Yae's screams echoed throughout the forest. They reached the village, startling those who could hear. Senku was in the laboratory when he heard. He stopped immediately what he was doing, his heart racing just a little bit faster.
To stay as calm as he could, he made his way outside where Kohaku met up with him. They eyed each other seriously.
Kohaku gripped the hilt of her katana firmly. "Was that Yae?"
Senku wiped his hands on his sides, rubbing the sweat away. He was hardly ever nervous, but deep in his gut, he felt something was very wrong. "I think so." He answered the lioness.
"I heard screaming." Kinro came running up with his brother close behind.
"Should we check it out?"
"Yes!" Senku tightened his belt. "I'm pretty that was Yae. Let's hurry."
Senku and the others rushed to where they heard the screaming, all the while Senku was silently hoping it wasn't Yae.
When they found her, she was on her hands and knees, sobbing; her shoulders shook uncontrollably as she dug her nails into the earth.
"Yae...?" Senku approached her and knelt beside her, one hand on her trembling shoulder.
"Don't youch me!" she shouted.
Senku pulled his arm back and froze in his place. "Yae...what happened?" He said as calmly as he could.
Yae tried to pick herself up, but she felt so weak that she collapsed. "I can't..." Her voice was barely audible.
Kohaku took a step forward, worried for her friend's well-being. "Tell us who hurt you, and we'll go after them."
Yae hiccuped. "No one..." She tried in vain to wipe her tears away. Her lips trembled as she looked up at Senku with pleading eyes. With shaking hands, she reached out to him, wanting his comfort more than anything in the world. She hadn't even realized that she swatted him away just seconds before.
Senku knelt slowly, pulling her into a hug.
"I remember..." Yae whispered in his ear.
Senku stole a glance at Kohaku, the look in his eyes told her that this was far more serious than they thought. "Get on my back, and I'll carry you." Senku released her long enough to turn around and let Yae climb on his back. He grasped her thighs securely and stood up.
"Is she going to be okay?" Ginro asked.
"Shh." Kinro nudged him in the side.
"Yeah, she'll be fine," Senku said this, but he wasn't entirely sure if he believed it himself.
Kohaku took the lead while the brothers stayed in the back. "When we get back to the village I'll prepare some hot water," Kohaku said. "It always made Ruri feel better when she was sick."
"Yae's not sick," Senku told her. He almost bit his tongue for saying that. Yae wasn't physically sick, but mentally? "But it doesn't hurt to try." He finished.
When they reached the village, Senku took Yae back to the hut where he laid her down and waited for Kohaku to get the hot water. She was still shaking as she lay curled up in a fetal position. Senku caressed her hair; he didn't talk, just sat there next to her. If anyone was going to break the, silence it would be her first.
A few moments later, Kohaku returned carrying a clay bowl, and set it down gently. She lingered for a moment, wanting desperately to say something, but in the end, she left Senku to be alone with Yae. No matter how curious she was, she knew they needed space. All she could do for them was stand watch by the door, and make sure no one disrupted them.
Senku took the washcloth sitting in the bowl and twisted it, getting as much water out of it as possible before gently rubbing Yae's tear-stained face. Her crying had subsided as she lay there and let Senku take care of her. The hot cloth felt nice on her red, puffy cheeks.
"Are you going to ask me?" she finally said. Her voice was raspy, and she did her best to clear it.
"I was waiting for you to say something," Senku told her truthfully. "I'm not going to force it out of you."
Yae sniffed and continued to lay there as Senku rubbed the cloth over her forehead. "Do you want to know?"
Was this a trick question? Senku wasn't sure what he should say to her. Was it better not knowing? "Only if you want me to know."
Yae slowly bowed her head, indicating that she wanted him to know everything. "Will you still like me if I tell you?"
Senku refrained from sighing or making any subtle movement that would make her feel uneasy. "Yes, I will."
She started by saying, "I've liked you for a long time, Senku..." Memories of the world long ago filled Senku's mind as Yae unfolded the truth to him.
Thirty-seven-hundred years ago, in Tokyo Japan, Yae sat in her desk at school. The bell had rung long ago, but she continued to sit there an hour later. Why? Her mother had wanted her desperately to join an after-school activity, but Yae was far too shy, and every time she tried to talk to someone, her words became mixed up, and she would begin to stutter.
With the hour that passed, it allowed her the time to work on her homework or study. This way, her mother would think that she was getting along and making friends at school. Yae did have friends but never hung out with them after school. And whatever activity they were in, Yae had no interest in joining—like sports.
The alarm on her stop-watch went off, signaling the one hour mark, and she stood to go home. Even though Yae could have taken a bus or train home, she chose to walk instead. Not only was it good exercise, but it was free. More importantly, she had no money to take transportation and to and from school. Whatever money her mother earned went towards bills and food.
What about her father? Yae had grown up without one; her mother always refused to tell her who he was. This left Yae feeling unwanted—a burden—and poor. However, it was not her fault, but she couldn't see past it. Everywhere she walked, the faces of men she passed by, she thought, are you him?
