Samurai 7 Fan Fiction ❯ Tell Me You Love Me ❯ The Sound Of Love ( Chapter 4 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Himenokori 
The moment of truth... Will it make or break Kureha's heart?
Anime/Manga: Samurai 7 Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Action / Hentai / Romance / Samurai | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 07.06.2007 | Pages: 1 | Words: 3.3K | Visits: 254 | Status: Work In Progress
The moment of truth... Will it make or break Kureha's heart?
Anime/Manga: Samurai 7 Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Action / Hentai / Romance / Samurai | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 07.06.2007 | Pages: 1 | Words: 3.3K | Visits: 254 | Status: Work In Progress
Tell Me You Love Me 4
The Sound of Love
Kureha could not help but think that the sun decided to shine extra bright today as she washed her brother's clothes and hung them to dry. It had been a little more than two weeks since the samurai Kyuzo and Rikichi showed up in their village. The more time that passed had to mean that her brother would be home soon. Kureha was happy to splash in the water even though it left her soaked from head to toe. She laughed aloud to herself as she rinsed the last few items and left the cool lake. Just as the last pieces of cloth was placed into her basket she felt the song of the wind build inside of her. It would never do for her to show up at her home wet to her very skin. Lady Akane would yell at her for displaying herself so boldly in front of the samurai and his companion. Kureha smiled to herself and began to dance. Her movements were slow and languid, she cherished the dying rays of the sun as they beat down upon her skin. With a rapturous sigh she began to sing. “I find myself walking along the beach looking up at the stars. Each one has a name and is loved for individual reasons. Just like each person is a star in the eyes of God. I want to be loved, this is a desire in all of us. Our hearts cry out to feel the rapture of human hands even as we seek the Glory of salvation. Why create a need and refuse to meet it? Is love only for the beautiful? The rampant? The strong? Everyone tells me I am beautiful, I wonder why they lied.” Kureha sang a song her mother had taught her adding to the end even as the last line before her own had been added by her mother. Little did Kureha know, that as she sang another heart answered in silent longing. “Hey girl,” Kureha gasped hearing the jeering voice so close to her. “You look nice all wet like that. Want to come with me to my hometown?” Kureha was silent as she scrambled to gather her basket and back away from the stranger. “Since the Nobuseri were disbanded by those damned samurai a couple of months ago, women have been hard to come by. No one to bring them from their villages and sell them to us. So I am here to get my own...” He lunged and Kureha screamed. She dropped her basket of wet clothing in her attempt to get away from the rampaging man. The man growled as his feet, unused to running on shifting sand, slipped out from underneath him. He fell to the ground managing to catch her ankle. As Kureha went down another scream was wrenched from her. She began to sob as she was dragged towards the hulking figure. She stared at him, her eyes widening in terror while he loomed above her a menacing figure of lust. “No!” Kureha called out praying help would come to her. She cringed when the man above her jerked. He grunted his eyes traveling down his form to see the blade through his stomach shining grotesque in the fading light of dusk. A black booted foot with a red band across the tops kicked the stranger away from Kureha's cowering form. Kureha crawled to her hands and knees her gaze wandered over the heavy red canvas coat to the fall of thick blond hair and piercing eyes so light a brown they appeared golden. “Kyuzo-Dono,” Kureha managed before she slumped over. Kyuzo scooped the wet girl into his arms with a rueful smile. It seemed she was always getting thick clumps of wet sand on him. He slide his sword into it's sheath only needing one of the excellent blades to dispense with the would-be kidnapper. With little effort he got to his feet with the girl in his arms thinking that she was beautiful even as she swooned, a silly female habit that he had no time for. Now he would have to explain to the already suspicious villagers why he was carrying the half dressed, wet young woman. Although, Kyuzo thought as he looked down immediately ashamed of himself for being no better than Rikichi, there were worse sights to see. Her form was perfect, slight where she needed to be, yet round and firm...enticing. Kyuzo closed his eyes control being something he had worked hard over the years to attain. Kureha sighed in his arms her eyes fluttering she opened them to see him looking down at