[Rose 10: Yoko's Memories]

(Note: this chapter is mostly going to be narrative)

Most know me as Yoko the fox demon. But I started is much different from that.

I began as one of many familiars to Inari, a gentle and beautiful Goddess. It was a simple and modest life. The only thing that truly bothered me was the humans flip flopping faith. They only truly came for festivals or when they were desperate. This irritated me.

Feeling my frustration, Lady Inari allowed me to leave saying I can return at any time. While leaving I met a young black haired and eyed shrine maiden.

"We aren't weak." She claimed as I passed by her. "Our bodies are frail but our souls are stronger than any force. You WILL see it one day." She stared at me so fiercely.

I can still remember scuffing at her as I began down the temple steps. I was young, in fox years, and foolish. Unaware of what life had planned for me.

Along my travels I met a pointy eared crow demon named 'Kuronue.' It didn't take long for us to become partners in crime. Along the way we grow into a gang named 'Den' with us as the leaders. The men understood we had rules and they were to follow them exactly. If they didn't then they were either killed or left for Demon Hunters.

Many of my men showed interest in human woman, even Kuronue. I could never understand this. None of them ever turned my head. Not one. Then everything changed.

One of my men had disobeyed two of our rules; no killing woman and no taking children as pray. Killing him I rescued a small five year old orange haired girl from being his dinner.

Her sakura-pink eyes shook with terror as I brought her back and throw her on my bed of furs. Freeing her from the iron cuffs around her hands and feet, I laid food in front of her.

It soon became clear the little thing had no idea what her name was and she feared humans. Honestly keeping and naming her was a whim. Like a human child taking in a small animal, that is all it was.

I named her 'Chibi.' It bothered her to a point yet she always answered to it. As time passed the men began to see her as our own little thing to spoil. I admit I did to a degree as well. Yet we were once again reminded of human weakness during one winter.

"A fever?! How do we lower it?! What caused it?!" the men panicked.

Seeing the weak thing, I couldn't leave her be. Rushing through the now Demon Hunter infested woods, I brought her to a doctor I knew had a half-demon child.

Leaving her behind I went back to my men. We did not leave that area until spring though. Kuronue often teased saying I decided to stay in order to keep an eye on Chibi. Thinking back, I never denied it. Every time I checked on her, never truly in eye sight, she often spotted me in the trees with her spiritual powers. She never said anything, all she did was smile softly as if to say 'I found you.'

Five years passed since we left her behind. We plunder many and lost too. During one particular battle I found myself greatly injured and dying under a blossomed cherry blossom tree. As petals fall around me that child's face popped into my head.

'My last thoughts are going to be of a human child? The irony.' I laughed in pain as I closed my eyes for what I thought would be the last time.

I was surprised when I awakened in a small hut bandaged. A half cat girl told me not to move much. When I claimed to be fine a beautiful black pearl eyed shrine maiden said it was so I did not awaken the Little Flower Maiden. Glancing down I saw the small orange haired girl with a damp cloth clenched in her hand.

I couldn't believe it, Chibi. I met her again and she had taken care of me. Lady Miyu, the shrine maiden, told me Chibi pleaded for me to be brought to Spirit Bay for treatment. She said I wasn't allowed to leave until my wounds were fully healed and she TRUSTED I meant NO HARM to the mixed island.

For six months I stayed. And for that time Chibi never once told me what her new name was.

"Why won't you tell me? I've been here for nearly a year and you've never said." I said rubbing the back of my head while escorting her throw a summer festival.

"Because, if I tell then… then you'll leave." Her once puffed pouting face seems as if she's going to cry as she tightens her grip around her little purse.

After promising to come back before the first snow she told me it's Sakura. It suited her and those piercing eyes. Yet I couldn't stop calling her Chibi. It was MY name for her and I wasn't willing to give that up. As to why… I wasn't sure.

Before leaving that night I asked Lady Miyu if my gang and I could return. She agreed as long as we don't cause trouble.

"Still think us humans are weak?" the young woman smirks as I finish backing a bag.

My eyes widened as I realized who she was. She was that child from the day I left. Out of everyone I had to meet the girl whom now had every right to say 'I told you so.' Which is exactly what that cunning smile was declaring.

I did not return until spring. Feeling I owed her something, not sure why, I brought Chibi a sakura-pink necklace. Not stolen for your information. I bought it, with stolen money, but still.

I had heard the merchant say it can grant a wish to some that proves themselves to be pure of heart. I thought it was rubbish. But a cute story of a little trinket, perfect for a young girl. I used it to promise her I will always make it by spring and if not… then I will grant any wish she has.

"Yoko! One day! One day you'll take me with! I'll make you say you can't live without me!" she shouts from the docks as we leave that fall.

My ears twitched a bit at it yet I ignored it to be a child's crush. But it didn't stop. Year after year when we left she would shout that from the top of her lounges.

After so any years I couldn't deny it anymore. She would be an adult in human and demon years when next we returned. That year. That year I was going to take her with me. Kuronue teased me but also agreed it was about time.

When we arrived all seemed to be fine. I played it cool waiting until for the last day to arrive. I had planned to wait for her in the boat, when she came running I would simply offer her a hand into the boat with a smile. I pictured how she would beam hopping into my arms, almost tipping over the boat.

Yet that day was never meant to be. As the last day approached Demon Hunters came to Spirit Bay. They attacked everyone then rounded my men and me up into energy draining cages. Sakura freed me with the help of Kuronue.

He flow off to find a way off the island as Sakura tried to find some where to hide me. My strength nearly gone, I felt helpless as she tried to move with my weight on her shoulder.

The Demon Hunters found us close to the water's edge. Sakura shoved me aside taking a deep hit on her side. As she fell to the ground I felt my blood boil. I barely remember killing the men.

"Sakura! Sakura hold on! Please… Please!" tears fell from my eyes as I held the dying girl in my arms.

"Y-Yoko… I… I wish… I wish…" she huffed as the necklace began to glow.

"SAKURA!" I shouted to the heavens as she vanished into star dust in my arms.

After her death I became distant to most of my men and to those around me. When Kuronue also died I no longer cared for anyone. All I pursued was power.

After centuries I heard that Spirit World's castle had a Phoenix Stone. This stone can transport you to your heart's desire.

Stupidly I went for it. Unfortunately I was found by Hunters before I could get it. I was shut down before I could complete my task. To save my life I entered into a human woman, my mother.

Fifteen years later…

"My name's Aki. Aki Hatsune." She smiled shyly at me as the crowded bus had us in… an acquired position.

"Shuichi. Shuichi Minamnio." I smiled at her unable to believe what is going on.

This just left one question in my mind. What was her wish?