Chapter 2: Awakening of the Souls

Sakuragi eyed the letter in disbelief. His enemy at war wanted to meet him, and he saw no plot or trap in his words. He himself knew that no Japanese would swear on their country, unless it was dead serious. Sighing, he crushed the paper and disposed it into the trash can. "That foxy-looking man." Elijah was peeking at a nearby wall, and he rushed towards the trash once the red-headed man disappeared. His eyes were frozen in horror. "I. This must be reported immediately! Friend or not, Hana must be stopped!" Elijah saddened immediately. "They might be collaborating. After all, Hana is still a Japanese, whether he likes it or not."

Midnight arrived slowly, and Rukawa was early. He was dressed in a regular shirt and pants, his blue eyes gazing serenely at the full moon that night. He loved the moon, as well as sakura blossoms. He had been teased for loving them, since he was never known to be "poetic".

If there is a Sakura tree here. Kirei ne..

His fingers ran through his tousled black hair as he laid back, relishing every bit of the moonlight pouring on his delicate, fair skin.

"Rukawa-san," Sakuragi walked towards him and knelt beside him. "Ore wa Sakuragi Hanamichi desu." Rukawa's gaze turned towards him, and he smiled. It was a beautiful smile. for it was rare that he did. Sakuragi, unknowingly, blushed and turned away. Rukawa sat up and wrapped his arms around his knees. Sakuragi was in his regular clothes as well, and his usually tousled hair was combed neatly. Rukawa touched his arm and Sakuragi stopped moving.

What is this? Why am I feeling so. peaceful?

"Well. You are the one who called me here, Rukawa. Don't touch me. Baka kitsune."

Kitsune. Even though Rukawa felt insulted, it seemed rather endearing. "Do'aho. you should know why I called you here. Did you not feel something. peculiar when we first met? As if we are connected." His smile disappeared, but his icy mask had still worn off. Sakuragi nodded slowly. Rukawa continued, "Even since we met, I had nightmares. It was frightening, demo. I felt as if I wanted to continue dreaming. I forget those dreams. Only very little bits and pieces. So far, I only remember that you are in it." *Hana-kun..* Someone. or rather, his inner self was whispering. Rukawa's head lowered, staring at his heart, panting slightly.

What is this?

"O. ore wa?" Sakuragi's eyes widened, his expression serious. Rukawa heaved a sigh. "Baka." "NANI? Say that again and I'll." "You'll WHAT, Sakuragi Hanamichi?" Rukawa glared at him menacingly. "Stay there, Sakuragi. Don't move." Sakuragi protested, but he stayed where he was. Rukawa walked away to a nearby tree and stood there, staring at Sakuragi. The fine scenery of the concrete bridge and some vegetation under the moonlight was amazing, and he realized it was even more alluring when Sakuragi was there, looking confused.

"Kawaii."

Kuso! What am I thinking about? He's a Japanese! He's my enemy from the Allies. I should not. should not.

Unknowingly, he felt a stirring in between his pants and was shocked. Rukawa was near the point of laughing out loud as he looked amused. Have romantic thoughts about him. His thought finished itself and his face turned away from Rukawa.

A tear trickled down his cheek uncontrollably. "Hey! Where did that come from?" he muttered out loud and he wiped it away and ran back at quickly as he can towards his base. Rukawa sighed and turned back as well, but before he left, he heard shouting nearby.

Sakuragi.

Like lightning, he shot towards the direction of the commotion and came face to face with General Cameron. Elijah's head was drooping, feeling apologetic. "Let's see what we have here, people. Hm, a Japanese general." General Cameron's eyes was wild, and his dark brown hair almost blended right into the darkness. Rukawa retreated slightly. "Rukawa-san! Run!" It was Sakuragi's voice. Sakuragi's hands were bound with tight rope. Rukawa started to look different. His gaze was piercingly directed at General Cameron.

"That is my Hana-kun you're capturing."

