanges breasts repeating what he did to the other. Benji stops sucking Sakura nipples and kisses her. Sakura answers to the kiss.

You will only stop after it settles?

Sakura says breaking the kiss.

Yes.

Benji answers her softly biting her neck. Sakura makes him lean in a tree trunk and she kneels in front of her. Moving his kimono aside she releases his member. She strokes it softly and gently.

So hard and I still haven't done a thing.

Sakura says in delight. She licks it and sucks it gaining few moans and cries of pleasure from him. Sakura is quite willing to finish him off like that. But after a time Benji stops her. Before she can protest he bend her forward making her support herself in the same tree trunk. Benji kneels behind her and moves his face to her pussy. He licks it making Sakura cries loudly with pleasure and surprise. He teases her for few minutes before getting up and inserting himself on her from behind. She cries again in pleasure. Benji bangs her from behind and Sakura braces herself in the tree. To her surprise Benji hugs her waist and lift her easily. She cries in surprise and pleasure feeling him sliding even deeper inside her. She raises her arms and hold on his neck. Benji holds her by her thighs moving her up and down. Sakura moves her face and kisses Benji. Soon they are finished. Sakura give a last cry feeling him fill her with his seed. He removes himself from her gently. Sakura still recovering from the orgasm pants softly on his arms. Benji licks her neck from behind also enjoying the aftertaste. Sakura moves her legs down and Benji lets her stand. She fixes her kimono and he fixes his own. Sakura turns t him and they kiss in the night. On the next day both of then are in the city. And they hear a rumor that Orihime and Hikoboshi had meet in the Kobo hill. Sakura smacks Benji in the head hard when they hear that. Back in the house.

No one comes here. It is all right.

Sakura says angry.

You heard what she said. They were heard! You screamed too much!

Benji says back to her.

What?! I wasn't the one who suggested doing it in the open.

Sakura says still angry.

What?! You haven't complained much.

Benji says to her.

And now you are Orihime.

Benji teases her. Sakura blushes.

Well and you are Hikoboshi.

She teases him back.

See it is all right. No one knows that was us.

Benji says the obvious again to calm her.

But I know. And you know. That is enough.

Sakura says still blushing. Benji sigh. He grabs her from behind and Sakura tries to break free.

What you are doing?!
Sakura says squirming on his arms.

What it seen that I am doing?

Benji teases her licking the back of her neck with the tip of his tongue. Sakura shivers and cry in pleasure.

Stop it Benji…I am mad at you…

Sakura cries weakly. Benji tenderly kisses the back of her neck ignoring her protests. Sakura squirms on his arms not so strongly now trying to break free of his strong arms. Benji lick behind Sakura ear making her cry harder in pleasure. In each lick Sakura resolves crumble.

Stop…don't….don't stop……

Sakura whisper weakly on his arms. Benji let her go and Sakura falls softly on her knees. She pants lightly and Benji kneels besides her.

I am not the only one with urges Sakura. Just a light teasing and you are all aroused now.

Benji says teasing her. Sakura hugs him kissing hard.

 

Teito December thirty first 1928

 

Kayama is on Kaede office. “One of ours members is missing. And we can't found a trace of him. I suspect that he found Sakura whereabouts and the person that is keeping her captive killed him.” Kayama says to Kaede. Can you back up that theory? I don't want to mobilize forces for nothing.” Kaede says. “One of my agents found an information that a girl with Sakura description was seem in Kyoto about twenty times in this past year.” Kayama says. “Only twenty?” Kaede says. “Yes. He said that she was seen with a tall man. And they were shopping for clothes, food and few other trivial things.” Kayama says. “So she looked like forced?” Kaede asks. “No sir…” Kayama hesitated. “My source says that that man is Sakura husband. And that he lives near of Kyoto.” Kayama finishes. “Found more about this. I want to know where they live and how they live.” Kaede says Kayama salutes her and walks away. Few minutes later Ogami arrives and Kaede tells him everything. Ogami smile evilly. “I want to know for sure. Then we will `retrieve' her.” Ogami says.

 

Miosame village February twenty second 1929:

 

It is a cold winter night. Benji carries Sakura to the toilet. In there he carefully places Sakura on the floor. She kneels on the floor and while Benji holds her hair she begun to throw up. Benji sigh tired. “It is the tenth time this night…” he thinks kindly rubbing Sakura back with his free hand. After while Sakura rises. “I am fine now.” She says. Benji pick her up and carries her back to the house. After place her in the futon and cover her. He lies beside her. “You shouldn't eat so much Sakura.” Benji says. “Don't tell me that. I am eating for two now.” She answers tired. “I know. But you keep eating odd things and that must not be good for you and the baby.” He says. She softly kisses his cheek. “Sorry. I am giving so much trouble now.” She says in a low sorrowful tone. “It is okay. That is part of marriage.” Benji says in a comforting tone pulling her closer. She snuggle closer of him happy with his warmth on the cold night. “Just seven more months of this. Just seven more…” Benji thinks before falling in sleep.

