Chapter 25: Sakura in the Shadows (18)

The first person to come to her side was Akiyo who was filled with nothing but praise for his awesome great sister. Then, Riyo eventually came to her side after talking with Lord Goto.

"Lord Goto, loved your performance" Riyo bragged making Rachel smile. As the person himself appeared not to long afterword. "My deepest thanks," he said bowing to Rachel. "I am honored to have seen your performance at one of my many gatherings.

Rachels beautiful smile dropped suddenly and then turned chillingly cold. Riyo shocked then said "Nikki is tired now from her performance. I think we should return home."

Before leaving Rachel thanked the musicians and paid them extra before leaving for good. The next few days, Riyo was bombarded with invitations that invited her to dance at events like Lord Goto.

Rachel had accepted nearly all of them and then within days her name was spread throughout as a beautiful genius with a loving heart. Lord Goto's recommendation also appeared as well, this in the end satisfied Rachel a lot.

Tsiyi had not shown himself for a while, much to Rachel's relief. He was due to return to his home country soon anyways.

Rachel and Riyo had a light conversation about it.

"He goes home soon. One week from now I believe."

Riyo's expression became stern "Would you have him stay, then?"

Rachel shook her head slowly "He has been in this land for more then Five years, and although he does not admit it, it has been hard for him. He does not belong here. He must go home."

"I suppose….In twos days from now, he will have no reason to stay. You will belong to someone else" Riyo said.

Rachels eyebrows twitched at her. Riyo was right and yet.

Rachel woke in with a fright, a nightmare. She covered her ears to block out the sounds that are overlapping from her dreams to reality.

She walked out into the veranda slowly and then futher , she didn't fell like going back to sleep. He looked at Hachi asleep and guarding Akiyos door. Before she disappeared into the shadow and appeared in the nearby woods. She walked slowly to calm her nervous.

It took her a moment to hear impatient footsteps, she turned to see Tsiyi bandaged in some areas.

Maybe the fright she got from her dream transferred over, but it seemed her emotions spilled out. As she started crying. Turning Tsiyi smile into a shock as he rushed over, gathering her in his arms.

"Ray. Do not, Do not cry" he said trying to soothe her. As he began to panic more when she didn't stop.

Rachel emotions where a mess, a flash from the past invaded her mind. 'It hurts, it hurts so much.' Was all she kept saying in her mind.

Before she drew a blank as Tsiyi kissed soft and sweet enough to make her sigh. And then once again she abruptly pushed him away before taking off in a dead sprint.

"Ray, Come back!" he said as he began to chase after her.

"GO AWAY!" Rachel shrieked as she ran.

"Do not be stupid!" He shouted back, no even breathless "I will not leave you out here alone."

Rachel suddenly halted by a tree banging on it hard until her hands began to bleed. Her bleeding hand was being held by another.

"Ray, Stop" Tsiyi said worriedly.

"This has nothing to do with you" She brought her hand back from his grip. "My life, My hate, none of it is" She continued to continued "I owe you nothing, Tsiyi, nothing at all so leave me alone!"

"I Won't" he said grabbing her shoulders crushing her against him. "I cant….I love you, I have been in love with you since the day I saw you-"

"Shut up!" Rachel raged, punching and Kicking the same two words. She was a Hysterical mess totally not in control of her feelings.

He suddenly jerked his grip lessened for a moment.

"Sorry. I am Sorry" Rachel said lightly when she heard him grunt somewhat in pain. Her messy thoughts starting to pull together.

"I do not care," he said "You can hit me…..Just don't run away from me." He voice sounded as if it was begging.

He kissed her and she responded will the same need back. As the light of the moon shined on them both.

When the kiss broke both where out of breath.

"Ray, I can not leave you behind, my homeland I leave for it tomorrow. So, please come with me."

"….." Rachel leaned on his chest and for a moment if only she was tempted to say yes.

"Ray?"

Rachel pushed him back and disappeared into the shadows. She couldn't answer him and if she did, she knew that she wanted nothing more then to say Yes.