Yae usually made it home by five-thirty; the house was silent, her mother nowhere to be seen. Probably at work putting in extra hours at the restaurant. The one good thing about her mom working there was all the wasted food nobody wanted or messed up making. Her mom, Yoko, didn't bring the food home by the grace of her good boss—she smuggled it. Which was always risky because it could get her fired. Still, it was better than eating plain rice or watered down ramen.
Because of her diet, Yae wasn't skinny. A soft pouch known as her belly was proof of all the fried and greasy food she ate. However, she wasn't over-weight either. She was stuck in the middle, always having a hard time finding clothes would fit her properly.
Often Yae would be in bed before her mom ever came home. And if she was still awake, Yae would lay very still, hoping her mom would come and check in on her. Sometimes she did, sometimes she didn't. It all depended on how tired she was after work. And when morning came, Yae woke herself up, taking responsibility of getting ready and cooking herself breakfast; usually toast and butter was her only option. She never complained, though.
Everyday was the same: wake up, go to school, study, come home and maybe see her mom.
On the days she did see her, Yae made it her goal to spend as much time with her as possible. Most of the time their conversation ended with Yae wanting to know about her dad.
"Yae, not this. Not now."
"I deserve to know who my dad is."
"Stop, Yae."
Yae pauses, biting her lower lip. "Do you even know who he is?" She had never considered that perhaps her mom had slept with multiple men in her younger years. The idea was plausible. And if that was the case, she still deserved to know.
"You're not ready to know, Yae."
"I've been asking for years."
Yoko sat down on the couch. She poured herself a glass of red wine. She closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath. "Leave it alone."
Yae clenched her fists, face heating up with anger. "Just fucking tell me!" She yelled. "At least tell me his first name."
Yoko looked at her daughter, baffled. "I'm your mother, you will not speak to me that way."
Yae took a breath, doing her best to come down from the mountain anger she had slowly been climbing.
Days would pass before Yae could carry on a normal conversation with her mom again. After so many years, Yae decided to do her own research. The first thing she did was go to the hospital where she was born, but any information regarding her dad was kept locked up. Her mom didn't want her finding out. Perhaps her dad was a bad person and her mom was only trying to protect. She sure had a shitty way of going about it if that was the case.
Her next plan of action was to check out the courthouse, surely there would be something. But again, Yae was left empty handed. It left her feeling overly emotional, and well, hungry—or better yet, 'hangry'.
Yae's mom didn't make enough to afford two phones. A landline was all they had, so Yae walked to the bank to pull out some cash. 1000 yen would be enough for fast-food. She had a card, same as her mom, and knew the information to get into the account. It was there that Yae noticed something suspicious. Money had been transferred into the account from someone by the name of Chris Shandler.
"Chris Shandler..." Yae whispered to herself. "Chris..." She said the name again but with more irritation. Yae wrote down the information shown on the screen and then left the building in search of food.
It wasn't until a few days later that Yae confronted her mom about the name.
"He's a friend."
"Okay, then why haven't I heard his name before?"
"He's from overseas."
"Overseas? America? Canada? Where?"
"Stopping asking so many questions. It's nothing you need to worry about."
Yae scoffed. "I find suspicious activity on the account and you tell me I don't need to worry?"
"Not this, Yae. I'll tell you later. I have to get to work." She leaned forward and planted a kiss on her daughter's forehead. "I'll see you later." She smiled, though behind that smile was an exhausted woman doing everything she could to support her daughter.
Yae appreciated her mom, she did, but the truth would have to come out eventually.
Late that same evening, Yae was struggling to fall asleep so she stayed up and watched some mindless television. It was soon her mom walked through the door. No bag of food was in her arms, which meant work had been so busy she wasn't able to snatch up any food.
"Oh Yae, you're still awake?" She stood by the couch where Yae sat and rubbed her eyes. Her voice was scratchy.
"Mom, are you okay?"
"I don't feel so good." Beads of sweat dripped from Yoko's forehead. She lost her footing for a second, catching herself by grabbing hold of the couch.
Yae stood, taking a step forward and hands reaching to catch her mom if she fell. She had seen her mom like this before, but that was a long time ago.
Suddenly, Yoko coughed. Blood flew out and sprayed Yae in the face and on her pajama shirt.
"Yae! Call an ambulance, I think I'm dying!"
Fear and panic rose in Yae like a volcano.
With blood spotted on her hands, Yae picked up the phone with shaky hands and called for help. Her mind was focused on one thing only: saving her mom. She didn't know how much time it took for the ambulance to reach them but Yae stood by her mom's side, a bloody cloth in one hand and a firm grasp around her shoulders. Even the sounds of the sirens nearing and the flashing lights growing bigger and brighter, Yae never spoke a word; she held her mom in her arms and waited for help.
In the end, Yoko pulled through. She was out of harms way and sleeping soundly in the hospital bed. Yae was by her side when the doctor came in.
"Your mother is very sick, Miss Sawa." Yae nodded. "Is there family you can call?" She shrugged. "Did you know your mother was taking pills and mixing them with alcohol?" This time she shook her head. "Miss Sawa, it's very important that you understand this: your mother could have died tonight. The pills she took with the alcohol caused a hole in her esophagus, that's why she started throwing up blood." When he saw the fear strike in Yae's eyes, he corrected himself. "She was very close, but she pulled through and I believe with the proper rest she will be healthy again very soon."