 

Miosame village April eleventh 1929:

 

“Eat Sakura.” Benji says handing to the woman a bowl of rice. “But you haven't eaten! I know that we are in hard times but you don't need to do it!” Sakura says pushing the bowl to him. “Eat. You and the baby need of all the nutrients that you can get. I can handle with berries and roots. But you need this.” Benji says. Sakura look at her husband face. It is much thinner that it was few months before. “All because this damned dry! We almost can't buy food enough for us! And he makes me eat all!” Sakura thinks. “Benji you say that have two weeks! You are getting thinner! You can't work like this!” she says worried. “I am fine. Now eat Sakura. I am leaving for work.” Benji says before leaving the house. They aren't in the mountain house. Since Sakura pregnancy they moved to one of the houses in the city so Sakura could stay in company of other women during the day. Sakura force herself to eat even sobbing. She knows that he is right. But she still can't accept that he is starving so she can fill herself. “Easy Sakura. He is stronger than you can imagine. Is not only few weeks of hunger that will kill him.” A female voice says to her. “Amano-san.” Sakura says looking at a woman with long black hair wearing an old floral kimono. She is carrying a young baby while she enters in the house. “It is not uncommon around her in the times of dries a husband starve so the wife and child can eat. I saw him starve few times. He is strong.” She says. “But he is working so hard and he doesn't eat! I never saw him eat in the last two months!” Sakura says crying. “It is okay. Benji I do eat. His mother teached him to found and medicinal and edible herbs and fruits. He can live for a long time only with the woods.” Amano says. “Benji mother?” Sakura asks curious. “He never talked about her.” “Really? Well his mother is a priestess. She lives in a shrine one day of travel from her moving to the south. She teached him how to make herbal medicines and few more things with herbs.” Amano says. “That is why you guys ask him for medicines?!” Sakura asks. “Yes. They are good. He can make some with it. But he never charge for then.” She says. Sakura stays quiet. “Look this dry might end in any time. When that happens we will have more food. And he will eat. Meanwhile accept that he is doing this for you and the baby.” Amano says. Sakura nods.

 

Miosame village June seventeenth 1929:

 