her. “You are well?” Though the words were few, Kureha felt them clear to the soles of her feet so resonant was his voice. “I...I...Am alright. Please, Dono, allow me to get my over wrap.” Kureha said indicating that she would like to leave his arms. Kyuzo released her legs her slim figure sliding down his coat before she stepped hastily away. She took a large blue cloth and draped it over her figure securing it with a pearl clasp. When she was properly attired she looked at his coat with dismay. “I will clean it for you.” Kureha turned to see the lake and gasped. “You should return to your home.” Kureha was surprised, she was not in his arms yet his voice shook her to her core. “I...I...Thank you.” Kureha nodded her head. She took up her basket glad that the clothes had remained within. On near silent feet she ran down the beach to her home to tell of the bravery of the samurai. >*-*< Heihachi grimaced as Gorobei sat his bag into the cart. The older man moved around as if he were still in pain. The arm had long since been lost to him but he seemed to feel it still. “Gorobei-Dono, are you sure...” “I have tarried long enough.” Gorobei said without looking at his friends. “The wars ended so long ago and I selfishly wandered around while I knew she was waiting for me.” Gorobei smiled as he thought of his smiling sister. She was always so clumsy. “Surely she must be ready to wed by now. I will go home.” Gorobei nodded his head. It was indeed time for him to return to his home. He had avoided it for so long now ashamed to look into his sister's eyes and know that he was a killer. When he had left his skills had been much like Katsushiro's untried and innocent. Used mostly in their family's entertainment act. It was very shortly after his time in service that his singing blade had tasted blood. Since that first battle, they had sang no more. Crying out for release from his blood stained hands. Now, maybe they could find peace, his hands would see warfare no more. Hands, Gorobei thought with a bitter grin that made his heart ache. He had no such things anymore, he had a hand and a memory. Yes, he looked to the horizon in the direction of his home. Yes, it was time to go back. Katsushiro found Kirara by her beloved water's edge her dousing crystal laying in her lap as she stared off into the distance. “You are leaving with them.” The statement shocked Katsushiro for he had approached in silence. “The crystal tells me things even when not held in my hand. You will leave.” “If you do not mind it Kirara-San, what I mean is...If you would wait for me. I will return.” “Ahhhh Man!!!” Katsushiro cringed as Kikuchiyo came barreling through the remains of the trees. “Just ask her to marry you. Then you will know that she will wait, easier to wait for a husband than a samurai with good intentions.” Katsushiro's face light with internal flames as his eyes darted from Kikuchiyo to Kirara. “Come on man, you can be married by the chief tonight and we will delay our departure for a few days to see Gorobei home, in fact... The village would have no problem if she went with you... If you are married that is.” “No Kikuchiyo,” Kambei made his presence known. “I would never ask a newly wedded couple to take such a journey, they should remain behind and enjoy their time together.” Kambei smiled thinking of all the joys to be had in marriage. “We will let him remain with his wife and see to making many small ones. Also it would be a good help if he remained behind to help rebuild the village.” “But...” Katsushiro began to stammer, here they had them already married and having children when he had yet to actually ask the girl if that had even been his intent. They had never given him a chance to find out. “I mean...” Katsushiro paused looking into the expectant faces of his fellow warriors. He dropped to his knees and bowed before Kirara. “Would you do me the grand honor of becoming my lady wife, lady Kirara.” Kirara looked around at the samurai that had saved her village each one smiling encouragement. “I would be honored to be your wife, Katsushiro-Dono.” Kirara accepted the hand that Katsushiro held out to her. Katsushiro got to his feet his eyes shining with joy. It was not when Kambei had announced that he was a member of the team, neither was it when he had slain his first bandit, it was only now that he felt the onset of manhood as he looked into the eyes of the woman who would be his wife. Kirara beamed brightly in the deepening darkness that swept in as the sun bid farewell to the day. Soon, she thought, soon her dreams would come true and she would be the wife of this gentle man. No the thought struck her as sudden as a vision of happiness on a spring day. No not man, she would be the wife of this Samurai. “Then it is settled,” Kambei announced with a rare smile. “They will wed at dawn and we will leave at dusk. We