"What about her job?"
The doctor offered an idea. "Perhaps she can take some sick leave."
Yae looked down at the floor. It was better than nothing. "I understand." Yae said to the doctor.
"Why don't you go home and get some sleep. You look tired yourself. And you have school tomorrow, right?"
Yae nodded, standing slowly. It hurt to move. Her body ached from the stress; she nearly lost her only family.
If Yoko had died, Yae would have been forced with live with her grandparents. They weren't bad people but they lived far enough away that she would have to switch schools, and she didn't want that to happen.
What about Senku? If I leave school, I won't be able to see him anymore.
There was little time to give it anymore thought. Yae lied about family; she told the doctor they had a place where they could stay if things got worse. Even if they did get really bad, Yoko would never want to move clear on the other side of Tokyo. She and her mom and moved on the other side of the city for a reason, and that sole reason being that Yae's mom never got along with her grandmother.
Like mother, like daughter...
Yae gave herself a small pinch on the cheek to stop from crying or feeling sorry for herself. There were worse things in life.
By the time Yae reached home, the phone was ringing. Yae wasn't going to answer it. She let it ring until it stopped, only to hear start again. This process repeated another two times before Yae picked up the phone. Maybe it was the hospital.
It wasn't.
"Hello?" A deep male voice said from the other side. Yae could tell by his accent that he wasn't Japanese. "Yoko?"
"Yoko isn't here," Yae answered in Japanese.
"Uh..." The man stuttered with his Japanese. Yae knew he was trying, but it was painful to listen to him.
"I speak a little English." Yae cut him off to quickly explain herself and to stop him from making more of a fool of himself.
"Oh good. Uh, is Yoko there?"
"No."
"Where is she?"
"Work."
"I checked. She wasn't in."
"Errands." Yae did her best to answer all his questions in English.
There was a pause on the other side, and Yae secretly hoped the line had been cut, but soon, he began speaking again. "Who am I speaking to?"
"Her daughter, Yae."
Another pause. "Yae? Hi, how are you?"
"Call me Sawa. And I am Good."
"Right, of course. Can we meet? I'm an old friend of your mom's."
"Who are you?" Yae asked.
"Oh, uh, my name is Chris."
"Chris Shandler?"
The man sounded surprised. "She's told you about me?"
"No."
"Okay? Well, can we still meet? Maybe get a hold of your mom, and we can all get together?"
Yae agreed, but meeting him would have to wait. She was tired, and she had school in a few hours, so she hung up the phone and passed out on her bed, all the while humming a lullaby to help soothe her worries.
When Yae's alarm went off, she was as tired as the moment her head hit the pillow. It was as if she hadn't slept at all. All the stress and built-up tension were finally getting to her.
After making breakfast, she prepped herself a lunch containing rice and squid. It wasn't much, but it would do.
She went on with her day as if nothing happened at all; she took part in class, working out math problems on the board, working in pairs, and even completing class projects. Senku was in her science class. His group had done an outstanding job with their project, and their presentation was remarkable. It came as no surprise to Yae, though, as she stared at him with admiration in her eyes. She wanted to congratulate him for doing such a wonderful job, but the butterflies in her tummy stopped her from doing so.
Yae's opportunity vanished the moment the bell for lunch rang. She grabbed her bento box and found a quiet spot to eat. She didn't want to talk to anyone—just enjoy her lunch in peace and quiet. And even though she was starving, a rumbling came from someone else's stomach. She looked back to her, Tsukasa was sitting on the other end of the bench. Yae was certain she had chosen an empty bench. Either Yae was too tired to have noticed him right away or was stealthy, or both.
"Do you want it?" Yae offered her lunch to him. According to the sounds of his stomach, he needed it more than she did.
"No, thank you."
"Take it, you must be hungry." She stood up and set on his lap, not taking no for an answer, and she walked away before he could give it back to her.
Going hungry was nothing new to Yae. She was confident that she could last until after she got home from school. And since her mom was still resting at the hospital, she wouldn't have to sit around for an hour.
She went on with the rest of her day as normal. Her mind was occupied with how her mom was doing. All those times they fought she didn't mean it; she was just frustrated and didn't understand why her mom didn't trust her to know the truth. Yae loved her mom, but sometimes it hurt.
Walking through the hall to her next class, a sharp pain wrapped around her chest, and she leaned against the window. Calm, Yae focused on her breathing and nothing else; it was stress weighing her down.
"You don't look so good." Yae looked up to see Yuzuriha.
"Just a little tired." Yae smiled.
"Here," Yuzuriha handed Yae a small bottle of water from her backpack. "I have two more, so you can have this one. It's warm today, and it's important to stay hydrated."
"Oh...thank you."
Yuzuriha showed her a smile, pretty white teeth and all. "We're in the next class together, right? Let's walk together."
"Sure." Yae smiled shyly.
