Author's note: Oh wow, I'm back, guys. Kinda. Has it almost been a year?

Anyway I wanted to end Konohana's and Kasenada's past within this one chapter so that I could move on with the story line. Heck, I finally did it! Took a while but it's worth it.

ABC Thought

"..." Normal chat

Old memories are still in my mind. The fate between us has gone to the end.

Chapter 49

Today is the final day of their agreement. If Haru can't prove his ability to Konohana, everything will be over.

For this whole morning Haru's been on edge, fidgeting around and takes a deep breath from time to time to calm himself down. Standing outside of the guess room waiting for Konohana and Kasenada finish their discussion.

His heart skips a beat when Konohana walks out of the room. But it's hard to figure out what she's thinking with that stoic expression, so he looks at Kasenada for some clues instead.

Turns out his activity report is good. A very diligent, studious and kind disciple. But those traits are still not enough to convince her.

Does that mean I have to go back?

The thought of leaving this place and return to his dull life from before causes Haru to burst into cold sweat. Then he glances at his mentor for some comfort, only to earn a forced smile in return. The answer is clear for both of them and Haru immediately slumps on the floor in defeat.

"What's wrong with that kid over there?"

Breaking their intense silence is no one but Konohana herself, and they both look toward to where her finger is pointing at. Right at the hallway corner there's a young monk lying on the floor gasping for air, seems to be in pain.

Alerted, others immediately rushing to check on him. After watching Kasenada examines the young monk closely, Haru gasps in realization.

Hey! I've read of these symptoms before!

Waiting for the unwell is being carried into his room for treatment, Haru raises his arms to gain attention and speaks up. "Please let me help him!"

"Yeah, right. Stop fooling around."

The others instantly dismiss his request. No one trusts a youkai, not to mention, a child to cure a fully-growth person. Plus, Haru's only been here for two weeks, they highly doubt that he's able to learn anything much. All in all, it's way too risky.

"Allow him to try."

However Kasenada suggests the otherwise. Much to others shock and objection begins to arise. In order to calm them down, Kasenada assures that he will stay nearby to intervene in case things go wrong. And only for that, Haru is permitted to treat the boy.

Several hours later, Haru steps out of the patient room and wipes the sweat off forehead with his sleeves. Sighing in relief. Konohana, who has been standing nearby waiting for his return, asks him in a mocking tone.

"Is he dead?"

"Of course not!"

Annoyed being underestimated, again, Haru jumps to protest. "Instead, he's living just fine!"

"Uh huh."

"It's true!"

"Now, now. You're being too loud. Haru."

Stepping out of the same room as Haru, Kasenada slides the door behind gently to close it while gestures for them to quiet down. Then he pats Haru on his head, smiling at him.

"That was quite a performance. Good job."

"See?! See! He said that I did good!"

Like a child that has received his favorite gift, Haru jumping up and down so much that Kasenada has to remind him again to keep it down.

"So you can actually be a healer, huh?"

Konohana clicks her tongue, disappointed that she has to let him go. As much as she would love dismiss the whole promise thing, however, a lord cannot go back on their own words.

"Yay!" Haru cheers for his victory and hugs her legs.

Not letting him get carried away so easily, Konohana warns Haru that whether she catches him slacking off, even just for a little bit, she will drag him back immediately. Doesn't matter what his excuse will be.

"Me getting bored with studying? That will never happen!"

Haru gladly accepts her challenge.

"Oh, we shall see about that."

Konohana chuckles at his boldness. Still, deep inside she's proud of him. Haru has showed her how much he has grown just by spending a few weeks in this place. It's giving her hope that human isn't as bad as she thinks they would turn out to be.

In the end Haru is allowed to stay with Kasenada to continue with his studying. And it also means that Konohana will be extending her shrine visit schedules, probably until Haru graduates and be able to act on his own.

Days swiftly go by for them, nothing much changes as they intend to keep their old routine. Konohana would pass by from time to time, providing Haru with materials for his study. Then spares a little more time to have discuss with Kasenada about future plan for Haru before leaving.

Expecting the unexpected, Konohana begins to open up more to Kasenada throughout their small tea courses, slowly and steady.