It is a dark night. Benji and Sakura moved back to the mountain house after few houses in the city were burned in a fire. Sakura is wake looking at Benji. His is much thinner now. She traces his now salient cheek bones looking very sad. “This dry will last longer. And he might die. If…if…if…if…if I kill this child he won't need to suffer anymore…he will no longer have reasons to starve….” Sakura whispers “But then all his effort and sacrifices will be in vain…..” Sakura cry confused. A faint sound of something being placed in to the house wood floor rings in the air. Sakura look at the direction of the sound and grab her arataka for the first time in many months. She walks to the door and open it. She founds there for her shock a large deer dead and cleaned, neatly wrapped in his own leather. Around it many wild fruits and roots. And it even has a large pot filled with wild bee's honey. Sakura looks around but she can't found anyone. “What is this? Why so much food?” Sakura walks to the offered food, she founds a note written in the deer leather. “When you need more I will give you more.” Sakura says reading the note. “Arigato” Sakura says into the night not sure if her mysterious helper heard or not. She now is worried in cook that food to feed Benji. In the edge of the woods a large fox watch the six months pregnant Sakura carry the food inside the house. She turns her back to the house and runs deeper into the woods. One hour later Benji wakes with the scent of food. He looks around and sees Sakura cooking up a storm. “What is happening?” Benji says in a tired and sleepy voice. “Anata! Right in time. You breakfast is ready!” Sakura says giving to him a large bowl of meat soup. “What? How? And why you are not eating?” Benji says. Sakura sigh. “This food is not for me. Is for you. Don't even try. I already ate some. Now you eat it all. You need to get strong again.” Sakura says since he didn't pick the bowl she moves closer of him and places the bowl edge between his lips and feed him. Being too weak to resist Benji let Sakura feed him. Later on that day Sakura is salting the remaining deer. A really large part of it. Benji is sleeping calmly no longer haunted by the hunger. Sakura smiles while remembering her grandmother teaching her how to make pickles with vegetables. “I don't know if we might get food again. I need to make it last. Because he will feed me with this. I know him too well. I need to do the same. Or else you might not get a daddy around.” Sakura says softly caressing her large belly over the think Yukata. Two days later Benji is leaving to the mines. Amano walk inside the house and see Sakura sewing a kimono. “Well he does look better. What you gave to him?” Amano asks. “I gave him some deer soup among many roots.” Sakura says smiling at the older woman. “Deer? Roots? Where you got then?” Amano asks sitting besides Sakura. “Two nights ago someone dropped that in our door.” Sakura says. “Oh my! I guess that those rumors are true after all.” Amano says. “Rumors?” Sakura ask worried. “Yes. I mean is not something bad. I heard that Benji was left in the shrine where he grew. There is some people said that he was left there by a yokai.” Amano says. “A yokai? I don't believe on it. He would be eaten.” Sakura says. “I don't believe too. But was if the yokai was a female. She might actually leave him there.” Amano says. “And why there is this rumor?” Sakura asks. “Well when younger people used to see a woman wandering around this house in the nights. She looked by the doors seeing if he was in and things like that. But she had many tails and ears like a cat.” Amano says placing her hands as it they are cat ears. “It must be imagination.” Sakura says. “Well Benji live here since he was twelve. Because he was forced to leave the shrine. And his mother took him here and asked to the chief watch over him. Since then in every new moon and full moon that woman was seem. Always around this house.” Amano says. “That was a new moon night. I hope that was only coincidence” Sakura thinks. And the women chat while doing the house work. In the following months two times by month they received food that came from the woods. Sakura grew a bit scared since the food every arrived in the new moon and in the full moon. In one night in August Sakura is waiting by the door. She is tired of being suspicious over they benefactor. In the time that she usually found the food Sakura open the door. And to her surprise she sees a woman with long black hair carrying over her shoulders a large boar. Around her waist there is many roots tied hanging on her belt. She is wearing a light brown kimono with a same color hakama tied around her legs looking like normal pants. The fact that Sakura is staring at her don't bother the woman. She drops the boar carefully on the porch and places the roots there too. “You should be sleeping.” She says in a beautiful voice. Sakura stares at the woman. Her pearly white skin makes contrast with her hair. But her unearthly orange to gold eyes make Sakura sure that she isn't human. Well that and the fact that she has eight fox tails and a pair of fox-like ears. “I wanted to thank you for giving us this.” Sakura says in a faint voice but it doesn't shake. The woman smiles. “Well you sure have guts. Other people would freak out when seeing me. At least he knows how to pick his mate.” She says. Sakura blush at the term mate. “Excuse me. But what is your name?” Sakura asks. “I am Gingitsune. But people call me of Gin. And who are you?” Gin says. “I am Sakura. Nice to meet you.” Gin smile. “I need to give you points for guts. Lots of then.” She says. Sakura is a bit taken back by the woman fanged smile. “You mind if I ask you why you are helping us.” Sakura asks. “Well I am looking over my cub.” Gin says. “Cub?!” Sakura says in shock. “You mean that Benji is a demon?!” Gin chuckle. “No silly. He is fully human.” Gin says sitting besides Sakura. “Then why you called him of cub?” Sakura asks confused. “Well because I see him as my cub. I nurtured him on his first month of life.” Gin says. “You did?” Sakura asks and Gin nods confirming. “I found Benji in the woods. In the arms of his dying mother. I was in my fox form. The woman just asked me to help her baby.” Gin says looking at Benji. “She asked to a yokai that could eat that newborn child to gain power to help him. I don't know why she asked me that.” Gin says. Sakura looks confused. “I still don't know why I kept him alive. If was that woman sacrifice to protect him from others demons even giving her life. Or the fact that she handed the child of her womb to another demon and with her last breath begged to her safe the child. Or the fact that even covered in blood that child was not crying…” “He wasn't crying?” Sakura cuts the woman sentence. “Yes. He wasn't. I followed the scent of blood until then. She was almost dying when the placed him wrapped in a blanket on my fangs. It would be so easy to me just eat him there. I placed him down thinking that he were dead since he was in silence. Still in my fox form I unwrapped him. I pocked his stomach with him nose. His eyes where open. But they lied still. Targeting in me. He just grabbed my whiskers and pulled my face closer of his. I still can't figure why I did it. But I just licked his face. I just accepted him as mine.” Gin says. Sakura observe in silence. “Sometimes I wonder if was because I have lost my entire brood just two nights earlier. Or that was something else. But I couldn't kill that baby. Well I buried his mother and walked away with him in my human shape. He was hungry so I fed him. He alone had taken all the milk that I had in myself for my entire brood.” She smiles recalling. “I knew that he was not normal. But that impressed me. For on month I took and raised him as mine. But I couldn't keep him.” She says. “Why?” Sakura asks. “Whoever killed his mother was after him. Soon they where chasing me too. I had a hard timing killing all the envoys and minions that appeared after us. The human scent that he had attracted also others demons. Even though his scent was mixed with mine. And it was changing since he fed on my milk. In the few times that we had of peace I enjoyed playing with him. Well he didn't let me get much rest. In my fox form he played so much with me. In my human for too. I still remember how I would kindly lay him in a cave and wrap myself around his small body to keep him warm in the night. How I spended hours licking him clean just to hear him giggle.” Gin says wistfully. “He is still there.” Sakura says pointing to him. “I appreciate it. But I prefer no. If I do it I will not be able to walk away again.” Gin says. “And I can't stay here for long. After all I am a yokai.” Gin says. “One day I saw that it was too dangerous for him stay with me. And I made the hard choice to leave him in a shrine. It was so hard leave my cub there. I waited him to fall in sleep and I took him there. I laid him gently in the shrine doors. I placed besides him the few belongings that his mother had. I wrote a small note telling his name and day of birth. And I scrapped the doors hardly. I gave him a last lick and gave him my ninth tail before I moved to hide in nearby shadows. And a priestess opens the door. She saw Benji sleeping there. I am sure that she felt me nearby. But she just took him on her arms and gathered his things and entered in the shrine. I knew that there he would be safe. But still I cried so hard.” Gin says wiping her eyes. “I still watched him from afar making sure that the priestess would take good care of him. And I kept watching him like this. When he is in problems I help him in the dark. Just like I do now.” She says. Sakura looks at Gin. “Thank you for taking care of him.” Sakura says. “I should be the one thanking. You are taking care of him too. And I know that he is not easy.” Gin says. The two chuckle understanding. “I have to leave now. I will pop by as I usually do. Just sleep in the time that I come. You need that rest.” Gin says walking away. She changes into a silver fox and run into the woods. Sakura smiles happy to know more about her husband. She takes the food in and rest besides Benji.