The water helped. Perhaps she was only dehydrated and needed some water to calm her nerves and stay alert. But deep down, Yae knew that was only wishful thinking. She was glad for Yuzuriha's help and wished she'd have the guts to ask her if she ever wanted to hang out after school. Even if she did have the courage to ask, her study's kept her busy. For as poor as she was, her mind was rich with knowledge. She studied so much so that one day she could find a good job and finally be able to take care of her mom.
By the end of the day, Yae found herself falling into motion when school was finally released.
What am I doing? I can go home because mom isn't there. Why am I still sitting around?
Old habits died hard.
She was about to take off and leave when Senku walked through the door. He acknowledged her presence with a nod and then briskly made his way over to one of the nearby tables.
"What are you doing? School is over." Yae surprised herself. The words just came out.
"Oh, uh. Doing some extra work for the hell of it. I don't feel like going home yet." He paused and then turned to look at her. "Why are you still here?"
"I was studying, but I feel like cutting it short. I was just about to leave."
Senku nodded and then turned to pull out a few Petri dishes and a microscope and began his examination.
"Hold on, before you go," Senku waved her over. "Tell me, what kind of bacteria is this?"
Yae set her bag down and walked over. Of course, she thought it odd that Senku would ask her. Surely he already knew the answer? Ah, he's testing me. She thought.
Yae looked through the microscope and studied the bacteria before her. "Staphylococcus aureus. You can tell by the yellow color."
"Correct. Earlier today someone tried saying it was Neomycin agar."
Yae almost laughed. "But that's an antibiotic. The two are completely different."
Senku nodded in agreement. "Exactly. It contains neomycin, the antibiotic you just spoke of." Paused, eyeing Yae carefully. "It's a shame that we're never on the same team. The teachers know that if we were, we'd be unstoppable." He smirked.
Yae turned her head to hide her blushing face. "Yeah, too bad, huh?"
"Are you ready for the test next week?"
"Yeah, I've only been studying nonstop." She half-joked.
"Wish I could say the same."
"You haven't studied?" Yae was shocked.
Senku didn't seem bothered. "I'll be fine. Say, want to study together? We can test each other."
"Are you sure?"
"Of course I'm sure, otherwise I would have never asked."
Yae was beside herself with disbelief. Was Senku Ishigami really asking her, Yae Sawa, to study with him? The kid was a brainiac! Why was he asking to do something he could easily do by himself?
It mattered not to Yae; she was happy to oblige.
An hour, and then two passed by. Yae had forgotten all about going home, and for a while, she forgot about her problems, too. She had become so engrossed with switching off Petri dishes and jotting down notes, that her nerves hadn't bothered her, and talking to Senku was perfectly natural to her. In fact, it was almost too easy how casual their conversation unfolded; how easy it was to get along with him.
Yae glanced at the clock and had to do a double-take. It was already five O'clock.
"Is it that late already?" Yae said.
Senku flipped his phone facing up and looked at the time. "It would seem so. Do you have to go?"
Yae presses her lips together, thinking of what to say. "I should. I have things at home I have to take care of." It was only half a lie.
Senku's phone buzzed. "Ah, it's my old man."
"Old man?"
"My dad. Says he's picking me up. Wants to have 'father and son' time."
"And is that bad?" Yae asked. But what she truly wanted to say was: what is it like having a dad?
"No." Was Senku's reply. "We'll probably eat ramen again." His phone buzzed again. "Shit. Better clean this stuff up, huh."
"I'll help." Yae and Senku put everything back the way it before, if not better and tidier.
"Do you want a ride home?" Senku offered.
Yae's heart drummed against her chest. "No, that's okay. I don't live far." Another lie. She didn't want him to see the shitty apartment complex where she lived, afraid she would scare him off for good. This was the first time Senku had spoken to her besides during class or in the wall whilst looking at the scoreboard. She didn't want to give him a reason to stop talking to her altogether.
"Are you sure?"
Yae bowed. "Yes, I'm sure. Thank you." She bowed again before leaving.
The walk to the hospital was long and uneventful. Yae kept herself busy by going over questions in her head that would be on her test. And as she stopped at a crosswalk, she stood near a store, music was playing loudly, and a giant screen with an American singer was the source of the music. Yae turned her attention to the screen, missing her chance to walk across the street. She was taken by the singer's voice, her dancing and the gorgeous dress she wore. On the bottom of the screen read the singer's name, the song she was singing and where she was performing.
"Lillian Weinberg..." Yae said spoke quietly, saying her name to remember it. She liked the music.
Finally, she headed off, crossing the street when it was time, and hummed Lillian's song the rest of the way to the hospital.
Yoko was still sleeping when Yae arrived, so she sat there and waited for her to wake. Yae was tired herself, but the chair she was sitting in wasn't exactly comfortable. She watched her mom's chest rise and fall peacefully, thinking her mom was finally getting the rest she deserved.
"Someone called the house the other day," Yae began. "Says his name is Chris Shandler. Why would he be calling? He asked for you. Who is he?" Yae's voice was quiet, and even though her mom still slept, she talked anyway.
"He wants to meet with you—with us." Yae Braided and unbraided her hair. "Mom...?" Yae waited another hour for her mom to wake, thinking she would have to go home before she would get the chance to have a real conversation with her mom. She got as far as the door when Yoko finally opened her eyes.