should arrive in Gorobei's village he says in less than a week's time.” “So close,” Shichiroji spoke for the first time. “Yet so far away that the two villages were quite unaware of each other. How large this world seems when you are trapped within the walls of your own torture.” Kambei nodded his own smile wavering. “Kambei, if you do not need my services anymore, I am going to return to Yukino.” Kambei smiled and nodded, sending his friend home to the woman he loved. “Hey Shichiroji,” Shichiroji turned back to look at Kambei. “Why don't you wed the lady?” Shichiroji laughed softly as he walked off, leaving Kanna village and the friends that had come through so much. “We will meet again” Shichiroji promised his long time friend as he wandered away. >*-*<
Day by day Kyuzo entertained one thought: He had to get out of here. Since the moment he had dispatched the rude stranger she had showered him with gratitude. Her presence did odd things to his mind. He had said no words to her since that evening yet she refused to leave his side. Her friend Sakura teased her, lady Akane chided her and still she was by his side. Not to mention that Rikichi had become sullen the more Kureha ignored him. He jumped from the roof, his favorite spot where he could sit in peace with no one to bother him. Moments after his feet touched ground, he wished he had remained aloft. Rikichi stood nearby a frown on his face. Rikichi forgot his fear of the quiet samurai in the face of his jealousy. “Why do you toy with her?” Rikichi frowned when Kyuzo shoved away. He had toyed with no one, thus, there was no reason for him to explain himself. Not that he would. “Hey,” Rikichi stood his ground in front of Kyuzo. “You know you will wander off again as soon as Gorobei returns, why do you give her false hope? Do you merely want to add her as notch in your belt? You offer a moment of pleasure when I would give her my life.” “I have offered her nothing.” Kyuzo finally spoke in his own defense when he saw Lady Akane watching them. “Then you would just take her with dishonor?!” Rikichi shouted, he reached for Kyuzo's arm to halt him when it seemed the great samurai would walk off without answering. “I have taken nothing.” Kyuzo spoke quietly the stars overhead twinkling in the silence. Kyuzo took Rikichi's hands in a tight grip then shoved him away. Rikichi stared after the retreating figure of Kyuzo. “I want nothing.” Kyuzo heard the loud gasp. He looked over to see Kureha standing next to lady Akane tears streaming down her face. Kureha turned away running to the beach her heart broken even before it had begun to bloom. Kyuzo looked after her only a moment then went into the house to retrieve his small bag. He would not go back on his word. He would stay near and protect the village and Rikichi until Gorobei returned, but he would not, could not stay in this house any longer. For he had lied tonight. He wanted...oh did he want.
>*-*<
Sakura wept for her friend. They had shared an easy friendship and even some light competitive moments when they vied for attention from the village boys and even when Rikichi and the Samurai Kyuzo had shown up. But now, seeing the other girl so broken-hearted. “He has been so kind, I know he does not speak much, but he has been so kind.” “I am sure he has his reasons for what he said.” Sakura tried to comfort her. “You know he is a wanderer, maybe he wants to continue his journey once your brother returns.” “You know what my mother told me? It was only a few months before she and Papa were killed,” Kureha remembered the words her mother had spoken a smile lighting her face. “She said that when I met him, the man who would own my affections, my heart would speak to me. She taught me the words to the spoken heart. A song that lives in the hearts of the females of our family. She would not allow me to practice singing it. She said that I would sing it when the time was right and that he would hear. I sang it the other day. I know he heard it. He had to have been near enough. How else did he get there in time to save me?” “Perhaps your heart spoke to you.” Sakura patted Kureha's back. “Did your mother have words for when the man's heart has remained silent?” “I know he has only been here for less than a month but... Oh Sakura, I think... I think I love him.” “Oh... Ku-Chan,” Sakura cradled her friend in her arms as she wept. Kureha stood to leave the room wiping her face on a handkerchief. “I just want to say goodbye. I know he does not love me. But I do not want him to leave without knowing how I feel.” Sakura admired Kureha's courage as she ran off into the night. Kyuzo sat on large boulder staring at the moon as it reflected on the crashing waves. He thought of the past few weeks. Damn Gorobei, how dare he have such a lovely sister? Damn Kambei, how could he insist that he accompany Rikichi? If Kyuzo