CHAPTER 2: WARM WELCOME

After such a long distance, we are finally out of the forest. Akiyama-san brings me to a place where she resides. It is a large manor decorated with beautiful flower garden outside. It surprised me at first but later she explains that it's actually her Master's manor. She reminds me that she is an assassin hired by her Master and thus, this is their hideout. Akiyama-san allows me look around the flower garden first before we enter the manor. I have always loved flowers. They have variety of them in the garden. I ask Akiyama-san if I can pluck one and she lets me. Happy I am, I pluck a red rose flower. The scent of the flower brings happiness to my lonely heart. Mother.. Father.. I doubt they know I'm gone by this moment. They are just too far away and rarely call me to check up on me. I did sometimes make a call for them because I was feeling lonely. But then again, I have Kaori and Saya, my best friends since childhood. I love them both because they are always there for me. They must have been worried of me…

"You love roses?"

Akiyama-san's voice brings me back to reality after being caught by emotions.

"Yes, I do!" I answered her, smiling.

"That's nice. I love roses too." She smiles back at me. "Let's go. I want you to meet my Master. I'm sure he'll let you stay with us."

I nod and follow Akiyama-san from behind. Once she opens the door, I'm overwhelmed by how large and stunning the manor is. It's something I have seen in a movie before. The manor is so Victorian-like with large paintings on the walls, chandeliers, antique chairs.. Everything is decorated nicely to fill up the large space. Akiyama-san notices my constant jaw-dropping moments and can't help but to giggle. While following her, my eyes continue scanning all over area in amazement until we reach a place where an old man with an eye-patch on his left eye is sitting on a chair just above a few steps of stairs. Two men in black are standing by his sides. When Akiyama-san kneels, I grasp my hands together, feeling nervous.

"Sir, I've returned." Akiyama-san reported.

"I assume you have completed your task?" The man with the eye-patch asked her.

"Yes."

"Awesome job as always, Akiyama Mayu. I'll give you your reward later."

"Thank you, sir. It's an honor."

"So, you bring.. a young lady with you?" He asked, looking at me.

"Yes, I found her inside the forest. She's lost and I think it's better to bring her here for a short while."

"Ah, I see.. All right then, I shall see that she is given proper treatment and protection while she's here." He smiles.

"Thank you, sir." Akiyama-san thanked.

I feel so glad and out of gratitude, I bow down. "T-Thank you, sir!"

"What's your name, young lady?"

"I'm.."

Then, I remembered that I can't say my own name.

"Just call me Silvy."

Strange enough, it feels like I have to thank that orange-blonde haired guy for the name.

"Silvy, I see. I hope you will enjoy your stay."

One of the maids brought me to a large guest room filled with white decorations. The room looks so nice with pure white color. I asked the maid about Akiyama-san's room and she said her room is just next to mine. I feel relieved since she's just nearby. I can go to her room whenever I want. The maid then asked if I want anything and I thought I shouldn't ask for anything but.. I am concerned about something.

"Um.. I kinda need a pair of shoes.." I look at the slippers I wear. "Do you have them?" I suddenly feel like a spoilt brat for asking such things. "Sorry for asking.."

The maid giggles.

"Of course we do. The Master used to have a daughter. You can use hers."

Used to?

"Please wait for a moment. I shall bring them to you."

"Thank you so much!" I thank her before she takes her leave and closes the room's door.

I smile to myself. Just a few hours ago I feel like going home but not anymore. For now, at least. I explore the room and found an empty vase on a table at the corner of the room. I place the red rose inside. Without proper care, it might die though. Moments later, I hear knockings on the door. I walk up to the door and open it just to find the maid brings me a pair of brown boots. She places the boots on the floor to let me try them. They look very nice! I take my slippers off and put the boots on.

"Wow! This is gorgeous!" I spin myself around with the boots. "They match the clothes I'm wearing perfectly."

"Thank you! Thank you so much!" I take the maid's hands while thanking her.

"It's my pleasure. Do not hesitate to tell me again if you need anything," She smiles at me.

The maid then leaves. I really feel like a little kid who have just received a birthday present. It can't be help. I can't possibly walk around with those slippers of mine. After all the things that happened, I suddenly grow weary and fatigue. I'm famished too but that can wait until the next morning. I take my new boots off and put them under a bed. Yawning, I lay myself on the bed. I keep thinking of what happened until now. Somehow, it feels like everything happened to me is connected to the reality show I watched on the television.

"My wish.. has been granted? Unbelievable.."

I hear a faint voice but I can't hear it clearly. Before I realize it, I fall into deep slumber.

"Your wish has been granted but your journey does not end yet.. Ohzora Mayu."


It's already past midnight. The assassin in kimono stands by the opened window, looking at the view of flower garden lit up by the lamps. Her tied up hair is loosen, revealing her long shiny black hair. The katana in its sheath is put against the wall next to her. She picks it up and takes the katana out of its sheath. She turns the katana horizontally and places her palm near the katana's edge. Her own face reflects on the katana. For the next moment, her face fades and gradually changes to another face. It continues changing to the next face and to the next face. All of the faces she sees, which only she can see, are the faces of people she has slew using the katana before. Their lives were easily taken away by her through the katana. She can hear their voices, crying out in pain. The unbearable pain pierces through her heart.

"Sinner.. I am.. a sinner.." Tears drop on the katana, blurring and fading all the reflections.

"Forgive me.. forgive me.."