 

Miosame village September twenty second 1929:

 

A cry of pain echoes on the Himura house. Benji races with two pails of water to the house. “Mother how it is doing?!” Benji shouts his question to a woman dressed in a priestess outfit. She has short black hair and white skin. “Almost ready to deliver. Put the water on the pan. We need to warm it up.” She says to Benji, who just nods and obey. Sakura is covered in sweat Amano is supporting Sakura back on her lap and holding the girl. Sakura shouts dozens of curses on Benji for making her pass by that. “Benji get us some herbs to pain. She might need some.” She says. “Yes mother.” Benji runs out of the house again. He is only wearing his blue hakama, his chest is covered in sweat. “It has been ten hours since Sakura begun to enter in labor. Thank the gods that mother was here.” Benji thinks running into the woods. Unaware of a large silver fox following all this moves. Meanwhile the entire village is boiling with the fact of Benji child is about to born. Benji arrives in the house and he places the herbs besides his mother. “Here….” Benji says panting tired. “Rest now son. Wash yourself and then come here stay with your wife.” She says in a calm tone. Benji walks to the well. He dumps over himself a bucket of water. And he dries himself and get back in the house. Amano let Benji take her place. Sakura shiver a bit feeling the coolness of his wet skin. Benji holds her hands. “Akiho-sama it is everything done?” Amano asks to the priestess. “Yes it is all ready.” She answers. The priestess looks at the couple. “I would never guess that I would deliver the child of my son.” She thinks “She looks strong and caring.” She finishes her thought. Sakura screams in pain once again. “It is time. Sakura you need to push.” Akiho says. Sakura nods. Fours hours later another voice cries into life. This one much higher and it was not a cry of pain. Akiho wraps a baby in a blue kimono that she ripped out of Benji when Sakura begun to show signs of labor. She hands to baby to the tired mother. “It is a girl. And she seems really strong.” Akiho says Sakura smiles tired Benji smiles at the two women in his arms. Akiho can't help in smiling at the scene. She leaves the house and stand in the porch. “It is over now.” She says. On the roof Gin is lying over her stomach. “A girl. I think that he does have many girls on his life.” The fox demon says. “Others men would take that as good luck.” The priestess says. Both women never actually stayed face to face. But they did talked many times in the years that passed after Benji was handed to the other. Always like that. Akiho in a room and Gin in the other. Never had hostility between the two. But by they very conflicting natures it just felt that they can't truly meet. “So we are grandmothers now.” Gin says. “I never hoped in see my cub having his own cubs.” “It is only normal. But I am a bit surprised too. She is just cute. You should see her.” Akiho says. “I will later. When those two sleep.” Gin says. Inside the house Amano have left to tell the others the news. Sakura and Benji are alone with the baby. “How we will name her?” Sakura asks. “How does Mana sounds?” Benji asks. “Just great.” Sakura says. Mana is now feeding. The cool autumn night seems warm to the people in the house and the two women that chat in the porch. Sadly that peace won't last.

 

Kyoto November thirty first. 1929

 

“Let's move! They are in a small village near here!” Ogami says to the hanagumi and the tsukigumi. They all nod and follow the leader. Most of the hanagumi girls show doubts about attacking a village. “Kanna-neechan why we have to attack then? We could just talk.” Iris says to Kanna. “I don't know why. But it is better listen for now.” Kanna says looking with suspicious to Maria, Lachette, Kohran and Ogami. “There is something wrong. And it is serious.” Kanna thinks holding Iris and Reni hands. They leave the city in large steam trucks.

 

Miosame village November thirty first.1929:

 