"Yae?"
Flinching, Yae let got of the handle and turned to look at her mom. "Did I wake you?"
Yoko shook her head weakly. "No, love."
Yae pressed her lips together. Her mom only called her 'love' when she was feeling emotional. She took her seat again, setting her backpack next to her.
Yoko lifted her hand, reaching out to her daughter. Yae quickly took hold, lightly grasping her mom's hand between hers. "How is school?"
"It's the same."
Yoko nodded, smiling faintly. "I didn't mean to scare you. I just wanted to be strong for you." A few tears found their way at the edges of her eyes.
Yae swallowed hard, trying her damndest to keep her emotions in check. "Well, with that extra cash, you won't have to work so hard."
Yoko looked at her confused. "What do you mean?"
"A man named Chris Shandler called. He asked about you. He also sent us money. I saw the transfer."
Yoko seemed nervous now, but still confused. "Chris?" Yae nodded. "He called the house? That must mean he's—"
"In Japan? Yes. Who is he?"
Yoko's bottom lip trembled and she bit down to keep it from doing so. "He's your father."
Yae suspected as much. Her shoulders slumped, and her grip loosening on her mom. "I see..." She looked down on her lap.
"Are you mad at me?" Yoko asked.
"I don't feel anything," Yae said honestly. "In my gut, I guess I already knew the answer."
"I'm sorry," Yoko said.
"For what?"
"For not being a better mother to you."
Yae shot her head up, her mom was crying. She swallowed hard again, her throat tight. "Don't apologize."
"I'm a bad mother..." Yoko went on.
"Broken people aren't bad people," Yae spoke too soon; she never meant to say those words out loud. "What I mean is—"
Yoko dried her tears and sniffed, forcing a smile. "It's okay, love." She sniffed again, trying to rid herself free from the runny nose. "The doctors tell me I can leave tomorrow. Isn't that good news?"
"It's wonderful news." Yae braved a smile to cheer her mom up.
The two spoke until visiting hours were over. Yae was sad to say goodbye to her mother but knew that she would see her again tomorrow, and may even be able to take her home if nothing was arranged yet. Yae took a deep breath and dried the rest of her tears as she stepped outside. The fresh air felt good on her face. Now it was time to face reality once again; there was school to think about, and her grades didn't care about her personal life, but they would help her get into a good college.
Her walk home was uneventful, just as her walk to the hospital, but Yae didn't mind. There were no surprises, and she was able to go back to her usual routine, or what was left of it anyway.
The first part the next day went on as normal as Yae sat down to have lunch with a few other classmates. She had seemed to misplace her bento box so she was using her moms again; fish and rice were the main courses. She chose to sit with people this time. The thought of being alone with her thoughts was troubling. Listening to a group of teenage girls banter back and forth was a welcome sound. Until...
"Miss Sawa." Said a voice behind her.
Yae turned, somewhat taken aback and wondering who could be calling her name. "Yes?"
Tsukasa stood just a foot away, her misplaced bento box resting in his hands. He bowed, presenting her bento box to her. "I wasn't able to find you the other day after school to give this back. Thank you for the food. It was delicious."
The bento box plopped in her hands, her mouth ajar. "Uh, you're welcome."
A few bystanders, including Yae's classmates who sat with her, ogled at the two.
Tsukasa lingered a second longer than what was necessary, as if he waiting for Yae to say more, but she never did. When he left, Yae turned back around in her seat, two bento boxes sitting in front of her. Nothing was missing any longer.
"What the hell was that all about?" One of Yae's classmates gaped at her. "That guy is seriously scary."
"In a hot kind of way." Added another girl.
"No, just scary." The first girl quickly defended her idea of the strongest guy in school.
"What do you think, Yae?" Another classmate asked.
Yae shrugged. "He's just another student here. He doesn't bother people who don't bother him, so why should I be concerned about him? He seems fine to me."
"Why did he have your bento box?"
"The other day I saw he had nothing to eat, so I gave him my food. I wasn't very hungry that day." Yae felt embarrassed now. "I sort of forgot I gave it to him." She scratched her head.
Her classmates said little else on the subject, but Yae had a feeling they were all still wondering why Tsukasa would ever have anything to do with a girl like Yae. The two were exact opposites.
After school, Yae went to pick her mother up from the hospital. And as she opened the door to the room where she was staying, a man whom Yae had never seen before, stood there. He wasn't one of the doctors, and he wasn't Japanese. This man stood well over six feet, blond hair, blue eyes, a little heavyset, older, but otherwise fairly decent looking.
"Mom..." Yae came into the room slowly, her wall of defense going up as the appearance of the man was somewhat intimidating.
Yoko was dressed in her regular clothes again and looking much better. "Oh, Yae!" She smiled. "I want you to meet someone."
A hard lump stuck in Yae's throat. She already knew who he was.
"This is Chris. Your dad. He's come from America—New York City, to be exact." She swung the leather strap of her purse over her shoulder.