They still get into argument, like before. As Kasenada finds her views in this world is black and white. Konohana thinks he's way too cautious and boring.

Other than that, they both seem get along quite well and despite not admitting out loud. They do share soft spots for each other.

"Haru's an orphan."

To Kasenada's surprise, Konohana starts telling him about the day she finds Haru.

Haru, who was only a three years old back then, witnessed his whole family being murdered under human's blades. And if she didn't happen to pass by and saved him, his fate would have ended soon after. Or even worse, being kidnapped and turned into their dirty slave.

"In that sympathetic moment, I decided to adopt him."

Not only Haru had nowhere else to go and no one to relied on, but his tragedy also reminded Konohana of her old self. Weak and helpless. Unlike him, she wasn't saved by anyone and had to suffer from all the cruelty human had given her.

"I vowed to turn Haru into a strong youkai. Because I didn't want him to go through the same things as I did."

Though Konohana had to admit that she wasn't good at raising children. They bickered from time to time and she's rarely at home to take care of him. What she didn't expect the most was that Haru hated violence, probably due to what happened to his family had already imprinted deep into his mind.

And just like that their relationship remained strangled. Until Haru met Kasenada on that faithful day and became his disciple. It was as if Haru had found himself a new light. And she didn't have the heart to ruin it for her selfishness.

Gradually, Haru made her realize that the only one who could control his life was no one but himself. To decide what he would do and who to become in the future. And as long as Haru was content with what he had chosen. She's happy as well.

"I will help you. Let's us figure out a way to raise Haru, together."

After listening to Konohana's story, Kasenada promises to walk on the same path with her. His determination and the way he looks at her deep in the eyes makes Konohana flutters. Not leaving her a second to cool down, he delivers his second attack.

"And if Haru agrees, we can become his new parents. Don't you find it pleasant as well?"

He smiles, bright like the sun and that's it. Konohana stands up abruptly from her seat and stomps outside. By the time he gets up and reaches to the door, she's already at the end of the hallway. Then, Kasenada hears Haru's voice asking her.

"Mama? Are you leaving already? Why is your face so red? Are you sick-Ouch! What was that for?!"

Kasenada chuckles and casually returns to his study room. Expecting things will turn out to be much more interesting from now on.

Several months later.

Konohana's been away for a whole week, probably involving with territory issue, nothing too extraordinary. And if there's a chance that Konohana's active nearby the shrine, she will pass by to see how he's doing for a bit before departing again.

Today as well, she visits early in the morning to check on him. When Haru is sweeping the front yard as one of his daily chores before going back studying.

"Say... Where is Kasenada? Usually he'd be roaming around here at this time of day."

Konohana looks around in hope to find a familiar figure, whom she hasn't met for days, and Haru giggles at her rare anticipating expression. Therefore he explains to her that Kasenada has been staying inside his room ever since morning. And there's still no sign of when he's going to come out.

"Hehe. You miss him, don't you. I know you do!"

Irritated as his laugh is getting louder, Konohana gestures like she's about to punch him. Can't avoid in time, Haru shuts his eyes and wait for the impact. Yet when she's about reaches to his face, her fist rotates upward and opens up.

"Here."

Confused, Haru slowly opens one eye to take a peek. There, lying neatly inside her palm is a beautiful rabbit foot charm.

"Woah, this is so cool! Thank you, mama!"

Haru has seen various types of charm being sold in human villages before, but this is his first time owning one. Needless to say the unexpected gift instantly brighten up his mood. Admiring the rabbit foot in his small hands, Haru grins happily.

"Idiot, how many times do I have to tell you not calling me mama."

Konohana smirks, rubbing his hair until it turn a complete mess. After talking for a little more and asking him to behave, she flies away.

Just after she's gone, Kasenada appears. Haru notices a bit of disappointment in Kasenada's expression when knowing he has missed his chance to see her.

"Perhaps next time."

He says, carrying a tall wicker basket in his hand and Haru finally remembers why his mentor's so busy this morning. Today, Kasenada has to go outside to gather for some types of herb from a mountain nearby since there aren't many left for medical purposes.