The village is high spirited with a festival. The streets are filled with villagers celebrating. Benji and Sakura are sited in one house porch. Sakura is holding Mana that is cheerfully looking at the people and the lights. Benji smile seeing the two. “Yo Himura!!” Kenta says slapping hard the younger man back. “So you got yourself a cute daughter! Let's drink to celebrate it!” Kenta says shoving a large sake bottle on Benji hands. “I pass. You got me drunk enough when she was born.” Benji says returning the bottle. Sakura chuckle recalling it. “Himura you must be proud of your family.” A taller and large man than Benji says. “I am Boss.” Benji says to the man. Sakura looks at the taller man. Recalling that she did got scared when she first met Benji direct boss in the mines and village chief. But under two and a half meters of stone hard muscles there is a very kind heart. Sakura knows that Benji seems small when standing near of him. And she smile bitterly remembering of Kanna and Maria. “Well let me take a good look in her Sakura.” The tall man kneels in from of Sakura. And he is still taller that Sakura that is sited in a porch. Sakura lets him hold Mana. That seems even smaller on the man hands. “Really cute. You are sure that she is your daughter Himura?! She is much prettier than you!” he says. “Yes I am. Because she took after her mother. And if that would be sing of not being the parent so who are the parent of your daughters” Benji says. After hand Mana to Sakura the boss goes choke Benji a bit. Sakura chuckle seeing that Benji is avoiding the headlocks. But the party is soon over when a shot rang in the air. Sakura covers Mana. A stone bust in Benji hand. Benji hands bleed while shards of the stone and a bullet fall in the ground. “Run Himura!” Kenta says. Benji nods and grab Sakura and they run. In the entry of the village is Maria aiming at then. But she moves when she lost then in an alley. “That was Maria-san! Why she tried to shot me?!” Sakura think in despair hugging her daughter tightly. Benji has grabbed a large mining hammer and he pulls Sakura with one hand. In an alley they stop and see fife men wearing black ninja like suits and masks. “Long black hair! Here are the……” A man begun to say. But he stops when the heavy hammer smashes his head. Shocked by the action the others take time to react. Sakura back away giving space to Benji maneuver the heavy hammer. The large steel head of the hammer collides with one of the men chest. Sounds of bones shattering are heard. Years mining give Benji total control on the hammer and he knows where to hit to causes more damage. Benji hits another man with the opposite side of the hammer that has a long and strong metal tip. It digs easily in the man armored chest. But Benji can't remove the weapon fast enough to avoid a slash on his left arm. Benji drops the hammer and grab the fallen man sword and hits the other in the leg severing a major artery. The fifth tries to kill Sakura and Mana but Benji stops him splitting his head in the half. The man fall. Benji grabs the sword and the hammer. “Let's go.” He whispers. Sakura nod and they run to they house in the mountain. Three hissing silver gleans fly over the running couple. Somehow Benji notice it. He grabs Sakura and twists himself changing positions with her. Three knifes dig into his back flesh. More flies over him. Sakura now see it. She draws the sword on Benji waist and deflects then. Benji removes the knifes from his back and he grabs the hammer and they keep running. Leaving from a shadow there is Lachette with a handful of knifes. When she tosses the knife Benji answers tossing the heavy hammer as it was an axe. Surprised Lachette almost didn't evaded it. But the hammer hitted her hip hard tossing the woman unbalanced. The couple runs away. Sakura gives Mana to Benji keeping the sword on her right hand. While running up hill by the familiars woods Sakura looks at her husband back. “Are you okay?” She asks seeing three wounds on his left shoulder. “I am fine… as long you two are safe I am fine.” He says. “Who are those people?” Benji asks. “The one that shot is Maria-san. The one with knifes is Lachette-san. But I don't understand why they are attacking us.” Sakura says. “You.” Benji says. “What?” Sakura asks confused. “They are attacking you. The shot was meant to you the knifes too.” Benji says “They are trying to kill you. And I won't let.” Benji says. Sakura nods in silence. They arrive in the house. For Benji shock Gin is sited in the middle of the living room. “You two need to leave with Mana now.” She says. “Why?” Sakura asks “Why we need to leave this place?!” Sakura says in verge of tears. “Because they want to kill you and your daughter. Is for your safety”. Gin says. “Sakura it is better you put on a hakama. Pack up some clothes for is and for Mana. Let's just take what we will truly need.” Benji says. Sakura nods crying knowing that it means that they will be forced to leave everything else behind. All the treasured gifts, the small mementos and everything that reminded then of they life together. Sakura sheathes the sword and hands to Benji and she runs to the dressing room. She packs clothes, few of the jewels that he gave her, her diary and a picture that they took one month after Mana birth. Sakura walks to the living room to see Mana in Gin arms while Benji is stripping, the sight of the three bleeding wounds makes her cry more. Benji dress in the occidental clothes that he wore when they met. For a weird reason is a kind of surprise to Sakura seeing the change that those simple clothes had in Benji looks. She hands to Benji a small pack and he ties it on his water proof cloak and ties is on his back. Sakura picks Mana from Gin arms. “All the villagers are fine. Well your boss is facing a tall red head in a very interesting match. The troops are being held by the others. But the others women are around here somewhere. I got two horses waiting you two in the back.” Gin says. Benji nods and leans closer of her. “Thanks mom.” He whispers in the fox woman ear. And they he run with Sakura to the horses. Gin is blushing with a surprised