Chapter 2

I walked through the halls of my home watching as maids bowed respectfully to me. I gave a slight nod in acknowledgement continuing on towards the library when I heard voices coming from one of the living rooms.

"Sakiko? Is that you dear?" My mother's friendly voice called from inside the living room I quickly passed. I gave a silent sigh before back tracking into the room.

Putting on one of my charming smiles I entered the room to see my mother, father, Roku and two men I recognized from the lavish parties my father tended to throw on a regular basis. I did not remember their names but I remember the son of my mother's business partner constantly trying to draw my attentions to the point of annoyance.

"Sakiko you remember Mr. Hirimoto and his son Sasuke" Mother introduced with a friendly smile.

"Yes. It is nice to see you both again" I said with a slight bow.

"Sakiko. A vision as always" Sasuke said with a charming smile.

I gave a small smile of my own before glancing over at Roku and even though he was keeping it together I could tell when he was agitated.

"Well it was nice seeing you Mr. Hirimoto, Sasuke. If you would excuse me I have a few things to take care of" I said sweetly.

"Oh Sakiko" My father chuckled before walking over towards me, grabbing my arm and squeezing it tightly.

"Mr. Hirimoto and his son came all this way to see you" Dad smiled before turning to me where no one else could see.

"Don't be rude" He hissed through gritted teeth.

"If it is not too much trouble I had hoped you would join me for coffee or lunch?" Sasuke asked.

"That is very sweet of you Sasuke maybe another time" I smirked pulling my arm away from my father but he held a tight grip on it giving me a menacing glare as if to say I would regret it later.

"I understand another time then" Sasuke said walking over glancing at my father who released my arm with a charming smile.

Without another word I turned and left the room heading straight for the library. I closed the door to my sanctuary and sank against the door with a heavy sigh as I examined my arm. The bruises were barely visible but the pain began to send burning sensations down my arm and into my fingertips. I tried to ignore the pain and find a nice book to curl up with and pass the hours. The library like every other room in the house was huge and there were hundreds of books that I had yet to open. I always became excited whenever I finished a book and it was time to choose another. After walking circles around the library I finally settled on one. It was an old traditional romance written in Japanese. I plucked the book off of the shelf and sat in my favorite spot, the window seat facing the garden.

With a yawn I placed a scrap of paper to mark my stopping point. How long had I been reading? Did it really matter? Grabbing the book I stood and left the library maneuvering through the maze of hallways to the kitchen. Most of the kitchen staff were missing so I guessed they were on break for a few hours before they would return to prepare dinner. Grabbing an apple I chatted with the few staff that remained before wandering back into the hallways.

I took a bite wiping away the juice that dripped down my chin with the back of my hand when I thought I heard the sounds of a struggle and something scraping against metal. I felt my heart race as my body tensed immediately going into danger mode. Carefully I followed the sound and sighed in relief as I stared out of the open window. Roku swung his sword as he sparred with his Sensei. His strong muscles tensed and rippled with every swing. Roku has trained in various martial arts years before mother even brought me home.

Watching him was captivating and I could not force myself to turn away. There was no telling how long he had been training today but the sun illuminated the shine of sweat covering his body although he looked far from tired. I took another bite from my apple resting against the large window that was taller than myself. During his sparring session Roku glanced in my direction giving a soft smile. I returned his smile until I watched his Sensei about to take advantage of his distraction, luckily Roku easily blocked the attack and turned his attention back to his Sensei

"Oroku Saki focus. Do not let yourself become distracted not even for a beautiful face" His Sensei said drawing Oroku Saki's attention away from Sakiko and back to the battle.

Oroku Saki's eyes seemed filled with jealousy so his Sensei decided to push farther.

"Although I can not blame you she is gorgeous. I will never understand how she is not married to some wealthy business man by now with children running after her"

Oroku Saki attacked viciously but his Sensei had no trouble protecting himself.

"Kiko would never marry some wealthy brat only to become a trophy to be dressed up and shown off. She deserves better than that"

"Ah. Someone better, like yourself?" His Sensei questioned throwing Oroku Saki off of his guard.