Chris stuck out his hand. "Nice to meet you." His Japanese had improved since last she spoke with him over the phone, but perhaps he had been practicing that one line ever since he arrived here. Regardless of her attempt to impress her with his Japanese, Yae hung back. She did not shake his hand, rather, she bowed instead, keeping her distance.
Why now? She thought. After all these years, now you show up. What do you want from us?
Chris was no stranger to spending money. He paid for transportation and even offered to take them out for dinner. Yae was already feeling guilty for the free ride and wanted no other reason to be indebted to this man, but Yoko was thrilled about the idea and insisted on one of the fanciest restaurants. It was an 'all you can eat wagyu' restaurant. In other words, beef.
Yae had never been to one. Her mom was always too broke to take them to a place like this, so eating lots of beef at a time was a rarity. Yae secretly loved it.
The three of them sat there for a good hour, switching back and forth from English to Japanese. Yae had never heard her mom speak English before and wondered if this was a hidden talent of hers. Perhaps that was one of the reasons why Yoko was cautious when Yae asked about her dad. He was American, not Japanese.
Yae gritted her teeth, suddenly angry. She wasn't even fully Japanese. Here she was, looking at the faces of Japanese men when really it was a white man the whole time whose face had been lost in the crowd.
She learned that he was a pilot and that he had flown all over the world and seen so many things. He talked about taking Yae and her mom to the private beaches in Mexico, but Yae didn't want that. What she wanted was already gone; it was hope, hope for a real family. Perhaps if she had met Chris ten years ago, her anger would not be so great, but all of her pain that had been resting inside her became ten-fold. She no longer knew what she wanted. Everything was making her uncomfortable. Even breathing was hard.
It made no sense to her why she was still sitting here listening to the two talk. She continued to be surprised by what Chris said about his life. He had a family back in America. He had divorced his wife recently after twenty years of marriage, and that his two daughters, who were slightly older than Yae, lived with him.
Every time he opened his mouth and said something new, it pissed off Yae. Was he only here now that he had divorced his wife? They were married for twenty years, which meant her mom had an affair with this man. It was making her sick to her stomach. Yae wasn't stupid. She was figuring this all out just by listening to their conversation, and she wanted out of it.
Suddenly, Yae stood, unable to take anymore.
"Where are you going, Yae?"
"I'm feeling a little sick." It wasn't a lie. She really didn't feel well.
"Oh, well let's go home then."
"No, that's okay. I can walk home. It's not that far. Besides, you two have so much to catch up on." She smiled even though it pained her to do so.
"Are you sure?" Yoko was ready to leave if Yae wanted it.
Yae looked back and forth from her mom to Chris. She shook her head. "No, it's fine. I'll see you at home." She bowed, taking her leave. "Thank you so much for the food. I greatly appreciate it." She said to Chris before heading out.
The night air felt good on her face. She took a breath, finally rid of the awkward situation. It was time to head home, study, and then get some sleep.
Now more than ever, she wished to have Chris pay her way home, but it was only two miles from where she lived. Still, her full belly would surely send her into a food coma, and she dragged her feet, sleepy.
Reader discretion is advised!
Unbeknownst to her, a group of men, perhaps in their mid to late twenties, followed Yae. They waited until an empty street to grab her and haul her into an alley. Her backpack was ripped from her back, pulling at her arms painfully as whoever took it didn't care if it hurt. The one who carried her over his shoulder eventually dropped her on purpose, her head hitting the stone pavement.
Dazed, scared, and confused, Yae scrambled to her feet and tried to run. She was barely able to make out a single scream when another man pulled on her braid and yanked her head back. She fell again, hitting the ground even harder.
"NO!" She screamed as the biggest man of them all towered over her, his weight keeping her down. "HELP!" The man sneered, taking a beer bottle and bashing it over her head. It shattered, sour and bitter liquid wetting her face. The neon-colored lights Yae saw off into the distance wee now hazy as she struggled to stay conscious—to fight and get away. She swatted at the man in vain. Her efforts were futile as he was much stronger than her. However, she managed to claw at his face while his friends stood by and watched.
He yelled. "You fat fucking bitch!" He backhanded her.
Yae was seeing stars now as hot tears ran down the sides of her temples.
With one hand the man held Yae's arms above her head, with his other, he grabbed her throat, choking her.
Yae gurgled, trying time breathe. "M-m-m..." Even though she couldn't say it, Yae was trying to call out to her mom.
Mom, please help me!...Mom!...Mommy...
Yae fought with all her might to shove the brawny man off of her, but to no avail, as her body grew weak and her head heavy.
For a moment, the man let her go, and Yae sucked in a breath, coughing as drool rolled down the side of her mouth. The man's friends held Yae down while he ripped off her uniform skirt and then her underwear.
"Stop..." Yae could barely hear herself. Her throat hurt after being choked. "Please..."
Exposed to the cool air, Yae shivered from vulnerability. No one had ever seen her this way, and her stomach rolled. She threw up, the beef spewing all over the man's shirt. He cursed and slapped her again.
"Turn her over." He said.
Yae could no longer fight back. Her strength was gone, and she was barely able to hold on to conscious, though she wasn't sure why she fought to stay awake for something as evil as this. Perhaps it would be better to pass out and be free from the rest of the experience. And yet her mind wouldn't allow her that one simple act of kindness.