were honest with himself, he would admit that Kambei had not insisted, in fact he himself had had plenty of opportunities to say no. He heard her stumbling approach long before she reached him. He would not turn and look at her. Not if wanted to keep his sanity. Kureha stood but a few paces behind Kyuzo her breathing ragged for she had run the entire way to the beach. “I am no going to ask that you stay great samurai,” Kureha said her bottom lip trembling. “I just wanted to say,” She faltered breathing deeply. “I love you.” Kureha dropped to her knees sobbing. “I don't need you to promise me anything. I just want you to know. You don't have to tell me you'll stay, just tell me that you feel the same. I want no promises, just... Tell me you love me.” Kyuzo stood to his feet and turned to look at the young woman sobbing at his feet. It was true what she said. He had only known her for a short time but he felt her heart reach out to his. When he had happened upon singing on this very beach he had been swept away on a sea of tranquility much more fascinating than the water before him. He had been so preoccupied analyzing his own reaction to her singing that he had not noticed the kidnapper until it was almost too late. “Listen,” Kureha gasped when his voice washed over her. “Stand to your feet.” Kureha stood peering past the hair hoping to find reassurance in his gaze. What she saw there frightened her for the intensity of his gaze seemed to see clear through her. “There is nothing that I own, nothing I have to offer you.” “Are you not master of your own heart?” Kureha asked shocked and thrilled by her own boldness. “Just tell me...” Kureha ceased to speak as Kyuzo grasped her arms. He pulled her to him and pressed his lips to hers. Kureha felt the kiss sear her from the top of her head to the soles of her feet setting her heart on fire. Kyuzo lost himself in the sweet flavor of her lips. This girl felt so right in his arms. Her pliant form molded to his body as she sank against him. Kyuzo felt his body begin to respond and shoved her away. “Kyuzo... Dono...” Kureha stood and watched as Kyuzo picked up his bag and walked down the beach. She stared after him her heart thumping in elation. Though he had not spoken the words, she felt his heart speak to hers, she knew. He loved her. Even if he never spoke to her again, she would hold the secret inside. Kureha grinned before she skipped back to her home. He loved her... Her heart beat an erratic stacato of joy. The great Samurai Kyuzo loved her!
To Be Continued.
The White Lion is now available for purchase. So check out my website, pick up a copy and let me know what you think. I look forward to hearing from you all.
Ja Ne
Chi
The Sound of Love
Kureha could not help but think that the sun decided to shine extra bright today as she washed her brother's clothes and hung them to dry. It had been a little more than two weeks since the samurai Kyuzo and Rikichi showed up in their village. The more time that passed had to mean that her brother would be home soon. Kureha was happy to splash in the water even though it left her soaked from head to toe. She laughed aloud to herself as she rinsed the last few items and left the cool lake. Just as the last pieces of cloth was placed into her basket she felt the song of the wind build inside of her. It would never do for her to show up at her home wet to her very skin. Lady Akane would yell at her for displaying herself so boldly in front of the samurai and his companion. Kureha smiled to herself and began to dance. Her movements were slow and languid, she cherished the dying rays of the sun as they beat down upon her skin. With a rapturous sigh she began to sing. “I find myself walking along the beach looking up at the stars. Each one has a name and is loved for individual reasons. Just like each person is a star in the eyes of God. I want to be loved, this is a desire in all of us. Our hearts cry out to feel the rapture of human hands even as we seek the Glory of salvation. Why create a need and refuse to meet it? Is love only for the beautiful? The rampant? The strong? Everyone tells me I am beautiful, I wonder why they lied.” Kureha sang a song her mother had taught her adding to the end even as the last line before her own had been added by her mother. Little did Kureha know, that as she sang another heart answered in silent longing. “Hey girl,” Kureha gasped hearing the jeering voice so close to her. “You look nice all wet like that. Want to come with me to my hometown?” Kureha was silent as she scrambled to gather her basket and back away from the stranger. “Since the Nobuseri were disbanded by those damned samurai a couple of months ago, women have been hard to come by. No one to bring them from their villages and sell them to us. So I am here to get my own...” He lunged and Kureha screamed. She dropped her