His Sensei smiled inwardly before spin kicking and knocking Oroku Saki to the ground. Oroku Saki hated losing no matter who it was to or what it was about. He hated defeat. It always left a bitter taste in his mouth. So because of this Oroku Saki gave his Sensei a menacing glance that his Sensei only chuckled off before extending his hand to help his student up, however Oroku Saki did not accept it and stood on his own.

"In time I think you would make a fine choice for your Sakiko"

This caught Oroku Saki's attention as he stared at his Sensei unsure on how to take his words.

"In time?" Oroku Saki questioned.

"Yes. You have been invited to train with an elite group that has been around for thousands of years. There is no more I can teach you"

"I do not need more training" Oroku Saki said self assured.

"You are one of my best students but if you accept the invitation you could be unstoppable. Think about Sakiko. Don't you want to know you could protect her against anything or anyone. Strength isn't solely physical. After all these years you should know this. Take this" Oroku Saki's Sensei said handing him a small scroll.

"Think about it. Goodbye Oroku Saki"

Both men bowed towards one another as Oroku Saki stared down at the scroll clutched in his fingers. Turning towards the window he noticed that Sakiko was gone. He gave a small sigh as he headed inside. There was much for him to think about. One of the butler's opened the front door letting Oroku Saki inside. Oroku Saki did not bother thanking or even acknowledging the man as he walked through his childhood home in search of Sakiko's room when he heard a whimpered cry.

"Roku!" Sakiko's voice cried out desperately.

Oroku sped off in the direction of the voice.

Earlier Sakiko did not witness the exchange between Roku and his former Sensei for the sound of her father's heavy footsteps and raised voice made her flee and take cover in the library; however she did not have time to lock the door before he burst in knocking her to the floor. Books flew from her arms and a half eaten apple rolled and came to a stop near the doorway.

"You ungrateful little bitch" Her father thundered as he stalked towards her.

Sakiko slid back trying to create as much distance as she could.

"Do you think I am going to let you stay in my house and do nothing. What use are you if you can't marry well?"

Tears were streaking down Sakiko's face at this point as she quickly tried to get to her feet but she was not quick enough and cried out in pain as she was slammed into a nearby bookshelf knocking books down on the ground. Her head spun from the pain while her vision blurred. Grabbing onto the shelf behind her for support she tried to stand again.

"I should have sent you back to that filthy orphanage when I had the chance. Do you have any idea how you made me look? I invite the Hirimoto's over and you dismiss them. I LOOKED LIKE A FOOL!" He shouted grabbing Sakiko by the hair yanking her completely to her feet.

He pulled her head back painfully causing a whimpering cry to fall from her lips. The strong smell of Brandy was beginning to clear her vision.

"You disgusting whore. You think I don't know about you and my son? You think I don't see what you are planning. This is my money and no little slut is going to take it from me" He growled slamming her head into the bookshelf.

Sakiko cried out from the crunch of bones breaking before her head was yanked back once again.

"Roku!" She screamed in desperation.

"You think my son will save you. I am his father" He growled as his eyes searched the desk a few steps away.

He released Sakiko roughly causing her to stumble. She tried to steady herself with one hand while the other was pressed into the warm blood coming from her forehead. Her finger moved from her forehead and brushed against her bleeding nose only to cry out in pain. Everything seemed to be shifting left and right making walking a little difficult but the sound of heavy footsteps coming towards her made her frantic to try and find her balance.

"It's time to finish this" Her father said but his voice seemed to be echoing painfully in her skull making it impossible to know exactly where he was.

Suddenly a mind numbing pain exploded in her abdomen. The feel of nails digging into her shoulder to keep her still could barely be felt as she started to feel weak. Another ripping pain tore at her stomach as she hunched over but a larger body stopped her from falling.

"Sakiko!" A voice yelled.

The body that once kept her propped up shifted allowing her to fall freely to the ground. That familiar voice yelled out again but it seemed further away.

"Roku" Sakiko cried weakly.

Sakiko could barely make out the sound of thumping and shuffling but she did not have the strength to move anything more than her eyelids.

"Kiko. My love. Look at me, Kiko look at me" Oroku cried as he cradled her in his arms lifting her out the pool of her own blood.

"You're going to be ok" Oroku promised as he laid her on the leather couch pressing a hand to her wound but it did little to stop the blood seeping through his fingers.

Digging into the pocket of his sweat pants he pulled out his phone and dialed 911.

"911 what's your emergency?"

"I need an ambulance. She's been stabbed" Oroku said overwhelmed. "Stay with me Kiko"

"Sir can you tell me where you are?"

Oroku gave the woman the address and she assured that an ambulance was on the way. By this time the library had drawn a crowd of staff members along with their mother who was crying hysterically as she looked at the bloody scene before her.

"Roku" Sakiko cried barely above a whisper.

"Yes, I'm here Kiko it's ok"

"I...L..."

"Shhhh it's going to be alright. Don't speak"

It seemed like the paramedics were taking forever as Oroku watched helplessly while the woman he loved was losing the fight of her life. Finally he could hear voices and quickened footsteps. One of the paramedics pulled Roku away from Sakiko as they began working on her. A stretcher was rolled in and an oxygen masked was placed around her mouth before they wheeled her away. Oroku followed closely behind and wasted no time before jumping in the back of the ambulance.

Once they arrived at the hospital one of the doctor's stopped Oroku from following Sakiko who was being rolled away to surgery. Oroku ignored him but the doctor blocked his path.

"Every second counts sir. Please just wait here"

Oroku paced back and forth but waited where he was told. His mother tried to calm him down but he just shrugged off her comfort and ignored her. It was her fault that Sakiko was here. She should have taken Sakiko and left when she had the chance, while she still held most of her money before his dishonorable father could squander it. She never should have brought Sakiko into all of this, but the thought of her growing up on the streets or in that run down orphanage upset him even more.

Minutes turned into hours but Oroku was still consumed with worry. The sun was beginning to set when one of the doctor's came to find them. Oroku stood meeting the doctor half way. The doctor cleared his throat before addressing Oroku Saki but could not look him in the eyes. It was then that Oroku knew that something was wrong.

"How is she? Is she ok?" Oroku pleaded.

"I'm sorry. We did all we could for her but she...she didn't make it. I am very sorry" The doctor said sadly.

"Son" His mother said coming to comfort her son.

Oroku took a few steps back before she could touch him.

"This is your fault. This is all your fault" Oroku said glaring at his mother before turning back to the doctor.

"I want to see her"

"I'm sorry. I'm afraid that's impossible. A nurse will come to you with the paperwork to release the body"

Oroku shook his head refusing to believe this was real. She couldn't be dead. Not Sakiko. Not his sweet Sakiko. How could he have let this happen? With a spin of his heels Oroku left the doctor and his mother where they stood and did not stop until he was outside. His mother watched her son walk away with a heavy heart. Reaching into her purse she pulled out a rubber band bundle of one hundred dollar bills and discretely handed it to the doctor.

"Is everything ready?" Misao questioned.

"Yes. Downstairs there's an employee entrance. The ambulance will be waiting for you there"

She nodded her head sharply and quickly walked past the doctor, down the stairs and through the doorway he told her to go to. The ambulance was waiting as promised and it opened the back doors on her approach. Quickly she got inside closing the doors tightly behind her. On a stretcher in the ambulance laid Sakiko. She was unconscious because of the drugs from surgery but she was very much alive.

"Let's go" Sakiko's mother ordered and the ambulance roared to life before speeding off towards it's secret destination.

Later on that night Misao returned home to find the house extremely quiet. After what happened she didn't blame some of the staff for leaving but that was not her main concern. Her main concern was her son. She needed to get him out of the house alone so she could explain everything to him. Tell him that she did all of this for him and Sakiko so that they could start a new life, a safe life.

Misao rushed to her son's room to see that it was empty. All of the furniture still remained but the drawers to his dresser were opened and his closet door was cracked but she did not have to look inside to know there would be nothing inside.

"No no no" She whispered leaving his room immediately.

"Oroku? Oroku?" She called through out the house but there was no answer. He was gone.