expression. “Who would guess that he would remember me.” She whispers to herself. Benji helps Sakura to ride and get in one horse too. They make the horses run. Sakura casts a last wistful look at the house missing a very important turn of things. Meanwhile Sakura looked back Benji drew his knife and placed over his chest. A rope where tied on the height that would hit a horsemen by the chest. Benji falls but he makes sure to snap the rope. He falls hard on his back. Sakura stops few meters in front of him. “ANATA!” she shouts. “GO! JUST GO! THEY ARE AFTER YOU!” Benji shouts to Sakura that hesitate but obeys. Benji take a deep breath and begun to run to the direction of Sakura. That just saved him because an array of rockets rained over the spot where he fell. He founds his horse ahead. He grabs the horse mane and leaps over it making it run. Behind him Orihime, Kohran, Lachette and Sumire are in a steam jeep moving after him. Orihime is reloading the Chinese rocket launcher and Lachette speed up the jeep. “Okay time to change the parts.” Benji thinks. He forces the horse to a sudden halt in the middle of a hill. He turns the horse to run over the jeep. That shocks the girls. And it shocks more when he drew the sword and increased the horse charge. He forces the horse to jump. With a clumsy but very effective slash Benji gives serious damage into Kohran rocket launcher and hits one of the rockets. “RUN!” Orihime shouts knowing what will happen next. Benji was already moving down. And the four hanagumi members runned away from the jeep. The rocket explodes. Benji halts the horse again and runs up him again. Benji shouts to increase the horse speed. “That is not possible!” Lachette shouts. “He is only a miner!” “Daijobu Sumire?” Orihime asks to Sumire that is still fallen flat on the ground. “Yes…I just fell in a bad way.” Sumire answers sitting up. Kohran looks while Benji vanishes from her sight. And she began to run after him. Lachette follow the Chinese lead. “Can you stand?” Orihime asks. “I guess that I can.” Sumire answers Orihime helps the brown haired woman to stand “What is wrong with then? We don't fight like this. Leaving our friends behind.” Sumire says. “I know. And we don't fight humans too. But things changed. Changed I guess that for worse.” Orihime says sadly while they walk up hill. Away from there Benji meets Sakura. She smiles broadly seeing him safe. Benji nods and they ride away in a fast pace. “How is Mana?” Benji asks worried. “She is fine. I can't believe that she kept giggling all this time…” Sakura takes a deep breath before continue. “God Benji she is enjoying this. She is excited with the run with the fights…” Sakura says in verge of tears. “Sakura she is enjoying being rocked around. She doesn't know what I happening. She is happy because this is only a play for her. Like when we rock her.” Benji says. “If she knew what is really going on she would be very scared. For the love of the god Sakura. I am scared.” Benji says. Sakura looks at Benji. “Me too.” She says. They get a little closer for comfort. “Benji promise me one thing.” Sakura says. “What Sakura?” Benji asks. “If I don't make it take Mana to my homeland in Sendai. Seek for my family and raise her there.” Sakura says in a faint tone. “Sakura you will make it. I will protect you.” Benji says. “Just promise me this Benji.” Sakura asks in a pleading tone. “I promise. But I want you to promise me the same thing. If I die take her to your family.” Sakura nods. They stop for a single moment sealing that promise with a soft kiss. They resume the run. More engines are heard. Both Benji and Sakura knew that staying in the roads would be too dangerous. They got out of the horses and made then run away. Moving by the very familiar woods Benji and Sakura run fleeing from the people that for no reason came to destroy they lives. Benji kept inside a hope that they could escape and live a normal life in somewhere else. But Sakura knew that they wouldn't make out of the village. That because of her she would cause the death of the two living beings that she loves most her husband and her daughter. That predicament came stronger when they got face to face in a neighbor village with a larger group of tsukigumi members. Benji reacts first since he is in front. He just slashes a man throat knowing that they are using chain mails. Sakura stays back holding Mana and fighting the ones that Benji can't prevent to reach her. Soon it is over. All the tsukigumi members are dead. But Benji has a bad cut on his left leg. He tosses his now dented sword away and gets another one. He nods to Sakura that like him in covered with blood. And the run away. In a street Benji sees Ogami and Kaede. For some reason Benji hair stands on the end. Benji is reaching for his sword. Sakura holds his sword guard and shakes her head as if saying `don't' she pulls him by the hand and they cross the street to another alley. None of then notice that Kayama was standing on the shadows and that he saw that small interlude. Confused the tsukigumi leader ponders of what is happening. Sakura is acting freely even preventing her supposed kidnapper from fighting. Kayama knows that there is more in that story that he was told off. “Back away Sakura!” Benji shouts covering Sakura with his body pointing the sword to Sumire that is in an attack pose. “I am not leaving you!” the brunet shouts back. Sumire is honestly confused. “He holds the sword like an amateur. Still I feel that I shouldn't underestimate him. And Sakura is not screaming for help. She is not asking to him to be killed. She is shouting that he will stay by his side. Sakura what happened?” Sumire thinks. “You need to take Mana! You need to protect her!” Benji shouts. “Mana?” Sumire thinks. “I won't leave you. Sumire is a skilled fighter.” Sakura says. Sakura moves a bit to her right. Partially uncovering herself from Benji back. Sumire notices that arataka blade is with a faint red color. And that Sakura is holding it with only one hand. Her left arm is under her breast as if holding something. Sumire sees some blue fabric on Sakura chest moves as if something just