The man grabbed her ass, squeezing hard. She could hear him moan as he stroked his member, getting ready for her. All the while, Yae could hear his friends talking about taking turns and what they would do to her. And with one final attempt at freedom, Yae cried; she let out a wail. A second was all she needed before one of them pressed down hard on her head and put a stop to her cries. The next sound to come out of her mouth was a muffled groan as she felt the man enter her, giving her anal. She felt every rub, every stroke of his cock. The pain was immense. She squeezed her eyes shut and prayed for it all to be over soon.
Her prayers were answered when the man's weight was lifted from her—and it stayed that way. For a long moment, no one touched her as she continued to lay there. She could hear the men yelling at someone else now. And through hazy eyes, she watched as each one of them got their asses handed to them by another. But who? What stranger would be kind enough—brave enough, to help her?
The fighting was over within seconds, each one of those men who had harmed her was now lying unconscious. Yae could feel her savior putting her skirt back on and flipped her over to scoop her into their arms. She stared up at them, their long wavy brown hair blowing gracefully in the wind.
"It's okay, Miss Sawa. Those men can't hurt you anymore." It was Tsukasa.
Fresh tears found their way down Yae's cheeks as she pressed her face to his shoulder, eternally grateful for rescuing her from further torment.
Tsukasa brought Yae to the nearest clinic. The hospital was too far, and she needed proper care quickly. Tsukasa was persistent about staying with her until her mother called and was sent here, but Yae told him that he had done enough—done all he could.
When Yoko arrived, Chris was not with her. This was something between only mother and daughter.
"I heard a group of guys tried to rob you. Are you okay?"
Yae blinked at her. Did the doctors not inform her of the rape? Perhaps that was a good thing. Yae would talk to her about it later...when she was ready. Fortunately, Yae was able to go home after she was questioned by the police. She did her best to describe the men who attacked her and was informed that if they found them, she would have the choice to press charges against them.
On the drive home, which was provided to them by a police escort, Yae debated with herself on whether or not she would ever tell her mom what happened. And if she did, how would she go about telling her?
"When they find those men, they're going to have to worry a lot more than just the police. They have an angry momma to worry about now."
You have no idea. Thought Yae.
Once they had arrived back home, Yoko prepped Yae's favorite sleepy time tea and lulled her to sleep, stroking her hair. It had been many months since Yae had felt such a caress from her mom, and she fought back tears, but a few managed to slip from her closed eyes and drip on to her pillow.
The next morning, the memories of last night found their way back. The men's faces haunted Yae; her body was sore and weak. The best thing she could do to keep her mind off the horrors she now possessed was to return to school and remain doing what she had always done. If anyone knew what was going through her mind—could read her thoughts and understand her tortured troubles, they would start to look at her differently, and she didn't want that.
On her way out the door, Yoko called out to her. "Let me walk you to school."
"No, that's not necessary." Yoko would hear none of it though, and grabbed a scarf. Yae touched her throat gently, grateful for the collar that hid the finger marks.
"Let's go." Yoko opened the door and held it open for Yae. "We can grab breakfast on the way. It's still early."
They stopped at a nearby cafe, and each ordered a coffee and omurice. Yae noticed her mother acting rather strangely, almost distant despite her effort to show her care.
In a low voice, Yoko said, "I got a call from the police very early this morning—woke me up actually." She tapped her finger on the table, nervous. "They gave me the full story. I figured the doctors would tell me, but I guess not."
"What...?" Yae didn't want to come out and say it.
"Why didn't you tell me right away? The truth about last night?" A few tears ran down her cheeks. "I'll kill those men." She whispered. "I won't just hurt them, I'll kill them."
"I don't want to talk about it."
"And you don't have to go to school. Stay home and take a break."
"If I stay home I'll only think about it more. Going to school is the best thing I can do for myself right now. Besides, I have a test coming up."
"Who cares about the test?"
"I do. I need to get good grades so I can get into a good college and find a good job so I don't have to be poor anymore." She took a breath, trying to stay calm as a hard lump clung to the back of her throat.
Yoko looked down at her half-eaten food. "Oh..."
"Did Chris give you more money? Is that why we're able to eat here?"
"Yae not now. Having this conversation is not what's important."
"Sorry for wanting to have a good education and actually learn something." The words stung and Yae knew what she said was very wrong. "I'm sorry." She quickly apologized.
"It's fine." Yoko ate the rest of her food and finished off her coffee.
When they finished, the walk to school was quiet, however, Yae knew what her mom was thinking: those men from last night. Yae took in a deep breath, thankful for the clean fresh air.
"Here we are." Yae stopped at the gates of her school.
"I'd pick you up from school too, but I'm picking a shift at work today."
"Mom," Yae was worried more about her mom's health than herself. "Don't work. Just stay home and rest."
Yoko raised a brow. "I'll stay home if you do."
Yae bit her lower lip. "Okay, fine. You win. Go to work, but if you start getting tired, go straight home."
Yoko quickly leaned in and hugged her daughter. "I love you. And stop worrying about me." She whispered in her ear.