"Are you sure that I don't have to come along?"

Haru offers him his help again but Kasenada confirms that it's not necessary. Still, the trip will cost him a whole day so Haru's appointed to read forward certain chapters while waiting.

"Whether an urgent matter arises, you know where to find me."

Kasenada reminds him one last time before leaving and Haru nods. Waving his hand to say goodbye and return inside to continue with his chore, sweeping the yard.

A couple of minutes later, a small group of three teenager monks show up behind him.

"Yo, Haru. Need some help?"

Damn, it's Yuta and his gang!

Haru winces the moment seeing those troublesome familiar faces. He tries to sweep his way out but it's already too late since they've spotted him from afar.

These three are Yuta, Daisuke and Saito, who are also Kasenada's disciples. Therefore they can be considered as his seniors. For some reasons Haru are never in a very good terms with them.

"Not really." Haru answers, not looking at them in the eyes.

Mostly because they have been jealous by the fact that Haru's being treated differently the their own respected mentor. Plus the idea of a youkai blending in a human community and being a healer, better than them no less, is like a joke. If not, an insult.

Therefore they take it all out on Haru like a way to relieve stress, or so they've claimed. From hiding his books, or ruining his medical samples and even stealing his stuff. Being loud intentionally when he's self-learning. Teasing him by pulling his tail and lifting him up in the air.

"But this yard is huge, Haru. it's going to take you days to finish everything considering how little you are." Saito chimes in.

Uh huh. And it's going to take me years with your help. Haru sighs and walks away from the group.

Since Haru doesn't want to cause Kasenada any more trouble, he tries to not get into argument with them as much as possible, going in hiding whenever they're around and not even telling anyone. Most of the time Haru remains quiet and suffers from their bullying. Hoping that they will eventually get tired and leave him alone.

Confident that there will be no consequences for their mischievous acts, these guys are free to do whatever to get on his nerve. And they will not stop until Haru leaves the shrine.

Still, they're found out by no one else but Kasenada himself. And for their punishment, they has to kneel outside and relearn the way of monk, which are quite thick books that last for several chapters, for hours. Plus a warning that if this kind of behavior ever happens again, they'll be kicked out of the shrine.

To think that those three would have learned their lesson well. However, Haru's situation ends up worsen as they've accused him of telling their mentor about their wrongdoings.

"Hey where are you going? We aren't done talking." Daisuke stops Haru from leaving by getting in front of him and blocks the way.

"What do you want, Yuta."

Haru asks the young monk warily as the three surrounds him.

"Come on. We're offering our help here and you just leaves without a word. Isn't that rude toward to your seniors?"

Yuta smirks, trying to mess with Haru's hair but he turns his head aside to avoid him.

"Hey, this look interesting. You don't mind if I have it, right?"

Taking his chance that Haru's being distracted, Daisuke sneaks his hand into Haru's pocket and takes out a rabbit foot charm. Figures that this is a rare item, he decides to make it his own.

"No! That's mine!"

Once his precious gift gets stolen, Haru instantly breaks his usual calm composure and tries to fight the young monk to have it back.

"Oh yeah? Then try and get it."

Daisuke taunts him by rising it up in the air.

Watching the charm dangling in his hand, Haru's cringes. It's impossible for him to reach that high when his height is only around their knees. Then within the moment of panic he remembers the broom, which he's carrying in his hands this whole time, and uses it to hit Daisuke at his face.

"Whack!"

Startled by the impact, Daisuke drops the charm and holds his noses in pain. Quickly, Haru jumps to catch it and hide inside his shirt.

"Why you little!"

Irritated by his daring act, Saito lunges forward to grab Haru at his tail. Only to fail miserably as Haru's already made his escape.

A few steps away, however, he's tripped on Yuta's foot.

"Not so fast."

Yuta searches for the rabbit foot within Haru's shirt and ends up getting bitten. It must be hurts a lot judging from his panic scream.

"Bastard!"

Yuta has to slap him for several times in order to free himself. The sight of bloody bite mark on his skin angered him and he drags Haru into a dark corner. Also signals the others to come along.