basket of wet clothing in her attempt to get away from the rampaging man. The man growled as his feet, unused to running on shifting sand, slipped out from underneath him. He fell to the ground managing to catch her ankle. As Kureha went down another scream was wrenched from her. She began to sob as she was dragged towards the hulking figure. She stared at him, her eyes widening in terror while he loomed above her a menacing figure of lust. “No!” Kureha called out praying help would come to her. She cringed when the man above her jerked. He grunted his eyes traveling down his form to see the blade through his stomach shining grotesque in the fading light of dusk. A black booted foot with a red band across the tops kicked the stranger away from Kureha's cowering form. Kureha crawled to her hands and knees her gaze wandered over the heavy red canvas coat to the fall of thick blond hair and piercing eyes so light a brown they appeared golden. “Kyuzo-Dono,” Kureha managed before she slumped over. Kyuzo scooped the wet girl into his arms with a rueful smile. It seemed she was always getting thick clumps of wet sand on him. He slide his sword into it's sheath only needing one of the excellent blades to dispense with the would-be kidnapper. With little effort he got to his feet with the girl in his arms thinking that she was beautiful even as she swooned, a silly female habit that he had no time for. Now he would have to explain to the already suspicious villagers why he was carrying the half dressed, wet young woman. Although, Kyuzo thought as he looked down immediately ashamed of himself for being no better than Rikichi, there were worse sights to see. Her form was perfect, slight where she needed to be, yet round and firm...enticing. Kyuzo closed his eyes control being something he had worked hard over the years to attain. Kureha sighed in his arms her eyes fluttering she opened them to see him looking down at her. “You are well?” Though the words were few, Kureha felt them clear to the soles of her feet so resonant was his voice. “I...I...Am alright. Please, Dono, allow me to get my over wrap.” Kureha said indicating that she would like to leave his arms. Kyuzo released her legs her slim figure sliding down his coat before she stepped hastily away. She took a large blue cloth and draped it over her figure securing it with a pearl clasp. When she was properly attired she looked at his coat with dismay. “I will clean it for you.” Kureha turned to see the lake and gasped. “You should return to your home.” Kureha was surprised, she was not in his arms yet his voice shook her to her core. “I...I...Thank you.” Kureha nodded her head. She took up her basket glad that the clothes had remained within. On near silent feet she ran down the beach to her home to tell of the bravery of the samurai. >*-*< Heihachi grimaced as Gorobei sat his bag into the cart. The older man moved around as if he were still in pain. The arm had long since been lost to him but he seemed to feel it still. “Gorobei-Dono, are you sure...” “I have tarried long enough.” Gorobei said without looking at his friends. “The wars ended so long ago and I selfishly wandered around while I knew she was waiting for me.” Gorobei smiled as he thought of his smiling sister. She was always so clumsy. “Surely she must be ready to wed by now. I will go home.” Gorobei nodded his head. It was indeed time for him to return to his home. He had avoided it for so long now ashamed to look into his sister's eyes and know that he was a killer. When he had left his skills had been much like Katsushiro's untried and innocent. Used mostly in their family's entertainment act. It was very shortly after his time in service that his singing blade had tasted blood. Since that first battle, they had sang no more. Crying out for release from his blood stained hands. Now, maybe they could find peace, his hands would see warfare no more. Hands, Gorobei thought with a bitter grin that made his heart ache. He had no such things anymore, he had a hand and a memory. Yes, he looked to the horizon in the direction of his home. Yes, it was time to go back. Katsushiro found Kirara by her beloved water's edge her dousing crystal laying in her lap as she stared off into the distance. “You are leaving with them.” The statement shocked Katsushiro for he had approached in silence. “The crystal tells me things even when not held in my hand. You will leave.” “If you do not mind it Kirara-San, what I mean is...If you would wait for me. I will return.” “Ahhhh Man!!!” Katsushiro cringed as Kikuchiyo came barreling through the remains of the trees. “Just ask her to marry you. Then you will know that she will wait, easier to wait for a husband than a samurai with good intentions.” Katsushiro's face light with internal flames as his eyes darted from Kikuchiyo to Kirara. “Come on man, you can