Students passed by while this happened, making Yae a little embarrassed.
"Okay okay. I love you, too." Yae gently freed herself from her mom's embrace.
"I'll have Chris pick you up instead."
Yae fought back the urge to protest. Instead, she sighed. "Okay."
As Yae entered the building, switching from her outdoor shoes to her indoor sneakers, she spotted a familiar face by the staircase.
"Shishio Tsukasa." Yae walked up to him.
Tsukasa leaned against the wall, hands stuffed into his pockets. "Sawa." He bowed his head, greeting her.
"Thank you...for what you did."
"I did what anyone should have done." He gave her a concerning look. "Why are you at school?"
Yae bit her lower lip again. "Coming to school is the best way to keep my mind off things."
"Hmm."
"Walk with me to class?" Yae offered.
Tsukasa said nothing, only pushed himself off the wall, and walked up the stairs with Yae.
"Do you have someone to walk home with today? Or anyone picking you up?"
Yae thought back to Chris. "My mom's boyfriend."
Tsukasa raised a brow. "I see."
Yae had never opened up about her personal life, so of course, Tsukasa had no idea that she was without a father.
Before stepping into her class, Tsukasa said, "I must apologize for not getting to you sooner. I had seen you in the crowd walking. I tried to catch up but lost sight of you in the crowd."
"This isn't your fault, Shishio."
"Call me Tsukasa."
Yae pretended her nose itched to hide her red cheeks. What he said embarrassed her. "Of course, Tsukasa."
"And if you don't want your mom's boyfriend to take you home, I will. I'll keep you safe, so you don't have to worry anymore. All right?"
Yae nodded. "Thank you again."
"I'll be waiting by the tree in the courtyard of the school. Find me there after school, and I'll walk you home. You're a good person, Yae. You deserve better."
Yae nodded again. "Of course. Thank you so much." She quickly wiped away a rouge tear from the corner of her eye.
Tsukasa slid the door open for Yae, and he was on his way to his class.
The day proceeded as normal, and Yae was thankful for that. She spoke with her classmates and did her best to interact with them more. She wanted to bury the numbness and feel something. Perhaps getting closer to the kids in her school would help heal her pain. She was going to do her best to not be shy anymore and be more outspoken. But that day never came, not until 3700 years later when she broke free from the petrification.
Yae remembered everything now; she remembered standing near the doorway, Senku's back toward her. Her last thought before freezing in time was wondering what Senku was thinking.
I want to get inside your head. I want to know what it is you are thinking. Are you thinking about me too?
And then the green light appeared and engulfed the entire human race in stone. But that was not the end for Yae. She stood frozen, staring at the back of Senku's head for the next couple thousand years. She was so close to him, yet never within his reach.
Singing. I'll sing. Thought Yae. I'm so sleepy, but I know I shouldn't lose consciousness. Something in my gut is telling me to stay awake!
So she sang for the next 3700 years. Some songs she made up, others she lost count how many times she had sung them. And when she woke, the trauma of everything forced her to forget everything but her name—even Senku.
Senku took great care to choose his next choice of words very carefully as Yae finished telling him everything. He wasn't sure if he should touch her, or say anything at all. But he figured not saying anything would be worse. So he bent over and whispered into Yae's ear. "I love you." Even though it wasn't like Senku at all to be so forward, those were the words she needed to hear the most.
"I love you too." Her voice was scratchy from all the talking.
Senku laid on his side and pressed himself against Yae's back, one arm wrapped around her, and the other laying under his head. "I still consider myself your first."
Yae sobbed quietly. She knew what he meant by that. Before she had retained her memories, at the time, Senku was the first and would be the only one to ever be one with her—intimate and passionate. They were no longer children; they hadn't been for a long time.
"Please don't tell Kohaku or anyone else."
"Of course I won't."
"Kohaku would make it her mission to find those men, and cure them of the petrification just so she could kill them."
"Probably," said Senku. "But you don't have to worry about that because I won't tell her. I won't tell anyone just like you asked." He kissed the back of her neck. Behind that soft kiss was a burning rage for the men who had hurt Yae. If he ever did meet those men, he wouldn't kill them, but there would definitely be a severe price to pay. But perhaps Tsukasa had already put an end to them, that is if he already found them and crushed their stone bodies to bits. For once, Senku was glad for Tsukasa's help, but as Yae had said, he was late, and the damage had been done. At least he was right about one thing: no one was ever going to hurt Yae again.
Author's note: Oh my God! This chapter was so hard to write. Didn't help that my keyboard broke too. I wrote part of this on my phone (I hate writing on my phone. Also, the part about Yoko throwing blood actually happened to my sister. That was some scary shit). But now it's fixed, so yay!
By the way, how is everyone doing? The coronavirus is no joke, huh. I hope you're all safe and in good health. I'm doing fine. However, work hasn't stopped for me. I work at one of the busiest Airports for Delta here in the States. If you have done any flying in the past year, chances are I have handled your luggage. Haha! What a thought.
Oh! Just FYI. I will be taking a small break from this fanfic to read the manga online. I also need to work on other stories of mine that I have been severely neglecting.
Anyway, as always...please leave a review...