Once making sure that no one is around, they start kicking Haru's stomach and head with all their might. They keep going at it for half an hour straight and only stop when Haru has no strength left to protest.

Panting heavily, Yuta snatches the charm out of Haru's grip. Only to find that it's already stained with blood. Irritated, he curses. "Shit, you ruined it with your dirty Youkai blood."

"See that? How are you going to fix it, huh?"

Saito steps on Haru's head to ask him to clean the charm for them, there's no response however. Getting suspicious, Daisuke crouches down to check his breathing.

Quite weak, but at least he's alive.

"Guess it fainted."

Daisuke states and Saito offers to wake Haru up with cold water from the well nearby. "Should we get a water bucket?"

"Why bother, just throw it out."

Yuta spat. Shocking them both.

"When it's in this state? Are you serious?"

Souta's confused but soon realizes his friend's intention. And that he's trying to get rid of Haru, once and for all.

"B-But what about its mom?"

Daisuke remembers the greater threat from beyond and starts to shiver. There's no doubt that if they're found out, she will shred them to pieces. Having no desire to die young, he suggests to patch Haru up. But get dismissed.

"Don't worry. That bitch probably won't be back for quite a while. We'll have all the time to prepare."

Yuta assures his friends that she isn't going to suspect them, as they have an advantage of being Kasenada's disciples, if anything happens he will be protecting them with his life. Plus they aren't even in her potential-danger radar to begin with.

"It would be more logically to suspect the other youkai or forest animals. Not us."

After hearing his explanation, Daisuke and Saito looks at each other for a moment before deciding that it's still not a good idea.

"I don't know, man. This sounds way too risky."

"Yeah. Haru was being disrespectful and we did teach it a good lesson. So why going that far..."

As they're slowly backing out, Yuta reminds them that this is their only chance to get rid of Haru. bringing out their mentor's prior warning to persuade them into committing a crime with him.

"Kasenada-sama will return this afternoon. And if it tells him all of this, we're screwed."

Notices his friends are starting to waver. He gives them a final push.

"You don't want to be kicked out now, do you?!"

In the end they have no choice but to proceed with his original plan, which is to sneak Haru outside for dispose. Having Yuta leading the group while the other two follow closely behind, carrying an unconscious Haru that is warped inside a piece of cloth, toward to the deep forest behind the shrine.

Once having found a suitable location, which is a biggest tree in the area, they hide Haru under it. So that it's roots can cover his body and let the bugs finish the rest.

"This spot attracts the most wild animal. I'm sure it'll be gone before anyone else can reach here."

Yuta claims, and they all quickly head back home.

"If being asked, just say that you see Haru wanders outside on its own and hasn't come back since. You hear?"

By noon Konohana is heading back to the shrine. As the territory issue has gone better than expected and there's still much time to spare, she's thinking of spending the rest of her day there with Haru and Kasenada.

I bet they're going to be so surprised!

She smirks at the thought.

When Konohana's about to pass by a huge tree standing tall in the middle of the forest, she halts, amazed by those greenish and fresh feelings that the leaves are giving out.

Despite flying over this tree for several times in the past, this is the first time it has gotten her attention.

A little rest once in a while won't hurt.

Konohana imagines herself taking a peaceful nap under this huge beautiful tree's shade and decides to try it out.

The moment she lands onto the ground however, something doesn't feel right. There's a scent of blood in the air.

Usually Konohana won't bother as she's been smelling it for more than thousand of times, through countless fights and battles. This time however, it sends deep shivers down to her spine.

Because it smells familiar, way too familiar.

It can't be, can it...?

Konohana approaches the tree to investigate. Starting to lose her calm composure for every step she makes. That scent is now getting stronger, mixing with a faint of rotten smell that makes her mind turns blank, her throat starts to burn.

As the way further inside is blocked by several layers of root, Konohana slashes it all with her sharp nails. Finally she reaches to what looks like a small den. Deep inside lying something that never in this life Konohana'd ever wish to see.

Kasenada halts his footstep for a second to pay attention to the surroundings, however all he gets is the sound of wind howling and moving leaves.

I thought I heard a scream. Had I mistaken?