be married by the chief tonight and we will delay our departure for a few days to see Gorobei home, in fact... The village would have no problem if she went with you... If you are married that is.” “No Kikuchiyo,” Kambei made his presence known. “I would never ask a newly wedded couple to take such a journey, they should remain behind and enjoy their time together.” Kambei smiled thinking of all the joys to be had in marriage. “We will let him remain with his wife and see to making many small ones. Also it would be a good help if he remained behind to help rebuild the village.” “But...” Katsushiro began to stammer, here they had them already married and having children when he had yet to actually ask the girl if that had even been his intent. They had never given him a chance to find out. “I mean...” Katsushiro paused looking into the expectant faces of his fellow warriors. He dropped to his knees and bowed before Kirara. “Would you do me the grand honor of becoming my lady wife, lady Kirara.” Kirara looked around at the samurai that had saved her village each one smiling encouragement. “I would be honored to be your wife, Katsushiro-Dono.” Kirara accepted the hand that Katsushiro held out to her. Katsushiro got to his feet his eyes shining with joy. It was not when Kambei had announced that he was a member of the team, neither was it when he had slain his first bandit, it was only now that he felt the onset of manhood as he looked into the eyes of the woman who would be his wife. Kirara beamed brightly in the deepening darkness that swept in as the sun bid farewell to the day. Soon, she thought, soon her dreams would come true and she would be the wife of this gentle man. No the thought struck her as sudden as a vision of happiness on a spring day. No not man, she would be the wife of this Samurai. “Then it is settled,” Kambei announced with a rare smile. “They will wed at dawn and we will leave at dusk. We should arrive in Gorobei's village he says in less than a week's time.” “So close,” Shichiroji spoke for the first time. “Yet so far away that the two villages were quite unaware of each other. How large this world seems when you are trapped within the walls of your own torture.” Kambei nodded his own smile wavering. “Kambei, if you do not need my services anymore, I am going to return to Yukino.” Kambei smiled and nodded, sending his friend home to the woman he loved. “Hey Shichiroji,” Shichiroji turned back to look at Kambei. “Why don't you wed the lady?” Shichiroji laughed softly as he walked off, leaving Kanna village and the friends that had come through so much. “We will meet again” Shichiroji promised his long time friend as he wandered away. >*-*<
Day by day Kyuzo entertained one thought: He had to get out of here. Since the moment he had dispatched the rude stranger she had showered him with gratitude. Her presence did odd things to his mind. He had said no words to her since that evening yet she refused to leave his side. Her friend Sakura teased her, lady Akane chided her and still she was by his side. Not to mention that Rikichi had become sullen the more Kureha ignored him. He jumped from the roof, his favorite spot where he could sit in peace with no one to bother him. Moments after his feet touched ground, he wished he had remained aloft. Rikichi stood nearby a frown on his face. Rikichi forgot his fear of the quiet samurai in the face of his jealousy. “Why do you toy with her?” Rikichi frowned when Kyuzo shoved away. He had toyed with no one, thus, there was no reason for him to explain himself. Not that he would. “Hey,” Rikichi stood his ground in front of Kyuzo. “You know you will wander off again as soon as Gorobei returns, why do you give her false hope? Do you merely want to add her as notch in your belt? You offer a moment of pleasure when I would give her my life.” “I have offered her nothing.” Kyuzo finally spoke in his own defense when he saw Lady Akane watching them. “Then you would just take her with dishonor?!” Rikichi shouted, he reached for Kyuzo's arm to halt him when it seemed the great samurai would walk off without answering. “I have taken nothing.” Kyuzo spoke quietly the stars overhead twinkling in the silence. Kyuzo took Rikichi's hands in a tight grip then shoved him away. Rikichi stared after the retreating figure of Kyuzo. “I want nothing.” Kyuzo heard the loud gasp. He looked over to see Kureha standing next to lady Akane tears streaming down her face. Kureha turned away running to the beach her heart broken even before it had begun to bloom. Kyuzo looked after her only a moment then went into the house to retrieve his small bag. He would not go back on his word. He would stay near and protect the village and Rikichi until Gorobei returned, but he would not, could not stay in this house any longer. For he had lied tonight. He wanted...oh did he want.