moved. “A baby! She is carrying a baby! No wonder both of then are so aggressive! They are protecting a child!” Sumire thinks. She gets off from the fighting stance. “Why you are protecting that child Sakura?” Sumire asks. “She is my daughter and I won't let any of you harm her!” Sakura shouts. “I don't know why you all are chasing me! But I won't accept that you all ruined my life!” Sakura shouts in total anger. Sumire is actually scared. With Sakura tone that she never heard and with the statement. “You weren't kidnapped?!” Sumire asks. “NO! I came willing! No one forced me to anything!” Sakura shouts with out hesitate. “I presume that he is your husband.” Sumire says “I am.” Benji says. “Why you don't come back Sakura everyone missed you. Out public miss you. You are Shinguji Sakura of the…” “THAT SAKURA DIED!!!” Sakura screams cutting Sumire sentence. “That Sakura died two years ago! She committed suicide when jumping from a bridge into a wild river! That girl drowned in sorrow and in the cold river!” Sakura says with anger on her voice. Anger of her past weakness. “I am Himura Sakura.” Sakura says. “And I am the wife of a miner.” She states with pride on her voice. “I see. So you are not coming back to us? To Iris, to Kanna and to all of us that missed you for the past two years not knowing if you were alive or dead. Being loved or hated. Safe or in danger.” Sumire says in verge of tears that she tries to hold very hard. Benji sheathes the sword. He walks to Sumire since the way out of the city is on that way, Sakura does the same. When they pass by Sumire. “I also missed you girls. But I love my new life more than anything. Don't try to take it away from me. Or we will be enemies.” Sakura says. Sumire eyes go wide with shock. Sakura that was always so kind and sweet have just threatened all then. Benji and Sakura begun to run. “I honestly hope the best for you all.” Sumire says. If the running couple heard is a mystery since they never showed a sign of anything. “Let me carry her now your arm must be tired.” Benji says stopping the run. Sakura nods taking few deep breaths to recover. Benji carefully picks Mana. “How can she just fall in sleep in a time like this? At least she is not crying.” Benji says. Sakura nods agreeing. Sakura places her hand over her stomach. “What is wrong?” Benji asks worried. “Nothing. I guess that I runned too much and I got cramps.” Sakura says in a tired voice. “Wait a second!” Benji look up at the sky. “It is the first night of crescent moon! Sakura you are on your period!” Benji says worried. “Why you didn't tell me?” he asks. “I didn't want to worry you more Anata. We are in a run. My friends are chasing us. I think that I can bear some cramps.” Sakura says with a hint of pain on her voice. “You are bleeding too.” Benji says pointing to the red dampness on her inner thighs. Sakura curse herself for picking a gray hakama instead of red. “It is normal. You know it. I am fine darling. True.” Sakura says giving Benji a kiss on the cheek. “Let's move. As far as we can get from then.” Sakura says. Benji nods allowing her to take the lead. More minutes pass and they reach a large open are. Uncovered from the protective mantle of the forest the couple is not in the full view of a heartless Russian markswoman. Two shots rang. Both of then hit Benji. One in the right arm and another on the right leg. Benji falls over his right knee. Blood stains his shirt. Sakura looks forward and sees Maria. The brunet exchange swords with her husband. “Show then this sword and they will know that I send you.” Sakura whispers to him before charging to Maria. The Russian is taken back. But a voice in the blonde head orders her to attack. And she don't even wince in obey it. Four shots rang in the air. Benji shouts at Sakura. Those four shots hit Sakura. Two was actually pared by Sakura. But two meet then targets. One pierces Sakura left shoulder. The other hits the brunet in the stomach. But Sakura don't stop her charge. Maria presses the trigger again but she is out of bullet. Sakura shouts a war cry and stabs Maria stomach. The mass-produced blade trespass the blonde slim waist. Blood gushes from the wound. Splashing on Sakura face and hands. The brunet moves the blade upwards increasing the damage. The sense of fulfilling her revenge fills Sakura with a pleasure totally different from any kind of pleasure that she ever felt. For worse that she would feel later she liked it. Maria as if ignoring the severe and critical wound opens her gun and after drop the empty cartridges she reload and aims the gun into Sakura back. For six times the blonde press the trigger. And all the six shots pierce Sakura frame. Benji shouts in despair seeing the woman that he loves and that he sworn to protect being brutally killed in front of himself. Mana cries also fills the air forming a gruesome duet with Benji howls. The combined cries ran thru the valley and echoes in the mountains. Something within Benji just snaps. A metal blood red aura burns around him. His long hair flows up as black flames. Benji canines grown into fangs, his fingernails turns in to claws, his ears become longer and pointed and a long fox tail grows in the end of his spine. Benji eyes burn in a cold blue color. His hair now loose falls in a raven casket on his shoulders. All that happens before Sakura could hit the ground. An enraged feral howl leaves his throat scared birds fly away from there. All the villages around hears the horrible howl echoes. In a near woods Gin froze she knows that happened and she still shiver in fear hearing that howl. Similar tone one that herself cried many years before when she lost her entire brood. She races to where the howl came. Ogami, Kaede, Kohran and Lachette runs to the opening where Maria is. They arrive in time to see Benji slash open Maria chest with his claws. The blonde falls with blood gushing from between her slashed ribs. Knifes flow and shots are fired on his direction. Benji turns his back covering Mana. He turns and slashes the air in the group direction. The group duck in time to avoid a serious slash. Many trees behind then fall slashed in