He shakes his head, silently blaming the old age is getting to him by the days and decides to continues. Yet for every footstep he makes, Kasenada feels heavier to the core. As if there's something preventing him from going further.

What is this uneasy feeling that I'm having?

His breath's becoming unsteady and the cold air begins to swallow him whole. Following his instinct, Kasenada turns his heels and makes his way back toward to the shrine. As fast as possible.

Yuta and his friends are hanging out at the front yard. All of the sudden, up on the sky Saito notices something, or someone is flying toward to where they are standing.

Wait, don't tell me...!

And to his utmost horror, it's the Kyuubi no Kitsune, Konohana.

"Shit! His mom's back already?!"

"See?! I told you we shouldn't have done that!"

"Shut up! Or she will hear you!"

They almost go nuts when seeing Konohana approaches, thinking that she's known something about the incident. Turns out, she's only trying to ask for aid.

For the first time her troubled expression's shown to other people. When most of the time Konohana's always having this menacing and aloof aura surrounding her.

"Help us! I don't know where to find Kasenada and Haru is heavily injured."

Needless to say, they're taken aback as how human she can be. Like a mother who is worrying about her child's safety.

"Haru? You mean this fox?"

They point at the small figure lying within her trembling arms. And Konohana nods to confirm. However, none of them wants to examine it and keep staring at the two warily. Until Yuta can't stand it anymore and pushes Saito forward to force him to do the job.

"A-Alright. I'll see what I can do..."

The small animal's gone limb. It's front leg is gone and hind leg is being half eaten. A deep animal bite wound presents on the neck must be the cause of its death.

"I'm sorry, ma'am, But it-he's way beyond save."

Saito gives her a quick conclusion and attempt to run away with the others, However Konoha flies up ahead and stops them from leaving.

"P-Please! Haru was still breathing when I found him-"

Throwing away all the pride she has, Konohana bows down to them and begs.

"What is there to help, huh?! Can't you see that it's long dead?!"

Losing a grip of his emotion, Yuta yells to wake her up from delusions. Scared, the other two have to stop and drag him away before he goes too far.

"We're sorry for your loss! But we have to leave now!"

The moment they all turn around, a familiar object dangling on the side of Yuta's waist instantly catches her eyes. It's a rabbit foot charm which is oddly similar to the one that she has given Haru this morning, except it's blood stained.

Getting suspicious, Konohana asks him how he's obtained it and Yuta flinches.

"W-We found it, of course!"

"Where?"

"Does it matter? Probably on the ground or something."

Uncomfortable by her blank stare, Yuta tries to hides the charm inside his pocket. However she's gotten it inside her palm before he can even try.

What the hell?!

The three of them burst into cold sweat once seeing her sniffs into it.

"This is definitely Haru's..."

Such cold and accurate words drained all of their blood.

"S-So what? We didn't know when picking that up. Us human don't possess a keen sense of smell like your kind. "

Yuta reasons his way out while the other two hides behind him, trembling in fear.

However Konohana's no longer cares. Her long sharp nails begin to show, as if she's threatening them to spill the truth.

"H-He's the one that forces us into this! I'm innocent! Please spare my life!"

No longer able to endure the pressure. Saito falls onto his knees to beg for his life, and Daisuke immediately follows.

"I-I tried to help Haru earlier but he didn't let me. I swear I wasn't trying to kill him!"

"You idiots! What the hell are you blabbing about!"

Yuta yells at them to stand up yet they remains on the ground, keeping their heads down and trembling like rabbits.

Without a word, Konohana steps foward. Not in her normal calm manner, but a predator that is about to hunt down its prey.

And for every step she makes, Yurta takes twice as much backward.

"If you dare to touch me, Kasenada-sama will-"

His throat's sliced in half before he can even finish saying his warning.

Her attack's so fast that no one realizes what's happening. It's not until his friend's head starts rolling on the ground and blood gushing out from the clean cut on his neck that they go panic and start running for their lives.

"Someone help! A monster is trying to kill us!"

Their horrifying screams before getting sliced into pieces immediately alerted the other monks. Within seconds, people has her surrounded at the same spot.

"Get out of here! You monster! Murderer!"