"Your. who?" General Cameron looked amazed and laughed. "Who is he to you? Don't tell me that you're his lover?" Rukawa reluctantly nodded. Sakuragi's jaw almost dropped in disbelief. "Nani? The Tensai is not." He hesitated as Rukawa smiled slightly at him. His expression was soft and... loving. "TEME Cameron!" Sakuragi's teeth clenched tightly. A misty form rose out of Rukawa and it embraced Sakuragi. He calmed down immediately as he was hit with realization. "Ka. Kaede-kun."

General Cameron was shocked at the sight of Rukawa's spirit, but he raised his rifle at the dazed Rukawa. "IYA!" Sakuragi shouted, tears starting to roll down his cheeks. "We made the promise. when we died. Kaede-kun. Now I remember." Rukawa took his last look at Sakuragi as General shot directly into his heart. He collapsed to the ground, blooding flowing as if it was a stream. "I swear. we would be together. one. day." Rukawa took his last breath and his eyes closed forever.

"Ka. Kaede-kun! Yamero." Sakuragi struggled as he continued yelling his lover's name, failing to shake off the men who were holding him. "KAEDE!" They took him away from Rukawa's still, bloody form. Second by second, Rukawa left his view. Sakuragi was to be locked up, as ordered by the Superintendent. A weak smile appeared on his face and he laughed coldly, to everyone's surprise. He pointed a finger at Cameron.

"I am going to get you, Cameron. Just you wait." He leapt towards one of the startled soldiers and pressed the trigger of the gun. aiming at his heart. "Kaede-kun. We will be together again." He fell to the ground in a red pool, and he drew his very last breath. General Cameron fell to his knees as he watched Sakuragi die painlessly. with a smile on his face.

Sakuragi Hanamichi, gomen. Don't do this to me.

He already had his revenge, for the guilt in his heart, he knew, would torture him forever.

Kaede-kun?

Hana-kun. We are back here. again.

Sonna. Kuso, I hate this place. This place. it is so painful, Kaede. I don't want the pain. It was as though my heart was ripped into bits and pieces.

Maa, Hana-kun. We can endure it. We had done it once, and we can do it again. Hopefully, out next lives would be better. I won't give up yet. Would you?

Tensai never gives up. I would strive till the end, Kaede-kun. In the next incarnation we shall meet. Promise me, Kaede-kun. Look for me.

I promise.

Sakuragi smiled bravely and they embraced before their distance widened slowly. Rukawa yelled right before he disappeared.

Ganbatte, Hana-kun! Aishiteru.

Aishiteru-yo, Kaede-kun

.Sakuragi said. He knew that even though Rukawa did not hear him, he would know it in his heart.

Unlike the previous time, he moved slowly, and eventually stopped, much to his confusion. A beam of gold light shone in front of him. His eyes strained to look at the light, and noticed a magnificent form, who radiated the gold light. The form was of a woman, with bright golden hair that flowed like a stream. Her eyes opened, and they were of a deep, mysterious blue. She was clad with a silver-white fabric with sparkles and white- feathered wings were outstretched. It was a sight to behold.

Who are you?

.Sakuragi said, admiring the beauty of the woman. The first thing that came to Sakuragi's mind was "Tenshi", but he dismissed the thought, as the woman was obviously different. She looked divine, like an angel, but he sensed great power in her. The woman smiled, her light pink lips slightly parted.

I'm Aphrodite, Sakuragi Hanamichi. I am here to help. People had always thought of me as only a Goddess while I was in Greece, but I'm also the Guardian of the Gate of Emotions. I am not supposed to help you, but my heart has softened and I could not help myself. This is a trial sent by God, and both of you have been selected to go through the Trials and Tribulations of Love. If both of you fail to keep your love for each other, calamity shall befall Man.

Sakuragi was speechless. Her heavenly voice. it was like embracing him. He felt serene. and somewhat happy. Finally, he found his voice.

What is this? Aphrodite-sama, aren't you the Goddess of Love and Beauty? I don't want to go through this. Kaede-kun is also in pain. I don't want to see him dying for me time and again. It hurts much more than a physical wound.

I have already put in my best, Sakuragi Hanamichi. Don't worry, I will help you along your way in your next incarnation. But I might not succeed, due to certain restrictions of being a Guardian and a Goddess.

Sakuragi smiled and bowed his head, thanking her silently as her form faded away. Again, he started falling. his soul returning to the Earth again.