Don't Play With Fire
-+Chapter Four+-

"We should learn that faith is a divine bond that brings us to the presence of God. Our awareness of a presence mightier than us can teach us that we build a relationship with the mighty presence. Without God, we are nothing."

"Dear Lord," the crowd of Christians chorused with their heads bowed, eyes closed, and hands clasped together. "There are three things we pray to You: that we may see You clearly and feel Your presence every day, that we will love You and obey You dearly every day, and that we will follow You every day."

Sayo looked into their eyes intently as she relayed to them the Good News. "Faith provides the meaning of life," she told them. "Faith allows us to learn from the experiences of people who were here before us. Faith strengthens us when we suffer from doubts and unbeliefs because of our sinfulness. Faith provides us the reason to seek God's truth and to life by His word. Faith is the substance of things unseen, and the evidence of things hoped for."

In affirmation, the people said in unison, "Amen."

That word concluded the religious service for that day. She gave her parting words, quoting a passage from the Holy Bible, before the crowd dispersed and went back to their activities with inspired hearts. When the area was clear, Sayo then walked off to her room, carrying her valuables with her, followed closely by Shouzo.

"Shouzo…" she began in a rather uncertain tone. She looked at her friend, and swallowed, hoping that he would not find out what she was planning to do. "Could you please excuse me for a moment? I have to do something… important… and I hope you don't mind if…"

"Certainly, m'lady," Shouzo answered with a bow, before he turned around and took off in the other direction. He did not want to leave her alone, as he vowed to protect her with his life no matter what the cost, but he respected her privacy. He knew when to stay, and when to stay away.

After a few minutes, Sayo emerged from her room, although she was carrying some sort of travelling bag. She looked around, hoping no one would spot her. When it seemed that the domain was clear, she slowly crept out and towards the open…

… only to bump into her brother, Shougo Amakusa.

"Sayo," Shougo said, in his usual inert tone. He rested his gaze on her face for a few moments, before he looked down to see what else was there. And that was when he saw it. The travelling bag, and all the other valuables she was bringing with her. Raising an eyebrow, he asked, "Where are you going?"

She looked down at her feet, not knowing what to say. Everything that had happened caused too much confusion in her, in the sense that she didn't know what was real, and what to believe in anymore. And that was what she wanted to find out: the truth. "I'm really sorry," she began softly, slowly lifting her eyes to look at him. "But I have to leave. I'm so confused… there's so much I want to know… there's so much I need to know. Please understand."

They stared into each other's eyes for a few more seconds, not saying a word, and after what seemed like eternity, the swordsman nodded. "Very well. But take Shouzo with you. You either leave with him, or not leave at all." With that, he walked away, but he stopped when he was about to turn at a corner. "Take care, Sayo. God bless you."

He disappeared from her sight.

"Thank you, brother," she whispered. "God bless you, too."

At that, she took her luggage and went on her way, heading to Shouzo's quarters first to ask him to accompany her. It did not take long for the trip to be arranged, however, as the young warrior was more than willing to be with her in her quest. In her quest to find the truth.

I will find you, Sanosuke Sagara… I will find you.