Some of them start hitting her with their staffs, even casting spell with multiple of talismans in hope to chase her away.

"One of you go find Kasenada-sama and bring him back! Quickly!"

The moment Kasenada reaches to the shrine's gate, the whole place is already on fire.

Recalling there's not a single person he bumps into when on the way here. As the only way out is the long and tall stairs leading down, Kasenada figures that the others must still be trapped inside. Despite danger lying up ahead, he dashes in to search for survivors.

It's already too late, however, everyone's killed in the most brutal way he's ever known. Human body parts are scattered everywhere, all over the front yard. Blood is splashed on the wall, doors, columns and trees. That red warm liquid on the ground gradually flowing toward to the tips of his shoes.

Utterly horrified and shock by the scene laying before him, Kasenada can't make out a single word and falls onto his knees.

Who... What has caused all of this? And why...?

The moment Kasenada looks up into the red sky, Konohana's standing there. A bloody Naginata in one hand and seems to be something in the other. Watching everything crumbling down to ashes with such cold and calm expression that he's never seen before.

Notices his arrival, she approaches and stands in the air just above his head.

"Did you.. do this?"

Still trembling like a wounded animal, he asks. Praying that all of his presumptions are wrong, and that the culprit for this massacre is someone or something else out there.

However Konohana doesn't answer to his question. Instead, she asks.

"Haru's killed. Where was you when that happen?"'

"Haru... was killed?!"

Kasenada's stunned again when she shows him Haru's cold body in her arm. Before he can even ask her what has happened, Konohana cries out.

"You broke our promises! Everything was your fault! If you hadn't left Haru alone, those insects couldn't have done this to him!"

Those insects? Kasenada frowns in confusion. Therefore he asks for whom Konoha's actually referring to, and he cannot believe in his ears once she reveals that it's one of his student.

"I've aware that Yuta hasn't been fond of Haru ever since he becomes my disciple. But to the point of ending his life? There must be some sort of misunderstanding!"

"So you admitted that you was aware of his situation and yet you did nothing to help. That made you no different than any of them! From the beginning you all wanted him to die!"

Angered, Konohana points her blade at his head. Blood of his colleagues and friends is dripping from its edge down to his skin. And Kasenada has to bite his lips to calm himself down.

"... And as revenge, you slaughtered Yuta and his friends. Along with everyone one else?"

Konohana nods and embraces Haru tighter. To see her little one's fate ends so abruptly and in such a horrible way, without being able to do anything to change it. Kasenada understands that pain well, as much as she is right now.

However, all of it cannot justify the fact that she has taken innocent people's lives.

"I admit that what Yuta's done is unforgivable. However killing everyone for that is not making you right either."

"Who says that I needs to be right? What I want is justice for Haru."

"But what about them? What had they done to deserve that same fate?!"

"Those fools were on their side. It's rational that they're going down with them as well."

Can no longer talks reason with her. Kasenada clutches his head, and within moment of despair he blurts out.

"Why are you doing this, Konohana? You're only turning yourself into a frightening monster that people have been so afraid of..."

Hearing those words coming out from his lips, it's so ironic that she bursts into a laugh. A painful and sarcastic one.

"A frightening monster? Hah! Your appearances may different from each other but deep down to the very core, you are all the same. Never changes."

"Your greed knew no bounds. You killed my family! Destroyed our homes and tortured my friends! Even Haru couldn't escape from your cruelty..."

"Taking everything away from me like it's nothing! One after another and still, YOU called ME a monster!"

Konohana's voice breaks in half-way, and he can see that she's only seconds away from bursting into tears.

"But then again thanks to all of you, I was given a chance... To do what I do best!"

Still in that mocking tone, Konohana hurls around in the air to show him the damage she has caused toward to everything that Kasenada's ever treasured.

"But don't worry, I will not kill you. Because you must pay, by living for the rest of your life in guilt of not being able to save anyone you hold dear."

Kasenada's hands clench into fists, those delicate nails digging into his skin so strong that it begins to draw blood. "Right here and now... I will not fight you, Konohana. However..."

"This is where our way must part."

They both declare in tears.

"And for the next time we meet. We shall be enemies."