>*-*<
Sakura wept for her friend. They had shared an easy friendship and even some light competitive moments when they vied for attention from the village boys and even when Rikichi and the Samurai Kyuzo had shown up. But now, seeing the other girl so broken-hearted. “He has been so kind, I know he does not speak much, but he has been so kind.” “I am sure he has his reasons for what he said.” Sakura tried to comfort her. “You know he is a wanderer, maybe he wants to continue his journey once your brother returns.” “You know what my mother told me? It was only a few months before she and Papa were killed,” Kureha remembered the words her mother had spoken a smile lighting her face. “She said that when I met him, the man who would own my affections, my heart would speak to me. She taught me the words to the spoken heart. A song that lives in the hearts of the females of our family. She would not allow me to practice singing it. She said that I would sing it when the time was right and that he would hear. I sang it the other day. I know he heard it. He had to have been near enough. How else did he get there in time to save me?” “Perhaps your heart spoke to you.” Sakura patted Kureha's back. “Did your mother have words for when the man's heart has remained silent?” “I know he has only been here for less than a month but... Oh Sakura, I think... I think I love him.” “Oh... Ku-Chan,” Sakura cradled her friend in her arms as she wept. Kureha stood to leave the room wiping her face on a handkerchief. “I just want to say goodbye. I know he does not love me. But I do not want him to leave without knowing how I feel.” Sakura admired Kureha's courage as she ran off into the night. Kyuzo sat on large boulder staring at the moon as it reflected on the crashing waves. He thought of the past few weeks. Damn Gorobei, how dare he have such a lovely sister? Damn Kambei, how could he insist that he accompany Rikichi? If Kyuzo were honest with himself, he would admit that Kambei had not insisted, in fact he himself had had plenty of opportunities to say no. He heard her stumbling approach long before she reached him. He would not turn and look at her. Not if wanted to keep his sanity. Kureha stood but a few paces behind Kyuzo her breathing ragged for she had run the entire way to the beach. “I am no going to ask that you stay great samurai,” Kureha said her bottom lip trembling. “I just wanted to say,” She faltered breathing deeply. “I love you.” Kureha dropped to her knees sobbing. “I don't need you to promise me anything. I just want you to know. You don't have to tell me you'll stay, just tell me that you feel the same. I want no promises, just... Tell me you love me.” Kyuzo stood to his feet and turned to look at the young woman sobbing at his feet. It was true what she said. He had only known her for a short time but he felt her heart reach out to his. When he had happened upon singing on this very beach he had been swept away on a sea of tranquility much more fascinating than the water before him. He had been so preoccupied analyzing his own reaction to her singing that he had not noticed the kidnapper until it was almost too late. “Listen,” Kureha gasped when his voice washed over her. “Stand to your feet.” Kureha stood peering past the hair hoping to find reassurance in his gaze. What she saw there frightened her for the intensity of his gaze seemed to see clear through her. “There is nothing that I own, nothing I have to offer you.” “Are you not master of your own heart?” Kureha asked shocked and thrilled by her own boldness. “Just tell me...” Kureha ceased to speak as Kyuzo grasped her arms. He pulled her to him and pressed his lips to hers. Kureha felt the kiss sear her from the top of her head to the soles of her feet setting her heart on fire. Kyuzo lost himself in the sweet flavor of her lips. This girl felt so right in his arms. Her pliant form molded to his body as she sank against him. Kyuzo felt his body begin to respond and shoved her away. “Kyuzo... Dono...” Kureha stood and watched as Kyuzo picked up his bag and walked down the beach. She stared after him her heart thumping in elation. Though he had not spoken the words, she felt his heart speak to hers, she knew. He loved her. Even if he never spoke to her again, she would hold the secret inside. Kureha grinned before she skipped back to her home. He loved her... Her heart beat an erratic stacato of joy. The great Samurai Kyuzo loved her!
To Be Continued.
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