fife bits. The remaining hanagumi arrive in time to see Lachette tosses more knifes in the retreating Benji. One of then hitting the transformed men between the eyes. Cutting under his left eye between the bridge of his eyes and on his forehead above the right eye. But Benji leaped over a cliff. Orihime and Iris rushes to Sakura. Kanna and Sumire runs to Maria. Reni runs with the others to the edge of the cliff only to see Benji falls on the water. “The mission is over. Let's go” To the shock of all the uncontrolled girls Ogami voice don't sound even a bit worried about the state of the wounded girls. Ogami walks away with Kaede, Kohran and Lachette. “How are then?” Reni asks scared. “It is a miracle that they are alive. Both have severe wounds.” Kanna says. “Don't worry. We take over from here.” Kayama says “We will give then immediate medical assistance.” Kayama says in a serious tone while four medics and nurses run over to the two girls. As the girls Kayama looks to where the others went. “What happened with then?” is the sentence in the mind of then. Maria and Sakura are removed. “Will they survive?” Iris asks before break in tears. “I don't know Iris. I honestly don't know.” Kanna says hugging the crying girl. “I want to show to you all one thing.” Kayama says. They nod and follow the tsukigumi leader. One hour later they are in the house where Benji and Sakura lived on. “All the villagers said that they lived here.” Kayama says showing to the girls the simple but very neat house. Taking out the pile of clothes tossed when the couple changed in a rush everything is very clean. Kanna walks in the living room. “They lived in here?” Kanna asks hesitantly. “Yes. They did. And they also had a daughter two months ago.” Kayama says. He knew that the last statement made all then pale. “They fought like this because they wanted to protect each other and then daughter.” Sumire says. “I saw.” She finishes. Orihime swallows hard. Iris touches in the floor. She just stops and stares in the air. “Iris?! Iris what is wrong?!” Kanna asks worried. She snaps out. “I was depressed. I spend two months in depression trying to kill myself. But he took my way to do it. So I decided to drink until I died.” Iris says in a plain voice. “Iris?” Reni calls worried. “I took all the money that he got to buy sake. I only wanted to forget all the pain of being betrayed by the two people that I loved more in the world. Even forgetting that I promised to travel with him to forget all that pain. I just drank.” Iris says. “He forced me to throw up. To remove the alcohol that my body still haven't absorbed. He did it so many times that I am already used to the taste of his finger. Even that I can't remember of all properly.” “What is happening?” Orihime asks. “I guess that is a new power.” Sumire says. “One day he was just tired of taking care of me. He had tossed my sake away. I was feeling pain of the hangover and of the memories. I shouted at him for don't want to remember about wanting to die. To my shock he tossed me in the floor. It was the first time in two months that he was rude with me. Even when I let my body limp when he tried to make take a bath he treated me with care. When he reached for my arataka my blood froze. It was fear? Relief? I don't know. He exposed his chest by sliding the kimono from his arms. Then he ripped my kimono, a clean rip and my entire kimono top was ripped but I was still covered from the waist bellow. The thought of rape never crossed my mind. Then he grabbed me and pressed my back into his chest. He forced me to hold the sword. He gripped strongly in the blade targeting my heart. I knew that his heart was in the same line. He said that he grew tired. So if I wanted to die I would have to take him too. I tried to convincing him to let me do it alone but he never shakes. He touched the cold blade in my left breast. It hurted when the blade forced in my flesh only few millimeters. His warm blood washed over mine and slidded on my chest. And dripped in the floor. As well my tears. While he asked me if I truly wanted death I understand why I choose this path. While he worked I could killed myself using a sash and hanging into somewhere. Or used the kitchen knife. I fully understand that all this was a cry for help. All the drinking. All the shouts. A cry for help of the single man that was there. A cry for help for the total stranger that saved my life in a rainy night. A man that become my secret love in the months that he protect me from myself. A man that was willing to die with me because of something that he didn't even know what it was.” Iris sob before continues. “His life warmth in my back, his heart and breath in my body showed that he was alive. And that he was waiting for me to change it. I shouted that I didn't wanted to die. My arataka fell in the floor forgotten. I just buried my face in to his chest and crying all my sorrow. After all the tears I understood that I loved him only for being there. For saving me so many times and to try to make me forget about my sorrow. I just gave myself to him. I reached his wounded hand feeling his warm blood there staining my skin. But I didn't care. I was his. My life belonged to him. To the man that gave me love when all that I could found was despair.” Iris stops she is covered with sweat. The girls stare in shock. “Psychometrical flashback. I heard of it before.” Kayama says. “What does it means?” Reni asks. “In short words Iris picked up Sakura memories in this house. At least part of then.” Kayama says. “I know that she was very happy after that. I can feel it with my entire being.” Iris says. “I hope so Iris.” Kanna says.

Very far from there a hand grabs a branch near of a river edge. Pulling itself up. Soon the figure of Benji appears from the water. Mana is totally dry unlike her father, protected by an eerie blue barrier. The girl is sleeping quietly. Benji moves to the river bank and he falls tired on his back holding dearly on Mana. He closes his eyes in exhaustion. His wounds bleeding freely. Unaware that a man picks him by the shoulders and drag his inert form away.

 

End of the chapter three: