I couldn't control myself. I nearly ran right through the screen door trying to hurry to my room. Akemi looked up at me, showing immediate concern as she stood up.

"What's wrong?" she asked as I sped past her. I forgot to switch my sandals with the house shoes, but that was hardly my concern. If Tahei really was in the village - at our old home - I had to hurry. Entering my room, I walked straight towards my crafts area and picked up my pair of scissors. "What are you going to do with those?" Akemi continued as she hesitated to a stop.

"He's here," I answered her.

"He?" she asked, but soon paused as she came to a realization. "What are you planning on doing?"

"This isn't my life anymore," I explained. "He took whatever happiness I had, and he taunts me with this mouth of mine!"

"Please," Akemi tried to beg me, "don't do something that you'll regret—" I slipped my mask off to interupt her. She just stared at me - at my mouth.

"I am going to that house," I stated as I glared at her, "and if you don't want your children to see me like this, I suggest you get out of the way." Akemi stood there, unsure of how to react. It was the faint sounds of her children's laughter that snapped her out of it. Finally, with a worried face, she stepped out of the room. Tucking the scissors under my obi, I hurried out of the house.

It had felt like ages since I stood before this building. At that time, it wasn't a dark, crispy architecture that barely stood by whatever support it had left. Many feelings rushed through me: Upset, furious, anxious, nervous — Scared. No, I couldn't let my mixed feelings intervene now. This was my chance to channel my negative energy, to execute my vendetta. Taking a deep breath, I took my first step.

A snowflake glistened by as I moved forward. As the area became covered in fog, more snow began to elegantly fall to the ground. Just like the snow, I glided towards the house, feeling nothing more than a cold, beautiful thing that will eventually melt.

There, standing in the middle of the room, was Tahei. He had his back turned to me, but the samurai armor that he wore gave him away. He looked up as he noticed the little white flakes resting on his jet black hair. His presence itself stirred something within me. Finally, I spoke.

"You seem to be reminiscing." I was surprised at how smooth and calm my voice was. Not only did it spook me, but Tahei as well. He turned around, tensing up. His cold, dark eyes widened as they laid upon me. "What's wrong?" I asked from behind my mask. "You look like you've seen a ghost." He gagged, unable to find anything to say. "Or perhaps my beauty has shocked you…"

"You're… alive…." he spoke, still keeping the same expression on his face. My smile was shielded, though it was visible by the squinting of my eyes. "But, that can't be. You… the house was…."

"Perhaps, if you stayed behind to see your one true masterpiece become destroyed, you would understand a lot clearer," I said, a hint of my rage in my voice.

Tahei hesitated before smirking, which surprised me a little. "Of course, my flower would be able to survive any of the elements, even if she is missing her petals."

I clenched my hands into fists, but I did not move yet. Keeping my voice calm, I said, "Just tell me one thing… Why did you do it?"

"Still playing dumb, even to this day?" he asked. "You gave your beauty out to others, when it was mine alone, so I took it from you."

"You bastard…" I scowled. Slowly, I raised my hand towards my obi. However, before I could even realize it, Tahei was face-to-face with me, holding my hand.

"That's an interesting accessory you have over your face," he remarked as he caressed my hand with his thumb. He stared longingly at my mask, but did nothing more, knowing that his creation lied behind it. After a moment, he looked directly into my eyes – with those dark eyes of his – before kissing my forehead. This was my chance. With my free hand, I continued to reach for my obi.

Something sharp stabbed me in the stomach. As my eyes widened, I glanced down to find a katana pierced through my stomach. I looked back up at Tahei's face, which held that dark smirk again.

"An artist must always finish his work," he remarked before pulling the sword out. Cringing from the pain, I fell onto my knees. "And I intend on watching to the very end…" he glowered.

Damn him! I've dropped my guard once again!

Damn him.

Damn him…

"…. Hehehe…."

Looking down at me curiously, Tahei asked, "Whatever is amusing to you?"

"Whatever is amusing?" I repeated, humor lingering in my voice. "This is all I've wanted. 'To the very end.' Yes, there will be an end, just not for me." With haste, I pulled out the scissors and stabbed the inner side of his thigh before twisting it. Crying in pain, Tahei crashed onto the floor.

Taking this opportunity, I stood up, not minding the pain I was enduring. He reached for his sword, but I merely kicked it to the side. Tahei tried to make me fall, grabbing at my legs. In retaliation, I launched a solid kick right under his chin, producing more pain for him. Realizing that he was running out of options, he began to scoot away. Ha! As if he could escape me in such a pitiful state!

Tahei continued to crawl backwards before he reached a dead end. He looked around, trying to find hope, but there was none. As I stood over him, he looked up at me. "You crazy bitch!"

I couldn't help but smile sweetly. "Oh, but my dear," I began, "I was made in your perfect image; a face that no one except its creator could love. So, my dear Tahei…" With the swift movement of my scissors, I ripped the mask off of my face, revealing my grotesque smile. Tahei tried avoiding any eye contact with my face, but I kept a sturdy lock on his head with my free hand.

"Am I… pretty…?"